Carmichael Christmas 2011

We had Christmas Dinner at Mum and Dads on 23rd December with all the Carmichael's and Nan & Pop Woolley. We were heading up to spend Christmas day with the Challis Family so we thought we would start the celebrations early. 

I was in charge of cooking the ham.... it was quite fun, but I was glad that my oven was big because the ham only just fit! Dad carved it up for me once we got to Mum and Dad's place. 

I really enjoyed our Christmas Tea and it was nice to have everyone together (except Laura and co) before we took off to Launceston. 

There was just a little bit of preset exchanging! It was quite fun this year - it was everyone's first present so I think that added to the excitement! 

Chiara & Mollie bought for each other which was kinda cute! (Well I don't think Chiara cared less, and Mollie was pretty happy with the wrapping paper and tag!)

Lot's of happy kids (little and big) .... each had their own special moment to open a present!

Perfect start to the 2011 Christmas Celebrations!

When Michael passed his final exams back in May he still had a few months of 'time' to do before he would be admitted to Fellowship. On 20th December his 'time was up' and he finally became a specialist. Nothing much changed that day though because he had to finish his contract at the Royal as a registrar and then be given a job by someone as a specialist! But it was still an exciting day!  

Chiara's Blessing

Chiara was blessed on Sunday 18th December.  It was so nice to have most of the family come to her special day. We missed Aunty Laura and her family and Uncle Matt and his family though, but hopefully they can come to her baptism when she is 8!!!

She was blessed by her Dad with both her Grandfathers assisting and Bishop Smith. Poor Aunty Elle had previously been assigned to speak in Hobart ward that day, as part of her Stake calling. Hard work for her, but it was nice for us to have her speak on Chiara's blessing day - even though it wasn't planned that way, and she did a great job speaking on Jesus Christ. 

I am thankful that Chiara will grow up learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that she will be taught how to pray and to have faith and hope from an early age. I am thankful that she will learn that she has a Heavenly Father that loves her and that wants her to be happy. I am thankful that she will be taught that we can be together forever as a family if we try and live as our Saviour lived. 

I am thankful that she will be taught what's important in life, what really matters, and to love everyone. 

I am thankful that we have a church to go to every Sunday. It's a bit of an effort to get there sometimes but it's something we enjoy doing together each week as a family. Sunday is a special day, a time to reflect on life, to stop and listen to your spirit. A time to ponder and think of the things you want to be better at, and, a time to be thankful for all you have. I am thankful for Sundays and that we are taught to treat this day differently to other days. 

 I feel so grateful to have Chiara join our family - she reminds us of the simple things in life and brings us so much joy.

{Chiara & Grandmama}

{Chiara & Nanny King}

{Lunch at Cornelian Bay after the blessing}

{Chiara with Nanny King, Grandmama & Grandma Challis}

{Chiara with Daddy, Poppa and Grandad}

{Poppy Woolley}

{Grandma, Grandmama, Nanny King, Chiara, Nanny Woolley, Grandma and Me}

Thanks to all the family who came, we loved having you there and really appreciated it.