Well it is about time

The trouble with taking a break from blogging is starting again!
Well here I am,
the other side of Christmas Day
and THE ESSAY ( well Research project) is handed in.
I have a dissertation proposal submission deadline looming but I think all is in hand - and then it is head down and work steadily on the actual thing for 13 months. I am not really a work steadily kind of girl so this will mean discipline...

And I am hoping to restart with Daring Cards and Salt too. It has felt really odd missing them out. But necessary for a while.

Christmas was fab.
Christmas Eve involved the joy of the Pyjama Service - about 25-30 children in their pj's listening to the Christmas story and being sent home to bed. And then the awe and wonder of Midnight Mass. Then Christmas Day - fun and celebration.
I love all those services so much.
Sometimes people ask if I am working over Christmas. (Does three services in 12 hours count? And Phil has 4!) but it doesn't really feel like work. Sharing in priase and worship is the highlight of Christmas. The food and presents and Dr Who are just a bonus.
Just as well as Dr Who was not great and I fell asleep. i think I did that last year too...

And yes, we had to wake the kids.
But then they are at the stage where they would rather sleep in until after noon anyway!
My parents have just left after a few days visit and we are having our own Pyjama Day today.
Phil has had to put clothes on to take dogs for a walk
(dogs plural as we are collie sitting. Actually having 3 dogs wasn't as bad as I thought. Especially as the youngest is fascinated with the guinea pigs and can stare at them for hours at a time).

We have really very few Christmas shots. Only this one from the walk yesterday given special treatment by Phil after I mentioned what it reminded me of!
And yes, Hywel is home. He goes back sometime next week but is rather vague as to when ("Maybe Sunday") It is great having him home although he does take over my computer rather as his is still at University!

I haven't done much crafting at all - and owe crafty presents all over the place now! but I did manage a new card class for Imagine That using their fab ticket stamps, doilies and Basic Grey Cappella papers on a kraft/white background


And here are a few cards I managed to make in work breaks recently. I am trying to use up old sets of papers as I have rather too many! I do adore this october afternoon set but something has to go!
Will I post again in 2010?
I'm sure the suspense will be killing you!