Christmas Shopping and Baking

Isn't it wonderful getting a day off? I know it's Saturday but I have nothing on the calendar today!  Maybe I should check the calendar again? I'm starting to doubt myself?  The kids and Rick were meant to be camping this week but the weather is very wet and even stormy.  It's not that they aren't tough - they just aren't interested in buying boots and a raincoat and sitting in a tent with a book.  The comforts of home are so much more appealing.  There goes my quiet weekend! Just kidding.  I went to StampClub last night and made these two projects. One is a box which will have fudge in it; It's cooling in the fridge.  The other is a pseudo card; more like a gift card.

The card on the left is from my sister, Susan.

We went to the mall today.  I objected strongly because it's the last Saturday before Christmas and NOT the day to go to any mall.  When we arrived, I remembered that this is Auckland, NZ, not Vancouver, Canada. The mall was busier than usual but not even close to Vancouver busy.  I was out of the mall by about 1:45 with groceries and a few treats to be wrapped and stored under the tree.  I'm not very good at buying gifts. I'm better at making gifts when I have the time.  I have lots of gifts to make before Christmas so I better pick up my knitting and keep at it so I finish those socks for my dad, and the quilt for an undisclosed little person.

 

I have just made some beautiful muesli for Christmas morning and some scrumptious Bailey's fudge for gifts. Thank you, Anna, for the recipe from Sophie Gray, the Destitute Gourmet. Yummm!





 Sophie Gray's fudge:
2 - 250g Whittaker's chocolate bars (33% Chocolate)
1 Tbsp butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
4 Tbsp of liqueur (I used Baileys)
toasted hazelnuts
Melt, mix, and cool.  (That's my short hand)

Gingerbread House with the Molyneux's

Heidi and Andrew, along with their children, constructing a gingerbread house at our house.

Year 8 Graduation Ball - my son

Life has been so busy of late. But I recently reminded myself that it is what I make it.  So I make it fun! Here is what I've been up to...

Nicholas' graduation from year 8 (left).

Nick's grandparents were at the ball.

Jessica and Nick - school buddies.

The ball was a great success.  Great food and lots of fun. 

Prize Giving Day!

It was the last day of school at St. Kentigern College and my son was elated to be finished his first year of high school.  We had a great morning watching Benjamin be awarded the St. Andrews Divinity Award for all round academics and Christian education.  Ben had a great year with camp, music concerts, the Middle School production, and what a finale to be on the stage to win this award in his 9SK class.  We got to see the pipe band play and hear the St. Kentigern song and prayer. It was a great day!

My son, Ben, is on the right. Jacky is his friend on the left. Jacky plays the violin too.

Christmas Update

It's 18 days until Christmas!  I've been crafting up a storm and visiting new babies who have given me great reasons to knit!  Take a look at this knitted hat I made for Anna Hardy who is 3 weeks old.  So adorable!  This family was the first to welcome us to NZ back in the days when we lived in Omokoroa.  It was Fran and Jerome who welcomed us into their home when we were orphans at Christmas, and it was Paul, Maria, and Sam who played on the beach with my boys, had picnics and strolls at Mt. Maunganui, and who ultimately shared in the joy of homeschooling with us.  Thank you, Fran and Jerome, for your friendship and memories. It's good to grow with you and celebrate special times like the births of your new babies. Welcome, Anna! 

Cardmaking and Knitting with friends - two of my favorite things!

Mandy and Nicky

Felted Elf Slippers

Sunday was a great day!  I baked a summer berry cheesecake and lemon shortbread cookies and had my friends over for a crafty afternoon of cardmaking and knitting.  We had a great catch up and show and tell included these cute little elf slippers that Mandy made.  The cards are originals by Gemma. Aren't they gorgeous? I love them!

Original designs by Gemma!

Hanmer Springs