Gingerbread Boxes!

Last year we made a gingerbread house(from scratch), it was fiddly and a lot of work but after all the sweat and yes there where tears it was well worth it, we were so proud of our creation, so much so we where hesitant to eat it.
Heres a pic : ) .... I wasnt a blogger then.

2010 Gingerbread House

This year as we where looking through Christmas Recipes, we came across gingerbread boxes and we liked that idea for something different(and secretly a bit easier).

Although still fiddly as assembling these creations are, it was once again fun and memorable.What child wouldn't love melted chocolate and a whole heap of lollies to be creative with?

They look very "home made" but I'm sure they will taste wonderful as we used the same recipe as last year and it was delicious! J(8) sampled a few biscuits this morning made from remaining dough and assures me the dough is spot on.

We also ticked off some learning outcomes, as homeschoolers we are always looking for the learning in everything we do. Maths was definitely required, although it seems we somewhat failed in that department as
some of the sides did not match up!

Even our little toddler C(22 months) got in on the action, although she did more eating than creating.

My dancing Queen

My daughter (7) has been dancing since the beginning of the year.
Dance has done amazing things for her confidence and co-ordination amongst many other things.

Last week she performed in her dance schools end of year concert.
I now know what it's like to be a 'dance Mum'. The rehearsals, the photo shoots, the preparing all the bits and pieces, the hair and make up!!!

I am now a 'pro' at this dance Mum thing (thankful I had a friend in the same predicament for support) and quite confident next year will be a breeze. I must also mention my sister, the children's wonderful Aunt(Tata) and godmother helped in the preparations and just general moral support.

Included in her audience was her grandma, her brother, her auntie and uncle and of course Mummy and Daddy.

When it came her turn-Beginner Jazz performing Conga the years started welling up. To see her beautiful smiling face, she didn't even have to dance to make me proud. I already was.
She danced her little heart out and those little wandering eyes looking out for Mummy and Daddy were just adorable.
Tissues were required by the end.

Daddy presented her with a rose on the final night when she also received her very first trophy, which now has a proud spot in her room.

I am happy(I think) to say she now has the performing bug and can't wait to do it all again in 2012 and is asking to do more dance styles!!!

Job 21 vs 11

They send forth their little ones like a flock and their children dance

Snow men bells

With a toddler in the house we need quick, easy not too involved craft. We purchased some craft kits from Riot.

This involved a little cutting, some assembling and gluing

And they look great on the tree!

James 1 vs 17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.