School's out

Gosh I can't believe that I haven't blogged for a week! Wish I could say that I've been up to my eyeballs with things but I can't actually remember what I did every day this week. Hmmm.

Well last Saturday was spent at my parent's cleaning and shopping for them but also managing to get some shopping done in a really cool vintage shop we found in the City centre. The next day we went to Birmingham and looked around the the German Market which was very good but I wish they'd had more toys and crafts. There was a funfair too and the boys had a go on the carousel:

afterwards we headed to the Hippodrome for The Nutcracker which was really amazing.

The dancing was superb and so was the set and all well worth the nearly £140 it cost. I wanted a traditional version and that's what we got and it was so nice looking at the children's faces, especially Rohan. They were mesmerised.

Monday morning heralded three tired children and the last week of term. There were class performances to see nearly every day. A carol concert and finally the end of term assembly yesterday morning. We all breathed a huge sigh of relief at midday and as Rohan said "Christmas has started now".

We came home to a Christmas box from Jodi packed to the hilt with goodies:

just take a look at these bird decorations that she makes. Aren't they amazing?

This morning we had a great time at the Farmer's Market but came home pretty cold. So it seemed pertinent to have some over-the-top hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream:

before I packed the boys outside again to help Tom tidy up the garden. A little bribery goes a long way in our house.

I meanwhile put on some Christmas music and strung up a garland of chillies and nutmeg:

and I restrung the orange slices/cinnamon sticks with dry bay leaves that didn't curl up this time.

Do you remember that I had to make a second advent wreath? Well, that one has been a disaster too in that the candles would just not sit in the greenery and kept toppling over. So I got fed up and stuck it up on the back door (the first one being on the front door) and Tom drilled some holes in a log for me. However, it looked a bit boring to say the least so I wrapped the orange/cinnamon/bay thingummy around it like so:

and it looks great now. I have to admit that I pinched this idea from Liz as she's done something similar around an advent candle. Thanks Liz.

Tomorrow we have godparents coming for much and Amber is cooking partridges which I've never had before. I'm doing the veg and Rohan is making a decadent chocolate mousse. Amber is also making Mont Blancs and my stomach is groaning already. Luckily we'll be walking it off when we go down to the village church for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols later on.

Guess I ought to go and cook supper ................

Comments

[wendy]

Did you drill holes in the nutmeg?

I love your advent candle holder!

[Ali]

I'm nine lessons and carolling tomorrow.

You are so lucky to have reached the end of term. Poor Mark has a week to go and is grey with tiredness. Roll on the holidays.

[Kate]

Gosh, everyone seems to be going to the German market in Birmingham except me. Of course, I live in London... :)

[Liz]

Thanks Simmy, I'm thrilled to have inspired such a lovely advent wreath. I love your idea of drilling into a log to make a base for your candles, maybe your advent log can be your yule log too?

[Marie]

Loved this little catch up with you Simmy and all the goings on in your household! Whew!!! Tired me out just reading about them all! My boss left this morning and so my Christmas has finally started! Yipee!!! I hope to get all kinds of lovely things done myself this week! Great package you received! Lucky you!

[Georgia]

Your kids are lucky to be off school already. We have another week to go and they are all looking worn out. Plus it means we have no time for getting ready for Christmas as a family, but that's what it was always like growing up in Aus too. And it sounds like you are really getting ready for the season too. We had planned to go into the city today but it's freezing rain and "plain rain" forecast...blah! It's foul out there...your lunch sounds just what we need. Have a great day.

[sue]

Ooh it sounds as though you had a nice little break away. Thank you so much for the angel too, and a few people commented saying it looked so nice. I hope your family has a warm and happy Christmas too.

[bex]

must. add. you. to. link. list. NOW!
May I please? Xxx

[dottyspots]

*sigh* I'm from Birmingham, but leave a good couple of hours away from there now. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and wish you all the very best for the New Year.