making paper daisies: Autumn Appreciation

It really felt like winter had arrived yesterday as I watched the boys (all three) club together to light the first fire of the season. Little A was fascinated by the wood basket whilst Little H talked about how the fire ‘on the wood’ was just like the fire ‘in a dragon.’ A good link I thought :)

I figured that the beginning of winter would suit me just fine; that I would happily waste hours away sitting in my armchair crocheting to my hearts content; that I would race through my to-make-list with time to spare and be left at a loss as to what to hook next. I was wrong. There really hasn’t been much making going on here at all of late, just LOTS of appreciation for the glorious colours of autumn and all the change that it brings.

As winter threatens to steal away all sunshine and warmth, we have been venturing outside as often as we can, mainly to enjoy a good woodland walk. For each of us it seems the perfect activity, but for very different reasons; Little H because he can run (and keep on running) forever; Myself because it wears him out, but mainly it gives me peace to soak up my surrounding, looking closely for woodland treasures; and Little A likes it because he can sit in piles of damp leaves, or mud, and get all messy without being told off. (I tell you, waterproof trousers are the BEST thing I have ever bought for my kids!)

When we haven’t been outside, we’ve been inside making a few preparations for (dare I say it?) Christmas!! I LOVE Christmas, and the preparation is really where most of the fun is for me. This year, in line with my new years resolution to be more creative with my kids, I am building our family time around doing things together. As time runs out before the 25^th I find that the first thing to be squeezed out is our family time together, and I am determined not to let this happen this year. So far we have made our mincemeat, planned our gifts and budget, and have been planning a few crafty episodes that we hope to share with you soon.