Goodbye Twenty Twelve.

My brother-in-Law Matt's Facebook status was this today:

"Today is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one."

I love that! There's nothing like a fresh new page. A clean slate. A new chapter to write. A feeling of hope and opportunity. I love that the 1st of January sprouts all of these feelings. It's refreshing.

Although January is all about looking forward and moving on.....The first of January is always a time of reflection for me. I like to look back on the year that was; and smile at the good times, learn from the hard and hold onto the special....

2012....

2012 for us was FULL of adventure and new experiences. It was a rich year. Memorable and busy. One of the best years yet....for my little family and I. A year I'll cherish forever!

Chris and I have never been big travellers. We were together six years before we had Ella. While most other 'child-free' couples would use that time to travel and vacate - we used it to simply BE! Simply be together and start a life that would last forever. We had mortgages to pay and careers to build. We did the occasional weekend away and a few Melbourne trips, we also went on a Honeymoon. But overseas travel did not meet our budget or plans each year.

This year we made up for that. I think we've done more travel over the past 2 years, than we have EVER.

January saw us welcoming in the new year at our lovely Mooloolaba. This holiday has become our new annual adventure which we'll embark on every January. A new tradition. Chris went on a week trip to Melbourne in May, and I took the kids to Cairns. August had us relaxing and living it up in the amazing Hamilton Island. And in November we spent two weeks in the glorious culture of Japan. On top of that Chris had many an interstate business trip and we hosted lots of traveling guests here at our house!

Mooloolaba Jan 2012

Hamilton Island August 2012

Japan - Osaka - Nov 201

In February we moved house. It was emotional and scary but also indulging and perfect. This house, this space, this new neighbourhood has brought us some wonderful times!

We all got a year older......

Ella turned four. And partied farm style. Ryder turned one. And partied in Caterpillar style. 

I turned the big Three Oh. And Chris 38.

Ella started Kindy 2 days a week at a local college. And completely bloomed where she was planted.

We hosted Easter at our new place, and Christmas Eve too.

I cried over lost sleep. But relished in the beauty of being a Mum.

I chased a dream of seeing my words in print. As well as seeing some of my print designs in Australian Magazines. WOW!

My Mum retired after 40+ years in the classroom. And my brother Spencer completed an IronMan in Miami USA.

My brother crossing the finish line. Iron Man completed in just under 11 hours. Inspiring!!!

2012 was a huge year for Ryder as it marked many firsts. First foods, first crawls, first steps & a first birthday. It also marked his first hospital visit, when he was knocked down badly with Type A Influenza in August. A scary, exhausting time. One I wouldn't wish on anyone.

Workwise - Chris's business flourished and grew. His hard work paid off and his problem solving skills put light on the low times. I'm so proud of what he's built, where he's heading, and the life he provides us! As for me and work.....hmmm.....technically I didn't work this year. I was on maternity leave from teaching. And to be honest I can't believe the year has come to an end already!!!!!! But I did pour all of my spare time and energy into my Prints Business and my writing. I earned some extra dollars by doing some sponsored posts here on this blog and landed some exposure. I have decided to return to teaching in 2013...part time. It was a decision I really struggled to make. I know this time of being home with young ones is coming to an end. They are only little for such a tiny amount of time. I don't want to miss a thing, I don't want to have regrets. Chris was happy for me to do whatever. He put no pressure on me at all, in fact was more than happy for me to continue being a stay-at-home Mum. But I have this annoying little voice in my head that makes me feel more worthy when I'm contributing financially. I know it's fake thinking.....as being a stay-at-home Mum is actually very hard work, exhausting, rewarding and very time consuming {you don't get to log off at 5pm}. But I just had a feeling deep down in my heart that I should keep my foot in the door with my teaching career, as well as stay home with Ryder the other days. We'll just take each school term as it comes this year. Nothing is ever set in concrete!!! I like that!

Chris and I celebrated 7 years of marriage in September. And remembered Nick in November on his tenth anniversary.

*******************

WOW! What a year! And that was just a nutshell of our 2012. There were so many more moments in between. Every day living, special times, hard times and milestone events. I love looking back on it all. And am grateful I have this blog that boxes all of these memories & moments together.

And the funny thing is..... as 2012 began, we had no plans to do half of the things we did. They just happened spontaneously. That excites me......to see how adventurous and busy and love-filled a year can be.....all without too much thought & planning! I hope 2013 brings us more impulsive and memorable times.

I hope I do reach those dreams and kick those goals. I hope my family continue to thrive and love. I hope happiness shines over most of our days and good health comes in abundance. I hope so much for my lifetime and the people around me. Greedy I know!

Cheers to a wonderful 2013.

And thank you for taking the time to visit this little blog-space of mine. Thank you for the support and comments and readership! I do appreciate it. So much!

How was your 2012? What have you got in sight for this next year?

November-December Sponsors. Hello.

I decided to open up some 'advertising / sponsorship' spots on my blog again.

This seems to be a controversial topic within the social media world lately. Some people have a problem with bloggers being paid to....well.....blog. I blogged my thoughts about it here.

Blogging is an optional activity. I do it coz I love it. I do it as a keepsake for my family. And I do it so I can flex my creative muscles every now and then and express my life through my words and pictures. However, maintaining this little online space requires a lot of my invested time and effort. It's a timely, committed part of my life. And if small business value what I do and what I write, enough to pay me a small monthly fee to in turn shout their names to the bloggy world...then it's a win win situation isn't it?

So.....here they are.... my Nov / Dec sponsors :)

1. So Sew Sweet.

Monica is the brains, designer and craftswoman behind this gorgeous business. And I'm not just tootin' her business horn, coz she's my bestie in real life....but because I truly love what she makes and her work ethic. She makes the most divine hair accessories, for both kids and adults. Her clips and head bands are a big seller. She also makes gorgeous tees, beanies, baby sets and more. You can find her at many Brisbane & Gold Coast weekend markets. Her facebook page is a great place to follow, as she regularly updates her sales, new products, albums and creations there. She can also be found on MadeIt.

You MUST head over and stock up on some handmade gorgeousness - perfect stocking fillers or xmas gifts this season!!

2. Miss May Stationery & Gifts.

I was super excited when Miss May came on as one of my blog sponsors. Krystie has designed an awesome 2013 Family Planner...which not only looks great, but will assist you in keeping organised and on track next year! And you MUST checkout her Book Covers! Save time covering all of your children's school books with pesty sticky contact and use these babies. How fab!!!! You can find Miss May's website here. And her Facebook page is a MUST to add to your faves!

3. Salon Indulge.

Charmaine is the owner and one of the stylists at Salon Indulge. She is possibly one of the loveliest ladies I've EVER met. Salon Indulge is situated on the gorgeous Gold Coast and I highly recommend you head there for your next hair appointment. I had a cut and colour done there several months ago, and felt truly amazing when I left there. Not only are the staff magnificent, but they treat you like royalty. I left feeling refreshed, relaxed and recharged! LOVE!!!!!

You can view Salon Indulge's website here. And their Facebook page here.

A huge THANK YOU to these 3 FAB businesses who sponsor this space of mine. And I hope my lovely readers, take the time to pop over and check them out....I wouldn't recommend them if I didn't truly believe they were great businesses doing and selling GREAT things!!!

If you're a small business or blogger and are interested in sponsoring my blog for Dec 2012 or Jan 2013, please get in contact with me :)

Happy Weekend All x

Choosing Happiness in 2012. And a FREE print.

Sometime last week, I decided to jot down some 'power words' & thoughts that I wanted to focus on in 2012. Not so much 'resolutions', but gentle reminders of what's most important to me & the direction I want to drive 2012 towards. I then transferred some of them into a wall print....coz that's what I do :) 

I couldn't fit them all on.....but the ones included were the main mantra words or reminders I wanted to have in front of me each morning when I log onto my computer. Recently, Maxabella asked the bloggy world, what is YOUR word for 2012? At the time, I couldn't think of one word I really wanted as MY word for the whole year! And even now....I'm struggling to settle on just one. A few went through my mind; Love {but I'm so in love with so many people & things at the moment, I really don't need to put any forced effort or focus into that one}, CAPABLE {like everyone, at times I feels so incapable & not good enough.....but 2011 also taught me that I am more capable than I give myself credit for......hey, I traveled the world solo, heavily pregnant, with a 3yr old.....I also overcame a pregnancy loss & then 14 months later; naturally & without drugs delivered an almost 10 pound baby into the world.....so, at the moment, as a Mother....as a Woman.....I'm feeling pretty capable!}, RELAX....{I nearly picked this one.....because relaxing is something that doesn't come naturally to me. If I get a quiet moment, when the kids are asleep or contently busy, I rarely turn off & truly relax....there's always things to do, chores to complete, work to be done, projects to complete, things to read etc etc. However, I am getting better at the whole relaxing thing...proof can be found when I'm on holidays with my family, and I've learnt to start saying NO sometimes, so that I'm not drowning myself in work & projects for other people, which takes quality time away from me & my family.} And in the end....the word {or words} that kept coming back to me.....were 2 simple ones: CHOOSE HAPPINESS.

So, for 2012.....I'm going to choose happiness. Like, almost everything we do & are faced with each day, in this democratic society we live in.....we have choices, lots of them! And HAPPINESS is a choice too! No, I'm not going to be a buzz of fake smiles & over the top happy-happy-joy-joy all day everyday.....because {1} that's just annoying..... and {2} that would be too far from the truth,...... because I too have moments and days, when things are just plain ole' crap. Money troubles, sick kids, work commitments, marriage that requires attention, family worries, drama with friends, endless dirty dishes, messes....oh constant messes, sleep deprivation & unplanned tragedies. So, of course, in 2012, there will be moments of worry, fear, sadness, anger, frustration & hurt.....but for the most part....I can still choose to be HAPPY! Really.....it all comes back to SINK or FLOAT?! In 2012 - Hakuna Matata :)

And to spread the love, I've done 3 colour styles of this print.....as a FREE downloadable, prinatable goodie for YOU :) To download the Black & White {like mine}, CLICK HERE. For the colourful hues, CLICK HERE. And for the light teal & gray, CLICK HERE. Hey, grab all 3 if you wish.....spread the word, let your friends know where they can grab their free 2012 wall print :) Simply download, print & frame....wahlah....easy :) I've made it a standard 20cmx25cm {8x10inch} so it fits into a photo frame! Or save your ink....and make it your desktop image or Facebook profile pic :)

{These ones are FREE!! But, if you'd like any extra or different words or YOUR OWN 2012 RESOLUTIONS & WORDS into a custom print, just contact me. I can do a custom print for you for $15 {as an emailed PDF} or $30 plus $8 postage for a hardcopy; printed & mailed one {30cm x 40cm}.

Whether it's due to the fact that January is usually about people being positive, embracing new starts with a new year & setting goals for a successful & amazing 12 months ahead......or maybe it was some freaky sign from a higher source; but I read a post today on Chris's Cousin's {Beth} lovely blog, that got me excited about 2012.....I could feel the inspiration running through my veins as I read this list:

> Health:
> 1. Drink plenty of water.
> 2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
> 3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
> 4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
> 5. Make time to pray.
> 6. Play more games
> 7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
> 8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
> 9. Sleep for 7 hours..
> 10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
>
> Personality:
> 11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
> 12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
> 13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
> 14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
> 15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
> 16. Dream more while you are awake
> 17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
> 18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
> 19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
> 20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
> 21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
> 22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
> 23. Smile and laugh more.
> 24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
>
> Society:
> 25. Call your family often.
> 26. Each day give something good to others.
> 27. Forgive everyone for everything..
> 28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
> 29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
> 30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
> 31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
>
> Life:
> 32. Do the right thing!
> 33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
> 34. GOD heals everything.
> 35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
> 36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
> 37. The best is yet to come..
> 38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
> 39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

No idea, where Beth got it from, but I love it. I think I'll be printing this one too :) It's full of the inspiration & motivation I need to ensure my 2012 truly ROCKS! Oh....That, and choosing HAPPINESS :)

It's going to be a rockin' year!

Peace out......

Wrapping up 2011. Reflection.

Tomorrow will be the last day of 2011. This time each year, I can't help but be nostalgic & reflective & look back at what was, what is, and look forward to what may be! {And the reflective mood is set perfectly right now....as I sit here on the couch with Chris, candles burning, and he's pumping out tunes on our lounge room speakers, with photos from 2003 streaming from my laptop to the Apple TV....gosh we look young back then.....anyways....back to the post at hand.....}

Today, I wrote on my Facebook status that I was a little sad to see the back-end of 2011 as it has been such an amazing year & I don't really want it to end! But....like everything in life {the good & the bad} it must come to an end......time to close some doors & open new ones. Complete some chapters, and start writing new ones. Cherish old memories but strive in making new ones.

However, on this day, I'm feeling grateful. I'm feeling thankful. I'm feeling happy. I'm feeling love. And I'm looking forward! Looking up!

Cheers to that!

2011 truly has been fabulous! So much has happened & I'm glad I have this blog that journals & captures a lot of what this year contained to look back on one day!

Of course, it hasn't all been sunshine & rainbows. Like everyone, we have our share of hard times, scary moments, down days, stress, worries and frustrations. But for the most, and here on this blog, I like to focus on the positive, the good, the love. And 2011 was filled with lots of LOVE!

The year kicked off with a bang....some much needed family time away, a weekend in luxury, our little girl turned three {rainbow style} and my business turned one.

In February, after a pregnancy loss in 2010, we fell pregnant again! I was riddled with morning sickness for 4 months & struggled bigtime! But.....came out the other side, stronger & more motivated than ever!

Pregnancy photo shoot with Carly Webber.

As the morning sickness started to clear and I started to get some 'there's light at the end of the tunnel' feelings again, Chris & I were discussing 'bucket lists' over dinner one night, we decided I'd tick a few off of mine & embark on my dream overseas holiday this year! It was so unplanned, so impulsive, so scary.....but so amazing! Within 3 weeks of birthing this idea, the trip was booked & paid for.....we were going!!! Nothing was going to stop me.....not fear.....or even a car crash! And no, it wasn't how I imagined my first USA trip would be.....I was heavily pregnant & traveling solo with a 3yr old, but it was still perfect. I'm a big believer that things pan out just the way they're meant to....so I decided to take this chance, grab it with both hands & embrace it for everything it was worth! Ella & I lived it up bigtime as we ventured hand in hand through 10 flights & 4 countries. We did Los Angeles, New York, Canada, Kansas & LA Hollywood! I learnt a lot about myself during this trip. I also learnt that I still hate flying, but I have a new desire to travel more; despite that hate & fear! More importantly, I learnt that I'm stronger & braver & a whole lot more independent than I give myself credit for.

{Don't forget to stop sometimes & smell the roses!}

And although, family is my everything.....friends are so special too! Friends are my family too! And time with friends makes me happy! An impulsive getaway with girlfriends made my heart full in 2011 and seeing my girl treasure friendships too makes me happier than words can express. 2011 taught me & reminded me how important friends are! This year, some of my friendships sizzled out & didn't stand up to the smallest of obstacles, wheras most, like a fine wine, only got better over the duration of the year :)

Tiffany, Me, Jackie & Mon at my Baby Shower. Sept 2011.

Jet & Ella. Photo from this post.

Ella started dancing lessons in February this year. I always hoped that one day I'd have a daughter.....and a daughter who loved to dance was just a bonus :) Watching her confidence & independence grow as a result of her weekly dance classes with Miss Parker was so soul-warming for me as a Mother to observe. And watching her on stage this December in her first ever concert....oh.my.goodness.....BLISS! A heavenly Mummy-Moment! The world could've ended at that moment.....my girl dancing & twirling & shyly smiling on the stage whilst a VERY proud Mummy, Daddy & Baby Brother watched from the audience pews, and I would've died a very happy woman :)

However, the highlight of the year, hands down; no doubt about it...... our baby boy arrived on November 3rd! Ryder Nicholas's large 9pound 8oz body slipped from me & into the big wide world! He made me wait for him {a week overdue!} but once he decided to come, oh boy....he came! A one hour labour from start to finish had Chris, Ryder & I all in a minor traumatic-shock for a short while afterwards :)

Ella made me a Mumma in 2008! And this boy made me feel more complete than I could ever imagine in 2011!

And, although, being a Mother of Two is so much more exhausting & soul-wrenching than I prepared myself for...it's also so much more magical & fulfilling than I ever imagined! Life is good! I have 2 amazing children & for that I'm thankful!

2012 is just around the corner....a little over 24hrs away in fact.

I can not believe 2011 is over! I swear the years go faster & faster the older we get! And although 2011 was so fabulous & I have my hesitations that 2012 could be any better......I feel challenged & motivated to MAKE SURE it is bigger & better & full of even more amazing moments! 2012 is coming....are you ready to rock it out with me?

Yes, there will be hard days I'm sure, but I hope that mine & Chris's love, commitment, hard work & optimism continue to bring us joy & good times!

Life is full of good & bad experiences. We can choose to let the bad control us or we can CHOOSE to learn from it, reflect on it & move on! Cheers to moving on I say!

What will 2012 bring us?? Buckle up.....let's see.......

Happy New Year everyone! Thank you for reading my blog & sharing my family's journey with me! I hope to see you all here in the new year!