I feel like I’m coming out of hibernation! It’s been a lovely few weeks of hiding from the rain, hanging out with the kids and watching Christmas films with Dave and a tin of Quality Street.

Christmas feels ages ago. The best bits were Mikey not being too upset by the day, being at Church with all the members of Dave’s family and drinking hot chocolate into the evening with those same people. We also had the chance to visit my family after Christmas which was really special. I think it had been about two years since all of us had been together and we had the beautiful addition of Hannah and Felix’s new baby girl.

We were pleased to have managed to give the kids a couple of successful presents:

Dan got a camera which he has loved even more than we expected. He has taken tonnes of pictures and videos. The images are super low quality (as you can see below!) and don’t take up too much memory.

Mikey finds Christmas and presents very difficult and quite upsetting. So instead of giving presents we asked our parents and sisters and their husbands and children to make short videos. Dave edited it all really nicely with theme music for each section of our family. The video shows each member of the family waving at their front door, going inside, introducing themselves and being filmed doing something (like cooking, playing the guitar, washing up). Mikey loves it. So much so that we plan to do one each year. It’s such an amazing way to keep him up-to-date with family he doesn’t see often. He’s been signing along, trying to say everyone’s name. He’d watch it all day if he could.

Also, the boys got whoopee cushions in their stockings (you can see Mikey’s in the picture above). Oh gosh. 49p for weeks of hilarity. Plus it’s very good for Mikey’s oral motor skills as he tries to learn to blow it up!!

As usual though I’m quite happy to return to normal. It’s nice to have some moments when the house is almost quiet and I can recharge my introvert batteries. I’ve not made resolutions but I enjoy the chance a new year brings to take stock and re-focus. My thoughts for the year ahead are:

• to make sure I’m investing time in the things that matter to me (family, writing, reading, Jesus, etc…)
• to finish one craft project before starting a new one and to continue to hold back on beginning new hobbies
• to complete the Bible reading plan I began at the start of December
• to explore more of my questions and doubts about faith rather than fear them
• to learn to be a better present buyer/maker/giver

What are your resolutions or hopes or aims for the year ahead? Inspire me!