Phew what a busy few weeks it's been but we are finally on the last leg and we are home and relaxing for Christmas!

I love Christmas it's poignant and sad but we never let it spoil our family time at Christmas.  I do take time out for Alexander, he has his rituals be it the special baubles on the tree, the decorations and flowers we take to him before the big day or just lighting a candle and taking a moment in the madness of Christmas Day.

This year we attended The Lullaby Trust's first Carol Service at Wakefield Cathedral.  A beautiful service attended by lots of families to remember their babies at an emotional time of year.  It was a stunning service and I'm very proud of Harrison who stood up in front of lots of strangers and did a reading.  He was terribly nervous in the build up but a deep breath and a few minutes later it was done, he told us after that he really enjoyed doing it and I had to hold back the tears.  I think he upstaged Ed Balls slightly though ! The boys carried the remembrance candles so a big Thank You too Andrew Cole and the Sophie Helen Cole Memorial Fund for organising such a lovely day and asking us to be a part of it.

Yesterday we had some sad news in that Ian's Grandad lost his battle with Cancer.  Grandad Bob we will remember you with fondness and love, a great and kind man with huge heart I will never forget the way he and Ian's family welcomed me and my boys 14 years ago into the Richardson fold.  It's a great loss but I know he will be made very very welcome at those pearly gates. RIP Grandad you will always be remembered 

So I'm signing off for 2013 and what a year it was with some highs and of course the inevitable lows.  A great year for the Lullaby Trust with their name change, our appearance on This Morning (not sure if you knew) and my visit to No.10 Downing Street.  Family wise we had 2 new nieces Martha in June and Madeleine just 10 days ago, Tom got some fabulous results for his GSCE's and Jack started his. Harrison is making great strides at school, he's a bit of genius really and Joseph has settled at nursery (finally).  My Step mum Linda stood tall and so brave in the face of Breast Cancer what an amazingly strong lady and I'm so proud of the way she took the big C and treatment in her stride. We all love you very much xxx
My Dad is now officially employed again after 'nursing' Linda through her illness (I say nursing I think his bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired lol) but he did take her on a long holiday in September to recover.
Finally a massive Thanks to Ian for everything x

Thank You all so much once again for your support in the last year,  Big Ball Central will be open again early January and then the real fun starts !!!!  I hope you are all dress, shoe and bag shopping in earnest.

Love and Merry Christmas 


Nicola x

Ok Ok I know I am always asking for money and especially at this time of year with your ticket money due and raffle ticket sales however I do have a favour to ask.

If you normally make a donation to Charity for Christmas in lieu of Christmas Cards or other then can I ask you to consider The Lullaby Trust for your donation and ask that you do it on the 5th, 6th or 7th of December.

''Big Give Christmas Challenge 2013 is a matched funding event, giving you the opportunity to have your donation doubled for this hugely important area of work at The Lullaby Trust.

For three days only, online donations to participating charities will be matched pound for pound. In simple terms, a donation of £25 could be doubled to £50.

The key dates for the Big Give Challenge are 5-7 December 2013 ''

http://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/the-big-give-2013


I have bought my cards for 2013 and from The Lullaby Trust but we still make a donation and no matter how small you think it is think how much it is when doubled.

The Lullaby Trust will use this money to support bereaved families offering them a range of support networks, be that the Helpline or training a parent like me to become a befriender.

If you can help please donate at 10am on the morning of each day as the funds are limited and once the maximum donations are received the website closes accepting no more donations  https://secure.thebiggive.org.uk/project/lullabytrust

Thank You