A Photobook for 2013 {Home}

Being 'still' does have it's advantages.

I have been able to complete our massive photobook from our adventures last year, even better this year I have managed to convert it to jpg format so I can even share the pages here.  Amazing what happens when you actually have the time to sit down and think about thinks.

As I have said before 2013 was a big year, in many ways.  We have all grown and changed, thankfully together.

So here are the pages of our book, in order {and hopefully sans any spelling mistakes like the 2012 book had, as I was in such a rush}.

The wrap around cover

Happy 8th Birthday Kaleb {Home}

2014 is here!

I had thought I might wake up and it would still be 2013, but no it is most certainly 2014 and my first born is EIGHT.  That just seems so much older than seven for some reason, no idea why?

 

Kaleb is the most amazing little boy I know.  He knows what he wants and most of the time how to go about it.  I've enjoyed watching him learn and grown this past year that we have spent traveling and I know that he loved being able to celebrate his birthday with close friends & family.
 

Can't wait to see what 8 brings to him.

December & 2013 have passed us by {Home}

December is gone and we have all but said goodbye to 2013. It started as a wonderful year but didn't end anywhere near as well.

December has pasted so slowly but at the same time it has flown by.

The kids have finished school and we have everything ready to start the new year with SIDE again. The camper has been pulled apart, door repaired and put back together. We've had a wedding, a birthday or two, a night away here and there and of course Christmas.

I've tried daily to find something positive in everything we've done. Some days this is harder than others but I'm thankful for my family, both immediate and extended.

We've had many firsts without Mum here, some much harder than others and 2014 will see many more of these. I try hard to remind myself that where ever she is, she is watching down on us all and is there with us in spirit.

I look forward to our next adventure and all that 2014 holds for us {all}.

Hanging out after a big day at our new school

 

Visits to parks with Aunty Peta & Uncle Jaime

Upmarket with Alison & her girls
  

 

 Swimming in the pool

 

 

 A wedding

 Some sewing

 Carols by Candlelight

 

Of Course Christmas

28 Days {Home}

It really does feel like only yesterday, but it isn't it has been 28 days since Mum passed away. 

28 days we have been back in Perth trying to find a new 'normal'.

Not much has really happened over the last month other than trying to get through everyday and watching/listening/loving my Dad to help him with this new 'normal'.

The smalls have been in school since we arrived in Perth and thankfully have settled well into yet another school, along with everything else that has happened. They have found a new routine, are enjoying going to school with their cousins, they have had invitations to birthday parties and soon a a school excursion.  All firsts for my two homeschooled small people. I have even remembered to re enroll them both for SIDE next year.

We as a family have managed to catch up with people we haven't seen in ages, to get newborn snuggles with fresh babies, to give belly rubs to those that are pregnant and to celebrate birthdays with those close to us. They have all be nice and welcomed distractions.

Perth will be 'home' until just before Christmas when we all {my whole family} are heading south for our Christmas.  A place away from where we would normally celebrate Christmas, somewhere to remember but to make new memories and hopefully find some 'fun' for the small people.  After that the plan is sometime in the southwest with friends and family and then come the end February we are off to Lombok for a week 'away from it all'.

That is about as far as our plans go for the minute but it is nice to know that at the beginning 2014 we will be here for some important events that are coming up for family & close friends.


One day at a time, trying to find some positives within each day.

Saying Goodbye is always hard {Home}

Just after 5pm on Sunday the 3rd of November my life changed forever, my Mum the only one I have passed away suddenly.  How a day can change your life, it can change your plans, the way that you think and your outlook on the world!!

The last two weeks have been a massive blur and it is hard to believe that this is all real, that this has happened to my Mum; to Dad; to all of us. I am extremely thankful for all of the love & support that everyone has shown during this terrible time.

I'm going to add what I read at Mum's funeral here, as a record for me & my small people {who did so well at her viewing and funeral saying goodbye to their Nan}.

It’s hard to share what’s hidden inside, it’s hard to articulate and find words for a person who was always supposed to be here.  Mum was the person who taught me everything she knew, who made me who I am today.  It doesn’t feel right to have everyone who meant something in her life to be here now without her.

I keep wishing this was all a dream but sadly it is real and we’re all here, all of us to remember the impact she had on our lives. 

There has been much reflection this past week and remembering many memories, both good and bad.  I will remember the weekends away in Pemberton in my teen years exploring & chatting.  The late night drives home from work, racing up the hills & rolling down them.  The monthly visits she made with Dad to Mundaring markets to brighten my long days.  Mum meeting me at the bakery in Mundaring for a morning coffee on my veggie shopping days.  The phone calls of few & far between and I will forever cherish the overnight visit you recently made to us up north.  Just talking, walking & being.  Our last hug not long enough but most certainly remembered.

I will remember the smile she shared daily; the love she showed for people she meet; the strength that she showed even when she might be hurting herself; her compassion and the light she shone so brightly.

Mum would want us all to remember the joy she found in her life, everyday; and the love that she had for my Dad & her family everyday of that life. There is something that is broken and I’m not sure it will ever be fixed.

Mum you’ve left a lasting impression on me and a gapping hole in my life.  I love you with everything that I am and will miss you just as much.

Remember to hug your loved ones close & remember to life each day like it could be your last.  54 years Mum was on this earth and I treasure the 34 years I had my Mum here with me and I was sure she would be here for many many more.

xxxx

Kalgoorlie Part II {Caravan Park - Working)

A month.

It is hard to believe that we have been in sunny Kalgoorlie for a month already.  Time really does fly when you are having fun.

Which given we are in Kalgoorlie and at a Caravan Park we had been.  Amazing what meeting some wonderful peeps can do for ones moral. We didn't really do much other than another photo taking afternoon drive, eating, drinking & loads of talking.

Knowing that the McCann's where heading off in a few days meant we had a great weekend celebrating all our time together but sadly the celebrations came to an abrupt end, as did our time in Kalgoorlie.