lilli boo

Australia Day....

2012-01-27T12:32:00.001+11:00

An idea, 'how about a day trip to the beach?', sounded like a good idea...
So we went, let's just say it was one of those trips where the tension was high, thankfully the beach was the cool-off point and the sun not too hot....

And all three slept soundly on the way home.... Well worth doing on the end!

Creative fun....

2012-01-25T16:42:00.001+11:00

Another holiday activity when the time is right for quiet, focused creativity... A tea set to paint for our newly turned Miss 5.... Now I'm looking forward to our first tea party.....

Holiday Distractions...

2012-01-13T18:07:00.000+11:00

Science works....

little things...

2012-01-09T09:49:00.001+11:00

These flowers were picked by my 4 year old last school holidays, she had earlier picked a flower for me and like most 4 year olds handed it over with no stem. So we grabbed a bucket and walked around the garden and selected flowers and picked them with a stem, so she understood how they can be arranged in a vase or jar and will keep longer. A lovely exercise and such a simple way to bring joy ....

Tinged with sadness..

2012-01-08T16:06:00.001+11:00

My son and his friend holding hands @ RCH in Dec 2011.

I was going to write I am feeling 'meh', however feeling 'tinged with sadness'... is more apt - not for any other self indulgent reason other then the news that has rocked a small group of friends world. You see last week a friend received the news no parent ever wants to hear.. "...your child's results show she has ~~stage 4 Neuroblastoma~~..." **an update she has been diagnosed officially with Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia M7, this means a definite treatment plan can commence. It doesn't mean a better prognosis.

My friends daughter is only 20 months old.

She has been in and out of hospital from the age of 18 months old.

At first she was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis and all her results fitted within that diagnosis, however with her diminishing recovery and blood cell counts that weren't improving, numerous tests were done. I am generalising as to the ordeal this little girl has been through, the amount of surgery already. The many CAT scans and MRI scans. To have a final diagnosis of this magnitude is just horrendous. They are still researching as to the location of her cancer development and then she'll start her rounds of chemotherapy, most likely this week.

She is 20 months old.

It seems extremely unfair.

I am finding it hard even in my own sadness to comprehend the reality of this diagnosis and what it means for my friend, her partner and their daughter.

I remembered a post a friend of mine wrote on her blog about a similar topic, I read Nicole's words and nodded along and now I am processing a similar situation, so I have linked to her post - A small drop of Ink: Making a deal with cancer. (Thank you, Nicole)

So please forgive me if I don't feel so enthusiastic to be in a happy shiny place... for the moment I just want to hold my beautiful children, partner and friends to hug a little longer...

Promise me you'll hug yours a little longer today too...xox

"Hello 2012"...

2012-01-07T22:13:00.002+11:00

Photo taken on Christmas Day Eve after the Thunderstorms...

A new Year has commenced... 'thankfully'...

At the tail end of several months of many commitments in 2011, I had to really dig deep to get through that last week of school and Christmas commitments. Regardless the end of year festivities were an amazing ride with a couple of tough decisions made to not accept all invitations due to self preservation.

Unusually our end of year seemed to start in October with several birthday celebrations, most importantly my partner's 40th, which really was a week long celebration of dinner, drinks including an overnight stay in the city. Since then we have had more fortieths, not so typical every year! We also had the start of the school commitments, with prep orientation for my daughter, school fete, end of year concerts, parties for school, Kindergarten and childcare. In between, friends birthday parties, annual friends Christmas party, annual picnics. The list was varied and long and you can see why you wouldn't try to attend everything, I'm am tired just thinking of it!!!

However, we managed to get through most of these commitments and finished of the year with me almost a physical wreck, more on that sound topic later!

So having waved "goodbye" to 2011 and in a very mellow fashion said "Hello"' to 2012, the annual major life changing decisions made (Ahh ha ha), My chosen word for the year made (will write about this next post) and maybe a couple of realistic goals for 2011, I feel I may have some attainable lists to tick off.

Otherwise we are spending the Christmas/School Holidays in Melbourne, apparently this is know as a 'Staycation', with no expectations of going away, we will look forward to revisiting some favourite places and rediscovering new ones!

So Happy New Year for 2012, it is certainly proving it will be a roller coaster ride on many levels and on that note and inspired by the following scene from the movie Parenthood, I leave you with the words of wisdom from Grandma...

Grandma:You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster.
Gil:Oh?
Grandma:Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride!
Gil:What a great story.
Grandma:I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.

Handmade Christmas decorating

2011-12-13T20:48:00.001+11:00

I love the whole effect of this tree with the beautifully created decorations by my daughters Kindergarten class. Note the presents underneath... Simplicity at its best.

On a rainy day...

2011-11-27T11:43:00.001+11:00

A favourite chair with a book or two.

merry go-round....

2011-11-18T18:27:00.001+11:00

wether it's a'merry-go-round' ...'Ground hog' day we are back at the school fete this year, as our little primary school is fundraising madly. (I say little as there are only 115 students!!) However the rain was relentless and two years in a row we have experienced pouring rain! Our little school is feeling jinxed! However it hasn't stopped the crowds, enthusiasm or dampened the spirit of the day. I came home with my kids at midday, so the youngest could have his nap and the eldest who was absoutely saturated could dry off and change...

We went back as you do when your committed to helping out your school community and your husband is helping out on the bbq stall!

All in all it was a really rewarding family fun day, well done to all those who organized our school fete and for those who braved the weather for great food, entertainment & stalls....

a quest...

2011-11-04T15:31:00.002+11:00

Meg's Place - advised on colours for this one bedroom apartment.

I must confess I have been slack with my blog this year, however after our last holiday break and feeling more settle , I am hoping to blog more regularly. I have currently been assessing my current life flow, which consists of the juggle of balancing act with three children, running our household and trying to ensure I can also work This process started six months ago and as I progress it has been an exercise in self discovery of epic proportions espcially when you add in the factors of sickness through childcare & random bugs, exhaustion & the inconsistency of workflow all which has been very, very challenging

So in my quest to find work, I had a professional resume writer re-do my 'Curriculum Vitae' or now known officially as 'Resume', CV's are out and who new?, I applied through a several agencies with my new 'look at me aren't I fab resume' and was snapped up for an interview. How exciting I thought "I'm on a roll", as I juggled my first born to school, negotiated babysitting for my 4 year old and baby with my sister.
"I'm on fire!", as I wrangled my sister's wardrobe for the perfect outfit and footwear.

So armed with portfolio and fab resume I set off for an interview. In a nut shell it went well, in fact I felt the "world loves me again" and then nothing, no phone calls, an email with a couple of job profile suggestions that were more suitable to a person who had NO responsibilites other then getting themselves to work and therein lay my problem. You see what I reflected on after feeling 'cockier then tho' about being interviewed was that how tired I was after organising that day, let alone that I wouldn't have my sister babysitting everyday or her wardrobe available to raid when I was getting ready for work.

Yet somehow it is coming together. It was like the universe read my mind and decided on some action and within the week of receiving the 'dud' email from the employment agency, I had the offer of working on contract, one day a week with my old job, which suits for the immediate time. Plus freelance work through an old colleague who just happened to have some extra work requiring my skills. However I am aiming to be completely self sufficient so I don't have to work one day a week elsewhere.

I also discovered that even if I haven't kept up with certain skills for my line of work, I am still valued for my experience and those *said* skills can be acquired through training and educational courses. For once I am not phased by the slow process of getting this altogether. As each stage develops we adjust accordingly to our new routines and I am finding that this is becoming easier. Now all we need to do is find a regular babysitter so I we can have the balance of family::work::social life and I'll be one very happy Mumma.

So my quest for works continues and I'm will write more on this subject as I meet with my first client next week who found me through a small advertising campaign I have signed up, more later....

Back for a week...

2011-10-14T16:22:00.000+11:00

We are back from relaxation and thrown back into life head first as we knew it before we took our holiday break...Yep head first, all full-on at the very least *touch wood* (yes a tad supersticious here) is that we are not sick, for once, this year! This has to be a freakin' positive...

So will be back with a proper update & pics when time permits...

tying up loose ends....

2011-09-23T23:48:00.005+10:00

Fuzzy felt creation. Miss Cleo 2011

Crazy busy week, yet have managed to fufil most of my quota from my "to do list" ..... off on a family holiday, one that was destined for 9 months ago and put on hold due to recovery. Funnily we are still all recovering from various colds, conjunctivitis and wakeful nights (too much coughing)..Yet the lure of this much needed timed break has kept everyone positive. Not that I it 's been all rosy, family life with three children will always have it's constant challenges and today was no exception.

With so much to look forward to it almost got too much today and after the school break-up party, a little too much sugar and a very long week of aniticipation, there were tears & tantrums from all three ... yet they are all now blissfully asleep and I have explained there is no hurry in the morning, we will enjoy this journey rested, relaxed and just a little bit excited......

Promoting a wonderful opportunity!!!

2011-09-05T20:46:00.001+10:00

Okay, so I am shamelessly promoting this giveaway by LARK a beautiful crafty homewares, stationary & gifts store in Daylesford. They are currently giving anyone the opportunity to win a $1000.00 sepnding spree in their store in Daylesford. So I couldn't think of better way to treat yourself, family and friends to some awesome gifts. Click on the link and find out more from the LARK's blog.

Inspiration.....

2011-09-03T14:54:00.001+10:00

WIP : Future Craft room 24/7 - photo courtesay of Eklektic.

I saw this pic on a regular blog I read late last night (my apologies - for the life of me can't remember which one!)...however they had a link to this new blog to me, called 'Honestly WTF'. (update: now linked) This Blog really rocks in terms of amazing images. So on further investigation one of the pictures that was really inspiring is the above picture - also found on Flickr - By Eklektick

musings...

2011-09-02T13:05:00.001+10:00

So decisions have been made..."dreaming of...".. Mt Martha (has happened update later) Yay. (Pambula is happening next school holidays) - Yippee...Japan is not.

I have looked at all the facts and figures. I reasoned that after airfares, extra accomodation for me and of course spending money. I felt that at $6,500 for 10 days that's a pretty nice holiday for the whole family!!! Let alone just me and my eldest, that said I would have loved to have gone, but he's eight and it's not a lost opportunity. It's an opportunity for him to do exactly the same trip when he's in Year 5/6 with all his peers and the mothers will keenly follow too. I feel like I have made a decision and it feels right.

So on more decision making, I'll leave that for another post. I'll leave dreaming of Japan for another day and at the moment I'm just dreaming of my next holiday break, away with my beautiful babes and enjoying some quality time on the beach....finally....

Developments...

2011-08-06T22:38:00.002+10:00

Sandy bliss...

Building dreams...

Long walks along a familiar beach...

A favourite destination, The Golden Temple from a family trip in 2005...

RETHINK.....In a fit of questioning "Where I am at...?". a constant line within my internal mind. I have rethought the whole "Where do I go from here..." As it stands when things aren't going to plan I have always in the past, walked away too soon, hence in a work situation left out of pocket and grappling with "shit what do I do now...?" scenarios... or just build resentment (childish I know!) and stew on it and in days of old brow beat my friends ears and anyone who would listen to me over many pots at the pub. Not anymore, plus you know I don't have the time nor would my kids really appreciate that side of me either, not really inspiring is it?

So I have decided to hold tight and in the meantime remain occupied. Not in the 'I have three kids and running around like a headless chook' way, I do that regardless. I mean more that I have only ONE day a week commitment to work and it's stimulating enough to be creative, design a little and actually focus on what is required to keep this business running.

I also have 'other' goals too... One in particular is to focus on some actual holidaying. We missed out on our annual holiday this year and 8 months down the track I am really feeling it! Like really feeling it!! I am desperate to get out of Melbourne, not because I dislike the place hey I consider it my hometown after 15 years. Yet sometimes you need to remove yourself from your safety house and routine and throw some fun in the mix. We may have had a road trip 3 months ago to Canberra but that to me is like visiting your family in the next suburb. As much again as I love seeing family and friends there, it ain't no holiday it's like an extended weekend that goes for a week or two then your hankering for something a little, dare I say 'cosmopolitan'?

So the holidaying is to get away to the family shack in Pambula, next school holidays, two weeks there will invigorate the soul. The opportunity to walk on the beach. maybe optimistically swim in the ocean ( I'm planning on investing in a wetsuit or 5 for the family!!) This life is simple, no need to fret over the daily routines of school run and work commitments.

However in the lead up to this family holiday is a getaway with some girlfriends to Mt Martha for three nights. I didn't think I could do it at first then I really thought about three nights to just feel free. That is of the daily family demands, to learn to really miss them all and even catch-up on sleep /rest you know it. It's quite exciting the idea of sleeping in, no commitments and endless demands, we all have this pact that it's pyjamas all the way unless of course we are lunching at the Red Hill Winery or popping over to Sorrento for dinner, the choices aren't too shabby at all....

& then there is one last opportunity to travel abroad that seems too good to be true, however the costs associated for this trip has me wondering if I should commit. It would mean travelling to Japan with my eight year old son, so he could with fellow school mates practice their Japanese whilst immersed in the culture. However at eight we feel he is a little too young and he would be the youngest by miles from the other school children going, to travel on his own. So we didn't hesitate in thinking that one of his parents would be with him at all times, I luckily drew the long straw! It's the logistics of having the other two children stay in their routine, a partner whose work load is pretty heavy around the time of the year they are planning to go and hoping that maybe an interstate grandparent can come and help. Yet, then again it comes down to the cost, I haven't given up hope just need to be realistic too...still it's a lovely goal.

Where I go from here...

2011-07-16T22:03:00.003+10:00

I'm not sure where I got this image from it was saved to my computer. So apologies for not being able to credit the photographer, I have no intention of claiming it was my own, I just love this image.

Since my last post, my eldest has turned eight and we have celebrated very successfully with a family dinner at a local Korean restaurant (his choice - very happy with that!) plus the following weekend taking 5 friends to see "Kung Fu Panda 2" at the movies, not sure who laughed out loud more the adults or the kids, really fun family movie and a great way to celebrate a kids birthday low-key style.

So with all this busy-ness, I have resorted to carrying a diary plus jotting out days down on the 'family calender' to keep up with the maddening end of term activities and then school holidays where for the most part I have left the days blank...Yep blank, I have had to. I discussed the 'idea' of play dates with a couple of families but after the first week of running around and then a middle ear infection, which is still annoying me. I have decided I have achieved more these holidays by making no commitments and just honouring the invitations and it's worked. Our schedule goes back to normal programming as of next week with school, kinder and childcare days, plus my working.

I have been re:thinking the whole working one day a week at a showroom and even as one day a week the thought of turning up for that day is becoming unappealing after 2 months. Why? Well I was trying to find that answer, the 'honest' answer. Not the over reacting emotional answer, which I am excellent at. Yet seriously I just want to do my own thing. That's it, it's as simple as that. I have worked with *said* business for over 5 years now (give or take the last year being on maternity leave) and realise I need to be re-inspired. I aspire to a new environment, new design aesthetic, a new approach to organising workloads - (time management I think it should be called ) something the current place I work at has struggled with all the way along and it really feels you are beating your head against a brick wall. On discussing, 'new processes' that are nodded at in agreement as a great way to go about things and an hour later (literally) -*Bamm* back to the 'old habit's' it's become tiring and I can see myself becoming worn from the experience of going through the same dysfunctional processes.

Don't get me wrong I am grateful for being given the opportunity to work one day a week and intermittently from home. But it's not the 'right' sort of work anymore, it certainly doesn't fulfil the work/ life balance I am craving. So how do I change this for the betterment of me, well my arrangement is to be discussed next week. I am going to find out my options and go from there, however in my *heart of hearts* I know it may be best to let go.

I've been a little quiet...

2011-06-10T14:18:00.005+10:00

Picture as borrowed from Wikipedia....

I have been a little quiet on my blog, not for any other particular reason other then I have been so freakin' busy!!!!!!!!

I feel like I catch my breath ie like now having a cup of lukewarm tea, wondering when the 14 month old is going to awake, checking the time so I'm not going to be late in picking up my almost 8 year old (well he is next weekend!) from school and wondering what I should be really doing other then typing on this keyboard...Knowing I have to make it to Medicare, Officeworks before 5pm and hoping the almost 8 year old doesn't have a screaming tantrum at me because I want to leave school straight away and not watch him play with his friends for half'n'hour. I'm hoping a bribe of a 'chomp'...yes I did say 'chomp' and a packet of Footy cards will be suffice and if his fathers reading this, which I very much doubt...work with me here you know what he's like!!

Discovering...

2011-05-16T13:50:00.000+10:00


Walking along the submarine at Holbrook, NSW

updating more regularly soon....

2011-05-09T13:17:00.014+10:00

I have finally been able to add text for this post, now that Blogger has seemingly returned to normal functioning. I'm starting to wonder wether blogger is where I want my blog and have started investigating other recommended options, after this last outage saw I wasn't able to write at all, for a couple of days, very frustrating.

However this post was more to say I am still here and always thinking I must write on my blog. I always have ideas of what I would like to write for a post, yet time hasn't been on my side as I juggle the demands of a family, school holidays, sickness (colds, gastro and head lice!!) and add into the mix looking for work. I am however happy to report that we have recovered from gastro, colds and have *fingers crossed*, conquered head lice!

So with those distractions as I like to see them, I have also had my feelers out for work, which has successfully culminated in contract work one day a week and consulting work as an Interior Designer, it's a start and I'm really pleased. I can see already after my first week how much of a juggle it will be and am very pleased that this isn't in hindsight but as it's happening, so It will be a work-in-progress over the next couple of months as the family rejigs itself with the new balance.

So the reason for the image was to celebrate my youngest sons birthday!! He turned 1 at the end of March and and when in utero was nicknamed 'The Pirate', a theme we gave for his first birthday. It's been an enormously challenging & rewarding first year. More on a personal level for me yet the upside of all of this has been this delightful little boy who as the youngest member of our family is the glue that has bind us as a family of five.

This week, Take two..

2011-03-22T12:53:00.002+11:00

Image borrowed from the ACMI website see link below. I'm sure they won't mind it's a free plug afterall...

So I was so wanting to sound interesting, you know luncheons, Charity's, art galleries...but somehow that got lost in the mix of I really must bloody tackle this mess...I don't know what pea soup fog me and MD (Partner) have been living in and I'm sure I have been keeping up with house work???? But even stepping into the Kitchen and noting how sticky the floor is and some small child of mine has somehow stepped in paint and walked through the house undetected at the time. Funny when they aren't here you suddenly notice these trails and I'm seriously not sure how I missed it granted the said paint is sparkly green. I can however identify the culprit by the size of her foot!

So that is where I begin today and no I haven't even tackled the paint, that is in the too hard can't be bothered list for the moment...

However, have just started on washing and thanked Melbourne for it's inconveniently timed weather change, predicting thunderstorms as of yesterday that never came mind you! Problem was with all this glorious weather we decided to enjoy it!!! You know kids going for a walk/bike ride with their Dad whilst I worked at a market. Picnics for a friend's sons birthday - glorious and then you come home to your reality.

So my reality list for this week has to contain some balance of fun and work:

So checking off list -

tackled mounds of washing - started

fold & put away clean clothes that currently reside in piles on lounge and bed - started

vacuum - after this post

bored yet - I am

Take children to see "Dreams come true" at ACMI - promised

That's getting better - check

Get started on Library floorplan - "what's this ?" you ask..I'll devulge later..

Ohhh... checked family planner have a night out for friend's 40th - check

Entertain smallest child who has just woken. - must go and will update again tomorrow...

This week....

2011-03-21T23:28:00.000+11:00

At this moment I should not be up, but having just read this inspiring post at Punky & me I have decided to join in her little meme regarding that 'list of things' I need to do but avoid like the plague....or something to that effect.

Now I am a busy person granted with three children at various stages of development and trying to meet their individual needs and itinerary - leaving very little time for me in between... So I am known for procrastinating, as I fall in a heap on the couch or in front of the computer and avoid looking around my lounge of destruction and chaos with mounds of unfolded clothes and strewn toys, to turn a convenient blind eye. That will change as of tomorrow. (Don't kid yourself I was kept busy today just not exciting stuff)

So I will pledge a "To do" list I would like to achieve this week commencing tomorrow - Tuesday!. For the moment I pledge I require sleep after a very busy weekend and a crash'n'burn style Monday. So back refreshed tomorrow I will have more to add!

It took a moment...

2011-03-15T12:58:00.001+11:00


Piles of books & mags from 2008...however still relevant!

It took a moment yet I have finally selected my colours and now awaiting quotes. I was going to tweak the design of my business card then realised I was fussing, you know 'over thinking' the options. I realised I needed to start with the card that had been designed for me, select the colours that my 'gut' feeling had been drawn to and go from there. My graphic design friend sent me an option for my card and it was so vibrant I was a little uncertain, even though I had selected the colours. I took a couple of days to reflect on the look of my card and decided what I really liked about it. Basically I concluded it wasn't like any other business card I had seen which gave it a point of difference and will certainly be noticed. So realising that I had an actual theme going here that related to other colour decisions I was making, I am starting to tie up all the loose ends required to get going.

I will post a copy of my card soon....

Otherwise, I have kept the mantra of 'small steps everyday' towards my goal and yes sometimes I feel I am taking two forward and one step backyard and then feeling overwhelmed and wondering if I am taking the right steps. However Imust believe in myself as I have been doing freelance work for years, however what is different this time is I am having to rebuild my contacts and connections, basically start from scratch after being on maternity leave for a year and choosing not to work at all in this time..

A book pile that has since been well and truly tackled...

One of many blogs & books I have been reading for inspiration is the blog by Lauren & Emira who are also the authors of the fantastic book "The Boss of you" which is a must read for anyone wanting to start their own business. It is a very practical no-nonsense book and even though they are based in Canada the principles of their ideas seem to work and they are clearly very thorough in their approach to setting up a business. It's a perfect guidleline and starting point. So on that note, small steps and moving along...

progressing....

2011-02-24T12:35:00.002+11:00

Image from 'Toast' an online Uk store....

Well things are progressing well in regards re:setting up my freelance business, I have engaged a resume writer and will write about that more later. I am revamping my business cards and have also engaged a very talented friend of mine who is a graphic designer, she rocks and so does her advice. She recommended a site which I would like to share with you called Kuler by Adobe.

You must have a play here: Kuler

Otherwise I am taking the time to do one thing a day in working towards achieving my goals. So far so good.

2011...

2011-01-18T18:01:00.018+11:00

see.feel.believe

My creation, originally uploaded by lilliboo.

I posted this image a couple of years ago and feel it's so relevant to where I am at now.

No resolutions that I need to share for this year, just a word RECONNECT...

to all those aspects of my life that are important to me that I feel I have let slip through my fingertips whilst under the immense pressure of raising a family.

I had a written a post with all my resolutions and it felt too revealing and maybe a tad too self indulgent, I mean are you really interested???

I'll certainly mention/discuss when I have ticked anything off my to do/resolution list...otherwise Happy Belated New Year...we are getting back on track now...

My year that was 2010...

2011-01-05T21:26:00.002+11:00

I wasn't sure I'd make the opportunity to do this post then I read this post from Daydream Lily and was inspired to look at my year and capture the highlights month by month...

However as there were very high highs there were some interesting lows... the most profound aspect of doing this exercise was how focused I was on family and that without a doubt has been one of the most rewarding and profoundly challenging years to date, but I will always love 2010 if not for anything else the birth of our third child and the profound impact he has had on our lives.. .it left us open for anything and boy have we met those challenges head-on... I so look forward to 2011, I can only be amazed by what life continues to dish up and there were certainly surprises I wasn't expecting (an operation) but happily it's behind me and happy to move forward...

So here it is in a nutshell or longer :-)

New bucket action...

january: the year started with us holidaying in Pambula we were there until the 14th Jan and then headed back to Melbourne. It was a magical time, perfect weather, perfect company. I was by the end of the holiday 30 weeks pregnant and relishing having time to swim, rest and enjoy stellar company in friends and family with no real commitments, we also celebrated my daughter's 3rd birthday ...

february: I was 8 months pregnant and excitedly anticipating the birth. My son had started school, my daughter 3 year old kindy. There were swimming lessons and we were still debating names for our baby, which was decided the week before he was born....I also finished working part time at a job I had been in for four years and wrapped up any freelance work...

march: We celebrated my birthday, very low key. Then it became a waiting game! Our baby boy was born 9 days late on the 30.03.10, it was an such a beautiful moment and a beautiful month!

april: A period of adjusting!! Three children with all their various requirements and demands and sleep deprived, seriously a life changing month...thankfully I still had much help from my MIL and mother who were amazingly generous with their time...Lots of visitors and embracing three more friends who have their first babies!!!

may: A month of milestones, baby steps...Sebastian 6 weeks old and reaching up for his play gym. My first dates out!!! a friend's 40th, an afternoon of champagne and frippery, juggling play dates galore..

june: My eldest son turns 7 years old. We mark the occasion with a big party. He loved it and so did I as I didn't have to prepare a thing except turn up and watch the enjoyment unfold...
Commenced an online course with Kelly Rae Roberts, was enlightening and informative, notes I have been able to absorb and learn from.... Started participating in the school craft club as a way to contribute to the school fete, my life is definitely revolving around my children but I relish the experience and the new friends I have made...

july: I drove solo interstate with 3 kids. An 8 hour drive road trip, many couldn't believe I would do it, I did and it felt liberating.. It was wonderful to get away, it was wonderful to meet up with a friend of mine who I hadn't seen in 7 years!! she was coincidentally in Canberra to see family and was to fly out to Singapore later that week, our timing was perfect!
We started a new project which was bigger then we anticipated, cleaning out our study for our eldest son in to move into, we started the biggest clean out since we moved into this house 6 years ago...it felt like we were moving...

august: Social life is picking up, another 40th, movie dates and a reunion! A very special group of girlfriends whom I met through the first job I had in Melbourne in 1996...these friendships have endured with a surprise in stall for us, another friend with whom we hadn't seen in over 10 years, very emotional and wonderful timing...celebrating my niece's first birthday...my partner recording our children singing in his home studio...

september:A trip to the city with my daughter a special date for hot chocolates, shopping and discovering Typo... School holidays and our baby starts verbalising Da da da, Ma ma ma....

october: Birthday celebrations for my partner... the reorganising continues with the need for a storage unit apparent, we find one! Worked at my first Baby & Kids market, was great to see our loved items no longer required go to new homes...The finalising of the departure from my part time job, I will not be returning, I am wanting to seek new adventures...left on a good note.

november: Early silly season and Christmas celebrations are under way we have a full schedule the biggest being the school fete which ended up being held on not only on the Election day but also the wettest spring day on record!...and then the diagnosis that was hard to hear, yet a relief too. It was finally having an answer and have a resolution in sight...

I embroidered the kids Santa sack's inherited from my husbands family, I wanted to personalise them...

december: An ominous start to this month, an operation, recovery which has been very testing at the best of times (did I say highlights here?) however lots of support and with Christmas looming we have a wonderfully low-key Christmas with very happy children, who could ask for more. We even make it to the beach before New Years which was liberating even if I couldn't swim this time....Yet I am have been taught the lessons of patience, relaxation and breathing... techniques I will certainly be carrying into 2011!!!

xmas cheer & happy new years....

2010-12-27T21:00:00.002+11:00

Picture of wrapping courtesy of Made by Joel

Wishing you all a very belated Merry Christmas, ours was truly wonderful albiet quiet. However we did share our day with some very special friends which was truly wonderful as I love celebrating with family and friends. We had much to celebrate with a newest family member, baby Sebastian's first Christmas.

I'm also half way into my recovery everything going well, even with not being able to life anythingof much including my 9 kilo baby!!! I am eternally grateful for my partner has been able to take time off from work to look after me for the full 6 week recovery....he's a gem!

There will be more posts to come... Happy New Years...

New Beginnings

2010-12-14T10:31:00.002+11:00

New Beginnings, originally uploaded by SusannahT.

Although we are now in summer, I love what this image evoke's for me, a new start, new energy, new light....

It's not always as it seems...

2010-12-12T20:16:00.003+11:00

A little piggy sewn for the school craft stall...

Well it's been over a month since I have blogged and at the start it was mainly to do with some personal commitments. They have been exciting and challenging and are going to be the start of a new direction for me and for all intensive purposes still will be.

However within all this cryptic talk of new challenges which I will embellish later, I had another challenge a health issue. It started 5 months ago with stomach cramps and every so often I would have them, either a dull ache, or twisting spasms and then a dull ache. They sometimes went on for hours, then disappear only to reappear weeks later, they were investigated and left my GP stumped. However another round of cramps, a visit to Emergency at a local public hospital (5 hour wait but I won't lament on this for the sake of brief story) and a young Doctor sat and listened to my symptoms...Bingo...

Last week I finally got to see my specialist and without hesitation he confirmed what the young Doctor in emergency had suspected, I had a hernia. Yep with the fancy name of "Intermitant Herniated Umbilicus". In the same week I saw the specialist, I was called the following day and booked into surgery on Friday, however Thursday the pains came on and my partner drove me to emergency. All went to plan for Friday and I am home now.

It's been a whirlwind of events and having had to comfront this situation head on. Taking very little time to plan has meant a great disruption to the family and our plans and commitments (many Birthday and Christmas celebrations). However the prognosis is good and the outcome positive and that is what is most important. We are still celebrating Christmas as a family, it may not be organised how I wanted to this year, the tree is still to go up, gifts still to be bought, regardless we will have good company and food and at this stage coming out the otherside after months of discomfort and then a whirlwind diagnosis and resolution, I feel I will have more to celebrate coming into the New Year and and more to give in 2011.

opening up....

2010-11-05T13:01:00.001+11:00

Opening up...to the idea of sharing more....

not sure where I got this image so apologies to the photographer for not being acknowledged it wasn't intentional and I don't take any claims for this photograph other then I love it!!!

A weekend in pictures... (Blogtoberfest Day 31)

2010-10-31T17:21:00.026+11:00

Loving Pumpkin...

Dressed as Dracula...


Quiet Sunday morning...

Birthday cards & presents wrapped...

Walnut & Carrot Cake fresh out of the oven...

A weekend in pictures... & that's wrap for Blogtoberfest 2010...

Sun shiney days... (Blogtoberfest Day 29)

2010-10-29T14:22:00.000+11:00

'The River Mouth', Pambula Beach Jan 2010

I'm not currently at the beach, wish I was! On a beautiful sunny day like today I covet being back here..However this photo was taken by me at the beginning of the year and I will be back here at the beginning of next year too...I so look forward to the summer holidays...as it will be a big big year for us next year and a holiday prior to so much change will certainly be welcome!!

Happy Birthday (Blogtoberfest Day 26)

2010-10-26T13:37:00.000+11:00

Spicy Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes, originally uploaded by desertculinary.

My beautiful partner, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, friend...so many roles to so many people and we love you for who you are everyday...Now if I could cook a decent cake (well a little more fancy then the usual, I would cook you this!!)

A Blogtober meme....(Blogtoberfest Day 23)

2010-10-23T23:25:00.000+11:00

Wallendibby

IMG_5105, originally uploaded by emmanairn.

I love the idea of this Meme inspired by Cath of Chunkychook so thought i would play along too...

4 things that I always carry:

b.box wallet
coin purse
mobile
sunglasses

4 things that are in my bedroom:

magazines & books
my Grandfather's chest of drawers
notebooks and numerous pens
until recently a baby in a bassinet!

4 things that I would like to do but haven't done yet:

travel to New York, Eygpt, Nepal & the Maldives
earn a Masters Degree
design & build a house
live overseas for a couple of years

4 things that you don't know about me:

I have lived in two state's & one territory in Australia, Melbourne is definitely my favourite city, however the South Coast of NSW is a preferred holiday destination.
I lived on a large property called 'Wallendibby' for a year with my Grandparents & extended family, which is located near a rural township called Delegate. It was a fantastic experience although not under a great situation at the time (My father lost his business and had to rebuild everything!), however as a child I wasn't really aware of these circumstances until much later. Sadly after over 40 years my grandparents had to sell the property. Still very fond memories.
There's an HUGE urban myth in my family that we are related to the Wedgewood family. Seriously we must be descended from the chamber maid if so? I'd like to see Lord Wedgewood's face if I ever rocked up to his house making a claim on the family forturne, but I love the story!
I have an Uncle who shares the same name as a very famous pirate!!!, However he's 87 years old and doesn't command the title Captain...

4 things I often wonder:

Where I will work next and will it still be a in a creative capacity?
What my children will do when they are older?
Why I have worried so much in the past when I have so much to look forward to in the future!
How I have got to this stage of my life?

Contentment.... (Blogtoberfest Day 21)

2010-10-21T23:01:00.000+11:00

Contentment by Young America, originally uploaded by KooKoo Bear Kids.

Minimal words today, wanted to share a picture of a room that I dream of for my little girl...

Baking dilemma's...(Blogtoberfest Day 19)

2010-10-19T14:16:00.001+11:00

Cupcakes before they go into the oven...

Cupcakes iced and a sprinkles overload..oopsy...

In a Happy space... ( Blogtoberfest Day 18)

2010-10-18T11:36:00.000+11:00

What more can I say....all good...

Late night (Blogtoberfest Day 16)

2010-10-14T00:36:00.031+11:00

Wanted to be up-todate with my posts but am in a complete major overhaul of stuff...

I have finally secured a storage unit and we are still going through every cupboard and rooms to sort, recycle, sell, keep and all the rest!

I seriously feel like we are moving, it's got to that point where it feels like we are living in one big cupboard. Hideous as it feels at the moment with the house looking like a perpetual cleanou, I cope by visualising where we will be in a weeks time! (I'll update when there's change)

Self Portrait (Blogtoberfest Day 13)

2010-10-13T14:38:00.001+11:00

Self Portrait June 2010

Okay I didn't take this today...but I haven't changed much from 4 months ago ... current uniform Hair pull back, baby in my arms....

Caught up!,,, (Blogtoberfest Day 12)

2010-10-12T13:17:00.000+11:00

Illustration from "An invitation to the Dance"

I have written about this book before called "An invitation to the Dance"...enjoying more flashbacks to previous posts...more nostalgia.

Nostalgia...(Blogtoberfest Day 11)

2010-10-11T12:27:00.023+11:00

Building facade, Kyoto, Japan 2005

Ceremonial boxes, Nara Japan 2005

Golden Temple, Kyoto Japan 2005

Sakura, Fukuoka Japan 2005

Feast,Fukuoka Japan 2005

The spoils of a trip to Japan, 2005. How I long to travel there again!

10.10.10 (Blogtoberfest Day 10)

2010-10-10T13:45:00.018+11:00

Sculpture Garden ANG 2008

'Fugleman' Sculpture Garden ANG 2008


'Sculpture Garden' ANG 2008

No words...just more 'found' photo's....

Happiness is... (Blogtoberfest Day 9)

2010-10-09T20:49:00.053+11:00

Well many things but for today's post...Happiness refers to the delight that the several thousand photo's I thought I had lost were actually found on my computer. .You see we had already been through this dilemma last year when a virus attacked our computer twice and I thought we had backed up everything nicely but lo and behold I checked my Adobe Photoshop Starter Edition (which doesn't exist anymore) and no pictures from 2005 -2009 all gone, vanished, Now I knew I was meant to back these photos up in another photoshop format ie flickr etc but was lazy and kept thinking "I will do that soon".....

Cleo '5 days old' 2007

Cleo & Orion 2007

Now these photo's weren't all of display quality but they were a snap shots of my family, my life and with newborn pictures of my daughter and everything else I was devastated that they could be gone forever! Having had it explained by my dear partner that we couldn't have lost any of the photo's, he had been able to retrive all the data. I perservered and there on my computer under a file which I had clicked on several times but not looked through thoroughly held the key, it had folder simple called "My pictures" which contained 4 years worth of my digital snaps and I am one happy girl... so for this post a couple of snapshots I thought I have lost in the timewarp of computers and forever grateful someone had the foresight to back up our computer thoroughly...Thanks babe..

Cleo '6 months old' 2007

Cleo & Orion 2007

A quiet end to the week..(Blogtoberfest Day 8 )

2010-10-08T11:53:00.003+11:00

Photo from Pambula 2009, no relation to the text just wanted a serene photo!

An immensely busy week requires a day of down time, a day to reflect, ponder, research and on the other hand organise, clean and rearrange.

Well I ticked most things on that list, a joyful way to spend the day and will elaborate more when I feel more in the mood to write in depth.

Just hanging out.... (Blogtoberfest Day 7)

2010-10-07T17:46:00.006+11:00

A little indulgence....

A little bit of everything...(Blogtoberfest Day 6)

2010-10-06T17:43:00.008+11:00

Typical Melbourne today... all seasons in one day...

Botanical Gardens (Blogtoberfest Day 5)

2010-10-05T17:41:00.002+11:00

Walking the wall holding Nannie Pam's hand...

Lovely day at the Botanical gardens with my parents...superb weather what more can I say....

To the gallery...(Blogtoberfest Day 4)

2010-10-04T22:01:00.005+11:00

In the Hammock 1876 -Hans Thoma
(In der Hangematte)

Stadel Museum, Frankfurt

(image from the NGV website)

Today I finally saw the "European Masters - Stadel Museum, 19th-20th Century" at the NGV. There were so many exceptional, technically brilliant, beautiful paintings on display. I really enjoyed escaping into the different styles, periods of painting and the many stories accompanying the artists and their work.
Well worth the visit and so glad I saw it before it finishes up on the 10th October...

I also really enjoyed the company of my parents as we strolled through the exhibition at a leisurely pace. It's so rare to spend quality time with them as they live interstate and so visits are usually confined to small blocks two or three times a year. It's a case of quality not quantity and I really loved and treasured this shared experience. One that wasn't tainted with anything else but the 'here and now' and the only distractions were their 6 month old grandson who was also recieving alot of favourable attention. A very special day indeed...

Late evening catch-up (Blogtoberfest Day 3 -offically)

2010-10-03T22:44:00.000+11:00

Catching up for my daily blog, I have paused 'Wall Street' on the TV as I hurridly type out this post...Wall Street isn't actually one of my favourite movies but as it was playing last night I couldn't resist recording it and revisiting this movie as a nostalgic trip back to the eighties. At the time this movie came out I was living in Sydney, studying Interior Design at Uni. This movie was big back then and with characters such as the Interior Decorator Darien as played by Darryl Hannah whose fitout of Charlie Sheen's characters Bud Fox's apartment was hilarious!!! Even at the time I disliked the faux brick walls and the mottled paint effects and the colours selected were so garish, so tres chic..... Still I loved the movie for Gordon Gekko's memorable quotes...it's certainly been a huge trip down memory lane watching it

The movie playing afterwards was also a classic from my early twenties too, I had to record it as well ..Fatal Attraction...can't wait to watch that either! Then of course back to the cinema's to see the sequel - Wall Street: Money Never sleeps...Why not I say...

Sunday calm ...(Blogtoberfest Day 2 a day late)

2010-10-03T22:04:00.001+11:00

ok...missed a day already, caught up in a busy day with a child who is uncomfortable with his excema (6 month old- will discuss later), a barbeque to celebrate the 'rematch' of our local AFL Football teams grandfinal with friends and family visiting from interstate...there just sometimes isn't enough time in the day...

Image taken from Polli website, see note below as to how you could win one!!

So today a leisurely Sunday I can re-group and catch up...with a photo and no more excuses!!!

Note: there is a giveaway at Creature Comforts to win one of these garlands in either Yellow, Blue or Red, so click through and give yourself a chance to win this festive treat, just gorgeous....

Spring loving....(Blogtoberfest Day 1)

2010-10-01T10:44:00.003+10:00

we are also celebrating the break through of sunlight and the teasing of warmth after what has felt to be a very very long winter....don't get me wrong I celebrate all seasons, however for the first time I am really looking forward to summer. Not the searing heat, just lovely balmy nights and wearing lighter clothing...

We are also in the last days of the school holidays, with my parents arriving for a visit today, it will be a lovely way to finish off what promises to be a wonderfully hectic weekend.....

Note: first day of Blogtoberfest click through to Tinniegirl for the How to's? and Why's? all for a very good incentive...regular posts & good reading!

On school holidays..

2010-09-21T11:49:00.001+10:00

all a bit nuts as we work out our holiday program since we have decided to stay in Melbourne for these hols!... there'll be updates shortly... photo's when it's not grey and overcast and even some interesting tidbits???

So for the moment we will have to visualise sun, warmth and blue skies.....happy days and loads of imaginative play to keep everyone happy and challenged....until another post...

Hello....

2010-09-11T21:37:00.001+10:00

Hello from Sebastian who is just over 5 months old & a very inquisitive boy too...

A weekend of....

2010-09-05T20:18:00.000+10:00

Rain, Shine, Rain, Shine, Rain.....

Cute moments...like above (an email from my sister)

Celebrating a 1st birthday for my neice....amazing food, amazing company and over tired kids...great night!

Family moments....For fathers day, handmade cards, hand made presents and then a book and DVD thrown in for good measure...

Happy 101

2010-08-15T23:24:00.002+10:00

Wow..how to get me out of my cave for want of a better expression...give me a meme award...and not just any award a 'Happy 101' Award..."Thank you" Flossy-P for tagging me....

The rules are to name 10 things I like, then tag ten bloggers...

Ten things I like.....( in no particular order)

1. My family...

2. Travel...

3. Great food with great company....

4. A good glass of champagne...

5. Laughing so hard your sides ache...crying from laughter.

6. The sound of rain whilst cozy in bed...

7. Roaming art galleries any where in the world...

8. Swimming in the ocean...

9. Nicely polished boots...

10. Not fashionable.. .but ...Woody Allen movies...

Ten Bloggers I tag...

Leni & Rose

Ellieboo

One Little Acorn

Kimono Reincarnate

Edward & Lily

Thea & Sami

Lillipilli Lane

Creativity is Happiness

Well of Creations

Art Love Inspiration

Have fun with this meme ...

Just popping in...

2010-07-30T12:15:00.000+10:00

So much happening at the moment and keeping rather busy...inspiration flagging on the blogging front but going with the flow...just thought I'd pop in and say "Hi"...even if it's me to my lonely little blog...

This image is from "Don't look now" who I discovered on "Retro Mummy's" blog....a little sewing inspiration on a sunny winter's day...

Discovering new places...

2010-07-07T13:21:00.004+10:00

Photos 1 & 2 -Sculpture garden at the NGA....

Photo 3 - Exploring Questacon....

Photo 4- The Australian War Memorial ground....

Off on a road trip.....

2010-07-05T23:13:00.002+10:00

We were on a road trip and got back last night...I braved the idea of travelling with three children - bearing in mind that the youngest is 3 months old! We drove for eight hours with three stop overs. The kids were terrific and we had a very inspiring and fun time, catching up with many relatives and a few friends. Time permitting we would have stayed longer. Thankfully my partner flew to our destination for the weekend and helped with the drive home. We learnt a lesson too...driving eight hours with three small children is tough on the way home, too tough. Next time we will book accommodation in advance...We are home now though, safe and sound. With many tales to tell..more to come.

A big day....

2010-06-27T14:09:00.003+10:00

Happy Birthday to my eldest son who turned 7 years old a week ago!

He had a massive day starting off with Auskick (Football clinic for learning to play Australian rules for those not in the know) with his Dad...then a Ten pin bowling party with his school friends which was great fun for all the kids, especially those who hadn't ever done ten pin bowling. That evening we ate beautiful Thai takeway with the company of family, it was a gorgeous and very special day for my gorgeous 7 year old son!

We have truly been very busy this week of school term, so not much posting around here...

Free Form embroidery on recycled silk

2010-06-14T22:29:00.003+10:00

Free Form embroidery on recycled silk, originally uploaded by davis.jacque.

I love this piece of embroidery discovered at Feeling Stitchy .
There's some awesome stitching by all entrants. This one just really appealed!

End of the week...

2010-06-12T21:44:00.000+10:00

Mmmm, what have I achieved this week?

Discovering this company TOAST who sell beautiful home wares and clothing, below is a snap shot I have borrowed from their email newsletter as I love the colours blue & white, which are very refreshing especially in these duller days we are experiencing as Melbourne heads into winter.

...in between discoveries my usual week has been washing, cooking & cleaning.

However, I have managed a little road trip to Emerald (45mins out of Melbourne) with a hairy drive home (dark, single lane roads and not very well lit) but still well worth the adventure...

I also have caught up with friends in the city..couldn't resist these shots. First photo is Sebastian in the Baby Bjorn and the second shot is looking down Liverpool Street which runs between Bourke Street & Little Bourke Street in Melbourne. All photo's have been taken with my Blackberry Storm mobile phone camera.

I have also been totally inspired by Kelly Rae Roberts and keeping up with my reading and writing for my ecourse...(more on this later)...

Catching up on a little sleep...it's been a great week...

on my travels...

2010-06-05T10:14:00.000+10:00

words to come later...for now a picture just to keep up some momentum...

So where to begin...

2010-06-03T00:37:00.000+10:00

Mobile phone image taken on our holiday at the beginning of this year..anticipating that in a month we will be back here. Probably not so sunny, not so many people....still a wonderful place to journey to...

Anticipation...

2010-06-03T00:30:00.000+10:00

This photo was taken as we were preparing to take off on a flight to Canberra last year... A mother daughter weekend away....

It's a wonderful feeling the anticipation...

A quiet day...

2010-06-03T00:26:00.000+10:00

Well actually...

2010-05-27T23:04:00.001+10:00

So what's been happening in my world...well I've discussed briefly the early stages of juggling three children in my previous post, just a snapshot as I could write lines and lines of all that goes on into getting my day organised now. But I won't, a snap shot is fine.

I do confess that there are some days that are not as easy as other's. However we do have a terrific Maternal Health Nurse who at Sebastian's 8 week check-up today gave me some terrific leads as to how to handle the children's stages of development coupled with coping with a new baby in the family. So with enquiring mind I headed off to our local library (across the road from our Maternal health & Baby clinic) and tracked down a favourite 'child author' Steve Biddulph. I feel armed with the knowledge I may be able to find more strategies for creating some calm and peace within my family unit. A starting point along with some natural parenting instinct!

I have also taken on another challenge. I was approached by a friend who has recommended me to her client as an Interior Design consultant. Gosh, do I take it on? So I have made an appointment with the client and maybe I might have my first freelance job for this year, if she likes my portfolio and agrees to my fees. I also find when selecting to work with someone you do need to be able to 'click' with them. A good relationship with your client is just as important as the design itself, like the 'form follows function' rule. I believe a good client/designer relationship brings out the best outcomes. If that can be established I love the idea of doing some design work.

This photo is a detail shot of where the cabinetwork meets the ceiling and

how it's finished with the cornice.

This photo is of a Georgian inspired Kitchen (WIP). The final finishes to the doors

and panels were hand painted, as seen in this picture.

One of my approaches as a designer is going back to basics. I actually hand draw my work. If need be it can be converted to CAD (computer aided design). Yet in the last four years I have been mainly hand drawing and client's love it! ( In fact longer, as the previous design practice I worked for we either were hand drawing or used CAD) The feedback I have received is so positive. Especially as some of the work I have been designing in recent years has been influenced in the style of French Provincial, Georgian & Victorian periods. Most of my clients in the last four years have either owned homes that are of a particular historical period and prefer to reference those eras or they are building from scratch and prefer the 'Period' look, mostly French provincial.

So this is a snapshot of work I have done in the past. This particular job was from three years ago. I'll gradually post more of my design work (It's quite eclectic with both Modern and Period work). I have the time to do it now (believe it or not) and the motivation! As it also gives me the chance to finally go through my digital photos of my work and update my portfolio.

determination @ 6 weeks old...

2010-05-26T23:29:00.000+10:00

stop.start.stop.start...........start again!

2010-05-22T22:02:00.002+10:00

I have so many draft posts, that I have started and not posted. Some with snazzy titles (I think!)...that just haven't seen the light of day... There has been alot of adjusting with baby number three for all of us! Learning to have my attention divided between three children, managing sleep deprivation, the demands of a child that is feeding every 2-3 hours even through the night, sometimes colicky hours of crying and unsettledness, a house that sometimes looks like a bomb has hit it, the list goes on endlessly.

Yet I wouldn't change it for anything. Well, maybe some more sleep but that will come.

We have managed so much in the last 7 weeks in terms of spending time together, baking, cooking up a storm and simple creativity. Creating cards, drawing and loads of colouring in. My eldest son has been inspired during this semester by his class Science topic - Space...so lots of discussions, reading and drawings centred around this theme which have been delightful.

My three year old has started to draw faces...you know the ones with their arms and legs coming out of a potato shaped head, it's an exciting milestone to see their development from drawing lines to early figures...

Our baby is coming along in leaps and bounds... he's responding to cooing, guttural sounds, early laughter and taking in the world around him. It's so wonderful to take all this in and recognise each stage and relish those moments...

In the meantime I have chosen to be inspired myself, a new beginning for me on many levels, but creatively except with design work I have become quite unmotivated over the years. So to help get me back on track I have signed up for Kelly Rae Roberts ecourse, if for nothing else a starting point for motivation, inspiration and continual self development. An absolute must for me whilst I'm not working and wanting some balance with family life.

I will add photos to this post on Sunday, I just wanted to update my blog as this post has also been written several times over!

A family of five...

2010-04-21T23:57:00.004+10:00

"Thank you" for the all the lovely comments and well wishes on the arrival of Sebastian, they are truly appreciated!

One Year ago!...

2010-04-09T19:53:00.008+10:00

I went on a solo trip to celebrate a girlfriend's 40th...

I flew to Canberra, spent a couple of hours with my family then as I was borrowing my Mum's car (I felt so Uni student doing this..bloody fun!)...I took the next step on my solo journey which was a road trip to a destination I had only visited a couple of times, 20 years ago! It was exhilarating... In my haste with the packing I only had the one tape on me... Yes read it clearly tape! which was the Baby Animals...one of my favourite Aussie bands from the early nineties!... I loved the fact as I wound down the mountainside heading for the South Coast that I still knew all the words and could sing as loudly and embarrassingly as I wanted to...no shame, absolutely no shame!

Initially I had hesitated in coming to the party, it was over the Easter break and meant I would miss sharing this with my kids and then there was the enormous travel time, flying then driving for one night stay! Seemed really crazy at the time..But I needed crazy..My Grandmother had passed away the day before and there in this was timely for some time alone, reflection and solace and celebrating!

It was an eventful journey travelling through towns that have been significant to my family..such as Mittagong...to just appreciating beautiful Country towns such as Berry..so picturesque...to my eventual destination Foxground. However in the process taking a wrong turn and realising I was heading in the wrong direction half an hour later, the tears came as I called my friend to say I was almost there but had taken the wrong turn (I had been driving for 3 hours by this stage!)..the tears, like waterworks bursting as I realise how much emotion I had been holding onto, a wrong turn that ended up being the right thing to do to release the pressure cooker inside, so by the time I turned up at the farm I was seeing the humour and having a laugh about the journey I had been on... Foxground is quiet surreal and wonderful place to be...especially at that very moment!

...and during this journey I never believed for one second that two months later I would fall pregnant, as a third baby although longed for, was something at this time more of a whim then a actual decision...although a decision we decided to take as we celebrated our 15th anniversary, was that we both desired a third child!

So there you have it, a year later a long journey that could be documented so more thoroughly in detail, yet I neither have the energy or the desire to fill in the gaps at this stage.

A birth story could be pending as it was so beautiful, such a wonderfully orchestrated birth, that maybe I just allow the pictures to signify the event...a beautiful healthy bouncing boy and a mother who is forever grateful for being able to experience this journey with the perfect outcome... A journey began a year ago in earnest and with so much emotion, and a new path has been started a new journey begun!

Announcing the arrival...

2010-04-07T12:54:00.005+10:00

of our beautiful boy Sebastian on the 30.03.2010...

The Passage of Time

2010-03-30T16:58:00.002+11:00

The Passage of Time, originally uploaded by ToniVC.

it's so close now....I'll be back but not for a while....

8 days overdue & how to make the waiting productive...

2010-03-29T14:41:00.004+11:00

I'm finding this stage of the pregnancy actually calming! I don't feel this great urge to feel frustrated or anxious which is a complete turn around to how I thought I would feel! it's allowing me time to myself as my Partner generously is taking on the role of entertaining the kids when they require to get out of the house.

I'm also having the luxury of sleeping in, which is helping as I am still waking at odd hours of the morning feeling hungry, real hungry. So I usually have a bowl of weetbix & honey, which is as healthy and satisfying as I can muster when thick headed from such early morning rising!

I'm also relishing that the house feels organised. After we received a delivery of furniture organised by my wonderful Mother & Auntie who are in the final stages of organising all the allocated pieces of furniture inherited from my Grandmother's house to all family member's. So grateful they have come whilst I wasn't in hospital, so humbled with what we have received, it's lovely to have these pieces as a reminder of my grandparents...it feels very sentimental, a marriage of sorts...something old, something new, something borrowed...

In receiving these various items we have finally had our storage problems solved, patience has been a virtue here as we really didn't have a place for the baby clothes...our clothes were busting out of my original chest of drawers, which I have finally been able to give to my son. (& had always intended to) Yet knowing I had these pieces coming to us, I couldn't change anything around until they had arrived, although I suppressed the urge to go to IKEA out of shear frustration just to alleviate the storage/drawers dilemma and thankfully I did. A great lesson in patience.

By yesterday, we threw caution to the wind and headed to St Kilda to watch the F-18, Russian Roulettes and the Boeing Jet do their acrobatics and flyover...was just pleasant to get out.

Today we have Cousin Alex visiting and so have made playdough and some wonderful creative play and conversations have ensued!

After the DVD they are currently watching, some real cooking with Grandma who is going to instruct them on how to make Peanut Butter Choc Chip slice...if good, a recipe update may have to follow...

Hot Chocolate & still counting....

2010-03-25T13:23:00.009+11:00

Drop child #1. off at school...

Drop child #2. off at childcare...

In the mail, an order I made from Sublime Stitching has a arrived!... a stitching kit I have been coveting for a while, that are soon to be discontinued.

Off for a Hot Chocolate & Crossiant with my partner at a favourite cafe...

and waiting some more...

Monday....Five Fave's meme

2010-03-22T10:48:00.008+11:00

I feel I need a distraction from all the surmising on the pending arrival and this is the perfect meme to participate in thanks to Pip .....

Five Fave's -

1. Discovering this blog and really enjoying her regular posts, immensely..

2. Reading a 'new' to me crime fiction author Tess Gerritsen. She has written many novels, I am currently half way through 'Girl Missing'. Intriguing not brilliant.

3. Reacquainting myself with embroidery or in this case cross-stitch! I'm not even sure when I started this one. I found receipts in my sewing bag from 2005 but maybe it could have been started later??? So I picked up the where I left off, matched the current thread in the needle with the colour chart and have started back on a project tucked away and seemingly
forgotten for along time.

4. Coveting the beautiful jewelery at 'Blue Muse Jewelery'. Their blog,
their shop and this particular piece of jewelery.

5. Announcing...soon. How can I not mention that any day now my little family will officially become 5!...at 40+ weeks now, we eagerly anticipate our new arrival!

the waiting game...

2010-03-21T13:29:00.003+11:00

A start of another weekend....

2010-03-20T09:29:00.004+11:00

and so much to look forward to...relaxing with a mug of tea and the papers...

Mud puddles...

2010-03-19T20:30:00.002+11:00

The aftermath of hot days and a long week...a chance for some light relief & fun!

39 weeks & counting...

2010-03-15T13:29:00.003+11:00

An unusual angle, but it's a self portrait an arm outstretched, was slightly difficult to achieve an accurate angle...

Things have slowed down, bags packed, baby zone organised, baby clothes washed and folded, baby wraps, muslins, bunny rugs all washed and folded... we are in the final stages... it's now the waiting game and enjoying the serenity...

practical solutions....

2010-03-11T14:52:00.008+11:00

Sourcing is the name of the game and surprisingly I found it in Freedom! This is the Buco Round Basket which comes in various shapes and sizes. Now I am not being an advocate of all things Freedom but I do love these baskets as a storage solution. I am forever looking at practical & aesthetically pleasing options for storage just to help the keep the mess in my chaotic household at bay! These baskets have been a wonderful solution.

So I bought two, one for our hat collection that resides by our front door and the other for my daughter's dolls. Both which needed a place and not being transferred between the baby change table, floor, cot, son's bed (much to his dismay) and couch! The dolls especially required a spot to be stored away after play. Wish I had thought of it 6 months ago! Pleased I have found a happy resolution and it hasn't involved a plastic tub or melamine!

A very Happy Birthday....

2010-03-10T17:24:00.004+11:00

To me... this photo was taken at the end of a delightful and entertaining evening with my family as we celebrated my birthday!

My one big indulgence for the day was having a cake bought for me from Paterson's Cakes by my partner, which was just so gorgeous... a fudgy mud cake with Raspberry jam ( Sache Torte style cake), with a thick layer of Chocolate icing that just melted in your mouth,. As I cannot indulge in much until our baby is born, this was a taste sensation!

...and a really wonderful way to cap off my day!

Cherishing the moment...

2010-03-09T13:34:00.014+11:00

Cherish, originally uploaded by Who Is Bad Wolf?.

I actually have Amber from "The Nutrients of Life" to 'thank' for inspiring me with the title of this post. I so agree with Amber who commented on my last post about "Cherishing the moment.." I think the biggest lesson I have learnt from my Saturday experience is to not dash around town and to take things more slowly...I have even cancelled a couple of dates with girlfriends, knowing I was pushing the boundaries with my energy levels and not wanting to feel constantly fatigued which is where I was heading a couple of days ago!

What I have been enjoying is a little bit of organising everyday. We arranged the baby's space in our bedroom. Unwittingly it has become tradition for our babies to spend their first year sleeping in the same room with us and we both absolutely love it. You become used to their snuffles, littlest noises & movements. It's much easier for me to pick baby up for a feed and not disturb my partner who has 4:15am starts in the morning. I also love the solitude of feeding in our lounge room, with large windows it helps give the room an airy feeling even with the moonlight streaming in.

What is lovely is we aren't even at that place yet and I am reminiscing from feeding my last baby there!

I am slowly gathering the final bits'n'peices for my hospital stay. Items required for birthing, for baby, for me, for us! and even a little something each for the soon to be older brother and sister...which is very exciting and daunting for both of them...

There is an air of anticipation with the pending arrival and each child seems to be developing their own coping skills and ways of communicating as they anticipate the change. We are very mindful of the effects of this and are seeing some uncharacteristic behaviour. We are trying to ensure a smooth transition of understanding at the changes it will bring by discussing their feelings with us, their insight is quite profound.

At the moment my son is going through behavioural changes that are seeing a more temperamental and emotional side to him and my daughter who is currently toilet training, seems to suddenly not communicating as to her want to go to the toilet and wetting herself alot more. These could be conincidental behaviours but I really feel that being intuitive to their needs at the moment is paramount for the whole family to have a good understanding of how the changes are effecting each of us, especially the children.

So a time to nurture and cherish is so important and recognise that this journey is for all of my family....

38 weeks and counting...

2010-03-08T10:46:00.011+11:00

I'm at the tail end of my pregnancy. With all of the delightful ailments that afflict you as the baby slowly matures and your body is starting to struggle...

I have been keeping busy with the usual rounds of school and kindy commitments, catching up with friends, even a little bit of freelance work and even making it to 'The Baby show' held here in Melbourne over the long weekend. Saturday started as glorious weather and finished off with torrential rain and hail storms. Thankfully we had arrived whilst the weather was glorious to put it mildly and laughed as we heard the change in the weather(hailstones on a tin roof are VERY loud!) and was torrential rain when we left the Exhibition building.

However there had been a moment of clarity and I had brought an umbrella for myself and my daughter, so with accompanying Auntie's we laughed as we waded though the puddles and rushing water down the roads as we walked back into the city from Carlton Gardens.

We arrived at my sister's apartment block only to find that the lift wasn't working!! I took the plunge and walked up 4 flights of stairs where we freshened up before I decided now was good time to drive home!...What normally is a 25 minute drive, ended up as over an hour in the car as traffic came to a stand still on Punt Road. My daughter slept but I couldn't help but feel a little anxious, I just wanted to get home, like everyone else, however people were calm and music was a a great distraction.

'The Baby show' was interesting and very much tailored to convince pregnant women on many fabulous products (some you don't need), updated designs of now BPA free bottles, wizz bang toys, eco-friendly nappies (diapers!), space age prams, creams, more creams, Organic foods for toddlers and so many soft toys, blankets, bunny rugs, wraps, clothing for baby and Mamma's, it was almost overwhelming. I came away feeling I was more up-to-date with the market. Plus empowered with experience & hindsight with having baby number three, was not sucked in by all the new wizz band products and able to enjoy 'browsing'.

Still it's good to see what is being touted in the baby market place... My one true discovery that did have me a wee excited is the new to the Australian market 'Mothercare' range (From the UK!), they have opened a store at Chadstone...they have amongst many other ranges of clothes, toys and accessories a fabulous range of nursing bra's which is great! Considering when I had my first child over 6 years ago, the options for nursing bras were white, beige and purple. Maternity gear for Ante and post pregnancy has certainly improved outta sight!

Small things, but all it all helps when you are going though the transition of being beautiful & pregnant to a body recovering from nurturing a baby for nine months. As a women who has in the past gone through the despair of the body changes that a pregnancy brings, I am determined not to this time and celebrate a body that can give birth and wear clothes with pride...starting with a couple of nice bras!

and the beat goes on...

2010-02-27T17:23:00.002+11:00

and the beat goes on..., originally uploaded by Mr Vimes.

I love the feeling of freedom I get from this photo....

Baby elephant and chaperones

2010-02-24T10:27:00.002+11:00

Baby elephant and chaperones, originally uploaded by Carmelo Aquilina.

We visited the Melbourne Zoo yesterday...and managed after a morning of one mishap after the other, finally made the 'last' morning viewing before her nap time!

This is not a photograph of the newborn from the Zoo, I am yet to upload my photos from my camera, unfortunatley the photos of the baby elephant I took, appear to be a speck in the horizon...note to self...next time take camera with appropriate zoom lense!!!!
It was a beautiful day with friends and a wonderful way to spend some quality time with my daughter too.....

touching base @ 36 weeks...

2010-02-21T12:04:00.009+11:00

I have about 4 weeks to go, continuous rounds of swollen ankles, that thankfully go down & then swell up with this awful humidity we are experiencing in Melbourne. (like today!!) I'm moving more awkwardly but wanting to move gracefully. Still going for walks/strolls and fitting in a swim at least once a week whilst the children have their swimming lessons.

I had been experiencing bouts of anxiety in regards to birthing which I admitted to my Obstetrician. He noted that this is natural when a woman has been through the birthing process before. So to keep me focused he gave me sound advice about visualising the outcome and made suggestions of how I can think positively through the birthing process and reminding me of my options. I felt was sound advice (although I feel I am making him sound wishy-washy here) I however found his advice helpful.

I have since too in opening up to friends recived some wonderful options. One girlfriend who is expecting around the same time as me gave me a couple of pages of affirmations which read like this...

"My mind is relaxed, my body is relaxed and my birthing muscles work in complete harmony to make my birthing easier"..

This may not be your cup of tea, but it's a nicer thought..then it's going to be excruciating pain!!

I have also spoken to some new mums at my playgroup who had recently given birth and were so positive! All pf this feedback has helped in making me feel comfortable with the whole process and going through the birthing process again.

I had been reading some negative birth stories through websites such as mamamia and been wondering why I am reading them at all! For the record I really enjoy reading mamamia and this isn't a negative perspective on a very well written and informative website zine, it was this particular forum on birthing see:link that got me thinking! I like to hear/read all perspectives and have been recommended a book which I am picking up this week called Birth Skills
which I believe has been very constructive advice... Any constructive advice for positive birthing is welcome too!!!

So on that note...swollen ankles & all..I must get my children to bed so I can put my feet up.....

"Meaningful"

2010-02-14T14:07:00.002+11:00

"Meaningful", originally uploaded by Nghi La.

This week gone by...

2010-02-06T10:37:00.006+11:00

No not a meme, just a round up...have been sorting out upload issues with success, perseverance and late nights balanced with swollen ankles, fatigue and sometimes solid sleeps...

This week has been quite hectic with the start of the school year for my son, the start of 3yr old Kindy (we got in after all...Yay!) and celebrating 'belatedly' my daughters 3rd b'day with our playgroup friends, a small pool party after school on a very hot, balmy Melbourne summer's day!

Mixed with trying to tire out children who are all hyped up about being back into a new routine (not so carefree summer days now)...not much sleeping in and ensuring everyone is arriving on time with lunches packed as well...

In between this I have been back at work on a very part-time basis, winding up jobs, handing over and introducing our new staff member, who is taking over my role and also introducing new skills as well. Which is fantastic to feel you are leaving your much loved clients in very capable hands... (you can't help but take ownership of your client's, letting go can be hard)

There has been some leisure moments...group shopping for a girlfriend's b'day (haven't done that in years!), then off to see a movie afterwards..."It's Complicated"...which was surprisingly enjoyable and not "...just for women in their over 50's"... as I have read in many reviews. In my humble opinion sit back and enjoy, don't over analyse this movie, it's a charmer!

As all this takes place, what is so wonderful is the freeing up of one's head space to be able to concentrate on 'other' projects that have been waiting in the wings...which will be followed up in the next couple of weeks and I thankfully feel I have some time up my sleeve before the end of March. That said I have learnt some very important lessons in the last couple of months as I realise I don't need to put the pressure on myself to have everything done before the baby is born. A common phenomenon when 'nesting' and preparing for a new arrival...

Surprisingly I also have some creative projects on my list, but will mention these when they are actually in the act of fruition...one resolution for this year is to not just 'think' but 'do'...so I am off to 'do' some stuff and maybe I'll have something creative to report on next post...heh heh...

Moving right along...

2010-01-28T22:32:00.003+11:00

All right everybody move along now, nothing to see here .....the show is over, originally uploaded by bahketni.

Just had to keep this post light...last post felt it could have been heavy?? But have put it out there, behind me and moving right along!!!
Back to normal posting tomorrow...

Distractions...

2010-01-23T20:05:00.008+11:00

I have been meaning to post since announcing we are back, however have had quite a few distractions...namely appointments with my Obstetrician, next round of tests standard procedure stuff and keeping kids who are wanting to be entertained...kept, well mildly entertained... I'm not big on the continuous play date over the Christmas holidays, only because it's nice to have a break from all things that become routine during the year...however time spent with friends is very important and so with the hypocrisy of my last sentence in mind, I have endeavoured to do just that and catch up!

I have also taken the time to download countless photo's - the good the bad and the ugly, in between all of this I have also have to admit I just haven't had the want to sit in front of the computer. Not for lack of inspiration more of I don't know where to start. I'm constantly writing in *my head space* but am yet to put pen to paper..I have also been *nesting* heavily with a big overhaul of the house about to happen with rearranging spaces so it works to accommodate the newest arrival at the end of March!

There has been one drag to blogging and one I didn't want to bring attention to, but with another *weird* comment I am now asking, pleading to the person who insistently is spamming my blog with very odd comments in my comment box, PLEASE REFRAIN! I have deleted all your comments and will continue to do so. I have googled your so-called blog name, reported you to Blogger for spamming - each time you do it and will continue to do this, I will persist in reporting you.

Is it you coming back in a different guise each time??? I don't know what the point of your comments are, if you are being sincere and your English isn't that good I apologise if this offends you but the inane aspect of these comments suggests likewise. My request to this person/s is PLEASE start the year off well and refrain from commenting unless it is directed to the post or feedback, so that I can understand what you are trying to say. It would be alot more constructive and less confusing as to what your messages or point of view is.

So on a more positive note...I will be blogging more regularly, holidays snaps sorted, 2010 inspiration board started and lots of exciting developments unfolding throughout the year, which I will endeavour to talk about as they truly unfold (instead of the "this is gonna happen.." and it never does approach I usually take)..

So on that note I look forward to more writing, creating, sharing and reading the genuine feedback...

We are back!!!

2010-01-14T08:42:00.003+11:00

So excited to be back, which is a good thing...You know you have had a great holiday when your happy to come home and share the experience through words and pictures. I will get around to do this but for the moment I'm still unpacking, airing out the house and after two days back home am taking the kids to the museum so we don't get cabin fever!!

I'll back to share more, in the meantime Happy New Year...so looking forward to what 2010 will bring...

We are off!!!

2009-12-24T09:10:00.003+11:00

Time has flown and today we leave on our 3 week journey over the Christmas & New Year period...catching up with many... and still it won't be enough time... but so excited...

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...look forward to coming back, refreshed, revived and inspired!!!

Cheers,
Lil xox

What's Hot + What's Not

2009-12-15T10:32:00.018+11:00

We have had an enormous couple of weeks, with all things to do with celebrating the end of the year, milestones and Yuletide celebrations...

What's Hot
Attending my son's School's award night, watching his Prep class perform (as each year does) a song in English and a song in Japanese (Bilingual school!)..then the solo performances were on. My son in front of the piano has the microphone pushed in front of him, so the temptation given he loudly speaks into the microphone (deafeningly!) "Be quiet everyone!"... then amongst the giggles he launches into "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" (It kinda was a 'rock'n'roll' moment)... My partner and I were crying with laughter in that I can't believe that is our son moment' would have been funny regardless! Just magic...

Attending a talk by Cathy Walker who theme was "Understanding Children's behaviour" where she gave very insightful ways to address individual behaviour in children of a variety of ages in numerous scenarios. The pros of teaching the child about 'consequences' and the long term results that can be gained. It was very inspiring...click through the links to take a look at her website.

My daughter being accepted into a Kindergarten program just when I thought we would have to stick to childcare...I had been told that the program at our local Kinder had changed, thus half the applicants couldn't be accepted. Miffed that Public education was being exclusive I spoke to the Principal of the school...Today I received the phone call that a child had dropped out and would I like my daughter to take that position..."Of Course!"... (seems being miffed and complaining to the right people can work for you!) I am but very pleased... so she will benefit by being with established friends at Childcare one day a week and new friends at Kinder who she will continue her education with.

Finding the 'right' swimmer shorts for our summer vacation!... Work with me here this is important, when you are almost 6 months pregnant and looking at 3 weeks at the beach!!!...very important!...

All but two Christmas presents away from completing Christmas shopping... again small things here...Looking forward to some creative wrapping, like recycling from last year's leftover papers and children's artwork, we have aplethora of painted paper I have been loathed to jsut throw out and can at least brighten the Christmas tree wrappings!

Lists being written... goals being slowly kicked...

Last day of work today (for the year!)...so eagerly anticipated... timed exceptionally well with my son's last day of school and my daughter's last day of childcare..lovely synchronicity...

Not working on a Saturday!!!

Home made pizza and watching crap Foxtel shows...

What's Not
Leg cramps...

Back aches...sore back muscles were treated with a massage and a well intended rubbing in of 'Deep heat' that ended up feeling like my skin was burning, a terrible sensation and one I don't want to feel again!
Please Note: Nothing absolutely against this product, I have never had this sort of reaction to it before and have used it alot over the years for sporting injury's and muscle aches. It could just be sensitive skin from being pregnant... However, I will investigate.

A 'running of a red light' fine (Really I asked myself?, I really wish I was speeding, I'm sure the light was amber when I made the judgement to continue driving) Thus making an evening out with the girls two weeks ago, go from a really lovely 'inexpensive' night out to one where I should have just taken them all out for dinner at the most expensive restaurant in Melbourne!!! I'm gunna question this fine!!! and then like most concede defeat and pay the f*&%$#g bill.

If you like to play along or just read other What's Hot & What's Not meme's please click on to Loobylu's to read more and play along...

What's Hot + What's Not (on time ;-)

2009-12-09T17:05:00.006+11:00

Yay... must mean stuff is slowing down for me...well for a second!

It's onto What's Hot + What's Not meme today and so much has gone on in our week''

What's Hot

The 'fake' Christmas tree and my two year old's obsession with turning on the lights!... I bought this tree two weeks ago and sucked it back that I was buying a 'fakey', as we usually support our local scouting group and buy a 'real' tree...however as we are going away for a wonderful three weeks over Christmas & New Year..I didn't feel like coming back home to a dried and molting tree, pine needles are notorious for sticking to everything if you are not vigilant in vacuuming everyday! So a 'fakey' it is and looks nice to, even if the decorations were tripled up on some branches...

Picking my sewing machine finally!!!! and very excited...ignoring the hot looking new ones in the *said* shop and just keen to get back into sewing and then maybe upgrading if I develop a keen feel for it again...

Ticking off the boxes of the "To Do list..." including the many social engagements that sometimes can be met with an 'inner groan' yet once attended are a more...'That wasn't too bad after all' feeling...

My daughter persisting with dressing up as Batman or Spiderman...fairy costumes do get a look in... However today she was 'Batman girl' as she described herself. She decided to wear this particular outfit matching it in with her Red & white polka dot shoes.

Finding a very cute Red hat with white Polka dots. I don't normally keep clothing I find on the street but this was in mint condition and no one in sight to claim it. It fits her (daughter) perfectly and it is for swimming...Have I got a theme going here?

Actually making EVERY swimming lesson for the 10 week course I signed both children up for. Normally you would guess we would miss one or two. We were able to make it through the whole course for both of them, there's a real sense of achievement here.

Having our 'funky' *tongue firmly planted in cheek* retro seventies brown optical illusion splashback tiles (try selling that concept that at a tile shop!)replaced after they were about to fall off the wall, in fact the tiler just took them off as if they were placed on a bookshelf. The selected choice, cream. Whilst it opens up the Kitchen space, for me it's a tad boring, Oh well..

Two more working weeks until my holidays...but whose counting!!!

What's Not

Hearing the crack of my son's head in the playground...running over and finding he has a big bruised egg on his forehead, but he recovered well and was back playing within 5 mins...THANKFULLY!!

My daughter running at the pool after being told several times not to ( Yes, I became the fishmonger's wife!) she slipped over and also banged her forehead...she too has a matching bruise and egg on the opposite side to her brother... as cute as this sounds, banging your head unfortunately is definitely NOT hot.

Not agreeing on a name for our unborn child, Yet. Still we do have abit of time up our sleeve...Why is this so difficult???

Doubling up of Events and wanting to attend both...this is happening on two occasions this week! Very annoying, this time of the year is becoming more ridiculous. I am aiming to transfer some Christmas celebrations to the Winter Solstice for an even distribution of social events throughout the year. Just a thought.

So to join with Loobylu's meme What's Hot + What's Not...join in here!

What's Hot & What's Not...another belated post...

2009-12-05T20:06:00.008+11:00

Chocolate crackles, originally uploaded by lululollylegs.

With all good intentions again...so much going on and next week is going to be more full-on with commitments, yet it's all fun... so I'll keep this post short but sweet.

So making my commitment stand for Loobylu's What's Hot + What's Not ... click on the link for more of the same...

What's Hot

Tooth Fairy's

24 weeks and loving it...

Less then 3 weeks until our holiday's start...

New clients and a sense of satisfaction with new jobs to tie me over in the new year...

Going on picnics with friends, loads of children, new babies and wonderful weather...

Sugar rushes from chocolate crackles and realising how good they taste!!!

What's Not

Losing my temper at a motorist who sped down our street and beeped me as I carefully drove out of my driveway...I lost my temper when he accused me of 'Not looking'..which when you live in a street with lots of elderly, kids on tricycles and mother's with prams..you have to be careful all the time! I told him in no uncertain terms what I thought of him and later rang the Police...sick of people using our street as a speeding thoroughfare...the Constable agreed with me and promised to station a Police Car the very next day to observe..a positive outcome.

Losing my temper..that is not a great way to start the day, However my obstetrician alleviated my fears that losing my temper would not harm baby in any way (Work with me here, we do think of these things when pregnant!) and my blood pressure reading was normal...phew!

Just a minute in.....November 09

2009-11-29T14:50:00.012+11:00

Wow November, what a month!

Travelling: On a plane with my daughter interstate and how much fun that was to spend some quality 'one on one' time with her... Watching her discover her Grandparents house and garden, so many treasures... Spending time with her cousins, who cried when it was time to leave... heart breaking. Just a lovely restful weekend.

Reading: Back onto crime thriller and currently reading a Dennis Lehane novel.."Gone Baby Gone" the premise of which is a hard subject matter given it's about a couple of children disappearing... but it's well written thus far and some interesting characters...I'll let you know!
Also reading my usual bag of favourite magazines Vogue Living, Inside Out, Frankie & much more...need some new inspiration for Design mags...

Assembling: IKEA of course, with the decision made not to move until baby is born (& not right away I might add too!!)..we need storage and more storage...so starting with a Chest of drawers for my daughter, who was so excited after I finished assembling it she had to sit next to it for the rest of that night... it was very cute.

Cooking: Lighter meals and more salads...and currently awaiting my box of mangoes, bought from one of the many school fundraisers we have had this year and one of the better healthier options! Very excited, especially for my children who will be encouraged to eat and my partner who will have to suffer the aroma (he is one of those few unfortunate people who hate mangoes and also cucumbers and I have met a few...feel sorry for them!)

Watching: Not much...as the silly season swings into full commitments..I'm finding early nights and a good book my current companions...when in front of the box I am flicking and settling on food shows...re-runs of Jamie's Kitchen on Foxtel and currently loving "Luke Nguyen's Vietnam"
on SBS.

Sewing: Very soon. I pick up my sewing machine this coming week from being serviced and very excited and very out of touch!!! My partner has joked that I'll be sewing all my clothes from now on! You never know...I know I do have to re familiarise myself with a sewing machine first..it's going to be a long road but one I am excited to travel on again...

Loving: The weather which hasn't been too hot after extremes of November with 'very hot' to 'summer rain' it's been fun and everything feels a little greener and fresher before what I assume will be a big dry summer!!

Watching my tummy grow...24 weeks and feeling lots of movement, we are travelling well and enjoying some restful nights...

My son losing his first front tooth and the second one left dangling...quite a comical sight. The tooth fairy has been busy. My son certainly won't have his two front teeth for Christmas!

To join in with August Street's meme 'Just a Minute in....' click on the link...always an inspiring read...

What's Hot + What's Not

2009-11-25T21:21:00.004+11:00

What's Hot

A weekend away with my daughter...flying to Canberra...so she could not only discover the joys of flying, the sense of adventure but also reconnect with a place she was unfamiliar...

Watching my daughter discover her grandparents house and especially the backyard, which is quite established and alot of fun! Many bird baths, ceramic and wire sculptures and many things for an inquistive mind with inquistive hands!

Reconnecting with family and friends whilst celebrating a milestone for my sister who turned 40 but who looks 15 years younger!!! (but naturally!)

Loving being surrounded by the clutter of my parents house and their many artworks collected over the years from local and interstate artists...

Reminding myself that plants in Interiors are so important and how I must overcome my 'phobia' that all plant life will not be killed by me (death from over or under watering!) and that I can nuture indoor plant life...

How even a weekend away can recharge your batteries...

Not thinking about anything but the 'here and now'...

Assembling a chest of drawers from Ikea...I haven't lost my 'allen key' touch

What's Not

Continuous drought and the effects on our lives...

Turbulance in airplanes...

Heavy landings so that your pelvic floor feels it helped cushion the landing of the plane!...

head lice...

runny noses...

persistant cough...

If you'd like to join in with Loobylu's What's hot + What's Not click on the hyperlink!

A 'little' promotion...

2009-11-24T14:57:00.005+11:00

I have to promote Rebecca from Edward & Lilly's blog latest giveaway...her work is so gorgeous...I know I purchased one of her embroidered birds last year and it will adorn our Christmas tree again this year!

So please take a moment to check out Rebecca's blog Edward & Lilly and give yourself a chance to win a super cute handmade Christmas decoration....

What's Hot & What's Not....

2009-11-19T07:40:00.010+11:00

My daughter's painting..added for a little bit of colour!!

It's like ground hog day at the moment..but then the experiences aren't the same from week to week..which is a good thing!

Playing What's Hot + What's Not really for Yesterday...(posted late..due to actually forgeting to publish this post before I went away!!)

What's Hot

This weather!...and liking it...and coping...

Looking forward to flying to Canberra for the weekend for my sister's b'day. A chance to not only hang out with family but also catch up with very neglected friends with whom I have had very long standing relationships but my contact these days is minimal...abit poor form really...Oh well I'll make up for it this weekend, seeing them will be hot!!!

Taking my two year old daughter who is very excited to be flying in a 'Baby aeroplane'...her brother really wanted to come (as you can imagine) and keeps asking me why he isn't coming?...besides the usual "Your keeping Daddy company..." etc I also explained he's flown 14 times whilst his sister has only flown twice...he liked that explanation the best and that seemed to be the clincher that allowed us to go without much fuss...Phew!

Finishing my latest book "The Girl who kicked the Hornet's nest" and thoroughly loving a very satisfying ending...written by Steig Larsson it's from the Millenium series and excellent crime fiction, a genre I have always enjoyed..although has to be balanced with other genre's too!

Watching my children's confidence grow in the water as they progress with their swimming lessons..for my son who wouldn't put his head under water two months ago to now learning the 'Austrlian crawl' is fantastic. For my daughter who wasn't keen on jumping off the side of the pool, now flings herself off with delight!...Now all I have to worry about is they are 'over confident' and watch them like a hawk when they are at the pool!

Four more weeks of work then holidays...and yes I am going to do this weekly countdown ;-)..a week ago I didn't think I would make it, a misunderstanding at work had me fired up (in that I'm pregnant don't mess with me kinda way!) and I thought.."I can't do this!!"...But I can...breathe...communicate...move on...Ahh that's better...

Purchasing the most awesome necklace for my sister's bday present and so happy with it that I can't wait to give it too her...secretly I want it (which is a very good sign in my books) and she doesn't read my blog so she'll never know until I give it to her..

What's Not

That feeling of the end of year 'anxiety' where there seems to be so mucjh to do and so little time to do it...AGAIN...must stop...breathe..be still...meditate...Anything!!

Tiredness...

Join in at Loobylu's fabulous meme and read more What's Hot + What's Not.

Little details...

2009-11-12T20:28:00.003+11:00

LITTLE DETAILS, originally uploaded by ziaponca.