A few things on my mind

Well, here we are at the end of another weekend. They seem to fly by, don't they? I was reading someone's Project Life update (I really must talk to you about Project Life... or maybe on the organising blog?) and she said week 42. Eek - 10 weeks left of 2012!!! Do you have your 2013 diary yet? :)

1. I've just spent 1.3 hours blogging on the organising blog (yes, I'm tracking my time with the 31 days challenge) and I only have 5 days left.

Last year, the gall bladder surgery messed up all my plans but I must say, I've found it a whole lot easier this year.

2. I've been trying to get my kids to declutter some of their books but they're having none of it. D said he'll try again with them because those bookshelves are overflowing.

In other decluttering news, I have a stash of 27 books ready to go to a second hand bookstore. Yay! I'm dead serious about reducing my physical books to only 3 small shelves. I had 5 to start and now have 4. Yay me. I just wish I was faster at reading non-fiction. Oy! And they're subjects I love - I just need to think and process so I need a day to think over a chapter :)

3. Here is the button I sewed on the camera case Mandy made me. I felt quite resourceful because the loop is a ponytail holder :) but thank goodness no-one (me!) cares how that loop was sewn on. I do sew a mean button - my needlework teacher always said if you do them properly, they'll never come off and my buttons never do!

 

 

 

4. I'm trying to train the kids to get moving faster in the mornings. I haven't given up yet but it's slow-moving (hey! I should make a checklist) so this morning I bribed them with presents (scissors I was going to give them anyway :)). They were delighted and sat happily cutting away for about 45 minutes. Of course the sunroom was a MESS but something's got to give if you're getting peace and quiet, right?

5. The kids also learnt some new songs in children's church. We went to a Christian bookshop afterwards to get some daily planners for next year (I should blog on a really cool idea I got from my friend, Suzanne. Suzy, are you still reading?) and the kids went up and down the aisles, singing and worshipping Jesus. Oh my heart! "Where did you learn that nice song, Babies?" "From Teacher Antoinette!" (Teacher Antoinette is getting a little present from me next week for those priceless moments today)

6. Also, it occurred to me yesterday after the shoot that Christmas is very close. Every year I'm so tempted to be Scrooge-like and not send Christmas cards (don't gasp - people in SA are not really into Christmas cards) but then I remembered I bought a stamp from an etsy shop last year already so that the kids can make their own cards...

So we may just send to our overseas friends and like two locals :) However, I am resolute - I'm not making gifts for all and sundry like I do every year. Someone may need to remind me of this post when I see something cute (and doable) on Pinterest :)

Of course everyone's keeping very quiet about hosting Christmas this year. I'm half tempted to do it but I know D will shut that idea down very quickly. "Marsh, we're the ones with the kids" :)

Oy - still, we'll have to at least start thinking about it.

7. And last but not least, we postponed our beach holiday to January. I realised that I've become very fussy (I call it having high standards) and there weren't very many suitable flats in Ballito by the time I got my A into G. I figured if we're paying that kind of money, we might as well be SUPER happy so Jan it is. We've booked for 10 days again and paid 50%. I chose a 3-bedroom place just in case we decide to have a grandparent join us for a few short days (how quickly I forget the bad parts!)...

So how was your Sunday? What are your plans for Christmas?
PS Mandy, I'm dying to hear about your beach mini-vacay :)