Am recovering from a crazy weekend.

Sat -

Last Yamaha class and piano lesson. Was really cross cos girls got up late, J made such a huge fuss about what to wear, had to drop her off to hubby who was helping out with the $1 sale at church, and got to Yamaha in a fluster and 10 min late. Which has never happened in 3 years.

Visited the craft market at Werribee Park. Enjoyed impromptu picnic time on the grass with other families. The fried calamari was particularly good, though pricey at $12.50 a cone.

Had a huge nap when we got home. Was so worn out. Must be age catching up on me.

Spent the evening wrapping bibles for the SS kids for Sun's presentation.

Sun -

Arrived at church at 9 to get the kids ready for their final rehearsal for the SS dance and drama.

Usual challenge of being heard amidst all the chatter and excitement and distraction as we made last-minute checks on costumes and dance moves.

Beth's best friend Keely and her mum came to watch. Glad they made it but feel terrible that I didn't have as much to spend with them as I wanted, cos hubby and I were pretty much in charge of running the SS show.

As it happened, we were on hospitality duty too, which meant dashing to the kitchen to get the milk and cups and coffee/tea ready, cut up the cheese, put the crackers in dishes. Hubby handled most of that, like the good trouper he is, with help from our lovely home group member Jenny, who is always on hand to rescue anyone who looks like they need help.

The dance went well.

Was particularly impressed by the kids who haven't been regular but managed to catch up to the others and were sporting and courageous enough to join the rest on stage.

With 11 kids aged 7 to 14 up there, the stage certainly looked crowded and small. As the choreographer pointed out, that's a good thing!

The drama went a treat.

Lots of laughter from the audience, who thought the kids brought out the wit and irony of the script beautifully.

As each child's name was called, they went up front and pastor handed them their very own bible (specially selected by our bookshop manager Mandy according to age and ability) and hubby, the SS coordinator, gave a few words of thanksgiving.

After we'd put away the costumes and props, cleaned up the hall and tidied up the kitchen (with help from Geoff and aforementioned Jenny), we went to Kat's for lunch.

Kat, our S Africa missionary, showed us tear-jerking videos and photos of the kids she's been helping over the past 12 months.

It certainly was a reminder of how much we'd been blessed with and how we need to always have a thankful heart because life is so illusory and circumstances can change overnight.

I think particularly of the young boy who watched his sister get stabbed to death while they were out on the street.

However much we may feel we're suffering, someone else is always doing it worse, and if we knew the whole truth, we wouldn't trade places for anything.

Got home and found a text message from our family friend who asked if we were free for dinner. He was leaving for SG on Sat and wouldn't be here for Christmas.

The ever-resourceful hubby put together a simple but satisfying dinner at short notice and the girls were on their best behaviour, esp J, who was especially friendly and chatty. That's always helpful when you have guests!

Today...

...will be a time to rest and do very little.

Other than Kumon at 3.45, I plan to enjoy some reading time and to let the girls direct their own activities.

Right now, they're building a dollhouse from a snack carton.

This is life - as it should be. And we give God thanks for every moment of it. :)