Advent 2012: Week 1

So far the Advent season hasn't overwhelmed us!  My ambitious plans for an activity a day has actually come to fruition so far. :o)

Here's the lowdown:

December 1: We decorated the tree and started our bedtime stories from The Jesus Storybook Bible (continuing).

 It took me a couple of days to string the popcorn and cranberries.

The bottom of the tree is a bit bare because some-two keep rearranging the ornaments and I didn't bother threading more popcorn and cranberries when I found the boys eating the lowest strand halfway down the tree!

 We also started our Advent calendar.

J likes taking out the pieces from the pockets at the bottom and identifying each item.  The conversation goes something like this: J - "What's this?" Me - "An angel." J - "What's this?" Me - "Three Wise Men" J What's this?" Me - "I don't know.  What is it?" J - "It's a candy cane!  What's this?".... You get the picture.

December 2: We lit the first candle on the Advent Wreath.

December 3: We played all our Christmas CDs.  Some are better than others!

December 4: We sent some of our Christmas cards.  Some are still waiting for me to address the envelopes with the correct postcodes.  (Note to self: get on to that!)

December 5: We coloured a printable nativity set.

 J's is on his room.

 And C's (with a little help from Mum) is by the Advent calendar.

 Guess which one is still intact!

December 6: We made a treat for the birds.

 A wedge of apple strung on dental floss, covered with peanut butter, and then popcorn and sesame seeds.

 We hung it out for the birds.

 But the only nibbles I saw here were from this flightless "chick"!

It was hung around the other side of the apartment near J's window later that day!

December 7:  We made our Christmas cake.  For each stir J helped me ask God to bless someone we love!

I doubled the recipe (and cooked it longer - about 2 1/4 hours) and the fruit I used was raisins, currants and glace cherries.  Other times I've used chopped apricots, cranberries, dates... use your imagination.  It turned out very well!

Mum's Boiled Fruit Cake

Boil and cool: 1 lb dried fruit (chopped, if necessary)

                      1 - 2 tsp lemon zest

                      8 oz butter (2 sticks)

                      1 c water

Beat together: 3 eggs

                      1 c sugar

Add to eggs:  1 tsp vanilla essence

                     1/2 tsp orange essence

Sift and add:  2 - 2 1/2 c flour

                     1 tsp baking powder

Stir in cooled fruit.

Bake 1 1/4 - 2 hours at 275*F/150*C (until skewer comes out clean).  Cool in tin.