Happy New year to YOU! Now that my new blog space introduction is out of the way, lets get back to some regular programming. And by regular I mean, let’s play a bit of catch on what the holidays that were…or is, if youre so lucky!
Life is sweet. And life is especially sweet when it throws little gems into your path that come in the form of darling friends. In the last few years, older cherished friendships have grown and evolved, as each of our own families have grown – together. I have also grown my circle of friends. With friends who just so happen to throw fantastic New years Parties….WITH kids in tow!
It all started three years ago, when we hesitantly and politely declined an invite to their home to ring in the new year, as we were unclear about Parker’s brewing fever, and were not keen on sharing the germs. We instead happily agreed on a family pool party for the four of us – complete with fancy drinks. But something inside me said, “go”. So at 10 pm that night, as we watched Parker frolic in the pool like the healthiest kid on the block, we packed ourselves up, gave them a call and said we’re on our way. Of course, we only got there at 11:30pm – because that’s how long it takes you to pack in the whole house when you travel with one year olds and tiny toddlers; And then book it all the way from the coast to Southern Suburbs!
By the time we got there, we received the warmest, most fun and sloshiest welcome ever. This included a taco quickly slapped onto my plate, the most delicious lamb dish shoved in front of me, along with a tall glass of bubbly ushered into my hand and was told “EAT!DRINK! It’s almost New Year!”. And we have never looked back. Our kids all get along, and enjoy each other. We all enjoy each other.
Probably why we’ve been doing it ever since – each year with one of us either having another baby or pregnant. This year was no different. Even with this year being far more subdued and chilled, it was still so lovely.
This year, since it was such a hit at my Pizza & Pyjamas Birthday Jam a few years ago, I brought Cards Against Humanity (CAH) with.
And since I was banned from ever bringing (really super awesome) confetti canons to their party ever again (a long story that includes my friend having to vacuum her yard!) I instead had the kids busy with making their very own New Years Goblets to cheers at midnight.
Also, while the adults were exposing just how wicked & naughty their minds were with a round of CAH, I set the kids up with a game of their own. Ever heard of Toilet Trouble game? It’s a “board game” thats loads of fun for the kiddums.
All you need are a few spoonfuls of water, and a sense of peace with the fact that you’re gonna get a little wet. (If you’re looking for fun new game to add to your family games nights, grab this one from Hasbro’s great selection!)
So, it may have been chilled out, but we seem to have such a good time, that we tend to underestimate how quickly the time goes. So much so, we…..err…missed the countdown. Again.
But who freakin’ cares?! We were there. We were together; Had our glasses in hand, and made our own freaking countdown.
Followed by clinking glasses, big loving hugs, a scramble for kisses, and me trying to herd my kids in for the obligatory selfie.
Morgy, ever the reluctant model, just pops her head in for a quick snap and then heads off to do her own thing.
Whilst, Pax, my go to girl for selfies, is always game. She notices my champagne glass in hand, makes a run for it and returns with her own goblet, grabs me around the neck, saying, “quick mama, take a photo now! Let’s cheers!”
Cheers!!!
Of course, my littlest beast, Yuriko-Mae, was fast asleep at this point. As always she was pleasant throughout the night, going from arm to arm – quite chilled out just to be there in the mix, despite it being well past her bedtime. But the moment I switched off the lights in the bedroom, madam was gone. Solid gone.
We left there at after one in the morning, got home and rolled the heavy little pyjammied bodies into their beds. At this point everyone was passed ot, except me….Despite having had quite a demanding past week…month…year, I lay there buzzing with excitement. Sheer and utter excitement for what this year has in store. I can’t explain it. I’m not even one of those people who wait for new years to make changes. I subscribe more to the every month, day or hour holds the opportunity for a fresh start. But there something to be said about the collective energy that the New Year holds.
My head was ablaze with all that was possible this year. And how it was going to feel to accomplish all of it. I recapped in my head all the amazing blessings that 2017 held for us. I also acknowledged the deep trenches that we overcame, and the troubled waters that we surrendered to the Lord. I acknowledged all of it – even the great and many obstacles we had dealt with since mid 2016, but had never had the headspace to mull over. For all the loss, pain and heartbreak that endured, gave rise to the great and many blessings that are now either currently feeding my soul, providing greater insight as to what it is that I truly want, or are actually sweetly nuzzling at my bossom – with her solid gaze making me feel the entire universe pulse within me.
It was after three in the morning, and my sister and I were still busy texting each other. I was in the zone and couldn’t wait for the sun to just rise already so that I could get cracking on things. I eventually did fall asleep, whilst watching my babum’s chest peacefully rise and fall next to me.
Of course, a few hours later, when said babums woke at 7am, I may or may not have had a few colourful words and tiny beads of regret for my earlier drunk-on-life-who-needs-sleep enthusiasm. But it did gave way for a slower pace for the rest of the day; Each of us slowly unfolding complete with bedhead and puffy eyes, spending the day entwined in each other on the couch. Just chilling. Grateful. Full hearts. And brimming with excitement for the year that is 2018.
Also…Finally, nailed it! That sparkler pic I’ve said I wanna get every year, for the past nine years. (If you caught my instastories, you’d have seen the fails I had.) It was a 2017 goal, by the way. Check! 🙂
So, here’s wishing you a Happy New Year, folks! May your thoughts remain positive, may all your actions be works of joy, and may your faith be strong. Remember, ALL things are possible through God…That’s ALL things, not just some things. X