Christmas Day 2020

This Christmas was by far my favourite Christmas ever. 

Having a small Christmas morning was a beautiful change for the better. Having my man by my side while the kids unwrapped the little I could afford to give them and appreciate the effort I did go to for them just to receive what they did proved that I’m raising some pretty wonderful kids!

David went to see his daughter Bridgette Christmas morning before we both made the drive to the east side to meet at his Mums house for Christmas Lunch. 

Meeting his family was a pretty nerve racking experience and although I’m usually a pretty confident type of person, Christmas Day had me shaking like a leaf. 

Lunch was nice, meeting his family and best friend went well and the kids really enjoyed their time there. 

Jie ended up staying the night with David at his Mums house for a “boys night” of gaming while Nevaeh and I went to see my Dad. 

Christmas Day was for all the emotions. Excitement, love, laughter, nerves and complete and utter sadness. 

I’ll never get used to seeing my Dad so weak. 

But I loved being at Dads place. There is just something special about your parents home that makes you feel safe and that you belong. David has that at his Mums place in the house he grew up in while I find my peace at Dads. 

Sitting and chatting with Dad while listening to him take the piss out of the news was exactly the type of day I needed. Just to be in his presence, listening while watching his little ways. They’re the things I miss the most about him. 

Merry Christmas to you all, please pray for my Dad. It’s inevitable that he will pass soon but please pray he will give his heart to the Lord and pass peacefully. 

I love and miss you already Dad. 

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Fallen

 

From messages, to phone calls, to FaceTimes to this.. 

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Tarot Card Reading

Okay, so this is a bit of a random topic in the midst of our Christmas Activities but I just wanted to document this somewhere and since I blog, why not here.

Tonight, while browsing FB after our bible study dinner, my friend shared a tarot card reader taking names for readings, curiously.. I asked for one and this was the result..

In the second part of the reading this was the card I got..

As a Christian we tend not to believe in tarot cards, but as Christians we also believe God can send us messages in any form. So I wonder if these were messages from God?

To pick apart the cards themselves to relate them to my circumstances, the reading I got was this..

The Knight of Cups I feel relates to me branching out for me. To fulfill what I've always wanted to do career wise. I've been raising my children for the past 15 years and have studies through those years to get myself to a point to make a difference in the lives of those who have been through similar lifestyles as I endured growing up. This Card I feel is telling me to start taking those steps to get to where I want to go, really put myself out there and chase my dreams.

This card relates to my career

The Queen of Swords actually really relates to me in that I am in fact a "truth-seeker". I know of the bullshit being spoken about me. But I am rising above it all and not getting caught up in the gossip and slander. I am staying in my light, in God's light, choosing to block it all out and keep my head held high.. and even when the lies start coming, I stand in truth. And that is where I win. Not by playing tit for tat, slandering and gossiping about them in return, but simply living in truth and letting them do what they feel they need to do to feel more secure about themselves. But truth wins, truth always wins.

This Card relates to my personality and how I'm handling the "haters"

The Two of Cups is one I was sort of hoping to see as I venture into a brand new relationship after being single for 8 years. I havent yet doubted David and my relationship but this card definitely solidifies it for me. Two people with mutual respect and appreciation for each other wanting to put the work into creating a lasting relationship based on bringing the best in the both of us is so on point. And yes, he does make me giddy, tongue tied and absolutely melt.

This card relates perfectly to my "love" life

But the card that sold it for me was the last card!

Go back and click on it and see if you yourself can figure out what it's talking about.

Just WOW!

Maybe that was the answer to prayer I needed.

Time will tell.

Thank you Carol for the reading! 

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Must See Christmas Movies

Deck the Halls

Polar Express

Miracle on 34th Street 

Santa Claus 2

Blizzard 

Jingle All The Way

Four Christmas’

Home Alone 

Home Alone 2

Charlie Brown Christmas 

Elf 

The Grinch

Edward Scissorhands 

Look Who’s Talking Now

Beethoven 2 

Nativity 

A Dog named Christmas 

Dear Santa 

Elf Man

Nativity 2

Noelle 

Daddy’s Home 2 

The Tree that Saved Christmas 

Get Santa 

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Christmas Advent: December 6

 

Today’s Advent was to have breakfast for dinner but with the kids deciding to make their own dinners tonight I made a last minute change on the Advent Calendar! 

Instead, we did Christmas Trivia! 

After over 50 questions,

Jie won with 11 points

Nevaeh close behind on 10 

Some questions included:

Name 10 Advent Activities we’ve done over the years

and

What does a Candy Cane Represent

and

What theme was our Christmas tree 3 years ago 

and 

Name 3 Christmas Songs

The kids and I were in fits of laugher at some of the crazy responses as we reflected of the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it each and every year! 

Maybe we will do breakfast for dinner tomorrow! 

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Christmas Advent: December 5

Today’s Advent Activity was to bake Christmas Cookies. 

Nevaeh took the lead on this one burning the first batch but perfecting the second batch!

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Bulgarian Cholocate Eclairs topped with Mint and Chocolate cookie dough ice cream. 

Christmas is well and truly coming! 

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Christmas Advent: December 4

Today’s advent was another family tradition of ours and one of Justine’s personal faves over the years! I thought it was only fitting that we do this one with her on the one and only night we will spend with her this December.. 

Christmas Bubble Baths with candy canes 

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Christmas Advent: December 3

I’ll let the photos do the talking!

Two Gingerbread House kits!

Two competitive kids!

Christmas Advent Day 3 - Done!

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Christmas Advent: December 2

Our Christmas Advent Activity was to make our signature hot chocolates which over the years we have 100% perfected!

Hot Chocolates are a sure thing on our advent calendar each and every year! Check out previous years photos of this festivity and why not make one for you or someone you love tonight? 

Enjoy! 

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Christmas Advent: December 1

First of all, Happy December everyone! Traditionally we’d have put our Christmas Tree up today but this year we put it up on the 30th of November! 

Instead, we started our Family Christmas Advent with Christmas Cards! Being the first ones to hand out cards and give to those around us as we see them in and around our busy lives just can’t wait! 

With over 4o Christmas Cards hand written and sealed ready for the families and friends around us you can almost guarantee to have one of these in your hands next time we see you! 

Again, Happy December to you all! Please check in regularly to see what fun we’re getting up to this holiday season or follow our hashtag #winterwonderlandandjoy on Instagram! 

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Christmas Songs Must Haves

Just thought I’d jump on tonight to share a few of the songs on our family’s Christmas Playlist each and every Christmas. Please feel free to share yours in the comments below!

Casting Crowns || Peace on Earth Album 

Jewel || A Christmas Collection Album

Kari Jobe || Where I Find You Album 

Hillsong || Christmas: The Peace Project Album 

Olivia Newton John || Christmas Wish Album 

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Jiedyn’s 15th Birthday

Jiedyn’s birthday was such an amazing blessing! I myself couldn’t have given what those around us gave. On Jie’s actual birthday I had $10 to my name and after his birthday, I still had the $10. 

Our beautiful friends around us came through with the goods on what would have been a pretty lousy birthday for Jie this year. Dannielle put on an amazing picnic for us down at the Baptist Church Community Garden and the day was spent meeting new people, playing new games and enjoying an abundance of food  and cake! 

Later that night we went to Nats (as per birthday tradition) to play board games and their family had made dinner and a cake for Jie also! 

The whole night was spent laughing and hanging shit on each other! We’re all just so competitive and of course I won everything... At least that’s how I remember it!! Haha

During the cake Jie didn’t blow his candles out, he laughed them out! That’s definitely a first of many firsts to come as he begins a brand new year as a 15yo.

Jie, I love you, you’re amazing, you’re my whole world. You bought joy, love and laughter into my life 15 years ago when you came into this world and was the first to call me Mama. Thank you for being such a great kid and always remember that even on your hardest days, I support and will always be here for you. 

Love Mum xx 

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The Deets

How we met: 

Plenty of Fish Dating App 

First Message:

17th August 2020

First Photo Exchange:

19th August 2020

First phone call: 

28th August 2020 

First FaceTime 

9th September 2020

First spoke to my kids:

19th October 2020

First Date & First Kiss

22nd November 2020

First met my kids:

Watch this space

Life’s too short to be anything but happy! 

And I think I’ve found my happy! 

On the 22nd of November I finally met the man I’d met on a dating site and had been speaking with for 3 months over the phone (during Covid) in person!

Our first date was nothing short of amazing! We started with us meeting in a mutual location and with him picking me up to take me somewhere “special”. I was both anxious and nervous with the fact that I’d be getting into a car with a complete stranger I’d only gotten to know over the phone (I wouldn’t recommend doing this) but I felt I knew him enough and trusted him to take care of me. 

So after jumping into his car I felt completely at ease, I trusted him completely and so the conversation just flowed as we drove to Torquay for lunch! 

While having lunch over looking the ocean I called the kids! I just wanted to ease any worry they had with me meeting someone new. They were on loud speaker talking up to us as we ate. We were cracking jokes and having a laugh and it was actually really awesome that they got to be a part of our special day. 

After lunch my David took me to the Anglesea  lookout. It was absolutely beautiful. I’d only been in Angelsea a few months back in July for my birthday weekend but didn’t have the opportunity to go up and just admire its beauty. 

This is where David and I got to finally let our guards down, talked about a few things that were hard to talk about and ultimately shared our first kiss.

David’s next plan was to take me to Lal Lal falls but I instead opted to drive into Geelong to find my favorite online store where I bought Bath bombs and a few other things. 

The remainder of our date was spent down by the Geelong waterfront laughing and joking around together. Here I just sat in his arms feeling completely safe and happy as we watched the storm clouds roll in. 

The whole day was just perfect with us just getting to know each other, speaking about serious topics, laughing with the kids, being in each other’s arms and just enjoying each other’s company. I am seriously so so happy to have met this man and look forward to seeing him again soon. 

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Justine’s 9th Birthday

Happy 9th Birthday Justine!

We absolutely love and adore you!

Loom bands, a slime kit, some mermaid painting and a secret lockable diary should keep you busy for a while! 

I am proud to be your Aunty and to get the opportunity to spend your special day with you today!

You’re growing up so fast gorgeous girl, embrace everything 9 has to offer and enjoy every moment. 

Big loves Aunty’s Girl xo

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Advice my Mum & Dad Gave Me

We all have them; the voices of our parents in our heads as we live every day life as an adult. Here is a glimpse into what I have learned from my parents.

Dad - There is always someone better than you and there is always someone more worst off than you are. Don't think you're the only one"

Mum - "It's better to be hated for what you are then to be liked for what you're not"

 Dad - "Back yourself"

Mum - "its just a body, learn to love yours"

Dad - "you know whats right and whats wrong"

Mum - "Always stand up for what I believe in"

Dad - "Be a Realist"

Mum - "Be a dreamer"

Dad - "work hard for the things you want"

Mum - "Live while you're alive"

Dad - "Budget"

Mum - "Helping those with less than you"

Dad - "Use your brain, trust your own judgement"

Mum - "We survive"

Dad - "Live with intent"

Mum - "No one is above you, we're all in this together"

Dad - "Do for yourself, no one will do it for you"

Mum - "Fight for your rights"

Dad - "You want something, save for it"

Mum - "You are beautiful just the way you are"

Dad - "Be proud of yourself"

Mum - "Don't let people treat you less then your worth"

Dad - "Don't lie, even the worst truth is better than a lie"

Mum - "Always respect your elders"

Dad - "Respect your elders"

Mum - "Call people out on their bullshit"

Dad - "Move on with your life when people hurt you"

Mum - "Love with all your heart"

Dad - "Look after number one! you!"

Mum - " What other people think is irrelevant" 

Dad - "Don't drink, smoke or gamble"

Mum - "Treat people the same way you want to be treated"

Dad - "Do it right the first time, then you don't have to do it again" 

Mum - "Don't judge anyone, everyone has a story you can learn from"

Dad - "Stay private and live in peace"

Mum - "Dont believe anyone who says you cant, you can!"

Dad "Get back up, every single time. Get back up and fight another day"

Mum - "Stick up for people who are not strong enough to stick up for themselves"

Dad - "Do what makes you happy in life"

Mum - "As long as people are talking about you, they're leaving someone else alone so let them talk"

Dad - "You don't owe anyone, but your kids an explanation" 

Mum - "Family comes first, we only have each other in life"

Dad - "Smile and wave at the haters, they hate seeing you happy"

Mum - "You come from a long line of strong black women, you are all of them in one"

Dad - "Tell them exactly what you think of them"

Mum - "Don't struggle, know where the help is and ask"

Dad - "There is no harm in asking for help. The worst they can say is no.. and that's not the end of the world"

Mum - "If someone hates you, it means you stood up for something"

Dad - "Take initiative"

Mum - "Even on your worst day, you're still your child's favorite person, you gotta fight another day for them, they need their Mum and will always need their Mum."

Dad - "Don't ever let them break you"

All I can say is Thank-you!

When I struggle through life I have all these things swirling around my head. I take pieces of advice from each of them depending on the situation I'm in. The voices of advice from your parents may be the same or similar. If for whatever reason you cant hear the generations of your past, feel free to take what you need from mine. They have made me the proud, strong and capable woman I am today.

Your're welcome!

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Year 12 Complete

Honestly, to say I'm proud of this girl would be an absolute understatement! The things my niece Jeanette has been through and overcome in her 18 years on this earth are things no baby, child or young teenage girl should ever have had to endure and with the love, support, guidance and stability in her life for the last 6 years it has given her opportunity to do something she never ever thought was possible for someone like her. Her final year of high school threw everything at her. A change of carer, a massive change of lifestyle, COVID, lockdown, isolation, just to name a few; had her second guessing her ability to finish year 12. But last Friday, against all odds, Jeanette went to school for the last time ever. The morning of, I cried with pride for everyone in our family. Her parents both past and present, her grandparents both past and present but most of all for the young girl who entered my home all those years ago and set this goal for herself. The young girl who got up every day, occasionally missed the bus, but got herself educated regardless of what was going on around her. I know her 13 years of schooling was sometimes tough, sometimes hard, exhausting and frustrating but things really turned around when she started at Gisborne Secondary College. The school itself worked so closely with us to attend to Jeanettes every need over the years. Jeanette grew more and more confident knowing she had a supportive group of teachers and close friends around her. And as her  friends began dropping out around her she struggled on without them but made new friends along the way. This girl is an absolute inspiration to kids in care, to her culture, to the future generations of our family and to anyone who simply thinks they can't! This girl can - And she did!

Congratulations with all my heart Jeanette!

The first in our family to complete year 12!

I am beyond proud of you!

Nevaeh and I picking her up from school one last time
30-10-2020

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Our Covid19 Experience

When Nevaeh woke up with a fever on Saturday morning it did cross my mind that it could have been Covid19. 

The weekend before Nevaeh, Jie and I went to a Japanese restaurant, and knowing that it takes a week for covid symptoms to appear it was sorta scary. 

Monitoring her throughout Saturday and Saturday night; her temp didn’t drop below 38.9 in 24 hours. I decided to call Nurse on Call. They recommended she see a doctor within the next 12 hours. Her temperature made her have a scary dream, the first in ages, so she slept with me which was beautiful. 

By Sunday morning I took her to the hospital after not being able to get her in to see her doctor. 

She was very reluctant and scared about this and the possibility of having to take a Covid test which she’d heard from friends at school that it hurts. 

Before we left we looked up peoples positive reviews on the Covid test which helped ease Nevaehs worries.

Bacchus marsh hospital were amazing and we were in and out having done a Covid test in under 2 hours.







Nevaeh was so so brave. I was so proud of my gorgeous girl. 

“It made my eyes water but I didn’t sneeze” 

Then it was home for the next 48 hours to self isolate until we got the test results. 

We were so pleased and relieved to receive this message late Sunday afternoon. 

Nevaeh still has a sore throat and will most likely take the day off tomorrow to see her doctor. For now she has icy poles and throat lozenges for her sore throat. 

We are praying for antibiotics for a speedy recovery. 

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