OOps I forgot!

I'm still here, although I'm not sure if many read this blog anymore. I think my friends and family "stop by" occasionally. But the commenting has ceased, so I'm never quite sure.

I forgot to be thankful this week. I know it's not necessary to complete a thankful Thursday post every week, I know I'm not to be disciplined for it, but I actually missed doing it.

Unfortunately I have had an anxious week, feeling a tad unwell. Experiencing some nerve type, scary sensations (made all the more scary because of this pesky brain mass). They tend to pass, but while they happen my anxiety rises and does nothing for my overall mental and emotional health. Up till now I have been feeling pretty good. Some aches and pains from medications, but ok. I had almost forgotten "it" was in there. Every now and again, something happens. A numb hand, a dull headache with tingles or change in eyesight and I am instantly reminded of "it's" presence.

I have never experienced anxiety before, not like I have in the past six months. I am overwhelmed at how it can simply possess you. I try to breathe through it, relax, meditate etc etc. But still the heart races, lungs speed up, the sweat pours. It frightens me, I didn't truly realise how it can take over.

So this weekend I have removed myself from some medication that was helping calm a stressed stomach. I'm sure it was keeping me awake at night and making me feel worse. I have turned to some natural remedies, that might take longer, but have a more gentle effect.

I feel more calm.......again. Phew....sigh.

As for the brain mass. for those whom I haven't told yet. I am now waiting for a surgery date. They expect sometime early next year. Although I am not an urgent case and it is still presumed a reasonably safe "mass". But, it is still in a part of the body that doesn't allow much room to move or give, if you understand what I mean. Recent testing and bloods are showing only positive news. My body is coping well.

I am sort of relieved, sort of terrified, but more relieved. I agree with my entire being...........life is probably better with the "thing" out.

So despite a little discomfort. I am looking forward to Christmas. I am extremely thankful that the symptoms are not accelerating as I want this week with my family more than anything.

This blog is my happy place..........no more brain stuff for now. Until the day I return from hospital a "free woman". Thanks for being out there, hearing me out, allowing me to vent.

No more now........time for an EXTREMELY HAPPY post.

I think I'll write it now.

xx

Famous Friday

I couldn't resist posting about my children's artwork......again.

Miss 5 came home yesterday with an ARMLOAD. She is officially our artist (this year anyway) and churns out huge quantities.

My favourite is a portrait of me!!

My moment of fame?

(I love my mum. My mum is lovely and nice. she lets me bake chocolate cakes with her - Molly)

Cool huh

xx

Thankful Thursday.......what!? Already?!

It may have come around very quickly, but I am still very thankful.

I haven't had a classroom for a little more than two years now and it seems that you never really can take the teacher out of the girl!

As I look around my dining room this morning I count 16 pieces of artwork (2 -10 yr old efforts) adorning the walls. Displaying and celebrating children's learning was one of my favourite parts of creating a classroom. I didn't actually realise, until today, I have created our own "home gallery".

I know the girls love it, they feel appreciated.

Now the end of the school year is approaching my eldest daughter finally got a piece of artwork back from the PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE!!

A simple, yet lovely design in water-based dyes. I love it.

"That one's going straight to the pool-room" ;-)

Thanks Caitlin for adding to the collection sweet-pea.

xx

Traditions

I like Christmas traditions as I mentioned in this post here.

But I like adding new ones. I've been searching other family blogs to get ideas. Some people are certainly having some festive fun out there for sure!

When our middle child's birthday arrives on the 12th our tree normally goes up.

Then the cake is made and cards are sent. (when I was working full time I often left this part to the very last minute unfortunately).

This year being at home with only one child, I have even made a few gifts and decorations for people.

School ends and the children start staying up a little. A drive around the houses lit up with festive garb is always fun.

The house slowly morphs into an outrageous Christmas grotto (that I actually love) during the first weeks of December.

The stockings are hung up.

The Christmas food shopping complete........hunting for berries and fresh food around the countryside is the fun bit!

Christmas Eve:

Although I don't go to church, I do love carol and/or midnight mass services so I often take my eldest child on this outing.

The magic Santa key is made. (I'll discuss this in another post).

A note, drink and nibble for Santa is organised.

Reindeers are given fresh water and carrots outside on lawn.

Make sure Christmas lights are on for Santa's sleigh arrival.

Run to our beds to find our first Christmas gift: brand spanking new pjs to wear!!

Christmas day:

Rustling of Christmas stockings on the end of children's beds. My favourite part is waiting for the little "gasps" as they discover and reveal their loot.

Parents out of bed and begged if not dragged to the Christmas tree. No gifts are to be opened until all people in the house are awake and present in the lounge. this means a whole lot of groaning from little people if Dad is still making his cup of tea or mum is removing her hair rollers lol

Then a very tasty and high cholesterol brekkie follows.

The rest of the day depends on where we are and with whom. But of course is usually fun and like most households we feel very full by the eve.

I wonder what traditions are part of your family Christmas build-up?

xx

A night out..............on the OCEAN!!!

What a COOL weekend we have had!

Friday night was hubby's Christmas work doo, for which the company chartered a beautiful boat; the "Activa".

With Aunty Hayley and Tom visiting and babysitting (all three of our kids!!!!!) we stayed out until midnight.................jeepers...........that's real ADULT stuff :-)

Cruising away from Auckland for a few hours.

The boat was beautiful and Auckland put on a gorgeous and mild evening with fairly still waters. Just amazing. We left the Viaduct and cruised out past many bays to finally park (or drop anchor I should say) at Islington Bay aptly nick-named "drunkards bay". In past times ship captains would haul their drunken crew from the Auckland pubs and watering holes, bring them to this bay and throw them overboard to sober them up! What a giggle.

Me, wanting a clear head, spent the evening on water and ginger beer, (hey I still have to rise at 6am for the two year old!!). Not drinking certainly adds another element to the evening, watching others becoming more and more 'playful'.........or maybe 'messy' is a better word.

Actually everybody had fun and we were all well behaved. I didn't have to yell "MAN OVERBOARD" once!

Once we were anchored and floating we were invited to share a buffet meal while a gorgeous sun set beside us. Breathe-taking huh?

Sunset...(gasp)

The trip back to Auckland Viaduct was even more special with the Sky tower and cityscape lit up before us! I might miss Christchurch sometimes, but it doesn't deliver that kind of night- light display reflecting and bouncing of the water.

My little camera didn't cope so well with the nightscape, but I promise it was truly worth seeing.

A good night had by all. Good company, good food, great views and a fabulous babysitter.

The perfect recipe for an excellent and relaxing evening.

xx

Thankful Thursday

I quite like Thankful Thursdays. It makes me revisit photos taken over the weekend and week gone, taking stock of what we have around us.

Delicious spinach picked fresh for our green smoothies!

Basil.............smells like summer

..and this looks very much like summer!

Little trains at school galas.

Gorgeous evenings on the beach.

Summer wardrobes unveiled.

Washing the car with your tutu on.

Welcome on in Summer!!

xx

December arrives

I love Christmas.

Today being the first of the month makes me even more excited. I love the fact that the girls will all be finishing school soon, less rushing about, more time together. I don't mind it............I did have children to be with them and to make family traditions over time.

I love traditions.

Maybe this is because my parents divorced while I was very young. I can't actually remember a birthday or Christmas before the age of nine. I think as an adult I want to create memories and traditions (security??) for my children (and very possibly for myself).

I love mystery.

Having children adds a wonderful element to Christmas. It brings mystery and wonder into your house. What fun. I have been a parent for almost eleven years now and every year I rise to the challenge of adding to the Christmas wonder.

I love.

Yep. Christmas certainly reminds me who I miss, wish were here and take stock of who I still have!!! I love the fact that we grind to a halt, sit together, exchange gifts. No tv on. No computers on laps, maybe some terrible Christmas carol arrangements in the background, but still loving every minute of watching our kids' faces.

So the preparations begin.

We are having a very quiet Christmas away from our family this year. It will be ok. It may feel a little quiet and odd, but we think it will also be relaxing and calm. Just what we all need.

I hope your first week of December is enjoyable. School and work is nearly over for a little while. The scrambling, shopping, cooking and organising is worth it. When you finally collapse into a chair with your Christmas beverage of choice I'm sure it will all seem worth it.

xx