Daily Affirmations

Daily affirmations are common around our house.  We have some sitting on our coffee table, a few printed on our family typewriter, some in books and some even on the mantel.  They are not in your 'face', they are just there to read and reflect upon if you want to.  It's amazing to see how the kids use them.  Quite often I will walk into the room and see them reading one and discussing it with each other or just reading one and pondering in deep thought.  They work their magic in a quiet little way at our house.

So, what are daily affirmations?  They are simply positive and uplifting thoughts.  They make you look at the world through positive eyes and to focus on making you to be more proactive in living a joyful life.  They remind us of our purpose for being, for living.  

This week Grace has been sitting her NAPLAN test - not that I make a big deal of the test but it is a test nonetheless and I guess there must be some stress associated with it.  Anyway, Patrick and I typed out a few affirmations on our family typewriter for her.  We left them to sit so Grace could read them at her own pace and of her own doing.  Here are the affirmations that Patrick selected for her...

1. Whenever you believe in the impossible, it becomes possible.
2. Whatever you make your mind up to do.  YOU CAN DO IT.
3. I learn, comprehend and understand everything I need.
4. When I wake up in the morning, I know I will have a good day.

They seem to have her work their magic because she has come home from school each day on a high saying the tests were going well.  

Do you use daily affirmations at you house?

The Maker in Me

During the past summer, Martin and I were blessed to have some quality time together.  A once in a life time experience really.  He had some time off work and I was only working here and there (which is what I am still doing) but it gave us the chance to sit and discuss so many things.  During that time, I came to the realisation that I am a maker.  I love to make things by hand - knitting, crocheting, cooking, writing or just plain crafting.  It is my passion, my love and what brings me so much happiness and joy.      

The challenge is finding the time to make.  Sometimes it happens within the ebb and flow of the day but other days I feel lost if I have not had the time to make a thing. Does that sound crazy?  I think that is why I love the different holiday seasons - it is so pleasant making my way through them - sewing, card making, cooking and sometimes even a bit of painting.

Anyway, enough of my rambling...

I thought I would share somethings that I have enjoyed making lately...

A crocheted scarf for my mum on Mother's Day. 

 I followed this pattern from A Spoonful of Sugar 

A grey crocheted blanket for our bed.  

I followed this pattern from The Purl Bee

A knitted scarf for a friend. 

Tell me, what have you made lately?

My Favourite Snack

Once autumnal weather hits and the cooler, crisper nights emerge, my trusty old crock pot becomes a staple on the kitchen bench.  Slow cooked meals are a hit at our house.  I love them because I can prepare the meal before going to work and leave it to bubble away and work its magic all day long.  The thought of coming home to a delicious, wholesome meal for the family to share is my idea of happiness.

However, lately I have discovered the versatility of the crock pot.  I love the thought of making snacks, desserts and cakes in the cooker.  Exciting!  Anyway a couple of weeks ago I made the most delicious Cinnamon Almonds in the crock pot.  They were delicious and were gobbled up quick smart by many guests that we have had over lately.  I really enjoyed them too but I am not a sweet tooth so I decided to tweak the recipe and this is what i came up with...

Cinnamon, Paprika and Rosemary Almonds

• 4 cups of raw almonds
• 2 egg whites
• 1 1/2 tabs vanilla
• 1 tab sea salt
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tab cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tab smokey paprika
• 2 tabs finely chopped fresh rosemary

How to

1. Spray the crock pot with olive oil or cooking spray
2. Blend salt, sugar, paprika, cinnamon and rosemary in a medium bowl
3. Beat egg whites and vanilla in a separate bowl until white and frothy
4. Stir egg mixture and herbs together
5. Add almonds and stir until they are coated with the egg mixture
6. Add the almonds to the crock pot and cook on a low setting for approx. 3-4 hours.  Stir every 40-50 minutes so they do not stick or clump together.
7. Cool on a baking tray and break up any almond clumps.
8. Enjoy!

On Mama's Day

My family spoiled me in just the way I had hoped for Mama's Day.  In fact, it was nothing but two days of perfect family time.  Two days full of playing, walking, running, sharing meals with those I love and time under the glorious autumnal sun.   I was delighted with the traditional hand drawn cards and lovely sentiments and the extra snuggles and "I love you" whispered in my ear.  What more could a mother wish for?  Now, between all the magical moments there was still time for the laundry, emptying the dishwasher, picking up Lego and trying to be peace keeper amid squabbling siblings but that is just part and parcel of the role.  Right?

It is around Mother's day that I reflect more on my role of motherhood.  It is something that is always on my mind because I live it day in and day out but in the month of May it is at the forefront of my mind.  I feel so privileged and blessed to be a Mum.  Although I have been a mother for just over eleven years I feel like I am still learning the role.  It changes, challenges and surprises me in so many ways.  I feel that I have become more aware of myself as a mother and am a little more confident and stronger in the most important role of my life.

I hope that you had a happy day too, friends...

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”

 - Abraham Lincoln - 

Thank you to my Mum, Nyrelle for being the most patient, loving, kind and generous soul that I know.  

I love you, Mum. xxx

Mother's Day

~2013~

My favourite time of day - pyjama time.

For All Mother's

I haven't been on here forever...again but I just wanted to stop by and wish all mother's (especially mine) a wonderful day.

I had to post this very beautiful clip...enjoy!

Disclaimer

Oh my, there is a lot of catching up to do.

I must admit, I have been a slacker at keeping up to date here.  Thank you for those who sent emails and checked on here regularly but I have not felt like blogging or in honesty, had the time....sorry!

There has been A LOT going on here.  Firstly, the big news, we're back living in Sydney.  We're happy, life is good.  We miss Melbourne but Sydney is 'home'.  It's where our family is and family means the world to me.

The kids have settled nicely into school.  Grace has returned to her 'old' school and Paddy has started at a new one.  This is his fourth school in four years and he has tackled the challenge like a champion.  I'm really proud of both of them.

Photos from their first day...

It's good to be HOME!

Saddened

On Friday, my little girl came home from school safe and well.  She unpacked her bag, hung her bag on the hook, took her shoes off and relaxed ready to chat about her day over afternoon tea - unaware of the horrific tragedy that took place in Sandy Hook Elementary.  An area that I am familiar with from when we lived in the US.

My mind keeps wandering to those sweet little children, their teachers and school staff and all that happened.  I've been praying for those in pain and hugging my babies tighter.  I feel so lucky to have my family with me.

Sending love to the broken hearted.