April was a month of many answered prayers for our family! A month I’m truly and wholeheartedly thankful for..
April was the month it was announced that Western Health will be employing me for another two years. This was a massive answer to prayer as I love my job and have been praying for security of a permanent position. Knowing that I’ll be there another two years at least allows me to focus on saving for the things I want and need for our futures.
April was a month for enjoying down time together as a family. Whether that be doing a craft together, jie trying to teach us how to play his guitar or playing games together on my bed on a Sunday arvo. Sometimes it’s just nice to “be” together.
April was the month Jie went to his first Melbourne Storm NRL game. The boys ditched us girls and enjoyed a day in the city meeting David’s mates after the game.
April was also the month Justine started going to the homework club at KIRRIP Aboriginal Corporation. This was the kids playing Monkey Ball after doing their homework and reading tasks..
April was the month I really just got to be thankful to god for who I am to my niece Justine. To know that this is her home, her safe place and that she is so loved by us all. As her Aunty it’s so good to know she is okay and that she is getting the time, attention, love and support she needs to grow and thrive in this world because family is family. There are no hard days for her anymore.. just people who love to watch her shine.. so proud to have her home.
April was the month we ventured out into the sunshine for a family stroll around the Maddingley Market. Nevaeh was lucky this day seeing an old friend from Kindergarten, her Nana and Aunty Jessie and a friend from high school. I love that we live in a community small enough to still run into friends and family when we venture out..
April was also the month that BMPS have their annual Easter Hat Parade and this year was extra special because Justine made her Easter Hat with Mrs Pfiland that morning. I so appreciate the fact that Justine attends a school that supports her and our family the way they do and have done with all the kids. I could never thank them enough for all that they’ve done for us over the years. Justine’s hat looked amazing and so was her great big smile that day!
April was also the month Justine started going to the homework club at KIRRIP Aboriginal Corporation. This was the kids playing Monkey Ball after doing their homework and reading tasks..
April was the month I really just got to be thankful to god for who I am to my niece Justine. To know that this is her home, her safe place and that she is so loved by us all. As her Aunty it’s so good to know she is okay and that she is getting the time, attention, love and support she needs to grow and thrive in this world because family is family. There are no hard days for her anymore.. just people who love to watch her shine.. so proud to have her home.
April was the month we ventured out into the sunshine for a family stroll around the Maddingley Market. Nevaeh was lucky this day seeing an old friend from Kindergarten, her Nana and Aunty Jessie and a friend from high school. I love that we live in a community small enough to still run into friends and family when we venture out..
April was also the month that BMPS have their annual Easter Hat Parade and this year was extra special because Justine made her Easter Hat with Mrs Pfiland that morning. I so appreciate the fact that Justine attends a school that supports her and our family the way they do and have done with all the kids. I could never thank them enough for all that they’ve done for us over the years. Justine’s hat looked amazing and so was her great big smile that day!
April was the month we received FREE tickets to the Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City soccer game in the city. Transport in the way of a bus was provided for us (and other indigenous community members) through the Ballarat Police Department and we got to enjoy our first soccer experience together as a family..
April school holidays had me enroll Justine in the School Holiday Program at the school as David and I work fulltime. Justine was an absolute trooper getting up every morning and looking forward to the many activities the program provided including a trip to a gymnastics session, cooking classes and a trip to inflatable world. It was nice that she got to enjoy her holidays with friends in the program as I worked the school holidays away..
April was definitely a month for footy! This time it was Nevaeh and Justine’s first NRL football game. While they were wowed by the entertainment I don’t think either of them enjoyed it enough to come again. But their selfies were cute..
April was a month of self reflection for me. Having my nieces and nephew back in my life has been so wonderful and a true blessing but I still hurt. I’m healing and genuinely trying to stay positive through it all but some days are harder than others. I at times pinch myself at the life I have and then other times try and figure out why bad shit happens to good people. Everyday is different from the next and I will continue to trust God through it all..
April was the month relationships were restored and a true peace fell over my heart in regards to being the Aunty I have waited two years to be again..
April was also the month our daughter Nevaeh turned 13!! With a fresh pair of TN’s on her feet she enjoyed her birthday at the cinemas with her cousins!
April was the month David and I attended the NRL Anzac Day game just as we did a year ago also. This time it was just the two of us and I have to admit, it’s nice not having to look after anyone and enjoy some alone time with my man. He has a way to make me feel so special when it’s just the two of us.
April was also The month Jie finally got his hair cut..
April was the month of celebration when my friends Sharon and Jules both landed jobs so to celebrate we all went out for dinner at Taco Bill in Bacchus Marsh..
The boys and Nevaeh opted to stay home that night while Jeanette, Justine, Jules, Sharon’s eldest daughter Jess, Sharon’s partner Adrian and Sharon herself test out the menu. That night, although I organised the night I received two very thoughtful gifts from the girls.. a bag (Aboriginal hand bag) and turtle earrings, But am waiting for another special occasion to wear them out.
So that’s us for another month. A whole month of many reasons to smile and be thankful for all that we have.
Until next month,
Mel xx
