Friday fun

Yet again, this has been a busy week culminating in a swimming carnival today at school. Luckily the rain held off just long enough for the children to compete. I'm not used to so much rain here in Australia - I thought that I'd left the wet weather back in the UK, but boy has it rained these last few weeks.
After a morning of listening to cheering and screaming kids, school finished early and we found ourselves with a few spare hours....So what does a girl do? Grab a friend and head to the shops!

I enjoyed watching from a safe distance and listening to their giggles, and I loved the way that everything seemed so magical for them... Trying some lip glosses in one place, admiring a nativity scene in a shop window, even choosing sushi!

Then it was home for a quick play, lots of "why can't we play just a bit longer"
Eventually, all became quiet and here I am spending too long trying to figure out how to post on a blog on my iPad (not easy, but I think I'm getting there...)

This weekend brings a ballet Christmas party, a class breakup breakfast with barefoot bowls (definitely an Aussie thing!), and a Christmas carol service in the city down by the river. If the rain will just hold off...fingers crossed.

Have a great, safe weekend.

x

Pike River remembered

Today I watched a little of the extremely moving service held to remember the 29 men who died in the Pike River Coalmine disaster in New Zealand. More than 10,000 people gathered to unite in their grief for family and friends lost.

I was particularly touched by the address of the New Zealand Prime Minister who directed a message to the mothers of children who had lost their fathers...

"Amongst all of your emotions and pain, there may be fear for your children growing up without the father who loved them...It's a terrible thing to happen, but it doesn't mean your children will not go on to live happy, worthwhile and fulfilling lives"

I hope those grieving mothers will take some comfort and hope from his words.

Image above and a link to a website with some information about coping with grief here