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. :)))

Universal Studios Japan. A day of Magic.

Hello, Hello. Well, it's been a week today that we arrived here in chilly Japan. A WEEK!!! Already! We've done so much, seen so much, learnt so much and experienced so much.

Before my memories get banked and my words get mashed; I thought I better get up to date with my blogging.

Last Tuesday {our 3rd day here} was truly an amazing day. It was so love-filled and high-on-happiness that it's taken me almost a week to find the energy to write about it, and re-look through the many photos of the day. 

For those who know me, and the regular readers here; you will know that this time of year truly is my favourite. Throw in some Christmas cheer, singing, corny moments, family memories, a sprinkling of fun and dancing and you've got me in an emotional mess. An emotional mess of true happiness and shock and joy. Everything about the day was magical. Being with my family, in a foreign country just iced the sparkly cake!

Where to start.....?

We were staying at the Universal Studios Port Hotel....just a stone's throw {or sky walk} from the entrance to Universal Studios Japan!!!} We got our passes and headed in.

The entry way in all it's Christmas glory took my breath away. And being cold {so cold}, and all rugged up....just made it feel so different, and so much more special....

We met our good friend, Naoko {a local lady} at the front gates, as she was joining us for the day....

She gave Ella some Japanese Candy.....and leant her, her cashmere scarf :)

I've been to many theme parks in my lifetime. We live 30 minutes from all of the Gold Coast's major parks and I was lucky enough to do Disneyland LA last year. All of them = amazing!

But there was something so magic about this place, this day. So much merriment and happiness in the air. I truly think the Christmas touches EVERYWHERE was what tipped me over the edge though....

LOVE IT!!!!

Chris took Ella to the 4D SHREK Experience, while Ryder, Naoko, Matty and I chilled out with Hello Kitty :)

The cat can rock :)

We spent a lot of the day, simply wandering and watching. Everywhere you turned, everywhere you looked there was something eye-catching and fun. So much stimulation and enjoyment....and not just for kids - but for anyone and everyone!

Uncle Matty took Ella on the Snoopy Ride....

I went on the Roller Coaster, and screamed my lungs out. We sat up front and let our senses run wild.

Adrenalin pumped - fear and elation worked together; to produce an awesome concoction of emotions and thrill.

We need to do 'these' things sometimes. To feel young and free and a little edgy!!

Afterwards; as we munched on the most AMAZING, scrumptious pop-corn I've EVER tasted..... we watched a Christmas parade.

Jolly Christmas tunes were pumping - like seriously ear-bursting kinda pumping and smiles were being spread contagiously.

It was again, one of those moments, where I teared up slightly and had to control my happy-beating-heart.

MAGIC, I tell you....

Tap dancing snowman - c'mon - what's not to love??!!!! Seriously CUTE!

And her reactions..... probably one of my favourite parts.....

BLISS!

Seeing the world through the innocent, cautious eyes of a child - PRICELESS!!!

Yes, we were photo bombed by a Japanese lady and her child :))))

And then, just as I think "this day can't get much better"....... IT SNOWS!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, it was fake snow. But still, it snowed......

Snow Flake on his forehead {aka: snow foam}

We headed back to the hotel for hot baths, and a little down time.

And then rugged up warm to experience the park again.....but this time, at night....

The main reason we came to Japan, was to visit Matty and to watch his show.

He is the lead role in one of Universal's major Christmas Shows. He played this role a couple of years ago, and is now back to play the role again - in the follow-up story. We were unable to visit last time he was here - due to financial reasons {and Ella was so young.....and as most of you know - first time toddlers can be quite overwhelming; and much to scary to travel with lol!}, so when we discovered he was coming back here to take the gig again - we jumped at the chance to come and visit. Funny how times have changed! And even with two kids in toe, we didn't think twice - Chris booked this trip in a very impulsive moment and we haven't regretted that decision once! It's been amazing, and so worth it!

The Creative Director of the show, took us under his wing and treated us like Royalty - taking us to special seats and talking us thorugh the process.

Oh my Lordy....

I don't think I have the words to describe what we saw. I know I sound repetitive....but it truly was magical!

Check out the lighting and staging effects:

Ah-Mazing!!

Singing and dancing, and a love story - my kinda show! I cried!

Ella gasped and smiled the whole time. She took photos on her own camera and kept saying "there's Uncle Matty!!!" Ryder slept through it - but I'm sure it was because he was lulled and relaxed by Uncle Matty's beautiful singing. Chris videod the whole show and was in admiration at his little brother.

It was 23 minutes of pure joy!

There were Angels and fireworks, solos and duets. The choreography was stunning - I wanted to get up there on stage with them.

Although the crowd roared with cheer, I think we were the loudest. So proud of Matt and all that he represents.

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After the show, we met Matt in a restaurant for some soup and a drink.

And hung out on the Sesame Street steps of course....

Ryder then woke and we found our spot, ready to watch the Starlight Parade....

Oh.My.God! I've never seen anything like it. What a parade!! Add it to your bucket list - so simple yet so out-of-this-world. So much fun!!!!

The themes was 'Follow your dreams!" Ummm....hello.....perfect!!!

It was definitely Ella's lucky night....

The Fairy Godmother cast a happy spell on her....AND then to ice the cake; Cinderella granted her a wish!! She was beaming afterwards. Our sweet little lady said she could now feel 'magic in her heart from Cinderella and the Godmother!' Bless!!!!

Even the 'big boys' loved the parade...

Ryder watched on from his pram in complete awe. His little podgy finger pointing at the lights and characters. His dummy rising up and down in excitement as he smiled.

My camera then died. Literally died - I got a message flashing up "Battery Exhausted" "Battery Exhausted" and then it shut down :) Taking HUNDREDS of photos in one day, can do that I guess :)

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We went into the warmth of our hotel to enjoy a late dinner with sleepy, content kids; and enjoyed conversation about the day, and the emotions that come with being part of something spectacular.

The perfect ending to the perfect day!

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More posts and photos to come of our Osaka & Kyoto adventures.

Tonight and for the next few days, we're in Tokyo Disneyland....yeehaah!

More magic & corny re-tells to come.... :)

The Way.

Sometimes the repetitiveness of parenting can be exhausting and stressful. It's easy to get stuck in a rut and only focus on the mundane. I too, get frustrated and impatient. I get annoyed and stressed. I get tired, run down and in desperate need of a break. It's only human to feel this way - especially when dealing with babies and littlies all day, everyday; 24/7. 

However, with that said. I like to see the good in the bad. I like to focus on the positive and I try to have complete control over how I feel and how I react to a situation. I like to see the little things, the little snippets of magic in each moment and cherish them. I'm trying to breathe in all the goodness that comes with being a Mum - and being a Mum of little ones.

At the moment, I'm loving the way:

The bath bubbles and water drops, form perfectly on his silky skin. And the way he puts everything in his mouth. Yes, frustrating and scary and gross....but also very cute. It's his way of learning and feeling and understanding I guess. 

I love the way his eye lashes curl and separate when he's splashing in the water. They're long and dark. A gorgeous contrast to his sparkling blues.

I love the way she bursts out into some serious dance moves whenever music is on. She skips and jumps and runs on the spot. She attempts the shuffle and pulls a few break-dance moves. Quite uncoordinated but usually in perfect tempo. Music runs through her veins, it fuels her.

I love the way his podgey little legs sit comfortably horizontally. Oh to have the flexibility of a baby. The rolls on his thighs and ankles, are just delicious, in this Mumma's eyes.

I love the way she can be so shy; gripping my hand and hiding behind my skirt, observing the situation. Yet so loud and boisterous at other times.

She's quiet and pensive, yet wild and adventurous. I like that!

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What are you loving at the moment?

I urge you to look for the little things. The little quirky traits, or mundane moments that are actually soaked in magic.

ENJOY!

P.S. I'm having 25% off in my store until 23rd November. Simply enter XMAS12 at checkout. Happy Shopping.

The Balloon.

Each guest at Indi's party, was given a red & white polka dot helium balloon to take home. I suggested to Ella that we make a wish for Indi on it, and let it free. "No hanks Mum" {I love how she says 'hanks' for 'thanks'.....CUTE.....I guess I should start correcting her.....but gosh it's cute!} "I already made a wish for Indi at her party, 2 wishes actually, so I think we should keep this balloon for a bit longer". I then reminded her that helium balloons loose their air after a while & within 2 days it'll be deflated & we'll have to throw it out....she was ok with that!

BUT......almost 5 days on, and the dang balloon is still flying strong in our house :) There's magic in this balloon I swear {Kate, where did you get these? lol}. It is still full & flying high!!!!

And it's kind of become one of the family :) It's bobbed around from room to room {and gave me an almighty fright the other night when I stumbled out to the lounge at 3am to feed Ryder & saw this dark round object above me!!}. Every now & then Ella will play with it & we will find it tied to something....Chris's bike, the microphone stand, the nappy change table...or Ryder:

Even he's loving having the balloon around.

Yes, I know, we need to buy the poor boy his own fold out couch. So Brother isn't always photographed on a pink floral background :)

And even Mr Tiger enjoys having the balloon here....nothing like a view of red spotty joy when you're being fed invisible mashed peas :)

I wonder how long we can keep this balloon in tact before science takes over & the pressure & heat forces the helium out......or until Chris or I can't resist the temptation anymore & suck out the contents for a hilarious moment of chipmunk talk :) Either way, surely this balloon won't be still cruising the inside of our house next week.....I'll keep you posted :)

Happy Thursday!

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 :)