Its been 4 weeks of mid year school holidays! It has gone by quickly yet I found it quite hard....you see Daddy had started some intense training in a new aircraft at his work just as the school holidays begun. What awful timing!! I felt I had to take the kids out so much more so that he could get all the rest and study he needed in order to successfully complete his training. It has all proven harder then we thought and my heart goes out to my man who is trying to keep it together.
I sat down with Asher at the beginning of the holidays and had a monthly planner. We wrote down all the fun things we were wanting to do. Everyday we have done something different. I'm just dissappointed I haven't been as cheery or delightful as I would want my mother to be. I've spent more time correcting behaviour these 4 weeks then cuddling and enjoying the freedom of no school days. I have kept the house pretty clean but so what and for what need?
In addition to this scenario its probably the first time in our married lives where we have had the least amount of money. I'm not too phased by it, but I know John is. All that pressure to perform well at work and then to have no cash at the end of every week is heart breaking for a man.
My grandmother who has always been so generous doesn't know the extent of the cashflow problem but sent a few hundred dollars for the kids for me to take them places for the holidays. What a blessing! How thouhhtful and kind.
We have done some pretty cool stuff -
- Visited a friends farm, riding horses, feeding kookaburras, galas, holding a snake, petting kangaroos and collecting peacock feathers.
- Beach combing by thr rock pools
- Dinner by the beach at sunset with our car boot movie nights with blankets pillows and the laptop
- Movies in the botanical gardens with takeaway pizza
- Visit to the crocodile park
- Iceskating!
- Finding Dory
- Saturday afternoons spent at the local holiday resort pool
Saturday, 28 September 2019
Well now hello....
It has been aaaaages since writing here. The last time I can see was way back in Darwin days when I was relatively fresh in the pregnancy of our fourth child. Boy did that hit me like a tonne of bricks. Not the falling pregnant part, as each baby of ours has come when we planned (literally first go each time....too much detail?) but the caring for the 3 other very very needy siblings while mama was sick as a dogg for 6 months. Really, I do get that sick. It is oure insanity that I went back each time again and again. Insanity of really just loving pregnancy and babies and happy families - that was my motivation.
So 2 years has past - yep - those 2 years I just buckled down and looked after everyone, all while moving yet again each 12 months in between. So we have gone from Darwin, to Brisbane and now to Melbourne.
Life is so different here. I never thought i'd truly feel it but I miss Darwin so much. I miss the lifestyle and the relaxation and the beauty of the landscapes. I miss being able to swim everyday.
Melbourne right now I have to say I am not a big fan of. I really am trying to get my head around how long it takes to get places...and then how cold and rainy it is all the time, everything is so expensive - hardly anything kid friendly and free to do. There's cool stuff to see but I guess I am living in a different fram of mind. So I am trying to see past all of what I am perceiving as negative. I am learning to embrace the changes. We did spend a lot of time visiting the snow this past winter and that was incredible. The children are really so lucky to have experienced so many different climates and natural beauties in all the different locations we have lived. (I always say we are like the travelling families who pack up everything and go around the place in caravans - except we just live everywhere in normal houses for 12 months everywhere we visit - packing and moving is sooo stressful!)
We also visited the amazing 12 Apostles during the last school holidays. We spent 3 days camping at Johanna Beach. 3 days doesn't seem like much but it was just a quick trip in between Johnny's flying. I loved loved loved this camp spot. It was right on the beach but next to incredible hills and country paddocks full of sheep and cows. We went walking at night hunting for crabs and building sandcastles in little rock caves with the children. During the day the weather was sunny for day 1 and we just walked and played along the beach setting up camp. The children played chicken against the waves....oh my goodness this water may aswell have had icicles floating in it. It was like the antartic! Asher accidently got dunked by getting toppled over in the waves at one point as he was standing on the waters edge. It was hilarious and thankfully he tought it was too, although freezing!!
We drove down to the 12 apostles on day two. The children were really sick of driving and didn't find the huge gigantic rocks in the ocean as spectacular as we did. But in the end they made their own fun down by the bay of one of the beaches in between the rock formations. We saw a huve blow hole too - something I had never seen before. The whole area is breath taking. Next it was Port Campbell for fish and chips. That was a suprise - I just thought it was a country town nearby but it was a beach with spectacular views and scenery.
On our trip home to Melbourne we returned via The Great Ocean Road again. I can't begin to talk all about the memories we made on both car trips down and back. Too much fun and too much "folk of the faraway tree" on the stereo.
It has been aaaaages since writing here. The last time I can see was way back in Darwin days when I was relatively fresh in the pregnancy of our fourth child. Boy did that hit me like a tonne of bricks. Not the falling pregnant part, as each baby of ours has come when we planned (literally first go each time....too much detail?) but the caring for the 3 other very very needy siblings while mama was sick as a dogg for 6 months. Really, I do get that sick. It is oure insanity that I went back each time again and again. Insanity of really just loving pregnancy and babies and happy families - that was my motivation.
So 2 years has past - yep - those 2 years I just buckled down and looked after everyone, all while moving yet again each 12 months in between. So we have gone from Darwin, to Brisbane and now to Melbourne.
Life is so different here. I never thought i'd truly feel it but I miss Darwin so much. I miss the lifestyle and the relaxation and the beauty of the landscapes. I miss being able to swim everyday.
Melbourne right now I have to say I am not a big fan of. I really am trying to get my head around how long it takes to get places...and then how cold and rainy it is all the time, everything is so expensive - hardly anything kid friendly and free to do. There's cool stuff to see but I guess I am living in a different fram of mind. So I am trying to see past all of what I am perceiving as negative. I am learning to embrace the changes. We did spend a lot of time visiting the snow this past winter and that was incredible. The children are really so lucky to have experienced so many different climates and natural beauties in all the different locations we have lived. (I always say we are like the travelling families who pack up everything and go around the place in caravans - except we just live everywhere in normal houses for 12 months everywhere we visit - packing and moving is sooo stressful!)
We also visited the amazing 12 Apostles during the last school holidays. We spent 3 days camping at Johanna Beach. 3 days doesn't seem like much but it was just a quick trip in between Johnny's flying. I loved loved loved this camp spot. It was right on the beach but next to incredible hills and country paddocks full of sheep and cows. We went walking at night hunting for crabs and building sandcastles in little rock caves with the children. During the day the weather was sunny for day 1 and we just walked and played along the beach setting up camp. The children played chicken against the waves....oh my goodness this water may aswell have had icicles floating in it. It was like the antartic! Asher accidently got dunked by getting toppled over in the waves at one point as he was standing on the waters edge. It was hilarious and thankfully he tought it was too, although freezing!!
We drove down to the 12 apostles on day two. The children were really sick of driving and didn't find the huge gigantic rocks in the ocean as spectacular as we did. But in the end they made their own fun down by the bay of one of the beaches in between the rock formations. We saw a huve blow hole too - something I had never seen before. The whole area is breath taking. Next it was Port Campbell for fish and chips. That was a suprise - I just thought it was a country town nearby but it was a beach with spectacular views and scenery.
On our trip home to Melbourne we returned via The Great Ocean Road again. I can't begin to talk all about the memories we made on both car trips down and back. Too much fun and too much "folk of the faraway tree" on the stereo.
Tuesday, 7 June 2016
Bargain in the Blood
I love buying secondhand.
I get a thrill out of finding a bargain and saving. I remember as a uni student always having nice clothes but only ever buying everything from a cheaper store, and still looking just as good. Back then I wasn't so into op shopping but now its all I ever do!
Recently I purchased something for my children that is retail $200 that I got for $30. My husband is a lucky man 💕 for getting a girl like me I think. Hahaa but seriously I have inherited this savvy way of life from my incredible grandmother. She taught me from a young age the value of money ( as well as from my dad and grandfather - they have money saving in their blood!) and how to live successfully with a business mind. Grandma will be 89 years old this month and I have been preciously blessed to have her in my life as a guide. I hope to make her proud even when she passes on. The amazing thing is she would have to be the most generous person I know. Still to this day she sends me birthday money (I'm 31 for goodness sakes) and will more then often pop a nice amount of money in our bank account "for the kids" as she knows life right now is tight. What a beautiful example of giving - I want to be like her in so many ways.
In other thoughts, I've recently introduced no more plasticware in our house for the children. I have come to learn that having the children use glassware and crockery at the young ages of almost 6, almost 4 and just turned 2 is a really useful thing. There have been no smashes so far and its been at least a month that we've made the change. Sariah the 2 year old has not broken one thing and I give her the daily task of taking her dishes to the sink after each meal, along with her older brothers. They've smashed things in the past by accident and have naturally learnt they don't want that to happen again. I never had to yell at them or make them feel bad they just figured it out. A glass smashing for a little kid is pretty terrifying. If it was a plastic cup or bowl constantly falling on the ground that never broke they would never learn the need to be careful and control themselves. It has been interesting to watch and observe how good they are at taking care of things since this change.
This all comes from the educational background Maria Montessori encouraged and I have been testing and trialing all areas of her methods in our home for some time now. All I have is praise!
Children can do more then we give them credit for that's the biggest message. I love being a mother to my children and educating myself in how to do them better everyday, its the greatest work I can ever achieve so why not push myself.
No more plastic! But I wonder how much money I will save in the end...
😊
I get a thrill out of finding a bargain and saving. I remember as a uni student always having nice clothes but only ever buying everything from a cheaper store, and still looking just as good. Back then I wasn't so into op shopping but now its all I ever do!
Recently I purchased something for my children that is retail $200 that I got for $30. My husband is a lucky man 💕 for getting a girl like me I think. Hahaa but seriously I have inherited this savvy way of life from my incredible grandmother. She taught me from a young age the value of money ( as well as from my dad and grandfather - they have money saving in their blood!) and how to live successfully with a business mind. Grandma will be 89 years old this month and I have been preciously blessed to have her in my life as a guide. I hope to make her proud even when she passes on. The amazing thing is she would have to be the most generous person I know. Still to this day she sends me birthday money (I'm 31 for goodness sakes) and will more then often pop a nice amount of money in our bank account "for the kids" as she knows life right now is tight. What a beautiful example of giving - I want to be like her in so many ways.
In other thoughts, I've recently introduced no more plasticware in our house for the children. I have come to learn that having the children use glassware and crockery at the young ages of almost 6, almost 4 and just turned 2 is a really useful thing. There have been no smashes so far and its been at least a month that we've made the change. Sariah the 2 year old has not broken one thing and I give her the daily task of taking her dishes to the sink after each meal, along with her older brothers. They've smashed things in the past by accident and have naturally learnt they don't want that to happen again. I never had to yell at them or make them feel bad they just figured it out. A glass smashing for a little kid is pretty terrifying. If it was a plastic cup or bowl constantly falling on the ground that never broke they would never learn the need to be careful and control themselves. It has been interesting to watch and observe how good they are at taking care of things since this change.
This all comes from the educational background Maria Montessori encouraged and I have been testing and trialing all areas of her methods in our home for some time now. All I have is praise!
Children can do more then we give them credit for that's the biggest message. I love being a mother to my children and educating myself in how to do them better everyday, its the greatest work I can ever achieve so why not push myself.
No more plastic! But I wonder how much money I will save in the end...
😊
Sunday, 5 June 2016
Lately
Recently I've been sick, and have been forced to just stay at home - like don't go anywhere with all the kids all week. That is usually not what we do here but lately I've loved it. I was talking to a school mum who has 3 kids and no car during the day as hubby takes it. I thought how the heck do you deal?? She said she loves it, everyday is slow paced the house gets cleaned and she's always baking. You really can't catch up on much if you are running around all week just to keep the littlies entertained at playgroup, swimming, shops, appointments etc.
So I've embraced it and am loving it!
This past weekend was so lovely and easy going. Friday night began with movie night of course, with Peter Pan as the screening :) they all loooooove it so much. Then we went on a beautiful family bike ride Saturday. Normally we would go local on a saturday morning but this time we went out of our neighbourhood to the coastline in town. It was amazing! The boys were so fast and john and I just cruised. Even Asher was saying to everything he saw 'everything is so beautiful!'.... we rode past some war memorial sites and explored as well as watched model aeroplanes take off and loop at the club that was on the bike path. Two happy little boys enjoyed that!
Our saturday ended with lovely friends of ours with (6 grown adult children of their own) who came and babysat for us. Johnny and I had a treat of dinner and gelato and a movie - which i fell asleep in of course... can't keep me up past 9pm these days hahaa.
Sunday we enjoyed being together at church, Asher has been trying so hard to sit still and quietly during classes which is defenitely not his normal way of life but very good for him to learn at the age of 5. He won the little class reward for his efforts and was so proud!
That afternoon daddy took the boys fishing and mummy and sariah stayed home to rest...and in such a cliche way we played tea parties for almost an hour...she just is drawn to that make believe thing with doll's and tea cups - we loved it.
In other news sariah is completely toilet trained wahoooo! I feel like super woman 😄
Such a blessing to stay home everyday with my babies and soak all of this in.
xx
So I've embraced it and am loving it!
This past weekend was so lovely and easy going. Friday night began with movie night of course, with Peter Pan as the screening :) they all loooooove it so much. Then we went on a beautiful family bike ride Saturday. Normally we would go local on a saturday morning but this time we went out of our neighbourhood to the coastline in town. It was amazing! The boys were so fast and john and I just cruised. Even Asher was saying to everything he saw 'everything is so beautiful!'.... we rode past some war memorial sites and explored as well as watched model aeroplanes take off and loop at the club that was on the bike path. Two happy little boys enjoyed that!
Our saturday ended with lovely friends of ours with (6 grown adult children of their own) who came and babysat for us. Johnny and I had a treat of dinner and gelato and a movie - which i fell asleep in of course... can't keep me up past 9pm these days hahaa.
Sunday we enjoyed being together at church, Asher has been trying so hard to sit still and quietly during classes which is defenitely not his normal way of life but very good for him to learn at the age of 5. He won the little class reward for his efforts and was so proud!
That afternoon daddy took the boys fishing and mummy and sariah stayed home to rest...and in such a cliche way we played tea parties for almost an hour...she just is drawn to that make believe thing with doll's and tea cups - we loved it.
In other news sariah is completely toilet trained wahoooo! I feel like super woman 😄
Such a blessing to stay home everyday with my babies and soak all of this in.
xx
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
Easter time!
I am so excited!
The biggest most anticipated long weekend of the year is only 4 more weeks away -- Easter! We have so many beautiful memories since having our first child of this time of year. Having made so many traditions - Easter brunch, new pjs, class gifts, dyeing eggs to list a few - its even more exciting every year it comes around as they are just a little older. The kids seem to understand more of the story and reason we celebrate, it makes the whole season wonderful as I see they are 'getting it'. They are just so much more aware of everything and makes the whole thing even more fun!
We love to have a count down to Easter with a little advent like activity and treat a day along with reading our favourite Easter story.
I love to collect as many Easter books as I can from the library in the month leading up to it and we read all kinds of funny bunny stories, stories about eggs and chicks and spring and new life. It is such a lovely feeling and we are all so excited everyday for the Easter Bunny to arrive with all the glorious chocolate of course!
I found these cute egg hunt signs this week at Target for only $5 -- there was a whole stack of good things but this was something I didn't want to walk away from. Defenitely something to keep in my Easter box of collections.
Happy celebrating and preparing and dreaming of mountains of chocolate ♡
x
The biggest most anticipated long weekend of the year is only 4 more weeks away -- Easter! We have so many beautiful memories since having our first child of this time of year. Having made so many traditions - Easter brunch, new pjs, class gifts, dyeing eggs to list a few - its even more exciting every year it comes around as they are just a little older. The kids seem to understand more of the story and reason we celebrate, it makes the whole season wonderful as I see they are 'getting it'. They are just so much more aware of everything and makes the whole thing even more fun!
We love to have a count down to Easter with a little advent like activity and treat a day along with reading our favourite Easter story.
I love to collect as many Easter books as I can from the library in the month leading up to it and we read all kinds of funny bunny stories, stories about eggs and chicks and spring and new life. It is such a lovely feeling and we are all so excited everyday for the Easter Bunny to arrive with all the glorious chocolate of course!
I found these cute egg hunt signs this week at Target for only $5 -- there was a whole stack of good things but this was something I didn't want to walk away from. Defenitely something to keep in my Easter box of collections.
Happy celebrating and preparing and dreaming of mountains of chocolate ♡
x
Wednesday, 17 February 2016
Extension work
I recently discovered this website with simple curriculums for the primary school years. It's fantastic with guiding you to know where to start with extra learning at home in addition to what's happening in the classroom.
http://www.cambridgeschool.eu/en/curriculum-learning/documents/
I don't know why but I have known our eldest needs more then just the basics when it comes to learning - he thinks differently and stretches further then most children his age. Sounds like I'm just a proud parent but I have notice this difference in him since he was about 15 months old when he could look at something he had never seen before - like a television - and work out how to turn it on/off without anyone showing him where the buttons were...and so many other little things he could work out before he was even previously exposed to them -- huge complicated puzzles at 20 months old and matching and memory games which became too easy for him and boring by the time he was two. He was talking in full blown proper sentences long before his toddler peers (and his later born siblings) then learnt how to ride a bike without any coaching at all - he just got on it and started riding - then it was the same with swimming...just one day figured it out without one lesson ever.
I guess this is just normal and everyone is different but with all of this I have really wanted to present extension activities to him -- sometimes this has caused me stress, it all is a lot more work then just doing the bare minimum day after day - ie turning the tv on and leaving it at that.
So now that he has started school, I am trying hard to keep on top of the extension activities he could be experimenting with. Right now life feels like I'm just keeping my head above water -- 2 other little ones at home and lots of sickness running through our familiy lately has worn me out. Just keeping it together is usually the feeling we are experiencing. So one day I found this awesome website with the curriculum for each primary school year. It is simply described and basic enough for parents to explore with their children. We hope to follow these curriculum pages with Asher and seeing whatever he is interested in.
http://www.cambridgeschool.eu/en/curriculum-learning/documents/
I don't know why but I have known our eldest needs more then just the basics when it comes to learning - he thinks differently and stretches further then most children his age. Sounds like I'm just a proud parent but I have notice this difference in him since he was about 15 months old when he could look at something he had never seen before - like a television - and work out how to turn it on/off without anyone showing him where the buttons were...and so many other little things he could work out before he was even previously exposed to them -- huge complicated puzzles at 20 months old and matching and memory games which became too easy for him and boring by the time he was two. He was talking in full blown proper sentences long before his toddler peers (and his later born siblings) then learnt how to ride a bike without any coaching at all - he just got on it and started riding - then it was the same with swimming...just one day figured it out without one lesson ever.
I guess this is just normal and everyone is different but with all of this I have really wanted to present extension activities to him -- sometimes this has caused me stress, it all is a lot more work then just doing the bare minimum day after day - ie turning the tv on and leaving it at that.
So now that he has started school, I am trying hard to keep on top of the extension activities he could be experimenting with. Right now life feels like I'm just keeping my head above water -- 2 other little ones at home and lots of sickness running through our familiy lately has worn me out. Just keeping it together is usually the feeling we are experiencing. So one day I found this awesome website with the curriculum for each primary school year. It is simply described and basic enough for parents to explore with their children. We hope to follow these curriculum pages with Asher and seeing whatever he is interested in.
Wednesday, 10 February 2016
All you need is LOVE
In the name of all things L O V E we had a little conversation around the dinner table tonight about what we love in eachother... its cute to hear what a 5 and 3 year old has to say about their siblings and lovely thoughts on their parents --
Asher loves how daddy surprises him and picks him up from school sometimes and takes him out
His favourite day ever was when he picked him up early and took him to a movie just the two of them - this happened a while ago now and he still thinks of this special day together
He loves how dad takes the boys fishing -- its the best thing ever!!
Asher loves how Jet gives him the tightest hugs everyday when saying goodbye to him at school and anytime around the house he is feeling especially happy
Jet loves how Asher lets him hold his fishing rod
Jet loves how daddy takes him fishing
Jet loves how mummy always wants cuddles and smooches
Asher loves when mummy gives him kisses and my smiling face
Asher loves how Sariah gives kisses - its soooo cute and he asks her to kiss her all the time!
Asher loves how cute sariah says "mummy, mummy, mummy" in her own funny way that we all know
Daddy said that he loves Jets cuddles and lovely kindness
Daddy loves how Asher is so helpful and is a good listener when he asks for his help
Daddy loves how thoughtful mummy is (my list of things i love about Daddy is too long for this blog ha!)
Mummy loves how Asher eats almost anything put in front of him and how much he helps her around the house.
There was a bit more I have forgotten but this little moment was happening all while eating dinner and in between "can I please have some..." and "I'm just gonna get a drink" so it was a bit of focus at the same time with lots of interruptions - but hey they are two crazy 3 and 5 year old boys.
We all felt lots of good feelings as we left the dinner table and headed for books and cuddles before bed.
As I was reading to little Sariah before bed, I had a moment of "oh no" this is nearly all over. It was like years flashed before my eyes of her now being all grown up and it made my heart sink just for a moment. She was sitting on my lap and totally engrossed in her favourite books "Sally's Secret" and "Rhymes for Annie Rose" -- baby girl will seriously sit in total silence as I read these to her with her eyes looking all over the pages. They are the sweetest books written and illustrated by Shirley Huges. A seriously good investment for your childrens library.
What a lucky girl I am to have all this love and the sweet little babies that I have been given 💗
Asher loves how daddy surprises him and picks him up from school sometimes and takes him out
His favourite day ever was when he picked him up early and took him to a movie just the two of them - this happened a while ago now and he still thinks of this special day together
He loves how dad takes the boys fishing -- its the best thing ever!!
Asher loves how Jet gives him the tightest hugs everyday when saying goodbye to him at school and anytime around the house he is feeling especially happy
Jet loves how Asher lets him hold his fishing rod
Jet loves how daddy takes him fishing
Jet loves how mummy always wants cuddles and smooches
Asher loves when mummy gives him kisses and my smiling face
Asher loves how Sariah gives kisses - its soooo cute and he asks her to kiss her all the time!
Asher loves how cute sariah says "mummy, mummy, mummy" in her own funny way that we all know
Daddy said that he loves Jets cuddles and lovely kindness
Daddy loves how Asher is so helpful and is a good listener when he asks for his help
Daddy loves how thoughtful mummy is (my list of things i love about Daddy is too long for this blog ha!)
Mummy loves how Asher eats almost anything put in front of him and how much he helps her around the house.
There was a bit more I have forgotten but this little moment was happening all while eating dinner and in between "can I please have some..." and "I'm just gonna get a drink" so it was a bit of focus at the same time with lots of interruptions - but hey they are two crazy 3 and 5 year old boys.
We all felt lots of good feelings as we left the dinner table and headed for books and cuddles before bed.
As I was reading to little Sariah before bed, I had a moment of "oh no" this is nearly all over. It was like years flashed before my eyes of her now being all grown up and it made my heart sink just for a moment. She was sitting on my lap and totally engrossed in her favourite books "Sally's Secret" and "Rhymes for Annie Rose" -- baby girl will seriously sit in total silence as I read these to her with her eyes looking all over the pages. They are the sweetest books written and illustrated by Shirley Huges. A seriously good investment for your childrens library.
What a lucky girl I am to have all this love and the sweet little babies that I have been given 💗
Sunday, 31 January 2016
Mastering
I'm being forced to take things really s l o w
This new routine of school pick up and drop off is a new challenge to master. I'm happy to say its all working well its just that its new and we are all getting used to it. It has been nice just to have a quiet rest at home while big brother is enjoying his school days.
I have been unwell lately, mixed with not sleeping the greatest too - has all forced me to just stop and take a breather. The house is not what it usually should look like and it gets under my skin but the kids and johnny work hard on that for me which means I'm one of the lucky ones!
Here's to another slow week at home with these babies xx
This new routine of school pick up and drop off is a new challenge to master. I'm happy to say its all working well its just that its new and we are all getting used to it. It has been nice just to have a quiet rest at home while big brother is enjoying his school days.
I have been unwell lately, mixed with not sleeping the greatest too - has all forced me to just stop and take a breather. The house is not what it usually should look like and it gets under my skin but the kids and johnny work hard on that for me which means I'm one of the lucky ones!
Here's to another slow week at home with these babies xx
Sunday, 17 January 2016
Peace
Today was a moment of pure reflection. I thoroughly enjoyed taking it all in. I haven't been sleeping well lately as i sleep so lightly when my husband leaves for work at 4am I am disturbed that I never ever fall back asleep. But even after that habit of early waking happened last night I still managed to have a peaceful sabbath today. How grateful I am for that! I was enlightened, I learnt new things about the gospel and my children were able to as well. Asher in particular commenting on how nice the music was in our house this afternoon, he was feeling the Spirit!!
Ahhh
Love those moments.
'
But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come'.
Doctrine and Covenants 59:23
Ahhh
Love those moments.
'
Doctrine and Covenants 59:23
Monday, 11 January 2016
Summer Holidays
I have had a great time these summer holidays, I am so thankful for being able to actually say that. I bumped into another preschool mum today who asked how the holidays were going for us and I could happily say it has been going well and actually slipping away really fast. Sadly her experience has been the opposite, with her saying it has been a nightmare.
I realised a few things after leaving that conversation. I remembered to thank Asher for being so good every time his younger siblings are having a nap. He simply stays downstairs while I have some quiet time and listens to stories on CD or plays with lego and helps himself to the pantry. I don't mind, and find it incredible because we're talking 2 hours of naptime most days! That one simple part of the day that occurs is why our school holidays have been a breeze. Both the 3 year old and 21 month old sleep for 2 hours a day. Sometimes
1 1/2 hours instead but that simple break is heaven.
On top of that, daddy is home so much more. Sometimes home as soon as naptime is over. Now this is an absolute first in our soon to be 8 years of marriage. I am counting my lucky stars and high fiving the guardian angels who watch over me for him having such an awesome work schedule. But I have done the hard yards to get here. Out of the last 3 years with his previous employer I only saw him for 18 months. So I am beyond grateful right now.
Generally though the children have been happy grateful and fun lately. That makes my mummy heart swell. Today was an impromptu outing and i decided to take them for lunch somewhere with ice cream as a treat. Asher said while smiling, thank you mummy so much for this lovely surprise. His exact words! Almost kipping as he said it. And kept saying it while he was eating his lunch. It made me feel glad and comforted that hard days make up for these good ones.
The house is noisy, immediate chaos when their little feet hit the floor in the mornings but little things like a grateful child can smooth it all over.
I know we have really kept things simple with easy outings rather then full on day trips anywhere and even just not catching up with anyone and just doing our own thing has made for less stress and commitment. No rush to get anywhere and stress if someone is in a bad mood and we have to cancel. Its just been us and its been easy. Maybe that's a secret ingredient. They have me all to myself, well its working out fine and sadly there's only about 10 days left!
Then onto Asher starting his first year of school...
Oh.
My.
Goodness.
I realised a few things after leaving that conversation. I remembered to thank Asher for being so good every time his younger siblings are having a nap. He simply stays downstairs while I have some quiet time and listens to stories on CD or plays with lego and helps himself to the pantry. I don't mind, and find it incredible because we're talking 2 hours of naptime most days! That one simple part of the day that occurs is why our school holidays have been a breeze. Both the 3 year old and 21 month old sleep for 2 hours a day. Sometimes
1 1/2 hours instead but that simple break is heaven.
On top of that, daddy is home so much more. Sometimes home as soon as naptime is over. Now this is an absolute first in our soon to be 8 years of marriage. I am counting my lucky stars and high fiving the guardian angels who watch over me for him having such an awesome work schedule. But I have done the hard yards to get here. Out of the last 3 years with his previous employer I only saw him for 18 months. So I am beyond grateful right now.
Generally though the children have been happy grateful and fun lately. That makes my mummy heart swell. Today was an impromptu outing and i decided to take them for lunch somewhere with ice cream as a treat. Asher said while smiling, thank you mummy so much for this lovely surprise. His exact words! Almost kipping as he said it. And kept saying it while he was eating his lunch. It made me feel glad and comforted that hard days make up for these good ones.
The house is noisy, immediate chaos when their little feet hit the floor in the mornings but little things like a grateful child can smooth it all over.
I know we have really kept things simple with easy outings rather then full on day trips anywhere and even just not catching up with anyone and just doing our own thing has made for less stress and commitment. No rush to get anywhere and stress if someone is in a bad mood and we have to cancel. Its just been us and its been easy. Maybe that's a secret ingredient. They have me all to myself, well its working out fine and sadly there's only about 10 days left!
Then onto Asher starting his first year of school...
Oh.
My.
Goodness.
1. Summer holiday community activity day - the boy loves face painting!!
2. There were 3 in the bed...
3. Jet started Primary at church!
4.The Darling
5. Busy crafting
6. Busy burning energy, diy indoor snow slide
7. My cherubs on the old church piano
x
Monday, 14 December 2015
The Gingerbread Man
I'm sitting in my car blaring my speakers listening to my favourite album of 2015 - well 2014 really....this album is the one that got me through all the loneliness of the year that has just gone. After moving at the end of 2014 to yet another town, another church ward and a whole new life ( did i say yet again!) this music is what got me through. Every track has a little trigger of a memory of a smell, a particular day or even a certain street in our town where I used to go and drive to get away from it all. The loneliness of motherhood at that time was dark and I know that the music probably, no definitely, magnified that darkness. But here we are at the end of the year and I'm still listening to his smooth sound and perfect exact lyrics to what wraps up a hard but good year. I still feel my heart rise in my neck as I remember that awful feeling when Johns car would roll away yet again, with no end in sight for a positive change. When, when, when. I'd always cry, everytime he would leave, yep never got used to it. Ever.
Unaware that I was being moulded and changed and still cared for at the same time, like a perfect ending to any struggle, all our prayers would be answered and all my wishes would come true through the remarkable gift of a dream job offer. Dream being that we would now share the same bed each night for the first time again in almost 7 years.
Dayum is all I can say to the last 12 months.
Here's to Mr Ginger himself, Ed Sheeran...
X
Unaware that I was being moulded and changed and still cared for at the same time, like a perfect ending to any struggle, all our prayers would be answered and all my wishes would come true through the remarkable gift of a dream job offer. Dream being that we would now share the same bed each night for the first time again in almost 7 years.
Dayum is all I can say to the last 12 months.
Here's to Mr Ginger himself, Ed Sheeran...
X
Sunday, 22 November 2015
Dr Sears
Probably the best article on discipline I have read in a loooong time -
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/parenting/discipline-behavior/discipline-for-children
We have our fair share of not knowing which way to turn in this parenting situation. I have so many ups and downs, and always lean on prayer to guide me. Today my prayer lead me to this wonderful article from Dr Sears. I need to print this out and read it weekly. Everything - EVERYTHING fits whats going on in our house to a T. I am thankful for prayer and support in my motherhood. And for smart phones that can get you so much help in an instant!
x
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/parenting/discipline-behavior/discipline-for-children
We have our fair share of not knowing which way to turn in this parenting situation. I have so many ups and downs, and always lean on prayer to guide me. Today my prayer lead me to this wonderful article from Dr Sears. I need to print this out and read it weekly. Everything - EVERYTHING fits whats going on in our house to a T. I am thankful for prayer and support in my motherhood. And for smart phones that can get you so much help in an instant!
x
1. Our collection on the way home from preschool, beautiful natural Christmas decor!
2. Mama and son lunch date
3. Lego club!
4. The tree is up and we're excited!
Sunday, 15 November 2015
Sometimes I feel like I have a lot to say, and other days I feel like I just talk too much! I'm in a mood to stop and write it all down, remember lovely things that have been happening lately to look back on and think how great my life really is!
Its early November and just yesterday afternoon we put on the Buble Christmas album! It felt so good to be back here at this season again and now with everyone another year older. It feels like every year things get that much more enjoyable as now they're able to experience even more things that the previous year they were just too little for. Its lovely! Now our eldest is really coming to understand the purpose of Christmas more and even thinking of all the fun Christmas activities we get to do together now that he is a big 5 and a half year old. I feel like life is pretty sweet right now.
The other day though it was rough going, the boys were acting up and each one of us in the house were fed up. We all had had it! So good to now have perspective from a happy day and happy weekend to look back and think what could I do better
I definitely know it all comes down to taking things more slowly. More quiet days at home with books and just a peaceful bike ride to the park or something simple. I love that we are in a smaller town now. Not so much crazy business happening.
So the boys managed to get themselves back on track and the grown ups did too :)
Now its onwards and upwards for the lovely season ahead. I'm thinking of all the things we love to do at this time of year. Its sad that old friends and the rest of the family aren't close by but I'm hoping our same old traditions can keep the same spirit alive.
I love that Christmas is here again!!
Its early November and just yesterday afternoon we put on the Buble Christmas album! It felt so good to be back here at this season again and now with everyone another year older. It feels like every year things get that much more enjoyable as now they're able to experience even more things that the previous year they were just too little for. Its lovely! Now our eldest is really coming to understand the purpose of Christmas more and even thinking of all the fun Christmas activities we get to do together now that he is a big 5 and a half year old. I feel like life is pretty sweet right now.
The other day though it was rough going, the boys were acting up and each one of us in the house were fed up. We all had had it! So good to now have perspective from a happy day and happy weekend to look back and think what could I do better
I definitely know it all comes down to taking things more slowly. More quiet days at home with books and just a peaceful bike ride to the park or something simple. I love that we are in a smaller town now. Not so much crazy business happening.
So the boys managed to get themselves back on track and the grown ups did too :)
Now its onwards and upwards for the lovely season ahead. I'm thinking of all the things we love to do at this time of year. Its sad that old friends and the rest of the family aren't close by but I'm hoping our same old traditions can keep the same spirit alive.
I love that Christmas is here again!!
1. Got a turn of a real life Australian Army robot that searches for bombs. Asher was obessed!
2. Happy summery children at Mothers group
3.Bunderberg Drinks means Summer!
4. A moment where they are playing altogether happily
5. Our Magic Beach
6. Some special angels surprised us and gave us this beautiful new dining setting. A luxury item we've never had - a couple with grandchildren remembering what it was like to be young parents trying to get by. How we are blessed!
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
Today is a good day, because I have 2 children asleep at the same time. That is normally what happens but with the move and staying with family for a bit, the routine has been disturbed. I'm grateful for a day like today!
Some thoughts on my mind right now are all jumbled around budgeting - making money stretch. I love playing and figuring out how to make money go further. We are on a small amount but somehow there is always room to play and for life to feel comfortable. It is such a blessing.
I've thought about what will happen when the children will become old enough to have part time jobs. I used to catch a bus late at night all by myself at 14 years old after the thursday late night shopping shift. Looking back I don't think I'd expect or allow my kids to have to do that, but I would like them to know the value of work. I wasn't good with money til I was married, even though I started work at such a young age. However I did have to buy EVERYTHING on my own, including school lunches uniforms and pay for camps and excursions myself too - but thats another story. I really really really want my kids to contribute to the family and appreciate the comforts we provide. I know this will come with time. Its something I think of often.
A little way we have started sharing and teaching the boys so far is by buying second hand ... a recent favourite purchase is the boys first bikes! Asher is 5 and only just got his first bike - from the tip for $5. He was soooo happy it was ridiculous. So we have been riding everywhere. Jet got one too again for $5. Perfect condition - jets was almost brand new!
I am thankful for the wisdom to take care of the money we have and to teach the little ones to be satisfied with what we have. Its a great feeling to be able to make them so happy and then for it to not cost a fortune!
Some thoughts on my mind right now are all jumbled around budgeting - making money stretch. I love playing and figuring out how to make money go further. We are on a small amount but somehow there is always room to play and for life to feel comfortable. It is such a blessing.
I've thought about what will happen when the children will become old enough to have part time jobs. I used to catch a bus late at night all by myself at 14 years old after the thursday late night shopping shift. Looking back I don't think I'd expect or allow my kids to have to do that, but I would like them to know the value of work. I wasn't good with money til I was married, even though I started work at such a young age. However I did have to buy EVERYTHING on my own, including school lunches uniforms and pay for camps and excursions myself too - but thats another story. I really really really want my kids to contribute to the family and appreciate the comforts we provide. I know this will come with time. Its something I think of often.
A little way we have started sharing and teaching the boys so far is by buying second hand ... a recent favourite purchase is the boys first bikes! Asher is 5 and only just got his first bike - from the tip for $5. He was soooo happy it was ridiculous. So we have been riding everywhere. Jet got one too again for $5. Perfect condition - jets was almost brand new!
I am thankful for the wisdom to take care of the money we have and to teach the little ones to be satisfied with what we have. Its a great feeling to be able to make them so happy and then for it to not cost a fortune!
1. The new wheels from the tip!
2. Outdoor playgroup, on everyday in our new city
3. We have free water parks where we are now - summer all day everyday!
4. Breakfast in bed for fathers day - he is a diamond in the rough my Johnny.
Thursday, 27 August 2015
I get so down on thinking 'is this all I do everyday - cook clean deal with tantrums give baths wipe bottoms and noses and clean some more'. This is every single day. There is no relief in this work. There is no clock in clock off - other then a few moments in the night you are not interrupted.
But then I remember somehow that I really wouldn't want anyone else to be doing this for my children but me. Even if it sends me over the edge. I try to fix the reasons for why i could be getting close to the edge everyday with little tweeks here and there to perfect the flow of how things go.
Right now, we have had a serious answer to prayer come our way in the last little while. Our family has been longing to have daddy home more, home each night and with us on the weekend. We are so happy that our desire for our family has been granted and are soooo happy for it. He now is flying for a company monday to friday and home every night!! I can't believe this day has actually come.
Now i don't know if all my dreams are going to come true as I have longed for this day for many years now (7 years or so its been) so I am remembering that this is a gift that might only be a short season. Right now we have a new house new job and new pre school for little asher. Its a very exciting time. All new routines and playgroups to go to and outings to explore I love the feeling that I get to make the house my own, there's no pressure to have to go to work outside the home for me so I can potter away and take my time. It really is a lovely time in life. I hope I will be able to teach our children well how we have waited for something which has now come and it is all from the gifts our Heavenly Father has blessed us with. I don't mean to sound flowery or strange but that is an honest feeling I have. These blessings have come from Him and I am happy and grateful to know that.
Gosh the news has been keeping me up at night worrying about so many different aspects of society right now. Violence and greed, drugs and deception. It makes me never want to turn the news on. It may seem naive but I am happy to keep my little family safe from harm and innocent for as long as I can. I love that I have the power to do that right now as when they get older its all from outside my control. I know that as I work hard now the lessons and training I give these little ones will be a blessing to them for their future decision making. As I hold their hand now and as they fully trust me to take good care of them I feel honoured for the priveledge to do so.
But then I remember somehow that I really wouldn't want anyone else to be doing this for my children but me. Even if it sends me over the edge. I try to fix the reasons for why i could be getting close to the edge everyday with little tweeks here and there to perfect the flow of how things go.
Right now, we have had a serious answer to prayer come our way in the last little while. Our family has been longing to have daddy home more, home each night and with us on the weekend. We are so happy that our desire for our family has been granted and are soooo happy for it. He now is flying for a company monday to friday and home every night!! I can't believe this day has actually come.
Now i don't know if all my dreams are going to come true as I have longed for this day for many years now (7 years or so its been) so I am remembering that this is a gift that might only be a short season. Right now we have a new house new job and new pre school for little asher. Its a very exciting time. All new routines and playgroups to go to and outings to explore I love the feeling that I get to make the house my own, there's no pressure to have to go to work outside the home for me so I can potter away and take my time. It really is a lovely time in life. I hope I will be able to teach our children well how we have waited for something which has now come and it is all from the gifts our Heavenly Father has blessed us with. I don't mean to sound flowery or strange but that is an honest feeling I have. These blessings have come from Him and I am happy and grateful to know that.
Gosh the news has been keeping me up at night worrying about so many different aspects of society right now. Violence and greed, drugs and deception. It makes me never want to turn the news on. It may seem naive but I am happy to keep my little family safe from harm and innocent for as long as I can. I love that I have the power to do that right now as when they get older its all from outside my control. I know that as I work hard now the lessons and training I give these little ones will be a blessing to them for their future decision making. As I hold their hand now and as they fully trust me to take good care of them I feel honoured for the priveledge to do so.
Thursday, 9 July 2015
lately at our place
Lately...not a great deal has happened but its coming up to 6 months before our first child begins school - so i constantly feel there's so much I want to do before life changes and is stuck in between the 9am and 3pm time slot.
We recently went to our annual disney on ice show - lots of fun, was able to take grandma with us and the boys were in their superhero gear they were so proud to show off their costumes amongst the pretty princesses.
As a family we climbed Tabletop Mountain. This is a full on climb! But boy what an adventure. I would recommend this for families...maybe not babies but we did it with ours. Looking back it probably was a bit risky. But the climb is so interesting, rocks galore and a serious incline. On all fours for a lot of it. THe boys were so into it - again wearing super hero costumes! Oh dear... I loved that we got to enjoy that special day together though, having the boys see what a beautiful world we live in was priceless.
I'm really enjoying my success in not having the kids touch technology during this whole year - including television in the home. I've said it before, we watch a weekly movie for family movie night and when we visit family which is probably once a month they get to watch a little tv there if the other kids are watching it. Boy am I amazed that at home, my kids just don't need it. I think there is this trap that you (i mean me!!) just fall into with this tv thing. Like the kids just keep asking and asking so of course the easiest thing is to just give in. I'm so proud of myself for sticking this out.
I can't imagine how much tv/video games/iphone/ipad is being used as we are in the middle of school holidays...I wonder if parents tried to go screen free for the whole holidays what a difference it would make in their homes. Like just the less "frazzled" feeling enough is what keeps me motivated to keep them away from it all.
Yesterday we were able to visit a beautiful playground in the city. We were there for 6 hours straight and still they didn't want to go home at the end. I know (and heard kids yesterday) who say to their parents "can we go now, lets go home" and i know these kids are struggling to do anything other then get back to their devices because they just don't know how to enjoy doing anything else. Its so sad. What a world!
Here's a few pics from the latest at our place
xox
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
I've been thinking lately on little things that make life run smoothly around our place. I reflect on them when things aren't going well and think how can I get back to that. I have these tips and secrets down pat but they are just for my specific children and situation we are in as a family as well complimenting my personality.
I find that by doing less each day is key. When i say less, of course I'm on my feet all fay long with the little ones but i mean, go out of the house less and schedule less things to do. I have found if we attend one thing in the morning ie a playgroup, music group or playground visit - i find the days go better. We come home at lunch time, eat and then all rest. Jet and Sariah will have a decent sleep, and Asher gives me about an hour to myself where he is in the toy room - listening to stories on CD and playing quietly. I reward him after that hour by having one on one with him until the others wake up.
After this rest time we will have a snack: either a smoothie, popcorn, crackers and dip or fruit. They look forward to making the smoothie and the popcorn and the 3 year old is happy to nap because he knows what he will get to eat when he wakes up.
Naptime is from 12:30 til about 3pm. From 3pm - 5pm its free play. The boys do whatever they like and there's a good chunk of unstructured time where they can just chill. It usually ends up being some kind of role playing with their super hero costumes on.
If we have something to go to in the afternoon or i have to run to the shops or something i don't feel as relaxed or chilled out in comparison to this free time. Since we have a trampoline now, we all have a decent play on there too which can tick off my 'exercise' goals for the day. Its a work out!
Its ridiculously hard what is required of stay at home ms oothers. To make it work better and smoother is my goal every single day. Routine is so key for us here. Everything we do has a routine, we all know whats coming next and i love it.
To make the mundane more managable too we like to plan family activities as often as we can. We love having friends over for dinner, beach trips and holidays away. Although money is tight, we plan to take the kids to a hotel once a quarter - thats a holiday 4 times a year! We all look forward to that so much and both John and I feel so revived from the little treat. We have been lucky enough to invest in a timeshare hotel so thats how we manage to do it. Defenitely recommend this :)
We all need to take things slower - mothers and fathers and children. More to time to be still - not necessarily more "me" time. More time to be quiet and ponder. Other ways i try to incorporate this is by taking a bath once they're in bed, quiet reading of a good book when they are playing at a park or nicely at home, quiet music when we are driving in the car together (the classical radio station), quiet time for myself each morning before the boys wake up - reading scriptures and my personal prayer time, and something i look forward to every morning is yoga stretches and strength movements. It all helps me to manage my days and time within the chaos.
Loving life with our cherubs xo
I find that by doing less each day is key. When i say less, of course I'm on my feet all fay long with the little ones but i mean, go out of the house less and schedule less things to do. I have found if we attend one thing in the morning ie a playgroup, music group or playground visit - i find the days go better. We come home at lunch time, eat and then all rest. Jet and Sariah will have a decent sleep, and Asher gives me about an hour to myself where he is in the toy room - listening to stories on CD and playing quietly. I reward him after that hour by having one on one with him until the others wake up.
After this rest time we will have a snack: either a smoothie, popcorn, crackers and dip or fruit. They look forward to making the smoothie and the popcorn and the 3 year old is happy to nap because he knows what he will get to eat when he wakes up.
Naptime is from 12:30 til about 3pm. From 3pm - 5pm its free play. The boys do whatever they like and there's a good chunk of unstructured time where they can just chill. It usually ends up being some kind of role playing with their super hero costumes on.
If we have something to go to in the afternoon or i have to run to the shops or something i don't feel as relaxed or chilled out in comparison to this free time. Since we have a trampoline now, we all have a decent play on there too which can tick off my 'exercise' goals for the day. Its a work out!
Its ridiculously hard what is required of stay at home ms oothers. To make it work better and smoother is my goal every single day. Routine is so key for us here. Everything we do has a routine, we all know whats coming next and i love it.
To make the mundane more managable too we like to plan family activities as often as we can. We love having friends over for dinner, beach trips and holidays away. Although money is tight, we plan to take the kids to a hotel once a quarter - thats a holiday 4 times a year! We all look forward to that so much and both John and I feel so revived from the little treat. We have been lucky enough to invest in a timeshare hotel so thats how we manage to do it. Defenitely recommend this :)
We all need to take things slower - mothers and fathers and children. More to time to be still - not necessarily more "me" time. More time to be quiet and ponder. Other ways i try to incorporate this is by taking a bath once they're in bed, quiet reading of a good book when they are playing at a park or nicely at home, quiet music when we are driving in the car together (the classical radio station), quiet time for myself each morning before the boys wake up - reading scriptures and my personal prayer time, and something i look forward to every morning is yoga stretches and strength movements. It all helps me to manage my days and time within the chaos.
Loving life with our cherubs xo
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
My version of bliss
We just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary this past week. I can't believe it. I remember all the excitement leading up to our wedding day, then the packing and collection of things as we moved in together after our honeymoon. It was such a special time in our lives and I always look back with happy memories. I remember thinking - I feel so happy right now when is this feeling going to stop as in will it just fade and go back to normal and routine like soon?
I can truly honestly say, that happy giddy feeling has never really left. I actually still get excited, still want to put on make up or lip gloss before i see my man after its been a while. Maybe its because of the amount of seperation we have anyway because of the flying... but it has made for a beautiful 7 years.
I remember a month or two after our wedding John and I were asked to speak in front of almost a thousand of our youth and young people from our church. Their ages were 18 to 31 - i didn't think we had much wisdom and didn't really prepare much in advance as to what we would say. The reason we were invited to speak was to discuss how we were able to decide to get married and why we chose to do so. Some people are scared, some are from broken homes and could never see the point of marriage and some really wanted marriage but there were no prospectives. I remember standing next to john and feeling proud that i had made that leap of faith and step in the dark to get married. I know that i did cause john anguish during our dating as i was always unsure and very fearful of my heart getting broken or if he just wasn't the right one. It took me a little time to get used to having someone else as well as i was so independent. Through the whole experience i prayed and pondered and was able to receive and answer and it was YES!
Seriously from that moment on i have never looked back, i shared that with those were speaking with. I shared that we were married in the temple and i felt even more safe. John always knew very early on we would be married but i took my time to figure that out :)
He is a wonderful man that does more as a husband then any other husband I know. I feel proud and happy and am so thankful for these past 7 years of marriage and 8 years of dating - here's to 70×7 more!
I can truly honestly say, that happy giddy feeling has never really left. I actually still get excited, still want to put on make up or lip gloss before i see my man after its been a while. Maybe its because of the amount of seperation we have anyway because of the flying... but it has made for a beautiful 7 years.
I remember a month or two after our wedding John and I were asked to speak in front of almost a thousand of our youth and young people from our church. Their ages were 18 to 31 - i didn't think we had much wisdom and didn't really prepare much in advance as to what we would say. The reason we were invited to speak was to discuss how we were able to decide to get married and why we chose to do so. Some people are scared, some are from broken homes and could never see the point of marriage and some really wanted marriage but there were no prospectives. I remember standing next to john and feeling proud that i had made that leap of faith and step in the dark to get married. I know that i did cause john anguish during our dating as i was always unsure and very fearful of my heart getting broken or if he just wasn't the right one. It took me a little time to get used to having someone else as well as i was so independent. Through the whole experience i prayed and pondered and was able to receive and answer and it was YES!
Seriously from that moment on i have never looked back, i shared that with those were speaking with. I shared that we were married in the temple and i felt even more safe. John always knew very early on we would be married but i took my time to figure that out :)
He is a wonderful man that does more as a husband then any other husband I know. I feel proud and happy and am so thankful for these past 7 years of marriage and 8 years of dating - here's to 70×7 more!
Thursday, 26 March 2015
A little inspiration
In between thinking on Easter and teaching my cherubs all about it, I am reading Little Women at the moment. Yes and it is my first time at the age of 30! I know that at a younger age I would not have appreciated its tone and influence like it has on me now in this season of motherhood.
This just struck me, I need to remember this day in day out during the grind - during the tantrums and 4:30am wakings (from the 4 year old not the baby!!!)
" So they agreed to stop complaining, to enjoy the blessings already possessed, and try to deserve them, lest they should be taken away entirely, instead of increased, and I believe they were never disappointed or sorry that they took the old woman's advice."
Oh that i could be a mother so intent to teach my children that well. I want to be just like her. Her husband is away at war and she is teaching her children diligently to never complain. What power she has!
This just struck me, I need to remember this day in day out during the grind - during the tantrums and 4:30am wakings (from the 4 year old not the baby!!!)
" So they agreed to stop complaining, to enjoy the blessings already possessed, and try to deserve them, lest they should be taken away entirely, instead of increased, and I believe they were never disappointed or sorry that they took the old woman's advice."
Oh that i could be a mother so intent to teach my children that well. I want to be just like her. Her husband is away at war and she is teaching her children diligently to never complain. What power she has!
Monday, 9 March 2015
Easter
Easter is on its way to our place, we love Easter and love teaching about it. There is plenty for me to learn - to try harder to live kinder and gentler as I understand the trials the Saviour went through so we could have the peaceful life we have now.
We again are without daddy for the Easter long weekend, (almost every public holiday this year he is working!!) so we hope to make the season last a long time at our place. The boys get all excited about chocolates and bunnies and it is beautiful and sweet seeing how giggly they get caring for their little pet bunnies all over the place. I hope that even from this young age they can take lessons from the life of Saviour and how it can help them.
Some traditions we do and ones we hope to fulfil this Easter:
28 days of Easter - daily scripture countdown
Weekly family night learning about Jesus Christ
Boys to purchase one new Easter item
Easter photo and card for family and friends
Easter books, unwrap one a day
Decorating our Easter tree
Names of Christ paper chain
Easter front door wreath (have been doing since before the little bugs were with us)
Activity books, games and stickers all about Easter
A craft a day - a month full of easter crafts
Teach about palm sunday and the passover
Make home made hot cross buns
Class gifts to friends at Kindergarten and primary
Pet Bunny to tuck in each night
Easter bunny cake
Easter family brunch and egg hunt!
There may be a little more or a little less we end up doing. We always visit the beach, eat a lot of chocolate and enjoy being together. John is always away and that does make it seem sad but we do what we can to do all these things together while he is home. I hope the boys have beautiful memories as we celebrate the Easter season and live it daily forever.
🐰🐇🐣🐤
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