Yes it's only a day away

And our total collection of Advent Calendars has reached to 4 this year.

I bought this one thinking I could refill it every year with different treats and gifts.

Then I saw this huge one and had to have it - I've yet to fill all 24 pockets so I guess I'll be busy tomorrow shopping!

And then Granny D sent the grandkiddies their own chocolate Advent Calender

Guess I'll have to buy 24 presents for myself to fill the Santa Clause calendar?

Emily Looking Like Grandad Scott

Ahhh reading time with Daddy

Reasons why I never became a Hairdresser

Parties galore

It's been a hectic week to say the least. I'm sorry that all our plans to meet with our friends on Friday fell through but then again it was probably for the best as I ended up taking Drew's car in for a slightly overdue MOT. I then picked up the car after its MOT, did some last minute pressie shopping at Tesco. Unloaded shopping, gave Emily milk, nap and then some lunch, whilst I hoovered and tidied up Phoebe's bedroom for her sleepover party. We had to go out buy a cake, some candles and drop it off at the restaurant. And all this done before 3.30pm.

Phoebe's party at Il Girasole was fun. The girls chatted away, played with their mobiles (yep it's sad when you watch them bluetoothing pictures across the table! They're only 10!). Then we embarrassed Phoebe with the waitress putting on a "Happy Birthday" tune and bringing out the birthday cake. She did look a little embarrassed - but hey that's what birthdays are for.

Count Dracula

Well after all those hissy fits that we thought were Emily "just growing up" I think they actually were due to the now appearing molars (3 have come though) and another lower right incisor.

Well done Emily for once again being able to sleep through the night despite molars coming through!

Why did I leave it so late

Ok I've got less than 7 days to get Phoebe an awesome birthday pressie. She wants a laptop and/or a puppy. Can't have both because:
a) both are expensive
and
b) I can't be bothered with the hassle of cleaning them up (dogs make poo and laptops get virus's)

I need some ideas?

Meanwhile Emily enjoys watching "in the Night Garden"

Whilst I enjoy hot chocolate covered with cream and toffee waffles

Talking of exercise

Here's Emily showing me how to do it...

Yoga first

Stretch
Hold
and relax, ahh

Oh yeah

and I have chilblains!

Update

So sorry I've been busy and not able to blog. I've been getting up really early (6.15 am), to give myself a longer lunchtime at work. This gives me more time for running, which is about the only exercise I get these days. I'm now able to run just over 5 miles at the weekend and I keep my lunchtime runs to about 4 miles. My times aren't bad, still not great, but my heart rate is improving and so is my stamina. I'm running 12-15 miles a week and I think this is a vast improvement from this time last year where i was really struggling to do 2-4 miles.

Other news : Phoebe is bored with Brownies and I've talked to Brown Owl about her leaving and she agrees that maybe Phoebe would have more fun at Guides. I've contacted our local Offices to find a suitable pack in St Neots - I'm still waiting for a phone call! Phoebe would prefer to join the Youth Club in town and I'm all for it. For about £1 she gets 2 hours of fun activities at the Town Hall, and most of her peer group are attending too so it's only natural that she want's to join them.

I attended an Xmas Fair on Saturday in Cambourne. It wasn't a great success as I only managed to sell 4 items (all of which where my friends items), so total profit £0!!!

I finally got my car's excess money paid back to me on Saturday - woohoo that means I have some cash to pay off the old credit card again. It's only taken them 5 months!

Everyday

There are miracles everday, sometimes you just have to find them
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/staffordshire/7079706.stm