JYC day 3

Christmas Cards.

It used to be a family tradition when I was younger that one day during October half term we would sit down and make a batch of Christmas cards. Every year there would be a different design and they'd all be pretty much the same. I can remember the year of the gold painted pasta trees, something with cotton wool and regular splatterings of glitter. These cards were always for members of the extended family who delighted in receiving some homemade marvel.

Now Mum struck gold with me, I loved this tradition, I loved to make cards, I took time over each one and enjoyed every minute...writing the insides too! My brother on the other hand, traumatic. Not a crafter by any means and after a few years of 'too-young-to-realise' came a few years of defiance and forcing him to at least put some glue on the card and eventually I think Mum gave up. Then Lydia came along, cute and creative but not nearly as into the detail, same with thank you cards, she'd do one or two but couldn't really be bothered! And now it's MHs turn to be Christmas Card maker, I don't think Mum does it in October half term, bit early for Christmassy things really and it would probably stress her out. However she does make Christmas cards. She doesn't stick to her given supplies and there's no point in trying to make her do what you think looks best. I tried it one year, gave her these cool little nativity scenes on fabric to use. But then she added a small piece of everything from ger craft box and you couldn't really make out it was a Christmas card anymore!! Makes me smile just thinking about the differences in all of us!

For a while, probably about 10 years actually, I continued my Mum's tradition of making Christmas Cards, I would stick to one design and make a batch. But in the last few years I just haven't had the same amount of time to invest in card making. So after one or two years of feeling a bit guilty I gave in and bought some boxes of cards - always nativity of course, just a little reminder to people that Christmas is well, Christmas.

I actually wrote all my Christmas Cards yesterday. Probably won't send them til next week but they're sorted now. The one thing I can't stand is when you get a card from someone that literally just says "Dear Hannah, love XXX" I just think what was the point, honestly. So I always like to write a brief message in cards just to make it worthwhile someone reading them. Only bought 20. Will probably only send 20 too, don't give cards to people I see everyday (a part from Adam) it just seems a bit silly! Much prefer to post them to rellys and old friends as a little catch up. I wonder what Christmas Card traditions I'll make for our kids?! No doubt something that'll make me smile in the future!

Ah nostalgia.

JYC day 2

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful...

But not as frightful as last year. This time last year it had already been snowing for a few days. We'd been for a spa day on 30th Nov in Elveden Forest and there was already a light frosting of snow on the floor. So beautiful. This year has been much milder, October 1st it was 29.9oC which was a bit crazy. Anyway right now it's 5oC outside, this morning was in fact the first frost, Adam was delayed this morning scraping the ice off the car!

I love the snow. Very much hoping it gets colder over the next few weeks. I remember walking to Church in the snow for the nativity service and carol services, it was just magical! Don't use that word often but the snow deserves it, I love how it's padded and quiet. I love how the sky goes almost yellow. I love how it sparkles in the light. I love how it sounds under your feet. I love how it's clean and makes even grey London look wonderful!

So bring on the snow I say!

JYC manifesto

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

In the past I've been so busy in the run up to Christmas that it's lost all it's excitement and enjoyment. Bizarrely working for a Church you'd think you wouldn't be able to loose the true meaning of Christmas and have the life sapped out of it, but oddly enough it all becomes so hectic that December is like one long tick list of events to get through with the odd wonderful moment thrown into the mix. I remember last year I was so tired by my 9th run through of the nativity that I called Jesus, Joseph. Embarrassing.

This year I would love for it to be different, this year I will focus on the good things, the arrival of Jesus, the joy of the traditions, the wonder of the season. I will make things and bake things, go places and see things, take photos and reflect. Breathe in and enjoy the special things that this year has to bring. I am so blessed to do a fabulous job, to spend so much time with children whipped up into a joyful Christmas frenzy, I just don't want to go through the motions, I want to absorb what's going on around me.

This year I will embrace Christmas. I will take it all in, not rush through it ticking things off, I will savour the season.

Sounds wonderful.

Journal Your Christmas 2011

Having not blogged for over half a year (woah time flies) I thought I'd try and resurrect it for a little Christmas cheer...but we'll see, it might be June before I post again!

I've been a class participant of Shimelle's JYC class for a few years now and never completed anything :( I've come close a few times and although I don't feel pressure to do something everyday for it to count as finished, my attempts have still been short of completion. But this year I'd love to be different, even if it's just a case of journalling on my blog and nothing particularly scrapbooky. However my aim is to have a little square album to pop on the coffee table come January 6th so here goes...

Day 1

This is the prompt for today -



I will believe in - the true meaning of Christmas.
I will be grateful for - the chance to make new traditions in our new flat.
I will always remember - the first and last Christmas together just Mr and Mrs Feery with Adam not working and pre-baby arrival.

Ok back tomorrow, I hope!

The Big Photography Post

Having seen Mel's fabulous photography I suddenly remembered I had gone on a photography trip too! And I was inspired by her gorgeous shots...so I though I'll post one or two of my pics...that didn't really happen so scroll fast people or you may get bored!























I was going to comment on each one but there are just too many! (Although can I just say...vintage suitcases...aaaaahhhh how lush!) Hope you like them as much as I do! So fun to have an actual photography outing in such a beautiful place. We must do that again some time! TFL x

Photo Love March

I'm behind in the world of scrapbooking. So this a page from my April document 2011 using the March 4x6 Photo Love Class.



I'm going to cut it up the right hand column so that it fits in the 6x4 page protector. I'm home all day so I may go and scrap some more...

hope you've had a good weekend bloggers!

Sketch love

I haven't scrapbooked in months and when I have done any in ages the only way I can start is if I use a sketch...so thankfully Shimelle's blog has sketch of the week inspiration for such a time as this!



I ordered some Cosmo Cricket Social Club from papermaze and had a nice little scrappy time this morning. Hopefully I'll be able to do some more later...