The Year that was.

Well hello everyone, I know it's been a while since I posted anything but it has been a busy year and I still can't believe it is already Christmas Eve!

The Brown's as most of you know have had a very busy year. In summary.

In February Beryl lost a husband, Bex and Ben lost a dad and Paul lost a step-dad ( I am not including Rob in this as he was not as close to Howard as Paulie was). Howard was such a lovely man and we were instantly welcomed into his heart and home when we arrived in the UK. My children lost their oupa and although we don't talk about it very much I know Kieran and Cheyenne will be missing Howard this Christmas, perhaps not as much as Beryl, Bex, Ben and Paul but he is and will be very missed.
This year Beryl, AKA Granny has moved in with us and we have finally managed to buy a property, we have moved out of the house in Moggs Mead which when you consider that Shiny is now 9 and we moved in just after she turned 3, represents a third of her life (so far), our flat affectionately known as "our tardis" is in Liphook and it has taken us all a fair amount of time to get used too.
Moving in was particularly emotional especially when almost the entire contents of Granny's house arrived in three wooden crates. I cried for her loss and was glad she had taken an extended holiday to visit friends in Botswana, so she didn't have to witness her entire life with Howard stuffed into the garage. My hat is off to her for coping so well, I doubt many would have the courage to be THAT STRONG.
This year my Mommy and Daddy arrived in Southampton on the Queen Mary 2 a sixteen day voyage that saw my Mommy get more and more poorly. With full intentions of staying until September Mommy put on a very brave face but eventually it was decided it was better for Dad to take her home and they left me in July a full 6 weeks earlier than they had planned. Mommy was hospitalised straight away and has gradually been feeling better and better. Jaime told me on Saturday that Mommy had been sitting outside in the shade enjoying the company of family and friends at Chantelle's 21st birthday party. Chatting to her on Monday morning she sounded very chipper and looking forward to having the family over for Christmas.
The rest of the year has been filled with work and school and not much of anything else. Kiki and Shiny continue to do well at school and Shiny is working hard towards passing her Modern Grade 1 Exam and her Ballet Grade 1 exam too! Rob and Kiki achieved their brown belts in Karate this year and have only three or four gradings left before getting to black belt. Something to work towards next year boys!
Looking forward to next year the Brown's are visiting Disney World in Florida in April (YEA!!!) and Paul and Sophie are tying the knot in July, so looking forward to seeing Ian and all of our South African friends who will be flying in for the occasion. (Douglas you better be bringing my mate because I need a Tequilla shooting partner).
I would not be a true South African if I did not mention the loss earlier this month of Madiba, a true hero in every sense of the word, a man who sacrificed much of his life for the benefit of ALL South Africans. May his memory be honoured by South Africa fulfilling HIS dream for society free of fear and corruption, where every man, woman and child regardless of colour is treated with respect and a right to live happily in peace.
May I take this opportunity to wish all family and friends a very merry, blessed and SAFE Christmas.
May 2014 fulfil all your dreams. To all those who have lost a loved one this year I wish you peace and strength during this time of the year, when those gone are missed so much more.
In love and light
Tracey