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On Friday night we headed to the city for our Christmas tradition of dinner, gelato, a bit of Christmas shopping and a visit to the Christmas tree.  We got in there a little later than usual so there wasn't really any shopping which was fine but it does mean I still have a little to do this week....We bought our dinner and walked over to the tree but sadly it wasn't alight.  There was a light show on for little ones so we sat and watched while we ate dinner.  Then there was gelato eating, oh it is so good and a must visit if you are ever in the city. My favourite is the coconut flavour.  I probably should try another but when you like something you stick to it or at least I tend to.  So we walked back to the car after dinner stopping along the way to capture the city at night.  There has been a catch up with family this weekend and an exchange of gifts.  I love catching up and seeing my nieces and nephew, they grow up so fast, I do wish it was a little more often but life and other things can get in the way but we make the most of it when we do.  

How was your weekend?  Have you finished your Christmas shopping?

Wishing all of you a stress free week before Christmas.

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Today marks the second day of December, how can that be we are so near to the end of the year.

Last week went by so fast Miss 10 had her end of year presentation night, a long night, one full of speeches and entertainment and proud Mum moments. There were many class parties, teacher gifts to buy, uniforms bought and ready for the new year, a bit of Christmas shopping done for the girls and friends to say goodbye to.  Last week was definitely an emotional one to see my girls grow another school year older, Miss 15 will be going into year 11 and Miss 10 into year 6.  And then dear friends we have come to know over the last 3 years are moving away. It is so sad to see them go but I know the move will bring wonderful things into their lives.  We now have friends to visit in country Victoria but not only that I am grateful to a beautiful family who have taught me so much and were always there when I needed them, I will miss them. There has been much activity outside in preparation for Christmas day, cleaning, raking, planting, binning and trimming, it's looking lovely and neat now for some rain to make it green! Last night we put up the tree and filled the advent calendar with lollies and activities to do over the coming month and took our Christmas family photo.  I also need to get some Christmas list making done, cards made and posted and more shopping done, the day will be here before we know it.  How has your week been?  Are you feeling organised or do you have lots left on your list to do? Have you put your tree up or do you wait till the 1st of December?

Happy December everyone!!!

From me to you please accept my gratitude for the times you have come by to visit, to offer words of thoughtfulness, kindness and support I am truly so grateful. May you all have a wonderful time celebrating with those you love.  May many memories be created for you at this special time, to keep with you always.
Take care and keep safe and

Thank you.

'Life's most beautiful things are not seen with the eyes,

but felt with the heart.

Wishing you a special season of the heart.'

Merry Christmas

Our Week

How has your week been?  Are you feeling on top of Christmas planning?  I bet all of you have been busy, there's always so much to do this time of year, I hope that you are enjoying this time.  There are so many magical things to enjoy about Christmas, the times you get to share with those you love, good food, listening and singing carols, visiting the Christmas windows and all of those twinkling lights, they are my favourite, the simple things.

This week we:
• visited the Christmas windows in the city
• me snapping away while waiting for the Christmas train
• her last train ride, next year she'll be too tall
• the solar powered tree in the city
• City Hall
• walking over the bridge looking at Southbank
• the city at night
• visiting Christmas light displays (x3)
• celebrating my niece and nephew's 11th birthday
• splashing Dad
We also had a visit to the vet for Molly, Miss 13 discovered a paralysis tick on her while giving her a bath.  There were no signs at all that she had a tick considering the vet suggested she had it for about 3 days, she was very lucky. She's doing well, a simple removal and keeping her quiet for 48 hours and she's her usual self again.

Thank you for all of your kind words on my last post with a bit of a break it gave me a better outlook also a weekend with hubby home, things are feeling less overwhelming. I know these things are but small in the scheme of life  so I'm not going to dwell, there is much to be grateful for and energy spent on the good in life is energy well spent. There is still much to do some sewing, present wrapping and sending and some cooking too, I can't wait to make some rum balls I love having them at Christmas time.  I hope your week leading up to Christmas isn't too crazy and that you find some time to breathe and take in the magic around you.  ♥

Linking up with Em and Lou this week.

It's looking like Christmas

It felt like Christmas here yesterday.  We opened our third advent envelope and our activity to do to get us in the Christmas spirit was, paint our toenails Christmas colours.  The girls love to have their toenails painted it's a bit of a treat of ours during the school holidays. I also noticed how big my girls are getting, Miss 13's feet are almost the same size as mine now, sigh they grow so fast.

There was also a lovely parcel sitting in my letterbox too, my ornament arrived from Christina's swap.  I was like a little child eagerly opening up the present to see who had created something just for me and what delightful decoration was I to receive.  So I took a couple of photos before opening up my parcel and there inside was the sweetest linen bunting I've seen.  Nicole made it so beautifully, the small detail on the trees is so neat and precise, I really love it thank you it's now got a spot on my craft door so I can admire it each time I go in to do some crafting. She was also so kind and sent a little something for each of the girls, they love their hair ties and are enjoying wearing them today, thank you so much.

Many thanks again to Christina for organising the swap it was such a great idea and so much fun.

♥

December

It doesn't seem like that long ago that I posted a picture of my calendar for the month of November and here I am doing it again for December, how did you make your appearance so quickly!  The first of December arrived and I was ready to decorate the tree but we had to wait till the night rolled around, for Miss 8 it didn't seem like the right thing to do during the day. The decorations came out each of us has our own box, as we take each out we often talk about where they have come from, my girls are sentimental too it seems.  The music was put on to get us in that Christmas mood and there was lots of excitement in the air except poor hubby didn't feel quite as excited as the rest of us.  We attempted a family photo using the self timer, must practice that again before next Christmas but I'm sure we'll look back on it fondly. There is something magical about the night and Christmas lights isn't there, I'm a bit of a kid at heart I think.

Hoping the happy Christmas spirit has made it's way into your home♥