We have spent the last few days doing last minute shopping, wrapping present, planning menus and having beautiful times with friends and family. It's not been too manic though - our kids need plenty of down time after a busy year of school.
The local farmers markets were very busy on Saturday morning with a lot of stalls selling out of fresh food by 10am. We love having this great market so close to us. It's at Orange Grove Public School every Saturday from 8am-1pm if you are in the area. Fresh food, organic and conventionally grown produce, crafts, clothes etc.
We have spent some time making a few little Christmas presents. While I was at a funeral on Friday (my step-mother's mother, what a year) up the coast, my daughter decided she wanted to sew some ornaments and found some pictures on the internet. I helped her a little bit with my sewing machine but they were mostly her creations. She has very neat hand sewing! I am very impressed. I often find myself underestimating my kids - thinking I need to control stuff or do it for them. It's just amazing when you let the reins go, what they can come up with themselves.
She used twigs from the garden for stems. She's made them to hand on the door as gifts for our neighbours and her aunts. So lovely.
It's been a good and bad year for me. Losing my mum has been so difficult. For a while there I thought I was coping quite well but grief has a funny way of sneaking up on you repeatedly. I have really been sad and lost these last few weeks. I have no self discipline, not my normal levels of get up and go, have gained weight (when i was meant to be losing it) and just cry so easily. I think a break over Christmas and New year with my family is just what is needed. I'll be back blogging in January.
Thank you for stopping by and reading this blog in 2012, for your comments, your support and friendship. I occasionally think of stopping blogging but it's you - this friendly community - that keeps me here so thank you and I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and all the best for a wonderful 2013.
Fiona xx