Pretty in Pink Birthday Party

Boy, time DOES fly! Kirstie will be turning seven this Sunday! We usually celebrate her birthday a few days early because a lot of people obviously aren't available on the 31st! Yesterday we threw a party for her and nine of her closest friends (two boys included!). See, Kirstie has no problem with boys and boys seem to be ok around her, even though the ones that were here yesterday thought everything that was pink, which was pretty much EVERYTHING, had cooties. Still, they managed to sneak a very pink cupcake when no one was looking!

It was lots of fun keeping the kids entertained with games like "pin the tail on the donkey" and "pass the stuffed animal",which we played to Kirstie's favorite song "Dominic The Donkey". I also gave the kids English Christmas crackers this year because I thought they would enjoy the bang! Kirstie was spoiled rotten with lovely presents and the fun's not over yet...tomorrow she has OUR presents coming!

The cake was what I would call my first real birthday cake success. It was a recipe from "More From Magnolia". Kirstie was very amused with the pinkness of the cake and also with the cupcakes which I made a bit brighter and decorated with sprinkles.

PS: She also made her own cake, in clay, and I thought I'd share that one with you as well!

Simply having a wonderful Christmas time!

I hate it when Santa goes back to the North Pole but I have nothing to complain about, really. We had a FANTASTIC holiday and we ate to our heart's content. There was lots of family time watching movies, listening to beautiful Christmas music and of course, eating! Here are some pictures of our Christmas 2006!

PS: We spent Christmas day in our pyjamas! Now that is what I call "bliss"!

Foodie Heaven!

Last week we did some really nice foodie shopping at a Christmas fair held at the organic farm we visit and then at an international supermarket where they sell a wide variety of lovely goodies from back home and from the UK. Now, I must've been living under a rock, but I only heard about this supermarket recently and I don't know how I did without it! Seriously, something so small, like a packet of Lifesavers can make life so sweet, pardon the pun. I love the fact that I can find just about anything I need there and that they have such a huge assortment of exotic spices. I found the cutest teeny tiny bottle of saffran strands. I think I was more excited about the bottle than the saffran! At the organic fair I got among other things some pear and chilli chutney, some apple cider, chestnut puree, honey from local bees and an awesome set of hand-made Tunesian candies. My cupboards are stocked to the brim with all sorts of lovely treats. We're very blessed and fortunate.

I Feel Fine

After going through a very rough night, it looked as though Kirstie would not be able to make the Christmas mass. A real shame because she had practised her prayer so hard. The next morning though she came to me and said she felt ok and wanted to go to mass. She was still a bit weak but she didn't want to miss this for the world. I'm so proud of her!

MY LUCKY DAY!!!!!!!!

Oh I am SO excited! First of all... I won the black serving hands!! You can understand I am over the moon considering the fact that LK items are so hard to get here! I only have a mini whisk and a shopping list so I am thrilled! I must admit I did say a little prayer...and it worked! But my luck doesn't just end there...

After a huge mess at university it looked as though I wouldn't be able to start classes again next semester but would have to wait until September. That and the fact that there is a shortage of interesting courses. Now, I am working on my MA thesis at the moment but I NEED that intellectual stimulation which I can only get in the classroom! Well it appears I can take a very interesting elective course about the cultural identity behind the Flemish and Dutch language...with a professor that I so much respect and admire! AND get this...Kirstie got chosen to read for the school Christmas mass next week! I am such a proud mom! Here's the translation of the prayer she'll read:

"Dear God,

It's almost Christmas.
We are all ready.
We hope to have a wonderful, peaceful celebration,
With Your help.

Amen"

What a happy day today has been!