Holiday Boredom Busters

In New Zealand we are at the start of the summer school holidays (6 weeks long).

So, sitting on my counter I have 3 jars.

1 is for fun stuff (free to do stuff)

2 is for chores (hehe)

3 is for outings (stuff that costs)

Each day one of the kidlets chooses one out of jar no. 1 and jar no.2. Then once a week/fortnight they can choose out of jar 3.

We went to the school playground.

Our outing last week was the Franklin Zoo.

On this day it was dinner by the river. We even splashed out and got McDonalds.

Then the kids had a blast swimming in the river.

Such a fun time had by all.

We have also played board games, done arts and crafts and played with the toy kitchen.

Christmas day

This year it was Mr Divines brother and his wife's turn to host xmas day.

Oh what fun was had (my photos are in backwards order)

To finish the night my sis-in-law had sparklers which Boodles and her grandma played with.

There was fun in the pool.

Here's us girls. Katrina, Toni, me and Jacqui.

My gorgeous kids in their xmas outfits. Yep! Kind of corny I know, but I just had to make them matching outfits.

My two beauties in their outfits. One was a top and shorts and the other a dress. You know, the same but different.

I hope you had a blessed Christmas.

Steel Mill Christmas Party

My hubby use to work for the Steel Mill. Even though he's left, we still belong

to the Christmas Club. Every year they put on an amazing party for the kiddies.

I am loving this Christmas photo. It's so hard to get 3 kids looking in the same direction.

Who cares that it wasn't in MY direction. hehe

Merry Christmas

I want to wish all you blog readers out there a very merry Christmas.

In the words of John Lennon "So this is Christmas, and what have you done. Another year over and a new ones just began" (sorry if this is not word for word).

This is a great time to reflect on the past year, count your blessings and remember JESUS is the reason for the season.

Mini albums

Another gift finished. For a few family members who wouldn't appreciate a photo key ring I have made these mini albums.

Very simle but effective.

Felt Pen Holders-blog roundabout

Last year my two girls were giving felt holders made by Dee of Sew-funky who saw the tutorial here on One Red Robin.
They have been taken on car trips, to church and anywhere else a little colouring is required.

So this year I am making some for my nephews for Christmas. I hope they get as much use out of them as my kids do.

Funky Orange Aprons

For the tweens in our family I have made these aprons and I am including a boxed cookie mix for Christmas.

What kid doesn't like fresh, hot cookies straight out of the oven :)

More Santa Sacks

These are the last 2 santa sacks I needed to make. Well...half make, as they are pillowcases and I just monogrammed them, as we wouldn't want santa getting mixed up now, would we?!!!
Now all 4 children have new santa sacks. HO HO HO.

Christmas Santa Sacks

My husband was brought up on the tradition of having a santa sack on the end of the bed that is filled with little (cheap) gifts that can be played with straight away. So we have continued the tradition. I have never wanted Santa, Father Christmas, The Jolly Red Man taking the credit for the gifts our children get. So, this is a good compromise. Santa brings the little gifts and leaves them on the end of the bed and mum and dad get the kudos for the real pressies.

Is it just me who thinks having a fat man in a red suit sneaking around your bedroom late at night is a little scary.

Christmas stockings

I have made some Christmas Stockings for our 2 new children. I am really pleased with how they turned out. Our other 2 children have stockings that I brought at a craft market and they look similar. Not long now before Santa slips in the cat door (we don't have a chimney) and fills the stockings with yummy goodies.

Homemade Holidays

If you haven't already checked out Sew, Mama, Sew! blog then do.
Over there you will find a fabulous list of tutorials and present guides all in one place.
If you wish you can also participate by sending in your great ideas for a handmade Christmas.

So please, please, please check it out. You won't be disappointed.

Our Christmas tree

I always put my tree up on the 1st of December and this year was no exception.
I have to admit that I am a bit anal when it comes to my tree, so I decorate it
and the children get their one to decorate.
Because of our 2 new kiddies (and 1 naughty kitty) I have enclosed our tree this year :)

Advent

Advent started this Sunday. This is my Advent wreath (not quite traditional).
Each Sunday the children take turns lighting a candle, we have our reading, prayer and fun activity.
What family traditions do you do?

Photo Christmas Presents

This is my latest idea for christmas presents for the family (so family, avert your eyes now).

I printed out passport size photos of the children and grandchildren etc. and laminated them.

I then joined them together with these keyrings (10 for $2.00).

I really wanted to make some mini albums that I saw on sew-funky's blog back in January, but sadly, I realised, I am not going to have enough time :(

So, this is my compromise.

Knitted Christmas Presents

These are the gifts that I am making my children's teachers.

I made a cotton dish cloth using a pattern from sew-funky's blog. Then added a non-scratch scubbie using knitting cotton and cut up manderine/orange bags. Then I thought all teachers need something sweet so I added a candy cane (it was the right colour).

Two down, one to go :)

Cake in a cup

I have started thinking and making pressies for Christmas. I saw this recipe for a cake in a cup on sew-funky's blog and I have to admit have made it a few times myself ;)
It is so DIVINE and I thought it would make a great gift.

-I purchased some white cups, new off trade me (such a good deal).
-Added the dry ingredients to a cellophane bag (FYI - you can seal cellophane bags by folding over the top and ironing it on a low setting).
-I then typed out what wet ingredients to add and how to make.
-Then as you see, popped them into another cellophane bag and tied with a red ribbon.


These would make great presents for teachers and anyone else who deserves a thank you.
Who wouldn't want a cake in a cup :)

Finally - some crafts

How do people with lots of kids ever manage to craft?
I only have 4 ankle biters and I'm forever trying to play catch up. Washing, cleaning, feeding, changing etc etc.
Well....I have found time to craft but the housework has suffered. Oh well ;)

I am trying to get a handle on Christmas and have started making presents.
For the younger members of the family I am making activity bags. The idea is that everything you need for the activity is held in one zip lock bag.

I got the idea from Chasing Cheerios and ran with it.

I know, horrid photo. Starting at the left side is a threading game for 3yrs and older, then an open, shut them bag, a felt bag, an under 3's threading bag, threading straws onto pipe cleaners and a fishing game. I have made heaps more of different ones and will load them all when I have finished.

So, as I said I was on a roll and found this website that sells books about activities in a bag. The great thing is that if you go to downloads you can find out what is in each bag and what skill it helps develop. So I am going to include this helpful information with my gifts.

Happy Christmas Present Hunting :)