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.

Always the Good

Source: mormontopics.org via Sundi on Pinterest

Nail Style via James Bond

OPI is my all time favourite nail polish brand and I love their new range - James Bond (a perfect marketing maneuver, right?).  I have my eye on You Only Live Once for my Christmas - the perfect shade of red for the festive season

Being Thankful

I know that we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Australia but at this time of year I often reflect on what I am thankful for...

• my beautiful boy, girl and husband.  They mean EVERYTHING to me
• for my wonderful mum and dad who have always given me unconditional love and been there for me
• for good health and strength
• for our extended families
• for friends near and far and wonderful friendships that I treasure with my heart
• our warm, cozy and loving home - although we have lived in many houses we always make them feel like home - our home!
• for the power to love others more than you ever knew was possible
• for books and for libraries - my escape
• for hugs
• for beautiful stationery - especially gel pens
• for wonderful schools that my children attend and I have the opportunity to be part of and work at
• for knowing someone so well that you can finish their sentence or know what they're thinking before they say it.
• for words - written and spoken
• for a relaxing bath before bed
• for my morning runs - priceless
• for beautiful scents in the air - right now I love my lavender oil
• for my two siblings who mean the world to me
• for happy childhood memories that still make me smile
• for hand written letters and cards - both given and received
• for patience and perseverance
• for roses, peonies and gerberas - my favourites!
• for jokes that give me a belly ache
• for my never ending to-do lists - they keep me focused
• for a life that I am loving living

Others

Source: redeemcoupon.com via Jane on Pinterest

Oh Christmas Tree

With many family members visiting for Christmas this year, I am so excited about getting our home ready for the festive season.  The kids and I have decided that this coming weekend is the one for putting up the Christmas tree - much to Martin's dismay because he believes it should not go up until December.  We win!

I LOVE Christmas, it is my favourite time of year and I take it full on - craft, music, decorating, preparing Christmas treats and homemade gift giving. We also have a few traditions that are never broken - our Elf on the Shelf, Jake visits, we have a weekend in the city where we stay at a hotel and visit Santa, see the Christmas lights, purchase or make a Christmas decoration that is symbolic of the year and we also share a special Christmas meal at  a 'fancy' restaurant.  Other traditions include - writing to Santa, the Christmas books are out and each night we read one together under the Christmas tree lights,  Advent calendar and new Christmas pyjamas that I sew for the kids.  It is exhausting but I wouldn't change a thing about it and I know the kids wouldn't either.

Stay tuned for some Christmas photos next week. 

It is simply the most magical (and my favourite) time of the year.

Courage

Source: marloesdevries.tumblr.com via Jane on Pinterest

Origami Love

I'd like to introduce you to the little lovelies that are decorating our house right now.

A samurai hat sitting on the top of the stairs

A little table that Grace made and left on her bed.

Another samurai hat sitting on our coffee table

A cute little plane that Patrick created.  It flies really well.

Grace received an origami set for her birthday and it has been a hit.  The set contains solid colour paper squares that have a fine texture yet easy to fold and the instructions are simple with matching illustrations and diagrams

I think that I'll be finding a lot more of these little creations around the house.  

It has become their new daily obsession.

Love

Source: trendypics.net via Cath on Pinterest

Afternoon Tea with Friends

I enjoying getting ready for birthdays and making a big deal of them - putting up streamers, preparing the food, organising the games and waiting for everyone to arrive.  It makes me feel happy.  Although it all takes time and energy it is worth seeing the smile on my babies face and knowing that we are celebrating what is important to us - friends, family, fun, life and happiness.

To make the afternoon tea even more special for the girls the fine china came out . 

A lot of the china pieces have sentimental value as they're from grandparents and friends who are no longer with us.  It felt right to have them out in use for Gracie's birthday.

 Here is the little afternoon tea celebration we had for our little 8 year old, Grace Ellen.

 8!  Where, oh where did that time go?

With my baby girl.  

Yes, she will ALWAYS be my baby!

Pass the Parcel.

(Poor Paddy missed the party because he had basketball.  He wanted to play a small part in the party before he left so he organised the music for the game)

Food time!

We celebrated her day with some dolls, too.

Thank you Miss Gracie Ellen for bringing so much joy, love and happiness into our family.

You are the sunshine in our days.

Eight

When did my girl go and get so big?

Happy 8th birthday to my precious little Gracie.

Thank you to all who called, sent cards and wished her happy birthday.  

Every time the phone rang she had a big smile on her face.

We love you to bits, beautiful Gracie Ellen (Joycie) xxx

Trick or Treating

Firstly, I'm sorry for not being on here FOREVER but with working 5 days a week, the kids routines, extra curricula activities and life in general, the blog was put a bit on the back burner.  Saying that, we are all well despite the hot and then cold winter like weather.  Thank goodness for reverse cycle air conditioning.

In recent news the kids went trick and treating.  Now, this is not a huge thing here in Australia or for me personally.  In all honesty, the  concept is a challenge for me.  I'm not into the whole scary, the frightening, sugar overload or the commercialism of the event.  I just can't get my head around it but the kids wanted to head on out with some friends and I decided to grasp the community aspect and enjoy time with some neighbours and friends.

By the end of our neighbourhood walk,the kids baskets were full with sugar laden goodies but thankfully they both volunteered giving some to the sugar fairy in exchange for some books and art supplies. Which will be enjoyed over the four day weekend we have ahead of us.

I love living in Melbourne and enjoying two extra days with our family together and having two days off work to celebrate a horse race!!