When the sun peeks through the grey sky.

Ive had a few rough mummy days. This is probably an understatement but let's go with that.  Yes. Rough. Grey skies and no joy. This afternoon my mum called me and encouraged me and then prayed for me over the phone. I really love that she does this. It was the sword I needed to cut through those grey clouds. It gave me the lift in my spirit to pick myself up and keep going. We even went out for dinner (which helped as well)! Praise God!

Where it's at right now

My life is filled with small cars in every room and most handbags I own.
There are Lego pieces under every couch and bed.
Drink bottles and clothes are daily searched for.
A flashlight can bring hours of joy and adventure.
Colorful marks made from felt pens adorn small arms, legs and mouths.
Band aids and kisses fix most things.
Teddy and Spot dog are needed to bring peace in the evening for bed.

Whilst I am a whimsical, feminine woman who loves to sew, crochet and dance; I am a mother of two adventurous, cheeky, handsome and not to mention loving little boys!

Yes it's stressful at times, and completely crazy at others. I wouldn't swap it for the world! God has truly blessed me with these two boys and the cherry on the top, my super wonderful husband. (That awesome fella is a whole other post!)

The importance of Family.

Friday night is officially family night in our house! There are the occasional nights that for some reasons we can't do it. But we will say no to most things to protect this time. It usually includes a special take out and or a trip out together. In warmer months the beach is our fave to go. We will get creative in winter I think. This time especially good for the kids to be able to spend time with both of us. We share it round. Brad might take Zion for a walk in the pram while I run after Ash on his scooter.

Little Lunch

When I was at primary school we had two breaks. One was "little lunch" and one was "big lunch". It made sense you have a little bit to eat at the first break and more at the second. I almost always had biscuits for morning tea and a sandwich for lunch. That's all I ate all day! I was ok with that. My little man is off to prep the week after next and I am going to have to make him lunch. Now, this sounds easy but put together a fussy eater, stringent rules on what you can't pack and a mother who is slightly unorganized and well, let's say I'm in a slight panic about it. All easy ideas would be readily accepted here!!

(The photo was my boys "little" lunch yesterday. He wanted to use toothpicks!)

An update on our Little Man!

Ok so it is a little out of focus but oh so cute of both of my lil fellas!

And, well, I know I am biased but how cute is this kid???

Hello World!

Yes I know it has been yet another age since I have blogged and well I am here to show you my excuse...

Yes our newest family member... Zion Stephen Sing!  He is a real delight to us all. His big brother is totally smitten and apart from one small screaming session in the car before leaving to go somewhere the other night Asher hasn't complained one bit.  I am so glad this little stranger is fitting in so well to our family and that all went well with his birth and my healing is very fast!

So I can't promise too many blogs for a while but I will still try!

Once around the track.

After not being on the computer for an absolute age, (no reason, just kept up to date with FB on my phone), I once again popped it on today and have been tracking around this virtual world they call the web. Whilst, funnily enough, my darling 4 year old was making a neato spider's web from some bright purple wool in his bedroom! Oh, whilst I am here, I must thank Suzzanah once again for the absolutely fab stash of yarn you gave me!!! I hope you don't want the basket back too soon, as I have nothing else to keep it in!!! (Eeek, sorry). 

Anyway, I have been doing a few things on here, like catching up with the blogging circut of all my fave blogs and then some. Wandering down the rabbit holes of new blogs only to find there are just tooo many cute and wonderful blogs out there. Plus, to add to my delightful blogging day, I revamped an old blog I had just sitting around into what I am hoping will be a top tips type thing.  I know there is 1000's out there but this is one closer to home that hopefully friends will use to add things to etc.  Anyway you can check it out and see what you think... it's called Some 'Sing' Special - yes a little corney I know but it was originally for family goss, but I can do that just fine here!

I have just under 7 weeks now till baby arrives and I have been waiting for the nesting to kick in so I can clean up the joint and actually decorate the nursery! Yes a little behind I know, but all I know is I want something simple anyway.  I think I need to go op shopping and grab some things to go with it all.  Finally, after months of being pregnant I am actually feeling pregnant and realising that we will soon have our worlds turned upside down. I never felt that with Asher, but I guess as there is one extra person now to worry about (Ash) that it seems so much more dramatic.

Whilst, the rest of the state tonight watches origin, Brad is at the movies with his brother Josh watching Transformers and I am happily tapping away on here to you! I do hope QLD wins though of course, but watching sport is not so exciting for me these days.

Catch ya again soon, Dx

How time flies...

Last week I enrolled Asher into primary school for next year.  He seems WAAY to little to be allowed to go to school, I mean he is only 3!!   When he starts he will be 4 &1/2 which isn't much better!  I cannot believe that it has been 3 and a half years since I held my tiny baby boy in my arms.  I mean I can still do that but it is one long boy now who still giggles when I tickle him and gives me a gorgeous one dimpled smile. 

He loves hearing stories of when he was born and how I bought him home and the other day I showed him how I used to wrap him up - he actually let me do it to him!!!  Instead of laying still looking at his mobile, he runs around and the only time he is still is to watch his current favorite shows of Thomas the Tank Engine and Octonaughts!

Instead of soft small cries, I get huge winges and tantrums.  Instead of being able to think a whole thought to myself whilst he sits playing, I am rammed for being in the way of a car/bike/scooter etc.  Maybe I am ready for him to go to school next year....

Although, I now get feedback (which isn't always plesant) from him, like, "I love you Mummy.", "Thank you darling."(yes from Asher to me), and "I missed you today Mummy."  Sigh!   What a sweet little man he is.  I will leave the thoughts of school till much later in the year now, well until the next tantrum at least!

Happy reminders...

Dear Friends and Family,

... well that is how our Christmas letter started when I decided to write an email to all the family and friends we have.  Yes I am too unorganised to even send Christmas cards to our nearest and dearest.  *Sigh!*

It is much easier to get on here and write to you, my fellow blog followers.  I am not sure why but I think it either has something to do with the anominity or the fact that you have followed my journey this year.  I'll admit I have neglected you at times but have tried to make up for it.  Has it worked?  Its been a year... that is all I can really say for it at this time.  Whilst I don't see this year as amazing overall, I have had some amazing moments.  Highlights if you will. 

Here are some favorite highlights from my year....
(In no particular order)

- Sheer Beauty Conference & The Calling Conference - both in general but I had some truly awesome God highlights for the year on these two weekends.  Not to mention the friendships and bonds I have made due to both of these conferences.
- Two trips to Townsville, whilst not happy trips (for funerals) it was really wonderful to see family I rarely get to spend time with.
- Asher being toilet trained!!!  Trust me a SUPER highlight!

There have been plenty more, but one that really stands out and brings me to tears, isn't even to do with my actual family.  It is to do with one awesome bestie!  Katherine.  Around this time a year ago both Katherine and I had our second miscarriages for the year - or so we thought.  Well, I definately had and I was desperately praying that Katherine hadn't.  I can't recall exactly when it was that she found out that she hadn't lost her baby but I do recall it being a huge relief, not just for her but also for me.  It was the one thing that kept me going for a long time.  Rejoicing in this life that she was growing.  When Zebulon was born on the 15th August this year, I fell in love! 

Even now every time I see and cuddle (oh how I love to cuddle him), this little man is SUCH a reminder of God's love and and the hope I have in Him.  Zeb, sweet boy, don't tell the girls but you are my secret favorite and I love you!  How could you not love this kid?? (Hope you don't mind I borrowed your pic Kt)

Just in case you are worried and think I will try and swap him for Asher, think again - remember Asher is toilet trained (not swapping that!).  Seriously though, the past couple of weeks leading up to Christmas have been really wonderful for my little family.  We have spent proper, on purpose, time together as a little family unit.  We do that often, but its like we are in our own little bubble, which has been the BEST highlight of my year I think.

In case I forget to tell you later - Happy Christmas, I hope you have a wonderful time remembering the true reason for Christmas and spending time with loved ones.

I will get some pics up soon of me and my boys!

PS- If you haven't recieved my Christmas email, that is because I haven't sent it.  Sorry, this may be all you get.  I still love you though!

Waiting to say goodbye...

I am on forced vacation.  No, I haven't had a meltdown or stress out or gone crazy, I am simply on holidays.
No husband, no son, no car, different city, same state but hundreds of miles from home.  16 hours away by car to be a little more precise. I am in Townsville for a funeral, which isn't until Monday and I am bumbling around trying to enjoy a few days break before it and then a huge drive back home.

Last Sunday night we got word that my Great Aunt had been admitted to hospital and things didn't look good.  We were told it would only be a matter of days before she would pass.  My brother and his wife decided to try and see her before she was gone and flew up to Townsville from Brisbane to see her, unfortunately they didn't get to see her and my sister in law and niece and nephew didn't get to meet her.

It might sound, to some, kind of lame to say that I am heartbroken to lose my Great Aunt, but it is far from lame.  You see, whilst most children grow up with at least one Grandparent who lives relativly close and is invited to do Grandparents things and various milestones, we didn't.  My Dad's parents lived in Theodore (West of Rockhampton - I think) and my Mum's parents lived in Townsville.  However, in Brisbane, we had two VERY special Aunts.  We had Aunty Judy, who is Mum's younger sister, and Aunty Kit, my Grandad's sister.  We enjoyed many, many years of love and laughter with these two wonderful women.  Christmas sleepovers, Boxing Days in New Farm Park and New Years Days at Bribie Island, just to name a few. 

Aunty Kit, decided around 11 years ago that she must be near the end of her life and she wanted to leave this world the same place she came into it - Love Lane in Townsville.  After an extremely emotional farewell from us she went to live with Grandma and Grandad (Mum's parents).  We came and visited when we could, which was few and far between due to finances.  Mum and I drove up almost 6 years ago to suprise her for her 90th birthday. (We didn't jump out and suprise her or anything - you don't want to do that to a 90 year old heart!)  Then after Brad and I were married and we had Asher, we drove up again for a family holiday and to introduce everyone to the newest additions to my life.  Aunty Kit, would from then on always remind me that I have a VERY good man, and a VERY handsome one too!  The last time I saw her was the begining of this year when my Grandad passed away.  Although it was a very sad time, I still was able to sit, talk and enjoy time with my lovely Aunty.  Everytime I have seen her I have said goodbye, knowing in my heart that it may be the last time, and savoured every second.  I still recall telling her I loved her so much and with tears in my eyes, waved farewell to her while she stood on the landing at the Love Lane house in January.

As I sit and type this I can still see her smile, and hear her laugh, and her words of encouragement.  She will be missed and never forgotten. 

I love you Aunty Kit.

Craft and a mini break...

I finally, last Saturday did something I had been meaning to do for ages!  I taught my first crochet lesson to a couple of willing to learn gals!  Well, that's not what I have been meaning to do, I have wanted to start craft lessons/catch ups with those who want to learn.  I mean, I have learnt a stack of cool crafty things this year and I wanted to pass that knowledge on!

Also, last Saturday we (Brad, Ash and I) went on a (very) mini break.  This was our first family holiday in ... well... forever!  Sad isn't it.  But Brad came home the other day and told me we were going to go away for a night.  We stayed in a swish unit at Caloundra and spent the afternoon and night at the beach, going out for dinner, then out again for breakfast then, got ourselves a gift each and came home! Ahhh!

Have I told you lately that I love my hubby?  I do!

Lovely Saturday...

As the sun was setting we had a late (well, ok, very late) lunch at the beach. Whilst I finished off my crunchy noodle salad the boys threw rocks in the water. We had a lovely family day today. Thanks God for a really lovely day...

family moments

My Aunty Judy reading to her great nephew and niece.

My Great Aunty Kit and I (she is 95 and still going strong)
The most gorgeous Grandma in the world (my mum's a close second)

My sister's, mine and my cousin's kids! (Asher and Nicholas are 11 days apart)

back again

Yes, I am home, and so very glad to be home. The past week has been turbulent to say the least (and that's not on the plane thankfully). My sister and I managed to somehow not strangle each other or our kids and lots of tears have been shed. I think many more are still in the tear banks just waiting for an unsuspecting moment.

I am now in semi hiding. I will be screening calls (sorry) and not really going anywhere if I can help it for a few days. If you are reading this, you are one of the select few who knows I am home as am not going to post on FB just yet, as I need time out.

On a side note, I took my crocheting to my Grandma so she could see how I was following in her footsteps (or stiches) and I left her a lovely purple and white square which she loved and kept kissing to show how much she liked it. Was difficult to see her and say good bye (was the first time since she'd had a stroke, which left her in a wheelchair and unable to talk much) but as always I love being with her.

That's me for now. Will post more soon.

030 & 031: two in a row

Yesterday - got rid of some old bits and pieces out of sock draw (things that weren't socks)
Today - a pair of old "hold my tummy in so I look thin, but blue in the face" granny undies

Yesterday - Asher got to rid his bike around out the back of his Grandma and Grandpa's place (which reminds me - we left it there)
Today - a trip to MovieWorld with Aunty Deanne, Uncle Josh, Arabelle and Elijah! Fun day! very tired, hence short post.

Yesterday - Grateful for Mandy's hug - it felt amazing after the emotional day that I'd been having.
Today - grateful for a day with our friends/in-laws and a day off for Brad!

029: relax

Today we got ourselves out the house (although that isn't included as we came back) but I am throwing an old purse out that I no longer need. (Another addition to the pile from my room)

Asher enjoyed showing his daddy how he could skillfully ride his tricycle at the beach today, and Brad's heart was in his mouth as he watched (as I did) Asher ride precariously close to the edge of the path and almost off down the steps there.

We enjoyed a relaxing day at the beach just the 3 of us and Asher, as usual loved the sand!

I was grateful for a day with my lovely little family and one almost brand new car (we had it serviced and we washed it today for the first time in, I am sure, over a year!)

As for the "Girls Night In" we had tonight - it was a bit of a fizzer - there was just 3 of us... oh well we got $50 between us and had a nice time together!

018: the most important thing

Today I am throwing out something that you can't see - you may think I am cheating here (I am the one making the rules on this decluttering thing for myself) but I have decided to toss out my ideals of being a mother. You see about 2 or 3 days ago I found myself sitting, talking to God about how I felt I had failed as a mother, (I'm sure this isn't a new concept to some mums - if not all) but after a good chat with a few close sistas tonight I can see that I am actually not such a bad mother after all, or at least not as bad as I originally thought. If you are a mum, you will know that being a mum is not the easiest job (as some who aren't mothers might think). High stress, no pay and the rest! But it is probably one of the most rewarding (at times). So, today I throw out the negative ideals I have about being a mum and am simply going to do it the best I can - I mean, seriously, that is pretty much how mums have always done it. I will no longer try to be the perfect mum, but I will try to be the most loving, encouraging and forgiving mum!

On that note, of not throwing anything out except ideals, I must tell you that I added objects to my life today -ok so not always a bad thing but this was for Asher! We spent the morning in a local thrift shop - Asher playing with a car he found in the toy section and me perusing children books! As it turns out there are some great books that people don't want anymore. I ended up buying 5 books for $2!!! I got him some great classic books - which he loves! I figure when it comes to books - you can never have too many for kids!

We also stopped by a Toy Factory Outlet and I got a few musical instruments for under $3 each, some cookie cutters (both for Christmas) and some new crayons. Then we came home for a nap and then it was off to the beach for the afternoon for Asher to ride his bike along the paths there for the first time!

Today I was grateful for time alone with my son. Although I get it often, for some reason today I appreciated it more! Which really is the most important thing.

P.S.

About motorbikes. Ok, so I don't really like motorbikes and have never really been interested in them at all! In the past my friends and even my little brother have bought motorbikes and I have looked at them and thought "whatever"! BUT... I have to tell you, my youngest brother Steve brang his new bike over tonight to show us and I have to admit I was a little "ok, here we go... better admire this new thing..." but I was taken aback a bit when I realised just how cool it is! It is the first motorbike that I am kinda jealous that I don't have one the same! Good work baby bro!

014: out with b things

No not the boys as in Asher or even Brad but beanie, bra and black socks! Yep that is what went today - I still have them in a bag ready to go if anyone wants some old socks to make puppets??? The bra well if you don't know a reason why you'd throw one out you've probably never worn one. The black socks, were mating in our draws and having offspring that didn't have a mate so out they go too. As for the beanie I knitted it when we lived in Melbourne and it was so big I never actually got to wear it -but Brad had a go (yes, that is Brad and no, that isn't a wig)...

Today we were out again taking my gorgeous, invalid of a sister (37 weeks pregnant and on crutches - don't ask) and my niece out to the shops then we went over to see my friend Bec and Asher got to play with his friends Thomas and Chelsea (and baby Micah - not that he got much of a look in), then Asher helped mummy with the fruit & vege shopping and a little trip to the butchers. (Which reminds me - what ever happened to the butcher offering kids a little savaloy!)

Today I am grateful for my sister who, even though I was helping her, helped me keep my sanity, the way she always does (well most of the time). Thanks Jules!

009: what DIDN'T I throw out today...

Firstly sorry to those checking this daily (if there are any of you) yes I took a break yesterday to spend time with my hubby - was one of the things to do for the love dare but really enjoyed ourselves! So, yes what didn't I throw out yesterday is a good question - well really alot of things BUT there were so many things I did chuck! I cleared off my kitchen bench (which was well overdue for a clear) and when my friend Mandy arrives later today to catch up she will be shocked I am sure! Ok so here are a few things I got rid of yesterday, matches -without the outer part of the pack, my favorite coaster which had been broken and fixed more times than I want to think about, a strap to a bra - which I am sure I got rid of ages ago, and a strap for suspenders on the bottom of a corset (which I have never used - the strap not the corset), some tupperware prizes ie funnels, strainers etc and a lipstick that Asher had pretty much destroyed but I was keeping it anyway... Finally yesterday my darling Brad realised that I am serious about getting rid of stuff and that when stuff is gone I am a better person! To his credit he has started looking for stuff to get rid of too - gee I love that man!


As for Asher, we made our first family cubby yesterday that we could all sit inside! See pics...




And, I was really grateful for king sized doonas to make great roofs for big cubbies!!!

Ok, so you want more on the "Love Dare"

A few people have been asking me more about the love dare that I am doing. Well, to explain it won't do it justice but if you are interested in finding out more or want to know where you can get info from here is what I do know.

I have seen the movie "Fireproof" at Word bookstores, I am also sure you could get it from other Christian bookstores too or even off the website http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com/. So, I would start there - it costs around the $29 mark and then while you are there pick up a copy of the book "Love Dare". (These retail for around $17 I think). Then go and watch the movie, either alone or with your partner and then just open the book when you are ready to start the love dare and read one day at a time.

If you can't afford the movie - you can just buy the "Love Dare" book by itself. It is really easy to read and it has spots for you to journal in what you have done each day. Very user friendly, although I can't guarantee the dares are as easy as they may look each day.