Well it is all over...  We have had parties, morning teas, a pool party, birthday parties, school camp, school concert, talent quest - you name it - for playgroup, school, fire brigade, preschool etc...  Now I can breathe a sigh of relief.  I was saying to a friend today - it doesn't sound like much, but for each event you have to have an outfit ready, a plate to take, cards/presents to take - for two children, so often two events in the same day.  There is just a lot of preparation and checklists, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

I can't believe Kindergarten is over - and we survived!  There were weeks I wondered....  but he has come through it well - mixing well mostly and mostly going happily enough.  He got a glowing report in many areas - except for one theme that came up a few times, namely his inability to listen.  I am very happy with the school overall - being a small school they all know each other and the teachers know them well.  His teacher knows where he is strong and where he needs help and she tailors lessons to each child.  He will have the same teacher next year.

Last night they had a school concert and on stage he was brilliant - though I'm not convinced he was playing the recorder when the rest of his class were.  His performance as a frilled neck lizard was great - that on top of his little Groucho Marx number at the school talent quest netted him several comments from parents on his confidence and stage presence.  Only his old preschool teacher seemed to understand that on stage he is not himself and therefore he can be confident - in normality he is quite shy and cautious.

Bella on the other hand tackles everything with her usual confidence - she joined in well at her preschool presentation despite being tired and then begged me to take her to the pool, where she overcame momentary doubt (first I've ever seen in her) and tackled the adult pool and water slide with confidence beyond her age.  She brought home from preschool a plant, crafts and a little portfolio.  The portfolio contains work and photos.  Looking at the photos quite took me aback.  She started on her birthday 7months ago - and the child in the photos was clearly a toddler.  Yet the little girl I see today is almost another person - so determined, decided, strong and independent.  Needless to say she fell asleep in teh car on teh way home and is still asleep (yay!).

And, talking of overcoming things, Royston had his first party without a parent today.  They picked him up from school and dropped him home at tea-time - and he had a great time, despite his nervousness.  Good on you, kid!

Do you get the impression I am very proud of my two very different kids?  And quite astonished at how quickly they are growing up?  Well, I am....

Took the kids to the doctor today.

Bella has had a funny smell for a few days and we worked out it was coming from her nose.  So, the doctor looks up there and pulls out a little fluffy ball off some craft.  She then tells me there were 2 (having denied for days she put something up there).  So we looked and couldn't see any more.  She is now on antibiotics and we are hoping this will clear up any residual infection - then we just keep an eye on it and see if it clears up.  Some days you just love being a Mum....

Royston has had a runny nose and irritating cough for months.  I guessed he had hayfever and the antihistamine seem to help - but the cough is just constant and really annoying.  So, the doctor checked him over and decided he has low grade asthma.  What a surprise!  (not!)  I am an asthmatic, so was my husband (grown out of it), so is half of my family and the in-laws.  I knew he was high risk due to health problems he had as a child.  So I guess I am not surprised but still thankful that it is so mild and we will see if the treatment works.

So - not too good a week this week - this, a funeral and losing all our chickens to a fox - but it could be much much worse and I am thankful for these mercies.  I am also quite astonished at how matter of fact and accepting the children were about the chickens - they so often show me how much more capable they are than adults give them credit for.

Yesterday I went to a funeral.  The deceased was a lovely man of 89, who has left behind him a wonderful wife and four children - plus grandchildren.  I didn't know him all that well - I know his wife a lot better - but as they were like the "grandparents" of our church family I went along to support his family.

I find at funerals you learn so much more about a person than you knew of them alive - and you wish you knew it earlier as it enhances your relationship and there are things you want to ask them.

Anyway, his step-son talked about a wonderful man who "chose" to be his Dad.  His daughter talked about a quiet man who had time for his children and grandchildren, and who saved (metaphorically, not literally) a little lost granddaughter who was struggling with life.  A man who never understood the impact he had on others, but just did his best day to day.

Then his other daughter spoke of a man who always had time for her, who was always patient, always played with her, always took her places and did things with her, who never rushed her and was always there when she needed him. 

I was struck and wondered what my kids would remember of me/us as adults.  I know I am  not always patient and I raise my voice (frequently), I know I frequently rush them and have to say "No, I'm sorry I don't have time for that right now". 

I think we need these reminders that life is not permanent, to enjoy the small moments and not always be in a rush.  To make time for the little things that mean a lot to our children and to make their childhood memorable, happy and stable.  To think about who we are as people and how we will be remembered.

I urge you this Christmas to take a minute from frantic end of year celebrations and frantic last minute rushing around to ponder what your children will experience and remember and take the time for small magical moments.  For none of us know what is around the corner and when those moments may be taken away.  So, as the saying goes "eat, drink and be merry...."

" I tag you to post a Christmas Song of your liking if you don't have a favourite then you can post one that really gets on your nerves for a laugh,LOL. Remember to Tag at least two other people,LOL.

Love,Winnie.xxxx "

Thanks Winnie for tagging me.  Is it cheating if I post a classic that I think I may have posted last year?

Classic 80s music - so many stars I used to love... :) and sadly the message is still relevant... :(

And this is the other I love:

OK Winnie, I tag Kathryn, Izzy and EF...