G R A C E

It's been quite some time since I posted - 18 months in fact. This is why...

From the day you were born and I held you for the very first time, you were only a few hours old, my heart met yours...

Grace Clara - 8th February 2018

I didn't give birth to you, yet my mother-heart loves you as if you had grown inside me. A gift from God, we belong to one another.

My precious (grand) child, may you always know you are loved beyond measure. May you always feel acceptance, value and worth.

"Sometimes you aren’t there when a child is born into this world — but that child was born in your heart long before you can ever remember. Sometimes you belong to each other simply because you long to be with each other." — Ann Voskamp

Ann's words resonate with me so perfectly!

EDIT:
When we were asked to raise our own grand-daughter (our 5th grandchild) and become her legal guardians, we were incredibly humbled and honoured. We consider our little Grace a precious gift from God who deserves to be loved deeply, accepted  and valued for the beautiful soul she is.

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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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.


Linking with this meme.