Saddened

On Friday, my little girl came home from school safe and well.  She unpacked her bag, hung her bag on the hook, took her shoes off and relaxed ready to chat about her day over afternoon tea - unaware of the horrific tragedy that took place in Sandy Hook Elementary.  An area that I am familiar with from when we lived in the US.

My mind keeps wandering to those sweet little children, their teachers and school staff and all that happened.  I've been praying for those in pain and hugging my babies tighter.  I feel so lucky to have my family with me.

Sending love to the broken hearted.

Always the Good

Source: mormontopics.org via Sundi on Pinterest

Nail Style via James Bond

OPI is my all time favourite nail polish brand and I love their new range - James Bond (a perfect marketing maneuver, right?).  I have my eye on You Only Live Once for my Christmas - the perfect shade of red for the festive season

Being Thankful

I know that we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Australia but at this time of year I often reflect on what I am thankful for...

• my beautiful boy, girl and husband.  They mean EVERYTHING to me
• for my wonderful mum and dad who have always given me unconditional love and been there for me
• for good health and strength
• for our extended families
• for friends near and far and wonderful friendships that I treasure with my heart
• our warm, cozy and loving home - although we have lived in many houses we always make them feel like home - our home!
• for the power to love others more than you ever knew was possible
• for books and for libraries - my escape
• for hugs
• for beautiful stationery - especially gel pens
• for wonderful schools that my children attend and I have the opportunity to be part of and work at
• for knowing someone so well that you can finish their sentence or know what they're thinking before they say it.
• for words - written and spoken
• for a relaxing bath before bed
• for my morning runs - priceless
• for beautiful scents in the air - right now I love my lavender oil
• for my two siblings who mean the world to me
• for happy childhood memories that still make me smile
• for hand written letters and cards - both given and received
• for patience and perseverance
• for roses, peonies and gerberas - my favourites!
• for jokes that give me a belly ache
• for my never ending to-do lists - they keep me focused
• for a life that I am loving living

Others

Source: redeemcoupon.com via Jane on Pinterest

Oh Christmas Tree

With many family members visiting for Christmas this year, I am so excited about getting our home ready for the festive season.  The kids and I have decided that this coming weekend is the one for putting up the Christmas tree - much to Martin's dismay because he believes it should not go up until December.  We win!

I LOVE Christmas, it is my favourite time of year and I take it full on - craft, music, decorating, preparing Christmas treats and homemade gift giving. We also have a few traditions that are never broken - our Elf on the Shelf, Jake visits, we have a weekend in the city where we stay at a hotel and visit Santa, see the Christmas lights, purchase or make a Christmas decoration that is symbolic of the year and we also share a special Christmas meal at  a 'fancy' restaurant.  Other traditions include - writing to Santa, the Christmas books are out and each night we read one together under the Christmas tree lights,  Advent calendar and new Christmas pyjamas that I sew for the kids.  It is exhausting but I wouldn't change a thing about it and I know the kids wouldn't either.

Stay tuned for some Christmas photos next week. 

It is simply the most magical (and my favourite) time of the year.

Courage

Source: marloesdevries.tumblr.com via Jane on Pinterest