Santa Came.

Ella woke at 5:30am Christmas morning. Her fast footsteps pounding down the hallway to our room awoke me, before her excited whispers did. Ryder was already in bed with us....I had brought him in around 1am during one of his wakings.

"You HAVE to come downstairs Mummy! You just HAVE TO!! He's been! Santa has really been!" she said as she tugged at my arm.

So, the four of us headed down.....

Sure enough....Santa had been :) He had left a note congratulating Ella on her great sleeping of recent times and Ryder on his eating habits :) He left messages about Christmas Spirit and advice on doing what's right!

He had drunk the milk, eaten the choc ball and allowed his reindeers to nibble the carrot.

And of course....left an abundance of gifts....

Ella wrote on her Christmas wish-list many weeks ago, that she wanted a rocking horse. She had mentioned it MANY times during the year and now she was still persisting that Santa please bring her one.

That good ole' jolly man in the red suit..... He delivered!

To say she was excited is under statement.

She was beaming!!

Ryder, completely unaware of what was actually happening, was quite happy to play with packaging, wrapping paper and sister's new pony :)

And he rocked it out on his new guitar from Leap Frog. {which I scored in a comp on Kate's blog} Yay! Free gifts are always a bonus, especially this time of year!

We then enjoyed a home cooked breakfast feast of eggs and salami and vegetables. Followed by strong coffee and a few gingerbread cookies.

The four of us then devoured all the presents under the tree. Presents to and from each other, and from cousins and Grandparents too.

I scored an iPad Mini from Chris....with a pink case and a SIM Card pack. Lucky me, I know!

From our families, I also got a Kardashian handbag, a new blender and some Gold Class Movie Tickets {that come with babysitting...yay!} Very spoilt!

And Ella's gifts that she picked, paid for and wrapped herself for Chris & I? I got a gorgeous oversized coffee/tea mug and saucer with the Eiffel Tower on it, and Chris: a fabulous Christmas Shirt :)))))) She was itching for us to open them first! Our sweet little lady!

The aftermath.

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At lunchtime, we headed down the coast to spend the rest of the day with Chris's family. A huge chunk of the Chadwick family from Melbourne are up for this week and renting a holiday house on the coast. We all gathered in force to enjoy the special day together. Catching up with this side of the family was something I was so very much looking forward to.

We drunk my famous berry punch and ate way too much!! We laughed and connected. We cuddled and played and swam in the pool. We watched family movies and huddled over the Chadwick Family Tree. We listened to Pa {Ken} talk about his memories and past experiences. He sung us his favourite lyrics...full of meaning.

My kids were happy, and loved and surrounded by their blood heritage.

A great day was had!!! A great day indeed.

I passed out at 7:45pm putting Ryder to bed!

Absolutely exhausted :)

And awoke the next morning on Boxing Day feeling VERY poorly. Feverish and congested. All fluey and gross.

Completely run down! This Mumma finally hit the wall after a very busy December!!!

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So, yesterday was spent at home. Napping and swimming and being with my three Loves. I sorted through Ella's whole room - filling bags for charity and of rubbish. Bags of clothes to giveaway to smaller family members and friends. It felt good to clean out the clutter {again} and make room for the new toys and clothes. A refreshing way to end the year!

How was your Christmas Day? I hope it was rich with memories and happiness.

Tis' the Season.

A little early xmas gift each :)

Tis' the season to be jolly. Isn't it?

I don't know about you, but I'm still in denial that we're 14 days into December, and just a fortnight away from saying goodbye to 2012. How can it be just days until 2013? A year has almost passed since this post, yet it feels like it was just a couple of months ago! CRAZY!

I love her little handmade additions to the tree this year.

Since returning home from Japan a week ago {today} we have done A LOT, yet hardly done a thing. If that makes any sense?! We came home to discover a little blow to the guts, that hurt us emotionally and financially; but like all blows - we're finding ways to accept, repair and move on. On top of that, Chris had to go away for most of the week on an interstate business trip.

But, he's home now......the count down to Christmas is officially ON......we're settling into December rituals and traditions.....and we're enjoying homey days as well as the social busy-ness of this time of year. Ella's ballet concert is just days away, which we're all super excited about and having family coming up soon from down South to celebrate the Christmas period is making the festive season even more delicious.

Chris organised Santa's Message for Ella - the Portable North Pole via email. VERY cool. I teared up watching her watch it.

I'm loving the process of gift buying and wrapping....and trying to make it as thoughtful and meaningful as possible. And of course: writing cards and taking corny photos of my kids in Christmas get-up makes me happy this time of year.

It truly is a magical time of year. Don't you agree?

A cheap, handmade piece of Christmas Decor :)

Brought these little Guys back from Osaka.

December is always about getting together with friends and family, enjoying good food and the odd drink, lots of laughs & gift exchanging, delving into a little bit of childhood magic and simply being appreciative of what we've got, and what we can do for others. 

However, with that said, it's also like every other month....where bills & payments are due, routine is required, appointments need to be attended, meals cooked, messes cleaned and deadlines met. Work continues. Life continues! But because of the Christmas touches everywhere you look and the contagious joy that is thick in the air - all of those things become a little more fun, a little more bearable and a little less mundane. Sparkly lights, wrapped parcels, baked goods, glasses clinking together in celebratory fashion, families together, memories being made and cherished - make this time of year my all-time FAVOURITE!!! Life seems simpler yet more abundant this time of year!

I know that is not the case for everyone. Unfortunately, there are people who find this time of year extremely hard - they're dealing with broken hearts, grief, shattered memories and hard times. And some people have shockingly negative memories of Christmas from their own childhood and this in turn causes a cycle of occurrences or actions.

This makes me more aware of people's stories, and more interested in people's pasts. This time of year, as we spend & celebrate & love & live big; I try to do what I can to give back to those people who are without. Without love or food or shelter, or happiness. I'm hoping it's the little things that make a difference....a smile, a listening ear, a monetary donation to charity, gift giving to strangers and spreading positivity; at what should be a time of joy. 

Cheers to making the most of what we've got and dreaming big for the future....whatever our past!

After all, tis' the season to be jolly.....

All of our Christmas books....easy access...under the tree.

Ella - armed with $15 - hit the $2 store with her Nanny and bought Xmas prezzies for Chris & I. She chose the items, and wrapped them. :)))

We're in Japan!

Inside the hotel lobby :)

Early Sunday morning, we kicked off our overseas trip!

After weeks of planning, buying, ordering, booking, researching, stressing, enjoying, imagining, communicating and preparing.....we finally set off....for Japan!

We flew out from the Gold Coast International Airport: and 9 and a half hours later we landed in Osaka, Japan. The flight was bearable. Both kids were great - Ella is an experienced traveler so took it all in her stride :) Ryder cracked it as we boarded the plane and his meltdown continued through takeoff....Chris & I panicked that we were in for a loooooooong, horrific flight with him.....but he then calmed and was perfect the rest of the flight. {THANK GOODNESS!!!!!} We did lots of pacing the aisles {which wore me out} and hanging out back in the 'hostess area'. Many Japanese women on board were fascinated with Ryder....taking his photo and wanting cuddles :))

It was Chris's first International flight ever!! {he did well.....so well....I think I'll be able to convince him to tackle USA or Europe next! heee}

It was evening by the time we arrived - that first night was a whirlwind of customs, baggage retrieval, getting out of the airport with overtired kids, checking into hotels and eating a late restaurant dinner {all while not knowing a word of Japanese!}. But it all went seamlessly. We met Matt {Chris's Brother} at the hotel which was a HUGE help as he can speak fairly good Japanese.

Our hotel lobby...

Jurassic Park themed. It's part of the Universal Studios Park.

Very cool place.

The next morning, we woke to 2 degree temperatures {after leaving 30+ deg at home}. The day was overcast and rainy. But we were still keen to explore.

After Chris went for an early morning run {yes....in the 2 degree, rainy weather} we enjoyed a large buffet breakfast, and a long morning snooze {Ryder and I snoozed....Ella and Chris didn't}; we caught the ferry over to the other side of the port.

I've noticed that there are vending machines EVERYWHERE here. As we were getting on the ferry, Chris noticed 'cans of HOT coffee in a vending machine' so got me one. I couldn't believe the little can was in fact...HOT! First sip, I hated....but I think it was more of a mental thing....as I was assuming it was going to be gross. But then a few more and I actually LOVED it. Coffee in a can....who woulda thought!!??

We met Matty at the Aquarium for a looksey around...

We're thinking of charging $5 for a look at, and a photo with Ryder :) He's been a hit here :) Our blue eyed, blonde haired baby!!! Haa!

A spot of shopping, a look around and some divine Okonomiyaki for lunch, then we headed to Matt's apartment...

Three Chadwick Boys.

And we got to experience a REAL Autumn. Something we rarely see in Queensland.

Fallen leaves, hues of colours and bare trees.

It was magic...

I ate this. No idea what it's called. But it was good.

A street vendor was selling them. They were hot - while the air was cold and the rain was drizzling - perfection.

This is a shop......

Which was quite the opposite of what we saw later that night. I love seeing the diversity and differences in other countries and places we travel. It's these 'differences' that open our eyes, teach us and make us appreciate other cultures, as well as our own; more.

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Once back at the hotel, we napped {again!!!} {bliss!!!} All 4 of us this time!

At home, when Ryder naps; I use this time to get chores done and to work. But when on holidays, there's no cooking, cleaning or work to do. So I do nothing! And I love it!!!!! Two day naps in one day - soooo good for the Soul. And at home, there's no way I'd want Ella and Ryder napping until 6pm! But when on holidays, it's encouraged....means we can go out longer in the evenings :)

Ah...what's not to love! Holidays are so addicitve....for those very reasons :)

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We went into the City that night, to have dinner with local friends...

It was a bustling place full of traffic and people. High-end fashion stores and activity everywhere you looked. It was fun. A mini version of New York - Times Square!

Ryder was just in awe at all the stimulation and the fast pace. Ella wanted to go into every shop to buy Japenesey-trinkets :)

Our little family.....in front of the famous running man:

Dinner was ah-mazing!

We went to a Korean BBQ House. A very traditional place. Where we weren't allowed to wear our shoes. And we sat down low on bench seats. We cooked our own meals over flaming grills. Truly amazing!!

So so soooooo yummy!

And yes, I tried Tongue. Can't say I loved it....but I'm a firm believer in giving things a go...especially when traveling!

Such a great night. We literally rolled into bed with VERY full and happy tummies.

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Yesterday {Tuesday} was the most magical day/night ever! We spent it at Universal Studios {in all of it's Christmassy Glory} and watched Matty's show last night {the reason why we came to Japan!!!} I need to process just how fabulous the whole day was before I blog about it.

So, please pop back later today or tomorrow for a love-filled, high-on-Christmas post :)

xx

Some Free Christmas Goodness.

A couple of years ago, I did some FREE PRINTABLE XMAS Gift Tags {which you can download for free from here}.

I thought I'd do the same this year.

I've made some square gifts tags {10cm x 10cm in size} for you to download, print and use for FREE!

CLICK HERE to get them!

And just because it's the festive season and a time to GIVE.....I've also done a FREE PRINT for you to use at home, or as a gift :)

I have done it in three different festive colours.

They are an 8x10inch size {20cm x 25cm} and will look fab in a frame or simply used as a poster.

To download the RED, click here.

To download the GREY, click here.

To download the GREEN, click here.

Merry Christmas All.

{Feel free to share the link for these printables around the web and to PIN them on Pinterest, but they're not to be sold...thanks!}

More Christmas Free printables here: REINDEER NOSES and FOOD. Christmas BOOKMARKS. More GIFT TAGS.

5 things i'm looking forward to right now

Saturday morning started slow and a little dreary. We woke to wet streets, grey skies and a cool dampness in the air. It was actually EXACTLY what I needed. Saturday's seem to be fast and busy. I hit the ground running every Saturday, coz I like to conquer the world before 10am ballet classes. So I rush from chore to chore, multitasking kids with housework and other busy-stuff! I get to Ella's dance classes feeling exhausted & on edge.

But not this past Saturday. I ditched the tradition of my Saturday morning vacuum session. I couldn't do washing due to the weather {oh damn!} and I left the dishwasher full {coz I'm a bad ass like that!}.

I didn't let myself feel guilty or lazy. I simply stopped to enjoy the morning.

I opened the back doors and let in the fresh air. It smelt like gum trees and rain - lovely.

I sipped my coffee slowly. The kids played out on the back deck & I ignored the to-do list, coz really - none of it was really that important or urgent. It's just a bad mind-set I get stuck in. I like to get stuff done & out the way. But I also need to slow down, especially leading into the crazy, festive season and simply enjoy.

A post I read last week, really spoke to me. I too have this natural habit of making everything so urgent. I like to cram in too much, I like to be busy, I like to get jobs done. But this constant feeling of urgency and busy-ness is starting to make me feel uneasy and stressed.

So, I'm making an effort to slow down. Cross things off my lists that really don't need to be done. Say NO occasionally to people & ideas & proposals. And simply; focus on my family, my friends, myself and the coming season. And also to just STOP....and breathe in all the good around me.

And there's so much good.

There may only be about 7 weeks left of 2012, but my-oh-my there is still so much to do and so much to look forward to.

Here's five things I'm looking forward to right now....

1. Chris & I are taking the kids to Japan at the end of this month. We'll be spending 12 days in a completely different place. We'll see new things, eat new foods, try new experiences and learn new culture. We'll be stretched out of our comfort zone and catapulted into a whole new 'world'. I can't wait!!!! I truly think that's the best part of travel - learning and seeing and doing! Perspectives are changed, gratitude blooms, life-lessons learnt. Ryder won't remember this trip in years to come, but I hope Ella does. I hope this holiday is another educational and memorable notch on her childhood belt. One she'll draw back on for years to come. Some family time that I'll cherish. We won't be distracted by routine or work or commitments, and that my friends is what excites me most! A break!
2. Christmas! Well, that's a given! It truly is my favourite time of year! The lights and decorations. The colour and traditions. The buying, the wrapping, the giving. The planning and organisation. The food and friends and laughter. the music and summer weather. The togetherness and fun. Oh, I just can't wait! I'm already nagging Chris in hope we can put up our Xmas Tree early this year, so it's awaiting us when we return home from Japan :) I just love this time of year!!!!!!!!
3.  Ella's dance concert is creeping closer. The lights, and costumes and makeup, oh my. A little girl's dream :) Last year's concert had me on tears. I was so proud of our little girl - spinning and skipping on stage. I can't wait to see what this year has in stall for us :) 
4. Family arriving. Some of the Chadwick crew from Victoria are coming up to Queensland for the Xmas break. I'm looking forward to spending time with them and being surrounded by their family fun over the festive season. Ryder is looking forward to meeting them too :)
5. The warmer weather. Days filled with swimming and sun. Ice creams and cold drinks. Longer days, early mornings, warm nights. Night swims, salads and sunkissed kids. Love it all :)

On that note, please tell me...what are you looking forward to right now....

Happy Tuesday All. Don't forget to slow down with me and breathe in each moment :)

Christmas Day 2011

I have only good memories of Christmas as a kid, I really do. My parents always made Christmas meaningful, memorable & fun. It was never about extravagant gifts or lots of money spent, but it was always about FAMILY! We had traditions that became so natural & habitual, that I now follow & continue a lot of them with my own children, because I want them to also grow up & remember nothing but happiness at Christmas time!

The lead up to Christmas is just as much fun as the actual day.....but the actual day....that my friends, is the icing on the cake :) The gift buying & wrapping & making, the craft & baking, the battling through crowds in shopping malls to get a 1minute photo with Santa, the money spent, the holidays booked, the handmade cards & MANY trips to the post office, the organisation, the plans, the creativity required......it's all hard work & can be very costly.....but all SO WORTH IT in the end! And as the sun sets on the 25th of December each year, I reflect back on not only the day we had, but also the magic & chaos that lead us to that day! And this year was no different.....as we got sleepy children bathed & into bed & then attempted some sort of 'cleanup', I felt a mixture of emotions. So happy & content with the day we had & the memories we made.....but also so sad that Christmas Day had come & gone yet again.....and all too fast....yet again! Relieved in some ways that it's all over for another year......and also excited about how we can make it even bigger & better next year :)

This Christmas was made even more special, as we had Jayden with us! He arrived on the 23rd & is with us for a whole month! Oh my, Ella adores this boy! She loves her big brother & the excitement she had on his arrival was bigger than any Christmas experience. Even though my girl loves Christmas & embraces it for all that it's worth.....I honestly think she would have been 100% just to have him here! Christmas was just a bonus on top of that :)

We had a perfect Christmas Eve night. The 'normal' routine of dinner at home, baths & couch cuddles, followed by Santa preparations. Ella wanted to leave Santa some coke {when we were at the shops, waiting in line to have a photo with Santa, she saw him take a swig from a can of coke, and thought it was the most hilarious thing ever that Santa drinks Coca Cola!!}, some cookies & some drawings she'd done. So.....that;s exactly what we did.....left 2 drawings, a glass of coke, a glass of milk, a cookie, a chocolate ball & a carrot for Rudolph. I lay with her in her bed {well...actually...the mattress on the floor in her room as she's given her bed to her big brother at the moment!} and I cuddled her as we talked about Santa & Christmas & the joys of this time of year. She was buzzing with excitement about the possibility that she may hear Santa's jingling bells during the night :) I lay with her until she fell into a deep sleep & felt good that she was mine....and it was Christmas.....and her big brother was here to share this magical time with us.....and it was her baby brother's 1st Christmas........life is good!

That night.....Santa came!!

He ate the cookie, drank the milk & coke, demolished the chocolate ball and let Rudolph nibble the juicy carrot. He filled their stockings. He took the drawings to share with Mrs Claus & he left a letter for Ella, Jayden & Ryder.

I was up at 4:30am feeding Ryder and was just nuzzling back into bed at 5:20am when I heard the pitter patter of children's feet down our hall way & whispers of excitement. Ella came bounding into our room "Mummy, you really truly have to come & see something! I can't tell you because it's a big surprise, but you HAVE to come & see this!!"

So....we obliged......excitedly, Chris & I followed Ella & Jayden down the hallway whilst pushing Ryder in his bassinet into the lounge! And we enjoyed a morning of bliss! Magical moments of discovery & gifts & giving! It was our baby's first Christmas....and although he won't remember it.....we will.....so special it had to be:

And special it was!

It was nice to sit back & just watch! And something that took me a little by surprise was Ella being more interested in giving other people their gifts & watching their reactions of joy.....as apposed to opening her own presents! She had more fun helping & watching Jayden, then devouring her own wrapped gifts! The girl had true Christmas Spirit!

After a home cooked hot breakfast by Chris and some cookie baking with the kids, we packed up the car & headed down to Chris's Aunty's house to experience some Christmas magic all over again with family! The wine flowed, the food was gooood & the company even better :)

My snoozing Baby {in Christmas nappies of course} & I.

Four generations were there that day :) Above: Chris's paternal Pa; Ken. {or as Ella calls him: Old Pa Ken....to determine the difference between her Pa's....cute}

Daddy & his girl

My 2 littlest loves!

Baby's first Christmas!

And it wouldn't be a complete Australian Christmas without some fun in the sun & swimming pool :) For both the small & big kids :)

As a child, I thought there would be no better feeling than being a kid at Christmas! I didn't want to grow up :)  But, now I'm not so sure....I think seeing & experiencing Christmas through the eyes & heart of my own children may {just may} be sweeter and a little more special! I feel grateful to be a Mum....especially this time of year!

Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope you too had a day of love & joy :)