I’m still behind. And still determinedly working to catch up whilst giving myself grace that this busy season of life is really quite ridiculous and that I don’t need to do it all.
As we creep through December I’m beginning to feel more festive and we’re all looking forward to the Christmas holidays and two whole weeks off of school and work.
The joyful moments are plentiful, whether they’re orchestrated and mapped out events that we attend or quieter, in between moments at home. Sometimes I think those latter ones aren’t there, but underneath the bickering and laundry, I find them.
That’s the magic of focusing on finding the positive – it’s always there if you look for it.
Day 271: A mammoth after-school baking session with Ella to get all the homemade cakes ready for her Christmas fair tomorrow. Vanilla butterfly cakes with chocolate buttercream icing and sprinkles; chocolate ‘Christmas pudding’ cupcakes; and carrot cake squares topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Yum.
Day 272: The 1st December. The advent calendar is up and our annual ‘Festive Fun’ poster is on display. I wonder if we’ll do them all this year?
Day 273: Ella went to the cinema with two friends (no adults!) today to celebrate her birthday. Watching her walk in, looking very grown up, chatting away and all excited was a bit of an emotional moment as I realised how quickly she’s growing up.
Day 274: Finding this little Christmassy love-note from Mimi
Day 275: Winter sunrise
Day 276: I visited our town’s Christmas Tree Festival. It’s one of my favourite things to do at this time of year – it’s such a beautiful event!
Day 277: Listening to Lola sing Christmas carols with her school choir group (including her best friend Jess, pictured here with her) at the Christmas Tree Festival
Day 278: Ella’s 12th birthday!
Day 279: Lola wrote her Christmas cards to her school friends today and she put a little personal message and a picture inside each and every one.
Day 280: Putting up the Christmas decorations!
