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!

Read more "December 2019"

November 2019

Month 11 of 12, almost at the finish line OMGOODNESS, I am SO not ready for this month or the month that follows EEEKK!

Friday 1st November 2019

Anxiety is off the charts at the moment, head and heart are both racing!  Decisions and choices so hard to decide!  Trying to just breathe and let it go.  To give it to God, the universe to deal with for me, to just trust the process...but it is easier said than done.  I KNOW that whatever way it goes it WILL all work out, but it doesn't make this moment of now any easier!  I think the anxiousness is compounded due to me despising feeling this way.  I mean, what gives me the right to feel like this when I know what my sister is currently facing, when I know that there are others out there fighting wars of there own.  I have so many blessings in my life, so much to be thankful for and so feeling this way makes me feel ungrateful!  But, for me right now, the fog is real and I am struggling to see that guiding light!  As the saying goes, this too shall pass, I know that this is true...for now though I need to just sit with this feeling, to acknowledge it for what it is *sigh*  I don't wanna adult today!

Saturday 2nd

Sending out social media wishes to my Mum today for her birthday.  

Moon and back xo 

Sunday 3rd 

So usually its the house I focus on when I'm in one of my overwhelmed 'moods', but as the front garden has been giving me the 'jimmy britz' that's where I spent a good part of my weekend.  It was nice to spend time with my sweetman just pottering about the garden, rain and all!  As sore as our old bodies are feeling right now, the heads are much clearer and so its worth it.  Just like laundry it is a never ending process, with other sections still needing attention...good thing I find gardening so rewarding and cleansing...the fresh air is always a bonus too.

Tuesday 5th

Melbourne Cup Day

Well we didn't have a win on the cup (to be fair we didn't put a bet on), but we did have a win both inside and out in the back garden!  House is all sparkling and garden is all weeded.  The to-do-list is slowly coming down...still lots to do though, slowly but surely! 

Sometimes it feels like there no growth, no change, but if you plant the seeds and keep on watering, before you know it, growth and change happen...sometimes you just need to clear the weeds to see it!

Thursday 7th 

His smile says it all...although very sore, he finally got some relief AND a hospital date (December 12th) which is awesome!  No simple fix which isn't ideal, but together we can navigate our way through.  Seriously love this man so much, even if he does make me worry!

So, after my last pre-op appointment I received a call letting me know that they still had another test to do, in which case I now had a choice of dates.  So, for the past week I've been weighing up the options between having my op on December 16th, or on a Monday (not sure of which one) in Feb 2020.  I have been driving myself and everyone else somewhat crazy going over and over the pros and cons for each.  On one hand getting it over and done with is ultra appealing, but on the other, despite knowing we could make it special regardless, spending Christmas and Aces birthday out of action isn't at all appealing. But then again, on the flip side, the fear that changes could occur in that time isn't good either...and so the overthinking continues.  Anyway today divine intervention stepped in and as we were notified that Mark will be in hospital on December 12th...I called my liason nurse and let them know I would take Feb so that I can look after my man and ensure he is on his feet ready for the task of looking after me.  So with that, even though there is no date set in stone, I am at peace with the choice...more time for i dotting and t crossing sounds good to me!

Saturday 9th

Yep, its ultra early but since we had one of those rare days where we were all home and not doing anything, we decided to break the Dec 1st tradition and set up the Christmas tree early!

As per previous years the question of "has the tree shrunk"? was asked!  The answer yet again, was "No, you've just grown"!   So much so in fact that neither of them needed us to lift them up to put the star on top!

Sunday 10th 

Today I took some time to sit and look up at the magnificence of our old oak, just breathing in the fresh air and the stillness.  Of course that is not all I did...work in the garden is never ending, so I also pottered about and ticked a few things off the list.  Feeling pretty darn proud of all our efforts that's for sure!

Friday 15th

The boys were meant to be at Glenn's this weekend BUT they decided not to go as they heard (after already having suspicions) that he has been seeing Jo again.  For those who don't know who that is, it is the ex girlfriend that got jealous of Ace hugging his father and so hit him hard enough to knock off the bed!  Two weeks after that happened, Ace ended up in hospital with a burst appendix.  Not only did she hit Ace, but she also continued to 'tickle' Jazz, even though he told her she made him feel uncomfortable!  Anyway, when Glenn found out that the boys didn't want to go on the weekend, he asked me if it was because of me.  Like um, hello WTF kind of question is that!?!  I told him that it was definitely not my decision, but the fact that the boys feel like he has "dogged' him.  In other words, their father should be loyal to them, and not be with someone who hurt them!  I also told him that if he wanted to fix it, he should arrange to meet up with the boys over the weekend.

Given they didn't got to Glenn's, both boys went to Empire (Jazz's first ever time and he absolutely LOVED it), and so Mark and I decided to make a start on some Christmas shopping.

As I was shopping I noticed a rash on my hips...figured it was the seams rubbing on my skin!

Saturday 16th

This weekend was the Strawberries and Cherries weekend.

NOTE:  Next year we need to remember that Friday is locals night and you get two for one rides!

Today we went to the market with Mum in the morning, and then went down later in the afternoon/evening and had pizza in the park before watching the fireworks.  

Oh I almost forget, we also went on the crazy dance ride!  How the fudge I could almost forget that is beyond me, because I seriously thought my life was going to end then and there.  WHY?  Well, Mark and I both squeezed into the same car, as we have done in other years, although this year was admittedly a little more snug.  Anyway, so the bar clicked shut and off we went, having a ball UNTIL the bar popped out and was unlocked.  OMG I do not think I have every held on so tight in my life and was so bloody happy to climb out alive when the ride finally came to an end.  EEEEKKKK SCARY SHIT!!!

Sunday 17th

Today we again went to the Strawberries and Cherries Festival.  We were also joined by Mia, Will, Zac, James, Damo and Jess.  It was such an amazing day with fish and chips in the park, showbags and rides (Yes, Mark and I were brave and once again went on the crazy dance, this time though we sat in individual cars).   I have to say though, that the most memorable part of all was definitely the bus ride...OMG sidesplitting fun times with Damo calling out the bus window LOL!

As much as our weekend was awesome, there was one major disappointment...sadly, Glenn didn't bother making an effort to see the boys!

Monday 25th

Some days are better than others and today was a good one!

This is me feeling proud of myself after doing 30 minutes of crazy moves to the Dance Marshall.

Saturday 30th  

Today I went and watched my niece Keana's dance performance and was proud beyond words.

Read more "November 2019"

Decemeber 2018

1st - Okay so confession time...our tree and the decorations have been up since Melbourne Cup Day! Yes I'm one of those crazy people who did it early. Admittedly I was in 'prepare for all possible scenarios mode' during that time and figured we were all together so why not use it as something positive to do together. Boys are at their Dads this weekend so our elf hasn't arrived yet...I am sure there will be lots of crazy antics to come. On a final note...first day of Summer and the weather is giving us a beautiful glimpse of the hot days to come!

2nd - My sweet man and I spent the day out in the back garden today. As much as it always feels like the work out there is never done, what we did accomplish feels awesome. Oh and we got our first beetroot YUM!

5th - Ace wrote out his Santa letter today and his P.S made my heart smile..."P.S.  After all, I would be happy to get anything you choose".  He also told me today he told a kid at school to p#$$off as he was picking on MY little brother.  Plus this afternoon when Jazz got home from school, when giving me my usual kiss and cuddle, he said "You look really pretty Mum, but then again you are pretty every day".

9th - Happy Birthday to Me!

Omgoodness I am so totally blown away by all the birthday love I have received today. Saying thank you does not feel like enough but thank you, thank you, thank you! You have all made me feel so special and loved.  My family fill me with so many blessings each and everyday but today I was so spoilt with so many wonderful gifts that my heart is overflowing with gratitude.  Most of all, I am truly thankful for the privillege of 44 years earthbound...yes, even the grey hair and wrinkles that come with it.

Oh and we spent the day catching up with my Mums brothers and their families and it was so truly wonderful to all be together again...first time in 40 years!

11th - So today this happened - new hair, yeah! yeah!

12th - My baby sister had her final radiation treatment today. I am so proud of the way she has fought and held strong throughout this whirlwind of a year. “It's not about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward". Onward soldier! Onward!

14th - Came across a poem I wrote back in 2015 in my facey memories, and felt like sharing it again xo

Life can change in the blink of an eye
With each fleeting moment a chance passes by
Or perhaps its seized and captured as yours
Embraced for all it is both beauty and flaws
We take the good with the bad and the bad with the good
Sometimes we cant change it or dont if we could
For it all adds up to be who we are
All tiny grains of sand in an hour glass jar
I really don't know what I'm trying to say
Except embrace life and what it offers each day
Be thankful to those who are present and gone
And draw from the strength of each lesson learnt to carry on

16th - After 4 months of not having it in because of nose op, I managed to put my nose ring back in today YAY - Ouch!

17th - Ace went off to his Year 8 school camp today and the elf was hoping to hitch a ride. And, in all the elf crazyness this mumma forgot to get the traditional "off to camp" pic EEEKKK!  

18th - I felt so uneasy last night not knowing if my boy was safe but got a text message and now Mumma is feeling at ease again!

19th - Todays awesomeness includes:  My big boy Acey coming home from camp! Our home is complete again, we missed him so much.  And, my baby boy Jazza Mac receiving an Encouragement Award at tonight's school ceremony! Very proud moment indeed.

21st - That awesome feeling of self-pride when you open uni results and see double high distinctions! Coupled with the fact that instead of having to do 6 subjects next year, theres only 4 to go because of exemptions whoo hoo!

22nd - We were very blessed to be able to arrange for an additional overnight contact with Miss Annie, so that we could celebrate our Hurst-Shilling Christmas together.  Jeffelf even came back from his over night check in at the North Pole, with a special early delivery from Santa.

Summer Solstice Blessings to you all. May the light shine brightly upon the path of your dreams!

23rd - Did the traditional go looking at Christmas lights tonight.  A bit sad that a few places that usually have lights, didn't this year BUT in saying that, there were a couple of newbies which made up for it.

24th - AM update:  Things are getting real here...magic reindeer food making has been done. The house and yard are people ready, presents are wrapped and food prep is underway. Omgoodness, I think I am nearly excited as the boys...although unlike Jazz who recons he will not be able to get to sleep because "hes just too EXCITED"!!!! Once Santa has been I will fall into a deep slumber ready for the early wakeup call!  Oh, I finally caved and Ace is now in the land of Facebook...better behave myself!

24th - PM update:  The magic reindeer dust was scattered, key left out, aswell as water, a carrot and 'no' rum balls made by the boys, we read a book and it was off to bed so that Santa could weave his magic!

25th - Merry Christmas everyone!

Our Christmas morning started with an early wake up surprise by a cheeky little elf (aka Mapa) who had let herself in, snuck into our room and snuggled into the chair beside the bed...all whilst Mark and I were both happily snoring away. Whilst waiting for Dad to arrive we exchanged the outside gifts and made special calls to Pa and Aunty Skeet before heading back inside to the excitement of Santas surprises. Then, it was Mapas traditional bacon and egg sangas for breaky followed by lots of cooking in preparation for a family feast. After lunch, there was clean up, napping, fun on the trampoline, a quick dip in the pool to cool off, cake smashing, present exchanging, secret santa playing, dessert eating and a family selfie to finish off the festivities!   As much as we all feel so incredibly special by all the wonderful gifts received, they are just an added bonus...the real gift, the gift that cannot be measured in monetary value, is the gift of time spent as a family.  An absolutely perfect Christmas Day with many wonderful family memories made. I didn't get many pics of the day as we were all caught up in the moment of being together, but this one is by far one of my favs of the day. 

26th - This morning I woke to a little man (Jazzy) snuggled up next to me. He and I then tiptoed out into the xbox room #1 (aka the sitting room) and this technology challenged mumma got him all set up to play. Once Ace emerged the process was repeated, albeit much quicker the second time. Santa may have gotten the credit for the presents but Mum sure scored points getting them game ready!  As if they weren't enough of a challenge, I then spent the arvo trying to figure out Mapas new toy...the Goggle Home Mini. Not sure I conquered that one but we sure had some fun trying.  Then after a lovely visit with one of my beautiful besties, I packed up the Christmas Tree and all the decorations and got the house all fresh and clean ready for Aces birthday celebrations.  And now...this Mumma has well and truly earned the time to put her feet up and enjoy a baileys with her sweet man.

27th - WOW what a scorcher today was...summer is well and truly here whoo hoo!  I am so grateful for aircon inside, the shade of our beautiful tree and a pool to cool off in!  I am also thankful that Mum shouted us tea at the pub tonight...fish 'n' chips and a nice fresh salad in aircon comfort - winning!  Oh and did I mention that I didn't get out of bed until 1.00pm...biggest gratitude moment right there!

28th - Family Fun Day in Torquay! 

29th/30th - Boys at their Dads, so this Mumma managed to get this blog up to date :)

31st - WORK!  Which kinda sucks, but on the other hand, I am truly blessed to be able to do a job that I worked hard to learn AND that I find incredibly rewarding AND I am passionate about.  PLUS there is the bonus of working from home.  SO...it doesn't really suck all that much!

And that is a wrap on the recap and the end of 2018.  Month 12 of 12 over and out!

Read more "Decemeber 2018"