Christmas 2009
Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more."
~ Dr. Seuss (1904-1991).
To our dear friends and family,
Once again I am sitting here thinking how fast the year has gone and wondering if I filled each moment with something worthy. I am not sure of the answer but I hope I made a decent effort, thankfully I have next year to work on it.
For now however, I am simply allowing the Christmas magic to surround me. This wonderful festive season fills our home with music, decorations, lights and the lovely aroma of fresh baked mince tarts and shortbread. You are of course always welcome to call in and sample my many attempts at Christmas baking. I am reasonably happy with this last batch of mince tarts, the pastry is quite good but the filling is from a jar. I have fruit and brandy marinating as I write so will have to wait until I have a verdict. Our tree is still not up, yikes, and it is the middle of December but this is not for lack of trying - the dilemma we face is getting everyone home at the some time for longer than ½ an hour.
This is naturally the chaotic pace of our home.
2009 has been a good year, no major disasters came our way (we only had three children on crutches) and we are all still smiling at the end of each day. We started the year with our wedding, which was amazing and we are patiently waiting for an opportunity to take a honeymoon. We have enjoyed a few trips to Lake Tyers and enjoyed the sand, surf and blistering wind on occasion, despite the weather it is always the most preferred location to relax. The family is looking forward to next weekend when we can spend a few days together. Canoe and kayak on board not to forget the deck of cards, a bottle or two of red and we will be set.
All the children have completed school for another year with pleasing results. Chris and James said farewell to school at the end of November and are looking forward to moving onto a sports specific program in 2010.
Mary completed her Traineeship this month and is keenly anticipating a pay rise and promotion. She is a welcome sight when she calls around home, nowadays with Jas (her new beau) in tow.
Lee still works at the dog track each week; he has completed Year 9 and has his sights set high picking some rather complex subjects for next year. Lee plans to continue umpiring this football season.
Max is enjoying a hit of cricket on the weekends. His first year in secondary school was very social but he has brought home some great results this term. Max is keeping his sporting interest active looking forward to a new football season soon.
Elyse is still enjoying her creative streak, scrapbooking and cooking whenever she has a free moment. She ‘graduated’ from Year 9 and is ready to hit the senior campus next year. Anthony has had tough first year of secondary school but continues to keep us entertained with his antics at home. Elyse has had a good year at her new school, making many friends and is eagerly awaiting Grade 4.
Jack and I are still happily employed, and are both looking forward to ten days in January where we will have holidays at the same time! I took on a new role half way through this year as Training Coordinator and it has presented many challenges but I am, as always, supported by my family and amazing network of friends which allows me to take on such an exciting role.
This year has seen us enjoy a trip to Sydney for football, watched the twins play in the Victorian State Team( coached by Nathan Buckley)endless trips to Melbourne; a couple of literary events, trips to the theatre and the odd dinner at Southbank.
My book club (Book Buddies) ran for the first time this year, meeting once a month – books, wine, food and women – how much better can it possibly get?
When not gallivanting around the state we (Jack really) are organizing and coordinating some major renovations and additions to our home. We have seen the construction of a new shed, car port, patio and driveway. We are eagerly awaiting flooring in the patio, a built in bbq, new front fence and new roof in 2010.
Well as I draw this letter to a close, I hope you are looking forward to the festive season. We all wish you a quiver full of blessings this Christmas and look forward to sharing some of them with you.
Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to a customer, service; to all, charity; to every child, a good example; to yourself, respect." ~ Oren Arnold
With all our love xxxx
Footnote: Tree is up and mince tarts are filled with homemade mince!!
Merry Christmas
