Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas for 2012

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



10 comments:

  1. your daughter is so talented and creative, like her mama! merry merry christmas to you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's a hard time of year to be without a parent. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season. See you in the new year.
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  3. Merry Christmas Fiona! Wishing you & your family all the best! Marita x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Warmest Christmas wishes Fiona.I hope you enjoy this break..xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. My dear girl! I lost my lovely Mom 13 years ago on the 19th of December, Christmas time is an especially tender time for me. We had a lovely white flocked tree, little fairy lights and lots of soft music playing when she passed away at home, it seems like yesterday. I miss her but have had many dreams where she and I have hugged each silly! I know she is with all our departed friends and family members, and furrie friends as well. Please be loving to youself and have a little cry, it does feel good sometimes. God bless you and have a sweet Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It sounds like it has been a tough year for you, I think it's fine to allow yourself to grieve however you need to, it will get easier but don't try to push it along. I love your comment about controlling your children, I do the same, it's nice to know I am not alone, wht a great job your daughter did on the decorations and thanx for the reminder to let go a little. Merry Christmas to you, I hope it was a happy day.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Enjoy your break Fiona and best wishes for the new year for you and the family. Look forward to catching up when you get back.
    Stacey x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Fiona,
    I'm a fairly new reader and admire you immensely:)
    When I lost my dad the first Christmas was almost the unmaking of me....all that grief that I had partitioned so well in order to cope with a new baby and two other children just began to invade...manifesting itself the way you're describing.
    Be kind to yourself and ride it out...it's completely normal and you will find your feet again...lots of good wishes for 2013 to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi Libby, thanks so much for those kind words. I'm glad you like my blog,thanks for following along and commenting.
      I think I was just so surprised by my grief surfacing again. I am slowing learing to give myself time. I've been taking care of myself and it amkes a big difference. and getting enough sleep!
      sorry to hear about your dad. tough isnt it.
      regards Fiona

      Delete

Thanks for taking the time to comment! Sorry if you have trouble commenting, you can always email me at lilyfieldlife@bigpond.com