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When you make a conscious choice to be happy, no one can take it away from you because no one gave it to you: you gave it to yourself.

A quote from April Green's - Bloom For Yourself Journal

Wednesday 30 December 2015

WOYWW 343 - 2015 highlights!

Hello desk dashers. Here we are for the last share of 2015. As always I'm linking up with Julia and others

 Here's my desk -
 So there's my new calendar & planner stickers

So in the window you can see my new A4 planner - it's a mix of business and personal so perfect for me now with my charity work. There's my new colouring books I had for Christmas - Secret Garden, Doctor Who & Harry Potter. New diaries and new pens. Plus the usual Book Art WIP.

Thought I'd share some of my highlights for 2015 as well - 

Bristol Rovers getting to Wembley and winning promotion back to the football league. Me and Keagan were there to witness it - such an amazing day.


My 40th birthday was just 3 days before Wembley and 2 days before the WOYWW May crop. These were taken by LLJ - receiving my card and present (Wooden desk storage made by Julia - I use it everyday.) and cutting my Bristol Rovers cake (what else would it be?!).


As a parent you encourage and support your children. Ever since Keagan was a small boy all he's ever wanted to do is to become a jump jockey. He knew in order to do that he had to try and get in to the world's best Racing college in Newmarket. No easy task as they only take about 200 trainees per year and those trainees are not just from the UK but from Europe too.

As you can see by these photos he was accepted onto the course and is up there in Newmarket right now. Literally living his dream. 

He has to pass the 14 week course to be able to work full time in a racing yard. Once in the yard he has to prove to the trainer he has what it takes to be a jockey. He then has to go back to The British Racing School to take the 5 day course to obtain his racing licence.

Seeing my boy fulfil a lifetime ambition has to be my highlight of the year!

Take care Zo xx

26 comments:

Helen said...

All in all it's been a great year for you - and Keagan of course - here's to 2016. Helen 5

Twiglet said...

A fab post Zo. Happy New Year! x Jo

Annie said...

I'm rather late doing my visits today but am feeling rather poorly. I just want to wish all my blogging friends a wonderful New Year and lets hope it's a happy healthy one full of crafty fun for us all.
Hugs,
Annie x #25

shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Zoe, what an awesome year in photos! Been following Keegans progress on FB, as you say, living the dream, but it's a just reward for all the hard work he's put in to get it! Have a great week, and a Happy, peaceful New Year from us to you & yours. Hugs, Shaz #28 xxxx

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Wow, what a year for you! So glad to have been a small part of it and share your happiness! Hope 2016 is just as good :-)
Hugs, LLJ 8 xxx

Lindart said...

Your desk looks like it is all ready for the New Year! You have a right to be proud of your son - it's neat to hear that he has always wanted to do what he is now doing - awesome! So often we change our goals as we grow up - I once wanted to be a veterinarian, then an archaeologist, and ended up a teacher! Have a wonderful 2016! Lindart #36

Tilly Tea Dance said...

Wow what a busy year you've had! I've only been a parent just over a year and am proud of every tiny milestone so can imagine how totally chuffed you must feel about Keagan's achievement! All the best for 2016! Happy crafting, Max #32 :-)

Anne said...

A super year for you Zoe and I wish Keegan every success. wishing you a very happy new year with all that you wish for yourself. Anne x #17

Sharon said...

Congrats to your son! Must be great to see his dreams come true. Welcome to your 40s! They ARE a great decade (I'm halfway through lol).

Best Wishes for the New Year
Sharon #35

Elizabeth said...

It's not been a bad year at all for you Zoe. That old adage that life begins at 40 seems to be coming true and you have a lot to celebrate. Keagan has quite a few hurdles of his own to jump yet before he attains his goal but I think he's well on the way and with his determination, inherited from his mum I bet, I'm sure he will get there :) Here's wishing you both a Healthy, Wealthy and Happy New Year - may 2016 bring you all you wish for you and yours! Hugs, Elizabeth x #37

Anonymous said...

Happy WOYWW. Thanks for reminding me it is Wednesday - I just got onto the list on time. So much lovely stuff on your desk. Of course the highlight is the Ultimate Diary Planner. I am really enjoying getting into a routine with mine. Not got any stickers yet, but hope to go out shopping soon and I intend to attempt to print some myself. What a fantastic set of memories to look back on. So glad that Keagan is getting on well. We have a top racing yard near us in Pembrokeshire - I know they are often looking for staff. Happy New Year. Ali x #43

Art Joy of Sharing with Peg and Shel said...

Congratulations to you and your boy. Not everyone gets to live their dream. Not everyone gets to live their dream wishing you a wonderful new year. Peg38

Julia Dunnit said...

Yep, seeing your child fulfill an ambition and be happy is overwhelmingly lovely isn't it....I feel your pride in every word. You did have some nice gifts for Christmas, and I love that the crop featured in your round up! Happy New Year gal, and congrats on the whopping amount raised so far!

Kyla said...

What a great year and loved the Rovers letter you organised too. Though I am slightly envious of your organisational skills with all your planners etc!
Kyla #31
PS great amount raised for charity, well done

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Zo, thanks for the visit, still on catch-up this week don't know where the times gone. You must be thrilled and I look forward to seeing how Keagan progresses. Happy New Year to you both. Angela X 16

Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith said...

Sounds like 2015 was a great year for you. Love your new calendar and diary. Happy 2016! Thanks for visiting my blog earlier!

Carole said...

Thanks for the visit. Your desk hosts large array of markers...looks like candy to me...sweet. Happy New Year!

glitterandglue said...

Zo, this is just great - you have so many issues going on with your health, yet look at all you have rejoiced in this year. What a huge amount of celebration going on. That cake is amazing! I bought John that secret garden colouring book when he was in hospital a couple of months ago. It's gorgeous. Well done in all you have achieved in 2015. I wish you - and Keagan - all the very best in 2016.
Thank you so much for your visit and your comments. Yes, it's been quite a month - but we are plodding on. John is currently up and about - and working on his computer. I honestly didn't think he would be even coming home....
God has been very gracious to give us this extra time.
Take care dear friend.
God bless.
Margaret #6

April said...

Wow - so much great stuff going on in your life. Congratulations to your son for his persistence. I am sure he will be great! Happy New Year. Thank you for stopping by my blog earlier.
April #44

Sofie V said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! You got some great gifts for Christmas!

Greetings, Sofie

okienurse said...

Sounds like 2015 started the roll on good years and hopefully 2016 will keep it going. I saw the letter you had sent to Keagan from the football team...you are such a good Moma! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment. Vickie #46

Sue said...

I love this time of year with new diaries and planning books.

Wishing all the best for your son.

Happy New Year.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Happy WOYWW
Sue #12

Unknown said...

So Many nice goodies on your desk. I have the Secret Garden book, you will enjoy coloring in it. Wonderful news about your son. As a teacher I realize what unique parents you are! So many parents make their kids live their own lost dreams... Thank you for stopping and leaving a comment earlier. While I'm running late I am enjoying a leisure day of visiting everyone's posts. Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Glad your team did well this year -- likely all down to your superior rooting as a fan! Best wishes to your son and his dream career. Thanks for your blog visit. Happy WOYWW and happy new year! ~ Laura #41

Diana Taylor said...

What a great year you've had and what a lovely blog post - it must be wonderful to know your boy is living his dream. Thank you so much for stopping by my desk, I really must apologize for being so late this week - all this holiday enjoyment stuff really messes up the routine! Happy New Year,
Diana #18

Neet said...

i can well imagine that Keagan's achievement is your best gift ever. What a proud time you must be having.
Happy New Year.
Hugs, Neet xx