Diary Time

This time of year - every year I am on the search for the perfect diary for the next year.  I have grand dreams of being organised, on top of everything and have everything sorted.  I know what sort of diary I want and so I search... 

Here is the criteria:
- One that opens up fully - not having to squeeze your hand in to write in it.
- It has to have enough room to write stuff in  - no little squares.
- Room for a pen or pencil
- Has to look really good of course.

I am a bit partial to the really good planners - with a week to a page (as long as there is enough room) and a thick cover that wont break half way through the year.

Oh and one more thing... it must put everything in its self as I often forget to.



Something like the above... any suggestions???

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.

Alright already! That will be enough absences!

Ok, I am back! (Yes, again!) I have no idea where I have been really.  Although I reminded that I have had in my possession seasons 1 & 2 of Gilmore Girls which have so wonderfully been taking up my time.  I have really missed them - and to think - There are still at least another 5 or maybe 6 (I'm not sure) seasons to go.  But I will not let myself slip from the blogging world so readily again!

So, my happenings... well... I put my old doll house up today with the help of Asher.  This thing was covered in a very protective layer or two of dust.  It has been sitting up on my mum's wardrobe in... well, at least 3 different houses, spanning over almost 30 years.  It is a little worse for wear and completely made of chipboard, and I may be deliriously crazy to put it up for my 3 year old BOY to play with but never the less, here it is...

I also have almost finished my Christmas shopping... yes shopping, I know, I know - you were thinking I was going to make Christmas pressies again.  So did I!  Well I am planning on making 2 of them still.  But when you get Barbies and other toys on really good sales... well I just caved! I have heaps of plans for my sewing machine over the next few months anyway.  Spring/Summer dresses and skirts, picnic rugs and possibly a doll or two, plus another car carrier, you know that kinda stuff.  But the thought that I don't need to stress about Christmas shopping just leaves time for decorating our house for Christmas.  Thinking cap is on but no ideas yet. 

Tomorrow we are off to see some wonderful friends who are up for a quick holiday from Melbourne... the poor things though as we seemed to have turned on the water works for them, (like they couldnt get that in Melbourne) and the beach is out of the question I think.

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!

finding a happy place...

No decluttering today as it's Sunday and have decided that Sunday is my rest day from all work.

However, it wasn't a peachy day for me.

MyDad who is in Townsville with Mum on holidays visiting her family called me this afternoon to let me know that my Grandad died today. I knew he was very ill but this knowledge didn't soften the shock or grief any. Grandad was a tough old boot with a soft heart and I loved him dearly and will miss him alot. Below is a photo of him and my Grandma at our wedding in 2006.

Oh a somewhat lighter note, after a whole evening and morning of trying, I finally mastered how to crochet a treble stich and have made two granny squares today. This was perfect timing as I found that crocheting a square actually helped to calm and soothe my grieving heart this afternoon. (That and my darling hubby making me a cup of tea).

Psalm 34:8

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and

saves those who are crushed in spirit.

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."

Spring where it really is Spring...

Lately I have been thinking about Spring, which in turn, makes me think of living in Melbourne. The saying that you get "Four Seasons in one day"is terrificly true for this lovely city. I have been looking up photos of Melbourne and just reminising my life there.

pre parenthood

our first stroll out as a family

the delectable Acland St in St.Kilda

It was a great little place to be able to lose yourself, find hidden treasures and do something different every weekend. And, for the creative person, its inspiring, imaginative and decadent. I loved that I could wear my jeans all year round and never get hot, and although it seems like an extra hassle, I really didn't mind packing my compact brolly and a light jacket everyday!

The colours, the smells, the people and the way of life was just amazing. I am very hopeful that one day (God willing), I, with my darling husband, son and any other offspring, will live there again. Ride trams to where ever we feel, watch outdoor movies in the park in Summer, rug up and go to the footy in winter, feel the crunching leaves underfoot in autum and especially, tip toe through the tulips once more with precious friends.

tulip farm


precious friends

004: ahh feeling the space

In my quest to find something to throw out today I decided to start in the laundry and in particular the bottom compartment of our little set of drawers we have. So, what did I find to get rid of - a toiletry bag (which is too small for my stuff when we go away), some old makeup brushes, a bag that went with an old nappy bag, a stack of hair ties that have lost their elastisity and our old toilet roll holder (oh dear we will have to get a nice new one now - this one is definately from the 70's).



For Asher, well I was a little preoccupied today as I went to help a friend clean her house she had just sold and so Asher was very blessed to go to visit his good friends Elara and India for the second time in two days!!! Katherine, saved my bacon again today and looked after him for me, so that was a new thing for him, playing at their house without me. He even got to have pink milk and learnt how to blow bubbles in his drink with a straw. (I'm sure he would have worked it out eventually)



I am soo grateful for the chairs you put money in at the shops and they give you a 4 minute massage for $2. Even more, I am grateful for friends who pay for you - Thanks Mandy!

What I have learned from doing the "Love Dare" this week...

On top of everything else going on in my life, I have decided to take up the challenge of doing the "Love Dare" . For 40 days I have a Dare to do. This week has been the first week and I have already learned ALOT. I have learned that I am a VERY selfish person who can be very quick to get angry, frustrated and annoyed. Something that even alot of my close friends wouldn't know - although my poor darling husband Brad and son Asher know it all to well.

I have had to really think about what I say this week and realised my response to alot of things has been well recieved by them. Also, I have had to think about what I do that makes Brad annoyed, irritable and frustrated.

So, at the end of the first 7 days I am starting to have more paitence, watch how I respond to difficult circumstances and have realised that this marriage is NOT all about me! I would encourage all married couples to take up this challenge. Watch the movie called "Fireproof" then do this challenge, it will not only help you, it will make your marriage better and I would even go as far as to say that, if your marriage is in trouble - this could honestly save it!

Where the wild things are...

As I sit and look at some of the amazing blog sites on here - I am totally inspired by their beauty and am completely taken into their lovely worlds... then I snap back to reality!

You see I really enjoy beautiful, simple, clean and lovely things. But when I take stock of my life and my house and belongings, you could never tell. I am, deep down a VERY girly girl! With a hubby who's spectrum of favorite colours only hovers between light blue, dark blue, brown, and black; and a two year old boy who loves to throw stuff, (particularly balls and dirt) and doesn't like to stay clean - I am left with only one option I feel... have a house that wipes clean easy, doesn't show up dirt and has nothing too precious!

Ah, so you see my quandry now? In the book "Where the Wild things Are", Max rides away in a small boat to where the Wild Things are. My husband and son love this book, because they can imagine being where the wild things are and being part of that. But I, on the other hand want to be back in my lovely house with warm dinner waiting - out of the boat, the forest and away from where the wild things are.

I don't mean to complain about my life and make you think that I don't enjoy my family, house and surroundings, I am just yet to see the feminine beauty that my surroundings possess. Does anyone out there know any ideas on how to do this? I am thinking that I need to stick to my Spring Resolutions especially about de-cluttering more... am now looking at my tin of pens/pencils and wondering how many of them I really need.

I dream of small clay potted herbs sitting neatly in the sun, flowers growing vibrantly in my garden, and me sitting in a lawn chair soaking up the sun whilst sipping tea watching my son play contently in the garden. Ahh. Oh well, there is always heaven for that!

Spring Resolutions

I have just read my friends latest blog update and she has suggested that Spring be the time we make new resolutions, and I whole heartedly agree!!! (Nice one Katherine)

So, as challenged by her my new Spring Resolutions are...

1 - Garden more or maybe I should just say garden, as I don't do it now but I will - anyone who has seen our yard knows its needs some loving!

2 - Declutter (more) - I have started this but I need to do a full "Spring Clean". (HELP)

3 - Write to my friends both far and close - as in hand write not this typing thing - although if I had an old typewriter that would be fun too!~

4 - Get moving more! Ok well I would like to say here "Lose Weight" or "Exercise" but we all know that even the best intended resolutions (at any time of the year) to do these doesn't work. So I hereby declare I will become an outdoorsy person before Summer comes! (This includes walking places, going outside with Asher and using our QLD 3 World passes to go to Seaworld, MovieWorld and Wet'n'Wild more!

Ok, and as a side note - I will also try to be more patient with the uploading my photos on here... Next Time.

What's been happening...

We have done heaps over the last few months and much has happened. But I thought I would put a few pics up of our growing little man just showing how cute he is. He is not in his "Terrible Two's" but rather in his "Terrific (and sometimes trying) Two's".

He is so living up to his name of happy and blessed as he is both and he makes us happy and we are blessed to have him in our lives!

At the museum checking out the koala with mum.

Having fun with cousins!

Kids checking each other out.

(Below) One very happy boy!

Monday's With Katherine

Most people hate Mondays - but very rarely do I have a Monday I don't like!

How do I overcome this world wide problem?

Well, all you need is one REALLY great friend! In my case I have Katherine! We have been friends since it was originally cool to write "BF's 4 Eva"! Cause that is what we are!

We have a kind of unspoken rule that Monday's is OUR day - sometimes it doesn't alway pan out but generally it does. It helps too that we both have kids that play well together - so it doesn't matter if we go to her place or she comes to mine - we just let them run wild whilst we try and chat!

Yep, there is alot of love on Mondays for me! And I owe it all to you Katherine! Thanks!

(PS Asher talked about Katin's Bish all day today not just for the trip home - am thinking a fish in our house may be a good option!)

Two's a treat!

Two weeks.
Two years.
Two.

Yes my baby is turning two - what a grand day! He is growing up so fast it may as well be his third! I certainly don't wish another year past this quick though. I am planning on giving sewing a whirl and making bunting instead of streamers for Asher's birthday... I have on good authority that I am able to do this easily. (Plus, if said authority is wrong - said authority may have to sew instead)

Two is a lovely number, I know that people dread this coming of age as the lurking sound of "terrible two's" is murmered amongst other parents. I, on the other hand, say over Asher that he is not terrible - he is two! He is cheeky and sometimes defiant but aren't we all? He is sweet, and well mannered (most of the time) and loving and caring!

I probably sound, to most, like a pregnant woman who has disillusions of what its like to be a first time mum. But, I am also a firm believer in praying for the best in our children and seeing the best in them (even if it is difficult some days).

The more I watch Asher, the more I see Brad or myself and our personalities fused with a new personality in Asher. It is quite extraordinary! I love it!

So, watch this space - on the 14th of June I will celebrate the life that God has entrusted me to be the mother of whilst on this earth, whilst marvelling at the blessing that he is to both myself and Brad!

My Day

As I sit and recall the day I have had today (Mother's Day) I can only think of one word to describe the day and that is BLESSED. I awoke to my almost 2 year old entertaining himself in his room (actually just taking off his pyjamas I later discovered) then when he was ready to come out my wonderful man got up and let me sleep in (for almost 2 hours!).

Then when I awoke to the sound of the door opening my bright eyed, little Asher came bursting through with a paper, homemade card and a very proud look on his face. He had made (with some help from daddy) a very colourful card. I don't know which I loved more the card or the look on his face when he gave it me and I told him just how proud I was of him.

Next, I was shown that on my bedside table was a pencil with a "Breakfast Menu" and I could choose anything I wanted off it (all of it even, if I was that hungry). I chose eggs on toast and an apple and guava juice.

Then came the presents - New slippers and a dvd (The Lakehouse). Plus, many hugs and kisses.

I got to play with bubbles outside with Asher, also with the ball up the hallway (a fave thing of his) and I got to read my book and relax. We also chatted to my mother-in-law and father-in-law via webcam.

To end my day we had dinner with my mum and dad and gave mum a card and some lovely photos of her adorable and (so far) most loved grandson. (He's the only one so far)

All in all it was a beautiful day and I felt very loved and cherished my my little "Sing"let and my darling husband.

Update on Clean Up

It has been a month since I last let you know what is going on, and contrary to popular belief that I got lost in the mess of the clean up - I have simply just been busy. Ok, for all you out there who know me - busy means I have been doing stuff but probably stuff to fill in the time I should be cleaning. Which is partly true. BUT, I have actually made progress, suprise, suprise.

I have gone through and turfed junk and given away stuff (although there is more up for grabs) and have organised as I have gone. We now have a fully functioning bookshelf, a space for a small office and drum set (which seems to be working ok if we are using these at different times). I also have a rather organised and functional pantry and kitchen, and an uncluttered shelf with photos. Yes, well it is a bit random to say the least, but I am slowly gaining clarity and peace of mind. Praise God!

I have discovered that I am not a naturally tidy and organised person (I'm sure this is a real shock to most of you - NOT), but I have also discovered that I do have tendancies to be an organised and tidy person. I have been reading a great book called "Living Organised" which has helped and led me to a great website called "Messies Anonymous" http://www.messies.com/.

So, those of you who are not living the graceful life of pristine housekeeping you might want to check this site out. The peace of mind that comes from being even slightly organised is just awesome. It's an ongoing battle but I know I can do it (with a little help from my friends).

Today is THE day! - Actually, tomorrow is.

Do you have a constant "To Do" List? Do you keep putting it off, hoping that one day it will all be done/fixed? Well, I do. But tomorrow is a new day and I plan on starting - my "To Do" list can be summed up in one word "SIMPLIFY". Sounds easy right? Well I am a procrastinator of the worst kind and so my quest for a simple life over the years has gotten put of and basicly - cluttered!

But no more. In the past 2 weeks I have had 3 seperate offers to help me to SIMPLIFY (some may call it clean, de-clutter or cull - but I like Simplify) Tomorrow I have the first of my helpers coming to help me make a start. So over the next few weeks watch this space as I go from my state of craziness to a place of calm.

When I talk about all this I am mostly meaning my home. It is not super messy or dirty or unclean in general - but I just have WAY too much "stuff" and I need to let go of a stack of it.

So tomorrow we start on the first assignment - the Rumpus Room - this room is a study, home office, music room and storage room. I plan to make it a 3-in-1 room will about a 1/3 given to home office and music and 2/3 given to an actual playroom. Which will help in the simplifying of other rooms that have toys or play areas.

Check back soon!

PS If you have any tips leave me a comment!

A Not So Up Time

As I was sitting waiting for my computer to load up this morning I glanced to books nearby. One of which was the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I have been meaning to read this book so I too can become effective - but when I looked at it this morning my cynical self said "Ha, I am sure that guy who wrote that book has never been a stay at home mum!" Not to say that there is anything wrong with the guy or the book - I have heard great stuff and really do intend to read it, or to say that stay at home mum's can't be effective. I know they can and are! I just sometimes feel like I am not one of those mum's.

In life there are ups and downs and, well at the moment as you might have guessed this is not an 'up' time. I just feel, at times, a bit like life has moved on without me and can't help wondering if I will ever catch up. Maybe I am just stuck in a bit of a rut! Doing the same thing day in and out and never having a moment to stop and look at which direction I am going in. See even on here I seem to be going in circles and making no sense at all! Yes I am a butterfly with one wing flying in circles and spiraling to a crash landing.

Having said all that though - I know that I have a soft place to land - in the hand of my Maker and when God seems invisable, He sends my friends. This week He has done just that. My situation hasn't changed but due to a couple of precious words from friends (and I'm sure prayers) my outlook has changed, albeit slightly but definately for the better. (Plus the little "I wuv ew"from Asher is nice too.