The year that was

I have seen so many people over the last few days say that they can't wait for 2012 to be over. It's amazing the amount of people that always seem to want the current year to be left behind.  Yes, we all have bad things that happen in our life, but seriously, we need to be grateful for the good things that we have going on in our lives - and the fact that we still have a life that we are living.
For the year 2013, I say, please just remember to be grateful for all the good things that you have.  If you believe that you don't have one good thing, search, lift that book, move that piece of clothing, trust me, you do have that......one........good.........thing.

For the year 2012, the year that was for me, I have learn't a lot.

- that no matter what life throws you, you can get through it
- that change can be a good thing
- tears come and yes, they go
- friendships will and do grow stronger
- things happen for a reason?Mmmmmm, I'm still not convinced on that one!

As I sit here sipping a champagne, I am extremely grateful for everything that I have in my life. I know that the future is going to throw me some curveballs and some of those, I don't want to have to deal with.  The year 2012 really tested me at times, that's what life does.

This year was one of the toughest years for my family. When we found out that my mum was diagnosed with cancer, we really didn't know how hard the battle was going to be. My mum is a fighter, I know where I get my inner strength from.  To be hospitalised 7 times in 7 months because some horrendous disease decides to enter your body, there alone, you are a fighter. To listen to my dad on Christmas eve say how much he admires his wife for her inner fight, it brings tears to my eyes.  No one, no one, should have to go through that, but we do, that's part of the circle of life.

And as the fireworks continue to explode around our house and my youngest son can not sleep because he thinks it is Santa arriving again, I am grateful.  Grateful, that I am alive to see the year 2013 in! Even if I will have an extremely tired child tomorrow!!

For 2013, I wish you all, nothing but healthy lives, good times and the ability to look for those grateful moments in your life.

xx

Time with one

Since Friday morning, I have been flying solo with one child. I've only got two children, but when you only have one to care for, it's almost like the days of pre children!
Will and Cooper headed off to my sisters holiday house to spend some time with them.  They were only going to go for one night, but have been having so much fun, they now won't be coming home till tonight.  I decided not to go as Charlie had been sick and it had been a busy week with my parents staying.  That's right - my mum and dad finally got to stay with us again.  It took a little bit of work from my mum to convince the hospital to let her go away, but they did.  I think they found the Christmas spirit from within to let her have some time away with her family.
Plus, I really wanted Will to just have some one on one time with Cooper.
These last few days, I feel rejuvenated.  I got to sleep in until 9am yesterday morning - Charlie is our one who loves to sleep in, whilst Cooper is our early morning riser.
We've played at the park, the beach, been on walks, coffee dates, shopped - yes shopped in Sorrento in the peak of holiday season, with a young child - gasp! And each day he has rewarded me with a three-four hour afternoon nap.  Time to myself where I haven't had to entertain another child while he slept. I've sat in the backyard in the sunshine reading a book, done some gardening, watched a movie. Such rare treats for me, relaxation time is bliss. At this present moment, the house is serene, with the hum of jetski's in the background cruising around the bay.
I never thought that my love for my youngest son could grow even more, but it has.  When given the time and energy to focus on one, it makes you appreciate everything that you have in life.
And at 12:45am this morning when he was calling out "mummy cuddles bed", I couldn't resist - I went and picked him up and bought him in to sleep with me. The joy of waking up to my baby saying "love you" made today start with a smile.
I've enjoyed the last few days of doing things differently.  It's been like a mini holiday without leaving the walls of my home.
All the same, I'm looking forward to the chaos of when my other two boys come home tonight.

Bring on those family wrestle times again!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

This year the little guys in our house are super excited for Christmas.  They like the idea of Santa, but to see him in the flesh, brings tears to their eyes.  A jolly fella dressed up in a suit, handing out gifts, surely that wouldn't make you cry? But then again, they are all different shapes and sizes, so maybe that freaks them out?

Cooper decorated our tree and he did a great job, we have even left some fake presents under the tree for Santa this year.  It's nice to have some festive cheer in the house, after what has been an emotionally trying year.  Below are some snippets of what our house is all about this Christmas.

 The paper tree decorated with pretty baubles.

 Charlies door decoration

 Coopers door decoration

More decorations will be going up before Christmas, we can't wait.

Do you have your house filled with Christmas cheer?