from my home to yours...

I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!CHRISTMAS has been a whirlwind of a time, passing by quicker than I can believe, is it my age, this awareness of the quickness of the passing of time?

Its been magical for the children whilst for this Mommy its been a rush of time watching, tidying and making merry!

As a single parent you carry with you the importance of making the memories 'extra' special and I sometimes catch myself working too hard and realise that life is something that just happens and the magic of Christmas on its own will create the memories my children will carry on into their adult lives and may be even implement similar memories (only the good stuff of course) with their own children.

The highlight of Christmas has always been, this year was no exception, the opening of the Christmas stockings, the children climb into my bed, with the glow from soft bedside light, the children blearily snuggle themselves up under the coves of my big bed all cosy with layers of quilts and bring in their stockings for us all to open together, the excitement of the days begins, right there in that moment. Its a moment that I hold in my heart and brings tears of joy to eyes every time I think about it. With family over for Christmas dinner its a busy day but this moment, this is my moment with my children, all my attention being on them and witnessing the pleasure of joy in their beautiful hearts.

The holiday went by so quickly, the snow turned in to rain and along with too much food we enjoyed a daily walk with our puppy Rosy on her first Christmas, we walked through woods, up hills, by the canal, through swamp filled fields and under railway bridges-which give a thrill of terror as a train rattles over our heads. Yes memories of Christmas 2011 have been made and placed in our hearts.

New Year was welcomed into the home of Dotty Red with a party. Every room filled with people we care for and who have a special place in my heart, children ran from room to room with laughter and mischief making! Our party theme was Strictly Come Dancing, a great opportunity to wear a flowing party dress and polish off my tiara! My youngest sadly missed out as he pulled on the many layers of my gown at 11pm and pleaded with me to let him go to sleep...bless!!!

So with friends and family around me, I counted my blessings and I welcomed the New Year in with joy all around me and excitement at the coming year. What challenges and changes will we face this year...

I wish you only the very best for the year I hope that it will be a creative and handmade year for you, with health, happiness and even some wealth in abundance... From my home to yours Happy New Year.