Hola Amigos and 2013

Hello *waves* and Happy New Year dear friends. How have you been? I am back from just over a months vacation (that's a break away to you and me) and I've only just started to control the  withdrawal twitches so here I am.

So what's new? Fill me in on all the goss. I've got so much to tell you from this end. Firstly we had a great Christmas here at the Makeshift Manner. I had family and friends visiting over the festive period, including my soon-to-be 92 year old uncle, which Youngling and I loved hosting. Speaking of Youngling he was spoilt rotten, as you can imagine, and thoroughly enjoyed playing pass the parcel to the tune of the dancing Christmas tree for us to open each and every present. I even ate an entire slice of Christmas cake for the first time ever!

Youngling enjoying his three dish starter.

His favourite gift it has to be said was one he got as an early Christmas present. A darling friend treated little man to a brand spanking new Nexus 7 Tablet which Youngling has started calling his ipad (easier for him to say I suppose).

Picture courtesy of Argos.co.uk

The Nexus 7 Android Tablet is made for Google Play and is a smart, sexy, portable 7 inch device for everyday interactive needs. It's fab. I have downloaded quite a few learning games including phonics, numeracy and literacy for him to 'play'. I don't get a look in you see so he is only allowed to play other games or watch films if he 'studies' first. Well you gotta start em young ;-)

One of my choice favourite gifts, of which there were many, was again an early present in the form of a stocking full of treats from Warner Bros. for Youngling and I to enjoy.

We got in the festive mood watching The Polar Express which is a truly touching story about the magic of Christmas. Starring Tom Hanks and directed by Robert Zemeckis, The Polar Express is a roller coaster train  ride to the north pole. Beautifully animated and captivating from start to finish this film is perfect for both adults and children alike.

Youngling didn't share his candy canes and chocolate when watching that, though he did offer me one of the masks to put on when I watched Batman: The Dark Knight Rises Starring the handsome Christian Bale and stunning Anne Hathaway, who looked smoking  in her catsuit - totally took the meaning of a onesie to another level ;-) (yes I'm totally jealous and would love to be able to pull that leather look off).

I saved New Years Eve to watch with family on, yep you guessed it, new years eve. It was really fitting and probably my favourite film out the three. Before the traditional walk through the house while toasting to the new year, my family and I had some drinks and nibbles as we watched the all star cast amend problems from their past and look forward to their future. Michelle Pfeiffer blew me away with her performance which was only enhanced with the all grown up co-star Zac Efron. I would have loved to have seen their story unfold in a film all of their own, who knows, maybe one day.

Straight after all the partying, and tidying up, I had to puppy-proof the house ready for the arrival of Ollie-Pops. Mum, Youngling and I drove down to Brighton to get him and spent a lovely day and night with my fabulous friends who had been raising him so far. Well I couldn't believe how much he had grown since I first saw him. 

Ollies first night in our Makeshift family.

The day after Bringing Ollie home I sat down for the first time in forever.i truly needed it as it hit me like a ton of bricks - Man Flu! Ok it was a very bad cold but I haven't been able to shift it properly ever since. I went to the doctors and had some blood taken for tests as I haven't felt 100% for over a month now. I have also had some blotchy marks come and go during the same time. The doctor didn't know what these marks were so I have been referred to a Dermatologist and given creams in the meantime.

Sorry for the low light but you can see the faded blotches across my chest.
It stretches from  thigh to my head, across my shoulders and back and  in my hair also.

I will keep you posted as to what the Dermatologist says and I finally have the hospital referral for my knee (again). Already it has been such a busy year - hence my month's holiday. Youngling has started back at school and thoroughly enjoyed his sleigh rides (aka on the sledge) through the snow. I have also written and spoken a sermon for my Church and am currently adapting it to send to some Christian magazines. Its all go!

In May I will be 29 so I have decided to compose and complete a list of  '30 Things To Do Before I Am 30' and do them within a year. Everyday the list is growing but any extra suggestions would be more than welcome.

Until next time then, that should keep you busy.

Take care

Love

Makeshift Mummy

xx

*This post was sponsored*