FAMILY: Blessings and Gratitude

I rarely get the opportunity to get out to photograph sunset, or much else these days. If I do, it's a quick backyard sunset (as above) while I'm preparing dinner. I do hope to get back into more photography eventually, but right now, I am loving spending more time with family; particularly the 4 of our  9 young adult children who still live at home and love going on weekly coffee dates, shopping dates, or day trips to the mountains or the beach.
 **Apparently we are still cool enough to hang out with!! :) **

Family life has changed so much since August 2016!

My oldest son is back in our lives, (I hope & pray, this time for good), as his marriage has broken down irretrievably. He is currently living with us while he tries to get back on his feet. As all loving parents would, we have been here to support, guide and love him through the process of rebuilding his life and fighting for his 4 young children and the ability to see them. The legal process doesn't come easy when you (and your family) don't have the finances to pay for Family Lawyers but you don't qualify for Legal Aid. It's been a very hard road for him.

We have been having our 4 grandchildren (7, 5, 3 & 21 months) for the day on most Sundays, which has been a wonderful answer to prayer. We are loving getting to know our grandchildren; spending time with them each week, watching them grow and develop, and observing their unique little personalities. They are such precious little people and I have so much love for them!

We also have our 5th grandchild on the way, which is very exciting!

We've had some difficulties to deal with this year, but we've had so many more blessings. I choose to be grateful in it all, the good & the bad.

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” - Maya Angelou



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Be Present in the Moment

Last month, Michael, myself and 3 of our adult daughters (still living at home), went on a week long holiday to Burleigh Heads on Queensland's Gold Coast. We had planned this "family" holiday over a year ago; everyone would contribute an equal share of the accommodation costs, food, etc. It was a much awaited and anticipated holiday; we were all looking forward to walks along the beach and headland, coffee dates, lunches of Acai bowls, Fathers Day celebrations on the Sunday with as many of our combined 9 children as possible, Michael's birthday celebrations, reading books, board games, and a well earned week-long rest and recharge for all who live at number 11!

The view from our 6th floor apartment.

Quite accidentally, we came up with a catch phrase for our time away:
"Be Present in the Moment".
This became a daily reminder that it was important as a family to 'be present' when we spend time together; Michael & I gave the girls the challenge to avoid using their mobile phones unless they were taking photos. This allowed us all to focus on the beauty of our surroundings, enjoy one another's company, engage fully in conversations and use our time at night to read books and play word games, rather than scroll through social media.

Headland walks around sunset provided the opportunity to soak in the beauty of God's creation while exercising together as a family.

The Burleigh Headland walk takes you all the way around to Tallebudgera Creek, with views out west to the mountains of the Tweed Range, part of the Great Dividing Range.

 A fun day out whale watching with a photographer friend, in not-so-perfect conditions.

I'm not a morning person at all but I did manage a couple of sunrises.

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Happy 3rd Birthday Bella!!

Yesterday I had the joy of celebrating one of my grandchildren's birthdays. Those who have been my blogging friends since I started this blog back in 2011 will know how wonderful and meaningful this is!!

The last month has involved a miraculous reconciliation with my daughter-in-law, Angie, and getting to know my 3 gorgeous grandchildren.

Yesterday was Annabelle's (affectionately known as "Bella") 3rd birthday. We celebrated in a local park with my daughter-in-law Angie, my son Daniel (Dad to my grandchildren), my youngest son Ben, youngest daughter Bec and, of course, Bella's brother Matty and baby sister Sophia. My oldest daughter Sarah was unable to get time off work.

Here are a few shots I took yesterday. I'm not the best at portrait photography... that is something I need to change!

Birthday girl, Bella (3)

Sophia (13 months) with mummy

Matty (4) with Auntie Bec

Matty: "We have to sing Happy Birthday to Bella!"

Birthday cake made by my talented daughter-in-law

Bella

Bella with Uncle Ben

Sophia... cute as a button, even with a muddy face!!

Matty & Bella... best of friends

To those wondering about the progress of my knee and foot surgery; I am now 3.5 weeks post op, I had a few complications and an over night stay in hospital became a 5 day stay. I have been light weight bearing on my right leg with crutches over the last week, still unable to walk, but hopefully by mid January that will change. I can't drive yet, of course, so I haven't been out capturing landscapes (or wildlife) which, as you know, is my passion. I'm hoping to hobble to a local beach on our trip to the Mornington Peninsula & Melb from Dec 26.


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Weekend Reflections: Dreamtime Beach, Northern NSW

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Weekend Reflections

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

Another hard week, and photography opportunities hampered by the continual rain & storms we have had for almost 2 weeks. Today we took a drive to South Brisbane & West End for some "adult time" - coffee/chai latte at "The Three Monkeys" (great food & drinks) and some photography with the few hours break in rain that has been set in for almost 2 weeks.
Here are my interpretations of the prompts.

1. Smile - such a beautiful smile.

2. Stand Alone - This Egret, all alone in a paddock of cows

3. Rusty - A rusty old gate

4. Artificial - Artificial light in a wonderful coffee shop we went to this afternoon called "The Three Monkeys"

5. Repeating Pattern - I discovered this on the gates of St Andrews Anglican Church, South Brisbane, today.

 This last image for "I Heart Macro"

                    

Farm Life - Creatures Great & Small

On Sunday we took a drive out to my husband's cousin's farm in Peak Crossing (west of Ipswich, QLD). It was a lovely day - peaceful & relaxing. The scenery is beautiful (more of that later in the week). Here are some of my creature captures.

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Macro Monday @ Lisa's Chaos