Last Day of the Year

I get to celebrate every year with my little sis...she yesterday, me today......

Happy New Year!!!!!!

Hot Summer Nights

These days between Christmas and New Year are very unique....

No one has to be anywhere much....we've all eaten way too much and been social enough...

They are nothing days....but in a good way

We took the kids crabbing on one of the nights...it was hot ...too hot to stay home...still, with no breeze....perfect for crabbing...

A haul of 4 crabs was just what the crab loving ones in our family love.

Highlight Reel Christmas 2015

 

Christmas Eve nativity plays

Early morning breakfast out

Seafood cooking

Family time

Plenty of kids

Gifts

Pinatas

Two days of feasting and celebrating the Birth of our Lord

That was Christmas 2015....done

It's not about us...

This year we I really felt we needed to mix our normal traditions up a little..

So I posed to my family that we give up a little of ourselves on Christmas day to be available to those who might need extra.

Feeling a little unsure, they did agree. We found  somewhere local that was hosting a Christmas breakfast for those who might not have anywhere to be.

We arose early and headed out the door...presents unopened.

We made ourselves available  for setting up,serving, hanging with kids and flipping bacon and sausages.

When we were finished.....it was realised that it really was something that we had needed to do and that starting our day that way was such a refreshing way to begin the festivities.

We continued onto a family lunch feeling filled up on knowing that we helped make a difference to about 300 people.

Tis the Season..

We may not have had the yearly family photo yet...

or

Written the family letter or any cards for that matter

or

moved the elf for days at a time

or

Called friends to wish them a Merry Christmas

or 

Returned emails from lovely friends who have sent their hellos

but

I have sat at my machine and sewed some gifts

and

made a pavlova and  3 Carrot Cranberry loaves for gifts

and

cleaned the bathroom

and 

nearly wrapped all the gifts we weren't going to buy this year

and

went op shopping with my girl and found the perfect pieces for the Christmas socialising

and 

had a cuppa with each sister

and 

remembered to put the lights on the tree most nights

and

went to our church's carols nights

and 

worked a few shifts in my new retail job

and

managed a couple of blog posts

It is felt all a little "unpretty" this year.....but there has been some healing, some making new ways, planning for the coming days....

and 

the coming days will bring a new thing......

So Happy Christmas and may you be touched by the true meaning of Christmas. 

Nothing better....

 I was on my feet all day today and there is nothing better than returning home to pasta being made.......

 and the next best thing seeing my man sharing his impressive creation with his mates for their regular get together....

Stepping out....

Sometimes it is totally worth having kept something 32 years...just to see your 16 year old daughter wearing it.

51/52

Him: This must be the first picture with Santa he has had since he was a baby....I guess there was safety with a cousin.

Her: Santa's missing reindeer has been found. 

My 52 weeks project 

50/52

Him: A family gathering to celebrate a birthday...always is the best when all his cousins are there.

Her: Some holiday baking...gingerbread men.

My 52 weeks project

A BIG 'ol Emotional week

After a lot of thought and soul searching I said goodbye to the one thing I have loved for the last 8 years...

Said goodbye to the 100 plus mums,dads,grannies and more importantly the awesome small people that have added such joy to my days.

They spoiled me with words, gifts and lots of hugs. There were tears.....and sharing of memories and we ate way too much food over three days.
Some of my beautiful families have been in our playgroup programme for 6 years...some just this year.....but they have all worked their way into my  heart and I will miss them heaps.

It doesn't make sense to give up something so special, but it is time.....with all the changes this year it does feel like I am meant to do this.
So today I have woken up relieved that I made it through the week of goodbyes....I am tired but filled up with goodness knowing that together with my fantastic team we have made a difference in families in our community.

I guess now I need to put some thought to the coming week and get myself out there for some Christmas gift shopping.....

or

maybe I will just hibernate for a day or two and gather myself and my emotions......plenty of chocolate sitting on my kitchen bench.

49/52

Him & Her:  Ok not my proudest mummy moment......but you have to let them do it at least  once ...right???

My 52 weeks project