5/52

{A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013}

Ella: At her party yesterday. Dressed up, face painted, surrounded by family and friends. A 5 year old's dream come true!

Ryder: Again, at the party - tongue out in concentration, as he takes in the party environment and partakes in some pass-the-parcel fun.

Joining in with Jodi.

More of Ella's party coming later.

Happy weekending All x.

Closing Doors. Moving On. And Living Life!

“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” {Alexander Graham Bell}

Last Friday, I closed my classroom door! 3:30 that afternoon, I switched off the lights, grabbed my final box & closed the door behind me! It was the last time I will be 'closing that door' for......1 year, 2 years, forever.....who knows?! I've taken 15 months leave, but have no exact plan on when I'll really return! I'm on Maternity Leave.....yahoooo!!

And I love that about life......you can plan, you can organise, you can imagine & you can dream.....but there's no definites! I like the feeling of not knowing what the future holds for me....for us! It's kind of scary & exciting at the same time!  

Closing that door actually felt symbolic! Last time I started Maternity Leave {when pregnant with Ella}, I left work knowing I would be back part-time after a year off and that was a decision I was happy & content with....something I had to do to help support my family whilst also fulfilling my career aspirations! But it felt different this time as I shut that door. With the contentment that I can return whenever I need/want to, I also felt liberated that closing that door would allow new doors to open to me....new opportunities to cease.....new dreams to chase! 

We're going to have a new baby soon & that's really cool! But I also have goals & aspirations to use this 'time off' as a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity to focus on being ME....being a MUMMY....being a WIFE......changing & growing Scissors Paper Rock.....focus on my writing, my hobbies, my friends, my home.....MY life! It feels good! 

I have a feeling that things will be ok! They always are......it just depends on how you look at the situation! Coz closing one door in life isn't always doom & gloom & goodbyes.....it's a chance to open a new door, walk through & move on! 

I turned 29, three weeks ago :) I was spoilt by Chris with a new dishwasher & washing machine & gorgeous flowers delivered to me at work.....but more importantly, I was spoilt with Love & Hugs & Support from my amazing family & friends! We celebrated that night....MEXICAN style :) I wonder what the last year of my 20's will bring?? Life is Good! 

{Ella with the giant Tequila Worm.....haaaa.....looks suspicious I know!!!! Haaa! And it was even more suspicious when it burst & shrivelled up LOL FUNNY!}

Another door we closed.....was a goodbye to my car! With Chris being a 'car lover', we go through cars regularly! In fact, I never get 'attached' to a car.....because usually we only have it for about 6 months! BUT....I've had my recent car for almost 4 years. We bought it 10days before Ella was born! Besides my first ever car when I was 17......It's the longest I've kept a car. And being the car that we bought Ella home from the hospital in....the car that has driven us to some amazing places over the past 3.5years.....the car that Ella & I live in some days as we run errands...I think some attachment may have been made :) We had tossed up with the idea of selling it....but after 'the crash', both Chris & I decided it was time to close that door & move on! Good bye Bluey :)

Spring is officially here!! And I love it!! The weather is clearing up, the air is warm & full of hope that a new season always brings! The grass {and weeds} are growing again, blankets & winter trackies are being stored away and we're enjoying beach trips & long park plays again.....

{I love SPRING in Australia!}

{ABOVE: and as I rested my swollen feet.....this is what I saw! My girl....happy....enjoying the park, the fresh air....LIFE! What's not to be grateful about that? Life is good.....just depends on the way you look at it!!!!}

{ABOVE: and this is my view when I look down at the moment! a BIG round belly with 2 little pudgey, sore feet poking out the bottom!}

I'm 34 weeks pregnant! WOW......not long to go now :) And to be honest.....I feel big and very sore and VERY uncomfortable, but I love having a life inside me, a life that is growing & blooming & very-much-loved! He moves a lot....more than I think Ella did at this stage, but I like the constant reminder that he's there & he's doing ok! I'm excited about his arrival & curious as to how life will be with TWO little souls to love! Ella has been MY EVERYTHING since she was conceived & I am ready to have that equal love for another little life! EXCITING TIMES ahead I think!!! New doors to open!!

Life for us has been crazy lately.....unpredictable & busy. Lots of changes happening. Lots of doors closing & new ones opening. Friendships breaking down, yet others getting stronger! Big decisions to make and being made. Exciting opportunities being presented. Hard work being paid off. Kicks-in-the-guts being experienced {literally & metaphorically}. Amazing memories being made & love and happiness taking the lead. But, I feel calm & optimistic & happy! 

BTW: I will continue our USA holiday posts soon. The Canada leg is next :)

Also, welcoming new blog sponsor VISTAPRINT. I get all my business stickers, labels & postcards from them....they rock! Check them out!  I feel honoured to have them here.....paying me to write :)

Happy Days Everyone! 

What doors are you closing & opening lately?