Alexandra's Wishes

Cause for Celebration!

2012-02-11T22:43:00.000Z

Celebrations have been going on everywhere around our little Wishes family these last few weeks! Definitely worth reflecting on.

First of all, Mr Bogert's best friend (best man at our wedding, Godfather to the small people, and reason we ever got together in the first place - so pretty important) has finally set a date with his lovely partner. It's looking like it's going to be a lovely intimate wedding, and I'm super excited because Mr Bogert is Best Man, the Small Person is Flower Girl, the Smaller Person is Page Boy, and I was super surprised and happy to be asked to be a bridesmaid :D Really looking forward to it! Ooo! And I've seen 'The Dress'. It's stunning. Look forward to lots of pictures come November time.

Anthony with Mr Bogert at our wedding.

Uncle Anthony and Auntie Charlotte with Baby Zachary on his Christening day.

The next happy news has already been mentioned: Mr and Mrs Woo's Beautiful baby girl Matilda was born on 28th January. Mrs Woo has finally found a few spare minutes between cuddles to introduce her over on her blog. Go take a look - Matilda's a super sweetie!

At the time we heard of Matilda's arrival, we were waiting for my cousin's baby boy to be born. He arrived safe and healthy. Another cutie pie, Baby Harry arrived (after a very long labour - well done Lauran!) on 3rd February. My cousin, Matt, and his partner, Lauran topped off the good news by announcing their engagement a week later. Another wedding to look forward to.

Congratulations Matt and Lauran.

In between the news of new additions and wedding bells, we went to the first birthday party of a sweet little friend of Zacks. The year has gone so fast. It's this time last year we were attending all of the baby showers! This little miss is going to be in charge of all the boys she's surrounded by. She's not shy and she's determined (despite being such a little dot!).

At Mummy Becky's baby shower before this little Miss arrived, just over a year ago.

Very First Birthday!

Today we have been to another first birthday party. Ethan is the son of Zack's Godparents, Auntie Simone and Uncle Ted, and hopefully Zacky and Ethan will grow up as good friends. Another happy time. This party felt even stranger because it has been exactly a year since I was at this house with mostly the same people (many of which I haven't seen for the last year) celebrating Ethan's impending arrival. It's not just Ethan, Zack and Little Miss that have grown; another mum who was expecting at the shower was there with her steadily growing son, another who had given birth the week before last year's shower was there with her one year old son, another couple who were looking forward to their summer wedding are now wearing their wedding bands and settled into married life. How much a year can change things!

Simone at her baby shower waiting for Ethan's arrival.

Birthday boy about to turn 1 this week!

Most of all, these small people grow too quickly! We need to put something in their food to low them down!

Zachary's Christening last May (Zack 7 months, Little Miss and Ethan 3 months)

At Zachary's 1st Birthday (Zack 1 year old, Ethan and Little Miss 8 months old)

At Christmas, together with baby gang member number four (Zack 14 months, Ethan and Little Miss 10 months, Little Guy 8 months)

What a wonderful way to begin the year! Every year should start this way (and continue for the full twelve months). So, who else is getting married/expecting/found love/acheived something great? Congratulations all round!

Quick Class Valentines

2012-02-09T10:40:00.002Z

We've had a disruptive few weeks. Since New Year, Mr Bogert has had to go away four times on work trips. Our little routine has been a bit all over the place, and trying to keep up with Alexandra's dance, swimming and acting classes has been a bit of a juggling act.

Yesterday should have been swimming after school, but there are no buses that run back to our village after the lesson ends and we couldn't arrange a lift, so we had to miss out this week.

Instead, the Small Person came home on the school bus and after dinner and homework, we set about making some little Valentine hearts for her classmates. The most difficult job of all was getting the Small Person to remember the names of everyone in her class!

Source: google.co.uk via Victoria on Pinterest

I can't claim to have thought of these, in fact, you've probably seen some version of them floating around the internet somewhere.This is one version I found that I pinned to Pinterest (above). They were so quick and easy to make.

We cut a heart shape out of coloured card (the Small Person chose blue, which I thought is quite a nice change from red or pink, and it makes them a little less girly for the boys).

This one is for the Small Person's very bestest friend ever. (I thought I was her best friend?)

I cut slits in the hearts to slot the pencil through.

I wrote 'Happy Valentine's Day' around the top left edge of the heart (I would have asked the Small Person to write this, but it was getting close to bedtime).

The Small Person then wrote 'love Alexandra xxx' on the bottom right edge, and her classmate's name on the top left of the heart.

Then she picked one heart shaped puffy sticker (left over from the Wonderland Party, and also used on the Valentine's Coutndown) to add to each.

I cut the coloured pipecleaners into three, and the Small Person wrapped two pieces around each pencil end to finish off the arrows.

Ones for the girls.

She was really happy with her version of this idea, and even more happy that she gets to take them into school today and hand them out to everyone, not a single classmate missed out. Because it was so quick and easy, she didn't start to get fed up either, which sometimes happens when she has multiples of the same item to make.

Some of the boys' Valentines.

We were a little short on pencils though (because I hadn't had to go into Kenilworth to collect her from school for swimming) so we had to ask Grandma and Grandpa and then also raid our drawers and shelves. We ended up using five new biros when we couldn't track down any more pencils! (25 children in all).

If we'd had more time, I think we would have got some glitter and more stickers out, maybe layered a second colour onto the hearts. Today was the last possible chance because we're now heading into half term (next week) and tomorrow (Friday) is a teacher training day so no school!

Valentine's Day is getting closer and closer and I haven't thought about a single gift for Mr Bogert : /

Toddler Group Tuesday - Valentines Cards

2012-02-07T23:28:00.001Z

I'm so pleased: the Smaller Person actually wanted to take part in this craft! I think it was the large glittery heart which drew him in.

This is so simple and fun to do.

You will need:

- An A4 sheet of card (we used cream and pink card at toddler group today)
- Glue
- A large craft foam heart (you can buy them pre-cut or cut your own. We have used glitter foam.)
- Tissue paper (we have used a bright coloured pack)
- Glitter

First fold your A4 sheet in half to create your card base.

Cut small heart shapes through the layers of all of your tissue paper. They don't have to be perfect - don't worry!

Put glue over your card base and stick tissue paper hearts everywhere, any way up, overlapping or not.

Now glue your foam heart shape over the top of your tissue paper heart beckground.

Add a bit more glue and sprinkle with plenty of glitter.

All finished!

Now all you need to do is write a lovely message inside for a loved one. The Smaller Person has made his for the Small Person. He really loves his big sister.

You could make pretty patterns with the glue before adding the glitter and you could add a little message to the front.

Happy crafting :)

Snow!

2012-02-07T22:58:00.001Z

We love snow! And we've been waiting very patiently...

Alexandra and I built Zacky a little Snowbear.

Valentine Countdown

2012-02-01T12:47:00.002Z

First of all, where's Toddler Group Tuesday? Well, the Smaller Person and I haven't been well, so we didn't actually make it to Toddler Group this week and I ended up sending instructions to "just get the paints and some paper out".

I'm feeling a little better today, not 100%, but you know, getting there. Which is good because I have SOOOOOO much to do!

A big shout out to Mr & Mrs Woo who welcomed sweet little Matilda Rose Mae into the world this last week. I'm sure she'll introduce you all once she's settled and returns to blogging. I know all babies are lovely, but Matilda really is the sweetest little thing!

Still on the subject of babies, my cousin's partner is in labour as I speak! Lots of luck Lauran and Matt :)

So I'm hurriedly trying to finish off a few little things baby related, but unfortunately cannot show you right now.

We have also been sharing the love at the Wishes house. After seeing this post here on bugs and fishes blog, we have created our own version of a Valentine countdown.

Mr Bogert's countdown garland.

Mr Bogert's individual envelopes have silver tissue paper across the bottom, his name written in gold metalic marker, a pale pink tissue paper heart with the number day written on with silver metalic marker.

There is one for Mr Bogert, one for the Small Person and one for the Smaller Person. One for me? nope, afraid not, but I'm OK with that. I know they all love me :)
*Edit - The Small Pserson came home from school with a message written on gold paper which said: "I love you to the moon" and when I asked her who it was for she said that she had written it for me because I didn't have any little notes to open, and that she does really love me too. Awww :)

This is the Small People's layered countdown (yes, that is Waybuloo on Telly. It's Zacks favourite).

Alex's are layered underneath Zack's.

For each different countdown we have used dinner money envelopes. I picked up a pack of 100 at the pound shop and everything else I already had. Each person's countdown is decorated differently. Alexandra's has a bifold card inside each with a message from Mummy and a message from Daddy. Mr Bogert's has a little slip of paper with a message from Alexandra and a folded card with a message from me. Zachary, because he's too small to read, is being shown the love with a little chocolate coin in each envelope.

The Smaller Person's envelope's have his name written in metallic silver marker, a strip of silver tissue paper and a silver, red and gold star. The day number is written on with metallic marker on a tissue paper heart.

The Small Person's envelopes have her name written on with gold metallic marker, a strip of lace across the middle, a 3D heart sticker left over from the Wonderland Party, and again a tissue paper heart with the day number written on.

I love the idea of telling your loved ones each day a different thing you love about them, or love them for. I'm trying to throw in some specific examples for Mr Bogert as well as some general reasons to adore him :)

The Small Person seems to really like this idea too and was so excited this morning to open her first envelope.

This was a really rushed last minute thing yesterday evening before bed. I would quite like to make some proper little bunting to hang the envelopes from in future. A project for next year I suppose!

Are any of you doing something special to show your love?

Toddler Group Tuesday - Chinese New Year

2012-01-24T00:19:00.034Z

In honour of Chinese New Year we have made Chinese Dragon Masks.

You will need:
- a copy of the pdf printed onto card (or paper then glued to card)
- scissors
- a tongue depresser/lollipop stick
- black, white, red and gold collage bits
- glue
- glitter
- yarn or ribbon

Chinese Dragon Mask - colour in

(sorry this is upside down - pdfs on my blog are new to me. If anyone has any advice on how to include pdfs or another file format that would be suitable for images like this, sewing patterns and writing, please let me know!)
Cut out your mask shape and the eye holes.

Use your collage pieces to to decorate all over (the black for the eyes).

Make patterns with your glue and sprinkle with glitter.

Attach yarn or ribbon as 'whiskers' (that's probaly not the correct term, but it's the best one I've got!).

An optional item is adding 'horns' made from your collage pieces.

Finally stick your tongue depresser/lollipop stick to the back of the lower jaw on the mask so as it can be held. (you could also attach elastic or ribbon, but I'm not sure how much this would alter the shape of the mask on the face).

All done!

The pdf image has a fair bit of detail in and could just be coloured or painted, but you could cut the seperate features out in different coloured paper to stick on a base, or you could trace just the essential lines (outline, eyes, mouth) and fill your own details in.
You don't have to stick to the colours I have suggested, why not look for some images on the internet for inspiration on how to decorate yours? You could add all sorts of extras. You could add extra thick black lashes made from paper, and a long forked pink tongue also made from paper. If you don't feel like making a mask, why not use the pdf as the head of a larger dragon? Just use fabric/paper plates/tissue paper as the long body and decorate as you wish.

Please feel free to use the pdf at home, in the classroom, at nursery or wherever else you think it may be useful, but please don't repost without permission. It's my very own little picture :)

A Rag Rug Beginning

2012-01-23T10:57:00.001Z

This is addictive.

I finally managed to get started on my rag rug. I've been very patient all week. Now I've started, I don't want to stop! I keep saying to myself (in my head of course - wouldn't want anybody to think I was crazy now would I?), 'just finish one more set of strips, just to see how they turn out', that's followed by: 'actually, it would be quite nice to see how this bit works out...'

In the end Mr Bogert had to make lunch. And Dinner. Isn't he lovely?

I'm going down the same route as Jodie, 'cos I'm a big fat copycat dontcha know? Jodie describes the process far better than me, so pop on over to Ric Rac for instructions. I'm really liking this weaving in as I plait. I would like it more if we had more then one safety pin in the house (the whole house? Really?). I'm getting quite good a speedily swapping my one and only, precious safety pin to the correct strand to thread through.

I've been having a problem with getting the tightness of the plaiting right, which seems to be an issue for a few of us joining in. I just keep doing it too tight, and have to remind myself (talking to myself again!) to loosen it up a bit. The parts where I have done it too tight, keep wanting to curl up. (I'm thinking two cute Small People bums will hold it down fine :D)

I could have been clever and decided to undo the part that was too tight before I carried on, but I was caught up in the process and the idea of unravelling wasn't quite as fun as seeing the rug grow. So I didn't. I don't just want to see results, I want to see them now!

So, apart from a possible looming addiction, a few kinks from tight plaiting and a definite increase in talking to myself, it's going well, and I'm quite pleased with my rug so far. It's actually less than a rug, more of a place mat at the moment, but at least I've passed the coaster stage :)

Check out these other blogs for more on the rag rug-along:

Matching Pegs
I Purr Fur to Craft
The Craft Bot
Bec I Am

There are plenty of other blogs taking part to be found on Jodie's list. These are just a few I've caught up on their rag rug progress :)

Kittyeden Give Away!

2012-01-22T23:02:00.000Z

I just have time to pop on here and share a fab give away over on 'All About the World of Kittyeden'.

The winner gets a lovely new design 'Yummy Chocolate Egg' hanger, so pop on over and check it out here.

Good luck!

(Back tomorrow with my Rag Rug progress).

A Mini 'Rag' Rug

2012-01-22T00:04:00.000Z

True, it is not really a rag rug, but it has been made with that in mind. Alexandra made a teeny tiny rug using some of my yarn stash, just for her Sylvanian family.

Now when I say Alexandra made it, what I mean is Alexandra started it with great enthusiasm and big plans, quickly lost interest and insisted Daddy finish it for her. So Mr BOgert dutifully sat there weaving away with his little plastic bodkin, whilst the Small Person sat next to him engrossed in her Moshi Monsters DS game.

The things we do for our small people (with short attention spans).

We used a foam disposable plate and cut notches all around the outside edge. We wrapped yarn across the plate from notch to opposite notch creating a sort of star. We used a bodkin threaded with our choice of yarn to do simply over and under weaving staring at the centre and spiralling out. Each colour change we just knotted the new yarn to the end of the old one and carried on.

The Small Person took to it quite well.

Although we did have a few blips.

Once the colours are all woven, you tie the last yarn off. Snipping your base yarns loose at the edge of the plate, you knot them to the neighbouring one all the way around until they are all tied of and secure. Now trim your tails shorter (for a fringe) or weave the ends in (for a flat edge). Once pressed your all done.

This is our finished (combined effort) but it still needs pressing (which is why it has an interesting bump!).

I also have some fabric ready to start the actual rag rug for Jodie's Rag Rug-along, so hopefully next post will show some progress on the real thing! :)

Fingerpaint Fun

2012-01-19T12:00:00.002Z

Yesterdays messy monster craft evolved into half an hour of fingerpainting. Even the Smaller Person wanted to join in and he's not really very crafty or artistic (at the moment - don't worry we'll work on it!)

Don't freak out - it's non-toxic!

"Zacky, where's your nose?" - I'm such a cruel mother ;D

Zachary's masterpiece.

One of many pictures signed by the artist.

Toddler Group Tuesday (a day late!) and an Explanation

2012-01-18T15:41:00.000Z

Yes, I know, it's not Tuesday anymore. I'm a teeny bit late posting this, but better late than never ok?

We've had one of 'those' weeks where many things need dealing with, and many things went wrong. I was doing so well aswell, I was on a roll!

It started last week with Mr Bogert heading off on a work trip. He left Thursday, the same day my 'Peter Pan and the Portrayal of Motherhood' essay had to be submitted. He being the man of the driving licence and car, left us essentially stranded in our village, which is ofcourse why we needed to be in so many places on different days - that's the way it works dontcha know. Uncle Anthony to the rescue. He played chauffeur for the entire absence of Bogert. He joked with neighbours he had just come to borrow Rob's car, wife and kids :)

Friday the Small person started a new club after school.She now goes to Apple Club run by Playbox Theatre. It is an acting club for younger children where they do things like role play, mime and confidence building. Having introduced herself immediately to another girl waiting to go in (just because they had the same coat on) she struck up a (mostly one-sided) conversation, that prompted the other girls Dad to lean over to me and say "She's not really shy, is she?" She had so much fun at the session. She truly loved it, which I'm glad about. She seriously did not stop talking for hours after we left!

Saturday was her regular dance classes: Freestyle and Musical Theatre with The Whiteman Dance Academy. Incidentally, if you're looking for a freestyle or musical theatre class for under 5's in our area (Warwickshire), they have spaces and have been brilliant for Alexandra. She loves it, but will be moving up to the older class after half term.

Sunday she was invited to a 6th birthday disco by one of her school friends. Even the Smaller Person got chance to run around and have a little boogie, and the birthday girl's mum (who is from Thailand) made some really yummy Thai food for the grown ups. Last time I had thai food, I wasn't overly keen, so I just put a little of everything on my plate to try. I wish I had filled my plate in the first place, it was delicious! I could hardly go back for seconds with everyone watching :(

And fnally Mr Bogert came home on Monday just in time to take mamdam to her ballet and tap classes. Now, in addition to the full calendar of my 6 year old social butterfly, there were other things going on. First of all, I do not envy single parents. It's hard work, and I only have to play single parent for short periods of time; I know there is an end in sight where I get to equally share out the chores and responsibilites. It really wears you out.

The biggest issue of the last week was that on Friday when the Small Person came home on the school bus, there was an incident that resulted in her being hit across the face by an older boy from her school. She was trying to help a friend get something back that the boy had taken. He said that she bit him. Now I would be the first to hand out suitable punishment and make it very clear that violence of any kind is simply not acceptable, but she was adamant she hadn't bitten him. I have to admit, it's completely not in her character. She's not violent, and I think that if she ever did lash out, her first reaction would be to use her hands, not her teeth. Another thing is, she's not a very good liar (don't get me wrong, she doesn't lie often) when she's lying it's really very obvious. After calming her down and getting her side of the story, I believe her.

Thankfully this is the point where apple club came in and took her mind off it (even though she had a red handprint on her face). Over the weekend, I contacted a couple of parents of other children on the bus to see what their children saw. In the end, madam didn't go to school on Monday because she was scared to go on the bus until it was sorted out. I had to phone the school and explain why she wasn't in, which means they are now looking into the matter also. Mr Bogert went and spoke to the mother on Monday night, and she was very understanding of our point of view and hopefully now the situation is resolved. The boy admitted Alexandra's version of events was true and he also appologised to her. He is currently being made to sit at the front of the bus. The school is still looking into it, and is awaiting a report from the coach company and bus minder.

She went back to school yesterday, only to wake up this morning feeling ill! So she's off again. Another phonecall to the school. She'll be off tomorrow too because they have to stay away 48 hours even if they are better. And wouldn't you know it, Mr Bogert's off on a work trip tomorrow! I thought January was the uneventful lull in the year.

The plus side of this is, now she's feeling better, she can be my glamorous assistant to demonstrate what I should really be telling you about: Toddler Group Tuesday!

This week we made Merry Mess Monsters

(This was my example to put on the wall at Toddler Group).

You will need:
- some paper or card
- some scrunched up newspaper
- paint
- some glue
- various foam shapes
- a few pipe cleaners
- some dot stickers

First of all take your scrunched up newspaper and dip it into the paint. Stamp this on your paper/card until you have the shape of monster you want.

We're using a scrunched up carrier bag here because we didn't have any newspaper.

Glue foam shapes for features and decoration.

Glue pipe cleaners for legs and arms.

Stick the dot stickers in the centre of some foam shapes for the pupils of the eyes.

All done!

Now don't forget, this is a mess monster. He (or she) can have as many arms, legs, eyes, noses, mouths etc as you choose. You could make a multicoloured monster by dipping your newspaper in a few different colour paints. A bath scrunchie will work just as well as a scrunched up newspaper and you could add yarn for hair or fur, or print bubble wrap onto the paint boddy to create a spotty mess monster. Google eyes are another option to the dot stickers. If you have more time, a 3D version is possible by scrunching up your newspaper and covering with a paint and glue mixture then allowing to dry. Once dry, this becomes your mess monster's body and you can carry on adding the other bits with glue or tape, just the same as on the 2D version.

Happy crafting!

Get Your Nana On!

2012-01-15T19:39:00.001Z

I have been reading Jodie's blog for, ummmm.., well longer than I can pinpoint :D

So over at chez Ric-Rac, Jodie is unleashing her inner nana, and enticing a bunch of us along for the ride; she is running a Rag Rug-along. I love this idea! So, I've dutifully signed up. If you pop along over onto Jodie's blog, you can read a little more about it, there's also a link to a tutorial and a couple of Flickr groups here and a list of the people (and their blogs) who have signed up already. (A visit to Jodie's blog is worth it just to broaden your vocabularly: floordrobe, embiggen, bookface, awsomesauce...)

I think there's still time to join in if your inner nana is shouting to be heard :D

This will be my first ever '-along' and I'm thinking my creation is going to be for the Small People. I have what in my mind is a wonderful (simple) plan, I'm also thinking "a plaited rag rug - plaiting, how hard can it be?" so please stay tuned for further installments to watch me eat my words! The good thing is, a creation for the Small and Smaller Person will be well received either way: they are my biggest fans and rarely comment when I mess up.

The rules are pretty open, so if you are thinking of taking part, it doesn't have to be a plaited version, it could be woven, crocheted or any other form of creating. I'm quite excited to get started, but need to get some supplies first. Mr Bogert will be so pleased when he returns from his work trip in London. I predict a smirk and the rolling of eyes.

I can't wait to see everyone's creations. I'm sure most of them will leave me thinking "Wow! I wish I'd thought of that!"

(Hi to everyone popping over from Jodie's blog!)

Little Dylan's Lucky Leg Fund

2012-01-12T15:13:00.000Z

Being a mother, this little 1 year old boy's story makes me well up every time I think of him, and I've never met him, his family, or even sweet Ashley who's blog I first read about Dylan on.

I remember how heartbreaking it was taking Zack for his operation and wondering if we had made the right decision. Dylan's parents have had to make an even harder decision for their little guy, and my heart goes out to them.

This little boy and his family have been very brave. He was born with fibular hemimelia, one leg was considerably shorter than the other. Yesterday, Dylan had an operation to amputate his leg in the hope that he will have a better quality of life with a prosthetic limb. Read more about Dylan here on Ashley's blog, Make it and Love it, or on his Mummy's blog, Just Keep Swimming.

They sure could use some help, love and support right now. Ashley is running a sale of all her patterns with all proceeds being donated to Dylan's Lucky Leg Fund (they call it his lucky leg like Nemo's lucky fin in Finding Nemo) and there is also a link there to just donate if you can. Prosethetic limbs are costly and he will need many over the course of his growth.

Here's wishing Dylan a speedy recovery and much love and luck.

Toddler Group Tuesday - Frogs

2012-01-10T20:30:00.001Z

Today we have been making Crazy Frogs at toddler group. Now this is one of those crafts where it's in my head, and I'm uncertain of it's origins :/ I have a feeling I came across this on the internet and filed it away in my cluttered brain, but some of the details got lost down the back of the cabinet! So, if this was your very wonderful idea - shout out and you'll get due credit, if not, well, who knows maybe it came out of my imagination. I never can be too sure these days...

You will need:
- green paint
- glue
- an A3 sheet of paper
- a paper plate
- a red/pink/black pipe cleaner
- some white card
- black paint

First of all, paint both your hands with the green paint and print them on the bottom of the A3 paper pointing outwards (Landscape orientation).

Glue your paper plate face down over your hand prints, overlapping and covering up the part of your hand closest to your wrist.

Paint your plate green all over.

Cut two circles from the white card and glue to the top of your paper plate. (we have made one circle larger than the other to add to the crazy look).

Paint a black dot in the centre of each white circle completing your frongs eyes. (Again we made one dot bigger than the other and put them off centre to add to the crazy look).

Bend the pipecleaner (and trim if neccessary) into a suitable wide mouthed smile. Glue in place.

All finished!

You could make your frog look crazier by giving him an open mouth with drooping wiggly tongue hanging out, and maybe spiral swirls instead of black dots in his eyes. You could create a girly frog by adding some eyelashes and a bow on her head. You could add some bull rushes to the side using straws and pieces of sponge. You could create a pond full of frogs all in different shades and place them around a large blue paper pond, with crepe paper lilypads (especially good if you have a group of children to work with).

Happy creating. Back next Tuesday with more Toddler Group crafts :)

Child's Reward Chart

2012-01-06T16:50:00.000Z

Mr Bogert returned to work on Tuesday :(

The Small Person started back to school on Wednesday, and as I look out of the living room window, I see that the good old English weather has joined us now that I have the school bus stop wait to perform morning and afternoon again. Luckily my Grandad comes to sit with the Smaller Person so we don't have to take him out in bad weather.

Next Tuesday, we'll be back at toddler group, so Toddler Group Tuesday will be returning to the blog.

I had one very quick crafty make on Monday, the last day we were all at home. The Small Person is a bit of dreamer, and we have a few problems because of that. She forgets to do things that she has to do every day, things like close the baby gate and switch off lights. Other things, she does, but with ALOT of prompting and reminders, things like getting dressed in the morning and again at night, washing and then brushing your teeth and taking her dirty plates and things over to the sink. She also gets over excited easily which can lead to her forgetting her manners.

So I have made her a reward chart and notice board.
I used:
- 2 A4 clip frames (on offer 2 for £1 from Wilkinsons)
- some scrapbook paper (already had)
- some glue
- scissors
- black fineliner
- a pack of dry wipe pens (80p for 4 from Wilkinsons)
- a hardcover notebook
- star stickers (we already had loads left over from her birthday party).

The first A4 clip frame was turned into the notice board.
I cut a piece of scrapbook paper to A4 size. I used the fineliner to write her name in large letters at the bottom (ladscape orientation, but you could do it portrait too). I also cut 2 animals out of a second sheet of scrapbook paper and glued them as embellishments either side of her name. I finished by creating a dashed line border all the way around and putting it back in the frame.

Just write with the dry wipe markers....

...The wipe clean.

The second A4 clip frame became the reward chart.
Mr Bogert and I sat down and thought of a list of things we would like her to try hard to remember to do each day without prompting. I took some white paper and I cut it so that there would be a generous border around the edge when I fixed it into the frame. I lightly drew some lines with a pencil so that I had a straight edge to write on, then I wrote the items on our list, numbering each one. At the right hand side I drew a tick box. This was all inked in with the fineliner. I also drew 2 larger boxes at the bottom of the paper: one for a "star target" and the other for the "reward". The whole sheet was glued to a second matching piece of scrapbook paper also cut to A4 size, and another dashed line border was added around the edge of the white paper.

Her first goal is 10 stars, and the reward is for a friend to come over to our house to play.

Now each day she is trying hard with all the items on her list. If she achieves one of the goals for that day, she gets a green tick, if she doesn't, she gets a red cross (using the dry wipe pens on the glass front of the frame). If she manages to get 7 ticks or more, she collects a star sticker for that day which we put in the little hardcover notebook. If she manages to get green ticks in ALL of the boxes, she collects 2 star stickers for the day. She can clearly see what it is she's supposed to do each day and learn to remind herself, and the bottom boxes remind her how many stars she is trying to collect and what she will get when she collects enough, so it keeps the goal in mind all the time and reminds her that her efforts will be worth it.

The notice board is being used to give her messages and let her know what day we're on (she still a bit vague with which days are which and what takes place on those days). For instance, on Tuesday her notice board read:
"Today is Tuesday. You go back to school tomorrow. You got 7 green ticks yesterday so you earned 1 star."

Then we just wipe them both clean ready for the next day!

I hope it helps her. It seems to be going well so far, although you can see we haven't had a great start today...

Today the Smaller Person actually brought his crayon pack to me, which I took to mean he wanted to use them, so I said "sit down then" and he took himself over to the little table, tried to sit in the little seat (but needed help, and then he actually sat there quietly for about 3/4 minutes examining the crayons and scribbling the best he could. This is an achievement. He doesn't do sitting and drawing/craft. In fact, any parent of a 15 month old will tell you, this is a rare moment to be truly treasured! and 3/4 minutes doesn't sound like a long time, but in toddler time, that equates to around an hour of adult time!

Making a masterpiece.

Amazing scribbles (alright, the circle is mine!).

Then he took to wandering around with them...

...then, as all things are eventually categorised, became food.

His next adventure was to escape Mummy in the kitchen.

Then he added to the many finger prints and smears with his little smoosh face :)

I've now got a thrilling afternoon ahead reading a huge chunk of coursebook and making notes (and hopefully an essay plan!) on my representations of motherhood assignment due on 12th. Somewhere in all of that I must collect madam from the shool bus, get the her to do some homework, finishing making the pizza for dinner and cook it (I've made the dough), bath the small people and do some more reading for my course starting February. I should sleep well tonight.

Time for Show and Tell

2012-01-01T10:58:00.020Z

A very happy New Year to you! The celebrations have passed (very sad to say), but we just have a spot of quiet time for me to fit in a little show and tell post.

I had some wonderful gifts. The Small Person chose her own gifts for me: a wooly ear-flap hat and a pair of My Little Pony pants :D I actually really like the pants. They're those boy shorts pants. I have all sorts of that style with different characters and pictures on. (My favourites are a lemon pair with robots all over!)

I had some books I need for my courses. I've started reading one: The Stories of English by David Crystal, and I'm really enjoying it, it's very interesting.

I had plenty of smellies, inlcuding one of my favourite perfumes, Cerutti 1881. There was also plenty of chocolate and some chocolate biscuit tins found under the tree with my name on :D

There were clothes, underwear, a beautiful brooch, a pub quiz game, a dvd, a few bottles of something rather tasty, a steamer and some pirex dishes, a slow cooker cook book and so many other things. See? Truly spoilt!

Of special mention is my lovely watch. Remember the one I mentioned back here? I love this pendant watch.

There were a few homemade items recieved. Heather cross-stitched each of our initials on an oversized jingle bell character for the tree.

She also gave the Small Person a Fairy Sack which has been quite handy for taking toys to various relatives houses over the holiday. It is a blue drawnsrting sack with a quilted front. I do not know if it is hand made or not, but there is no label, and it's defintiely something I'm considering making a few copies of.

The Small Person was also given a new bag from Auntie Elly and Uncle John (Mr Bogert's Godfather and his wife). It is well made and has yellow butterfly buttons for decor. I don't think it is intended to be reversible, but we have been using it inside out simply because it has a lovely red with white spot lining that's looks very festive.

And of course, I haven't shown you the Smaller Person's stocking yet. Like I said before, it needs to be lined and padded (still haven't made up my mind about the finished result of the name on the cuff), so I will make sure it's properly completed for next time Santa stops by.

In keeping with our theme, he has the Dinsey character Stitch (from Lilo and Stitch). My stocking was going to be Stitch because he is my favourite, but when we were trying to choose an appropriate character for Zachary, Mr Bogert pointed out, Stitch is the only one that reminds us of Zack (at the moment). So I've given up my Stitch stocking for the Smaller Person.

I realised you wouldn't have seen 2 new creations for the tree from last Christmas either (due to my bloggy break). Each of the Small People painted a ceramic tree decoration.

Last but absolutely not least, a Christmas card. Other than the Small Person's (many) handmade cards, we only recieved one non store bought card this year, and that was from The Woo's. I don't know if Mrs Woo made them herself or bought them from another creative soul, but isn't this lovely?

Did you get any lovely hand made cards or gift this year? Did you make anything to give? I'd love to hear about them.

The End and The Beginning

2011-12-31T20:51:00.000Z

I don't do resolutions. They always seem far too easy to break, and are met with comments ranging from "That's nice, dear" to "Yeah, right!". I'm not setting myself any goals or making any wishes that wont come true. I'm just going to try my hardest at everything and hope it all works out well, if it doesn't, I know I couldn't have done any better, and I wont feel any guilt over failure to meet targets!

This is the end of a very fast moving year. It was the first full year of my ittle man's life, and it flew by at rocket speed. I dropped out of the blogosphere for quite some time as I struggled to find a balance between my many roles, and I think right about now I have a very tenuous hold on it all. I've had to learn to let some things go. If I haven't made a handmade gift for a certain event/birthday, if I've had to BUY a card, if I've had to say to the Small People 'just watch a movie/tv programme', if I've had to say 'pizza/take away for dinner tonight, if I've not contacted friends for weeks or even months, I've just had to learn to LET IT GO. I can't do everything as much as that niggling voice in the back of my head says "sure, you can do this. *INSERT NAME HERE* would manage this fine". There simply isn't time, and our current situation is a temporary one. The other things have to be set aside so that I can complete my degree, look after the Small People, have some time with Mr Bogert and have some time with just ME. These are the essentials to survival and a happy future.

I spent the first 8 months of my degree feeling bad every time I didn't return a phonecall or remember a birthday. I've now come to terms with it (I'm hoping my friends have too!). My head is filled with coursework and day to day chores. It wont be forever, and hopefully once I have my degree, I can work towards having a career and buying a bigger house. We live in a shoebox :D

So, after that mad ramble, what I'm trying to say is, I will try hard in all the things I manage to fit into my life, but I can't afford to beat myself up if things get skipped out or I don't quite acheive absolute perfection in. This is a temporary state of being - normal programming will resume (just not until about 2015!).

So for the speed and chaos with which 2011 has been experienced, we have slowed it down for the very last day. We got out of bed later, we ate breakfast later (and it didn't involve a great deal of preparation), we took a walk around the village and tired the Small Person out as much as possible. The Smaller Person is now having a nap, Mr Bogert is visiting a neighbour, The Small Person is lying on the sofa reading a book, and I'm here talking to you, my blog friends. Later, Mr Bogert is cooking a roast dinner, we've got a bottle of wine ready and a cheesecake for dessert. The Small People will go to bed early, then Mr Bogert and I are going to curl on the sofa with a movie and some Christmas chocolate. There will be no books (me), not knitting/crochet (me), no sewing (me), no photo editing (Mr Bogert), no computer game playing (Mr Bogert), no answering emails (Mr Bogert), just us and some random actors.

I'm sure things will begin to speed away from us again next week, and through 2012, as Mr Bogert returns to work, the Small Person returns to school, the Smaller Person and I return to toddler group and I tackle my next assignment before my next course starts alongside this one, but for now, it's peaceful and there are no demands of any of our time.

Have a lovely last day of 2011, see you in 2012!

Fun Festivities with Friends

2011-12-29T11:48:00.032Z

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you will know that since 2003 (when we bought our first home together) Mr Bogert and I have always invited all of our friends around to our house on the evening of the 27th to celebrate Christmas, eat some food, drink some drinks and hopefully play some games.

This year quite a few of our usual friends couldn't make it, particularly the ones with children this year (a first for them, and we can sympathise entirely. We've been in that position for 6 years). An old friend who we haven't seen for around 3/4 years came round though, which was great! He went to uni with Mr Bogert, was an usher at our wedding, and filmed Alexandra's christening for us. The only reason we haven't seen him is that he's been living in Canada for a bit and more recently Northern Ireland while he completes his Masters in Fine Art. I hope we get to see him more often from now on.

In the past at our Christmas gethering we have played Twister (alot - we rubbed the spots off), Wii games: Supermario kart, Wii fit games and Just Dance, but this year we decided to do a pub quiz.

We were split into 2 teams by the quizmaster Mr Bogert. One round was charades and Mr Bogert had to act them out for us to guess.

It was so funny, we never went back to the rest of the quiz! We just played charades all night, taking turns.

Our friend Mark was soooo funny. He had to be reminded several times that charades has no talking involved. How he tried to mime "It's a Wonderful Life" will never EVER be forgotten! It was like conducting an orchestra of voices all singing "wooooooo-uuuu-err-oooooo"!

Mr Bogert had an interesting mime for "Dusk 'til Dawn" too, but as this is a Small Person friendly blog, I don't think I'll go any further than that!

I don't think I've laughed so hard or so long for quite some time. My sides ached all the next day. Good friends and laughter are great for your health.

I'm also quite concious that in previous years, this is the day we would be heading off in the car for our stay in the Lake District until New Year. I'm a little sad we're not going, but at least it means no packing and plenty of time to just do nothing with the holiday days left for family Wishes. Mr Bogert goes back to work next Tuesday after a really long break (since 12th Dec), the Small Person goes back to school the next day, then the folloing Tuesday we're back at Toddler Group. Before we know it, everything will be back to our old routine, so I'm savouring every last drop of family time. We've been off to the cafe today for hot drinks and a relaxing trip out of the house, surrounded by the scent of lattes and mochas and biscuits.

Boxing Day in Pictures

2011-12-28T20:40:00.000Z

On Boxing Day we take it easy, chill around the house all morning, have dinner at home, then wander down to my mum's house for a drink and a chat. Later, early evening, we travel over to Mr Bogert's mum's house for tea.

Making snow globes from a kit from Santa

playing marbles (from the crackers).

My sister and her boyfriend

At Nanny's house (Mr Bogert's Mum's)

Hide and seek under the snuggie - come on Nanny! Join in!

Christmas Day in Pictures

2011-12-27T17:12:00.000Z

Stocking opening on Mummy and Daddy's big bed.

Checking for signs of Santa: Lots of gifts, chocolates hung on the tree, Santa's magic key jung on the tree for next year, crumbs and empty wrappers and cup on the table.

Dad and his partner Karen drop by to exchange gifts.(My brother stopped by 3 times over the day, yet somehow I failed to capture a picture of him once!)

New Christmas outfits.

Opening gifts from Santa, each other and friends and family we wont see today. (and playing with new toys!)

Prawn cocktail starter (always Mr Bogert's choice. You offer him something different, and no, it must be prawn cocktail.)

Christmas dinner with all the trimmings: turkey, pigs in blankets, mashed potato, roast potato, sprouts with bacon, honey roast parsnips and carrots, green beans, roast potatoes, stuffing balls, cranberry sauce and lots of yummy gravy.

Gifts with the rest of the family, and buffet tea for everyone.

My sister.

Mr Bogert's sister and mum.

The Smaller Person all dressed for bed.

My Nan.

My Grandad.

Running away in Auntie Steph's new boots.

My Mum.

It's Here! Merry Christmas Everyone!

2011-12-25T23:50:00.002Z

How the last few weeks have flown by. Our feet have barely touched the floor. I hope you all have a wonderful, warm, merry, fun, love-filled Christmas and that Santa has brought you something nice from your wish list. I'm going to eat, drink and be merry some more, and will return in the next few days for a full report on the festivities!

Santa was VERY busy at the Wishes house :)

Christmas Countdown - 24

2011-12-24T23:57:00.001Z

Today's movie is: Polar Express

Today's activity is: Ooooo, lovely traditions. What traditions do you guys have? Are you thinking of starting some new traditions?

- Dinner with Mr Bogert's best friend, the Small People's Godfather, Anthony and his partner, Charlotte.
- Exchanging Christmas Eve presents and cards.
- Hot Chocolate with our Christmas Movie.
- Giving the new tree decorations to the kids for their trees.
- Putting Santa's treats out.
- Hanging the kids stockings in their room.

For dinner Mr Bogert and I had prawn cocktail, followed by rib of beef and then yuletide meringue log. All very yummy. The Small Person opted for turkey starter, turkey dinner and thankfully not turkey dessert, she had a yule mess which she didn't like. I really enjoy going and having dinner with Anthony and Charlotte on Christmas Eve. It makes us have a good meal and get out of the house, it stops us having to cook and wash up when there's plenty to prepare for tomorrow, and we get chance to have a lovely catch up and just an enjoyable time, particularly at a time of year when you rarely get chance to slow down.

One tradition we have in our house, from even before the kids were born, is that you get one present to open on Christmas Eve, the only rule is it must be to use on Christmas Eve.

The Small Person got a new Rudolph all-in-one sleep suit.

The Smaller Person got a PJ, dressing gown and teddy bear set.

I got a new steamer stack. Use Christmas Eve? Technically as I normally prepare the veg the night before. (although this time I haven't!)

Mr Bogert got a Jim Shore Mickey Mouse Tree decoration. We don't normally get new decorations every year like the kids, unless we see one that is particularly special, or if we go somewhere special that sells them (like when we went to Disney World on Honeymoon).

The kids got all cuted up in their new night clothes, Mr Bogert hung Mickey on the tree, and I made Hot Chocolate in our special Christmas mugs with LOTS of whippy cream.

We snuggled up on the sofa and watched the Polar Express. There was a great deal of talk this year from the small person about what it means to believe and how she can hear the bells (on Santa's sleigh). This was perfect because it followed on to the new tree decoration perfectly.

Alexandra's new decoration for her tree for this year is a bell with her name on. She checked she could hear it, then went round checking if the rest of us could hear it before finding a little space for it on her tree.

Zachary has had a nutcracker doll to hang on his tree. If you pull the string his arms and legs go up. Zack thought this was great, expecially as it turned out the nutcracker's sword covered his eyes up when his arms go up, so we played peekaboo with him before hanging him on the tree. Last year for his first ever christmas, the Smaller Person had this rocking horse with bells. So sweet :)

Usually their trees would be in their room. There simply isn't space this year because we're still trying to find a room share balance with toys, furniture and clothes. Instead they are in the conservatory. By the time they are fully grown and ready to move out into homes of their own, they will have a full set of (hopefully) memory filled and meaningful decorations.

The Smaller Person was too tired out to stay up and help sort Santa's treat out, so he was tucked up in bed. Normally the Small Person and Mr Bogert make chocolate crunchies to leave for Santa, but we didn't have a huge amount of time and we figured even Santa likes a change. The Small Person insisted that we leave carrots for the reindeer and a couple of chocolates for the elves. She put out a mince pie and hot chocolate for Santa (even though we pointed out that it wouldn't be hot by the time he stopped in).

Just before Bed Mr Bogert read the Small Person The Night Before Christmas. Not a usual tradition, but perhaps it will become one.

Last, but very important, the stocking was hung in a place Santa would easily be able to see. Did I get the Smaller Person's stocking finished? Sort of. I didn't have enough time to pad or line it, and I'm not overly happy with the name cuff, because I rushed it. I will unpick the seams to pad and line it like I originally planned, and maybe restitch the cuff unless it grows on me, but AFTER Santa has made good use of it tonight! Pictures in a future post. Then I have an Alice stocking to make for the little girl of the house.

And so to bed, after all, I need to be asleep when the elves come by to check. When Santa gets the all clear from them, he'll drop by and leave us some lovely gifts. We've all been very nice this year :)

Only 1 sleep 'til Christmas! This is it... Santa's coming!

Christmas Countdown - 23

2011-12-23T23:56:00.001Z

Today's move is: Home Alone 2

We also had Zachary's post op check up at the hospital with the plastic surgeon today. All is looking good and is where it should be. Yay! Releif! We've got to go back in another 6 months for a check-up and then he should be discharged (hopefully never to need their services again). So, good news for Christmas!
Today's activity is: Baby Christmas Meet Up

The Baby Crew

Now that some of our friends have had babies in the last year, and they will all be in the same school year with the Smaller Person, and hitting the same milestones together, we decided it would be nice to have a meet up for them all together.

I asked Zacky to smile, he turned around and...I got this!

We met at our favourite haunt, The Almanack, at the top of Kenilworth town. It's inbetween for all of us and is kid friendly. Oh my gosh was it busy! First we struggled to find parking. then it took us about half hour to get a table, and the table we got was tiny!

Christmas babies :)

2 ladies were sat at the long sofa tables by the window, their drinks empty (and had been for about 20 minutes - I was watching incase the table became free!) and we were trying to squeeze 7 adults, 4 highchairs and a 6year old around a table designed for 4. Simone very politely asked if they'd mind swapping with us explaining why. The one lady looked over at where we were all piled on top of each other and said "no I think I like it here thanks". Now, I understand that it's perfectly within her right to do so, it was their table, they got there first, but it just strikes me as sadly unfriendly and a little selfish. I would have swapped with a larger group in that situation, but there you go. We did manage to absorb another small table into the centre of our group and extend ourselves a little.

The Small Person and Auntie Simone.

Once we were all settled we had lunch, chatted, shared our Christmas plans, cooed over the sweet little people and just enjoyed ourselves. We also exchanged gifts (just for the children).

Mr and Mrs Best, Baby Best and Monty (also answers to Uncle Ted).

This is what I've been working hard at these stocking for. It should be a law that every child, no, every human being (extended to human like pets) should have a homemade personalised stocking. Really, it should. Stockings are my 'thing'.

Presents!

At our house, everyone who visits on Christmas day has a special stocking hung on the stairs made by me. Most that are hanging there now were made waaaaay back in 2003 and have really seen better days. I've been saying for the past 2 or 3 years that I need to replace them, and the plan is to replace them all with Disney character stockings (either the favourite of the person who's stocking it is, or a character that makes us think of them). I haven't gotten very far with that plan, but who knows, there's always next year!

Ethan, his Mummy and Daddy and his new stocking.

The babies stockings each have a non-Disney Rudolph on. They are made of crushed velvet, felt and embroidery floss, with a ribbon loop and red satin bow and a little jingle bell. Everything apart from the side seams is hand stitched. Had I have had more time they would have been padded and lined. But I didn't. So they're not. I use a blanket stitch to fix each of the felt pieces in place and also along the top an bottom of the stocking cuff, I use chain stitch for the name, and back stitch for any details on the actual characters.

Stocking love.

Each stocking has a vtech noisy vehicle, a pair of xmas slipper socks, some Milky Bar buttons and bars, a First Christmas tree decoration, the they each have an individual present. Ethan has a book and some clippo blocks, Isla has a pink first Christmas teddy bear, and Jake has a bug rattle/teether.

Little Princess.

The mummies and daddies may use the stockings every year, or they may not want to use them at all. I am in a minority of crafters in our friendship group, so I'm never sure how a homemade gift will be recieved. All I know is, I enjoyed making them, I hope they like them, and if they don't, I know that they are good enough friends not to tell me!

Poser.

Mr Bogert is off photographing at the theatre again tonight, so I'm gift wrapping then I'm on a mission to get the Smaller Person's stocking complete in time for Santa's visit!

The youngest of the crew.

Only 2 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 22

2011-12-22T13:55:00.001Z

Today's movie is: Home Alone. Yes, I know it's been done already, but Mr Bogert and I missed it and the Small Person asked to see it again. So, by the rules of sequels, tomorrow will be part 2.

Today's activity is: Delivering the Neighbour cards.

This may not seem like such a big deal, but as we live in a village where we know quite a few people, it actually becomes a big task, but can be very enjoyable.

It was quite mild today, so I didn't even have to wear a coat, just a thick jumper. We set out and did a large loop of the village dropping cards at each friends house along the way. The Small Person played postwoman and we got to get out and about for a walk.

We also got to see everyone's decorations. We walked all the way to the other end of the village and called in at the hotel/pub/restaurant down there to book our Christmas Eve meal which we have with Uncle Anthony (the Small People's Godfather) and Auntie Charlotte.

On the way back though the village we saw the postman who chatted to us and asked if we wanted to take a parcel with us. Relief for Mr Bogert! He'd only just been saying he was concerned because he still had a couple of packages outstanding!

Next we called at my cousin's house to drop gifts off for the children. They only moved to the village this last year and it was the first time we've seen the inside. They've got it looking absolutely lovely, ready for the new arrival due in February. My Aunt, Uncle and 2 cousins lived in the village the whole time we were growing up, and we all went to school together, but as we got older, my Aunt and Uncle moved to the Isle of Wight, my one cousin got married and moved further into the city, and my other cousin oined the Navy. It is my Navy cousin who has moved back to the village. His girlfriend has links to the village too. Both her grandfather and father live here.

We also visited the children's park to check on some repair work (Mr Bogert is a Parish Councillor) and the Small Person had chance to have a quick play. Then our very last stop was the village pub at the end of our road. We made it the last stop on the way back so that we could get a drink each while we were there. Mr Bogert had mulled wine to be extra festive!

Mr Bogert and the Small Person have also made some more Fudge this evening to give as gifts. I made the finishing touches to the children's stockings and started one for the Smaller Person. Now, the question is, can I possibly get it finished in time?

Only 3 sleeps 'til Christmas! (Only 3!?)

Christmas Countdown - 21

2011-12-21T13:54:00.001Z

We didn't watch a movie tonight because Mr Bogert had a photoshoot at the theatre and we didn't want to watch it without him.

The Small Person had a friend's birthday party to go to at an indoor play centre just down the road from us: Jam Jam Boomerang. It was 4-6pm. We took the Smaller Person along and paid for him to have a seperate play session. It was sooooo funny! He just didn't stop! He loved every minute of it and he played for the full 2 hours. By the time the party was finished and it was time to come home, his hair was soaked with sweat from the effort he put in running around and climbing! He completely tired himself out!

At home he had a bath and went straight to bed - early. And, do you know what? He went right to sleep. I've told Mr Bogert, we need to build one of those in the back garden if it makes bedtime this easy!

So with Mr Bogert of picture taking and the Smaller Person fast asleep, The Small Person and I watched "Kirstie's Homemade Christmas" (both episodes) and did our activity.

Our activity was to decorate the Small Person's special tree with all of the decoartions she has been given since she was born. There's some very special and individual ornaments on her tree. Some of the ornamnets were bought in the first couple of years of having the tree to fill it out a little, just like we did with the Smaller Person's tree last year, but there are only 6 truly special ornaments on her tree, and the 7th will join it on Christmas Eve.

We also ate pancakes which deserves a special mention in itself, especially seeing as one of the first things she did this morning was taunt her poor Daddy with the fact!

My genius (if boring) plan for once she had gone to bed was to do some study for EA300, my Children's Literature course I'm am doing with the Open University as part of my degree, and have a look through my new course books that have just arrived for U214 which I start in February. That didn't happen. I made a cu of tea, sorted gifts and wrapped everything apart from the Small People's gifts whilst watching "It's a Wonderful Life". Before I knew, it was gone 11pm and Mr Bogert was home.

I felt guilty and read my U214 course guide in bed. There, I've done something studious!

Nearly here...

Only 4 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 20

2011-12-20T13:54:00.001Z

Today's movie is: Christmas With the Kranks (selected by Mr Bogert).

Today's activity is: Visit Santa! Woo hoo!

All set for the journey to visit Santa.

It has been a tradition since the Small Person joined us, that we must visit Santa at his grotto at Melbicks the Garden Centre. We have always gone with my Nan, because she commented once that she had never been to see Santa when she was little. So, our visit to Santa is her thing.

The Small Person waiting to see Santa with Nanny (on the left) and Grandma (on the right).

Last year, when the Smaller Person joined our little family, we ran out of room in the car, and Mr Bogert's Mum offerred to come along in her car and bring my Nan. Then after we had arranged everything, my Nan was ill and couldn't come, so last year was Mr Bogert's Mum's turn.

Sitting on bean bags in Santa's living room.

This year, we've all gone the sickies out of the way before the Festive
season (good planning there on our part!) so it was a full house: Me, Mr Bogert, the Small People, my Nan and Mr Bogert's Mum.

Grandma in Santa's chair, the Small People and Santa. The Smaller Person really didn't want to have his picture taken!

Santa's grotto is located out the back of the garden centre, so you have to follow the coloured spots on the floor from the entrance all the way through (past the Chritsmas decs and hot tubs - yes please Santa!) and to the marquee that is set up.

Grandma (my Nan) and Santa.

Inside the marquee there are polar bears, reindeer, fir trees, snowy scenes and all sorts of wintery wonderland things. We even had a snow storm while we waited our turn (snow machine). They just needed someone handing out hot chocolate and it would have been perfect.

Tea and cakes time :)

When your turn comes around, Santa sees a few children at once with their families. He sits in his lovely warm living room, in his arm chair, next to his fireplace and his Christmas tree. There are bean bags on the floor for th cildren to sit on. Santa always asks each child's name and how old they are, what they would like for Christmas and talks to them about if they've been in a nativity or doing anything fun. He asks what the children think their grown ups would like. He talks to the for quite a while, and then at the end he asks us grown ups if we think they've been good, and if he can visit our houses to leave gifts for the children.

Grandma having a rest in the cafe.

This year the Smaller Person sat on his bean bag really well (his first time - he was in my arms last year), and didn't make a peep. He just sat there watching. The Small Person answered all of his questions for him. The Small Person asked for a snow globe. Wen Santa asked if she wanted anything else she said no. I thought that was very restrained! She normally has all sorts of ideas for fantastical things that she really really needs.

Me and my Small Person.

Santa spoke to my Nan aswell, and found out she's a Great Grandma, so he insisted she join in the photo at the end and stood up so she could have his seat. We were about to leave when he called us back so he could have a photo just with Nan. He told her to go home and have a nice big Sherry. Nan being slightly deaf does what she normally does when she hasn't heard what someone has said: smiled politely (but vaguely) and nodded her head. Well, she was 86 this last birthday.

The Smaller Person getting his Santa groove on.

After that Mr Bogert's mum treated us to a cake and hot drink at the cafe. Then it was off to browse the goodies. We bought the Smaller Person's new tree decoration.

We have a tradition we have started with our kids that they each have a tree. Every year, we buy them a new special ornament to go on their tree. When they move out into their own homes when they are grown, they will be able to take the trees and the ornaments with them and remember all the happy Christmasses at home with us. More on that Christmas Eve.

It's getting closer!
Only 5 more sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 19

2011-12-19T13:53:00.002Z

Today's movie is: Jingle All The Way (chosen by moi).

We skipped and activity in favour just relaxing and doing our own thing. We had a VERY busy day of Christmas shopping (I think we're all done - apart from the one shop I forgot all about and will have to pop back to!).

The Small Person played her Leappad Explorer (her birthday present), Mr Bogert was doing Something on his laptop, The Smaller Person ran round and round and round and round..... (you get the picture), and I started 3 new stocking for some very special children who will be celebrating their very first Christmas this year! (Pictures later in the week).

The Smaller Person also spent his very first night in his room with his big Sister. We intended to move him out of our room when he was 6 months old, just like we did with the Small Person, but when they are going into a room with an older sibling, it becomes difficult. For one thing we could never get her to settle down at bed time (still can't - takes hours!) and for another, she is like hurricane Ali. She just has to walk through the room and devastation is left in her wake, sometimes as deep as to your ankles! But, he's finally in there. Not too sure how well it's going to work out because one big stumbling block we already have is, he likes the dark, she's scared of the dark and has a night light. He does not like the night light for sleeping. It is good for playing though it would seem...
Hope you're all starting to feel very festive!

Only 6 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 18

2011-12-18T13:52:00.001Z

Today's movie is: Scrooged (technically it should be Home Alone 2 following on from Friday night, but as us parental types didn't get to see it, we're going to catch up with it, then play Home Alone 2) selected by the Small Person.

Today's activity is: Christmas Carol Service

This was at our village church at 5pm. The Small Person was an angel with the Sunday School. I just re-used her costume from last year's school Nativity. She was part of the procession around the church and she lit a candle.

Alexandra as an angel getting ready to light a candle.

Mr Bogert's mum came along to join in. We always sit in the box pews to contain the Smaller Person! Mr Bogert is terrible at these things. He sings completely off key because the people around him put him off. He now does it on purpose trying to put me off too and sniggering about it. Not helped by the Smaller person trying to feed Mr Bogert his bottle of milk, following the hymn words with his finger in the book because he saw Daddy do it, or realising if he puts his tiny finger in my ear it makes me wriggle (and him laugh). I was trying so hard not to laugh! I failed miserably! Even Mr Bogert's mum kept looking at the 3 of us and laughing to herself.

Procession around the church and back to the crib.

The carol service is always finished off with Mulled wine and a mince pie. Yummy!

Sunday school by the crib.

If you don't have a carol service to attend, invite a few people round for mulled wine and mince pies, hot chocolate and cakes for the kids, and sing a few songs together, if someone can play an instrument all the better. Perhaps there is a group nearby that goes caroling from door to door, or out somewhere public. If you don't like carols, there's plenty of other Christmas songs. How about Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (my favourite!), or Dominic the Donkey? Spread your own festive cheer!

Only 7 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 17 - The Fancy Dress

2011-12-17T23:51:00.001Z

Today was a very important day in the Christmas social calendar: The 9th Annual Christmas Fancy Dress Pub Crawl. I can't believe we've been doing this for 9 years, it really makes us realise how much older we're getting (and quite a few of us hit 30 next year!)

We had the Small Person's last day of dance for this year. She took her handmade cards and snowman fudge to give out. Mr Bogert, the Smaller Person and I went to our favourite haunt, The Almanack, and had breakfast. Yummmm!

Around 4pm Mr Bogert's mum came to babysit for us (out 2 nights in a row - get us!). We re-used our Wonderland costumes, but had more time to spend on the face paint this time.

March Hare and Mad Hatter

The actual event started at 2pm, so quite a few were already out when we got there.

Phone jacker

Bo Selecta

Lady Ga Ga

Velma

Ben the Devil

Shrek

Alex Delarge - Clockwork Orange

Terminator

Avatar

Lepechaun and Christmas Tree

More joined us as the evening went on, and a few had to leave.

The Monty's heading off ome to get the little guy off to bed

1920s

Beaker (without his nose) and Minnie Mouse

We had the awards ceremony at The Oak (where most of the guys meet on a Thursday night) and the landlord put free food on for us - what a star! The awards are usually given for car related things the guys do throughout the year. This year it was extended to the boats (that all failed terribly!) and also a few other categories including Best Fancy dress costume, judged by the landlord (and a bunch of people sitting by the bar!). Mr Bogert won! Yay!

Masters of ceremonies

Turbo award (an actual turbo to wear around his neck!)

Biggest celebrity. This is the amazing mama who has been on TV and in newspapers across the world for her amazing battle with tongue cancer after discovering she was pregnant with her first child. The treatment she was given was pinoeering and we're all pleased to say bother her and baby Jake have the all clear and are doing well. She really is a star!

Mr Bogert's best costume award

Heather and Andy also re-used their Wonderland costumes, so we made a great set! Lucy also managed to pop along and took some pics. Perhaps a few will find their way onto her blog.

Hatter

Spot the man dressed as a Christmas tree

Mad? All the best people are!

Caterpillar

March Hare and Lovely Leprechaun

Hatter and Terminator

Simon Cowel and (his wife) Cheryl Cole

The Sheriff and Mr Cowell

Cheshire Cat and Caterpillar

The children's entertainment :D

Lovely Lucy

We left to get home for 10pm. 6 hours looking after our Small People is enough for most!

Mr Bogert and I sat and watched Desperado and stuffed our faces with pizza (which I'd put in the freezer ready for Christmas, but you can't fight the late night munchies!)

Only 8 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 16

2011-12-16T13:49:00.001Z

Today's movie is: Home Alone

Tonight my Sister, Stephanie, and her boyfriend babysat whilst Mr Bogert and I went to his work Christmas party. They watched the movie, had delivery pizza, got to stay up late (because my sister is a soft touch), had 3 bedtime stories (after my sister initially refused to read one slightly longer book!) and the Small Person and Hardeep, my sister's boyfriend, had a drawing competition. It has been universally declared that Alexandra is a better artist. Poor Hardeep!

Mr Bogert's work party was held at Aston Villa Footbal Club. Verdict? The venue was nice, easy to find and had plenty of parking. The staff that welcomed you as you arrived were very friendly.

It seems as though they managed to employ THE most miserable serving staff to serve dinner, and despite there being an absolute army of them, took quite a while to get through the 3 courses. They laid a whole bunch of tables incorrectly so that on our table we only had 10 places setting where there should have been 12 (and that meant the tabel was too small when we squeezed the extra 2 in). The food was awful, and I had been looking forward to it all day (I was starving!). The DJ was stuck in some distant past, possibly at one of my old school discos.

But, we did have a good time? Mr Bogert bought me a nrew dress and shoes for the occassion (and who doesn't love new shoes?!) and I always enjoy spending time around Rob's work colleagues. There all actually good fun to be around and so are their partners. So, it was still worth the trip (even though we took a wrong turn on spaghetti junction coming home!)

Only 9 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 15

2011-12-15T13:48:00.001Z

Today's movie is: The Santa Clause 3 (following on from Alexandra's selection)

Today's activity is: Thank you cards (not actually a Christmas activity, but an essential one).

We use A6 card blanks and photographs from the party. I try to find a nice picture of each child at the party, then print it 6x4 and glue (Or double sided tape) the photographs to the front. It provides a nice memento for the child and is equally nice for the parents who may not have stayed during the party or brought a camera with them.

For family and friends who bought gifts and sent cards, we pring a photgraph of Alexandra at the party. This year we used the one of her and Mr Bogert dressed up. It seems to have gone down well.

We also had some thank yous for the very understanding and willing friends who dressed up and joined in. We used the big group photo of us all.

Only 10 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 14

2011-12-14T21:51:00.000Z

Today's movie is: The Santa Clause 2 (following on from the Small Person's selection yesterday)

Today's activity is: Modelling clay Candy Canes

You will need:
- red modelling clay (we have used the oven bake kind)
- white modelling clay
- Optional jewelry pendant eye (we didn't have any, so haven't used them)

First take a small amount of your red clay, work to soften, then roll out as a long thin sausage.

Repeat with the white clay.

Lay the 2 coloured sausages side by side and gently push them together so that they stick to each other but without flattening either.

Gently twist from one end until it forms a spiral of the 2 colours.

Roll the twisted clay against a flat surface to flatten some of the ridges.

Cut to desired length and manipulate into a hook shape.

If you are using the eyelet (for threading ribbon to hang) push into the top now.

Allow to dry or bake as the packaging instructs.

All finished!

Other options would be to varnish afterwards, and perhaps even add some glitter. If you have created candy canes with eyelets, thread a thin ribbon through and tie to form a loop. You could also tie a small bow as extra decoration or add little fabric flowers at the top using glue.

These can be hung from the tree, hung on gifts with tags (if you flatten them slightly before they set, you could glue the flat side to a tag), threaded on a long ribbon as a garland, or tied to napkins etc for christmas dinner. This is such a quick and easy craft.

Only 11 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Toddler Group Christmas Tea Party

2011-12-14T12:00:00.002Z

Yesterday was the last day of term for Toddler Group. We are now on Christmas Break until 10th January. As much as I enjoy running the group and seeing everyone, it is nice to know I've got a few weeks off!

The presents were all wrapped in time. Mr Bogert is on holiday from work until the New Year, so he came along to help and to enjoy some time with Zack.

Me doing my present bit

We were a few table spaces short because there were so many children. We had pizza, Pom Bears, cherry tomatoes, grapes, cucumber sticks, fairy cakes, chocolate fingers, cheese cubes, cocktail sausages and mini scotch eggs. Zacky cleared his plate (and helped himself to some leftovers!)

The mums (childminders, grandparents, dads etc) got chocolate log or warm mince pie with their usual drinks, and then it was time to set up the (huge) semi-circle for gift giving.

One of the mum's very kindly helped me hand out prezzies (which is good 'cos she was a little reluctant!). Each child gets a gift for their age range, a book (that we collect through the book club over the course of the year) and a mini chocolate selections tray. 35 gifts (or thereabouts) later, the table was empty, there were several small chocolatey faces dotted about, and plenty of discarded wrapping paper everywhere!

My glamorous assistant

Zack's gift was a set of spaceships from the Early Learning Centre and a book called "Monkey Do". Chocolate was far more exciting though!

The Smaller Person's turn for a present

I thought we were all done, but my glamorous assistant had some extra treats from everyone for the volunteers. Such a lovely gesture and it's so nice to feel appreciated. I'm saving mine for Christmas day though, so they've been tucked safely away until then.

My Mother-in-law receiving a gift

Getting my lovely treat :)

It was a lovely atmosphere, and I hope everyone enjoyed it and has a lovely Christmas break. Now, time to start planning some New Year crafts ready for our return...

*In other news, Zacky Zoom has a new charriot, and he rather likes it. He got very excited when it came out of the box and felt the need to accompany it (holding on tight to the side) as it was wheeled by Daddy through the lving room. He had a huge smile on his face. It may just be his best new toy yet!

Christmas Countdown - 13

2011-12-13T23:22:00.000Z

Today's movie is: The Santa Clause (chosen by the Small Person) This means tomorrow an Thursday's movies are taken care of by the rules of sequels!

Today's activity is: Marshmallow Fudge (for teacher gifts) which Daddy chef helped with.

You will need:
- 200g Marshmallows
-100g butter
- vanilla extract (or you could do a peppermint version with peppermint extract)
- 1lb Icing sugar
- 2 tbls milk

Sift the icing sugar into a bowl.

Put the marshmallows, butter, milk and vnilla into a saucepan.

Heat gently stirring constantly until everything is melted and mixed.

Pour the mixture in with the icing sugar and mix.

Once it has formed a dough like mixture, knead it to give it a smooth consistancy.

Press into a straight edged pan (that has been dusted with icing sugar to prevent sticking).

You can make everything really flat and even by using a glass to roll it (works better than rolling pin because it can get right up to the edges)

Put into the fridge to set for several hours.

Once set, use a knife to cut into cubes, sprinkle with more icing sugar and package as you wish.
(they must be eaten in about 1 week).

All Finished!

The Santa Hat is an essential part of making Snowman Fudge :)

The Small Person's will be packaged as "Snowman Fudge" (because it's all white and it's Christmas. Obviously.) She is making some for her

Class Teacher
Book Club Teacher
Recorders Teacher
Choir Teacher
Ballet/Tap Teacher
Freestyle/Musical Theatre Teacher
The Lady that runs the register etc at dance
Sunday School Teacher

We have used some left over party bags from Alexandra's birthday party (just picking out the green and red ones). Labels were made from some gold mirror card and a strip of Christmas wrapping. I stamped out "Handmade by Alexandra and Daddy" on some white card and stuck this to the centre of the wrapping paper peice. On the back of the labels I wrote:

SNOWMAN FUDGE
Ingredients
- Marshmallows
- Icing Sugar
- Butter
- Milk
- Vanilla Extract

Each bag has the teacher's name written on with a gold marker, then the top had been double folded, hole punched and a silver curling ribbon has been threaded through the holes and tied, and the tag attached. All prettied up ready to take into school tomorrow morning, along with her Santa handprint cards.

Hopefully another batch of fudge will be created for family for Christmas.

Only 12 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Mrs Woo's Having a Baby

2011-12-13T18:31:00.012Z

Mrs Woo of 'Made for you by Mrs Woo' fame, is nearing her January due date when everyone, Mr & Mrs Woo included, will finally get to meet the sweet baby girl growing fast inside her mummy's tummy.

I had the privilege of being one of the select few invited to Mrs Woo's baby shower (organised by Potato Salad Heather), and I was sooooo excited. I love baby showers. And baby's for that matter. So I was defintiely going, but, alas, I had to drop out due to insufficient funds to get methere and back :(

Not to be completely left out, I posted my gift. Mrs Woo had asked on Facebook about a week or so ago what were considered good/essential books for baby. Plenty of us waded in with suggestions, and really, a list like that could be (and probably should be) neverending! The Wishes gift to baby Woo is a selection of 3 of the suggested books to help make a start to Baby Woo's library. We sent:
We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Can't You Sleep Little Bear

and Bunny my Honey

As Mrs Woo is one of those crafty folk, Heather decided to do a craft activity at the shower: decorating baby vests. So although I wasn't there in person to add to the creativity, there's no reason not to contribute from afar.

I bought a pack of baby girl vests and made some little additions to each one.
This is the simplest, just a length of pretty lace added at the neckline.

This is an appliqued felt birdy attached using a back-stitch, with an added heart and running stitch tail feathers.

This is an appliqued stag. I know it's a bit Christmassy (well it is that time of year you know. It's hard to get out of a festive frame of creativity!) but I thought the colour choices were far enough away from festive colours that it would be fine all year round (these will probably fit from around March/April time). I've used a running stitch again to attach and the add antlers and a heart.

Well, I'm sorry I missed it, but I hope everyone had fun, and I hope the Woo's like the gifts :)

Christmas Countdown - 12

2011-12-12T13:00:00.001Z

No movie again! Busy busy busy...

It was Mr Bogert's last day at work until January. He is a big kid and LOVES Christmas, so he saves up as much holiday as he can, and takes it all across Christmas and into the New Year. He doesn't return until 3rd January. Yay! Mr Bogert around the house is much nicer than without.

I collected the Small Person from school as normal to go to her Ballet and Tap dancing classes. Mr Bogert met us there and then we had to go right on out shopping for the last minute items fro Toddler Group. Do you know how difficult it is buying an age appropriate gift within a budget of around £5-£6? REALLY difficult, especially for the inbetweeny ages of 1 and 2.

It was 7.30pm by the time we got home! Definitely NO time for movies at that time especially on a school night.

I spent a great deal of time yesterday wrapping gifts, selecting books to go with them and labelling the packages. Mr Bogert and I watched 'Immortals' while I was busy.

Hopefully I'm all set for the madness of the Toddler Group Christmas Party...

Only 13 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 11

2011-12-11T20:42:00.000Z

Today's Movie is: Fred Claus (chosen by Mr Bogert)

Today's activity was not even started :( It should have been sweet treats for the Small Person's various teachers, but they will have to be made tomorrow or Tuesday evening now. She did finish off a few forgotten Christmas cards though.

Today we had to go out and buy all of the tea party food, plates, napkins etc and gifts for toddler group this Tuesday. It took pretty much all of our day. Mr Bogert being wonderful as always, made bacon and sausage sandwiches for breakfast, then made a spicy sweet and sour beef and rice dinner after our shopping trip was over. We went to The ELC, Boots, Wilkinsons, Hobbycraft and Iceland. It felt like we were gone for weeks!

I now just have somewhere between 35-40 gifts to wrap and label ready for Tuesday morning (not forgetting to select a book to go with each!). We still have to pop out tomorrow night for 5 final gifts I couldn't get today, and some thank you gifts for my volunteers.

Tomorrow is Mr Bogert's last day at work before his Christmas break, it's the last week at school for the Small Person, and as soon as Tuesday's toddler group is over, perhaps I can start to relax and enjoy the festive season! I must admit, I'm not feeling very Christmassy yet, and I think that's just because I have so many things left unfinished. A very long to do list...
Only 14 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 10

2011-12-10T23:43:00.001Z

You'll have to forgive us because we didn't have a movie again today, but we have been VERY busy.

Alexandra mised out on dancing because of the excitment and trip to A&E last night, but after all that, she seems absolutely fine. Even the swelling has gone down. She would probably have been OK at dance.

It was the village Children's Christmas Party at 11am, so both of the Small People went. Uncle Mick was there to entertain them as usual. Zack just wandered around being nosey, Alexandra made sure was right at the front for of the games and dancing.

Uncle Mick finished up and kids had their tea party.

Please note the carrot on Zack's shoulder. This was after 2 grapes were rescued from the back of his collar.

After the tea party, Santa came to hand out presents to each child. The Small Person got a bindit beads set (like aquabeads), and the Smaller Person got a tub of Duplo bricks.

I met up with an old school friend for a couple of hours for a drink and chat around 5ish and we got fish and chips on the way home for family tea. That's why no movie - no time!
Today's activity is: Decorating the tree and taking our Christmas portraits.

Mr Bogert and the Small Person took charge of the tree decorating, and a very fine job they did too. I think Mr Bogert feels better now, because he's been desperate to get the decorations up!

Every Christmas we have a family portrait and we use this on our Christmas cards. This seems to be a popular thing in the states, but definitely not so much over here. We like to though because we send out to family we don't get to see much of. (Even though most are only between 1-2 hours away). So this year we have a fairy light back drop, we usually use the tree, but it's nice to have a change, and to be honest, the four of us are getting too big to fit in front of our tree!

We just couldn't persuade him to part with his milk!

This is the final family one for our cards:

Just got to get the prints done and then send them off.

Only 15 sleeps 'til Christmas!

"Mary, He's Chosen Mary..."

2011-12-10T01:30:00.000Z

The Year 1 Nativity at the Small Person's school this year was "Christmas With the Aliens".

The aliens spaceship breaks down on earth and whilst trying to find someone to fix it, the meet some school children and their teacher, who explain to them what Christmas is about by telling the story of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

All the costumes were good (especially the aliens! Huge amount of effort put in there by year 1 parents.), the kids remembered their lines really well (and some had quite a few to remember), and the songs and actions were performed with great enthusiasm and volume!

I was amazed just how much more involved they can be, the confidence that has built up since last year's Nativity. The kids did a wonderful job, as did the teachers in putting on such an entertaining show.

The Small Person was Mary. She spent most of the show with a great big grin across her face, she just loves performing. Her favourite bit is just after her lines:
Mary: What does this mean? Why would God choose someone like me?
Angel: Don't be frightened Mary.
Mary: Well I Never!
Then they all launch into song:
"well I never, have you ever, heard such exciting news? Angel told her, tapped her on the shoulder, God has chosen you. Mary, he's chosen Mary..."

She likes this bit because she's centre of the stage and every time they sing the Mary bit, all the children point at her. Nothing like the lime light!

Zacky was also on his best behaviour and didn't make peep throughout the show. He did make a break for it at the end though, and was caught by the headmistress trying to wander down the corridor towards the younger classrooms...

The Small person's costume was made sing leftover blue cotton from the Alice dress, and leftover white satin from the Spotty skirt. The tunic dress is just 2 rectangles gathered at he top (shoulders) and stitched down the sides leaving armholes open. The blue cord is a length of crochet (2 rows of DC). The blue cloak is shaped with a curved hem, gathered at the top and bound with bias binding. I used pres studs to fix it to the white tunic dress so that it could be removed for ease of dressing (and so I can use the seperately if the need should arise for another costume!). The head scarf is another piece of white satin, cut as an oval and hemmed. I have hand sewed a large hair comb to the underside about 1" from the edge to attach in the hair. Voila! Mary, Mother of Jesus.

We finished off a lovely morning with breakfast and hot drinks at our usual cafe with some of the other Mums and Dads. (We also took Starbucks eggnog lattes home. Yummmmm!)

Christmas Countdown - 9

2011-12-09T23:11:00.000Z

Today there is no movie because we left the Smaller Person with a babysitter (My Mum) whilst we took the Small Person to a dance showcase performed by the older children from Alexandra's dance school. They really put on a lovely show, and the Small Person loved joining in the disco part at the end.

What happens if you go to a disco at a dance school? Well, they perform a few improvised routines, scream alot when favourite songs come on, the dancefloor is filled with as many enthusiastic boys as girls, there are random people dotted abot performing some really excellent moves including break dancing and body popping (you know, like it's an every day thing), and they form a ring to do one of those jump-in-the-middle-and-perform-some-cool-move-then-jump-out-again things (see, I'm down with the lingo ;D) which even my 6 year old took part in without any nerves whatsoever, AND, and this is the big bit, AND, you sit at the back of the room, still just about clinging onto your twenties, and feel, for want of a better description, like a MUM.

Mum translated here means: old, untrendy, lacking rythym, embrassasing if you dare leave your seat to join in, and worst of all, sensible!

Still, It was a good show, and the Small Person had fun.

There wasn't going to be an activity today either, but it seems the Small Person had other ideas.
Today's activity is: Which part of your body will you injure if you fall from the top of your loft bed?

That's right, we'd just collected Zacky from my Mum, got home and sent madam to get ready for bed when we heard a big thud and some pained crying/wailing. She has quite a high sleeper, I'm still not sure exactly what happened, but something along the lines of her PJs were on her bed, she went up to get ready, dropped them from the top of the bed, and instead of climbing down to get them, tried to reach them from the top and fell. Her left knee seems to have taken most of the impact. She can bend it and put weight on it, but it's very red, a bit swollen and is making an awful clicking. She also seems to be in quite a bit of pain. So Mr Bogert has taken her to A&E to get checked out.

This is the first time I've never been with one of the kids when the've had to go to hospital, and it's not sitting well with me :( Fingers crossed, all will be well, but for now we'll just have to wait and see. Mr Bogert has sent a message to say that it's very busy. We may all be waiting quite some time...

W also had Alexandra's Year 1 Nativity this morning, but more on that in another post.
Only 16 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 8

2011-12-08T20:50:00.000Z

Today's Movie is: The Hogfather - Part 2 (followed on from last night).

Today's activity is: Paper Strip Christmas Tree Pictures.

You will need:
- card or paper as a base
- glue
- various green coloured papers
- gold star stickers/gummed paper shapes
- brown paper/felt or similar

Cut the green papers into strips, about 1" wide, of varying lengths.

Cut the brown paper/felt or whatever you are using into fatter shorter rectangles all the same size. These will form your trunk.

Glue your trunk to your base.

Glue strips of the green paper horizontally from the base of the trunk working upwards, using shorter lengths each time to form a triangular tree shape.

Alexandra also added some baubles using a metallic marker.

Fix your star to the top.

All finished!

This is such a simple craft that can be completed quite quickly. It would work well for Christmas cards, or by using thinner and shorter strips, for gift tags. A lovely Christmas decoupage plaque could be created by using a piece of wood as a base, and then making sure to cover the whole picture with glue or varnish to fix and protect.

Older children who have some sewing skills could make a simple Christmas cushion cover using this tree design. Simply cut the strips from coloured fabrics and sew in place on a pre-made cushion cover with a running stitch. (if you use non-fray fabric the edges can be left raw, if the fabric is likely to fray, help them out with a little fray-check or by turning the edges under using an iron so they are ready for the kids to sew).

Alexandra's version was made as a card just for Daddy.

Well worth the reward I think :)

Only 17 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Alex in Wonderland Party

2011-12-08T14:26:00.000Z

So, how did it go?

Well all things considered. Isn't it always the way when you have a million things to do to a deadline that everything, and I mean everything conspires against you.

I had to leave alot of the work until quite close to the party because I had an assignment to write. Mr Bogert was away from the day after the Small Person's birthday until the day before the party. I just managed to get the assignment written and sent on Thursday (after a few technical difficulties), and made a really good start (with my nan's help) on the Alice dress. Due to time I had to cut out all the pretty details I wanted to add like the lace at the neck, the frilly petticoat and the rows of black velvet ribbon I had planned for the hem of the skirt.

The night I was so ill! I was up all night. I was of no use to anyone the next day when Mr Bogert got home. He had to prepare all of the food, get the cameras ready, make sure everything was ready to go to the hall and all the other little jobs. There was no way I was well enough to make Zacky's dormouse costume, so I improvised. He wore one of his own shirts and waistcoats (not purple like it should be, but at least it was a wasitcoat), his brown fleece trousers and one of the Small Person's short sleeved pink cardigans instaed of the pink jacket I had intended to make. I did whip up a little brown bonnet with ears tied with a pink ribbon (instead of a pink bow tie), and the ears flopped everywhere because I didn't line, pad or wire them like I would normally.

Luckily we'd sorted Mr Bogert's costume a few weeks ago. I brightened up just enough to finish the Alice dress. It is made as a two piece: and elasticated full skirt with gathered frill at the hem, and a panelled bodice top with puffed (elasticated cuff) sleeves and velcro fastening at the back. The neckline was just bound with tape as there was no time (or energy) for facings or linings like I had planned, thn I tacked some black velvet ribbon over the top. The buttons are for show only and are absolutely lovely (I bought all the lady on the market had). The elastic in the skirt waistband needed to be thicker to hold the weight of the skirt, but I had to work with what I already had. The result was, the skirt kept riding down when she was running around at the party.

I had to ditch the idea of homemade rosettes for the game winners, luckily I had some plastic winner medals I'd bought from Wilkinsons. I had to ditch the idea of crowns for the winnder of the fancy dress competition, but it was OK because they had prizes at least. I had to ditch the idea of a homemade and decorated cake, but Costco to the rescue, we had a lovely large white iced cake with colourful balloons and happy birthday written on. I had to ditch the idea of marzipan mushrooms and 'eat me' 'drink me' labels, I had to ditch the tissue paper pom pom decorations and the playing card bunting, and and there were no balloons or flowers sprouting out of the teapots on the table.

I knew all of these things were missing from my grand scheme, but nobody else did, so I've had to learn to let it go. There's always her 18th....

On the day of the party the other grown ups who were helping came along. We had Uncle Ted as the King of Hearts, Auntie Simone as the Queen of Hearts, Auntie Heather as The Cheshire Cat, and Uncle Andy as the Caterpillar. Auntie Simone had a terrible cold, Auntie Heather had cracked her head open during the week at work. Going well so far...

I had managed to scrape a costume together for me: Mr Bogert's shirt and trousers, my brown shoes, a bit of felt quickly fashioned into a large bow tie and my jacket. The ears are off a stuffed animal mask that lives in the fancy dress box, but as it's intended for children I couldn't see through it (made even worse by my glasses), so the Small Person allowed me to unpick the mask and sew just the ears to one of her hair bands. I have promised they will be returned to their original state. I was also feeling better by the morning of the party, just a bit drained.

But we got there, we got ready, the kids arrived and we muddled through. Mr Bogert's mum, my Mum, my Grandad and my Nan ran drinks out of the kitchen for the grown ups and finshed laying the food out for us. My mum also filled the goody bags for me. Another things to slip by as time ran out.

I really have to hand it to Mr Bogert he put on quite a performance as the Mad Hatter! Alexandra should be able to look back at this party and how silly we were and say "wow, my Mummy and Daddy must really love me!". Special mention must also go to Auntie Simone who was convincingly bossy and in charge calling for heads to be chopped of left right and centre, giving the kids high fives and generally playing up along side Mr Bogert. You can tell she'll be a great teacher.

We didn't have time to do the photobooth like originally planned :( We were going to photo each child with Alex in costume as they arrived so that we could print it and put it on the thank you card. Instead we jumped staright into the games. First we played musical chairs, where there was some confusion about how mnay chairs to take away, who was in or out and who was even playing. Then Alexandra cried because she said she had tried really hard but still ended up out! Oh dear...

We got past that hiccup and then played musical statues with the Queen of hearts in charge. Those that were out got sweets, the winner got sweets and a medal sam as for musical chairs.

Then we did the painting the roses red relay. The whole winning team got medals, and everyone else got stickers.

Then we played the dice game. Mr Bogert had made a large cardboard cube with a picture of each of the characters we were dressed as on each side. The characters stand spread out around the room (March Hare, that was Me, Queen of Hearts, Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, King of Hearts and Playing Card guard). Our King of Hearst was in the middle of feeding the baby though, so we had to enlist a Dad. Uncle Anthony was supposed to be the playing card guard but there was a power cut at his work, so he was running, late, so we had to ask another dad! (I told you everything went well!). Anyway, The Mad Hatter rolls the dice and whichever character it lands on the children all have to run to, and that character gives out stickers. We carried this on for enough turns to take us up to the hour mark and food time.

Mr Bogert and Simone went around entertaining whilst we dished out food around the kids. Then I got called into the side room to be told Zack had been sick everywhere. Yay. So he was covered, I had no spare clothes with us, he had been sitting in the pushchair and that was covered. Got him cleaned up as best as possible with help especially from Uncle Ted. Managed to find a clean vest in the change bag and borrowed a blanket to wrap him in. I had no choice but to go back to the party - the problem of doing your own entertainment. My Nan sat with him and eventually he fell asleep. The pushchair is ruined. No matter how much we scrub, you just can't get the smell out :(

Back to the party -
We did the cake and then realised we'd forgotten the jelly and hastily dished that out. Mr Bogert had set the jellies in little teacups that his Mum had been collecting for us. (We also forgot to put out the jam tarts and party ring biscuits!).

Mr Bogert had the children conga away from dinner and all around the room. Uncle Anthony had finally managed to get away from work and was put in charge of the video camera.

Whilst Mr Bogert and I fiddled around with the music (because we hadn't had time to note down which number songs were for when) Auntie Simone jumped in and occupied the kids with a Queen of Hearst version of Simon Says.

Music finally sorted the Mad Hatter, March Hare and Queen of Hearts showed the children how to do the dance moves to some songs chosen by the Small Person:
Superman (You know "Honk your horn, ring your bell, wave your hands, supermaaaaaaaan")
Aga Do (that one is surprisingly tiring!)
and finally we had the kids get their grown ups for Cha Cha slide where we (mostly me) kept getting mixed up with left and right because we were trying to do it backwards so we would be a mirror image for the kids. I'd been ok in Aga Do!

The winners of the fancy dress were chosen, my cousin's little step daughter as the white rabbit, and twin boys from Alexandra's school dressed as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (there was another set of tweedles who were equally good - it was so hard to choose!). Goody bags were handed out, children went away with smiles, the Small Person was happy.

It took over an hour to clean up with alot of help from everyone. Then we all went home and collapsed in a big heap!

We had said this was the last big party for Alexandra for a few years now. She's at the age where she can select a few close friends and go bowling or to the cinema. I'm relieved in one sense, but a little sad in another. No more children's fancy dress parties and typical party games. Another mile marker in her growth passed.

Christmas Countdown - 7

2011-12-07T23:55:00.001Z

Today's movie is: The Hogfather - Part 1 (chosen by the Small Person) which by the rules of sequels in our little countdown means that tomorrow will be part 2, no selection necessary.

In case you were wondering how we choose our movie, we have this little Santa hat pinned to the doorframe filled with little gold and silver cards with all the movie names on. When we've watched a movie, we pin the card to the wall next to the TV.

Today's activity is: Pom Pom Wreaths

You will need:
- some stiff card (corrugated would be best)
- glue
- a length of ribbon
- pom pom (either a bag of craft pom poms or create your own, but you will need quite a few of both)
- a pencil
- scissors
- sellotape

First of all drawn a circle on a your stiff card. (remember the bigger your circle, the more pom poms you will need to complete the wreath).

Draw a smaller circle inside the other one leaving at least a 2.5" gap (this again needs to be down to your own judgement. The bigger you have made your original circle, the wider the gap will need to be to look right) You may want to look at the ring we made for our autumn leaf wreathes at Toddler Group here.

Cut out so you are left with a ring.

Create a loop with the ribbon (for hanging) and fix to the top of the ring with tape. (this will be covered with pom poms.

If you are making your own pom poms, you may want to have a quick look at this post here where I explain how to make pom poms. (I have used a 'c' shape instead of a full ring because it is easier to pass the yarn through as you wind it thicker and thicker)

Next, you just have fun sticking pom poms all over your ring. Make sure not to leave any gaps. You will find homemade pom poms much easier to stick that craft pom poms. I usually find putting glue on the craft pom pom rather than what I'm sticking it to, and letting it soak into the fibres a bit, helps to get them to stick better. We have also mixed in some coloured scrunched tissue paper balls and a bow at the bottom.

All finished!

This will hang on the small person bedroom door for Christmas once it is dry.

This is a great craft for Christmas with kids and is really easily adaptable to other things. You could stick felt shapes all over, scrunched up tissue paper (we have done this with toddler group before), buttons, paper/fabric flowers, foil (it would look especially effective with foil milk bottle caps) and plenty of other things. You could actually do a combination of these items to make a really lovely full wreath. it would also be nice to add a big bow at the bottom (or just a tiny one like the Small Person's).

A final finishing touch would be a scroll of paper across the centre with a festive message or your child's name. Just take a strip of paper about 2 inches in depth and a little long than the width of you wreath. Write or print your message (you could even use letter stickers) then take a pencil and curl each end around the pencil to scroll the ends. Glue in place across your finished wreath.

Only 18 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 6

2011-12-06T21:16:00.003Z

We need sacking. Today's movie was cancelled due to bad Mummy.

The small person's school nativity is this Friday and her costume needed to be in school this Monday. Well, I've just spent a few hours cutting and pinning whilst my nan sewed on my instructions to get a Mary costume done in time to send in tomorrow. 2 days late. So the movie was cancelled :(

There just wasn't time before baths and bed. (I'll post pics and info of the Mary costume when we've been to the Nativity).

Today's activity is: Snowman Ornament (found here via Activity Mom - number 5) Which we also didn't do tonight, but we did do at toddler group today. So this is also combined Toddler Group Tuesday :)

You will need:
- a lollipop stick or a tongue depresser for a larger version
- white paint
- glue
- some buttons
- a black pen
- black and orange felt of craft foam
- a favourite colour felt
- a lnegth of ribbon

First paint the lollipop stick/tongue depresser white all over and allow to dry.

Create a loop with the ribbon (for a tree hanger) and glue the ends to the top of your stick.

Cut a hat shape from the black felt/foam and glue to cover where the ribbon ends are stuck.

cut a strip from the favourite coloured felt to create a scarf. It needs to be around 1-2cm thick (use your won judgement as to what looks best) and long enough to wrap around the stick with hanging ends. You can also repeatedly snip into the ends to create fringes but this is not essenital.

Now add the face details with the black pen.

Cut a small triangle from the orange felt/foam and glue in place as a carrot nose.

Glue buttons down your snowmans front. These could be changed for craft pom poms if you like.

All finished!

The small person's snowman with added 'snow' painted on his hat and scarf (before buttons were added down his front).

For toddler group, because we don't have time to let paint dry, we used glue and white tissue paper pieces instead. Another option would have been to pre-paint them for the kids, but I think the more they get tto stick/paint themselves the better! We also switched out the buttons for tiny craft foam circles punched using an oridnairy hole punch. This is for 2 reasons: 1- Todler group does not have a button stash, 2 - try as I might, I couldn't persuade myself to part with my precious buttons :)

(Sorry I don't have any more pictures of the snowman in progress, the camera battery ran out - it has been well used lately!)

Only 19 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 5

2011-12-05T21:06:00.003Z

Today's movie is: Deck the Halls (chosen by Mr Bogert)

Today's activity is: Christmas picture missing pieces

You will need:
- some Christmas pictures (Christmas cards work well, or you could look through magazines, print some from the internet, or print some clipart
- some scissors
- pencil
- ruler or a round, square or rectangle to drawn around

This is really simple to prepare. Take each picture and using a pencil draw your shape in a random place on each. (If you are using a ruler, drawn a square or rectangle the same dimension on each. If you are using something to draw around, make sure you use the same shape each time.)

Once you have drawn your shape on all the pictures, cut them out carefully. These are your missing pieces. If you have a large size punch (at least 2") you could use this for speed and accuracy.

Put your missing pieces all together and jumble them up.

The Small Person glued her missing pieces back in place once she matched them.

The Small Person has to sit here and match the right missing piece to the right picture. Simples!

Only 20 more sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 4

2011-12-04T21:00:00.003Z

Today's movie is: A Muppet Christmas Carol (chosen by Alexandra)

Today's activity is: Snowman Dice Game (found here via Activity Mom - number 3) but we haven't actully played it :(

The whole household has been ill to some degree or other over the past week, and today, we're all just wiped out. We opted instead to watch the movie on our big bed with hot chocolate covered in whippy cream, but we did make an attempt to sing along to the songs "It's in the singing of a street corner choir, it's going home and getting warm by the fire, it's tru wherever you find love, it feels like christmas.....". We'll try the dice game on another night and let you know how it goes.

Only 21 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 3

2011-12-03T21:00:00.004Z

Today's movie is: Disney's Christmas Carol (Animated Jim Carey version)

Today's activity is: Colour the Shapes Snowman (taken from here on Activity Mom - number 13)

It's perhaps a little basic for the Small Person because she's been very good with her colours and shapes since she was around 2/3, but she still enjoyed it, and it's still Christmassy!

Only 22 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 2

2011-12-02T21:34:00.004Z

Todays movie is: Not actually a Christmas Movie but we thought it was very appropriate for tomorrow's Alex in Wonderland Party - Alice in Wonderland (Tim Burton version)

Todays activity is: School Friend Cards

Not a craft I'm afraid, but still a Christmas activity.

The Small Person has so many school, dance and other friends, that we don't usually do homemade cards for them, we have a few packs of store bought.

To make them more special though, Alexandra has drawn a picture of each friend inside their card, written her message, then popped a chocolate treat inside before sealing the envelope. Her friends always love the extra little sweet treat when they open their cards!

All ready to be hand delivered.

There's only 23 sleeps 'til Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 1

2011-12-01T23:14:00.000Z

Today's movie is: Holidaze: The Christmas That Almost Didn't Happen (picked by me).

Today's Christmas craft is: Santa Handprint Cards (found here)

You will need:
- some card/a card blank
- red paint
- white paint
- pink/skin tone paint
- cotton wool
- glue
- pens

If you are using plain card, fold it down the centre to create a bi-fold.

You have to work quickly with this part to stop the paint from drying before you get chance to print it:
Paint the thumb and section of hand closest to the wrist red.
paint the rest of the palm of the hand pink/skin tone.
paint the 4 fingers white.
Press whole hand firmly down onto your card making sure each finger and the thumb prints clearly.

Allow to dry (if there are any gaps particularly on the pink face part, you can fill this in with a brush)

Once dry, use the pens to add facial features.

Put a line of glue where the red paint meets the pink/skin tone paint. Stick cotton wool to this line.

Put a blob of glue on the tip of the red thumb print and stick a cotton wool ball here. If you are careful, you can also add a small bit of cotton wool for a moustache.

Add Merry Christmas to the front of the card. This can be hand written, stamped or you could print labels out from the PC, cut into strips and glue these on.

That's your Santa finished!

Alexandra is making a whole batch for each family member, each of her teachers and dance instructors, her sunday school teacher and her school bus driver and bus minder. (that's a whole bunch of cards to be made!)

You could take this a few steps further and add some cut out card shapes for holly on the hat, you could fill the gaps between the finger beard with more cotton wool, you could also add some glitter (use red glitter before the paint dries, sprinkle on the red part of the print for a glittery magical Santa hat!)

This could also be adapted for a decoration for the tree: Simply follow the steps above but on firmer card, then cut around the handprint, punch a hole at the top, and thread some ribbon throuh the hole. If you do this, instead of cotton wool on the tip of the thumb, you could punch another hole and use ribbon to attach a jingle bell.

Only 24 more sleeps 'til Christmas!

My Beautiful 6 Year Old

2011-11-29T21:00:00.000Z

I can't believe my tiny baby girl is a great big 6 year old, complete with long arms and legs, all the adorable baby chubbiness gone, slim length in it's place. I really can't think of her as tiny anymore. I'm amazed when I look back through the photos and see just how much she's grown, all that she's done and the amazing individual little girl she has become. I can't help feeling a little sad too.

I hope she never outgrows cuddles and kisses, even when she's a grown woman. I hope she always carries as much energy and enthusiasm as she does now. I hope her amazing confidence is never dented.

Alexandra is around 10 months old in these photographs. We were on holiday at my Aunt and Uncle's on the Isle of Wight. Can't you just see Zachary in that face?

I often comment to her now on how much she is growing and how I can't call her a baby anymore. The other day she came and curled into my arms and said 'I don't want to grow up. I want to be your baby'. I said that she would always be my baby, I just couldn't call her one anymore, but I love her more than ever. I also said 'I thought you wanted your own house so you can have everything how you want it? You have to grow up to be able to do that one day.'
'Well I do, but I want you to stay with me. I will miss you.'
'I couldn't stay with you forever because I have my own house with Daddy. Daddy would get lonely, but I could come visit.'
'Yeah! We could have a sleepover for 10 days. That's a long time.'
'I'd really like that.'
'Don't forget will you Mummy?'
'I wont forget, I just hope you don't...'

On her first birthday - already walking for a month at this point.

In the blink of an eye, 6 years has passed, in another 6, she will be 12, another 6 and she will be ending her teenage years. Time moves too quickly, I hope it can slow down a little.

This is Sudocrem incident that took place at 16 months of age. Lesson to be learned: never leave the change bag unattended. Ever. (If she looked like this, picture if you will, the rest of the living room, the windows, the carpet on the stairs, the TV...)

I'm also well aware how fast the Smaller Person is growing. I hope Mr Bogert and I make good enough parents that we prepare them both for real life while still maintaining a balance of the fun, imagination and innocence of childhood. I hope they enjoy their childhood with us enough to stay close when they are fully grown. I will be the mother that sits at graduations, weddings and christenings and cries.

My littlest hen after my Hen night dinner (around 18 months old)

Mummy's prettiest Bridesmaid (sorry girls!) August 2007

She is doing well at school and doesn't seem to struggle with anything so far. She loves literacy and has done well in all of her spelling tests, can read at a good level unaided, and has been called out in assembly for special mention by the headmistress for her literacy sequencing skills.

23 Months old

She is in green house and has earned quite a few house points for her team over the last year of school.
She loves lasagne and has been pulled into the latest craze on the playground: Moshi Monters. She still loves drinking milk and water and never has fizzy or caffeinated drinks (there is hope for her teeth, where there is none for Mr Bogert and mine!)

Just before her 2nd birthday at Disney World Florida - our honeymoon.

She takes part in some lunchtime clubs: book club on Tuesdays, recorders on Thursdays, and choir on Fridays. She asked if she could do all of these. We have never pushed her to do any of the extra curricular activitites, she just loves joining in.

Her 2nd birthday and her first big girl bed she got as a birthday present.

She has earned 2 swimming badges and also attends ballet and tap lessons on a Monday after school, and freestyle and musical theatre lessons on a Saturday. She always comes out of classes bouncing all over the place, very happy with herself and the sticker she has recieved from the teacher, but when we ask her what she did, she can't remember!

2 years and 3 months old already enjoying her books.

2 and 1/2 years old

She has already gained a red rosette for Freestyle dance and won a gold medal with her troupe in a ballet competition. They did bees and flowers and she was a bee. My favourite recollection of the performance was I had been worrying that perhaps once she got on stage in front of all of these strange grown ups and other children, she would freeze or maybe get upset and try and hide. What a surprise I got. As they filed onto the stage, Alexandra held the whole line up as she stopped to give everyone a huge grin, and that grin didn't leave her face for the entire performance. She loved it, I loved watching her. She truly was made to perform.

First day of preschool almost 3 years old.

At the end of the first day of preschool, talking to Daddy about her busy day on Mummy's phone.

Speaking of performing, she also happens to be a drama queen. The tiniest thing can be the end of the world and the facial expressions and body language that accompany the moans and sobs would make you think that something entirely tagic has actually happened. It's probably just that the DS battery has run out and she can't find the charger. By the same token, the most amzingly exciting things happen and are retold to you with breathless, energetic expression, raised eyebrows and excessive use of words (a bit like Lola of Charlie and Lola) "It was the most wonderfulest bestest thing ever" followed by vigourous head nodding and those same raised eyebrows.

First Trick or Treat as the Pumpkin Witch

She is a dreamer. I'm all for dreaming, the most wonderful creators are usually dreamers, but I do wish she would come down off her cloud at certain times like homework time, dinner or breakfast, getting ready time, you know, the times when instructions are being given and all that are returned are blank stares or her most frequent question "What did you say?". Sometimes you need the patience of a saint, unfortunately I don't have this...

3rd Birthday

She is still very creative and arty. I'm very proud of her masterpeices. She makes some wonderful things, just out of her own imagination. She draws lovely pictures that don't take any explanation of what they are. It's clear to see who her portraits are of.

3 years and 10 months on holiday in Perranporth after being chosen to feed the penguins

She reads and reads and reads. I'm so pleased she loves books. I think I would have felt a failure if she hadn't liked to read at least some books. She loves to read so much we often find half of her bookshelf strewn all over her bed when we go up to bed, and she's been reading instead of sleeping. We know she will pay for it in the morning when we get her up for school and she's so tired she can hardly work out which items of clothes are which. The thing is, and don't tell her this, but I used to do exactly the same thing, only I had one book I kept under my pillow. I was a master of quietly turning pages and reading in the least light available (from the landing and from the airport by our house through the window, curtains open).

Bridesmaid for a second time, this time for Auntie Simone and Uncle Ted in August 2009

She is the gentlest caring little person. She really cares for her brother. Loves to play with him and make him laugh. She always shares her toys with him (although we have to explain some are unsuitable because he isn't old enough), and she always shares sweets and nice things (even though you know she really wants to eat them all, seeing other people without makes her want to share more). If anyone is sad, she always wants to jump in and make them better, even if it's me or her Daddy. She can be a real little mother.

4th BIrthday at Thomas Land (her last birthday at home before she started school - we always used to take the day off to spend with her, now she's not allowed the day off!)

She can be very bossy, but this comes from her confidence and also her definite ideas in how things should be. She is a leader, not a follower. Good at times, a bit rude at others, but we're working on that. She finds it more difficult when other people (other than me or her daddy or teacher) tell her, simply because we are used to the way of dealing with her, and she's not sure of recognising anyone else's authority. It can become difficult with more than one person trying to tell her at once too: with a determined mind that struggles to focus at the best of times, other people jump in to 'help' correct her behaviour, and she literally doesn't hear them, or unfortunately us (we get lost in the multiple voices). I have found people can think she is being naughty, but truly, she just hasn't registered what was said.

4th Birthday Pirate Party - the Dread Pirate Ali

She has this amazingly quirky little character, so grown up and in charge, so caring and gentle, so creative and musical, so fun and silly, but so determined and energetic. With the energy, she sometimes forgets to wait until other people have finished speaking before she speaks (she just has to be gently reminded to wait her turn) she is just so excited to tell you something, or she just must know the answer to a question right now! She is also loud. She gets so excited the volume rises and rises until you have to say 'volume Alexandra'. In addition to "what did you say" being her most used phrase, the second most frequent to escape her lips: "Ooops, sorry!".

Pre-school Graduation July 2010

She's wonderful. If she carries on the way she is, she will never feel as shy as I did in school, she will never be afraid of saying the wrong thing or giving the wrong answer (I always was), she will have the confidence to follow the things that interest her (which seem to be performing arts), she will be able to swim (I can't, my mum can't, my nan can't), she will have many friends who feel lucky to have such a caring friend, and she will continue to achieve all she can in school.

Becoming a big sister

I'm proud of my Small Person. Now, if she would just stop growing...

5th Birthday Superhero Party - Wonderwoman

Just looking through these old photos I'm reminded just how much Zack looks like Alexandra did at that age (only fairer). What pretty babies Mr Bogert and I make (I know I'm biased, but disagree with that little Alexandra face!)

Age 5

Happy Birthday to my Princess who makes all of the sweetest Wishes.

Toddler Group Tuesday - Christmas Pudding Cards

2011-11-29T13:58:00.000Z

Today at toddler group we have been making potato printed Christmas cards.

You will need:
- some card (any colour you like, but festive colours like red and green work particularly well)
- some green felt/paper/foam cut into holly leaf shapes
- some brown paint
- some black paint
- glue
- red craft pom poms/felt circle/buttons
- white felt
- a baking size potato (cut across so you have a large oval/circle stamp)
- a small carrot (cut so that you have a small circle stamp)
- some glitter

First fold your card in half.

Use your potato stamp with the brown paint and stamp once onto your card.

Now use your small carrot stamp with the black paint to stamp small black circles onto your brown paint.

Sprinkle with glitter whilst the paint is still wet (gold or brown coloured glitter looks best).

Cut a circle from the white felt that is roughly the same size as your potato stamp. Now cut a wiggly line across the centre (the wigglier the better) This will be for the white sauce on top of your pudding.

Glue one of the white felt pieces to the top of your pudding picture. (if you are making more than one card, the other half can be used for another pudding picture).

Glue 2 green holly leaf shape to the top of your white sauce covered pudding.

Glue 3 red berries (the red pom poms/felt/buttons) to the point where your holly leaves meet.

All finished!

You could add some wording to the front either hand written, a stamp, printed from the computer or a sticker. This could also be turned into a lovely little Christmas gift or decoration by creating the picture on a small box canvas, or on some stiff board and the framing it. It could hang on your wall all the festive season and be treasured every year, even when your little artist has grown up.

(sorry for the poor pictures - they were taken rather hastily this morning at Toddler Group.)

Ragley Hall Christmas Fayre

2011-11-27T23:17:00.025Z

Today we went along to Ragley Hall to browse the lovely stalls and see Santa.

We haven't been to Ragley Hall for quite some time, and we've never been to the Craft and Gift Fayre.

When we arrived the choir were performing on the staircase with the large trompe l'oeil mural in the background. They were fantastic and despite the large cramped crowd, the feeling was very festive.

We went through to the Great Hall to visit Santa who was sitting by a large real Christmas Tree decorated with paper chains and Christmas card pictures. The Small Person sat and coloured Santa a picture whilst I kept our place in line.

Zachary was absolutely fascinated by the high ceiling covered in plaster moulds.

He was not however a huge fan of Santa agiain. When it got to be our turn, he cried and cried and cried! Poor little man. He did like the slinky that Santa gave him though.

Alexandra said "Santa's got grey eyebrows. Is he the real Santa?"
"Ofcourse he's the real Santa. There's only one Santa".
"Well Santa hasn't got grey eyebrows. His eyebrows are white."
Ooops. We may have to explain about how at this time of year, often they are santa's helpers and messengers 'cos Santa's so busy getting ready, and that all of these helpers pass all of the information on to Santa.

We went back downstairs and followed the stalls around. Oh there was such lovliness! I didn't take any pictures of the stalls because I didn't want to appear nosey/rude/weird (delete as you find appropriate) and there really wasn't enough space in the crowds anyway.

There was a lovely salt dough stall (Handmade Saltdough by Bev Wareing) with all sorts of lovely decorations, models, lettering and decorated spoons and rolling pins. The small people each had a gingerbread tree decoration from this stall. Unfortunately there is no web site listed on the business card.

There was Mostly Hearts teamed with Bical Socks on a stall. I would have liked to have bought some of these little sock/shoes as gifts (I love the giraffe and frog ones). They also sell cute hats and organic cotton babygrows.

Pretty Beautiful gifts and cards and also PB Dried Fruit had some lovely festive gifts ideas. There were some pretty tea cup candles and dried fruit wreathes and tree decorations.

We had a little food break in the catering marquee before moving on. We had bacon butties and hot sweet tea, whilst the Small Person chose a salad batch and water. Zacky decided he wasn't hungry because he was far too busy playing with his slinky.

Aneata Boote had some beautiful jewelry. There was an absolutely lovely turquoise ring. Just lovely.

Bluebell Cottage Gifts had ladies accessories and gifts. I was especially attracted to their collection of scarves.

The Sheppard's Flock had the most adorable soft dolls. My favourites were the angels, the Small Person was desperate for a mermaid, and they really were lovely. We'd already bought quite a few things though and I thought, well at least they have a web site.

The stalls that we bought from didn't seem to have any business cards or company name signs. It was pretty much now or never, which is a shame because now I'll never be able to find them again. Alexandra bought some charity colouring sheets, I bought myself a lovely bookmark and some packets of buttons. I saw so many things that I would have loved to buy, especially as gifts for other people for Christmas.

We went past a homemade fudge stall and Mr Bogert said that he wouldn't try any. I moved on to a jewelry stall, and when I went back to show him 'the' perfect gift for me for Christmas, he was in the process of buying 2 bags of fudge! Amazing willpower there! It's very yummy though.

We went across to the jewelry stall where I had seen a pendant watch. I mentioned just a few weeks ago how much I would like one and had added it to my list. I just needed to find the right one. And there it was sitting on the stall. Mr Bogert was not overly impressed. Not because he didn't want to buy it for me, he just hates me to know what any of my gifts are. It's all about surprises. He has threatened in the past to return gifts where I have guessed what they are. He did however relent, and I have promised to try as hard as possible to forget what it looks like before December 25th!

There was also a lovely little stall that had all different sorts of bears including some Steiff ones. Oh I fell in love with nearly every one of those little furry faces! So did the small person. She took a particular fancy to the tiny bears in boxes. She had already spent all of her spending money, so I sent Mr Bogert back to the stall when she wasn't looking to get one to keep for Christmas. It's so sweet with a bow on top of it's head.

(must remember to take things out of my hoodie pocket when having pictures taken. It really isn't very flattering!)

I really could have spent a fortune, and a great deal more time there. We will definitely be returning next year (with more money!) I will try and remember to include some pics of our goodies in a future post.

A member of staff (in Victorian dress) offered to take our photo as a family outside afterwards. It's not often we all get to be in a picture. I love how they've dressed the stairway with foliage and berries. It makes me wish we had railings at our house.

We finished with Sunday lunch at Mr Bogert's mum's house.

This is going to be an incredibly busy week. Tomorrow is Alexandra's school trip followed by dancing, toddler group and the Small Person's birthday on Tuesday, finished off with her birthday dinner on Tuesday evening. Mr Bogert is off on a business trip on Wednesday and the school is closed because of strike, Thursday my next assignment is due in at midday (on the subject of boyhood in some nineteenth century children's novels. I haven't even finished all of the reading, have no essay plan and am nowhere near a starting point for the assignment), Mr Bogert returns on Friday and then it is the Wonderland party on Saturday. Somewhere inbetween all of that, I need to finish our costumes for Saturday, the goody bags, the cake, the games etc and sort out all of our Advent Activity Countdown things.

You will forgive me if I don't get chance to stop by? (but you can look forward to a full account with many photos as soon as I get a minute to breathe!)

A Christmas Countdown

2011-11-27T18:00:00.002Z

December is almost here and I've been ~~losing time~~ finding inspiration on Pinterest!

Mr Bogert and I had already decided we wanted to watch a Christmas movie every day with the small people in the run up to Christmas. We made a list of our favourite Christmas movies (young child friendly ones - No Gremlins or Bad Santa in this list!) and each has been written on a card. Every day we pull a card from the bag, and that's the movie we watch! The rules are though, that if we pull out a movie that is part of a series, we watch the series in a row on the following nights.

So, we already had the movie countdown planned, but then I came across this on Pinterest: Activity Advent Countdown with The Activity Mom.

So now we have our own Wishes activity countdown using quite a few suggestions from Activity Mom, and a few others thrown in of our own or seen in other places. The Small person gets to open an envelope each day which has her activity in. After the activity, we finish off with the movie. (There maybe popcorn and hot chocolate involved - preparing for Christmas is a serious business!)

I hope you'll join us through December as we blog our countdown!

(We're actually starting the movies a few days early because we liked so many, we didn't have enough days!)

Village Christmas Fayre

2011-11-26T19:57:00.000Z

Today was the annual Village Christmas Fayre held in the Village Hall.

We didn't have a stall and we wren't signed up for anything during the day. For once we were just going to look around the stall, buy raffle tickets and have turns on the Tombola.

The Small Person on the other hand had been asked to be Santa's helper this year. I reused her red deer Christmas skirt from when she was an Elf at nursery (a while ago), her red and white striped pirate tights from her 4th birthday party, her red net pom pom petticoat from Children in Need a week or so ago, a plain white t-shirt, green cardigan and a santa hat. I centre parted her hair and plaited each half then tied it in a loop low just below her ear. I put a little flick at the corner of each eye with a black liquid liner, then used pink face paint for her nose and rosy circle cheeks. She looked very sweet.

She was excited all day, and getting ready, then she couldn't wait for Santa to arrive at the hall, then when he got there, she just stood really quietly with a very serious face. (we had warned her she had better be on her very best behaviour so as not to go on the naughty list). Santa said it was OK because she was obviously taking her job very seriously.

Later, when her duty was done, she said her legs were very tired (she had to stand) and she said she thought next time she wouldn't want to help Santa. I think being so good and quiet for so long really took it out of her!

As for no jobs for me and Mr Bogert? Well, when I took the Small Person to Santa's grotto (cupboard), one of the committee members said to me "Oh, you're collecting tickets, OK, good" and that was that. I was collecting tickets. (each child is given a ticket to visit santa as they arrive at the hall).

Santa Arrives

We took the camera to snap a few pics of Alexandra and Zack with Santa, and then in the end took photos for the village web site for "village events".

Zack met Santa and cried. Santa gave Zack chocolates - the crying stopped!

Santa and his serious helper

Nan stocking up on raffle tickets

We still had chance to see the stalls. The gardening stall (gardening club is new this year) was very impressive and were raffling off a real Christmas tree. The regulars were there (alzheimers society, WI, Aromatherapy, Asda bus tombola, church tombola, woodwork man, friendly club, art club etc etc.)

Gardening Club stall and the prize tree

Zack and Alex each had a turn on the lucky dip and bought a knitted duck from the Alzheimers Stall (£2.25 the lady charged for these - bargain! They're lovely). Alex won quite a few things on the tombola, Rob bought 2 cakes from the WI, and Alexandra spent her last bit of cash on a wooden Teddy Bear for the Chrismas tree.

Knitted ducks (Mr and Mrs)

Auntie Heather and Uncle Andy stopped by and we sat having a chat, hot drink a piece of cake.

Auntie Heather and Uncle Andy

Finally, 4pm came, the raffle tickets were drawn. We didn't win the tree much to Mr Bogert's disapointment and we didn' win the art club painting donated by one of the members, much to my disapointment. The painting was by my favourite of the art clubs members. I would have gladly hung that picture straight on our wall, but it was not to be. We did win a prize though, we won the fruit basket which is piled with yummy fruits, and the basket is rather nice too! The Small Person wanted to know if we had to finish the fruit and give the basket back!

As we walked home, the Small Person had obviously been thinking about things: "Why didn't Santa just bring one of his elves with him? Why did he need me?"
"Well at this time of year the elves are busy finishing presents and wrapping them in time for Christmas. Santa can't spare them, that's why he needed your help."
"Oh."

New Shoes!

2011-11-24T10:40:00.007Z

I can walk like a big boy now.

Mama, Dada and A, put these things on me called slippers. I don't like them. I take them off. But then they use the No word, so I think I'm supposed to leave them on my feet.

One day, Mama, Dada and A took me to a place with lots of strange things stuck to the walls.

A man brought some boxes but,they didn't have toys in, they had these other things that looked like slippers.

The man put some on my feet. They feel funny.

Mama and Dada call them "New Shoes".

I think I like them because now I can walk outside! Free! Yay!

It only took us 2 months.