Look what I found by the side of the road... and other stuff of seasonal note.

A few updates from The Byron Life HQ:

1. We have a Christmas tree. It is wonky. I found it on the side of the road. Well, first of all I drove past a guy with a saw in his hand clambering through the bushes and I thought to myself... there must be Christmas trees in there, it is the only reason a guy with a saw in his hand has stopped here and is climbing through the bushes at this time of year... So, after being harassed by Melli for a tree on which to hang her precious (and so cute) ceramic decorations made at kindy, I drove up the hill with my hand saw and clambered through the bushes and found a tree by the side of the rail track, along side many sawn-off trees (these trees are classified as weeds, in case anyone thinks I've gone all enviro-destructo on you). When I got home I had to cut my tree a bit and sticky tape some branches back on it to get it to fit in the corner. Maddsion then threw most of the Christmas decorations under the lounge.

2. Santa came to visit our playgroup's beach Christmas party. He wore no shoes. A nearby table of picnickers happened to have Santa hats and handed them out to the little ones. Maddison was most pleased.

3. We have finished pre-school, partied-up, and are now preparing for big school in 2012.  Typed like that, there's no hint of the huge emotions this brings up in me. I had tears in my eyes as I drove away on the last day... The teachers at that beautiful school have been nothing short of angels for Melli. How I will miss that place. Can't quite comprehend Melli being in "big" school yet. I will, no doubt, cry on her first day, but for now I'm trying not to think about it too much.

4. Maddi turned two - but I think I told you that already? Also huge emotions there. So many letting-gos going on in my world this season. Yesterday I attended the blessing-way (like a baby shower, but different) of a dear friend. It feels so very long ago since my belly was that huge. She is so beautiful and I'm so excited and nervous for/with her.

5. I grew these beans!

And this cucumber!

6. We have a new/old compost bin. I found it in the classified ads for $40. They normally sell for close to $200. Two weeks in it is composting away our food and garden scraps beautifully. The girls think it is a toy. Here they are in their pjs and gumboots - tumbling the compost first thing in the morning. This makes me proud.

7. I finally dusted off the sewing machine and re-fashioned a size 8 women's top into a size 5 girls' dress for Melli. The top was given to us in a bundle of lovely clothes by a friend of Ella's and has sat in a box labelled "clothes to fix/ re-fashion" that, until yesterday, has remained sticky-taped closed following our move back home two months ago. It feels good to sew again, even something quick and basic like this (all I had to do was shorten the straps).

8. Many mangoes have been eaten and many beach trips have been had. And a few bottles of vino may have been opened. Celebrating with good friends, good food and family. That's what makes this season for me...

In summing up: Life is good. A little too much letting-go for my comfort perhaps, but overall, life is good. I am grateful for so much.

Hope your end-of-year goings-on are good too.

x
Megan