Christmas lights

Due to one son missing a shoe, I actually missed the optimum picture taking time for Christmas lights, but I still got some lovely shots.

Productivity

I love being home and being productive - and not having to look at the clock once all day long - well maybe now, because it's getting close to when I am going to start cooking dinner. But, a sleep in, no rushing to school, no watching the clock to do the pick up - heavenly.

In the morning, I cleaned my oven, not just the top, but the actual oven. I took the glass panels out and cleaned them, plus the filter from inside. I removed the bottom plate, and cleaned it too. Because the oven is self cleaning, there was ash on the bottom which needed wiping up. I cleaned the racks, but they didn't come up 100% but are okay. I cleaned all the elements, I hate it when they get little discolourations around them. I put on a load of washing and hung it out. I was pretty hot and sweaty, but decided to just get into my jogging stuff and headed down to my treadmill. Not before I'd roused on Mickey though - who spent time in time out.

After my jog and weights I came upstairs, had a shower and then took Mickey down to Erbachers, a local fruit store which has much nicer stuff than the supermarket, but I often don't get down there because of the time factor. I called into Woolies on the way home and bought some fresh ham, and then made us yummy ham and salad wraps for lunch.

I cleaned out the Tupperware cupboard, and matched up all my containers with their respective lids. Wonder how long it will stay like that - I just need to be more careful. Looks wonderful now. I sorted out the other drawers too, and was disappointed that I couldn't ditch more stuff.

I finally have sorted the last of the kids' stuff that they have brought home from school - much of it filed in the wheelie bin.

I have also spent the last part of the afternoon finishing editing all my pictures for the 2007 Christmas Album, so I can have it on display for this Christmas. I will make sure it doesn't take me this long for next year's.

Tomorrow I will finish my 2008 album at Suzy's class, and then I'll come home and do my Christmas cards. I have an idea for making some more, so I may make some , even though I don't think I need them for this year. Ah well, they can always make a nice gift. I also want to make my gift cards for this year too, so must decide how I am going to do those.

Well, you'll have to believe me, it looks much better than before, I should have taken a 'Before' shot too.....

Christmas lights

I am enjoying playing with the brushes from 2peas. I was too lazy to get my tripod out for a shot of the tree, so just played with the camera on the table instead. I am going to try and shoot in RAW, I think, and then play with the white balance settings later.

This one's better, I've added a bevel and drop shadows.....

Busy but relaxed

School's out! Thank goodness. The entire house has breathed a collective sigh of relief as of yesterday lunch time. I've still been really busy, but I'm doing things I want to get done, not because I have to do it. I have cleared the top of the linen cupboard, my wardrobe and have finally gotten rid of clothes I've been kidding myself that I would fit back into. Actually it's gotten to the point that even if I did fit back into them, I wouldn't want to wear them anymore. I feel good that it's gone. It's not nice when the wardrobe is jam packed full of crap. I also got rid of the last of my unwanted scrapbooking stuff too. I really need to go through my teaching resources too. Tomorrow, I intend to go through the kids' toys - to make way for the new things. I gave away some of their trucks earlier in the year, the one's they don't tend to play with anymore, and the cheaper crappier ones went into the bin. DB and Billy-Joe went to watch the PGA and got home before the crowds headed home. It must have inspired them, because they are now off to play themselves.

It's holiday time........and I am very pleased about that. Now I can concentrate on getting my house in order, baking, playing with the kids, and enjoying my home and family. Next week we are going one evening to see the Christmas lights and on Wednesday night, we are going to the cinema to see a preview of Madagascar 2. The kids are so excited because the younger two never been to the cinema at night before.

Sammy, Mickey and Mickey's mate Kye on the last day after the mass.

Sammy holding the Christmas Star

Billy-Joe's turn to place the star atop the tree this year. I played with some brushes from 2peas after seeing some gorgeous images from my gf Suzy.