Earth hour

We were traveling for earth hour this year, so I was presently suprised when we sat down at our hotel restuarant to find these lovely candles burning and lighting our delicious meal.  I would name the hotel and write about how great the food was...but they charged us $35 just to park our car so I don't feel they warrant my recommendation.  We did have a great time though :-)

2012 goals

So I thought it was about time I put in writing my 2012 goals
This is what I have come up with so far:

• Make more whole foods from scratch (particualry snacks and lunches).
• Have a fun routine for baby boy (inspired by this one).
• Gardening and everything that includes in my out of control backyard.
• Walk more, and get out in nature as a family at least once a month.
• Take a learn to sew class (I do sew, but would like to be better at it and use the correct techniques).
• Send more letters and postcards to family and friends accross the world.
• Family History...
• Practice random acts of kindness.
• Be Happy!

Down-to-earth

I recentley read an article on the benefits of 'earthing' or fancy word for walking barefoot in the grass, that talked about all the benefits both mental and physical that 30 mins walking on grass in barefeet can make.  I have been testing it out this week...and am nearly converted.  I have been working in the office a lot lately and on Friday afternoon after work I felt like I was craving a walk on the grass.  'Scientifically' it is supposed to have something to do with grounding the excess electricity in your body, but it just really feels good.  Apparently its also a great cure for jetlag?  So, I am going to keep doing it...whilst carefully avoiding the prickles and ants nests :) 

2012

Baby boy turned 3 last week.  Those three years really have flown by; which makes me realise its been three years since I had my own little baby in my arms.  He is now a walking, talking little man!  He definately isn't a baby any more (sad face).  But it is exciting to think that next year he will officially be in Kindergarten, and the year after starting school...I really need to make the most of this year. 

I am looking for what 2012 will bring.  What do I want to achive and what do I want to do...and so far I am coming up a bit blank.  So over the next week I am really going to try and nut down some goals and achievements...and will hopefully post them here to make sure I stick to them.

In the meantime, I attempted a rainbow cake for the 3rd birthday party, and despite the icing melting and dissolving into the cake I think it turned out ok.

(party inspiration from here)

Recording Christmas

The first Christmas I was married, my mother-in-law showed me their family Christmas journal.  It recoreded all their Christmas's over the years, including what they did, who they spent it with and what family member's received from Santa and others.  That year (over 9 Christmas's ago) I started our very own Chirtsmas journal.  I keep it really simple, no fancy scrapbooking, which helps ensure I fill it in even when it is such a busy time of year.  I record what each person receieved (and from whom), and where we spent Christmas.  Add a photo or two and my journal entry for the year is complete.

It is a really simple idea, but a great record of our family. 

...Christmas crazy

I have been saving toilet paper rolls all year.  I don't think I have thrown one away...all a part of my plan to wrap my gifts really cute this year.  That's not crazy is it? 

On a different topic baby boy and I went christmas card shopping this week...when I do buy Christmas cards I always try and get them from here.

Sunny Days

A few weeks ago our hot water system died, so we decided to take the opportunity to upgrade to Solar Hot water.  So far it has been great.  We turned the booster off last week and are experimenting to see how many overcast/rainy days we need in a row before we need to turn the booster back on.  So-far-so-good, and I will be waiting patiently for our next electricity bill to see what a difference it is going to make.