I’d like to start this post by saying thank you to all those who have visited this past week and left lovely comments, I apologise for not sending a thank you note but I’ve just been too busy to get near the computer, as you will see from this post, the week has been crazy, wonderful, but crazy. 

On Monday the school held the annual Christmas Carols evening.  As it’s summer here in Australia and rather warm we have our concert outside.  All the parents bring along their fold-out chairs, a couple of drinks and nibbles, don their Santa hats and sing along as each class climbs onto the make-shift stage to sing their hearts out. Here is Bailey, following his Oscar winning performance, making his way back to us for a well earned drink.

On Tuesday evening we went to the boys JuJitsu presentation night.  It was very exciting with Nick and Bailey receiving their new belts, Nick was awarded a trophy and my husband won Club Champion, very proud moment.  Father and son are now both Brown Belts, should be an interesting year!

Wednesday proved to be an enlightening day.  I volunteered to pack Christmas Hampers for the Salvation Army, but I didn’t quite get what I bargained for.  On arrival at the city mission I was directed to the basement where I found myself in the drop-in centre serving cups of tea and coffee to the homeless, drug and alcohol addicted and mentally unstable!  At the time I felt angry and cheated that I was not in the lovely big packing room with all the toys and food and big beautiful baskets, Christmas carols playing in the background and everyone working away like little elf’s.  I found myself confronted by people who have nothing, they were dirty, smelly and some clearly mentally unwell.  I felt a bit scared and I was sad too.  I did my bit and left.  As I travelled home on the train my disappointment at being cheated out of a fun day packing hampers turned to a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be homeless at Christmas time.

Out in the garden my sense of humor was restored.

On Thursday the boys had their class Christmas parties and they took along my favourite seasonal treats.  Chocolate Royals turned into Christmas puddings, if you would like the recipe just leave a comment and I’ll pass it on.

And then came Friday… Nicholas’s last day at primary school.  As all mothers can, I remember his first day at school so well, he was tiny and innocent and full of life.  He’s not tiny anymore but still full of life and very excited about going high school. Sigh!

I felt very lucky on Friday, not only do I have two wonderful children and a loving husband but I am blessed to be surrounded by wonderful friends.  Not only did I get a beautiful set of beaded Christmas coaster from my Secret Santa at work I also received an amazingly generouse gift from a girlfriend, a hamper from work AND two parcels in the mail.  I am truely blessed.  Thank you Trish , Jenny, Islay Girl in Arizona and Claire all the way over their in Dubai.

This will be my last post before Christmas as the next few days will be filled with shopping, celebrating, shopping, drinking and probably a little more shopping.  I’d like to wish all my lovely readers a very Merry Christmas and please stay safe.  I’ll be returning next week with my inaugural *Maddy Awards*! 

TTFN