Life in Mono...

Aussie Family Christmas...

*picture courtesy of Papa Nic*

Continuing from yesterday's post.... We woke up early on Christmas Day. Had a very yummy breakfast and then Mr C asked us if we wanted to help him feed the cows. We all piled up in the Ute and off we went to the paddocks.

Papa Nic and I were busy snapping pictures while Mr C was explaining to us what they were doing. It was pretty interesting. He said because its bush fire season, there is a certain time that all vehicles are banned from entering the paddocks thats why we have to do it this early in the morning.

While entering one of the Paddocks, I saw one of Mr C's son running (barefoot!!!) after a sheep. I asked him why is he doing that and Mr C answered that there was something wrong with the Sheep. It was Fly Struck. Meaning flies had laid their eggs on the sheep's body and maggots are borrowing under the sheep's skin. The reason the son was catching the sheep is to bring it back to the main house and treat the sheep. *phew*

After all that, we went back home to the house and took our shower, got dressed and sat down and chat till it was time for lunch. After lunch was over, the youngest child of the C family got up and started distributing their Christmas Gifts. It was really a nice family tradition. The four of us just sat on the side and just watch their happy and excited faces as they open their gift.

After all that is done, we took a nap. The house was too hot to sleep in so after about an hour's sleep, we came out and went to the pool for swim. After the swim we went down to dam and watch Mr C's son fishing. It was still pretty hot so after 15 minutes we made our way back to the house.

The night was pretty quiet, we ate leftovers from lunch and started chatting again.

We went to bed pretty early too because we wanted to be up early for fishing the next day.

Road Trip...

Going down South to Mt Barker is my first BIG road Trip in Australia. Yes. I have never been more than 3 hours outside Perth. Mt Barker is about 5 hours South of Perth. Its just 30 minutes away from Albany.

We left Perth at 5pm on Christmas Eve. Papa Nic was the driver and the four of us talked and talked and talked all the way down. We did not even stop for a quick nap. Well M did but the rest of us were just too excited to sleep.

We made 2 rest stop because I needed to pee badly. We saw the most beautiful Moon rising ever. Words can not describe it.

We reached Mr and Mrs C's farm a little bit after 10pm. They were still up and we were greeted with warm hugs and smiles.

After the boys unloaded the car, we watch the family play a game called Articulate. It was soooo funny. I was the time keeper. I could not stop laughing.

After the game, Papa Nic and I stayed back and had a good chat with Mrs C. After a looong chat, we finally decided to go to bed. Papa Nic and I manage to chat a little bit more and he drifted off to sleep.

All of a sudden I heard footsteps coming into the room and I realise that it was Mrs C giving us our Christmas Stockings!!!! How COOL WAS THAT!!! We each got one filled with Chocolates and Biscuits.

So sorry if my post is a little bit random. I am still on my holiday mood. I just wanted to jot down what I can remember of the day. The tree pictured is how the C family tree was set out. Look at all the Presents!!!

Tomorrow....Christmas with the C family.

Best Christmas Ever!!!!

We are BACK!!! I have loads to tell and will update soon but first.... let me show off. This is where we spent Christmas....

We spent it with....

From left to right..... Ike, Misty and Turbo. They are the farm's working dogs.

And this is how we spent Boxing Day...

And this is why I shall remember my Christmas 2007....

M, Tiffy and Papa Nic. The loves of my life. I will never forget this Christmas for as long as I live. You guys have made it even more meaningful this year. With all the laughter and joy you guys have brought to my life.

Have a good one and stay safe.

Dinner, gifts and Lunch....

Owh my...I ate snails last night and it was fantastic. Not as scary as I thought it would be. Yum yum. It was a special night. We were missing someone though but no fret, there is always a next time and when that time comes, it will be magical.

We also had our Christmas Lunch today. The food was Brilliant. We had Chinese food and I have never tasted anything like that before. For those of you who are interested, its Mr Chin Noodle House in Leeming. The roast was delicious.

Today I also received a funky camera from one of my clients. She knows I have a thing for cameras and she gave me a gift voucher (one of those Westpac Credit Card type voucher) and told me to get a camera. I got me a LOMO baby!!! I will be testing them out this Friday with all the Christmas Lights in the City be sure to check back. It comes with heaps of coloured filters and I have already tested it on  my Digital camera.

Wooooooooot!!!

9 more sleeps

9 more sleeps folks. Are you even ready yet?

I am thinking of baking shortbread cookies for my host family this year. I think I will make them this Sunday when I do not have to come in to work, like today due to the MIGHTY AUDITOR. I hate it when these Auditors come in and poke and ask too many questions. But I guess that is their job so I have to do mine.

Christmas Party...

Owh..did I forgot to post about M's Christmas Party? It was fantastic. M went as Marc Anthony, although most of them thought that he went as Julius Caesar.  As for me? Well... I went as Kathrine Hepburn. I think I failed but thats ok. I had fun with all the food and people watching.

I didn't even know that there was a "Best Costume" contest going on but the winner was Cruella De Vil and Elvis. You should see Elvis. He won Employee of the year too.

This year once again we were served by all the Department Heads and the GM!! How cool is that?

Anyways, pictures are on my Facebook Album you can have a look there.

Christmas WIP II

I was not happy with the result of this WIP to give to people so I started another project.

I haven't touched a paint brush in a long while and it felt good that I already have other projects already lined up. I can't wait. I know what I am going to do for the Family's gift this Christmas.

We will just have to wait until tomorrow to see how this one turns out.

Office Party II

Picture courtesy of Cate Blanchett's Official website.

I have narrowed it down to a few looks that I want to do for M's Christmas Party next Sunday. One of the looks that I am leaning towards to is the look of Cate as Kathrine Hepburn in The Aviator.

I may not be able to find High Waisted Brown pants but I think I can make it work with Black. As for the top I think I know where to find it in Northbridge.

I think I might go hunting for them this afternoon when I do my outside work.

Traditions...

I have been thinking about Christmas Traditions. My family do not have a set Christmas Tradition apart from going to Midnight Mass and visiting family. Nothing that only the SK family do on their own.

Since I have my own family now and I want to start a Christmas Tradition. I do not know what yet but I have some written down on my list.

So what are your family's Christmas Traditions?