Fill Your Cup.

This weekend was full to the brim of things that makes my heart sing.

Mostly simple things...... Things that make me smile.

Saturday saw our usual routine of 9am dance lessons; where Ella does her 'thing' and has a blast - while Ryder and I wait out in the foyer with the other Mummas. Chris picked my parents up from the Port, where they returned from their 7day cruise.

The afternoon was a nice mixture of slow and homey, yet with a park play to burn off some energy.

Looking for birds..... Always looking for birds :)

I felt really present and in the moment with my two little cherubs at the park. We searched for birds, swung, hung, tip toed throuh gardens and dug in the sand. I was again reminded that sometimes it's the simple things - the cheapest opportunities - that can bring the most joy. I did some people watching while we played. I like to 'guess' people's stories. Does anyone else do that? You know....where you look at someone or a grop of people and guess their life situation!!! I could see grandparents running around with two young kids and 'guessed' that they were babysitting for the night - and were attempting to exhaust the kids before bedtime :)

I like people watching at the park - seeing people play and imagine and cherish the magic of childhood. I realise there is so much love in the world - in all it's different forms and faces. And there I am - witnessing it....in suburbia.

An hour into our park play, the clouds broke again and the rain poured down, without much warning.

We had to do a mad dash through the carpark back to the car - me carrying Ryder, Ella carrying our scattered shoes and hats. Dripping wet and happy as day; we headed back home.

Later that night, after the kids were in bed, I headed out :) I picked up my bestie, Monica, and we drove down the coast to Max Brenner. It was the perfect night. We got the chance to chat and laugh and simply catch up. The two of us; no kids, no chaos. It truly was what I needed....without even realising I needed it. 

Sunday rolled on beautifully with an early morning bubble blowing play, a quick grocery shop and takeaway lunch and a late afternoon bike riding session up at the local reservoir.

But, the highlight of the day - Chris taking Ella out {to Bunnings} while Ryder napped. I had the house basically to myself. I parked myself on the couch with a coffee and my laptop and simply relaxed! BLISS!!! Then the icing on the cake - they get home with a 'make your own fairy house' kit and then proceed to work together constructing it. They took another trip out - down to the hardware to get more glue and pink paint of course. It was pure joy seeing Chris & Ella together - Daddy and Daughter., enjoying some one-on-one time. My Mummy heart was feeling good. 

As the weekend ends, and a new week greets us, I feel re-energised and calm. My happy-heart cup is full and I'm ready to tackle this week with open arms and an open heart. Sometimes the enjoyment of simple things, some time alone, some time with friends and some time with family, plus a sprinkle of kind gestures - is all we need to change perspective and lift moods.

Something exciting starts today. A process that I'm bursting at the seems to share with the world....and I will in due time. Soon, very soon! Until then...a lot of hard work, wishes coming true and final knots to tie.....

Have a great week everyone,

Fill your cup up. Life is beautiful.

To the Museum.

Yesterday, Kirsty picked the kids and I up and off we went....

City bound. To the Museum.

Waiting out front for Kirsty & her boys to pick us up.

Ella: "Mum, do you know why I'm wearing my love heart shaped sunglasses?"

Me: "No, why?"

Ella: "Because they are love heart shaped, and Jet and I are in love!"

{Kirsty and I joked about how sweet these kinda comments are when our kids are four. In ten years time, we might not see the humour.....but more fear and stress! Until then, we're enjoying their cute little love and friendship grow and develop!} {Two years on and they're still in love!}

They're in love. Apparently.

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We crossed the river and headed into Brisbane City. All four kids buzzing with excitement as we embarked on our trip to see the dinosaurs.

The Queensland Museum has an awesome exhibit on at the moment, called Explore-a-saurus. At only $10 per kid {over 3}, it was great value and a fun few hours.

The kids got to study different dinosaurs - their sizes and eggs and locations etc.

And they got to dig for fossils and bones. A highlight in Ella's eyes.

Ryder was very content with just brushing the tiny stones with the Paleontologist's Brush :)

After exploring not only the dinosaur exhibit but the whole museum, we then strolled along the river to South Bank to have a play in the fresh air and sunshine, and to soak up some summery goodness......

And ice-cream of course....because that's the perfect topper to a summer's day in the city isn't it?

On the trip home, Ella and Jet argued {like all lovers do}.

Ella: "Jet, you just don't listen to me!" she said with desperation and heartbreak in her voice.

Jet: "I am listening Ella. I heard you!" with regret and frustration in his.

At four, she's already learning the frustrating lesson about males and their hearing. It's selective, my dear!

I love days like this. Days with friends and adventure. Good weather, perfect location, happy kids and very happy Mums. We got to witness some pretty awesome moments of our kids learning and growing and testing their waters.

Hey.... of course, we dealt with meltdowns & overbuzzed behaviours & overtired babies & messes & accidents. But they were the minor moments on such a special day.

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Jayden arrives today. Now that Christmas and New Years are well and truly over,  I can really feel the depth of summer holidays and all that it promises. The potential of adventure and freedom. Planning and preparing. And looking forward to more fun times.

Life's good.

Happy Hump Day All :)

P.S. Have you entered my PRINT GIVEAWAY {ten to win} HERE - ends this Friday! And my Dymo Labeller GIVEAWAY - ends this Saturday!

Weekend Wonder {11}

One Weekend Wonder - {a weekly link-up} - a special moment or experience captured during the weekend. One you want to cherish.

This weekend we broke away from the 'usual routine' and enjoyed some alone time and some couple time.

On Friday night, I went out to a social event; without a child or husband by my side - it was the first time I had done this in well over a year!! It was much needed. Very overdue in fact.

I headed into the city for dinner and drinks with the girls - a little send off to our dear Tiffany {who is headed overseas for the next 2 months} I cranked the music in the car and drove with a clear mind and an enjoyable peace. I got to truly relax and chat and laugh. I was able to have adult conversation without the observant ears of a 4 yr old around, and I got to take my time. I stayed out til after 1am, because I was loving the 'me time' immensely and was making the most of it with my friends.

Although I then only had about 3 hours {broken} sleep by the time the kids were ready to kick-off Saturday morning; I still felt revived and recharged. I felt grateful for what I had, what was waiting for me at home and what my life entails. One simple night out re-ignited my 'Mummy batteries'. I think I need to get into a routine of taking this time for myself more often, like I used to - a coffee with a friend here, a movie date there, dinner with the girls, even a solo trip out every now and then. I was amazed how calm and happy I felt on Saturday. And after taking Ella to dancing, I even indulged in an hour afternoon nap with Ryder. Pure bliss! The weather was stormy and dark - the rain was falling on our tin roof and the wind was tapping at our windows softly - perfect napping weather.

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Today, very last minute - Chris & I organised to drop the kids at his parent's house while we went on a movie date. Again, something we never do. But something so simple that can equal to so much. Time together - just the two of us. A chance to walk hand in hand, carry one small handbag instead of a pram and a million bags of 'stuff', and only think for ourselves. A chance to converse and breathe.

We saw Twilight - Breaking Dawn Part 2. It's no secret that I am a big Twi-hard.  I was dying to see this as soon as it was released last week. It was awesome! True to the book....but with a brilliant twist at the end that had me on the edge of my seat!!!!! LOVED IT!

Tonight we got takeaway Indian, and let the kids stay up later than normal.

And right now....a glass of red is calling me, Chris has the music on and the dreary stormy weather has calmed. I'm off to enjoy it :)

Do you ever find a break from the 'norm' is EXACTLY what you needed? And have you ever not realised how badly you needed a break {from parenting, routine, chores, life} until you took it?

I'm ready to tackle the week. Although I'm feeling sleepy, I'm also feeling in a much happier place than I did a week ago - and I honestly think it was because of two decisions this weekend to break away from our usual weekending :)

Happy week all :)

IF you blogged about your weekend, please feel free to link up here:

Nature.

A fortnight ago, whilst we were amidst the freedom, chaos & fun of school holidays, we had a playdate at the local forest. We met our friends Cassie, Mia & Nikolas there. It was lovely. We rugged up to brave the winter air and picnicked amongst the trees.

And me being the Mummy-nerd, teacher or life-lover {you pick} decided a playdate in the forest HAD to involve a Nature Scavenger Hunt!! {or course!}

So I put together a basic list of 'nature treasures', and along with a pen & a large ziplock bag, the kids set off to find the items listed :)

They had a blast! Scurrying, collecting, searching, grabbing & ticking off as they went!

You can grab a free download of this list just by clicking HERE. Simply download, print & use :) ENJOY!

A Mumma Wallaby with her Joey, distracted us from our hunt. It was beautiful - being able to get so close, and observe real nature in it's element. And although the dense forest & morning sun made the lighting & shadows a nightmare for good photos - it provided the environment with a perfectly calm glow. The kids sat watching the wallaby for such a long time. They were mesmerised and so fascinated.

Check out the baby joey in her pouch. LOVELY!

And my little joey, loved being out in the fresh air too :)

Sweet little man:

A nature discovery :) An ant's nest.

And then back to the simple things in life..... like snacks accompanied by giggles and a game of chasey :)

A perfect Winter's day with friends.....enjoying 'nature'.

DOWNLOAD the Scavenger Hunt Sheet that I made HERE for free. ENJOY!

Coming Together.

Ella & her cousin Lily. I stole this shot from my sister-in-law's facebook page. I love it!!

In the almost 2 months we've been in this new house, we've had more gatherings & get-togethers than we've had in the past year!

We've hosted breakfasts, playdates and coffee drop-ins. Friends over for lunch or lazy takeaway nights. We've had friends come for the weekend, as we watched happy kids play & all pass out in the one bed, whilst we sat up late drinking wine & talking til the wee hours. We've had Grandparents stay over to babysit & love our kids. We've hosted Easter, new home celebrations, dinner parties, family coming back to Australia, Basically....a whole heap of general life-lovin moments have been happening inside this family home of ours. It's been nice.  

It's been easier to be the host nowadays, with our new found space & location. And also easier in the sense that Ryder can nap in his own cot if need be, and Ella has a huge array of toys to share & entertain happy kids with. But it's been easy coz it's comfortable & fun & HOME.

I love that this new place of ours has brought us all together more. We've made more excuses to get together, crack open a bottle of bubbly & simply enjoy family, friends & food.

Life is beautiful. Yes or No?

What brings your family together?

Recent Happenings....from turf to surf.

Today..... I am 40 weeks pregnant! Full-term!! Wow!! Yahoooo!

We were given 2 due dates with this bub ~ October 28th came up in the most recent scans due to his size & growth & 1st of Nov was the original due date calculated on my cycle. Of course, I've been going by the 28th of October as baby's DD....coz it's sooner....and to be honest....I WANT HIM OUT!!!!!!!!!! I know it sounds petty & ungrateful....but I am well & truly over it now. I have gained 30kg+ now....every possible part of my body is swollen & full of fluid. I have Split Pelvis Disorder which causes me a world of pain during the night. My patience is almost non-existent & my frustration levels are high. I am ready....ready to meet this little baby & start the next chapter!

However.....the past few weeks have gone by quite quickly & we've been busy! I have refused to let the pain & discomfort of end-of-pregnancy stop me from LIVING life....so we've been here, there & everywhere! I've tried to squeeze in as many day trips with my girl as possible, we've been shopping almost everyday {a mixture of me trying to be organised & a craving to be out & about!} and we even squeezed in a last minute beach getaway last weekend :)

Last Friday, I wanted to do something we hadn't done before....go somewhere new! And with Ella very much into 'hands on learning' and persistent on her farm party ideas, I decided to head down to a public farm on the Gold Coast, not far from us. My Mum came along....and we had a great time being part of the farmlife for a day :)

Mum & Ella 

Milking Cows

My girl & I....on an old farm cart :)

Mum & Ella went fossicking :)

And Ella found some GOLD & treasures :) 

Whilst at the farm on Friday, Chris rung from work. Our conversation went something like this: CHRIS: "Do we have anything on this weekend, apart from Ella's dance classes on Sat morning?" Me: "Ummmm.....no not really, why?" CHRIS: "I think we should go up the coast for a few nights!" ME: "Ok!" CHRIS: "I'll book somewhere.....bye!" And just like that we were heading away....I love last minute plans :) 

Friday night we went to a charity cheese & wine night to raise money for a special yet very sick little boy, that one of Chris's business associates was hosting! It was nice! And I hope the money raised will make a difference in this amazing little boy's life! 

Saturday morning, we were up early, packing bags of clothes, swimmers & sand toys....went off to ballet....then jumped in the car & headed 1.5 hours North to Mooloolaba. 

It was a good few days away :) Are you apart of INSTAGRAM? {my new addiction} Coz, that's where I documented & put up most photos of the weekend! If you're on there, find me; clairechadwick {username}. 

We wined & dined & got sun-kissed. We stayed up late, got up early. We caught up with Chris's Pa & Ebony! We hung with friends & enjoyed the amazing surroundings of the local beaches. Australia really is a gorgeous place...and I love living here! 

Hehehehe!!! These mirrors gave us MANY laughs :) Saggy boobs, double chins, ape-long arms & stumpy legs :) 

Except this one.....made me look pregnant LOL:

No comment on the shoe-eating crocodile......oh the silly things we do :) Gosh, we had a laugh!! Happy Days! 

We went to Underwater World! Ella loved it! In fact, I think we all did :)

Bubble Girl! 

Ella, Karen & Baby Annabelle :)

I've said it before....and I'll probably say it again.....but I love being near the beach! It truly is the perfect way to revive the soul and recharge the batteries! The amazing sunrises & sunsets. The salty layer left on your skin. The sandy goodness. And the fresh crisp air.....nothing beats it in my books :)

But....we're home now....and the nesting is well & truly underway! Hopefully sooooooon, our little baby will be here!!! {send me some baby dust please!!} 

My feet are pulsating with a numbing, swollen feeling......they look almost fake.....like a blown up rubber glove. So I'm off to lay down & put them up!

Goodnight All.