How Things Change

It's really funny how things can change over the course of 18 months.

When I first moved to my lovely little house in the country, I was shocked by how laid back and slow life seemed away from a housing estate in a town. The life is much more relaxed, much more refined and far more enjoyable. There is FAR more for us to do than there ever was where we were before. So much of which the kids can join in with.

On Friday night it was the official Christmas Lights Switch On in the neighbouring town of Sudbury. There was also a street fayre, the Church was open for refreshments and a beautiful huge tree adorns the square whilst a brass band played christmas carols and the crowds were given song sheeets. It was a lovely little feeling of community - something we never had in our old town. The town hall is lit beautifully and we had a nice little stroll round the shops for late night shopping but did not buy a thing.

Community is very much what village life is all about. I've said it before and I will continue to say it again and again - I would not willingly move back to my old town. Life is just perfect as it is here.

I also noticed upon moving here that there seemed a certain rivalry in the school. Not in a nasty way, but I mentioned what I called "The Cake Mums" the mums who try to outdo the others with their exuberant cakes for the school cake sale afternoons. Well.... you'll never guess who has volunteered to donate a few cakes on Friday at the school? Yes, I too am becoming a cake mum! Not in the competetive stakes but because I want to.  I'm doing it because I enjoy baking and I want to help the school back a little for the way they are going out of their way to help Matthew at the moment. I guess I am getting wrapped up in the community spirit too.

This Saturday coming hubby is working so I am taking the boys up to the village to see the Christmas Extravaganza. Sounds interesting huh?  This includes the following:

Santas Grotto
Kiddie Rides
Punch and Judy
Magician
Silver Band
Carol Singers
Bagpipes
Green Dragon Morris Dancers
Organ Grinder
Hot Chesnut stall
Zumba Demonstration
Donkeys

That should all entertain the boys for an hour or two. I'll also be inviting my mother in law as she might like to do something different.

Next Monday we get to see Matthews school Christmas play. He is appearing as an Austrian Villager and has been practicing his songs beautifully. I like the sound of it this year as it does involve some traditional old Carols such as Silent Night (incedentally this is the name of the play) Once In Royal Davids City are the two he sings most. Bless him. He's taken his costume in today so he can start the dress rehearsals.  So I am looking forward to next weekend and the start of the week and I will get as many pictures as I can.

Todays plan is to put Liam up for a nap shortly and James and I are going to start decorating up some pine cones. All my cookie ingredients come this evening on the weekly shop so it's going to be very much a christmas arts and crafts week for me and the boys.