Huge Thank-you.

 

Elderberries

It's been several weeks since my last post, and I wanted to say a huge thank-you, for all the wonderful replies. They were incredibly supportive and kind, which meant the world to me. When you feel like a deer, staring into headlights, it was nice to hear voices calling somewhere safe. Which is how I felt. Safe in your wonderful thoughts. So thank you, each and every one. Now to fill you in with the rest.

My apologies for leaving this long to reply, but I was wrapping up the school year, with my son. I had so many things that kept me busy, which I intended to share. Firstly though - my Elderberries. The wet weather and overcast days, made them very plump! They've been plentiful too. A huge difference from the dried and spent berries I normally get.

A thoughtful gift

When I discovered my life would be changing, I decided to start volunteering at my son's school tuck-shop. It was really productive, and it drew me closer to an environment my son spends a lot of time in. Not only did it bring us closer together, but I got to know his friends, classmates and some of their parents, a little better too.

The above is a card, made by the grade 5's at his school. They handed them to Volunteers at school assembly. It's a way of thanking them, for help during the year. It made me feel very special, and I still have the card on display.

Decorating

The Christmas decorations went up, and as you can imagine - made me a little teary-eyed. It wasn't the kind of Christmas I was expecting. Fortunately, my eldest, who no longer lives at home, volunteered to come over and decorate the tree with her brother. It was the first time they did it all on their own. I'm sure they both felt a sense of accomplishment. 

I found this little model gingerbread house, at the second-hand shop, for a few dollars. While the kids worked on the Christmas tree, I worked on small displays, like this one, around the rest of the house. We're making the most of the season, in the small ways we can. Mostly spending time with each other.

Making

My son had a school concert, and his class sang, "You've got a Friend in me", from the Disney movie, Toy Story. He wanted to dress as an Alien, so I made this DIY headband, and badge - which accompanied his blue clothes and shoes. I didn't get a photo in his costume, because that was a very busy evening. 

However, he loved his costume and so did his classmates. I volunteered in the tuck-shop, to help with food service, prior to the concert. Then the next day, he had his class party, which had me baking up a storm! Peter helped decorate gingerbread-men for his friends and teachers. Needless to say, the last week of school was the busiest!

Another thoughtful gift

 

In that last week, a wonderful surprise came in the mail, from my dear friend. She has a hand-made business, run from her property in NSW. Her products are designed to replace disposable items, with fabric ones. This is a set of different sized crowns for our family to celebrate on Christmas day. So we don't have to wear those paper, disposable ones. 

It came with a hand-written note too, which personalised it even more. I will be very happy to try them out, and grateful for her kind gift. Thanks Nicole!

Banksia Rose blooms

So this year is coming to a close very soon. It has been quite an eventful one for our family. I hope you are well, wherever you are in the world - and enjoy the people you get to spend Christmas with. I understand that some of us have lost people we care about, which makes it challenging at this time of year, especially. My thoughts are with you, and wishing you well too. Remember, even if they are no longer there to remind us -  we are still amazing in what we do.

Of course, after Christmas, comes the new year. A brand new start for everyone. I hope we all find the peace we need, amongst the chaos that inevitably arrives in the process. I'm looking forward to next year, with new things to explore and discover about myself, and making new friends. As well as checking in with my existing ones. 

Rest assured, if I venture away from this blog, I will let you know my new one. Once again, thanks for leaving your kind comments on my last post. I want you all to know, you are amazing people, and I'm fortunate to have met you. Take care in the holidays, out there.