What a year! I always used to say that having a blog was great because you could look back at the year and see what happened but actually now with our phones and instagram we can do the same! But I still love my blog and looking back and seeing just how much has happened in 12 months. I mean I can’t believe we sold a house and that I left my favourite kitchen.
It really was perfect and I loved every minute in it.
in january we headed to the quietest country town I’ve ever visited on the hottest day I’ve ever endured and I’d never heard of wycheproof before but turns out you guys had! Now we love talking about our weekend in wycheproof!
and of course that meant a pitstop to the happiest place in australia…………just kidding but it comes close………….Bendigo Woollen Mills
I bought myself a great diary that has kept me keeping all appointments and organised. Must order a new one for next year!
I announced that we were selling up and having another baby! We do a bit of that. Selling houses and having babies. But to tell you the truth I really didn’t think we’d have another baby, well deep down I really wanted one but I just wasn’t sure if it would happen but it did and it’s so wonderful. I had a miscarriage the month before I got pregnant with little Lawson and I just was thrilled to know I had a new baby on board and terrified that something could go wrong.
my cousin got married…..I love weddings and I love seeing my cousins get married and get ready to start their own families. Family really is wonderful. And another cousin gets married in 2015 so I have another wedding. YAY!
And then we moved! Oh it was fabulous. I’ll never forget moving day. I was throwing up and had to keep going to the bathroom and lying down. My aunty had passed away and her funeral was on the same day as we had to move out and settle so we were sad, sick, the kids were at school and preschool, the cleaning lady was working her way through the house while I was trying to find a bathroom to use, we were cramming everything into our car, the vacuum stopped working so my neighbour needed to lend us hers and somehow we did it.
The kids went from having a cement backyard to a couple of acres to run around. It really was a dream come true. We still pinch ourselves. We left family and some dear friends and what we knew…. for a new house and a new school but it was totally worth it. I missed little things like knowing someone when you went to the supermarket or your favourite doctor or familiar faces at church. But the day we moved in a new friend had left us milk, bread and a few things with a welcome card. And I knew we’d be ok. We knew that it would take some time but I can honestly say that it was worth it all. We have so many lovely friends here, lots of familiar faces wherever we go, we’ve thrown ourselves into school life and know it was the right thing to do. And I get to hear the birds singing all day.
The maintenance is a lot more than we bargained for and we’ve had the septic system go a few times, 5 long blackouts, spiders, a mouse, lots of cockroaches, the biggest ants I’ve ever seen, rabbits, wallabies, a fox while I was hanging out laundry but we are learning.
And there was lots of baking throughout the year like this gluten free sour cherry slice. To die for.
gluten free carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
there was baby knitting
we celebrated mothers day and tried to get that elusive family photo where everyone looks at the camera
there was sewing for the school mothers day fete as I was on the committee because retro daddy’s words of ‘go easy with the volunteering at the new school’ didn’t really go to plan. I can’t help it. I love volunteering and am happy to start up the local ‘volunteers anonymous’ chapter in my local area if you’re interested. Just kidding!
there was a broken leg which really threw a spanner in the works! Some days I was driving to school 3 times a day and back with two runners who were laughing their way through the school and away from a pregnant me. I’m so grateful for the help of family and friends (and babysitters!) who got us through a long time in plaster casts. Now she’s up and at em and you’d never know she had a top of the thigh to toe cast on her just 6 months ago and trampoline parties are off the agenda for any of our kids! And we still talk about how fabulous (not) the hospital food and cafeteria was but we also got perspective seeing lots of families who spend too much time in hospitals with very sick little ones and so we were grateful that we got to go home and praying for the families who didn’t. I remember feeling very sorry for ourselves in emergency and then a major trauma case was brought in with doctors and nurses rushing in and beeping and a life in danger. That’s perspective for you and my prayers shifted away from us and to that little life.
I watched my little ones grow before my eyes
I got out of the house and did a quilt class for the day with the simply gorgeous Camille of Bonnie & Camille. It was such a wonderful day and I went home determined to finish that huge quilt before the baby came. Camille is a fabulous teacher and I hope that she’ll come out again to teach us all and share more of her knowledge and story with us. Good things happen when crafty ladies get together.
and true to my word I did finish that quilt. The fanciest I’ve done to date and I loved it and it now lives on our bed.
and speaking of big projects I made a granny stripe blanket in gorgeous bendigo 8 ply cotton
I did normal mum things like supermarket trips, cleaning, laundry, nappy changing and more
and the best bit of the year? we welcomed Lawson Peter into our family. Who would have ever thoughtthat we’d have 6 children and be a family of 8! It still doesn’t feel like it.
He’s a beautiful baby, placid, easy going, funny and a joy to our family. And I really mean that. So often we think of babies as work and late nights and yes they are but they bring joy and happiness to the entire family and give so much love.
oops now before Lawson was born we did have a big birthday party because the twins turned 6. A milestone. And a test of the house and gardens for kids parties in the future. All passed well.
Lawson was baptised
this girl went to two birthday parties and continued to amaze us with her confidence. She has learnt some new words this year and a few signs and we know that she is going to have a great 2015 with weekly speech sessions and 3 days a week at preschool and getting ready for big school. What a blessing to our family she is and is always teaching us to be more patient, kind and loving.
The new thermomix TM5 arrived at my house and we put it through its paces. More cakes. I just made the final instalment on it so it’s mine and I love it.
I read this book to get organised……….it didn’t work but I’ve set it as my goal for 2015. Get on top of laundry is right up there
I made a sweet little cardigan for my sweet little miss
and I made a sweet cardigan for my sweet big girl
And I watched my big kids finish a year at a new school, my little miss finish her first year of preschool, concerts for each of them and now we are getting ready for Christmas. I have a separate Christmas post to share with you all but just wanted to say thank you for joining me on the blog and facebook and instagram as we’ve made it through 2014. I’ve tried to find the balance this year of sharing family life while also protecting them from the not so nice part of the internet. I’ve also tried to find the balance with ‘working’ on the blog and keeping everything going on the home front. There were times when I could have walked away because the workload got too much but I’m still here. I love my little part of the internet and I’m not ready to throw in the towel…..just yet.
What a beautiful post, Corrie. I really enjoy reading about your family and how you manage to do everything amazes me. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Merry Christmas Corrie. I have very much enjoyed reading your blog this year, following the ups and downs of your very busy life. Enjoy the holidays.
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Beautiful blog, what an amazing year. I wish you and your gorgeous family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My family here in Melbourne have hired a bus and we are all travelling to Sydney to spend my eldest sons last Christmas with him and his family. This will be a bittersweet time for us, my best wishes, Wendy
Thank you for sharing your family. I really enjoy reading your blog & am so glad you are going to keep going, I look forward to it. I am hoping 2015 will be an event free year for my family. I have had medical issues this year so hope that will be completely sorted soon. My daughter starts high school next year so hopefully that will be a smooth, uneventful transition. I hope your family has a lovely Christmas & a drama free, happy 2015.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Those two big girls of yours are getting so similar!!! Thankyou for sharing your life with us.
Oh my goodness….what a year you have had….filled and brimming with so much I guess big family’s make for lots of adventures good and bad…had to laugh at volunteers anon
you would make an excellent groupie I reckon. Beautiful words, so much progress with that littlest girl….Mother of 7 in 2015 perhaps?!
A wonderful year for your family. Your blog is the one that I have read the longest and always enjoy your sharing of family, crafts and baking. I think you have the balance just right and I wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2015!
Oh Corrie, what an amazing & full year you and your family have had, just wonderful! I have really enjoyed the journey & I love reading your posts even if I don’t always comment. I laughed at your comment about volunteering, I too suffer the same addiction!!! Wishing you and your family a wonderful Xmas & I know 2015 will bring you many, many magical moments.
Engracia
xx
Beautiful post Corrie. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Have a fun and safe New Year. Looking forward to following along next year. xo
Just as lovely to read now as it was during the year. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life and family and keeping it real.
Mery Christmas to all of you.
So lovely to read about your fabulous year Corrie ♥ May you and your lovely family enjoy a merry Christmas, and many blessings in the New Year ♥
This is such a lovely post, love hearing your news. Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful 2015
You are amazing. Thank you for your blog. Its very inspiring (I started my own Grannie striped blanket after reading a past post) and always written in such a positive light. Congratulations. All the best for your family this Christmas!
What a great post – funnily enough this is my first visit to your blog! I loved hearing about your year – what a brave and adventurous family you have! Looking forward to following among next year – I will find you on Insta
Cath
What a fabulous year you’ve had! I love that you had such a huge sea change. The countryside is such a beautiful place for kids to grow up in.
Thanks for reminding me to get onto some baby knitting. I’m expecting a winter baby so must start now!!! Merry Christmas and may 2015 bring great happiness xx
Merry Christmas to you and your family Corrie, always enjoy reading your blog x
A wonderful post Corrie,have Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, My resolution is to finish my sons quilt and the numerous UFOs around the place,build up the garden and find peace and happiness
Dear Corrie, first began reading your blog shortly before little Lawson Peter was born. Have enjoyed your stories of family life very much – please don’t throw the towel in just yet
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Having a bit of trouble with this message. I wish you and your family a happy and blessed Christmas and look forward to hearing from you in 2015.
A beautiful post filled with many cherished memories wishing you many more in the New Year! I really did love your old kitchen one of my favourites! Wishing you and your lovely family a wonderful Christmas filled with joy and laughter and yummy food! Looking forward to the new year following your wonderful journey with your family thank you for sharing its a delight
Thank you for not throwing in the towel Corrie – not for a long time please : ) We love your blog and all the inspiration that comes with it. Merry Christmas to all your lovely family xx
What a beautiful post! What a big year you’ve had! Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas Corrie. It can be overwhelming blogging and keeping a house and little kids fed and to wherever they need to be and I can so relate to feeling overwhelmed ( and you have more kiddies to look after) but after a cry, and when everyone is peacefully playing together, it works ok to do what needs to get done. Xx
Way a lovely recap of your year. Have a safe and happy Christmas. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane
Wow, what a year and you’ve had lots of milestones to celebrate! I’m glad you’re not ready to throw in the towel just yet….I’d miss you too much!!! xx
Amazing year and beautiful home life Corrie xo
Corrie, you are amazing!!! I’m just blown away by your beautiful knitting projects and sewing projects and baking and raising a beautiful family. You truly are an inspiration! xx