December 2019

And here we are...at the most magical month of the year...12 of 12!

Ofcourse, that also means that Jeffelf, our crazy elf is back yet again and up to his usual mischievous elfself messy antics.

Thursday 5th 

Well...this is it!  My final exam (Ethics & Law) of my first degree!  I am heading in already knowing I've achieved a 'P' which I have to say is a massive load off.  BUT of course, I want the D or HD...so here's hoping that I can remember it all once I have to put it to paper. 

Well, I did it!  Last exam of the Bachelor of Complementary Medicine Degree is COMPLETE!  

I cannot even begin to describe how bloody proud of myself I am for sticking it out and seeing it through these past three years.  Omgoodness, there were many times I was ready to quit, to throw it in the too hard basket and give up...but I bloody well hung in there!  Gotta say though, if it wasn't for the amazing friendships I have made throughout this course, I probably would of packed it in BUT knowing that we were all in it together made a world of difference.  I have to mention the sacrifices my family made with me spending so much time studying, especially my husband who came to the rescue when I had my many 'moments'.  Also my amazingly patient friends who understood when I cancelled catch ups or just refused to schedule in anything fullstop.  My massage clients who were always happy to hear about my new subjects, and understood when I had to reschedule due to assessments or exams.    Thank you ALL!

Although final results won't be released till December 20th, and Graduation till May 2020...I head off to bed tonight knowing that one more thing has been ticked off the bucket list YOU BLOODY LITTLE RIPPER!  Oh just so you know...its not the last of my study days, but one degree at a time hey!

Monday 9th 

WOW, I am absolutely blown away by all of the birthday love I've gotten today.  THANK YOU all so much for making me feel so special.  What a true blessing it is to be on this journey called life, alongside each and everyone of you.

Thursday 12th

I forgot to tell you that Mark had his cystoscope on the 6th of November.  Right now they are opting not to operate but instead Mark has to self cathertarise everyday...today is day 1 of that process.

Friday 13th, Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th

The boys went to their Dads this weekend.  Mind you, it took a little convincing on my part.

Wednesday 18th

The weather has been a little more on the cold side of late, so its really nice to finally have a proper summers day.  Whilst I have to work, the boys and their friends are all heading down the local pool to enjoy the start of their school holiyays!  First time the boys have gone down without me being there...yup, they are growing up!

Soooo I finished work and went down to the pool to cool off AND stepped on a bloody BEE!!!!  OUCHHHHHHH!!!!!  Which reminds me, tomorrow I will call council and see what can be done about the bees, as there is a heap of them and I really don't want Jazz being stung as he is allergic to them.

Friday 20th

Results released and *drum roll please*

You freaking little ripper....Double HD's 

OMGOSH what an awesome way to wrap it up!  And here I was, thinking that I wasn't going to pass this semester.

Christmas Eve EVE 23rd

Magic Reindeer Food made and scattered, Christmas Lights explored, Carrot, Water and Cashews out for Santa and the Reindeer, Feet up and Baileys after a big night!

Christmas EVE 24th

Santa actually came a day early for us this year and the boys spent the day on Christmas eve exploring their abundance of gifts, whilst Mark and I prepared Turkey, Potato Salad and a Choc Ripple Wreath for our family Christmas feast (can't believe I forgot to take a photo, it looked amazing even if I do say so myself).  That night we also started a new tradition of giving an early gift.  As full as the day was, it was also really relaxing.

Christmas 25th

Christmas morning started with an early visit from Dad (Glenn), Uncle Dean and Quincy, where we exchanged gifts, had a croissant breakfast and then just sat and enjoyed each others company.

At 11am the four of us piled into the car and headed to Torquay.  Aunty Skeet and Uncle Jezz set up a lovely table, adorned with special homemade cookies and a scratchie (Ace was the only winner scoring himself $2), and we all enjoyed a delicious lunch of cold meats and a variety of salads.  After lunch it was time for presents...and omgoodness, Mapa well and truly spoiled all the grandkids, so much so they were gobsmacked!  Yummy dessert was next on the agenda (although how we fit in it, who knows!), followed by a game of Secret Santa...so much fun.  

Then it was time to load up the car, pile in, and head home again.

Once home, the boys were given their final gift of the day, and then it was time to head off to bed.

Boxing Day 26th

Today Mia spent the day with us, and we all went over to Werribee and celebrated Christmas with the NZ whanau (family).  It was such a lovely day, I really need to make more of an effort to catch up with my family more often.

Merry Christmas everyone.  May you all feel blessed in some small way today, whether it be due to receiving gifts, the ability to give gifts, the gift of a love ones presence, the ability for yourself to be fully present in the festivities, or simply just because you are grateful for this new day.  

Friday 27th

The boys were supposed to go to Glenn's this weekend so that they could catch up with the Smith family for Christmas celebrations BUT he didn't bother to show up!

Saturday 28th

Received a concerned message from Glenn's next door neighbour tonight.  Long story short, Glenn was passed out in his lounge room, we went to assist, we discovered that Jo was there (hiding in the dark...despite Glenn being asthmatic and being passed out for over half hour...WTF would she have done IF he didn't come too!?!), I went psycho, Glenn made the choice to stay with her rather than come out and make things right with his kids, who were majorly pissed off at him.  You remember right, their father chose the same HER that HIT our SON!  The same HER that continued to TOUCH our SON even though HE TOLD HER NO!  WTAF is he thinking...of yeah, that's right, the wrong head is doing the thinking.

Sunday 29th

Jazz stood on a bee at the pool, eeeekkk just gotta keep an eye on it and hope and pray that he doesn't have a major reaction!

Tuesday 31st

So, on one hand the years seem to be flying by, and yet on another, this one felt like it was never going to end; although I think a big part of that for me, is more to do with winter.

As per the years before, 2019 was filled with ups and downs, smiles and frowns and everything in between. I learnt from my mistakes and failures, grew stronger from the things that challenged me and embraced all positives that life presented.

And here we are, at the end of 2019. As I say every year, whilst I know that life will not miraculously become the ultimate vision of perfection at the strike of the clock at midnight.  I do believe, that fresh starts are possible at any time you choose to put in the hard yards to make them happen. 

And so, here's to 2020 being one where everyone sees what they want, believes they can make it happen, and then achieves that vision. 

As is always my hope for everyone every single day, I hope 2020 is filled with an abundance of love, light, and peace!

LOVE that is unconditional and unlimited!

LIGHT that makes the shadows disappear and guides your way!

PEACE of mind that brings a stillness to the soul!

What a true blessing it is to be here to see in the end of this year, and the start of another! 

To our treasured friends, Thank you all for being a part of our journey in 2019. We feel truly honoured by the gift of your friendship. We hope our blessings continue in 2020, and that we get to share a memory together.

NEW YEARS CELEBRATIONS!

This year was a quiet NYE spent at home sitting around the fire in the back yard.

Just before midnight we all jumped in the car, and drove to Tabcorp Park to watch the fireworks.

And that's that for 2019...not the best, not the worst, but I'm glad I lived it and have gotten to see in the start of a new year.  Catch you in 2020!