It doesn't seem that long since my own 21st, and yet my nephew, who was just a toddler back then, turned 21 himself in November.
Freaky how time flies.
James is a glazier, plays drums in a band and has a sweet girlfriend called Sarah. We partied at the Old Bailey in Joondalup.
James and Sarah
James with his Aunty Fiona, cousin Caitlyn and his Nan.
Sarah, James and his Mum and Dad
My Mum and her three grandsons, James, Blake and Jack
With all the goings on of November and December, I haven't had a chance to introduce you to my sister's baby boy, Blake. Here is the little sweetie, on his first day:
It was a very difficult week
with the anticipation of my niece Willow's funeral.
While choosing songs for the service, it was amazing how appropriate the lyrics of songs became
when listened to in a different light.
The opening song was this one from the musical Wicked:
We watched a slide show of pictures of Willow to this lovely old song:
We listened to this one, while we laid rose petals on Willow's coffin. My sister said this music helps her to imagine Willow happily skipping through a field of flowers.
We went outside the chapel to let balloons go, to this beautiful song by Ben Harper:
Emotions were high, and many, many tears were shed, but it was a lovely service, with my sister and her partner giving a heartfelt and honest account of their thoughts, feelings and experiences during this devastating time.
It was comforting to see so many supportive
family members and friends
there to help remember this sweet child of God.
A collective gasp could be heard as we let our balloons lift to the sky.
Gosh, an occasion like this is heart-wrenching and difficult.
But there was a positive feeling of hope in the air, and I am sure many people left feeling they had helped to make the day somewhat easier for our family, with their love, words and hugs.
Bless our little darling Willow,
and may she dance with joy through the fields of heaven.
A few weeks ago we caught up with our friend Judith, who used to work with my hubby, and now lives in Tassie. She's adorable and funny! We had lunch by the sea at Spinnaker's Restaurant at Hillary's. The food was delish, and the view very calming.
We went for a walk to look at the 100 year old lighthouse.
That's my boys up there. I'm not too good with heights, but I went up too. Pretty views!
Ooh, it's a late offering tonight, and so it should be - it's Halloween! My boy and his friends, Jacob and Elly, all looking rather ghoulish, roamed the streets tonight trick or treating, as did half the kids in our small town. I love seeing all the whimsical costumes, especially on tiny children!
We decorated our door with this door wrap, which helped the trick or treaters know that they would find treats at our house.
Our lot knocked on doors for two hours and made a record haul of goodies - check out the motherlode!
