tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39538569280330029192012-01-27T00:12:42.024ZThe Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.comBlogger4451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-40753148711336934382011-12-23T23:30:00.000Z2012-01-23T20:45:41.512Z

The festive season kicked off just after Thanksgiving with Tabitha's School Christmas Fair. Tabby and I helped with the Lucky Dip booth then did Christmas crafts before visiting Santa's Grotto. Tabs wasn't very impressed with Santa. She said he was definitely NOT the real Father Christmas because 1) She spotted a glimpse of his regular shirt under his Santa suit 2) She noticed elastic around his

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-69453603972783637932011-12-16T23:30:00.000Z2011-12-26T22:03:51.971Z

Going to Lapland UK has become a Tabby Christmas tradition. This year Tabs and I went with Fred, Bjorn, Petra and Aunty Leanor. The kids got to help Father Christmas make Teddy Bears for children around the world.  Then they heard a story and got to decorate gingerbread Christmas trees in Mother Christmas's kitchen. Next they sent their Santa letters in a special express post box.  The

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-8693247344729924862011-12-09T23:30:00.000Z2011-12-26T18:19:48.825Z

As soon as Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto tickets went on sale, Edward and I were on the case. We spent hours both on the phone and online unsuccessfully trying to get tickets. Eventually we opted for a website that Edward had seen advertised in the morning paper. We managed to secure three seats (at a ridiculous price) and were happy until our tickets failed to show up with only a couple of days until

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-3896857053874234352011-11-30T23:30:00.000Z2011-12-26T14:11:59.640Z

I wanted to get my oven professionally cleaned after Thanksgiving but my regular guy wasn't available and his replacement was a little overzealous. His intense methods resulted in nearly all the numbers on the front of my oven being scrubbed off! At least those guesstimation skills I cultivated in elementary school will finally come in handy! 

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-73500530215493946662011-11-27T23:30:00.000Z2011-12-26T13:42:50.361Z

There were eight of us for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Obviously, we don't get the day off but we still like to celebrate it on Thursday anyway. To tell you the truth, having the house to myself all day makes preparing Thanksgiving dinner a breeze. No distractions or kids underfoot = a stress-free cooking experience. This year I was most thankful for FINALLY finding a shop that carries

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-15202805953457779862011-11-20T22:30:00.000Z2011-11-23T18:48:58.595Z

Today was Stir-up Sunday - a religious day that's morphed into the official day to get your traditional British Christmas cakes and puddings started. I can't think of an American equivalent to Christmas cake - maybe fruitcake is the closest. Tabby and I decided to make our OWN Christmas cake this year. My mother-in-law usually makes it each year and it lasts until EASTER! This is because A) My

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-62930796644996904042011-11-20T17:02:00.001Z2011-11-20T17:51:55.390Z

  After going to the Highland Games in Scotland this past summer, Tabitha was keen to learn Highland Dancing. I thought it'd be a nice way for her to get in touch with her roots (she's 1/4 Scottish) so I signed her up. Her first lesson was mid-September and she loved it straightaway. She's been doing ballet since she was three so she picked it up easily and was invited to compete in the Kent 

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-39576732773870276142011-11-16T18:11:00.001Z2011-11-16T18:43:18.653Z

My lovely Swedish friend, Petra, recently returned from a trip to her motherland and brought back this adorable Swedish gnome for us! I've had it less than an hour and I already think it's my favorite Christmas decoration of all time! This is the same friend who taught us how to make those lovely Swedish snowball domes last Christmas. Better watch out Petra, if you're not careful we're gonna

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-7342434738035844322011-11-15T09:51:00.001Z2011-11-18T10:47:36.854Z

We've had an amazingly warm autumn in Southern Britain this year. Most of October was warmer than our entire summer! So warm, in fact, that our poor, confused front hedge started trying to go into spring-mode and bloom! Every weekend for the past three months I've told the kids to hurry and run outside and enjoy the last day of good weather for the year. But it keeps on being nice and making a

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-71663757211120268632011-11-07T23:30:00.000Z2011-11-12T17:02:09.378Z

Today my mother-in-law and I went out for lunch in Surrey at one of the Queen's finest establishments... Her Majesty's Prison! You know, as one does... The restaurant is actually within the walls of High Down prison (a former lunatic asylum). It's called The Clink and is a charity that aims to train up prisoners for the catering industry so they have some skills under their belt once they get

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-18244102556523871322011-11-05T23:30:00.000Z2011-11-07T10:03:08.339Z

This year we celebrated Bonfire Night at Granny and Grandad's house. This meant that, for the first time, we got to make our own effigy of Guy Fawkes. I thought it'd be a great project to do with the kids but, in the end, I basically did the whole thing myself. And they wonder why we don't get a pet! Our Guy ended up looking a bit like Lord Farquaad from Shrek with his tiny, disproportionate

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-51157488377078808342011-11-01T10:22:00.000Z2011-11-12T17:01:44.025Z

I'm a terrible mother. I don't deserve my fantastic, long-suffering kids. It's true. The latest example of my incompetence is when Tabitha lost her second tooth on Halloween night. The poor tooth decided to commit suicide rather than be subjected ANY further to the relentless candy assault. Instead of making sure that it ended up in safe place for the rest of the evening, like a good mother would

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-620934052046787332011-10-31T23:30:00.000Z2011-11-05T09:29:33.533Z

We kicked off the Halloween season by throwing a party for Tabitha's [female] school friends on Friday afternoon. It was a joint effort with Tabby's friend Cicely.  It was a kid's Halloween paradise with lots of creepy crafts... ...ghoulish games... ...devilish dancing...  ...and spooky food. Halloween as a fun kiddie activity is a relatively new idea out here but each year

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-64976325468496292282011-10-27T23:19:00.000+01:002011-10-31T11:52:28.639Z

Tabitha's been studying the Battle of Hastings at school so I thought it'd be nice to take a little field trip to 1066 country and see if I could make history come alive for her. Every school child in Britain knows that 1066 was the year that William the Conqueror invaded England. He landed at Hastings on the Sussex coast, about an hour away from our house. Here's how the beach at Hastings

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-7875311113937228362011-10-22T21:55:00.001+01:002011-10-31T11:53:43.256Z

There are still nine days to go until Halloween but we couldn't wait any longer so we did a few jack-o-lanterns today. We're the ONLY people in the village (and possibly the entire county) to be starting so early. I'm sure they all think we're a bunch of crazy Americans. This was Tabby's cute pumpkin: When she'd finished we told her how cute it was but she didn't like that a bit! "It's not

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-78889364960566614722011-10-18T16:22:00.001+01:002011-10-31T11:54:05.418Z

Tabby and I spent the morning making Loo Roll Characters. We might be a little obsessed with this holiday-based activity (click to see: Christmas People & Thanksgiving People).

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-8743175627691737632011-10-15T15:29:00.002+01:002011-10-31T11:54:26.941Z

It was a lazy Saturday afternoon at home so Tabitha suggested a family T-shirt designing contest. The winner would get to choose which movie we'd watch that afternoon. Edward threatened us all with a Star Wars marathon (Blu-ray extended edition). I countered with a Jane Aust-e-thon. There was a lot riding on this contest so we all settled down and got straight to work. This was Tabitha's cute

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-61903623546149271392011-10-13T10:28:00.000+01:002011-11-02T09:55:25.198Z

When I asked Tabitha to grab me a napkin she got two and said, "Actually, I'll give you an extra because I know what you're like!" After reading a label on a blanket that said: Machine Wash, Do Not Bleach, Warm Iron, Dry Clean, Do Not Tumble Dry - Tabitha registered her disapproval, "Wow, that's very commanding!" We were walking down by the river when a couple of dogs playing in the water

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-83333843059690430382011-10-04T23:19:00.004+01:002011-10-06T12:42:40.058+01:00

We just found out today that, if all goes well, this old Baptist church from the 1800's will be our new home! It was converted for residential use in the 1980's and is just one village away, which means the kids can stay in their current schools. The only annoying thing is that it's tenanted at the moment so we may have to wait until April before we can actually move in. Well, that and the

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-44749106601098531282011-09-30T23:55:00.001+01:002011-10-06T12:15:40.864+01:00

In Britain, Harvest Festival is traditionally a time of giving. Usually schools celebrate by having kids bring in tins and packets of food for the less fortunate. This year was different, the kids were given little piggy bank houses to decorate and fill with spare change from around the house.Tabitha loved this and was so sweet about it. Every time she did something extra good and I said she

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-27528370088578216582011-09-19T23:03:00.005+01:002011-09-22T09:21:28.141+01:00

September 18thTabitha's first loose tooth was getting really wiggly so I asked if she wanted any help getting it out. She was horrified by this suggestion and said, "No mummy, that would hurt! I'll just have to bide my time." Where does she get this stuff?!September 19thJust before Tabby left for school I asked if she thought she might lose her tooth today, to which she replied, "Mummy, we're not

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-46925050204818938322011-09-18T23:49:00.000+01:002011-09-21T19:03:12.511+01:00

Tabitha loved having her best boy friend, Fred, come with us to pick apples this year.Fred's beautiful mom, Petra, and darling baby brother, Bjorn, also came along.

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-35762463468242566032011-09-16T13:05:00.002+01:002011-09-16T13:06:40.552+01:00

SpringSummerFallI took these photos as the seasons changed over the past year. At first I thought they were cool but now I'm thinking they just look like a bunch of old dorky inspirational posters, you know...*Stand Out from the Crowd!*Overcome Adversity!*Don't be Afraid to be Different!*When Surrounded by Mediocrity, Let Your True Colors Shine! (That one was super dorky!)*NEW Wheaties - now with

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-85369144787615435362011-09-10T23:42:00.010+01:002011-09-30T11:39:58.152+01:00

The Brits are closet patriots. They'd rather complain about their country than fly flags for it (it's that famous British self-deprecation!) but, actually, deep down, they adore the place. And so do I.Problem is, there's not really a special day to celebrate Britishness. Sure there's St George's Day (for England), but good luck finding anyone who actually knows when that is! Then there's Bonfire

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-28030683856473938142011-09-05T23:07:00.005+01:002011-10-04T15:19:43.783+01:00

DAK - A Levels (USA equivalent = High School Jr.)Classes-English-Sociology-Psychology-Media StudiesChanges-Co-ed (He's LOVING having girls in school now!)-Suits instead of uniforms (What Edward calls my-first-court-appearance-suit)-Chose his own classes-Is actually doing homework now!!! TABS - Form 3 (USA equivalent = 1st grade)Activities -Piano-Ballet-Speech-French-Drama-Highland

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-32791079715698877042011-09-04T23:00:00.023+01:002011-09-16T10:02:46.060+01:00

If you haven't been to Scottish Highlands, here's a top tip: take winter clothes! Even in July and August. This is because the Highlands are actually closer to Norway than London. Flip flops, T-shirts and sunglasses are right out! If you bring decent clothes, Scotland can be one of the nicest places on earth to visit... that is, if you can ever get there!!Friday - August 26thIt took the kids and

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-75443948161693233042011-08-31T23:14:00.000+01:002011-09-14T10:42:24.184+01:00

A Dog Loo, how very civilized! If I was so inclined, this would be the LAST place I'd get Hair Braids. So creepy with its strangled, severed head and all!This sign is a mystery. We found it on the side of a bus above an equally mysterious window thingy in Istanbul. No clue what it means. Sleep? Lounging area? View a dead guy in the weird window below? I might not have posted this Wather photo if

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-46266831543795184852011-08-17T23:15:00.001+01:002011-08-17T23:15:01.065+01:00

The word that comes to mind when describing this accidentally hilarious photo I took is "clenched". Or possibly, "NACHOOOOOOO!" (Apologies to the lady in the background, whoever you are, hope you don't mind being the butt of our joke).

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-86579297042230180792011-08-11T23:39:00.024+01:002011-09-09T11:36:57.592+01:00

I didn't want to spend another summer in Britain without experiencing the Robin Hood Festival so I booked a three day mini-break in Nottinghamshire for the kids and myself. I was really excited but my poor kids, who get dragged to this kind of stuff all the time, weren't quite as enthused. Probably because they knew we'd break our journey at National Trust places all along the way. They were

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-54334809926242922092011-08-06T23:38:00.005+01:002011-09-25T12:25:16.623+01:00

This morning when Tabitha came downstairs she found Sparkle Pony in the evil jaws of The Gruffalo.She was horrified and pulled them apart straightaway but eventually forgot about the incident and resumed doing whatever it was she was doing.A little while later Edward casually asked Tabs where her cuddly toys had gone.After a frantic search, she finally found them atop the fridge in this

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-24285912194069906862011-08-04T23:34:00.003+01:002011-08-16T12:59:27.615+01:00

You may recall the hideous mug Tabitha gave Edward for Father's Day. I suggested Edward take it to work because it would look much better there than in my kitchen but, for some reason, he never did. I'm sure he meant to but just kept "forgetting" (over and over for two months in a row). So Tabby and I decided to send it to him. We wrapped the mug and a pack of his favorite biscuits in brown paper

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-3224007657646799572011-08-01T23:45:00.010+01:002011-08-13T13:16:00.577+01:00

Sometimes I wonder if I should quit blogging about wolf-wearables... but I CAN'T - not as long as people continue to wear the wolf! And these people are everywhere! They're in the supermarket... ...at the aquarium... ...at Anglo-Saxon-themed craft demonstrations... ...in London street markets... ...in Greek street markets... .

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-9116221844489518812011-07-31T23:02:00.004+01:002011-08-07T22:39:03.723+01:00

When I cook I like to tidy up as I go to minimize the work at the end of the meal. Edward doesn't subscribe to this theory.Edward makes Sunday lunch every week. If I'm in the kitchen while he's cooking I can't help myself, I begin to tidy and put stuff in the dishwasher just from force of habit. He's had to ask me (on more than one occasion) to leave everything where it is because he's not done

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-74674811058635074532011-07-25T23:15:00.059+01:002011-09-30T12:06:40.172+01:00

I know two cruises in one year might seem a bit indulgent, but it really wasn't. Trust me. If anything, this cruise was a trial. I booked it last minute (at a very discounted price) so didn't have time for research. All I knew was that it was a British cruise-line that the saleslady assured me was a fabulous and even "luxurious" ship the whole family would ADORE! How bad could it be? The

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-45669417816300501982011-07-16T23:43:00.002+01:002011-07-30T12:32:05.706+01:00

For the last few weeks Edward's computer's had a bug. Literally. An actual bug found its way into his monitor and began crawling around, in full view, on the inside of his screen. It must have been trapped because it wandered back and forth the entire length and breadth of the screen over and over like that Snake game that used to come free on cell phones. Edward, always the cynic, predicted the

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-84625481677490217012011-07-14T23:12:00.007+01:002011-07-26T13:14:47.404+01:00

DakotaLast Day of Paper Route - June 11thDakota figured 16 was too old to be having a paper route anymore so he handed in his notice. He did well to stick it out for a year and a half through rain and snow and before he even caught his 7:50 bus each morning though. Now he's making money by doing odd-jobs around the house for me. He's sanding things, cleaning things, unclogging things, painting

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-5539257491503212602011-07-04T23:19:00.005+01:002011-07-16T12:26:34.013+01:00

This year Tabitha did a little 4th of July presentation at school complete with a color-in map of America, flag napkins and All-American brownies and rice krispie treats.She was happy to tell her class a few facts about America but, to be honest, she knows very little about the place. She was born here, has an English accent, considers herself British and has only been to the States a half a

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-50540769955291865422011-06-30T23:17:00.002+01:002011-07-26T10:47:14.184+01:00

After her birthday I asked Tabby if it felt great to be six now, instead of five, to which she replied, "Yes, but I won't brag about it!"Tabitha was busy eating one cookie when I offered her a second. She made a funny "hum hum" noise then, after swallowing, clarified for me, "Mommy, my mouth was full so I could only hum 'thank you'.""Hey, Chinese burn - get it?!" Tabitha SHOUTED after putting her

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-64235298952970985942011-06-20T23:17:00.003+01:002011-07-16T10:51:33.187+01:00

How can you NOT try it?!To be honest, there are quicker ways of ridding yourself of rough skin but this was definitely more fun.

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-79371471035926322932011-06-19T23:44:00.001+01:002011-07-16T10:16:23.149+01:00

We're big on white elephants in our house. Always have been, always will be. So it's especially sweet when the smallest member of our family gets in on the act without any prompting from us veterans.Tabitha's school does a Father's Day stall where the kids can pick out and wrap up a secret present for their Daddies. This is what she chose:When poor Edward unwrapped the hideous thing you could see

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-19039645912594728432011-06-12T23:22:00.008+01:002011-09-25T12:29:24.334+01:00

Once upon a time there was a boot. It sat on a lonely dirt track along the main road that we took to the movies, our favorite Indian restaurant and the mall. It sat there for well over a year. At first we laughed. Then we got used to it. Then we got attached to it.It became a landmark. We even began giving people boot-based directions ("Take a right at The Boot")! We watched it through the

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-25948603392896956902011-06-10T23:10:00.006+01:002011-07-13T18:11:23.952+01:00

(This edition: Rated PG)Tabitha pointed out this strange button configuration (OMG) in the elevator. Leave it to a kid!STD signs abound in India. We think it might have something to do with phones but, for us Westerners, it's hard to think of anything but yucky diseases in the nether regions.I think it's meant to say "Black Beauty" rather than "Black Beuty" but this spelling mistake is just cute.

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-18797858831355871662011-06-05T23:43:00.008+01:002011-07-16T09:37:21.396+01:00

While I was off on half term with Eleanor and the kids, Edward was busy planning our anniversary weekend. He'd booked a weekend at the beautiful St Pancras Hotel. It's one of London's most romantic buildings. It only reopened a month ago after having been closed for 76 years! It took five years and £200 million to renovate. Edward and I passed it one day while it was still under construction and

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-78693486513054104022011-06-03T23:34:00.019+01:002011-07-13T12:41:24.673+01:00

This half term I finally managed the impossible; getting Eleanor, Edward's sister, to go camping with us! I've had to work hard to convert both Edward and Eleanor to camping because...A) They had traumatic experiences camping as childrenB) Camping in Britain is seen to be either for festivals or people who can't afford hotels but not for pleasureC) Campsites are usually in a farmer's field - so

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-46623813060126171942011-05-30T23:58:00.008+01:002011-07-08T08:46:18.721+01:00

My family is mocking me. They keep calling me a killer. It's not fair because I haven't actually killed anyone and all three close-calls were just accidents.Let me explain.1st Incident:Years ago, after my grandma died, I was helping to look after my grandpa by making meals for him in the evenings. I used whatever ingredients he had in his kitchen and, one day, I found a can of chillies so I

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-84533887816391233052011-05-26T23:32:00.013+01:002011-07-07T20:44:15.300+01:00

If we lived in the USA Dakota would probably be getting his drivers license today but, since we live in the UK, he won't be able to get it until he's 18+! Just one of the great perks of living here! He may be 16 and 6'1" today but I'm afraid I still think of him as my little boy! And my little boy can't drive! And, by the way, when did my little boy stop wearing pyjama tops to bed?In keeping with

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-32801732554195767772011-05-22T19:54:00.009+01:002011-07-08T09:25:50.836+01:00

This weekend the kids (including Dak's GF) and I visited the East End of London. The East End was traditionally the poorer section of London and is where Cockneys and jellied eels come from. It's also where Jack the Ripper did his worst. But today the area is on the up.Our aim was to go to the Brick Lane Market but first we made a quick stop at the fascinating Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood.I

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-53367961446803111572011-05-15T23:52:00.011+01:002011-07-09T20:09:39.026+01:00

Over the years Dakota's had quite a few girls after him, but it was only recently that he acquired his first "official" girlfriend. Her name is Johanna. They met through mutual friends a year or so ago but only hooked up at the beginning of May.He admits snagging her with a cheesy line that he blames me for suggesting. Something like...D: "You ever had a boyfriend?"J: "No."D: "Want one?"J: "

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-40413484752646721032011-05-08T23:14:00.004+01:002011-06-30T09:27:31.867+01:00

Every year I try to get my kids to pamper me on both British Mother's Day (March) AND American Mother's Day (May), but to no avail. Though I'm clearly not British, they only spoil me in March. I'd like to think I deserve two Mother's Days. I have two kids, after all! Perhaps it's all down to card availability. Stinkin' Hallmark is ruining all my best evil plots!So this year I staged a sit-in on

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-79724135657890037502011-04-28T23:23:00.023+01:002011-07-26T13:45:34.518+01:00

This weekend we headed to London with millions of other people to hang out around Westminster Abbey for the Royal Wedding. As an ever-curious-non-native-perma-tourist I was keen to see how a big event like this would play out.Dakota wasn't enthused by the whole affair and decided to stay home. So Tabby and I left him home alone after school on Thursday. We'd booked a hotel (despite living just

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-34134527630045085902011-04-26T23:57:00.000+01:002011-06-26T18:48:01.811+01:00

My lovely sister Shira sent me a package for my birthday that included an American flag magnet - which I patriotically stuck on the fridge. A few days later I noticed that someone had stuck rude magnetic poetry over the top of my flag!No prizes for guessing who!

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-26527606676481887432011-04-24T23:31:00.012+01:002011-06-26T19:15:35.193+01:00

You know how old people are always hiding stuff away in a "safe" place then forgetting where that place was? That was me at five o'clock Easter morning with all the Easter stuff. Nearly an hour later I was still empty handed and running out of time. I actually contemplated putting spare change, gum and mini packs of Kleenex into a mixing bowl and calling that an Easter basket! That's how

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-63312745874656335372011-04-22T23:21:00.051+01:002011-06-24T14:46:33.416+01:00

INDIAIt's fair to say that we've had a major crush on India for while now; we adore Indian food, love Indian music, are slightly obsessed with Bollywood films (all except Dakota) and have even replaced Pin the Tail on the Donkey with Pin the Sherwani on Shah Rukh Khan for heavens sake!We've wanted to visit India for years but thought we'd better wait until Tabitha was old enough to put up with

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-82113891666724535902011-04-11T23:22:00.034+01:002011-06-16T10:40:10.623+01:00

Before I begin I'd like to state, for the record, that, despite having been on five of them, we're not actually cruise people. Cruise people enjoy formal nights, lounging on the lido deck, playing bingo and making friends at dinner. We don't do formal night (formal isn't relaxing!), we've never come back from a cruise with a tan, we don't play bingo, we end up making friends with the staff rather

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-29589188196192669092011-04-03T23:17:00.008+01:002011-06-26T19:31:46.828+01:00

We celebrated Mothering Sunday all weekend long; Saturday for Edward's "mum" and Sunday for me.For Elizabeth's party we whipped out the chocolate fountain. Unfortunately, since it was the first time we'd ever used it, we failed to realize that the dang thing takes ALL DAY to warm up. So there we were, all gathered around, waiting intently for something to happen... but nothing ever did (unless

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-3010487032043888002011-03-31T00:00:00.002+01:002011-04-23T18:50:22.781+01:00

Edward thinks bread from the freezer tastes inferior but I think shopping for bread every other day is impossible, so a long and ongoing bread-war is our only option. The other day I found this in the bread bin: But I don't take orders from a loaf of bread so in the freezer it went!

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-57466907020359876162011-03-28T23:56:00.015+01:002011-07-01T19:20:04.931+01:00

Birthdays in our house always begin with breakfast in bed. This year Tabitha requested fresh strawberries, apple juice and pan au chocolat.A couple of weeks before she turned six Tabitha said she thought it'd be nice if we did something for charity on our birthdays. I thought it was a great idea (especially for a five year old!) and have decided to make it a family tradition. Tabitha wanted to

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-70500603777262268062011-03-26T23:15:00.023Z2011-03-31T12:51:13.441+01:00

Today we had a double birthday party for Edward and Tabby. With our impending trip to India and our fervent love of Hindi films we couldn't resist having a Bollywood theme! (When I say "our fervent love" I mean Edward, Tabby and me. Dakota's not a fan. He's much too cool for Bollywood...) Edward's family came over and we kicked everything off with lunch at Green Spice, our favorite Indian

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-35566683251421059602011-03-21T11:41:00.009Z2011-06-28T13:37:13.611+01:00

The snowdrops are always the first flowers to arrive as winter warms toward Spring.Then come the crocuses......and the primroses.I love that wild primroses grow along the Darent Valley path.Although they're all winter flowers, they show that Spring is on its way - a fact that makes me VERY happy!But flowers aren't nature's only clue that Spring is near. Look at this sweet baby calf (umbilical

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-11886610628481194832011-03-16T23:47:00.005Z2011-03-24T10:24:45.635Z

Edward took the day off for his birthday this year but, unfortunately, spent the morning in the doctor's office getting vaccinated for our upcoming trip!After that the two of us went out for lunch at the appropriately named Ed's Diner then went back home for a nap. That's right, a nap. You know you're getting old when you look forward to a nice mid-day nap on your birthday!Edward was still

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-87270748821002650152011-03-09T23:55:00.003Z2011-03-17T11:37:05.519Z

We took Tabitha with us to Parents Evening at Dakota's school. She was appalled, "Ewww, it smells like BOYS in here!" She wasn't wrong but, to be fair, it IS an all-boys school!When we put our house on the market I told Tabby we needed to declutter and put some of her toys into storage. She looked very worried and begged, "Not my Jessie doll, she HATES storage!" (If you haven't seen Toy Story 2

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-73235064667492409252011-03-02T20:54:00.017Z2011-03-30T16:54:10.621+01:00

Phone: Ring RingMe: HelloPhone: Beeping Keypad SoundMe: Uh... Hello?Phone: Beep Beep BeepMe: Edward?Phone: Beep BeepMe: Is this some kind of a code?Phone: Beep BeepTurns out it was Edward and he was using code.The Code:1 beep = No2 beeps = Yes3 beeps = I love you.Seems easy enough but it took me 10 solid minutes to crack the dang thing because there was no forewarning, no instructions, nothing

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-11450942888939217392011-02-26T23:28:00.011Z2011-03-15T09:48:42.768Z

Today we attended Andrew & Sarah-Anne's wedding. Andrew was the last of Edward's best friends to get married. He was also the only one among Edward's group of four friends NOT to marry an American girl. (We American girls just can't resist a dashing Brit!)The wedding was lovely; a full Roman Catholic mass complete with communion, a bell-ringing altar boy and just a touch of hellfire. The bride

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-75702291742238721282011-02-19T23:31:00.007Z2011-02-22T20:41:48.261Z

We've put our house on the market which means lots of weekend viewings. Sometimes people want to come by at the last second and we all have to pitch in to get the house looking presentable. Edward's usually in charge of vacuuming. It's hilarious because he tends to sing James Bond songs whilst he vacuums. I suppose he HAS to sing something manly to avoid being emasculated by operating such an

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-29172469666295307182011-02-14T23:31:00.007Z2011-02-21T20:29:46.408Z

Edward was frustrated after spending more than 10 minutes shopping around for a decent Valentine's card (more than half his yearly shopping quota) when, suddenly, he had a brilliant idea; to buy each other really, really stupid Valentine cards. The worst we could find. Not only would it be easier (the shops are filled with idiotic tripe) but it would be fun to boot! Now, I'm sure there are wives

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-46873498859435607362011-02-07T10:39:00.006Z2011-02-09T19:25:53.349Z

I was out walking and found this key.I'd look for its owner except I think I might be a couple of hundred years too late.By Request: The person who comes up with the best story for this key, wins the key! Just leave your version in the comments section for a chance to win this genuine British beauty (rust and all)!

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-4652112298772947862011-02-02T23:47:00.007Z2011-02-03T13:10:06.902Z

We had a fairly low-key Groundhog Day this year. Partly because everyone we knew seemed to be suffering from a sore throat and partly because the stuff I ordered online for the big day didn't arrive in time!But we still had fun. We invited the Hayes girls over and had our traditional sausages and mash dinner (where the sausage is the groundhog and the mash is his burrow).For an extra treat I

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-54436984283507178812011-01-30T11:22:00.005Z2011-01-30T11:27:37.895Z

Who says my name's exotic? It's everywhere!Even if they don't spell it right.I've got my own hotel...My own fleet of coaches...My own Eastern European car (even though it's minging)...My own theme park...OK, OK, I admit that this one actually says "Wild Asia" but DaishaLandia would be pretty cool.Almost as cool as Roodland.Or Gaywood Farm.More Gaywood Farm.Shame about the name of the road it's on

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-41024190207432663672011-01-28T19:41:00.004Z2011-01-28T19:51:36.090Z

My Little Ponies have a magnetized hoof?!

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-3165894522371440242011-01-25T23:38:00.007Z2011-01-26T10:27:04.186Z

Burns Night is controversial in our house; I love it but Edward thinks it's lame (even though he's half Scottish!). One of the reasons I'm such an enthusiastic Burns Night supporter is because all the other holidays in January are rubbish! New Years Day isn't a proper holiday - it doesn't have a good theme and there are no real traditions, decorations or themey foods to enjoy - and the only thing

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-3767906707321127162011-01-20T23:05:00.006Z2011-01-24T12:43:07.547Z

7:00am - Wakes up and stumbles out the door (usually still in PJ bottoms) to do his paper route.7:30 - Returns home, has a quick shower and takes at least one fresh, clean towel up to his room then dumps it straight in the laundry basket.7:40 - Starts putting on his uniform but realizes he doesn't have a clean shirt because he never takes his dirty laundry downstairs, so finds the least offensive

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-6798390481130129972011-01-15T23:58:00.010Z2011-01-24T10:37:38.765Z

I recently called one of those automated voice-activated phone lines where I was told to say "more options" if I wanted to hear the rest of the menu, so I did. Thrice! But the system kept looping around and asking me to do it over again so, in desperation, I put on my poshest Lady Bracknell accent and said, "Muhh Awwptions Dawwling" and it WORKED!And that's just the tip of the Anglo-iceberg.When

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-6547830800548040302011-01-05T23:59:00.007Z2011-01-10T20:23:39.144Z

I was telling Tabitha that if I had a sheep I would shear it then I'd knit something really cool with its wool to which she replied, "I think you mean Melanie, don't you?!" It's pretty bad when you can't even pull the wool over your five year old's eyes!On a recent trip to the US we were watching a TV show filmed on location in London. Tabitha looked on with delight then turned to me with a heavy

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-60313832384786407652010-12-31T23:59:00.013Z2011-01-09T12:08:08.535Z

Welcome to The [Lazy] Lanyon Family Annual Round Up (AKA the closest thing you're gonna get to a Christmas letter from us this year). Select a topic, click to read at your leisure.Kid's Highlights:Dakota's first job Dakota got scuba certifiedDakota's work experienceDakota joined the Rugby teamDakota's first dateDakota's modeling contractTabitha's first day of proper school & first day of private

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-23602913323724369802010-12-27T23:33:00.004Z2011-01-04T13:15:26.627Z

For me, white elephants are one of the best things about Christmas! It's a tradition that goes back to my childhood when my mom used to wrap up crazy things like hairballs and give them to us as joke presents! (True story!) Naturally, we always returned the favor. The barn or Mom's overstuffed cupboards were the perfect place to forage for booby prizes. The best white elephant EVER was the

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-5557459613955453422010-12-26T20:05:00.036Z2010-12-30T19:28:10.417Z

Today's Boxing Day. I locked all the doors so nobody could get in or out then imposed/enforced a pyjama day! We watched movies, took naps, played board games and ate leftovers. It was nice to have a lazy day to relax and reflect on Christmas highlights.Tabitha's Christmas Highlights:Being the narrator in her school nativity playGoing to Lapland UKDecorating the Christmas tree by herself (it was a

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-9829902274570193752010-12-25T05:00:00.004Z2011-01-04T13:20:15.392Z

Day 1 - NothingSorry but I've run out of energy, inspiration and crafty patience - for this year at least!You'll Need:To RelaxTake it EasyPull Up a ChairEnjoy Christmas!

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-40036075385084787842010-12-24T15:00:00.000Z2010-12-24T08:13:56.115Z

This, Tabitha's third official Christmas letter, shows how little influence I have on her anymore. First of all, she wrote the entire thing without me even knowing (I'm pretty impressed with her spelling - especially Rudolph!), second of all she's gone all English and called him "Father Christmas" instead of "Santa", third...FONDEST REGARDS?!

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-90558056781975331822010-12-24T05:00:00.004Z2010-12-25T23:38:50.741Z

Day 2- Brown Paper PackagesI used to be the world's worst wrapper. For years I employed gift bags to hide my shame but, this year, I'd had enough and decided to wrap things properly - like a grown up. I'm not normally this matchy-matchy with our presents but I wanted to try the whole brown paper packages thing and I think they turned out pretty cute.You'll Need:Brown PaperFestive

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-42091354847603939562010-12-23T05:00:00.006Z2010-12-23T22:38:05.071Z

Day 3 - Loo Roll PeopleTabitha and her friend, Eva, made these festive characters out of loo rolls today. It took quite a bit of time and effort but they were thrilled with the results and played with them all evening!You'll Need:Loo RollsColored PaperGoogly Eyes, Pom Poms, Cotton Balls, etc.GlueScissorsA PenThere are no hard and fast rules to putting these guys together, just use your

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-18600707025187741462010-12-22T05:00:00.001Z2010-12-22T16:17:18.044Z

Day 4 - Homemade Christmas CrackersWell, I say "homemade" but I actually used a kit. But since everyone BUYS their Christmas crackers I think I can get away with calling this a craft. Christmas Crackers are one of those things that seem American (in that they're commercial and neatly packaged) but aren't. In fact, I've only seen them twice in America. But EVERYONE has them at Christmas in the UK.

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-28118691528182464112010-12-21T05:00:00.008Z2010-12-21T08:04:04.806Z

Day 5 - Reindeer LolliesWe found this idea on familyfun.com and Tabitha wanted to do it immediately! Problem was, we didn't really have the right materials. Our improvised reindeer turned out pretty wonky but we kinda like their silly, homemade "reinbow" look.You'll Need: Lolly PopsPacking TapePom PomsGoogly EyesPipe CleanersRibbonStart by wrapping a lolly pop with packing tape.Glue on pom pom

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-40407843060350466612010-12-20T05:00:00.002Z2010-12-20T05:00:03.147Z

Day 6 - Paper AngelsWe got this idea from a book but then went our own way with it. I think it's been Tabitha's favorite craft so far!She keeps them in her room and has even named them Holly, Gloria and Angelina.You'll Need:PaperScissorsGlueStickers/Glitter/Pipe Cleaners (junk for embellishments)The body and arms are just stylized triangles glued together. The circular head is glued to the top

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-13126425571417619722010-12-19T05:00:00.003Z2010-12-19T09:52:13.762Z

Day 7 - Cranberry GarlandsI love, love, love cranberry garlands. All those gorgeous shades of red! I only wish I had a necklace like this. One of these days I'm going to decorate our Christmas tree entirely with food; cranberry and popcorn garlands, oranges studded with cloves, gingerbread men, cinnamon sticks, candy canes, pomegranates, sugar cookies, strips of rancid beef, etc. Well, all except

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-41187742845559475622010-12-18T18:18:00.010Z2010-12-21T08:27:31.301Z

Tabby and I took the magical journey to Lapland UK again this year but Edward and Dakota decided to stay home (AKA refused to go) so our friends Michelle and Eva came along instead.It was snowing like crazy. It felt like we'd step into a snowglobe.The girls had fun helping the elves make Pinocchio toys.They loved making gingerbread cookies with Mrs Claus.They wrote letters to Father Christmas at

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-36356742226396573702010-12-18T05:00:00.006Z2010-12-18T21:16:15.435Z

The countdown continues. Today is...Day 8 - Fingerprint RobinsFor some reason robins are really Christmassy in the UK (the cute, little British ones not the big, menacing American ones). They're always on Christmas cards, wrapping paper, calendars, knick knacks, etc. Always! So this year we decided to make a few of our own.You'll Need:FingerpaintsPaperA SharpieMake brown fingerprints. Wait for

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-63723112534254504362010-12-17T05:00:00.005Z2010-12-17T10:07:04.049Z

The countdown continues. Today is...Day 9 - Paper SnowflakesIt may be basic but it's still one of our favorite festive traditions - probably because we do them competitively! Though why we do I have no idea because Edward ALWAYS wins. Just look at the kind of stuff he makes:Mine usually look Aztecan (but not in a good way) although I did manage to make one that looked like a spider last year.This

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-30117974444074876762010-12-16T05:00:00.010Z2010-12-26T11:51:14.642Z

The countdown continues. Today is...Day 10 - Gift BasketsI have to confess, I LOVE making gift baskets! I'm not very good at it but I love it nonetheless.You'll Need:A BasketA Base (a tea towel, tissue paper, shredded stuff, etc.)Gifts (I like to mix food, treats and trinkets)A Gift TagRibbons/DecorationsI usually give gift baskets to the kid's teachers at both Christmas and the end of the year.

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-7752211770238737772010-12-15T05:00:00.005Z2010-12-15T05:00:03.404Z

The countdown continues. Today is...Day 11 - Swedish Snowball DomesIf you're lucky enough to have a white Christmas this year, try illuminating your front yard with this cozy outdoor lighting idea from my Swedish friend.You'll Need:SnowballsA Tealight/Votive CandleStart by making a circular base and then build upwards and inwards like an igloo. It doesn't have to be perfect so get the kids

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-18626638502084015602010-12-14T05:00:00.004Z2010-12-14T10:19:20.141Z

Only 12 more days until Christmas! To celebrate the countdown I'm posting 12 EASY Christmas crafts (if they weren't easy I couldn't have done them!) everyday until Christmas.Day 12 - Tea Towel Aprons This was actually Melanie's darling idea. We made these when we were at her house over Halloween because I don't have/can't use a sewing machine.You'll Need:A Festive Tea TowelPlenty of RibbonA

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-68697636238317648472010-12-11T23:14:00.004Z2010-12-12T21:55:03.604Z

Last night, after two cancellations due to illness and snow, Tabitha's best friend, Eva, finally got to come over for the girl's first ever slumber party!We had popcorn, watched Christmas movies, did crafts and read silly stories. I let the girls stay up until 10pm but they went straight to bed when they were told. They were complete angels and gave me no problems whatsoever. I kinda couldn't

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-4737750646510458282010-12-10T18:42:00.005Z2010-12-14T21:12:25.130Z

This toy head was just too creepy to keep in our house any longer. My brother-in-law, Scott, said it looked like one of his crazed ex-girlfriends and Tabitha said it freaked her out at night because it would stare at her while she tried to sleep! I tried to pawn it off on my friend Michelle, since her daughter has one too, but she wouldn't take the bait. Turns out she's been trying to get rid of

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-30884304854140769582010-12-08T23:08:00.006Z2010-12-09T10:03:23.554Z

Today Granny, Grandad and I went to see Tabby in her school nativity play.Tabitha's dearest wish has always been to be Mary in the school nativity. She seems to think it's her destiny since her middle name is Mary. Unfortunately, for the past three years she's always landed the part of Angel Gabriel because it's the only big speaking part and, up until this year, she's been the only one who could

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-30272487462264028412010-12-07T10:54:00.006Z2010-12-07T11:46:19.111Z

The only thing more annoying than feeling unwell during the holidays is dealing with kids who are feeling unwell during the holidays.But I've come up with a brilliant plan to keep my offspring fit and healthy the whole festive season; I'm drugging them!And this is how:Along with chocolate, I've filled the advent calendar with vitamins! So now in the run-up to Christmas their little immune systems

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-69350823059995065562010-12-04T23:57:00.008Z2010-12-05T23:01:51.747Z

It was underhanded, I know, but when Dakota told us a girl was coming over to hang out with him for the day, Edward and I just couldn't resist sabotaging his room!So, as soon as Dakota left to retrieve this girl from the bus stop, Eddie and I snuck into his room and planted a teddy bear in his bed......and a bunch of musicals in his stack of manly DVDs!He's not really allowed to take girls into

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-2003401491451574832010-12-03T23:36:00.014Z2011-01-20T10:12:39.403Z

TUESDAYA big storm from Russia brought us the earliest snow since 1993. We woke up to about an inch on Tuesday. That may not sound bad but, the thing is, snow is so rare in the London area that they don't really have the means to take care of it.And, as you can see, we don't really have the clothes for it either!But it was only a measly inch so I thought I'd brave taking the kids to school. It

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-50598491216511640132010-11-28T23:50:00.005Z2010-12-02T08:14:58.912Z

I like to get the Christmas season underway the moment I've finished the Thanksgiving dishes and carry the celebrations right on through Boxing Day. But, traditionally, you're not even meant to start celebrating Christmas until the day itself! Apparently the 12 days of Christmas start, rather than end, with Christmas. So un-American. We Yanks want our holidays to be like our movies with a big

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-86792564068305969872010-11-27T23:01:00.007Z2010-12-02T08:22:28.289Z

I promised Dakota that I wouldn't post anything on my blog about a big event in his life that happened today. But it was such a BIG event that I couldn't resist posting just a little something! (This blog is my journal, after all!)This is him refusing to let me take a photo on this truly significant day:And here he is in the car being taken to the building where this big rite of passage was to

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-23717065182003188232010-11-25T23:59:00.003Z2010-11-30T13:13:11.864Z

In a rare burst of organization and foresight, I began preparing for Thanksgiving on the day before, rather than the day itself, this year. While taking inventory of our dishes I realized that I was down to just THREE plates. It was perplexing. I'd broken three dishes while cleaning up on the weekend - but only ONE of them was a plate. What was going on?!Then it hit me... DAKOTA! He's always

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953856928033002919.post-6593120176567671992010-11-10T23:20:00.002Z2010-11-29T15:14:15.203Z

After trying (and failing) to be an Emo for a week, I was dying to see what Dakota's next incarnation would be.Then two days ago he came downstairs in what can only be described as a "trendy geek" outfit. Yes, those are 3D cinema glasses sans the lenses!And then, all day long, people kept telling him how much the glasses SUITED him. And they weren't laughing when they said it either! See, this is

The Lanyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590956965327416981noreply@blogger.com4