How much water does it take to drown an infant ?

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I've always loved - My Little Drummer boy Whoa - who hasn't recorded My little Drummer boys ?

Whoa - who hasn't recorded My little Drummer boys ?



John Denver's version is so graceful



Josh Groban




Justin Bieber



Johnny Cash




1970 Michael and the rest of the Jackson Five recorded



Bob Dylan


I like Faith Hill but couldn't embed it


Vienna Boys Choir is heavy but I like it. Neil Diamond - he has nailed it too.

What's your favourite version ?

What's else is on your play list today ?

Ps Try playing a few at once ...
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My Christmas wish list ~ It's Chicken Feed

Is it just me - I am so not ready - are you ?

Only 28 days or 4 weeks till the man in the red suit arrives.
 
I don't have many gifts to buy. I just wish I had some ideas.

I was tagged by Two point five kids to share my Christmas wish list ... I loved her list.

Jingle, jangle, by dingo , dango ... well there  I am hopeless at making decisions is nothing I really need - I have an 'excess' amount of stuff already. Living in the caravan for 10 weeks made me realise it even more. 

I will satisfy my urge to buy something with these 5 unique Christmas gifts maybe from World Vision Gift Catalogue (so I won't lose the receipt)

1. Pencils for school $5
2. Chicken and Chicken feed $10
3. A bag of seeds $10
4. Fruit trees $ 35
5. Mosquito net -repellant treated $15

I think these gifts can do more good than a $20 - 30 'gift' bought in a rush to be opened, eaten or if inedible often stuffed in a cupboard or re gifted. (I have a post in draft of what not to buy)

Though I hope our gifts to family are given and received in love more often it is what is expected rather honestly needed. I want to give something truly meaningful - like gifts of life ... with these special gifts we can celebrate the real meaning of Christmas and help some of the world's most vulnerable people. I know we lead a privileged life in our country.

It's doesn't take much to help them overcome a little of their poverty , take control of their future and make a practical response to global inequity.They are families just like us who every day truly struggle to live even a basic life, surviving on less than a $1 a day.

Gifts of life that support education, agriculture and the environment potentially last much longer; their magic has the power to last for years ...generating income and a future food supply

As a Christian I want my children to understand Christmas is about giving not just receiving. I will be asking them to help me choose too.

I won't tag anyone but feel free to leave your wish lists - it might give me some ideas. 

I wish I joined the Social Media Secret Santa list ...because chances are there will no surprises for me. Since I am on the naughty list big time.
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Saved by Air Wick Aqua Mist

We are slowly settling back a home routine after arriving home Tuesday.

I know chaos, as usual, reigns as we haven't even finished unpacking.

What did I expect to discover leaving our 18yr old son home alone for 10 weeks ????

...well I know I was surprised to find the house at least superficially clean.

Our house is still on the market for sale. The RE agent (a parent of teenagers) even commented how surprised he was to see an 18yr keep things tidy.

My husband did fly home for 6 days mid October , so he did make sure things were tidy then.

I know the Teen was good at covering up minor stuff but his 'smells' are everywhere. He can't hide them from my nose.

... unwashed small electric griller , musty dishwasher, scummy garbage bin, stale smells of a closed up house ( 4 days of rain), his stinky socks, jocks & sweaty work shirts in the bathroom (yes he knew we were due home so he left it for me ...well it has been raining too) , the toilets , the garage whiffing of cat litter and you get the picture .

Oh my senses were overwhelmed ...deep breaths not possible !

Thank goodness I was invited by Soup to participate in Air Wick Aqua Mist project. I received a bucket load enough to to share around with family & friends too.

I know it saved the stink day.

Air wick is so fresh and light that I used it in every room , experimenting with the fragrances - Magnolia and Cherry Blossom is my favourite, the men prefer non floral fragrance of Fresh waters. I even sprayed my car which has been locked up for over 2 months.

With three botanical inspired fragrances to choose from

Air Wick Aqua Mist Magnolia & Cherry Blossom
Air Wick Aqua Mist Wild Lavender & Mountain Breeze

Air Wick Aqua Mist Fresh Waters 


I soon had the house smelling like a fresh summer garden with a mountain breeze,  flowing with calm blue waters.

I know I am not a fan of fake heavily perfumed smells, it seriously makes me feel sick, but Air wick has nailed it with these subtle fresh, light aqua essences.

Personally, I prefer a spritzing a water based mist than blasting chemical propellants & aerosols into the air. The bottles are also environmentally friendly, being recyclable plastic.

Aqua essences create a fresh and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and potential buyers arriving (I wish). I know would just love to have a fresh baked cookies smell ...mmm

Air wick was also voted as the 2011 ‘Product of the Year’ for the Air Care Category in a survey of 5,000 consumers.

It is so versatile; safe enough for use on most fabrics in your home including your curtains, carpet and furniture upholstery (of course I know you will read the instructions before using on your silk sheets or other somethings).

 My friend has horses (outside) and pet mice and other animals (indoor cats & dogs) ...a bit of zoo in fact with chickens, ducks, rabbits, aviary birds and two caged canaries ! So she tested it on her shed , her car (horse feed smells) and her house interior. She gave it the thumbs up too.

Who What would you use Aqua Mist on ? 

What air freshener fragrance would you like to see smell  ?

PS: Keep your nose in the air because I have a $350 giveaway - 3 winners will win 1 prize each of $200, $100 & $50 thanks to Soup and Air Wick Aqua Mist ! I like their new ad too.

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Santa 's Swarovski Crystal Garden at QVB

It is not often as an adult that the pure magic of a Christmas tree takes your breath away.

Yesterday, amidst the heart stopping drama of my blog being removed for no known reason , we had a date with Santa. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced.

My boys have always loved Santa though the expressions on their faces at six months were like "who is this big dude" and why is he dressed in a red jump suit.

This year got to whisper their wishes to a real 'white' bearded Santa Claus ...I think Santa got a shock to see kids throwing themselves at him bursting with excitement . This is our official photo.

Santa sits on his crystal encrusted throne with pure white Huskies at his feet . Above him are suspended crystals , he is surrounded by crystal flowers and butterflies.

Sam & Joel were dazzled by the Christmas tree too ... we just stopped Joel from trying to launch himself up the balustrade (and thank God not over it...) for a better look.

 

We were invited by One Green Bean to visit Santa Claus in his Swarovski Crystal Garden, on level 2 under the huge centre dome in the QVB. The Queen Victoria Building has been a famous Sydney icon since 1898 with a chequered history.

In recent years the entire building with it's elaborate Romanesque architecture, turrets and domes underwent significant restoration reopening in 1986. A further $48 million refurbishment was finally completed in 2009...It's stunning.

It is magnificent building, of unsurpassed grandeur . I still can't believe it is the first time Santa has made an appearance at QVB.The QVB was buzzing with Christmas shoppers, heavy laden with bags and crystal stars in their eyes.

The Swarovski Christmas Tree is a sight to behold. It soars up to the centre dome, spanning the three levels. At 24ft high , is draped with 144,000 Swarovski crystal ornaments and 60,000 twinkling lights, and a giant Swarovski crystal star atop. (Security are everywhere just in case you are wondering.)

 

 

 

Bathed in a soft, silvery light is the hand crafted crystal winter 'trellis' garden.  A blue fairy and Toy soldier offer candy canes and a chocolate ...they quickly put children at ease.

 

Nearby are real live reindeers which Sam & Joel got to feed . It's a wonderland that dazzles parents and children alike.

The QVC has really embraced Christmas magic with fairy lights adorning the balustrades and decorations everywhere.

We got a sneak preview, Santa Claus - officially arrives on Monday November 28th. So keep your eyes on the roof (of course) of the Queen Victoria Building. Santa will be waiting to see your kids every day up to (and including) Christmas Eve. You can get your Christmas shopping lists wrapped up at the same time as having a special family experience.

Please check the QVB website for more information about opening times and Santa visiting hours. QVB is located right near Town Hall station or the QVB has underground parking for 700 cars.

This is not a sponsored post , all opinions are my own . We were invited guests of One Green Bean and there was no obligation to blog about our Santa visit. 

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Wordless Wednesday ~ Frenchman Peak

can you see the walking specks ? - other walkers !

Looking towards Esperance

cave / tunnel at the top from the inside

summit view

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Outside my window

Outside my window… It's raining , farmers love rain and the kids love mud pies.

I am thinking... that I need to clear my Google reader because it hasn't been eyeballed for 2 months. Of course I've been reading you !

I am thankful for… My husband of 21yrs +

that we can love, laugh, forgive and move on ...
his enduring patience love. He also makes the best cup of tea.

I am wearing… jeans and hubby's t shirt (I'm lazy and most of mine are on the line wet)

I am remembering… all the things I must not forget to do

I am going… to do a photography course next year

I am currently reading… zip - I'm catching up on blogs !

I am hoping…I find a money tree growing at home.

On my mind …selling our home most likely we will be renting our house now !

Noticing that… I still have a lot of unpacking to do so we can clear out the caravan and re pack some stuff to go home.


Pondering … why I can't have it all - I've got no where to put it even if I did ! Also can anyone tell me the mystery of popcorn kernel.How do they pack a popcorn in.

From the kitchen…I've missed baking - I want to make Jamie Oliver's 30 min banoffee pie when I get home.

Around the house shed … constantly picking up with 5yr old twins who love mess  being creative
bags & dragging them everywhere filled with everything they pull from wardrobes/drawers & toy boxes.

One of my favorite things… uh oh I can't chose just 1 - my family, you & connecting with friends. Eating comes in a close second, followed by my computer & camera.

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Race in to win ~ Cars 2 Giveway $177.95

Going Where No Car has Ever Gone Before, Disney’s Favourite Racing Cars Are Back, and Racing to Save the World!

The much anticipated Cars 2 has finally been released just in time for Christmas on DVD & Blu Ray!
Even I am so excited. I loved the movie at the cinema.

Hit the road with race car Lightning McQueen once more, as he and tow truck Mater head across international waters to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix!

Plenty of potholes detours and hilarious surprises await when Disney Pixar’s Cars 2 races into homes on NEW 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™ Value Pack and DVD from November 9.

My boys are Cars 2 crazy. Lightning , Mater and the crew have traveled across Australia with us.

my favourite

I haven't told them yet ...

Hold onto to your seats as

 Lightning McQueen and the incomparable tow truck Mater as they take their friendship to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car.

As Lightning McQueen prepares for the race of his life, tow truck Mater soon finds himself torn between assisting his buddy and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile  and the stunning rookie spy Holley Shiftwell.

Of course you want to know how to enter the giveaway

Courtesy of Porter Novelli and Walt Disney, I have this awesome racing Cars 2 prize pack which includes:

- Cars 2 Blu-ray and DVD
- Invisible Pen with UV Light set
- Cars 2 watch
- Credit Card Sized USB Flash Drive
- Mini Car toolkit
- Spy Ear Phone

Valued at $177.95

Just leave a comment below and tell me in under 50 words what you are racing to finish before Christmas and you'll be in the race to win!

Christmas will come early to most creative answer !


Giveaway Closes : Dec 1st 2011
Australian residents only. 

The winner is Lightening- everyone had such great answers and I liked her creativity and name :)  !

 
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Frenchman Peak

No not this Frenchman

credit

view from inside the cave/ tunnel

I can't believe we actually did it but there's nothing like Frenchmans Peak in Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperence. The ascent is tough but worth it when you get to the top...the descent is scary especially holding the hand of a 5 YR old jumping !

Youtube video of the top of Frenchman's Peak- not mine !
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Thankful for Unicorns, that moment and secret ink !

The other day while camping at Quagi Beach

a father of triplets, mentioned about venomous snakes and why his 5 yr olds wore gumboots !

Then we saw

I'd really wish they were left behind instead of Unicorns !

I am thankful  we only met this unknown 'reptile' as we were leaving the campground . The 'close up' photo was most definitely taken from the safety of the vehicle (4WD) by DH - I did get 'out' for this second one {well it was first photo - way away on far side of the car}

I am thankful that moment ~ when you stroll into the ablution block and think - 'Gee this looks a bit different to before ' {everything was reversed about}, then you spot the urinal - and you dash out quickly before being sprung seen ~ yeah THAT moment !

Credit

I am thankful for the wonderful spectacular extraordinary Telstra Bigpond lady {Of course they exist - just rarely witnessed like Unicorns } who sorted my Internet credit {mobile broadband wifi } woes and now I have 10G to use again ...

It should be enough to get me home and then some. I'd be lost without it and my URL friends. ( Google maps has been very handy actually)

I am sure, I am, my husband is thankful for Daisy's challenge - so far 4/8 but 10/10 for exhaustion effort enjoyment - it is really making us thankful for enticing me to bed earlier and away from my computer our relationship.

 

what are you thankful for ?

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