Saturday, April 30, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Gratitiude journal - friendships
I am blessed to have some of the best friends that any one could ever wish for - you know the sort, friends that know you better than you know yourself, they can make you laugh even when your crying on the inside, they are happy to be just be a little crazy, and make feel like you never really grew up, they know when to remind you that you are great, just the way you are, they forget the stupid things you do (until its convenient for them to drag it back up and have you laugh about it) and treasure the little everyday things. Its an unconditional mutual bond that runs deep. Friends like this don't come along every day, they are truly a gift to your soul, to be cherished. You know they will be part of your life for a long, long time - no matter what. They just will. They don't question your decisions, they support your choice to make them - and then celebrate your successes or stand back waiting to catch you when you fall. They make you smile. They make your heart happy, and most importantly, they feel exactly the same way about you!
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Saturday, April 02, 2011
three
To my beautiful little princess,
I'm not sure how in the blink of an eye we went from this...
to this...
I have so many precious memories of you over the past three years.
Holding you close to me for the very first time; of all those late night feeds when there was just you and I, totally content with each others company; of seeing you crawl and walk, and now watching as you ride your bike and laugh and play.
You have really made our lives and family complete darling. I love the way you so totally embrace the fact that you are beautiful, doesn't matter if you are covered in mud or dressed to go out, you accept it, and you know you are beautiful. How I wish I could keep that in your heart forever. No matter where you are, no matter what you do in life my darling, hold tight to that confidence in yourself.
Just before you turned three, the bond between you and your dummy was finally broken. You spent a night at Auntie Vics while Daddy and I were away at a concert. You didn't ask for the dummy, and so Auntie Vic didn't offer it to you. When I arrived to pick you up the next day, we threw it in the bin at her place. Just as well, because once you were home to the familiar bedtime routine, all you wanted was your dummy. I stayed strong and persevered and it only took a few (long) nights for you to self settle with out it. You had relied on the dummy to comfort you for so long, that there have been lots of tears since it has been gone. You don't ask for the dummy, but without it, you still struggle to calm yourself easily when you get upset.
Isaac began school this year, and you have been a little lost at home with out him. You start asking about 10.00am if its time to pick the boys up from school yet. You are learning to play on your own. It makes me smile, watching you talk to your dolls and Teddy's as you make up pretend games with them. I hear my own words coming form your mouth as you gently settle them or tuck them in for a nap. Although sometimes I also hear as they are told off for doing something they shouldn't. It is all so cute to listen too. I must admit, I'm even starting to enjoy playing dolls with you sometimes, even dressing them can be kind of fun in small doses! You are ticklish and have a giggle that is contagious. You are loud. You are wary around most people, but if you decide that you like someone, then they are your friend from that point on! You have your first 'boy friend', one of Isaac's mates called Charlie. You talk about him all the time, and call out hello to him when ever you see him. It is so cute. Sometimes you will walk up to me and rub my arm, or cuddle me and melt my heart with a sweet little "I love you too Mummy". Ahhhh that's what life is all about my sweet little girl, and always know that I love you too!
Now that Isaac is bringing home readers, and immersing himself in the joys of learning to read and write, you too are wanting to be part of that. Our bedtime story always involves me reading the story to you, and then you reading it to me. You have started drawing and writing. We often find your little circles drawn on any piece of paper you can find around the house. It is a sweet little reminder of your growing presence around the place. You are generally fairly layed back, but you often yell at your brothers to make yourself heard, and are quite often found trying to boss them around! You love being involved in what ever I am doing, and as you get older are able to be more and more helpful. You wake up far to early, and rarely have an afternoon sleep any more. By the time Daddy gets home, you are usually tired and cranky and spend half the time crying over not much...he calls you a tear factory!
I'm sure that being three will be such fun for you. Will will work our way through learning to share, learning strategies to avoid the inevitable three year old melt downs and starting pre entry at kindy in last term. Until then, I will just treasure these days we have at home together, and remember how lucky I am to be able to spend them with you.
I love you soooooooo much Jazz
Mummy xxx
PS - sorry about this appearing in the wrong place - the new blog editor doesnt publish when you saved the draft like the old one (ie back dated)...bit of a pain really!
I have so many precious memories of you over the past three years.
You have really made our lives and family complete darling. I love the way you so totally embrace the fact that you are beautiful, doesn't matter if you are covered in mud or dressed to go out, you accept it, and you know you are beautiful. How I wish I could keep that in your heart forever. No matter where you are, no matter what you do in life my darling, hold tight to that confidence in yourself.
Just before you turned three, the bond between you and your dummy was finally broken. You spent a night at Auntie Vics while Daddy and I were away at a concert. You didn't ask for the dummy, and so Auntie Vic didn't offer it to you. When I arrived to pick you up the next day, we threw it in the bin at her place. Just as well, because once you were home to the familiar bedtime routine, all you wanted was your dummy. I stayed strong and persevered and it only took a few (long) nights for you to self settle with out it. You had relied on the dummy to comfort you for so long, that there have been lots of tears since it has been gone. You don't ask for the dummy, but without it, you still struggle to calm yourself easily when you get upset.
Mummy xxx
PS - sorry about this appearing in the wrong place - the new blog editor doesnt publish when you saved the draft like the old one (ie back dated)...bit of a pain really!
Monday, March 28, 2011
My Happy Place
It's peaceful.
It's beautiful in the sunshine or the rain.
Sitting looking over the water, watching the kids play.
Its definately my happy place.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
hello, remember me?
Ive been a very slack blogger this month. I have been spending too much time on facebook, so if you want to know what Ive been up to in the last couple of weeks, here it is in status updates...
Nic Wood...
...count your blessings every single day, you just never know what tomorrow will bring.
...bought a crusty grain loaf to have with our slow cooker for tea - I just went to cut a slice for the little ones and its 95% gone...ggrrrrrrr to after school and after work vultures!
...is enjoying just how peaceful the house is with everyone sleeping
...missing ipod, missing keys, missing remote - all found in the nest of the little pink bower bird of the house! At least I know her stash spot now and know where to start looking when things go missing!
...A sign of things to come !?! As I put Jazz into the car after school drop offs Monday morning she says to me ... "Muuuuum" "I like boys" ...'tis terribly cute that she has her first boy crush on one of Isaac's mates! Not quite so sure how cute I will think the same scenario is in about 10 years time!!!
...thinks its going to be a good weekend!
...U 14 cricket grand final today and tomorrow - good luck boys
....just finished kitten proofing the laundry ready for a gorgeous fluffy addition to the family tomorrow! There is much excitement in the air - well from most members of the family anyway;)
...really needs a hug....trouble is, the mood I'm in, if anyone comes that close to me they may not survive!!!! ................deep breaths and calm thoughts.................
...thanks for all the love yesterday girls - today is a new day and yes I'm definitely in my happy place this morning!!! I feel like an excited little school girl - final day of the boys cricket grand final this morning and our new little pussy arrives this afternoon !!!!
...its a girl ♥ - and she has stolen my heart already. so, so cute ♥
...had a wonderful weekend! Nothing better than spending time with friends xxx
...I'm pretty sure shopping for footy boots with Caleb this morning isn't going to be that much fun!!! what was I thinking!?!
...is comforting a kitten who is freaking about the washing machine (want to get used to that darlin' !) and a sooky three year old who perhaps thinks the kitten is getting a little too much of her Mummy's attention
...anyone that uses MCN, check these out! Almost makes me want another just to get some more cute nappies - even a boy...those little monsters rock! (yes sadly I do miss our nappies!)
...boys and their toys ***rolls eyes***
...knackered! I DO NOT understand how people enjoy running!
...might have to become friendly with the local butcher (oh that's right, I already am ;) ) on to a high iron diet for me to try and get these iron levels up. At least Ive managed to nearly triple my vit D levels since last time (they were REALLY low!)....now to keep them there.
...just gave the husband a little facebook lesson - I will convert him eventually!
...how did we survive before laptops and youtube to keep us amused- curled up on the lounge and been transported back 20 years listening to reo speedwagon and foriegner
...what a beautiful morning :)
...a glass of white, dukkah, and sunshine - nice afternoon, if only I could get the racing cars turned off the tv!
...tired, grumpy children + no babysitters = no cricket presentations for me :(
As you can see, Ive been keeping busy. Lots of eating, drinking and laughing with friends, which Ive really enjoyed. Its really nice to be getting some sort of social life back after all these years, and I'm blessed to have a great group of friends. Im going to yoga once a week and I'm walking 5km three or four times a week and loving it, Ive found someone to walk and talk with occasionally and really enjoyed the grown up company, its nice to just be me instead of someones Mum or wife sometimes! I even tried running the other night (because it was getting dark) and didn't love it at all! Ive been spending a day every couple of weeks with Nell, sewing, or working on Jacintas crochet rug, drinking coffee and chatting. The kids have finished cricket and started football, and this school term is over half way through. We have redecorated the lounge room - new chairs, new tv cabinet etc, and its a space I really enjoy spending time in.
I have busy times and quiet times, and I feel as though I'm beginning to attain a little of that life balance that was my goal for this year.
Nic Wood...
...count your blessings every single day, you just never know what tomorrow will bring.
...bought a crusty grain loaf to have with our slow cooker for tea - I just went to cut a slice for the little ones and its 95% gone...ggrrrrrrr to after school and after work vultures!
...is enjoying just how peaceful the house is with everyone sleeping
...missing ipod, missing keys, missing remote - all found in the nest of the little pink bower bird of the house! At least I know her stash spot now and know where to start looking when things go missing!
...A sign of things to come !?! As I put Jazz into the car after school drop offs Monday morning she says to me ... "Muuuuum" "I like boys" ...'tis terribly cute that she has her first boy crush on one of Isaac's mates! Not quite so sure how cute I will think the same scenario is in about 10 years time!!!
...thinks its going to be a good weekend!
...U 14 cricket grand final today and tomorrow - good luck boys
....just finished kitten proofing the laundry ready for a gorgeous fluffy addition to the family tomorrow! There is much excitement in the air - well from most members of the family anyway;)
...really needs a hug....trouble is, the mood I'm in, if anyone comes that close to me they may not survive!!!! ................deep breaths and calm thoughts.................
...thanks for all the love yesterday girls - today is a new day and yes I'm definitely in my happy place this morning!!! I feel like an excited little school girl - final day of the boys cricket grand final this morning and our new little pussy arrives this afternoon !!!!
...its a girl ♥ - and she has stolen my heart already. so, so cute ♥
...had a wonderful weekend! Nothing better than spending time with friends xxx
...I'm pretty sure shopping for footy boots with Caleb this morning isn't going to be that much fun!!! what was I thinking!?!
...is comforting a kitten who is freaking about the washing machine (want to get used to that darlin' !) and a sooky three year old who perhaps thinks the kitten is getting a little too much of her Mummy's attention
...anyone that uses MCN, check these out! Almost makes me want another just to get some more cute nappies - even a boy...those little monsters rock! (yes sadly I do miss our nappies!)
...boys and their toys ***rolls eyes***
...knackered! I DO NOT understand how people enjoy running!
...might have to become friendly with the local butcher (oh that's right, I already am ;) ) on to a high iron diet for me to try and get these iron levels up. At least Ive managed to nearly triple my vit D levels since last time (they were REALLY low!)....now to keep them there.
...just gave the husband a little facebook lesson - I will convert him eventually!
...how did we survive before laptops and youtube to keep us amused- curled up on the lounge and been transported back 20 years listening to reo speedwagon and foriegner
...what a beautiful morning :)
...a glass of white, dukkah, and sunshine - nice afternoon, if only I could get the racing cars turned off the tv!
...tired, grumpy children + no babysitters = no cricket presentations for me :(
As you can see, Ive been keeping busy. Lots of eating, drinking and laughing with friends, which Ive really enjoyed. Its really nice to be getting some sort of social life back after all these years, and I'm blessed to have a great group of friends. Im going to yoga once a week and I'm walking 5km three or four times a week and loving it, Ive found someone to walk and talk with occasionally and really enjoyed the grown up company, its nice to just be me instead of someones Mum or wife sometimes! I even tried running the other night (because it was getting dark) and didn't love it at all! Ive been spending a day every couple of weeks with Nell, sewing, or working on Jacintas crochet rug, drinking coffee and chatting. The kids have finished cricket and started football, and this school term is over half way through. We have redecorated the lounge room - new chairs, new tv cabinet etc, and its a space I really enjoy spending time in.
I have busy times and quiet times, and I feel as though I'm beginning to attain a little of that life balance that was my goal for this year.
I feel happy.
I feel content.
Life is good.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
stolen my heart
A few weeks ago we were invited to friends for a BBQ. They had the two most gorgeous kittens. Well one thing led to another and after a few drinks, it was Craig who was all enthusiastic about us getting one as well. He is so not a cat person, and despite the fact I am, I have never pushed the point and got a kitten. It looks as though the stars were aligned right for me though, as there just happenend to be an extremely gorgeous little kitten available from the next litter, and our friends could pick it up for us, so I said yes. It did take a little sweet talking to convince the man of the house that it was a good idea..I think the excitement of two little ones got me across the line there!!!
On Sunday 13th March we welcomed 'fluffy' to our home. She is a gorgeous kitten, and is even softening the hardest hearts in the family! She is getting used to the hustle and bustle of the kids, and loves to cuddle up with me on the lounge at night once they are all in bed. She has the little ones in fits of laughter with her kitten sillyness.
She has definately stolen my heart!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
charmed
Last week the lure of the LQS closing down sale was too much for me to resist any longer. Included in my purchases there was a pack of Lily & Will charm squares. Ive looked at this range quite a few times. Its soft & feminine & pretty, but its always been bumped in favour of the brighter more vibrant ranges.
Yesterday my sewing mojo returned. I got out my charm squares and decided on a small, and super simple quilt. Two seams later the bobbin thread ran out - grrrrrrr. I went to refill it when I realised that my reel of thread was almost gone. Double grrrrrr. I went to get another when I realised that there were none in the house...seriously, I want to sew and I want to sew now!!!!!!! Thankfully the LQS last day was yesterday, so I made a quick(ish) trip for thread (and a few other things that caught my eye) and another charm pack - I thought I may as well get another and make it big enough for a nice lap quilt for me! I played around with the layout for a bit and then got sewing.
With in a few hours I had this pretty little quilt top finished. Im looking forward to snuggling under it on a cold winters night...when i eventually get it finished!!!
Yesterday my sewing mojo returned. I got out my charm squares and decided on a small, and super simple quilt. Two seams later the bobbin thread ran out - grrrrrrr. I went to refill it when I realised that my reel of thread was almost gone. Double grrrrrr. I went to get another when I realised that there were none in the house...seriously, I want to sew and I want to sew now!!!!!!! Thankfully the LQS last day was yesterday, so I made a quick(ish) trip for thread (and a few other things that caught my eye) and another charm pack - I thought I may as well get another and make it big enough for a nice lap quilt for me! I played around with the layout for a bit and then got sewing.
With in a few hours I had this pretty little quilt top finished. Im looking forward to snuggling under it on a cold winters night...when i eventually get it finished!!!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
a happy heart
Unfortunately the first few weeks of school have not been all smooth sailing for Isaac. He loves school, he loves his teacher, but he is not at all happy about the part where I leave him each morning. We have talked about the routines, we go early for a long play outside before reading time. We have tried no outside playtime and straight into reading, I have tried staying a little longer, and tried leaving quickly to be somewhere, Ive even tried bribery - usually the mere suggestion of a gelati will achieve miracles - in fact I'm running out of strategies to try! He is totally fine until I have to leave, then the tears and clinging start. He is fine soon after Im gone, and by all accounts has a wonderful day at school.
We have only had one morning with out tears so far. Most mornings I have to leave him crying with his poor teacher. She is awesome, and understanding and supportive, but (as much as the behaviour is beginning to annoy me) it is so hard to leave your little one in tears every single morning. Last week he told me he cried because his heart felt sad when I left (and yep, I had to swallow a lump in my throat after that!)
I though I would try sending something along with him to hopefully give him a hand getting through this. Teddy would be the perfect companion, but 1. I don't think that sending a Teddy to school is very practical, and 2. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be very cool to be crying and cuddling your teddy every morning. I began thinking more along the lines of something small to pop in his pocket. that's when this little fella came to mind. Isaac and I made this little 'Happy Heart' together tonight after school.
After a big long talk (that shed no light on the issue at all!)about what was making him so sad etc and the fact that crying and yelling all the way to the car (and all the way home!) after school because we were not getting gelati (that was going to be the reward for not crying in the morning) was just not OK.
Little happy heart is going to spend most of the time tucked safely away in in Isaac's pocket, close by, so he can hold it when ever he needs. Hopefully it will provide a little physical distraction for him when he starts to feel his heart getting sad. It has a little smile to remind him to be happy, and even though his eyes look like plain old crosses, they are really special kisses just for him.
Fingers crossed that we both have a 'happy heart' morning tomorrow.
We have only had one morning with out tears so far. Most mornings I have to leave him crying with his poor teacher. She is awesome, and understanding and supportive, but (as much as the behaviour is beginning to annoy me) it is so hard to leave your little one in tears every single morning. Last week he told me he cried because his heart felt sad when I left (and yep, I had to swallow a lump in my throat after that!)
I though I would try sending something along with him to hopefully give him a hand getting through this. Teddy would be the perfect companion, but 1. I don't think that sending a Teddy to school is very practical, and 2. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be very cool to be crying and cuddling your teddy every morning. I began thinking more along the lines of something small to pop in his pocket. that's when this little fella came to mind. Isaac and I made this little 'Happy Heart' together tonight after school.
After a big long talk (that shed no light on the issue at all!)about what was making him so sad etc and the fact that crying and yelling all the way to the car (and all the way home!) after school because we were not getting gelati (that was going to be the reward for not crying in the morning) was just not OK.
Little happy heart is going to spend most of the time tucked safely away in in Isaac's pocket, close by, so he can hold it when ever he needs. Hopefully it will provide a little physical distraction for him when he starts to feel his heart getting sad. It has a little smile to remind him to be happy, and even though his eyes look like plain old crosses, they are really special kisses just for him.
Fingers crossed that we both have a 'happy heart' morning tomorrow.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Monday, February 07, 2011
Quilts for Queensland
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had decided to make some blocks to contribute towards Quilts for Queensland. Since both Nell and myself were planning on sending in some blocks, we decided to dedicate a few of our crafting days to the project.
Last week we managed to cut and piece a pink/blue/yellow top. The fabrics I choose were from my friend Kayscha when she destashed a while back, it was nice to be able to pay the kindness forward and use a few of them to make a quilt for such a great cause.
We also decided that it will be far easier for us to send in completed quilts where possible, or at least tops - a little less work for Corrie to co-ordinate getting our blocks pieced and quilted as well as all the others I'm sure she has arriving daily.
Today the first top was quilted by Nell, and we almost finished piecing another . We only had Jazz and Maddy here helping us today. Maddy sat and 'helped' quilt the top for a bit,
and Jazz helped out by documenting some of the goings on with the camera. 
I didn't manage to get photos of the girls collecting up and running away with all the blocks after we had finally settled on how we wanted to arrange them, or my little miss hiding out in Maddy's pram having a sneaky suck on her dummy. Jazz is on day three of going dummy free, and seeing Maddy with hers and then seeing it just lying there was too much of a temptation for her. Im pleased to report, that after a rough time getting her off to sleep last night with out it, there were no tears at all tonight, straight into bed and off to sleep!
They both loved snuggling under the almost completed first quilt! It had been backed with polar fleece and quilted in a wavy grid pattern. It will be a wonderful snuggle quilt for a little person.
I will share some pics of todays purple and pink (yes I know I don't do purple, but so many little girls seem to love the pink/purple combo!) quilt top as soon as I add the finishing touches, and Nell has a few stunning fresh, modern 'hoot' blocks that she is going to add to and make into a top soon as well.
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