Goodbye 2012 - Hello to 2013!

Following an eventful 2012, we have thankfully survived the Mayan end-of-world predictions and are now poised at the threshold of a brand new year, 2013.

2012 has seen a lot of changes, some good, some not so good.

There have been some devastating tragedies that have made me take stock of my own life and hold my loved ones a little closer. I have shed so many tears and felt such sadness at times.  But there have also been some wonderful experiences, brilliant opportunities and joyous events that we have celebrated. I have laughed hard and had such fun making memories.

These days, I am not one to dwell on the negatives.  I finally see that the glass is never half empty ... it's always got air in it so the volume of liquid is irrelevant, it is always full!!  Life is so very precious.

I have learned a lot in 2012.

My family has been the cornerstone to my happiness this year.  I am so blessed to have really great parents who we are able to lavish love and attention on during their fortnightly visits.  The kids adore them and I am so happy to have seen the relationship between my mum and dad and my children flourish in 2012.  Making memories that they will cherish forever is something very special.

I have a wonderful nephew and niece, Tom and Kate, who mean the world to me.  I have been lucky enough to see them both this year and meet their respective other halves, Ashley and Mike.  I wish all four of them an amazing 2013 filled with everything they wish for.

I am so thankful to all the other people that have helped make 2012 so special for us all.  I hope to continue to surround myself with their love and friendship in 2013.

My own children make me proud everyday.  They are amazing and I am so honoured to be their mother.  They inspire me to do better.  To be better. They define me.  I adore each and every one of my wonderful children.

Finding the right college for Ella and the right nursery for Freddy has been a huge factor is ensuring my kids' happiness this year.  Being empowered to make changes has been so beneficial to us all.  No longer will I ever sit back and accept situations. Things don't have to stay the same.  If something isn't working, we can change it for the better.  Anything that allows negativity into our lives does not need to be tolerated.  I will fight tooth and nail to ensure that my loved ones are happy.

My marriage is a gift that I am blessed with.  The relationship I have with Ian is the thing that keeps me grounded, gives me confidence and strength.  By nurturing our relationship we become better people and better parents. I love my husband who is my best friend in the whole world.

The arrival of our first grandson on December 17th has changed the dynamic of our family in such a positive way, bringing such joy to myself and Ian, as well as to his doting aunties and Uncle Freddy and to his great grandparents who were all so delighted to meet him.  Baby Ted is a beautiful boy.  Seeing Joe as a daddy fills my heart with love and pride. We have so many wonderful adventures awaiting us in 2013.

I am entering 2013 with a happy heart and a positive outlook.

Happy New Year to everyone. x

Little Girls Get Bigger Everyday

This weekend my childhood friend Allie and her daughter Jess came to stay.  It has been a long time since we have all been together, but time just melted away.  Jess is the same age as Ella.  Allie and I were pregnant at the same time and when we had our baby girls, they were always destined to be friends. There is just seven weeks between them. Over the years, distance has meant that we could not spend as much time together as we would have liked, but when we do meet up, the relationship between us all is simply fabulous!

The first picture shows Ella and Jess when they were aged just 3 months and 5 months old.  The second picture was taken at the weekend.  Our two baby girls are now two beautiful sixteen year olds with the world at their feet, and we are so proud of them!

Ella and Jess/ Jess and Ella

Listography...The Laminated List Top 5

Kate's theme this week is inspired by the brilliantly marvellous Friends. The idea being that we are allowed to pick five men that we would be allowed to sleep with without getting into trouble with our other half!  This is a great theme Kate, for which I thank you.  I'm always up for a bit of fantasy, and for as long as stay tee-total the guys in question are probably safe.

1:  Austin Winkler...lead singer of Hinder.  When he sings the words "the sex is so much better when you're mad at me", I have thoughts that a happily married woman should not be thinking.  He is my rockstar crush...just watch a little bit of the video and you will understand why.

2: Brad Pitt...as Kate pointed out, Mr Pitt has been somewhat emasculated by his missus in recent years.  But he is still definitely a D.I.L.F.  

3: Ashley Banjo...he could pull some of his killer moves and I'd be drooling like a kid in a sweet shop.  Also, the gorgeous Mr Banjo is just soooo nice.  Have you seen him with the kiddies on Got To Dance...it makes my heart melt.  And he's so tall...as a 6' tall-ish woman, getting in a clinch with someone of his stature would make me feel petite!  

*Oh dear...I just googled him and his date of birth is just 4 days before my eldest son...that is so wrong!!!  I now feel like a dirty old woman...or a cougar!! Rawr*

4:  Bruce Willis...to compensate for my inappropriate infatuation with younger men, I'm going for an older man.  Mr Die Hard himself.  I love his testosterone fuelled baldness and the twinkle in his eye.  He makes a white vest look good.  What else is there to say but Yip-ee-kiy-aye!!

5: Eric from True Blood is my final choice.  It's the whole sexy vampire thing that I first discovered with The Lost Boys in the 80's...it is just so hot!  He could sink his fangs into my jugular any time (and no that is not a euphemism!) 

I'm now off for a cold shower.  If you want to check out other people's lists pop over to Kate Takes 5 and take a peek.