You Have Got to Love the Holidays

 

 

 

January 2011

This month has been a jam packed one and it is not over yet. We have:
* Travelled back from our Lismore trip.
* Dealt with 3 ear infections (Luke x 2 and Ben x1)
* The boys went away with the Nies family for a weekend. They had a great time but ended up a little homesick.
* Had some slip and slide fun.
* Tamara got married on the 14th of January and I took some photos for her (Bel where were you when I needed you).
* Had two sleepovers at our house.
* The guineas have had two litters.
* Read a book for the first time in ages.
* Gone shopping and prepared for school (especially High School).
* Had lunched with friends (friends from school were over).
* Chris has gone back to work and not really enjoying it.
* Seen the birth of our gorgeous little nephew Zachery (I will have to post some photos - he is adorable).
* Had a trip to Gerringong and played on the beach.
* Been to the movies twice (Yogi Bear and The Dilemma).
* Slept in lots.
* Stayed up late lots.
* Cleaned the house and filled our bin several times (as well as the neighbours - a little of clearing the cluter).
* Seen the worst floods in Queensland for many year and listened to tragic stories. I have donated some money to the appeal but nothing seems enough to compensate those families for their loss. The story that breaks my heart is that of the 13 year old boy who asked for his brother to be saved first only to lose his own life. Love to all of those in the terrible mess that will go on for some time. Living on the North Coast for most of my life I know what it is like to experience floods.
* Completed Project Life for 2010.
* Planned our Easter holiday to Port Macquarie for a few days.
* Caught up with a couple of old and dear friends who I have not seen or heard from in a couple of years.
* Caught up with sorting and storing my everyday photos.

A busy month so far. Enjoying every moment. Making a conscious effort to be present in every moment and enjoy it.
Love to All
Rell

The Year That Was 2010

 

2010 was one of the busiest years we have ever had BUT probably one of our best years yet. We had a stack of major events in the family. Here is a run down on the year:

* Celebrated Chris' 50th Birthday
* Celebrated Mum and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary (what a special occassion)
* Ben made his first Reconciliation
* Luke made his Confirmation
* Ben made his First holy Communion
* Boys played soccer Winter and Summer
* Ben's soccer team made the Grand Final and lost 2-1
* Luke made it to State for Discus with school (threw really well and came 6th)
* Boys joined Little Athletics and made it to State at Homebush Bay Olympic Stadium and came home with two Gold Medals each - how exciting
* Boys competed in the Zone Little A's and made it to Regional for each of the events entered in
* Made 3 trips to Lismore to be with my Dad who is slowly slipping away. I am ever so grateful that I had him for another year.
* Made a trip to Dubbo Zoo in April
* Went to Gerringong for a few days with Chris' family
* Enjoyed the X-Factor journey on a Sunday and Monday night for many weeks. Mahogany came 4th in the overall competition - what an achievement.
* Completed 2010 Project life
* Had lots of lunches with friends.
* Got a new boss at school and he is just lovely.
* Spent many hours at training with the boys for throwing.
* All time low when Kerri (a good friend) lost her little girl Lillian. May you find her in your dreams Kerri.
* Acting Principal for all of Term One and part of Term Two.
* Went to the Camden Show
* Good friend Sarah had a little boy Harry.
* Loads of lunches with friends
* Celebrated Lachlan's 1st Birthday
* Luke went away on his Year 6 Camp
* Stripes had 3 litters.
* Celebrated Ben's 9th and Luke's 12th birthday (I am going to have a teenager this year - help).
* Luke represented his school in Football, Netball, Swimming, Athletics and Cricket.
* Had the worst tummy bug ever - whole family had it but I thought that I was dying.
* Celebrated Danielle's 40th Birthday.
* Organised a Staff Development Day involving a number of schools.
* Took stage 3 away to Canberra for Camp.
* Saw the Roosters make the Grandfinal only to loose to St George.
* Cleaned out the lunches I found under someones bed.
* Ben dis-located his shoulder at school (twice in two days).
* Picked the Mebourne Cup winner and won a little money - Americain
* Met most of the X Factor contestants and got to stir Altiyan up.
* Enrolled Luke into his High School - Clancy Catholic College
* Luke's Year 6 Farewell and Graduation Mass were both tear gerkers.
* Celebrated my 39th Birthday.
* Collected some more owls.
* Thoroughly enjoyed Christmas with my family.
* Showed everyone how to do the catepillar/worm on New Year's Eve.

That is a brief overview. Loads going on - a top year. One that I am grateful for.
Hope that you all had a good 2010 - Happy New Year Everyone. I hope that 2011 is just as good -it is going to be hard to top.
Love to All
Rell