#365 (31/12)

The last day of the year and the last day of my 365 Grateful.  Am I glad it's over - I think I am.  I'm disappointed I didn't put more emotion into my posts - but I'm still glad I have this record.

Bye bye 2017 - you were a good year with us moving into our new home and settling in.  A great year for Ebony in her new school.

So, so much to be grateful for.

#364 (30/12)

Another farewell - more sadness.  Bye Bye Di, Jess, Renee and Chris.  I'll miss you all but I'm glad you're in our lives.

#363 (29/12)

Today my big brother and my Dad and Mum left to go home.  I'm sad - very sad.

Being sad on a day like this makes me grateful for how much I love my family and for how much joy and fun we have shared together over the last week.

#362 (28/12)

What fun we are having - I'm absolutely stoked that I have most of my family here and we can have leisurely chats and are just chilling and relaxing together

#361 (27/12)

Today my beautiful sister and her daughter Jess and other daughter Renee and her partner Chris arrived!  

I love all these people (just getting to know Chris but he's amazing) and it makes my heart so happy to have them around me.

#360 (26/12)

Food - I'm grateful for left-over food!

#359 (25/12)

Today has been a beautiful day and yet a sad day.  Today, of all days, Graham and I had a bit of a 'tete a tete' as the saying goes.  I've found it a bit hard to find what I'm grateful for....other than the fact that I have my family around me and we've enjoyed a lovely day together.  I do wonder at times about the pressures of having family around and how hard it can be for Graham since he never gets to see any of his family around Christmas.  

So much is put into Christmas when all we really need to remember is that Christ entered the world and gave us the opportunity of accepting him and receiving the gift of eternal life.

#358 (24/12)

Family are amazing.  Tonight my husband, father and 2 brothers, helped put up Eb's trampoline for her big Christmas gift.  What would we do without family!

#357 (23/12)

Today has been tough.  Hurt my back before I left.  But I survived and I've done my best not to complain.  People live with pain every.single.day.  I'm blessed.

#356 (22/12)

A whole day off!  wow - that was amazing.  I needed it so badly and I'm very grateful.

#355 (21/12)

My Dad and Mum arrived safely today!  Now for some quality family time in amongst the crazyness of my life!

#354 (20/12)

Today I worked for an amazing lady.  She has 3 beautiful children in their 20's and she lost her husband, who was very much cherished, to suicide 3.5 years ago.  She is a fighter and what she is planning to do (walk from Beechworth to Sydney) to raise awareness of suicide prevention - is simply inspiring.

#353 (19/12)

Am I ever grateful for Gail today.  5 jobs out of town, 41 degrees.  How could I have ever even considered that on my own!

#352 (18/12)

Our garden is really starting to take shape.  A few nights last week and then a few hours over the weekend....add lots of water from our water tank...and voila! we are starting to look like I hoped we would one day!

#351 (17/12)

Gardening - and lots of it.  I've had a lovely time!!! pulling weeds out and making our garden look so lovely before everyone arrives for Christmas!  Still loads to do but there is only so much I can do.  Grateful for the fact that these days I can relax in that fact!

#350 (16/12)

Today is an easy grateful.  I was on call all day with the Ambulance and I didn't get one.single.call.out.  That made my day so worth it!  Got lots done that I wouldn't have if I'd been called out.

#349 (15/12)

Oh what a day.  2 callouts on a day that I had 4 cleaning jobs to be done.  What am I really grateful for.  The work?  cleaning and ACO?...definitely not.  I'm grateful that I got home in time to enjoy a night with my beautiful family.

#348 (14/12)

Production day! I have looked forward to seeing my little girl in her school play.  She was really excited about us coming to watch her and it was such a great performance by all the kids.

#347 (13/12)

My day finished a bit earlier than I expected...that is something to be very grateful for.  I had a chance to pick my little girl up in the cool of our car, take her home for something to eat and then take her down the pool for a play and then a lesson.

I also got to catch up on work over January!  I'm so grateful for that.

#346 (12/12)

I finally got to sit down and work through my cleaning bookings.  I'm really grateful that I got this time, that I'm now sorted for up to Christmas day.  I can breathe!

#345 (11/12)

Tonight we went to The Mance and celebrated the achievements that we have made.  Peter and Janine are very special people and it was lovely to have an evening with them and Karen and Rob.  Wine, lovely food and great company!

#344 (10/12)

I got to see Eb in her Church play!  I have missed so many events this year that it was lovely to get to see this one.  In a busy day - I made it!

#343 (9/12)

I have had such a great day today.  We got on a bus at 10am and went to Christmont Winery, Mountain View Hotel at Whitfield, then Dal Zotto then Gracebook winery.  Our beautiful AV Christmas party!  Just loved a day out with a bus driver and great friends.

#342 (8/12)

After such a busy week, I've been grateful to have an hour or so to myself while Gra takes Eb to tennis.  I needed that time!

#341 (7/12)

Today is a new day - today is the day after our 25th anniversary and I still feel extremely grateful that we have made it to 25years....with many more to come God willing.

#340 (6/12)

One very big and very special day today.  I'm grateful for a gorgeous man who became my husband 25 years ago today.  He has put up with a lot, and still does - but he rarely complains and his gift to me today of the flowers and the beautiful words on the card have touched me very deeply.

#339 (5/12)

So much work provision.  I feel very grateful that I'm going to be able to give Gail work when she starts with me on the 18th.  I can't wait for her to start and I'm very grateful she's decided to be part of my little team.

#338 (4/12)

Just a little afternoon with my girl.  Orthodontist and Optometrist...and then a bit of shopping.  I so love time with Eb - she is a ray of sunshine in every day!

#337 (3/12)

Just a bit of time at home today after days of work without much rest.  I did have to work today, but at least I had the afternoon off!  Work is great - but so is rest.

#336 (2/12)

It has rained so so much!  100ml yesterday.  Today I'm very grateful that I don't have a wedding!

#335 (1/12)

December is here.  The month that tells me it's close to the close of the year.  It's also the month we celebrate the birth of our saviour.  I pray that I remember the importance of this month every.single.day - and I'm so grateful for the gift of a saviour that came to take away my sins.

#334 (30/11)

Our little girl headed to Melbourne with the Mary + Briget group from school today.  She was so excited and our home has been so quiet tonight!  I'm counting down the minutes until I pick her up!...but I'm grateful she has this opportunity.

#333 (29/11)

Tonight I found out that Di, Jess, Renee and Chris are coming up for Christmas!  Best.news!  I'm so happy and can't wait to see them all.

#332 (28/11)

...and the bond clean is finished!  Wow, lots done and the end result was fantastic.  God is opening so many doors for me and I'm thrilled.  Praise God!

#331 (27/11)

My second and big, bond clean and all seemed to go well.  Lots of hard work but it pays off and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.

#330 (26/11)

Eb and I spent what little time we had together today - cooking muffins!  She is so good.  Even when I get a little cross with her - she bounces back and gets on with what is happening.

It was fun and we did a great job together.  2 hours very well spent!

#329 (25/11)

My last wedding for 2017!...and I'm so so so so so grateful!  That.is.it!

#328 (24/11)

School sports day today.  I'm so grateful I could get there, even if it was only for 1 1/2 hours.  I saw my little girl run the 100m and come 2nd!  Now that was worth going for.  She also got 3 3rds!  

#327 (23/11)

Tonight we've had a new friend in Peter from the property I'm cleaning called 'The Manse' in Beechworth.  We had a lovely evening with Peter and I have doors opening and am loving them!

#326 (22/11)

Tonight I'm very grateful for my health.  When my neighbour asked to see me I was a little concerned that something was wrong....and it was - she has breast cancer.....and 4 children she is raising on her own.  Wow - that's a tough gig and I'm grateful I have great health.

#325 (21/11)

Today, again, I was on my way home when I got a call asking me if I could drive the ambulance.  2 nights in a row and again, my darling hubby picked up the pieces and took over.  So much is going on at the moment and even though he had a meeting to go to he just did what had to be done.  Very grateful.

#324 (20/11)

Today I'm really grateful for a family that pick up when I'm called out on an ambulance job.  Some families would crumble....but not mine!

#323 (19/11)

Work - I have so much of it and it's been quite hard keeping up the invoicing - but I'm feeling good about it all.  Need another cleaner - but God can provide!

#322 (18/11)

I left home at 8.15am and got back at 11pm.  A big wedding day for me and I'm simply grateful I made it home safely.....I was soooo tired!

#321 (17/11)

A night on the green.  An event run by our school and such a wonderful success.  We've had a lovely night and have spent time with lovely people.  I didn't want to go - but we did and I'm so glad!

#320 (16/11)

I'm grateful for a few things today. First is my wonderful nephew Chris.  Today I celebrate him and the blessing he and his wife are.  I remember the day he entered this earth and all I can do is pray he is grateful for the life he has here today.

I'm also grateful that today is the end of the week and and tomorrow I can relax....kind of!

#319 (15/11)

Yet another opportunity today.  I met with Gina from 1860 Luxury Accommodation.  I wonderful new opportunity that I hope will lead to many more of the same!

#318 (14/11)

I'm so grateful to God for the doors that are opening.  Doors to futures I never anticipated.  Today I met with Thelma who needs a 'bond clean' along with her daughter.  God is good.

#317 (13/11)

So much work coming in - I'm really grateful for God's provision.  I need to hear from God about what to do with some of the work and I'm believing for an answer in my meeting tomorrow.

#316 (12/11)

Today was a clean at a new location with Jess.  It was such a lovely environment it was actually fun.  I also love cleaning with someone else!
Then it was home to some editing.  So glad to have been able to work and work and then relax at home doing things around the garden.

#315 (11/11)

My little girl spent most of the afternoon cooking together and then we went out to friends place for dinner (for the first time since we moved here!).  It was a really lovely day!

#314 (10/11)

I have had such a huge day today.  I worked and worked at different cleaning jobs trying all I could to get to Eb's concert tonight.

I made it and I'm so glad I did.  It was her Chinese concert and she had 2 acts with Ruby Hanlon.    They had so much fun and although I had to leave straight after her performance - I actually got to see it and that makes me very happy today!

#313 (9/11)

Beautiful sunshine - blue skies and warm air.  Oh how I love days like this!  Even though I've done 5 jobs today (and survived!) I'm still feeling great and loving life!

#312 (8/11)

I had a lovely time tonight cooking requested apple and cinnamon muffins with my little girl!  We don't cook together often enough .... but it's fun when we do!

#311 (7/11)

Bye bye to Paul, Kat and Autumn.  Very sad and they left so early.  A bit of work for me to relieve what I know will be a very busy week.  I'm grateful for this mini break we've had - I've needed it!

#310 (6/11)

We've had such a lovely day today.  Kat, Autumn and I went for a lovely walk through the gorge at Beechworth.

We were also treated to a lovely lunch at the local brewery.  A very special day with beautiful people.

#309 (5/11)

A bit of a day at home today - and managed to get a lot achieved.  Another few packages ready to go to the Brides and Grooms.  

I'm also grateful for the opportunity to have Paul and Katrina and Autumn here for a few days.  Love their company!

#308 (4/11)

Wedding photography day for me.  I loved this couple.  So beautiful inside and out and so no fuss.  They took everything in their stride and we had a wonderful day together.  Makes my work easy and fun!

#307 (3/11)

Tonight I went to 'Curries with Amhandi'.  What a treat.  She is a master at making curries and we are so lucky to have her in Beechworth.

I had a great time....and I sure hope I learned something!

#306 (2/11)

I'm so grateful my Mum is feeling a bit brighter.  She has suffered with depression so much in the last 40 years and it's cruel to watch her go down in the dark depths.  Thank you Lord for being so gracious to her...and us her family.

#305 (1/11)

I'm finished hump day!  3 down (9 cleans) with 2 to go (6 cleans)!  I'll be even more grateful come Friday night! :)

#304 (31/10)

I seem to have a boost of energy on my second big day of cleaning.  I really feel like I accomplished a lot today and presented 3 lovely homes to their owners!

#303 (30/10)

My dear friend Jess.  She is helping me no end with the cleaning and she is so generous with her time and so kind.  What a find she has been.

#302 (29/10)

I had the best time at Church today.  Can't really explain why but it just felt wonderful.  So grateful for this wonderful Church I call my 'home'.

#301 (28/10)

Wedding day for me today - but grateful I didn't have to be there until almost 2!  That gave me a morning with my family - bliss!

#300 (27/10)

Tonight Eb went to her first St Jo's school disco.  She was so incredibly excited that it made my heart really happy when a part of me was feeling so sad to see what felt like the end of some small part of her childhood.

She had such a great time - came home with sore legs from dancing so much!

#299 (26/10)

This cleaning gig is pretty tough - but I'm so glad for a hubby who appreciates me and helps me whenever he can!

#298 (25/10)

Opportunities - something to be always grateful for.  I'm not sure what my time with The Manse will bring but I pray it will bring good things.

#297 (24/10)

Today I'm grateful for my beautiful sister-in-law.  It's her birthday and I don't just celebrate her on her birthday - I celebrate her every day!

#296 (23/10)

Today I have been able to help out my new friend Peter who owns "The Mance".  I'm so grateful for this man and I'm so grateful to be helping someone and not expecting a lot in return!

#295 (22/10)

Can I be grateful for yesterday?  I am grateful for today because we got to do some things in our garden!...but I'm so grateful to my wonderful husband for taking our little girl to her first ever tennis comp and then to Relay for Life yesterday.  I was on call and couldn't.....but he did a big 'birthday' day for his little girl.

#294 (21/10)

Tonight I was actually able to surprise my husband with some dear friends joining us in going out and celebrating his birthday.  So glad that we did surprise him!

#293 (20/10)

An "almost" day off! That's what I'm grateful for today.  My job today cancelled so I was able to head to Wang to get something for my darling hubby's birthday tomorrow!

#292 (19/10)

Tonight I was lucky enough to do a dumpling course tonight and I loved it!  So nice to get out and do something for me!

#291 (18/10)

Today - I'm grateful for beautiful green grass growing!  Why did we ever pay for turf when gorgeous grass grows from seed so beautifully!

#290 (17/10)

I have a great friend and she has come out today and helped me clean two places.  That gave me a bit of freedom to clear Friday and now, after a few changes, I have managed to get tomorrow off and work Friday which I'm very grateful for.

#289 (16/10)

Wow - straight back into it today.  Big day with so much on.  But - today the weather has been stunning and today I got to spend lots of time with my little girl.  She had an orthodontist appointment so we were off to Wodonga.  I love time with my girl - she is full of joy and happiness.

#288 (15/10)

Home today!  I've loved this weekend and the time with our precious Suixi family....but I'm also so glad to be home!  Straight into Ambulance work on my return - but there really is - no place like home!

#287 (14/10)

We have had such a fun day today with the Suixi girls!  Down at Dromana Beach in mid Spring and the girls are in the water!  They have had an amazing day and for that - I'm grateful!

#286 (13/10)

Oh boy - today has been huge.  So much to do whilst getting ready to go away - but, joy of joys - we headed off to the Suixi girls weekend!  We.can't.wait!

#285 (12/10)

I'm grateful my work week is over.  14 cleans in 4 days and it's been huge.  I've accomplished a lot ... but I'm so glad my body is coping.

#284 (11/10)

Today I'm grateful for friends who are willing to help out when the pressure is on.  So much happening - so exhausted.....but grateful all the same.

#283 (10/10)

Oh the beautiful sunshine.  A lovely garden to watch grow and now some lawn sown so we can watch that grow too.  Yes, I've had to work and work hard today and yes, Graham is living in Mt Beauty during the week which is making life quite a juggle - but! life is giving us lots of reasons to rejoice.

#282 (9/10)

Oh dear.  Holidays are over. Alway a sad day in our home.

What can I find to be grateful for?  That we get holidays - that we feel the way we do because we love each other and love spending time together.  That we live in a country where we actually get holidays.  Really, there is lots!

#281 (8/10)

Today was 'get things done in the garden' day.  We have so much to do and we are running out of the beautiful spring days.  Already the soil is getting so hard!

So glad we got done what we did.  A big day and a very exhausted Dad and Mum!

#280 (7/10)

Today Eb woke up feeling a bit out of sorts - but with the prospect of seeing her friend Jade and The Spartan Race in Bright - there was no stopping her.

She did so very well.  2 and a bit laps (only because they had to clear the track for the next wave) and she was all smiles.

Our little champion!

#279 (6/10)

I spent a lot of today organising cleaning job invoices and getting the calendar into order ready for a big term ahead.

I'm so grateful for this work and for being able to organise some work for Jess too!

#278 (5/10)

I am so glad to have my little girl back with me.  She had a bit of a tough time this holiday and called me in tears last night (the only dampner on such a great day for me!).

She is such a little trouper and tried very hard to take disappointment in her stride.  It will be a while before we revisit a break in Melbourne for her again.  She can stay with her Mum!

So glad to be home too!

#277 (4/10)

Oh wow.  Today I got to spend the day in the company of one of my oldest and dearest friends.  We walked (lots of km's) with her dogs, had breakfast at a cafe together, chatted, shared stories (it's been a while) and just enjoyed each others company.  We then went and saw 'Victoria and Abdul' at the Rivoli cinema in Balwyn and enjoyed a glass of wine and cheese platter together.  Oh what a treat this day has been for me!

#276 (3/10)

My little girl - that's who I'm grateful for today.

I was on call from 8am til 1pm.  We were leaving for Melbourne at 1pm.

I worked in the garden in the morning while I was on call and she came out and worked so hard with me.  No complaints as usual and lots of lovely wise words as we chatted about hard work and what it means for the future.  

We talked about how not having money to do up a garden meant we did it ourselves and spent time together as a family.  Most of these concepts came from her mouth whilst they were in my head!

#275 (2/10)

Eb had two friends (sisters) from school for a play today.  I worked all day in the garden...and hard.

It's so lovely that Eb can have some fun with friends while I get some good hard work done.

#274 (1/10)

Today I'm so so grateful for Daylight Savings!  It's the first night and I'm already loving the longer evenings.  Give me daylight savings any day!

#273 (30/9)

Today I photographed a lovely, small wedding locally in Stanley.

What a trouper this group were.  A very sick little baby in hospital in the days before the ceremony and then the bride became very unwell herself.

You would never have known.  They were amazing and I'm blessed to be involved in days just like today.

#272 (29/9)

Such a gorgeous day today and a great day to be out in the garden.  

I'm loving planning this garden and watching it become 'something' from the earth that was turned for the first time almost a year ago.

#271 (28/9)

At long last Eb got to do a wonderful dumpling workshop locally.  She came home with a few of them and they were yummy.

I love all that these towns have to offer and I'm grateful for the opportunity for Eb to participate in something like this.  Such fun!

#270 (27/9)

I have achieved so much in the garden this last few days. Tonight as I watered, I looked at the beauty in plants and the joy of watching them grow (not literally!).  I've loved doing this and we have lots more to do, but it's been very good for my soul.

#269 (26/9)

Today Eb had 2 little friends over for the day and they had SO much fun together.  To hear their laughter made my heart very happy.  I love this town!

#268 (25/9)

A big day today with my little girl.  Off to Wodonga to buy some more plants (oh good fun!), then Specsavers, then the orthodontist for a broken brace repair for Eb, then to Wangaratta for some shopping for the Suixi girls and Eb, then the Audiologist, then shopping for food, then home and now on call!  Big day, but when spent with my little girl - always makes for a big grateful.

#267 (24/9)

Oh and joy of joys for me! I got to plant life into the ground....beautiful green plants with spots of colour that will burst forth once they get established.

#266 (23/9)

Today I got out in the garden.  Oh how much I love setting up a garden - it makes my heart very happy :)  It was a beautiful warm morning and all I did was set up the first garden bed ready for plants.  Later today will be the joy of buying the plants!

#265 (22/9)

Tonight we've come home after spending an evening celebrating the 11th birthday of twins in Ebony's class.  I feel so grateful that Charlotte chose Ebony as the person she wanted to spend her birthday with!  Ebony was super excited and just seeing that alone made me feel so grateful.  Friendship is a great thing.

#264 (21/9)

My little girls arms tucked around my neck.  That's what I'm grateful for.  Ebony is 12 now, but I know these times are not going to happen for much longer.  I already feel the loss of those beautiful 'little girl' years.  I don't want to spend time lingering on those thoughts though.  I want to think in the now and enjoy this time for what it is.

#263 (20/9)

It is just so nice to see the sun shining and feel some warmth in the air.  I was also very grateful to have my 1pm postpone til Friday so I only had to do 2.5 jobs today!

#262 (19/9)

A bit sad that today is the day that Tez goes home.  Always enjoy time with him, but I guess I feel grateful that I feel that way when he leaves :)

#261 (18/9)

Well, today I went with my friend Jess to look at cleaning 'Gladstone House' in Beechworth as a holiday rental clean.  I'm very grateful that I can employ Jess whilst keeping a little as the organiser.  Great to work with Jess too!

#260 (17/9)

Church today and I'm grateful it was a message that spoke to all of us.  I'm never sure how Tez will react to messages, but he enjoyed this one.  It was then out for lunch, shopping and home for a quiet evening.

#259 (16/9)

Today Tez helped Gra with some hard labour outside - not a minor job, especially while he's so unwell.  I'm so grateful for his willing heart.  It means so much to both of us.

#258 (15/9)

I love my big brother - I actually love all of my family, but my big brother makes the effort to visit more than any other member of my family and he comes prepared to help us do the things that we need help with.  How wonderful is he!

#257 (14/9)

Last day of work today before my big brother arrives.  Not sure which of those 2 I'm more grateful about! :)

#256 (13/9)

Grateful - what is today's grateful?  I've done 4 cleaning jobs and not much more.

I did come home and get some work done here, make some choc chip and macadamia biscuits and cook dinner....so I guess I have to say I'm very grateful for some energy.  No idea where it comes from, but I'm grateful for it!

#255 (12/9)

I woke up feeling so exhausted and had a very difficult first cleaning job with the owner failing to let me know there would be no power or water!  Couldn't do much but it gave me time to get on top of the other two jobs!

#254 (11/9)

A day in Mt Beauty is always a good day.  No callout until very late in the day, which caused a bit of stress, but I'm very glad for the money and it was a bit of fun going back up to Falls Creek.

#253 (10/9)

Today was Church - meeting with a couple soon to be married, then a callout then Tom's 60th.

A busy day for a girl who still isn't feeling great.....but I'm grateful for my home and my bed tonight.  Tomorrow will be a better day I'm sure!

#252 (9/9)

Today was my first big wedding back.  I felt awful and I really didn't want to do it - but, now it's done and dusted, I'm grateful for the work and for the money.  I'm not sure what my future will be in regard to weddings - but I did enjoy this one!  

#251 (8/9)

Today was a 'pupil free day' so I was really looking forward to a day with my little girl. 

She got an invite to something far more fun....and I'm grateful she did!  

#245-250 (2-7th Sept)

So - I've been sick.  I've managed to work and for that I'm grateful. But this sickness has been really hard.  I couldn't even write or think - all I've wanted to do is rest.  So, thats 5 days that escaped me but I praying I'm on the mend.

#244 (1/9)

I am so glad to wake up in my own bed and to have a day where, other than a few wedding things to catch up on, I can stay at home.

I'm exhausted.  I did a bit of baking and enjoyed that - I love the kitchen here and it makes cooking something I'm grateful to be able to do :)

I'm also grateful the sun is shining and it's the first day of one of my favorite seasons - spring!

#243 (31/8)

Today has been hard.  Today was RCH day and I'm not that happy with the way the RCH handled our visit.

That's a long story and this is about being grateful - so I will say that I'm grateful that I do trust the people at the RCH and that, although I have to make the decision on whether to go ahead myself - at least we have a decision.

We also had a lovely day in Melbourne - would have been so much better if I'd been feeling better though!

#242 (30/8)

It was an early get up and on the road morning.  Started my first clean at 9am in Beechworth - did that one and another one and then straight home to shower/pack for Melbourne.

Picked Eb up from school and headed to the train in Wang and then it was a night in Melbourne.

I love these times we have where we're away from home and we can just enjoy each others company.

#241 (29/8)

This morning I went to sleep in Mt Beauty after an on-call night there.  Got to spend a bit of time with "Popey" who would be one of my favorite Paramedics.

We did get a call out - and I'm glad!  I've done quite a few shifts now with no work so it was nice to get some work!

#240 (28/8)

We started a bit of a new venture today.  Graham and I both cleaned the local Sports and Fitness centre.  It was nice to work together and I feel we did a great job.

I'm very grateful for all the work that is coming my way and I praise God for his goodness.

#239 (27/8)

Today is the day we celebrate the fact that our sweet little 12yo decided to be baptised.  Today is a fresh beginning in Christ for her and she shone like a diamond.  She is so humble.  I believe she is aware that this is such an important step.

Oh my heart is so grateful for her willing heart.  We haven't talked her into this - she was simply ready. She said that God told her and I sure wouldn't argue with that!

#238 (26/8)

Today I woke up in beautiful Mt Beauty after a night shift there.

Ebony spent a wonderful (albeit very late!) night with Katelan and they had such a lovely time.  I'm grateful for these beautiful little friends she has and joy of seeing her have so much fun!

#237 (25/8)

Today the sun shone like a beautiful diamond in the sky.  Today I woke up and smelt the jonquils and daffodils that are in my home.  Today I appreciate that winter is cold...and that I have a lovely warm home...and that winter is followed by all the magnificence of spring!

#236 (24/8)

Today we got the opportunity to go and see about cleaning the local sports and fitness centre.  It looks like it's a go so that will see Graham and I working together.  So blessed to have this opportunity!

#235 (23/8)

Oh wow - my little girl brings me so much joy.  She is so thoughtful and kind.  Today I came home from my cleaning job pretty exhausted and all night all she wanted to know was if I was ok and what she could do to help.  #doingsomethingright

#234 (22/8)

The sun is shining and I'm loving it!  A taste of spring is in the air.  Oh how I love these days and all the beauty they bring.  I even saw some blossom today. Grateful for the promise of warmer days and nights.

#233 (21/8)

Well, today I feel a bit shell shocked!  No cleaning, no ambulance work - just a morning spent meeting with someone to help me with the cleaning if need be and then some planning of how the working weeks are going to go.  Grateful for all the work coming my way.

#232 (20/8)

Birthday day.  Our little girl is 12 today.  We are so grateful to have the gift of her as our daughter and today she chose to play 10 pin bowls with us and then a lovely lunch at a dumpling place.  She had such a special day and that means everything to me!

#231 (19/8)

Today I woke in Mt Beauty after doing a night shift there.  Thankfully no call outs!  We arrived home about 11am and then Eb and I picked Frith and Halle up and went to 'Supatramp' Wodonga as a special birthday treat for Eb.  Our dear friends Jas and Frith paid for our dinner tonight - and we ate in a place that we wouldn't normally go to.  Friends are so important and I value them so much but this goes beyond the call of friendship to us.

#230 (18/8)

Oh boy. I'm so grateful I had today off everything!  Today was cake bake day for the big birthday weekend and birthday buying day and card making day and canvas (for the birthday girl) day.  Huge...but oh so fun! :)

#229 (17/8)

Another big day of cleaning today.  So glad to come home to my beautiful family and enjoy a quiet night in with them.

#228 (16/8)

Today is a big day in our memory. Today it is 16 years since Graham's brother Bill passed away in a road accident.

I haven't spent much time remembering it, but I'm sure Graham has.

I'm grateful for the time we got to share with Bill before he died and grateful for the years Gra and him had together.

#227 (15/8)

Today I have done 6 hours of cleaning.  I then came home and painted a canvas - a great way to relax for me.  I love that I'm able to paint.  It's something I love doing and hopefully will bring in some cash at some point.

Also very grateful for the beautiful rain I'm listening to as I sit by a beautiful warm fire.

#226 (14/8)

I've done so much today!  Went and visited with a person wanting a cleaner and won the job!  That's #11 job. I'm so grateful to God for this provision.  Now I just need God to help keep my body capable of all this cleaning!

#225 (13/8)

Well, today I spent the majority of the day in an Occ.Violence AV day.
It was fantastic and such a great thing to go to.  Learned so much about personal safety when working the Ambulance.  Well worth it!

Then it was a lovely and quick, couple session with a couple getting married in 4 weeks.  Loved my day!

#224 (12/8)

First wedding back for the 17/18 season.  Such a lovely intimate (only 10 people) wedding and such a fun couple.  Great way to get back into it! :)

#223 (11/8)

I love Fridays! end of the week (and it's been a rare day without being on call, no bookwork, no cleaning, no photography! - yay!) and today I got to go out with some of the other mums from St Jo's.  I wouldn't have gone if it wasn't for the fact that I purposely asked someone I knew if I could pick them up.

So glad I did.  I only stayed for a few drinks, but it was a lovely night out for me!

#222 (10/8)

Today has been huge - but I also feel great.  I can't believe that I'm actually enjoying my cleaning jobs.  I had to go to an horrific accident today where a person ran off the road, hit a tree and then the car burst into flames.  The occupant didn't make it.  It's times like this I feel so grateful just to be alive.  Someone on their way somewhere who never made it.  Tonight I hug my family just a bit closer.

#221 (9/8)

Today I've had a day at home and I'm so grateful.  I think there are times when I've forgotten how hard it is to work and have a home and business at home to run.  I haven't taken the time I've had away from 'real' work for granted, but I must say today has been wonderful and I'm very glad the pager didn't go off.

#220 (8/8)

Today was back to the cleaning.

Today I got such lovely feedback from a very very happy client.

That makes doing such a hard job worthwhile!

#219 (7/8)

Today I went into Wodonga and celebrated my dear friend Minnie's birthday with a few other girls.  It was so lovely to have a relaxed lunch and chat together.  I do miss my girlfriends!...but grateful to have them :)

#218 (6/8)

We headed off to Church this morning and it was a great service to be at.

We then did a bit of shopping, but probably the thing I find myself most grateful for is the gratitude my little girl showed when we bought her a new pair of winter boots today!   oh and getting to watch the end of Harry Potter #1 together!

#217 (5/8)

Oh how beautiful is the rain...and lots of it.

I'm so grateful to be in a warm home and be able to listen to the rain on the roof and just relax.

I sat with my little girl tonight and started to watch the first movie in the Harry Potter series....looking good to me and she is all smiles!

#216 (4/8)

So today I'm exhausted after all the cleaning in the last 3 days.

I've taken a big of time out and and worked on another painting.  I'm so glad I have this hobby at the moment - it gives me space and peace.  Perfect time in my life to be taking this time for myself.

#215 (3/8)

Today was huger than huge.  3 cleans today and all a minimum of 2 hours and one was 2 stories.

I find myself feeling absolutely exhausted, but very much in a different state of mind.  Feeling grateful that I can give these hard working people a place to come home to that is fresh and clean.

#214 (2/8)

Well, today was day 2 of cleaning.  1st clean of this home and it was good in comparison to yesterday!  I feel much better and hope that the owners enjoy coming home to a clean space.

#213 (1/8)

Oh boy - this is hard.  3 hours of cleaning and hard cleaning, and I have to question why I have to be doing this when I'm almost 58 years old.  I've felt deflated and defeated and frustrated today....but I've found a way to thank God for the work.  Without it, things would be even worse than they are.

#212 (31/7)

Well, my cleaning business has exploded.  I have more work that I expected and I'm grateful for this last day of 'me' before I start working tomorrow.  I've been here before and I know it's going to be hard - but I also know it will be worth it.

#211 (30/7)

Well, will someone tell me where that month has gone!

Today we did Church and loved it!  We then made our way home so Gra could go and chat with a young man about hunting while Eb and I did some more art together.  It was a lovely day all around.

#210 (29/7)

Today was collect wood day!  Eb and I love these times, although I have to say that getting wood of the side of the road leaves me a bit scared...and having Eb say, 'Mummy I don't like doing things that aren't good' made me feel proud that she is aware of the difference between right and wrong.

#209 (28/7)

It's Friday and I'm always grateful for Friday's.  
I've had more people contact me about cleaning and I'm so grateful that this is happening.  Our finances are in a really bad way and this allows me to contribute on those days when I'm not shooting weddings.

#208 (27/7)

Today I made the hard decision that it was time to advertise as a cleaner locally.  I'm grateful that already I've had two people contact me and my new career is possible on it's way.

#207 (26/7)

Today I celebrated my little girls artwork. She has taken to art (with me) and is loving it.  Although I've had to help her, she has come up with ideas herself and I'm thoroughly amazed with what she's doing.  Makes my heart happy.

#206 (25/7)

Today I was glad to be able to go for a beautiful walk in the sunshine again - but this time it was at school pickup rather than drop off.  My little cherub is enjoying going to the library after school so I get to pick her up from there.  It's a double win as we both do what we love doing!

#205 (24/7)

Yay - today was back to walking!  I've missed my walks with my girl.  Today it was back to school for Eb and back to some kind of routine for me!

#204 (23/7)

Today my little girl and I really discovered the joy of canvas art!  We have spent time choosing an abstract art and then have started to paint!  We've had such a wonderful time together - this feels like a new 'together' adventure.  So blessed.

#203 (22/7)

Today we had a bit of a lazy start to our day.  Then it was off to Albury for Eb's discipleship group.  Before we went to her group, we spent an hour or so shopping for some (cheap) new clothes for her.  She had so much fun at Supre and is now a big fan.  I feel so blessed to watch her go through this new stage of growing out of being a little girl to a tweenager.

#202 (21/7)

Sadly today was 'say goodbye to friends' day again.  I have loved having these precious people stay and I'm glad for girlfriends that believe in God with me.  That is something super special.

#201 (20/7)

Well, no on call today!....well other than a call out at 6.30am. Gave my guests time to sleep in and I allowed Eb to stay home from school to spend time with Eliza.  It was so lovely to see the girls having so much fun together!  Grateful for my little girls friendships as well as mine!

#200 (19/7)

I was on call on the first full day we had together.  That meant we couldn't go out anywhere so we chilled at home other than taking Eb to school.  I'm so grateful Kate was here so Eb could come home to beautiful company.

#199 (18/7)

My dear friend Kate and her daughter Eliza arrived today.  We seem to spend a few days every year at this time, together.  So grateful they could come and that they arrived safely!

#198 (17/7)

Today was a catch up day and a day I'm so grateful to be home safe and sound. I love being with friends...but I also love being home with our little family.  And I'm grateful that I got the washing etc done ready for more friends tomorrow!

#197 (16/7)

Today I celebrate my beautiful Mum, whose birthday it is today.  I am grateful God gave me the beautiful, loving, amazing Mum He did.

#196 (15/7)

Well, today was the day we said farewell for now to Katrina, Paul, Elijah, Jo and Autumn.  Sad day but very grateful that we've had this time together.

#195 (14/7)

Oh wow - a visit to Artvo left me grateful for the opportunities I get.  We had such an amazing time followed by a quiet drink with Katrina while the girls did a bit of looking around (close by of course!).  Such a fun day for all 4 of us.

#194 (13/7)

Today we set off for a few nights in Melbourne.  Took my camera's in for a service and clean and then off to Paul and Kat's.  Had a lovely evening with them all - so great to see the boys - it's been a while!

Grateful for these precious friends.

#193 (12/7)

Today I was off call for the first time since Kat arrived.

We enjoyed a lovely walk together, then another one with the girls, then we took them to the various Ned Kelly places around town, which the girls just loved. 

Lots of walks and talks and fun today!

#192 (11/7)

I was on call so the girls then headed into town.  I got to do some more work while they enjoyed time around Beechworth.  They came home all excited and loving Beechworth.

Makes me very happy!

#191 (10/7)

A bit sad to see Paul go today, but with Graham away also, we girls had a lovely day!  

We all sat and looked at some of the wedding movies I've done, played some games, had some cooking fun and just general chatting.  It was a day to feel very grateful for.

#190 (9/7)

I've been anticipating today!  My dear friends Paul, Katrina and Autumn are coming for a few days!  We haven't had a good catch up since they returned from Cambodia.

Paul will only stay overnight, so I cooked him a lovely vegetarian lasagne that was a hit.

Once again - so lovely to be entertaining friends.....and looking forward to a few days of catching up together.

#189 (8/7)

Today was all about friends!  We had our now close friends Jase, Frith and Halle over for dinner.  We had such a lovely night.....and a late night!  something we don't do often these days.

I'm grateful for time to cook in the kitchen I love and then entertain friends in the place we now call home.

#188 (7/7)

Another workshop today!  This time it was bead/bag tag/coaster making with mouldable clay.

Another day of fun!  I had a few hours to myself to catch up on editing which I'm very grateful for!

We also had our friend Ian over for dinner and we had such a great catch up.  A great day all in all.

#187 (6/7)

Today was a huge day in the Ambulance with 3...almost 4 callouts.

I mucked up the times of a wonderful cooking class so Eb and her friend missed out - I was so disappointed, but there was absolutely nothing I could do.

I'm grateful that Eb's friends Mum took Eb home with her and she and Halle still had such a wonderful time together.  It could have been a bit of a disaster - but it all worked.

#186 (5/7)

My little girl had such a lovely day today - she had one of her friends from St Jo's come over and they really enjoyed their time together.

I'm grateful that she has such lovely friends and can enjoy such fun times in the holidays.

#185 (4/7)

Today was a day at home again.  It's been so wet.

We don't mind - we have such a lovely time together. We cooked and we laughed and we caught up on some more Masterchef!

A great day for the 2 of us I have to say :)

#184 (3/7)

Today started with a callout, then home, then a callout, then home and home to stay.

Eb and I sat and caught up with Masterchef...well we're getting there!

Today also marked the day that Eb came home from the Library with a Harry Potter book.  Something I've been glad not to have to deal with.

We've had lots of conversations and prayers that she will understand the difference in these books as apposed to fairy tales.

I'm grateful I can talk to her in this way and grateful for a God who covers all my errors and loves her more than me.

#183 (2/7)

A day at home getting lots done.  I've planted out 5 of the Birches that have been sitting in pots for way too long.

I also got to meet 2 lots of new neighbours that are building in our street.  Both lovely families.  I do hope that our street is filled with kids running around laughing and having fun.  Hope - that is something to be very grateful for.

#182 (1/7)

First day of school holidays and I ended up out in the Ambulance for a lot of the day.

I'm very grateful for the work and also grateful for the beautiful family I get to come home to and snuggle up with on the couch watching the things we love watching together.

#181 (30/6)

End of financial year and end of Term 2 - so it's holidays!

I love holidays and I especially love the chance to spend lovely days with my girl.  The weather has been so amazing and we've done great walks to school.  I hope the weather continues so we can do lots of lovely walks and talks together.

#180 (29/6)

Today I walked around the streets of Beechworth delivering flyers for our plumbing business.  I love our town and I love that I'm well enough to walk for 8kms without any problems!

#179 (28/6)

Today I got to watch my little girl as she sung with St Jo's primary school at their A3 concert.  There were about 6 catholic school there and they all did an item as well as a few songs where they all sang.  What a joy to see the smile on her face.  I feel so grateful for the opportunities Eb is getting at this school.

#178 (27/6)

How happy I am when I pick my little girl up and she is beaming.  It makes my heart soooooo happy.  

She loves her time at school, but she also loves me. So blessed.

#177 (26/6)

We walked to school and I delivered flyers.

It was super cold - but did my little girl complain?  not.one.bit  Grateful and proud.

#176 (25/6)

Graham was away overnight, so the girls had a fun night and then we went for a lovely long walk together. Visited Eb's school, went to the Honey shop, then to Beechworth bakery for a treat, then the girls went to the Beechworth Lolly shop! - then home.  Almost 7kms!  That will wear off the sugar :)

#175 (24/6)

We have Eb's best friend from way back in preschool staying with us!  That's a reason to celebrate.  The two girls went to our Church discipleship group at Laser Tag Albury and they had a ball.   I'm just so grateful for the friendships my little girl has!

#174 (23/6)

When I'm on call, there isn't a lot else that happens in my world other than waiting for the pager to go off.  I must say that I'm making my way through the storage unit trying to get rid of what we don't need and stopping us from paying for another 6 months.  So glad to be getting through it all.

#173 (22/6)

Today I worked with a Paramedic I haven't worked with before.  I love this job and the surprises it brings....and the wonderful people I get to work with.  Everyone has a story to tell and a personality to share with the world.  We worked well together.

#172 (21/6)

Today my Graham went to Mt Beauty so my little girl and I had one of her friends ..... and her mum ......  come for dinner.

How nice it is to have a friend I can chat to, share life with, share the joys of parenting an only child with.  I feel so blessed.

#171 (20/6)

Today was another stunning day and today I got to walk again.  The great thing about this walk, was that I got to do it with 2 people who I really like...well 1 I really like already and 1 I'm getting to know.  It's so lovely sharing walks and talks with lovely people in such a beautiful location.

#170 (19/6)

Today I'm grateful to have been able to get out and go for a lovely walk.  I haven't been able to walk much because of my hours on call.

To get out there, in the (almost sunshine) and brisk frosty morning helps my soul keep happy.

#169 (18/6)

Today my little girl lay her head in my lap as we watched something on TV.  I watched her little profile and felt so grateful for the privilege of being mother to this precious little life.

#168 (17/6)

We spent about 6 hours outside today.  Pulling weeds, set up the new shed, enjoying the beautiful sunshine and sharing some fun times together.

We had such a great time (even if I am very stiff and sore!).  I'm grateful to still have a body that allows me to do things like this.  It could be so different and is for so many.

#167 (16/6)

Another 2 jobs today!  This run of work has been awesome.

But today, I had some time to get some MyGov etc problems sorted out and for that I'm very grateful.

#166 (15/6)

Back to Mt Beauty again today!  No work again, but a lovely fire to sit by and catch up on some Blacklist episodes....and just plain relax!

#165 (14/6)

Today started with yet another callout just after I returned from taking Eb to school.

So much work coming through for which I'm incredibly grateful.  Eb is also coping so well with my callouts now which makes running out the door much easier.

She is also walking to the library after school to spend some time there with friend which I love!

#164 (13/6)

Today Eb and I headed into Wodonga to get her plate changed to braces.

It was so hard on her.  Initially she was fine, but after about an hour the pain started.  There was so much complaining for quite some time, but when I talked to her about how the complaining doesn't help at all, she listened to me and I didn't hear an more complaints.  

So proud of my little girl.

#163 (12/6)

I've been lucky enough to work in the ambulance again today - and to get 3 jobs!  All this on a day that is a public holiday, so extra pay!  Just what we need at the moment having just returned from our trip to China.

#162 (11/6)

Well, I had a huge night in the ambulance!  got home and had an hours sleep before I headed off to the station to do my Signal 1 driver training.

In the afternoon, Eb was at a friends and Graham was in Melbourne visiting his dad in hospital.

I had the place to myself and was able to chill in front of the TV all afternoon.  Now that doesn't happen often!

#161 (10/6)

Another trip to Mt Beauty to be on shift there.  I'm so grateful for my Paramedic friend Ian who let me share his home last night and then lit the fire today so I could sit in comfortable warmth while I waited for the pager to go off....when it didn't!

#160 (9/6)

Another really big day in the ambulance today.

But today I celebrate my beautiful little niece Lizzie.  Such a blessing to her own family - but also to me!

#159 (8/6)

Today I've taken a moment to look around me and enjoy the beautiful winter weather we are having at the moment.  

A moment to breathe in the beauty, warmth and blue skies that surround me on this day.

#158 (7/6)

Lots and lots of Ambulance work!  That I'm very grateful for today :)

#157 (6/6)

I have been so busy in the Ambulance....I was glad to be home today and able to do some catch up on end of month, editing etc.

#156 (5/6)

Today I drove back to Mt Beauty for the first time since we left there.  It felt a little bittersweet to be honest.  I miss this place, but I'm also grateful to have moved on from it!

#155 (4/6)

Today we came home to our Church family for the first time since being away.  I haven't felt so grateful for my church family for a long time.  We had a great morning and Eb had a lovely time too.

#154 (3/6)

For the first time since we have moved into our home in Beechworth - today I woke and didn't have to be anywhere other than here!  I was able to sleep in and enjoy a day with my family without anything else tugging at me.

So grateful!

#153 (2/6)

Back into editing in a big way today.  I love what I do and I'm enjoying doing my editing without too much pressure :)

#152 (1/6)

I feel so grateful to be home and back to lovely walks to school with my littlest buddy.

#151 (31/5)

Today was more catch up, a cuppa with a friend, training for the ambulance and then home.

I'm loving being home, but it was also nice to catch up with my friend and have her offer to have her babysitter look after Eb while I did training too.  Graham away so that made a much easier night for me and much more fun for Eb.

#150 (30/5)

A day at home editing....and the first of the 3 final weddings are now edited on able to be viewed by the Groom and Bride.  Very grateful for that.

#149 (29/5)

I'm exhausted today after 2 jobs in the ambulance overnight and only 3 hours sleep (on top of Jetlag!) - but I'm so grateful that some work is coming in on the heels of our time away.  Much needed.

#148 (28/5)

Quiet start to the day for us - but a 6.30am start for the girls!

Grateful that Dick and Wendy could come and have lunch with us when they picked up Eb and we were able to share some of our China journey with them.

#147 (27/5)

Today was a lot harder.  The tiredness that had to come - came today.

But! we got to pick Ruby (one of Eb's Suixi sisters) up from her Dad and Mum in Chiltern for a weekend away, and take her to Discipleship group with Eb and then have her stay the night.  One happy little cherub.....one happy Dad and Mum!

#146 (26/5)

Even after so little sleep - I feel good!  That alone is something to be grateful for. I'm also grateful to be back in my own bed and back with my beautiful washing machine!

#145 (25/5)

We're home safe and sound - what more could I possibly say!

#144 (24/5)

Today we were able to let Eb sleep in and we actually went down to the Hotel restaurant for breakfast on our own while she slept.  I left her a note and she made her way down to us (hair unbrushed and face unwashed!) but happy. That's a big step for her.

Grateful that we were able to stay in our Hotel until 1pm and just enjoy the views and spaciousness.

#143 (23/5)

What an amazing day.  We took Eb to Disney World Hong Kong.  We dragged our feet a bit this morning because we all really wanted to hang around in the beautiful Hotel....but I pushed us and we got there (in 30degree heat with 95% humidity) at about midday.  To see the joy on our little girls face made the heat, the humidity and the sweat pouring of us all - worthwhile. 

Grateful for such an opportunity and grateful to see the sunshine in my little girls face all.day.long

#142 (22/5)

Tonight I feel extremely blessed.  We arrived at our Hotel and we had been advised to ask for an upgrade to a water front room.  I asked for the price and it was a bit out of our league.  We continued the booking in process and then, right at the end, the young guy gave us our key which showed a harbourview room - on the 19th floor.  I had tears in my eyes.  I feel like a queen!

#141 (21/5)

What an amazing day we've had.  The Great Wall of China at Mutianyu and then the Summer Palace.  Feeling so blessed to have experienced the things we have.  The Great Wall was pretty high on my 'bucket' list and now I can tick it off. 

#140 (20/5)

So many 'bucket list' items being crossed off!  Temple of Heaven, Tian'amen Square, Forbidden City! all ticked off today. Fun (although very hot) day for all of us.

#139 (19/5)

Today we woke in Beijing!  A bit tired after such a huge day of travel, but we managed to pick ourselves up and head out into the 37 degree heat and visit the Hutongs.  Another bucket list ticked off!

#138 (18/5)

Wow! today I got to travel at 300+ kmh in a bullet train!  What an amazing experience.  Feel very blessed for this experience :)

#137 (17/5)

Today Eb and I were able to take a Bamboo raft down the Yulong River.  This was on my bucket list for China!  I'm grateful that we got to do it (albiet I was a bit nervous after the rain!)

#136 (16/5)

Wow am I ever grateful that I can ride a bike.  We had an amazing day today riding around the Yangshuo countryside!  absolutely stoked...and exhausted!

#135 (15/5)

Today my little girl and I got to go to a Cooking school together in the countryside around Yangshuo.  What more is there to be grateful for???

We had a wonderful time together and I'm loving the adventures we are having!

#134 (14/5)

Another big day today.  A quiet morning but a big afternoon and evening.  Visiting beautiful and at times ancient places, then the light show.  What more of a gift could I get on this Mothers Day.  Very grateful again.

#133 (13/5)

A couple of gratefuls today.

One that I actually managed to sleep on a train that I thought I wouldn't stand a chance of sleeping on! and the other is the amazing things I got to see today.  The Loji ricefields at Longsheng and then our Hotel!  Both are amazing and I'm extremely grateful to be here.

#132 (12/5)

Huge grateful today.  So relieved that our trip back to Suixi SWI went far better than I could ever have anticipated.

To see Mr. Han walk out to the van and look so excited to see Ebony and welcome her 'home'.  That is my grateful.

This day could have been so very different - but it wasn't - it was a truly beautiful day and I think Ebony has a great memory of this day and, now, a positive one of her roots.

#131 (11/5)

Not our finest day today - all way too exhausted and, I guess, struggling with all the differences that come in a country that struggles with English speaking tourists.

My grateful? That we have this opportunity and that we could get to bed nice and early to be prepared for our huge and, undoubtedly emotional, day tomorrow.

#130 (10/5)

Today has been another difficult day in China.  So many hurdles to jump!  It's exhausting.

But we have an opportunity to embrace the journey we're on and not focus on all the hards that are happening.

Today, my grateful is for the ability to walk and walk and walk.  Some could never consider it.

#129 (9/5)

What an awesome day cycling around the streets of old and new Guangzhou.  We've had such fun and learnt so much.  Today I have to say though, that I'm grateful to have a China SIM card.  It's made it so much easier to get around this town and not worry about how we get back to our accommodation.

#128 (8/5)

Today was a bit of a blur.  Car, bus, plane, plane, bus, taxi, home for 2 days.  Finding our accomodation was quite a challenge but I'm more grateful than I can express to 3 young people who spoke some English but enough to help us get to where we needed to be.  Without them, we could still be sitting on the roadside with no idea where our bed would be feeling totally exhausted!

#127 (7/5)

The day has arrived!  I can't believe we're taking this journey.  So much to happen.  I'm excited and nervous but also incredibly grateful.  There have been times over the last year when I really didn't think this would happen.  But it has and the fun times are about to begin!

#126 (6/5)

Last day 'at home'.  Went and helped move some wood into a trailer for the Mothers Day stall at school, then we headed back into Wangaratta to sort out a few issues, then it was home for a final pack.  Last day before we leave!  It's getting so close now and we're all excited.

#125 (5/5)

A day in town doing all the final stuff for before we leave on Sunday.  I took Ebony out of school today so we could get to meet the newest member of the Bloomer family - little Fletcher Roy.  I'm grateful today because Eb was so happy to cuddle Fletcher.  She has never shown an interest in little people until today.  That made my heart very happy.

#124 (4/5)

Today was the last day fully at home before we leave to go.  Life seems a bit out of control in some ways, but I have to say that, in packing to go away, it seems that for the first time I can recall, we are way, way under weight for travelling!  That's a huge yay from me!

#123 (3/5)

Well - tonight we did our Pharmacology exam for the Ambulance Service.

I have been nervous for DAYS! I'm so, so, so grateful it's over!...but I'm making a promise to myself to get to know the pharmacology side of things heaps better so I don't go through days like these again!

#122 (2/5)

Today the packing started for our journey to China.

We leave on Sunday and it's taken me a while to feel excited about this trip - but it's now starting to appear.  I'm trying to be very wise with my packing so we don't need to carry much and there's no stress associated with baggage!  

I feel like, thus far, I've achieved what I want!

#121 (1/5)

My little girl and I walked to school today.  I'm so grateful for these times we have together.  Times to walk and talk about the things she wants to talk about.
I'm also grateful that she is happy to walk. The days are getting quite chilly now - but nothing stops this little girl.

#120 (30/4)

I achieved so much today.  I washed after Kerrie and Rod left and have the bed remade and towels packed away.

I paid end of month bills.

I edited some images for a bride that has patiently waited for some sneak peeks.

I got together the package (including making the slideshow) for a bride I'm seeing on Friday to deliver it to her!

Very big day but very grateful all that's done.

#119 (29/4)

My last wedding for the season - that's what I'm grateful for today!

But I'm also so glad that Rod and Kerrie came to visit and stay the night.  It was a delight to have them here and the enjoy each others company.  It's been way too long!

#118 (28/4)

Friday is always a day to celebrate and be grateful for.  My little girl is home for the weekend!  

And today, all 3 of us went to Tennis and I think it made Eb's heart very happy to have both Daddy and Mummy there to watch her.

#117 (27/4)

Today....drum roll....our Chinese Visa's arrived! Now I can breathe!

#116 (26/4)

Today was a bit hard.  My little cherub went back to school and I feel like the holidays have disappeared amongst a blur of weddings.

My choice is to look back on the fun things we did get to do and cherish each of them and not focus on the things we couldn't do.

#115 (25/4)

Today Col, Mandy and Meiya came to visit.  This Mandy is amazing.  What she has shown, taught, shared about China has me incredibly grateful.  

#114 (24/4)

My second last wedding for the season - and what a wedding it was.  I loved doing it sooooo much.  David and Claire at Brown Brothers.  A night to remember. Awesome music, amazing food and a really great couple!

#113 (23/4)

As I left Beechworth this morning to head to Tallangatta for a Mental Health workshop for Ambulance Vic - I was able to enjoy a beautiful foggy valley view and marvel in Gods beautiful creation.  Learning about the pain of Mental Health also makes me feel very grateful for the optimistic view I am blessed to have of life.

#112 (22/4)

A day off after a big wedding day.  A trip into Albury for Eb's life group and some wonderful time spent with her in the car!  Always enjoy those times.  Also got to catch up with one of the guests at a wedding I did recently and that was kinda special too :)

#111 (21/4)

A wedding in the rain - not something to be grateful for!...but I was very grateful that the sun came out for just a brief time when we did the bridal party and couple shoot.  It was a tough day!....also the day I said bye to Dad and Mum - but so grateful for the days we had together!

#110 (20/4)

Today was a day of editing as I prepare for another wedding day tomorrow.  I had Dad and Mum watching a series on Netflix while I worked away!  Dad was so happy to take Eb to and from school and I'm grateful he was willing!  That helped my 'flow'!  

#109 (19/4)

My dad's sister - My Aunty Merle and Uncle Ken came over today and we enjoyed lunch out together and lots of stories.  I love family and it was very special to have this day together.  We all enjoyed it!

#108 (18/4)

A day with my Dad and Mum - and we did things like scrabble, chatting, going for a drive around Beechworth.  Makes me feel grateful all over again to live here.  Eb and I rode to school on a beautiful Autumn day which was fun too!

#107 (17/4)

Dad and Mum arrived today!  another reason to be excited and grateful.  This is their first trip up here to the new home and they were excited too.  I'm so happy they're here!

#106 (16/4)

Ooooh today!  Today our little girl spoke on the platform at Church about Resurrection Sunday.  I am so proud of her and what she said and the confidence she said it with.  Today is to be super celebrated because it's the day Jesus rose from the dead and breathed new life into everyone who is willing to believe in Him....but I'm just grateful also for who Ebony is today and how she is growing in herself and in her walk with Jesus.

#105 (15/5)

Today was another day of work around our home.  It was also the day that Ebony was in the Beechworth Parade...and the day that they one the best entry in the parade. Go St. Josephs I say.  I also spent the day on call so couldn't go to the parade which made me a bit sad....but the upside was that I got things done at home!

#104 (14/4)

Well, today is Good Friday.  Today is a day that I'm grateful for more than most. Today is the day we 'celebrate' what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross.  What a day to be grateful.

#103 (13/4)

Today my gorgeous little family left.  I was sad, but the only reason I'm sad is because we had such a lovely time together.  Eb and I headed into Albury to get a few things done....and so we didn't recognise our quiet home again! :)

#102 (12/4)

A day in the outdoors!  not in the bush as such, but a day with my brother and SIL getting a few things done with company.  I can achieve anything with company - it just makes the work so much easier :)

#101 (11/4)

Today Mark, Bernie and Lizzie arrived to spend a few days.  Lizzie has been really sick so this holiday almost didn't happen....but it did and I'm super grateful to have their company for 2 nights!

#100 (10/4)

Can I just say.....it's scary to think we're already at day 100 of this year!

Today we were up super early as Eb and I headed to Melbourne to get our China Visa's organised.

I was quite apprehensive about the process and what I wouldn't have that I needed to have.

Thankful to God that everything was covered and seems, at this stage, to be fine.  I'll feel much better when I see the money go through for these visa's but until then - I'm grateful to be home after a huge day and that things went smoothly.

#99 (9/4)

Today I had a day at home to catch up after a big day yesterday.

I didn't achieve even close to what I hoped - but I'm grateful for the time I had while my 2 loves went to Church.

I have the say the biggest grateful though - was when the house was filled with their presence rather than my work!

#98 (8/4)

Wow - 2 weddings in one day.  

I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for all the bookings I have had this season.

It's been tough at times - but it's been a huge blessing and I do love what I do!

#97 (7/4)

A night without our little girl around makes for a very different night.  Not because we're not happy together (as a matter of fact some time together was really nice) but because we miss her!

So glad to have her back home with 'us'!

#96 (6/4)

We only had a window of time together this morning before Graham headed to work and Ebony headed to her 'Rock School' for the next 2 day - including a sleepover.

It was precious for no special reason - just because some time are.

#95 (5/4)

Mieke - this little girl and my little girl have had so.much.fun together today.  So much laughter and so much fun.  My heart is full.

#94 (4/4)

Today we went to Albury to get some stuff done.  Just the 3 of us.  That was lovely in itself - but I must say, living a bit closer to a major centre makes all of us happy!

#93 (3/4)

Eb and I spent the morning together and then we had Eb's friend Halle come over.  Halle struggles with separation anxiety so even I was a bit worried about how she would go for a day without her Mum.

She did brilliantly!  The girls had fun and Eb even ended up going over there for dinner in the evening.

That's something to be very grateful for.

#92 (2/4)

A day off after 2 very big wedding days.

My body is weary, but I have my beautiful family around me and we got to spend the day as a family doing stuff around our new home.

Life is good.

#91 (1/4)

Another wedding today.

Another very big day, but a beautiful one.

I'm so glad I get to work with people on such a special and happy day in their lives!  Lucky me :)

#90 (31/3)

Today was a big day - I had the first of 7 weddings in the next 30 days.

I'm grateful for the work, but I'm even more grateful for the fact that today is the beginning of school holidays!  Hip Hip Hooray!

#89 (30/3)

Today I have chased my tail all day.  I've just had one of 'those' days.  4 weddings ahead in the next 9 days isn't helping!

Having said that, I'm so grateful for how my little Field of Dreams business is growing and growing.  From struggling beginnings only 4 years ago - I'm not doing 8 weddings in a month!  That is something to be very grateful for.