Christmas 2011

We did it!  Our first Christmas as hosts and I think we passed the test!  While it was a wonderful day filled with great joy, I am now quite tired.  Kudos to those with big families who do stacks of cooking, cleaning and washing up EVERY DAY!

A few days before Christmas, I created and submitted my entry for the Women Bible Life nativity challenge.  I didn't win, but it was a lot of fun!


My old childhood toys enjoyed the opportunity to star in such an important scene.

 

The angel was a fairy with a dress made out of tissues.

 

Starring Barbie as Mary, Ken as Joseph, a fairy doll as baby Jesus...and a whole lot of computerised sheep.



Bert and Ernie got to be shepherds.





My first foray into the realm of Christmas newsletters.  Hmm I hope my extended family didn't think it was TOO corny.


Then, on Christmas Eve, I got a call from one of the local supermarkets to say I'd won their randomly drawn competition.  Putting my receipts in the box each week paid off!  I now have a brand new microwave. :)

Present opening:

Wow!  For me?



Merry Christmas!



Everybody say, "Christmas!"



My brother, Tim, and I after defeating Duncan and his brother, Clayton, 7-5 in the inaugural tennis match.