I’ve had a couple of weeks of catching up with various things and trying to get a bit more organised before the craziness of the festive season begins. It’s a busy time of year at the best of times, but with Sophie doing panto and my husband being away for a large chunk of December, I need to be a bit more organised and keep the to-do list under control!
I’ve been catching up on the jobs that I’ve been putting off for a while – including doing some decluttering to make space for the Christmas decorations and finding places to hide Christmas presents. I’ve made a start on the Christmas shopping and had some time catching up with a friend over brunch. I had a moment of feeling quite overwhelmed last weekend with all the things on my mental to-do list in the run-up to Christmas but it’s been quite a productive week on the whole and I’m feeling a bit more prepared for it all now!
What I’ve been grateful for over the last couple of weeks:
- Day 318 – I am grateful for wellies and a waterproof coat.
- Day 319 – I am grateful for a lovely afternoon with Sophie seeing Beauty and the Beast.
- Day 320 – I am grateful for matching pyjamas and cuddles with my snuggly boy.
- Day 321 – I am grateful for a warm hat and gloves.
- Day 322 – I am grateful for being able to do an in-person church safeguarding training day – much better than doing it on Zoom when I last did the advanced module.
- Day 323 – I am grateful for getting to watch Sophie singing with her school choir in the winter concert.
- Day 324 – I am grateful for cupcakes after school from the school bake sale.
- Day 325 – I am grateful that Sophie had a good evening at her school disco.
- Day 326 – I am grateful for new covers for the sofa cushions.
- Day 327 – I am grateful for onesies and blankets.
- Day 328 – I am grateful for hot water bottles.
- Day 329 – I am grateful for beautiful flowers for my beautiful Jessica.
- Day 330 – I am grateful for Thomas’s imagination and creativity and the joy he is getting from creating his Colorball comics.
- Day 331 – I am grateful for quiet time at home working my way through the to-do list.
Other things that have made me smile over the last couple of weeks:
- Sophie baking gingerbread biscuits at Girls’ Brigade. They were delicious. I’ve now got the recipe and will definitely be making some at home at some point!
- Thomas making up a recipe for ‘triangular purple lollies’.
- Enjoying a cup of tea and a couple of cakes at the church coffee morning.
- Seeing a couple of my favourite Strictly dances being performed again, although I did have a little cry after seeing Danny Mac’s samba as it brought back some very strong memories of Jessica and Sophie dancing together to it.
- Playing a couple of hymns on the organ at last Sunday’s church service.
- Saying no to a couple of social events over the festive period and feeling able to hold some space for myself so I don’t get overwhelmed.
Joining in with Raisie Bay for Word of the Week.
You always have so much going on, it does seem like a good idea to catch up with things before December arrives. It sounds like you got lots done.
Lovely photos!
Everything’s so busy, but sounds like you’re giving some time to yourself which is important.
I also have had a lot of catching up this last week, it feels like the weather has been perfect for fixing things up and not being outside. It sounds like you have a lot to be greatful for!
I need some catching up too so that’s a good work. If only I had the energy. I will do it though. I love that Thomas wrote out his recipe, how cute. I need to declutter but the presents are already piling up. If only I had someone to go to the tip for me.
This time of year is always busy trying to get everything done before the kids break up! I’ve always wanted to see Beauty and The Beast 🙂 Love the purple lolly recipe!
It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year; there always seems to be something to do or remember. It sounds like you have done a great job at getting organised in the last week.
I know what you mean about space to hide Christmas presents. We always have to get inventive, especially now that the kids are a bit older and more likely to go looking.
Lots of the things you are grateful for have a lovely cosy theme this week, which is very fitting for this time of year.
I love Thomas’s purple lolly recipe!