The School Fair.

Last Friday was the annual colossal school carnival. I say 'collossal'....because Ella's school are very good at making everything BIG.  Nothing is done halfheartedly there.

There were rides and stalls. Restaurants and show bags. Shows and performances. Competitions and fireworks. Plus so much much more.

Ella was this non-stop force of energy the whole time - whizzing from one ride to another and from one friend to another. She was having so much fun. And Ryder....he just wanted to run free too. We did the giant slide and the teacup rides, then devoured Churros and Fairy Floss. We watched Ella spin on the swings and jump with her friends on the blow up castle. We waited in line {several times} for the Ferris Wheel and enjoyed chatting and playing with friends; old and new.

We watched the dancing and snacked on McDonalds fries before heading home to cozy into the weekend.

Autumn was definitely in the air - hot in the afternoon sun but very chilly as evening bloomed. 

Pizza, bubble baths and snuggly bedtime routines greeted us when we arrived home.

Nothing like a good ole' school carnival to build some fun memories and kick off Mother's Day weekend.

P.S. Don't forget my STORE will be closing very soon. Stock up on my wall print designs before it's too late. And my new blog URL will be in action soon too....keep posted. x 

four leaf clover

As Sunday rolled on and I became more and more exhausted, I scripted a blog post in my mind about how tired I am and how hard I'm finding the smallest of jobs lately. I was planning on writing the post later that night once the kids were in bed. I was going to be honest and open about how hard parenthood can be at times and how mentally drained I am at the moment.

But then I saw this segment on Sixty Minutes. And realised how whiney and ungrateful my post was going to sound. How pathetic my train-of-thoughts really were....in the big scheme of things, I really have NOTHING to complain about,.... when it comes to Motherhood. 

Yeah, parenthood is hard sometimes. Yeah, I'm tired and mentally drained and a little sick of cooking meals to have them sprawled all over the floor and ending up in the bin. I'm quite over the lack of sleep. I'm finding '17months' mixed with 'boy' quite stressful. And yeah, I sometimes feel lonely in this motherhood journey and basically......just run down. 

And then I see a true life story of a dying boy, and the torment his parents are going through. And I think of  Rachel and her living nightmare. These parents would do ANYTHING to have sleepless, tiring, busy toddlers. ANYTHING!

It throws things into perspective doesn't it?

Yes, Ryder is keeping me on my toes and draining a lot of mental and emotional space out of me. He's a toddler! Toddlers are exhausting! And then on top of this, I get riddled with guilt about how much time and attention he requires right now, compared to Ella. Finding that balance and dismissing the guilt is what I'm finding hardest!

But I know it's a phase! And, like all phases, I know it won't stay like this forever.

And I need to realise it's just a lull - a crazy concoction of school holidays, toddlerhood, a recent diagnosis, an upcoming book launch and Chris being couch-bound with a severe leg infection. Things will change soon. I'm sure of it.

Yet more importantly....and where I need to shift my thinking back to.....is all the blessings I'm so grateful for. I have two amazing little Souls. Who I love more than life itself. Who I want to give the best possible upbringing to. They are healthy and alive and although, exhausting, they are both amazing balls of positive energy. And although this post started whiney, I will finish it with love. Because my kids are LOVE. And to be honest, I wouldn't change a thing about them. They are the epiphany of perfection - in my eyes. The happiness they bring me - far outweighs the stress and exhaustion.

And then Monday......as a new day greeted us and I made an effort to let things slow down, take shape and calm...... I find this:

YEP! A four leaf clover!

I took Ryder out front to play on the plastic slide. As he climbed slowly up the steps, I breathed in the fresh Autumn air. I looked down at the cold clover patch under my bare feet and pretty much saw it straight away. Four cloves of luck staring back at me :)

Couldn't have come at a better time! Seriously!

Yesterday - I could already feel a welcomed change in the air - in our home. Yes, Chris's leg is still bad and Ryder is still climbing, falling, throwing, running, sooking and challenging, and work still sits unattended awaiting my attention. BUT....a new perspective and sense of calm has crept in. I hope it sticks around for a while.

Happy Wednesday All.

Tell me.....do you have any four leaf clover stories to tell me? How do you Mothers of boys do it? Are you as excited about my upcoming book launch as me? Are parenting lulls normal? And.....how's your week rolling?

Slow Down Mummy.

Slow down mummy, there is no need to rush,
Slow down mummy, what is all the fuss?
Slow down mummy, make yourself a cup of tea.
Slow down mummy, come and spend some time with me.

Slow down mummy, let's put our boots on and go out for a walk, let's kick at piles of leaves, and smile and laugh and talk.
Slow down mummy, you look ever so tired, come sit and snuggle under the duvet and rest with me a while.

Slow down mummy, those dirty dishes can wait,
Slow down mummy, lets have some fun, lets bake a cake!
Slow down mummy I know you work a lot, but sometimes mummy, its nice when you just stop.

Sit with us a minute, & listen to our day,
spend a cherished moment, because our childhood is not here to stay!

**R.Knight**

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My friend Naomi shared a link to this 'poem' on Facebook during the week, and I loved it.

Although, I strive to be present and always available to my family, I also get caught up in routine, chores, huge to-do lists and keeping the house perfect and in order. This poem reminded me to pause and savour the very short time that our children are so small. The days are flying by and I want to cherish every little part of them!!! I need to slow down!

Beautiful poem isn't it?

P.S. I was over at We Heart Life recently, with an article about PLAY being a universal language, and how our lack of speaking the Japanese-language caused no barrier for Ella and Ryder. They taught me a lot during our trip. You can read the article here!

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.

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

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:

snap it {splash}

One day last week, the kids and I headed down the coast to the awesome 'Rock Pools' - A man made water park. We met our friends there and had a blast splashing around, enjoying the warm Spring day. Ryder {our water baby} was in his element. Baby Brother loves it!!

Playing along today with Sarah's SNAP IT. This week's theme was: SPLASH!!

Happy Hump Day!