Today

Today we sent the boys off for another year away from our care for the greater part of the day. As we said our goodbyes and whispered familiar words of "remember who you are and who you represent" all we can do is trust that the things we instill will be a greater influence for them than any other. 

Besides the quiet tap of the keyboard and the constant hum of the computer, the house is now silent (for the first time in about 6 weeks :) And while I love the fact that I'm blogging in the middle of the day again (and the girls are napping at the same time - hooray to both), I will miss those little (getting big WAY too fast) boys and the energy they bring to my day.

and so it's back to this for us....

and back to this.......

and back to days spent with just me and my girls. That part I am looking forward to.

I have lots of plans for this year. Lots of plans for me and my girls!!

We are {trying} to soak in the holidays and do as much of this as possible......

After my little blogging hiatus (oh the withdrawels :) I am back and hoping to update this space and fill it with bits and pieces of December/January.....soon ;) !!

PS) don't forget about the  FLOOD APPEAL AUCTIONS that finish on Monday night! If you haven't already seem the gorgeous items up for sale race on over and check out all the wonderful things on offer!!

Tragedy and Triumph

It's unbelievable to think that just over a week ago we were happily holidaying in QLD having a wonderful time with family and now some of that family are picking up the pieces of a home that was almost flooded to the roof. Most of what they own completely destroyed. 

Aside from the personal stories of those we know and love, many other stories have emerged that rip at the very center of humanity. My heart breaks at the thought of what so many people are currently facing. As a mother though, it is the pictures like the one below that are enough to bring me to tears. 

Can you even imagine? Being separated from your baby in what has been described as an inland Tsunami. The greatest natural dissaster to ever hit Queensland, and possibly even our nation? I really can't comprehend the fear of those that were in circumstances like this.

Just like in a real war zone, as the storm begins to somewhat calm, the aftermath produces the reality of just how much devastation has occurred. The unbelievable clean up that lies ahead for three quarters of an entire state. Tragedy for the people left behind to pick up the pieces of their lives that have literally been washed away. And whilst many will eventually recover and move forward with only loss of possessions, others have not been so lucky. 

But like many tragedies, despite the loss, human spirit soars high. Strangers become friends as they give up their time and money to fix that which has been broken. My sister-in-law whose house was flooded told me tonight that something like 30 people showed up at their home today in an effort to help. She told me of a man opening his wallet after hearing their story and offering, no insisting, they take money.

As I continue to watch the news footage, while it's unbelievably shocking and distressing, It is the lines of volunteers that make me teary now. The hero's coming forward for no other reason than to help. Charity and humanity at its finest. 

It's going to take weeks, months and even years for people to get their lives back in order after a disaster such as this. I think when that time comes, when communities are finally renewed, and people look back on the events of January 2011, the heroism and human spirit being shown will be an integral part of that memory.

***Don't forget to head over to MAKE IT PERFECT and check out all the FANTASTIC items that are being auctioned off to raise money for the flood victims***