The most beautiful pictures in the world

Ok so the title may have you saying, "I will be the judge of that!" and rightly so.  But I have to tell you though to be prepared to be blown away here!

At the end of last year we finally, after 3 & 1/2 years of being a family, got some family photos done.  My wonderful friend Anna took these amazing photos, here is a small sample.

How do you get such amazing photos? I hear you ask, well, head on over to http://www.sweethope.com.au/ and contact Anna to book a time and place.  Also check out her blog Sweet Hope Photography

She is really one talented photographer and you will love working with her!!! Oh and there is a bonus if you book this month she has a Grand Opening Special!

PS - the gorgeous blonde girl who you will see all over the site is another of my wonderful friends Kellie, isn't she just beautiful!!

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!

A funny little thing...

I had a lovely day to myself today... kinda... well it was all to myself, but I spent it visiting with 3 friends and my mum. I really did enjoy myself though!

First I stopped in for a cuppa at Krystal's and catching up our week, then I went off to meet mum at the shops for morning tea and a bit of a shop. After I went home to have a sleep, but didn't actually sleep (thank you Mr Jackhammer across the street!) so I jumped on the puta for a bit and did some crochet. Then after a text reminding me that I was going to catch up with Katherine I popped in to her place (more on this later) before picking Asher up from day care. Then Asher and I went over to Alicia's (and Sophia's) for a long overdue play/catch up! (The kids were as excited as we were to see each other!) It was so nice to see Asher and Sophie playing together so well (mostly) they are so cute together.... (Asher) "Sophie I missed you!" (Sophie) "Thank you Asher!"

Anyway getting back to Katherine's visit... firstly it was one of the best but strangest visits we have had in a very long time. Why? Well neither of us had any kids with us (her's were with her mum for the afternoon/night) and so it was just divine to sit and talk and not have to be interupted. You see our friendship has always been one where we love to just sit and enjoy one another's company and talk little, but as we are always interupted by our little darlings we chat constantly these days between kids... so this afternoon, although short, was bliss!!!

As we sat and chatted about things, I looked out into her back yard and there was this wonderful sign. I knew straight away that Elara had made it and had such a giggle to myself, check it out...

Am so relieved that I can go in her back yard without the bother of dinosaurs!

The other funny thing is, apart from my mum, all my visits today were with fellow blogger gals!!!

PS Very excited am off in the morning with breakfast with Katherine and Martine and then off to Funky Fabrics (my first time ever!!!)

076: cheeky faces to cheer me up

Gone: Woo Hoo! A broken toy or two have been discovered in the play room... good bye!

Activity: Friends come for a visit and a visit to feed Mia & Bella (we're dog sitting kinda)

Grateful: Loving friends, more granny squares, a good boy and cheap flights.


Yes very excited as more plastic toys leave our house as they are broken.
Our house looked a bit like a cyclone had hit it earlier, thankfully I got some enthusiasim to tidy.
We now have a few left over momentos to show that we had visitors, a spoon from baby Ben, a butterfly headband from Elara and a necklace from India. (So, mum's if you are looking, I have them!)

Here are a few little snaps of some little people behaving themselves today!

073: with a little help from my friends

Gone: nothing... well actually something was stolen (don't ask)

Activity: a trip to the playground with friends

Grateful: that more stuff wasn't stolen from our house!

Today has been a huge day of drama and I can't wait for it to end and have a new day tomorrow, but I have gotten through today only because of my friends.

Instead of re-living it to explain how huge, I will just say thanks to a few people.

Thank you Katherine, for taking me out and allowing me to "unload" on you a bit this morning.

Thank you Mandy, for just "being" with me today when I needed some security.

Thank you Steve for coming and temporarily mending our broken in door.

Thank you Dad, for the quick chat and swap of prayer points.

Thank you Jenn, for thinking of me, and getting us the filing cabinet.

Thank you Matt, for helping to lift the filing cabinet inside at a late hour.

Thank you Brad, for the being the most wonderful, loving and supportive husband.

But mostly,

Thank you GOD! For always walking with me through every high and low, and giving me friends to help along the journey.

Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world!

time out to soak it in

ahhh
smell the flowers...

enjoy the spices of life...

(something for the young)

a cuppa to soothe...

child that's enjoyed playing...

yes, that is what I need...

2 Corinthians 12:9(a)

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness."

some thoughts

As I was driving home from an old friend's house on Friday night, I got to thinking - as I do when it is just me in the car and no one else!(as exceptionally rare occasion) I was thinking about where I was at in life, what I stood for, what my likes and dislikes are, what my hobbies were, basically asking myself who I was. After all of that thinking I realised that if I wanted to know the answer to these questions I would have to ask someone else (actually a few someone elses).

I had heard about women who seem to lose their identity after becoming a mother (mostly those who were stay at home mums) and I thought that this would never happen to me... well it has - actually I can't blame becoming a wife and a mother on this - it is just me. I guess I have just floated through life (not always so easily as it sounds) just being the person I thought others wanted me to be. I mean, I don't change who I am around others, at the core I am me, but I guess I have looked at what others like and what I think makes them attractive (not just in looks but personality etc) and have picked up the things that I think could be me and added them to my little "me" file.

OK let me give you some examples, I once decided I wanted to surf, because alot of friends were good at it and I just wanted to see if I was too, and I started to love it. Also, I started listening to Brit Pop music years ago because I knew a guy who was into it and I decided I would start liking it too - which I really did in the end and still do! Is it just me who does this or does everyone out there try and "invent" themselves to a degree or are some people sooo cool that they don't have to?

I enjoy creativity, both from myself and others, although, I am not great at sewing, knitting, crafting, painting, drawing etc I do enjoy giving all these things a go... I guess I just wish I had a "thing". You know, the kind of thing that when people think of you, they think of your "thing". Example - my two closest friends, one is a great dancer and singer and the other a great at sewing and cooking! 4 things which I looooove but aren't great at any of them... maybe I should take lessons...

your thoughts????

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!

026: a bit more

Today sees an ornament and a book (its on loan) out of the house. Also, now I am browsing my little library that we seem to have and finding people we could give some of these books to!

Asher - well this morning he got to play with all his friends at the mum's group I go to and enjoyed sharing his fruit at morning tea. I have recently discovered that he looooves massages just as much as I do! So I have been giving him them after his bath but as a treat today at my mum's I had given mum one so I gave him one to - with lavender cream so he will hopefully sleep well this afternoon.

Am off to a Books, Wine and Cheese night with some of the members of my Reading Group/Bookclub so I am grateful for an adult night out!

020: getting empty

Very excited! More clothes left today and am now starting to see space! Woo Hooo!

More exciting things for Asher!!! We went to a playgroup that my friend Helen had recommended today. Asher loved riding in the car with his new friend Mac and they played really well together. Asher loved the singing and stories and water play there so much we have decided to go back again when we can! We were hoping to check out the one up the street from us tomorrow but have visitors in the morning so maybe next week.

Also, for dinner tonight I decided that since Asher's new favorite game is cubby houses (under a blanket) we would eat dinner under the table and chairs instead of on it! This was a fantastic success for all of about 5 minutes! We had a few teething problems such as daddy being too tall to actually sit under the table so I made a few modifications to accomodate, but as Asher is a bit of a fussy eater he enjoyed it but we did get a bit of food around - so am moping tonight or tomorrow I think. But it was fun and will try some other fun dinner ideas I have to - you should try this some time...if you dare!

I am grateful for Helen who invited us along today and for the time we spent together - I am looking forward to much more time together!

019: goodbye old friends

It is with much sorrow and lament that today I say farewell to some dearly beloved things...

1. This bag which Katherine made me years ago and I have held on to it for far too long - KtK can you make me a new one one day???

As for number 2 I am saying goodbye to not one but 2 of my absolutely favorite pairs of jeans! One pair I have worn right through as my thighs are way to fond of each other and the other well let just say that a baby, and over eating has seen that these jeans no longer get past previously mentioned thighs!

Todays activities for Asher were nowhere near as new as yesterdays but he did go to play with his friend Jordan and I got to drink coffee with his mummy Mary - thanks guys! Then a little play with is cuz Tia and Aunty Julie this afternoon.

Today I am grateful for the times that Asher is good... it helps me know that when he is naughty that he isn't always going to be that way!

Going to burst!

Ok, I simply have to write! I have been looking at blogs that I follow and if you notice any other the ones in the "others I enjoy" section and one in the "my faves"section I follow a few Melbourne flavored sights - and as I read and look at the photos I am reminded of a wonderful time in my life where creativity buzzed about me all day long - even on the mundane and sad days! Oh how I miss the culture and the activities of Melbourne - I know I have mentioned how much I miss Melbourne before but I can't help myself. There are so many nooks and crannys that I have left undiscovered there and so many amazing spots that hold so many memories! I don't care about the weather there - in fact - I love it and relish it!!! They have seasons and sometimes all 4 in one day!

I do love living here in Queensland and love having my family and friends close by and am making stronger friends here by the day. I just wish I could take you all down there and show you little back alley and coffee places and explore little boutique shops and markets with you. I miss going to the Prahran markets to get my fruit and veges with my little wagon, the delectable tastes of the bakeries in Acland Street in St Kilda, TGIFriday at the Jam Factory, walking to the tram to go to work, chocolate shop hunting, the Queen Victoria "Vic" Markets, new shows and different activities always on at Federation Square, showing friends around on the tram and going past the cow in the tree at Docklands and of course I miss - Bec, Mon, Mish, Danielle, Sarah (even though you aren't there anymore), Nigel, Carol, Holli, Julie, Tarini and Lisa (just to name a few!)

Phew! I got that out there... thanks for listening and let me reminisce!

017: boy oh boy

I saw an 'older than me' lady the other day with long hair in pigtails on either side of her head, and realised that it really wasn't a great look for her. Then I wondered if I could still do pigtails and get away with looking casual instead of odd, I figured I probably could but have tried it a few times and it didn't feel right really. This is not to say that anyone who is my age or older shouldn't do pigtails, its just to say that its not really for me, not to say that I won't do it again but anyway, I digress... ANYWAY, this all brings me to what I am getting rid of today. 3 sets of hair bobbles! If you don't know what a hair bobble is, it is like a hair tie/elastic band with two 'bobbles' on either end (these are usually ball type things) and to explain how to used them... well, if you don't know google it (sorry its just too difficult to explain in words). Am sad to see them go, but I do have someone in mind who may like them...now to find my brown paper!

Today I didn't really give Asher anything new to do but two new things in his life are...he made 2 new friends today at 2 different playgrounds and I am trying to teach him what a "Joey" is. I was singing "5 little Joeys jumping on the bed" and realised that he may not have known. However when ever I explain that they are baby kangaroos he just holds out his hand and talks about how he fed the kangaroos at the zoo... I do think he is getting it though.

As for grateful, yes I am! I went to Spotlight this afternoon to grab a few things and had some extra time to wander around and I even ran into an old friend and her mum which was lovely! But, I badly needed to go to the toilet and didn't know if they had one in the store - but I am pleased to say that I was grateful that they do!

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!

013: 'zoo'ming along nicely

Today's contribution to the decluttering of life was a heap of recipts from under my bed and a belt. Thought I would start in my room to get rid of stuff and work through the house - but stay tuned cause it may not work out that way.

This morning was very special as Asher and I headed just around the corner from our house to spend the morning with special friends at the zoo! (Yes, we live that close to a zoo and we'd never been til now) We had a lovely morning of delightful (and some fearful) squeals, feeding kangaroos and deer, taking photos and looking at some funny looking creatures. The four little friends were wide eyed in amazement and totally enthralled at the animals and all got along really well in each others company! Was really great to not be the only mum being asked constantly, "What's that mummy?" Thanks to Martine, Katherine, Esther and Loz. (Oh and Noah, India and Elara!)

Today I am so grateful that I could take Asher for such a 'wonder'full morning at the zoo!

Suprise, Suprise!!!

I have always loved suprises and never thought that a suprise would ever shock me or make me nervous to the point of almost tears, but last night I realised just how they could.

My hubby came home a bit earlier than usual, no suprise there cause he'd gone to work earlier. So, I made dinner and as I hadn't had lunch I was particularly hungry. We sat down to eat and after about 4 mouthfuls of food (which didn't take long cause as I said I was hungry) Brad said he heard a car at our place, I told him it was just next door as usual. Next came a loud knock at the door and after Brad opened the door, in walked my mum and dad with bags of stuff. I didn't know they were coming and on seeing the bags I naturally asked, "What are you guys doing here?" This is when Brad turned to me and said, "We are going out! Suprise!"

Shock!

I have no idea what shocked me most, the fact that my parents had just walked in, the fact that we were going out or the fact that Brad managed to organise a suprise for me!!! Either way, the thought did cross my mind, "Why did he let me make dinner then?"

THEN, he said, "You have about 15 minutes to get ready!" Ok, so I hadn't showered in 2 days, had greasy hair, no make up, was wearing an oversided chesty bonds singlet and leggins! Pretty! Lucky for him I am quick and can change fast and deodorant comes in a spray can AND I could put my hair up! So I quickly dressed in some jeans, a 3/4 sleeve shirt and some flat shoes. Then we went.

As we drove I didn't know if I wanted to cry or throw up - I was so nervous and worried as to where we might be going - he had hinted that one of the other guys from church was wanting to do something last week and I thought it may have something to do with that.

Eventually we arrived (just up the road) at a local hall, where I could see some other couples from church on the front porch, I kind of sighed a bit of relief knowing there were friends there but still unsure as to what was going on. Then, as we pulled in and I looked inside the hall and saw no chairs and heap of strangers the thought hit me and I asked, "This isn't a dance class is it?" Brad didn't respond until we got inside and said "Are you ok?" Still unsure if I wanted to stay, cry or just plain run out of there, I relayed my story to my friend Anna and learnt that the other 5 girls there were all in the same boat of unknowing what their men had organised.

As the night went on we muddled our way through the mambo, wobbled through the waltz, chased our partners through the cha cha and ended up with sore feet but big smiles on all our faces! It was a really thoughtful suprise and I really did enjoy myself (although I realised how unfit I was). I'm not sure if we will go again next week but we will see.

Most of my close friends will know that I do love dancing and my darling hubby knows this but that said, I have always been plain terrified of dancing with a partner! I can dance in a choreographed dance no probs but make me dance with a partner I am terrible. This my Brad also knows. So, in light of this I told Brad that next time he suprises me - and gets a baby sitter for us to go out - he can just take me for coffee!

Just want to thank Aaron & Shelli, Pete & Anna, Calen & Stacey, Steve & Chelsea and Ben & Lena for a great night. At least there will be some of us able to dance at Ben & Lena's wedding now!

010: woo hoo made it to double figures

Ok, so as I got rid of a heap yesterday today I have gotten 2 major things out of my house BUT they are only on loan so technically they are gone from my house though! These are my baby bassinet (my sis is due with number 2 in a few short weeks) and also Asher has passed on his baby jumper/play centre to his good friend Ben who loves it!

I have been a bit slack in the creative things for Asher to do today - so this afternoon it was outside to play in his sand pit which yesterday got a good top up from excess from Elara & India's new sandpit! He let his pal Ben play in it too!

I am grateful for the love of my God and that I can rest in the fact that He is faithful and keeps his promises!

For Lisa

bourke at Easter

instant besties

sleepovers

giggles

cocktails

driving around is cool cars

fork n knives

walkie talkies

tears

laughter

dance

party

boardgames

new zealand

hugs

weddings

love

to my darling sister Lisa, happy 30th birthday

sorry I couldn't be with you for it but I was

loving you from afart.

Love Debbs

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!!!

008: one week has passed already?!?

Today I moved a bag of plastic bags to where I could see them in the car so that next time I go shopping I can throw them in the plastic bag recycling bin. (That reminds me, I must put in my green bags into the car so I don't get more plastic ones.)

Asher went with Daddy this afternoon to his cousin's house whilst Daddy and Unc Josh watched the AFL grand final - and he got to have his first play in Belle's (his cousin)new jungle gym and beautiful new cubby house. (Which secretly I am so jealous of - it is gorgeous and even has a little white picket fence and barn doors! and it is high enough that both her daddy and Asher's daddy can both stand up in it - just, and they are both 6ft and above!) Nice work Aunty Dee!

Today I am grateful for answers to prayer for little things - I had a huge headache and Brad prayed for me and it left! Praise God! Also, I am grateful for spending time with girls from church who, whilst at a bridal shower for one of them really were uplifting to be around.