Wednesday, December 21, 2011

here we go















I remember so vividly how, as a child, time passed so painfully slow in the lead-up to Christmas. There just wasn't a task exciting enough to make the countdown go any quicker. Che got so frustrated the other day because I was busy working and Daniel was catching up on the washing. From the office I heard him exclaim: "I just want to do Christmas craft with my parents!"

Oh the guilt! A Merry Christmas sign now graces our front door (complete with cut-out bubble writing and gold stars).

In the next few days we'll be:
  • making choc-chip cookies for Santa
  • drawing on the driveway with chalk (so the reindeer have pretty pictures to look at while they wait for Santa)
  • wrapping presents (trying not to peek at those already under the tree)
  • marvelling at the cuteness that is Poet in her cot (she's in there for day sleeps only)
  • discussing the importance of sleep on Christmas Eve
  • pondering 2012 and its possibilities (I'm so excited about the possibilities)
But I think, what's most important at this time of year, is gratitude. For what we've got, where we live and who we are.

This Christmas I'm grateful for:

Thank you for visiting me here this year. So many new faces, so many beautiful words. Especially the encouragement before Poet's arrival, the sweet blessings after her birth. I really value each and every comment that you leave. This community is a passionate, creative, comforting one - full of wise words and, when needed, expert style/interior design/recipe advice. I'm really happy here...

May your Christmas be a safe and joyous one. And let's bring in the New Year with open hearts.

See you soon.
Jodi x

I might just add that half-way through writing this post I was interrupted by a vomiting Che and a crying/hungry Poet. Life with kids.

37 comments:

  1. Oooooh! I love that last picture. I will always remember the day when I was a child and my parents got a new freezer. Best day of my LIFE! Why?! Because I GOT THE BOX!!!!!! Heeheehee

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  2. Gorgeous post, Jodi... a wonderful wrap up to your year - and what a wonderful one it's been for your family!

    Happy Christmas and I'll see you on the flip!
    :) x

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  3. What a beautiful way to wrap up a wonderful year.
    Wishing you guys a safe and happy silly season :)

    x

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  4. Merry Christmas excellent (and somewhat vomit-spattered) Mama...x

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  5. Merry Christmas! I am new to your blog so this post will, I am sure, provide me with a lot of lovely memories to look back on.
    Have you ever heard of reindeer food? When I was a bit younger my parents, my brother and me would make it. It's a mixture of oats and glitter which we sprinkled in our garden to guide Santa's reindeer to our house!

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  6. Happy christmas Jodi! Hope you all have a wonderful time. i look forward to reading more of your blog in the new year!

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  7. Its been a blessing getting to know you, and the way you savour a wholesome life of family, love, wellness and creativity. Happy Christmas!

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  8. Oh Jodi, it is an absolute pleasure every time I pop here for a visit. I love how you write, I love the rhythm, I love your calmness, your home, your gorgeous kids...you are and will be one of my favourite blogs (ladies!). Have a wonderful christmas. Lou xxx

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  9. thank you JOdi for all that you have shared with your precious family. I hope Che is over his vomits already. love and best wishes to you all, merry christmas. Jane x

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  10. i love it here too...in your little space where you invite, share, and inspire. merry christmas lovely. x

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  11. What a wonderful post Jodi.
    I have really enjoyed your blog and cant wait to read all about your adventures next year.
    Merry Christmas to you and your gorgeous family.

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  12. My sister still peeks at presents under the tree! It drives me crazy. This is such a lovely post Jodi. It's like a Best Of Che and Fidel. It's sure been a momentous year for you guys! And it's been so special to have seen it (parts of it, anyway) unfold here. Merry christmas love to you. xx.

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  13. hi jodi...
    how many wonderful things to be grateful for this year!
    Love the paiting on top of PS bed. Can you let me know where did you get it?
    Thnaks

    mariana

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  14. Merry Christmas to you and your gorgeous family.

    This blog has always been a place of inspiration, advice, creativity, honesty and love.

    Bring on 2012. Can't wait to see where the year takes us all.

    xx

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  15. Thank you for all that you have shared with us this year, all your sweet words, inspiration and beautiful images. Enjoy your Christmas. :)

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  16. Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family! I have enjoyed each and every post! xo

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  17. Merry Christmas Jodi (and Daniel, Che & Poet too!).

    What a wonderful year it has been for you all. Thanks for sharing it with us so eloquently and beautifully!!

    rachel xoxo

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  18. A lovely list of grateful!
    I enjoy visiting your blog, and wanted to with you and the family a lovely holiday period, and a healthy happy 2012!

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  19. Happiest of Christmases to you Jodi, and your beautiful family too. What a year it's been, here's to another amazing adventure in 2012.

    Thank you sharing such lovely words, lots of love xxxx

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  20. Happy holidays Jodi to you and your loved ones. Have loved reading along with you on your 2011 journey...all the best for 2012 :)

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  21. What a wonderful list. You've just inspired me to write my own to remind myself of how freakin lucky we are. Happy happy xmas to you guys as well! Your first as a beautiful family of 4. What an amazing year it's been for you guys. All the best for a happy and healthy new year. Stay safe. xx

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  22. A lovely end to a glorious year. Hello Poet! (hope she's ok!) . Merry Christmas to you all. x

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  23. Merry Christmas Jodi, it has been an absolute treat getting to know you and your beautiful family through Che & Fidel this year. Hope you have a magical Christmas and look forward to following the journey some more in 2012 :o) xo

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  24. I laughed out loud when I read "oh the guilt"

    Thank you for a lovely year. It's been pretty special to read all your adventures from over her in Toronto.

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  25. ha ha -- love it. i think it's cool that he *could* say, ' i want to do christmas craft with my parents!' you're a wonderful mother. thanks so much for your encouragement on my upcoming birth. hope you and your fam have a truly wonderful chrissie!

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  26. Thank you for your words this year Jodi - your posts always bring me back down to earth, and remind me to be grateful for what's in front of me. Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas. x

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  27. Wishing you and the family a beautiful and safe Christmas Jodi. Thank you for allowing me to share in your life, it has been a pleasure to read this year.
    Love Rhi xx

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  28. A very merry Christmas to you Jodi. Thank you for your calming, inspiring and beautiful words. Lots of love xxx

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  29. And a very merry Christmas to you and your little family.

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  30. Happy Christmas Jodi, what a wonderful year it's been for you - and 2012 is shaping up to be just as good!
    A happy and peaceful Christmas to you and your beautiful family.

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  31. I recognize the first picture Jodi...I hope you and Poet enjoy what lies wrapped up inside it.....Merry Christmas to you xx

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  32. what an amazing year you have had! lots of happy blessings for 2012. I can't wait to share it with you through your stories & pics x

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  33. Thank you for threading those lovely heart-warming words together. Goodluck in 2012 I hope it's as blessed as you wish it to be :)

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  34. hahah you actually made me laugh out loud about the Christmas Craft comment. That's exactly what my brother and I were like as kids. This is a beautiful summary of your year, I'm off to explore some of these posts! Happy New Year!

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