Sunday 29 December 2013

Properly involved this year


I’m still reading blogs....I’m just not “interacting” as much as I like to. I am sure it is a reaction to feeling well, and  being able to be involved in lots of Christmas activities. Last year I was an observer from the sidelines. This year it has been so wonderful to make a Christmas cake, shop and wrap presents, bake, make mincemeat, go to nativity performances ( even if one of the schools I visited  allowed their KS2 performance of every single song from Mary Poppins to go on a bit ! ) etc etc.
 
Liam was a sheep in his nativity play
So, I intend to get back to blogging properly soon....reading, commenting and being involved in the lives of all the people, whose blogs I love to read. However, until then, just a very brief picture blog of a few important moments during the last few weeks.
 
Izzie in one of her Christmas outfits
This chutney didn't last long
 
My grandmother's rolling pin, mum's lemon squeezer which came free with a packet of Omo in 1958, and 2 of my cousin Margaret's basic cook books, which contain everything anyone ever needs to know about baking.
Baby Flynn with his new hat and giraffe, presents from Jess, crocheted by one of her friends on her teaching course.
One very happy nana with Liam and Izzie
Dexter and Clark, allowed to dismantle the gingerbread house, as they don't like Christmas pudding...or trifle.
A really happy little boy....Clark, who did nothing but smile and laugh, all over the holiday.
 
Santa left a footprint. His reindeers also left some poo ( peppermint creams covered in chocolate) but Izzie refused to open any presents until the poo had been cleared up).


 
I hope you all have had as good a Christmas as we did... and that 2014 is excellent for all of us.
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25 comments:

  1. Kathy29 December 2013 at 17:23

    Such gorgeous photos of your lovely grandchildren, Janice. After what you've been through, being involved is the very best way you could have spent the last few weeks and you've obviously revelled in every minute of it - even the excess of Mary Poppins songs :-) A lovely photo of you too and hasn't your hair grown back well!

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  2. Janice29 December 2013 at 17:34

    Yes... the hair has grown back well....very curly and very dark.....no grey ! I have been dyeing my hair for years, telling my hairdresser that I had to cover the grey...he has spent years telling me I had none, and I didn't believe him. Despite blogging about feeling "normal" last Christmas, I actually have very little memory of Christmas 2012, so I have made up for it this year.
    Dexter's joy at finally learning how to say " Supercalfragalistic etc" made up for the tedium experienced as yet another group of children hoofed their way through "A spoonful of sugar". I felt guilty as I asked our daughter-in-law, just how many more classes, who clearly had to take their turn in performing, there were at the school. I hope you've had a lovely Christmas. Jx

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  3. ArtyZen29 December 2013 at 17:43

    Absolutely super photos of some beautiful and happy children - and a happy Nana in there too! I'm sure you've had a wonderful Christmas with lots and lots to remember this year. I am totally in love with Izzie...
    Axxx

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    1. Janice9 January 2014 at 12:00

      Izzie is adorable, but I think she will be forever traumatised by the reindeer poo ! Jxxxx

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  4. Rosemary29 December 2013 at 18:28

    Lots of happy smiling faces including your own. Christmas has been a special time for you Janice and I am so pleased that you have been revelling in it. 2014 will be like setting off on a new pathway.

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    1. Janice9 January 2014 at 12:01

      Yes, it has felt good this year, and I am very positive about the thought of 2014. Happy New Year to you Rosemary. Jxxx

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  5. GaynorB29 December 2013 at 18:41

    Great to read about your Christmas and your full involvement in the lives of your children and grandchildren. I'm sure they were thrilled that nana was able to enjoy the magic and wonder of Christmas with them.
    I'm with Izzy on getting that 'poo' cleared up first!

    I was only thinking about you last night so the post has come at the right time.

    Perhaps someone should tell the school that it is possible to have too much of a good thing! Although I suspect they were trying to please everyone.

    Happy New Year to you, Mark and your family. I hope it will bring you continued good health and happiness. X

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    1. Janice9 January 2014 at 12:04

      Thanks for the good wishes Gaynor. I know the school was only trying to involve everyone... the HT said at the end ( by which time, I have to say that many parents were rushing to escape at the back of the hall) that they had made sure every child in the school had a speaking part of at least one line, sang in at least one song and danced in at least one dance. I have to admit, feeling the sentiments were good, but wished the school had fewer children !
      happy new year toy you and Tim. Jxxxx

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  6. Hazel Maria Blakeley29 December 2013 at 18:54

    Your photos always tell a wonderful story.You capture the colour and excitement of Christmas perfectly.
    The hat and giraffe for Flynn are wonderful.
    We are looking for a knitted nativity set.Please let me know if you spy any in your Hebden Bridge shop.

    Janice I have so enjoyed reading your blogs this year.A very happy New Year to you and all your family.

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    1. Janice9 January 2014 at 12:05

      OOOhhh, a knitted nativity set.... you might have to fight me for it Maria, if we ever get one in the shop !
      Happy new year to you and Ian, love Janice xxxx

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  7. Share my Garden29 December 2013 at 22:25

    Izzie in her outfit is an absolute delight, the photo would make a lovely Christmas card. I am so glad that you have been able to 'get stuck in' with Christmas preparations this year and wish you continued good health in the year to come.
    What a lot of happy faces - even Flynn's rabbit is smiling!

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    1. Janice9 January 2014 at 12:06

      Yes, I think Izzie may feature on next year's cards....her parents are dreading her first hair cut, in case those golden curls vanish forever !
      happy new Year to you. Jx

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  8. BacktoBodrum29 December 2013 at 22:57

    So pleased to see you looking so well. Lovely pictures of the kids but rather you than me for the Mary Poppins renditions.

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    1. Janice9 January 2014 at 12:07

      It was not a good experience..... the school was too big to have every child doing so much... it went on for well over 2 hours...just too long on hard school chairs !
      Happy new Year to you BtB. Jx

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  9. nilly29 December 2013 at 23:51

    What wonderful happy photos and beautiful babies. And I remember that Bero book, Mum had it - I should have kept it!

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    1. Janice9 January 2014 at 12:09

      That Bero book is so damaged, finger marked, grease stained etc....but I could never part with it. It has my cousin's handwriting all over it, as she added, adjusted and perfected things. Happy new Year to you Nilly. Jx

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  10. Patricia30 December 2013 at 04:51

    It is an absolute treat to see you looking so well and healthy Janice, and what gorgeous grandchildren you have! Love the little sheep, Izzy's special outfit, and the baby's hat is a masterpiece. How wonderful that you were able to fully participate in Christmas this year, and I look forward to your lovely blog in 2014. Christmas Blessings and a Happy New Year to you! xx

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    1. Janice9 January 2014 at 12:11

      Thanks for your good wishes Patricia. I am getting quite excited about my up and coming Oz trip.... I will be in Perth in a weeks time, then Hobart and Melbourne, before heading off to Wellington and then a tour around the south island. It will be my 3rd Ausssie trip...but I still haven't made it to Brissy.....next time !
      Have a great new year, fondest wishes Janice x

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  11. Penny O'Neill30 December 2013 at 14:10

    The best thing to see and know is that you are feeling well this Christmas and spending so much time enjoying the fruits of the season, Janice. These photos are perfect, capturing each child in delightful poses and expressions. They are darling, darling children and you look fabulous!

    I like your little vignette of baking supplies, Janice, imagining all the stories they tell in their feel, with you adding your own chapters.

    Here's to a happy, healthy, and blessed new year!

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    1. Janice9 January 2014 at 12:12

      It is sooo good to feel well Penny, and I am revelling in it. Have a wonderful 2014, and stay warm Jx

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  12. Helen Devries30 December 2013 at 20:53

    You've had far too much to do to be able to blog....as these happy photographs demonstrate.
    Absolutely lovely.

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    1. Janice9 January 2014 at 12:13

      Thanks Helen. It feels so good to be busy and not exhausted. Have a good 2014...and maybe, if you are in Spain at some stage this year, some sort of bloggers get together can be arranged. If Annie and I can do it, I am sure we can get a few others together. Jx

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  13. Cro Magnon31 December 2013 at 13:40

    I have the same Kenwood book (and the Kenwood that goes with it). I wish you a good new year, and may your visits south be numerous and lengthy. Cro x.

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    1. Janice9 January 2014 at 12:15

      Thanks Cro..... the Kenwood that came with the book has sadly died, but I did retain the original white pyrex bowl that came with it, and use that with the new Kenwood, which I am delighted to say, looks exactly the same as the old one. J.

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  14. Vanessa2 February 2014 at 11:40

    Good to see you looking so well and full of energy. Like you, I've been so busy that interacting on others' blogs has been difficult. Wishing you all the best in 2014 and hope you enjoy your Australia trip - it looks great!

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