unwind..

its been a huge two weeks all round.

two weeks busy with jobs rolling in quickly, a birthday, of surf lessons, intensive swim lessons, and teething.

two weeks of great achievements and accomplishments by each of us.

a massive six month project completed and presented by the big boy (hear that huge sigh of relief from the mumma), the middle guy earned his pen license and received a star of the week award, the little guy's enthusiasm for writing kicking up a notch or two and loosing a forever wobbly tooth, the baby girl cutting yet another tooth and becoming way too adventurous in her rolling endeavours.  As for us, the busy season has begun, late nights, the juggling, the striving to maintain some kind of balance, and we are coping, mostly..for now.

so this morning we took ourselves out for a celebration breaky to acknowledge everyones successes, but we are tired, and some of us a little bit emotional, it was time to unwind.  A walk on the beach, some drawing in the sand, breathing in the sea air and basking in the warmth.  It's just what this little family needed today.

*photos by the mr.

random happenings..

Its been so long since I posted random happenings around here.  I've found it difficult to sit and write my blog, even though there is a post being written in my head just about every night as I lie in bed. There's loads to say, and nothing all at the same time.  I'm hoping I find my groove again soon, I miss it.

Last weekend my parents came to stay, we celebrated fathers day with 2 of my 4 brothers.  For one, it was extra special because this was his first fathers day.  We welcomed my new nephew, Tex, to the family 3 weeks ago and he is divine. Dad came equipped with his chainsaw ready to work as always. Sadly, we had to cut down the big old willow out the front of our place.  A climbing favourite that was no longer safe. I've had people coming to collect trailer loads of branches to make use of, and I saved just a few for a simple wreath.

This little guy has had me in awe of his bravery and composure.  The mother of the year award will not be coming my way any time soon.  He was desperately in need of a haircut.  I clipper it myself, always, but I haven't made the time in months.  So amongst the after school madness last week, I decided it was time.  In my haste I started, straight up the middle of his head without the measure guard on. Yes, I did. 

I couldn't believe what I had done, and while trying very hard to keep calm, the middle guy comes out and screeches "What are you doing!! Are you making him bald!!", at which point this little guy totally, and understandably, flips out, while I try to fix the hideous mess.  It was traumatising for all of us.  A hair appointment was made and the best that could be done was done.  A hat has been worn ever since and most likely will be for another week at least.  We might find it a funny story in time. 

Spring arrived and the warmth in the air has been so energising.  I woke yesterday with sunshine streaming through the window and I couldn't get out of bed quick enough.  I hurried everyone out of the house and we walked to the beach to soak it in.

I was desperate to be out, feeling the sun on my skin, the crisp, fresh ocean air on my face.  The waves were amazing.  Loud and constant.  We could hear them roar way before we could see them, it was a perfect morning to be there.

These two wander and chat, and I noticed how much the middle guy has grown in the last couple of months. They are such good mates. They bicker of course, but they're the first at each others side when one of them is hurt or feeling sad. 

We sat to watch the big cargo ships, imagining what it would be like to be so far out at sea.  We watched the people out running and walking their dogs, and a man doing some kind of tai chi and meditation and I wanted to join him. 

The big boy climbed sand dunes and took some pictures for me in between.  He announced recently that he doesn't want to have his picture blogged or instagramed any more.  Sad but true, so be it.

We're more than halfway through the year already and I can't quite believe he will be at high school next year. He's excited and nervous all at once.  Suddenly there seems to be loads of stories flying around about what goes on at high school, and he's beginning to feel very anxious.  Times have been challenging to say the least, a post I've written that one day I might be brave enough to share.  We really need his secondary school experience to kick off in the most positive way. 

This little girl is the light of his life, and I suddenly realise why we have been blessed with her.

the winter sun shines and my heart overflows..

...all of a sudden you see the values you hold so dear in the hope of raising good people, come shining through like the winter sun.

In a simple gesture, a single moment, you witness the gentle love between brothers, and just like that, you know you're on the right track.

Last night we made pizza and snuggled down to watch 'the life of Pi'.  There was the usual niggling over who sat where, who has which cushion, enough blanket and the most leg room...he and I look at each other and we know we're both wondering the same thing...can we do nothing without this incessant banter?? 

Then suddenly we were all transfixed on the movie and loving every minute.  By the end, we were so captivated as the story was revealed, and the little guy had tears rolling down his cheeks as he tried to make sense of the sadness of it all.

His brothers looked at him and felt his hurt.  Quietly and without a word spoken, the middle guy reached for a tissue and handed it to his little brother..

And my heart filled to overflowing.

4/52

a portrait of my children, once a week every week in 2013...

Harvey:  he's on high alert this week.  Excited and maybe just a little bit anxious, he's listening to everything being said, conscious of my every move, knowing this baby is close..

Jimmy:  so carefree and most happy at play.  I'm trying my best to get him organisied for school, but he seems to prefer the more relaxed 'throw caution to the wind' way of doing things.  I guess I could take a leaf out of his book..

Eddie: feeling very grown up as he prepares for grade one.  Eager to please, tidying his room to surprise me, being extra helpful and giving lots of extra hugs.  He was helping me size a crocheted beanie in the making, and with his twisting and turning, though blurred, made for an even more beautiful picture..

the 52 project here...

3/52

a portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2013..

Harvey: he's been at Nan & Pop's for a whole week and has come home noticeably taller and older somehow..

Jimmy: "it's my bad luck day.." he told me. It seems things aren't going his way this morning..

Eddie: in a magical world of make believe with a handmade bow..

The 52 project with Jodi... 

2/52

" a portrait of my children, once a week every week in 2013.."

Harvey:  forever climbing, and jumping from great heights.  Annoyed that he only had these stairs to use and I wouldn't let him venture off to the bluff for something more challenging..

Jimmy:  pondering and enjoying one on one time with Mum and Dad all to himself for the morning, he's such a delight..

Eddie:  contemplating more rock pool exploration, as he says "will you come with me mum? I'll hold  your hand so you don't fall.."

That was another week spent visiting all the rellie's camp sites.  Now they've packed up and gone home, it's just not the same around town without bumping into an Aunt or cousins in the street, those are my favourite two weeks of the whole year.

You can share your portraits over here with Jodi..

1/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week every week in 2013.."

Harvey: he spent the entire day walking the rocks and diving under waves.  It was almost cleansing. Washing away a tumultuous year and preparing to start afresh..

Jimmy: his days are always adventurous and fun, and every day of our holidays so far are "the best day of my life.." enjoying the most simple of pleasures..

Eddie: the little guy wanders the rocks cautiously and mostly sits up in the sun shelters with my Aunties chatting away tirelessly.  At the end of last summer he emerged from the sea with a giant crab attached to his foot and hasn't quite been able to enjoy the water since, a funny story to the rest of us..
  

This first week of our brand new year disappeared into magical moments spent wandering family camp sites, lots and lots of laughs and the beach.

I haven't even had my camera out this week, and almost forgot to take any pictures at all.  We've been heading off each day with fresh rolls, a pile of fruit, chilled water and my IPhone, travelling light and just enjoying the monotony of repetitive summer days.

Next week I hope to manage actual portraits.  You can join in and share your portraits here..  

and here we go...

I'm being completely controlled by pregnancy hormones, they've taken over the rational side of my brain and I'm taking a crazy ride on that dreaded emotional roller coaster!  Tears welling up in my eyes over nothing, snapping at my gang over everything, and a desperate need to feel things are in control and in order around here.

Alls great health wise, feeling good, heavy but good.  This little bubba is super hyper and moves constantly, which I love.  I talk to it when it moves, it's like I have company all day long, of course anyone looking on would think I was a bit crazed talking to myself, but we're bonding this bub and I.

The lead up to Christmas is always so busy and gets me a bit wound up, there's so much to do towards the end of year and I feel the need to eliminate stuff, just random stuff that we seem to have everywhere.  This year it's even more overwhelming.  With the business, the new baby, and christmas I'm on a Spring cleaning frenzy!! I've wacked a heap of things on line and sold them overnight, that's actually quite addictive and very cleansing! I've thrown away anything that lies in my path (lego beware!) booked the scrap metal guy to do a pick up and hired a skip for the weekend.

Amidst, this crazed clean out, there's life, the everyday stuff that you can't just eliminate.  Staying in tune with our boys, how they're feeling about all the changes going on around here, how this is affecting them, not to mention what's going on in their own worlds.  The big boys had a big year with lots  trying times but it all seems to be on the improve.  He wanted to apply for the chance to join hundreds of other 11yr olds from all around the world on a camp to India, and while I was excited about such an opportunity and experience for him, the quiet relief I feel that he missed out is like a weight off my shoulders and my heart.  India, for goodness sake! All I could think of was Slum Dog Millionaire! Today he's been short listed and has an interview for a school leadership position as one of next years grade 6 students.  I'm so proud of him just to have been short listed.  If this is as far as it goes I couldn't be prouder.

The middle guy, he's had an unusual year.  I can't say grade two has been his best year, in fact if it wasn't for everything else this would have been the perfect year for us to hitch up a van and take that trip around the country, he certainly would have learnt a lot more than I think he has in class.  But he does love it.  He's a cruiser, and this year has certainly been a cruise.  Emotionally though, he takes things in his stride a little too much.  He's easy to overlook because he handles it, accepts it and gets on with it.  I need to make more time for that one.

The little guy has had his best year yet.  His tempers are lessening and he's thriving at school.  To think how worried I was about him entering the big wide world of school.  He's super excited about this new baby and being a big brother.  He kisses and hugs my belly constantly, and is completely in love with baby already.        

It's all ramping up big time.  I knew it would, and I've tried to prepare myself but boy oh boy, as the pressure of starting a business and learning all there is to learn builds,  it's all I can do to keep my head above water right now and it's only going to get harder.  Of course, it's all going to be worth it in the long run, I know that too.

..excuse the quality of the above pic, I had to download it directly from IG as blogger says I've used up all my photo quota??


  

a little getaway..

"don't be sad that it's over, smile because it happened.." or so they say.  

It seems our photos's are minimal, we were too busy living the moments.  I smile every time I look at the pictures from our brief little getaway.  Short it may have been, but it certainly was all kinds of wonderful.

Our hotel was great, the simple joys of going up and down in the lift each day brought endless excitement.  The weather was mostly kind, the theme parks were a blast, dinner's out, swimming every day..

We've come home completely and utterly exhausted and fulfilled.

...and, as all good things must come to an end, 3 out of 5 of us have now been struck with the gastro bug, so I'm spending my hours between the laundry, the bathroom and emptying vomit buckets, but boy did we have fun while it lasted! 

more grateful posts over here...

52 weeks of grateful..sunshine

this week I am forever grateful for sunshine!

(my bob and mabel skirt from here)

the sun has been shining down these holidays and oh my goodness does it feel good!  Last week we revelled in our first real beach day of the season, feeling soft sand between our toes and cool (icy cold, actually) crystal water splash over us.  It was the little guys first time back since the 'crab attack' last summer, so he was taking things very carefully, thoroughly checking waters before he'd take a step.  All was clear, at least of crabs, we did spot a stingray..

watching teenagers hurl themselves off the pier, wishing they could join in, but knowing they'd be way too scared, not to mention the sign says 'no jumping off the pier!' they're sticklers for rules, law abiding little folk..

quiet moments under shady trees, contemplating, dreaming and picnicing, we've had so many picnics..

days and days of fun in the sun..

These two crack me up, best of friends, they have so much fun together.  They fight, they make up within minutes, they 'get' each other completely.  Hubby always says they remind him of the two crazy possum brothers from Ice Age, Crash and Eddy..he's right, they really are just like them!

So it's sunshine I'm grateful for this week, feeling rejuvenated after a very long, cold winter.

More grateful posts here...

  

that end of term madness..

It started as one of those mornings where everything coasts along, everyone does their thing and you think you're travelling well.

A load of washing out to dry, brekky dishes done, lunches packed, when suddenly, just as the big boy heads out the door to ride himself to school, he says...

"Bye Mum! Oh, and by the way, do you think you could just pick up an exercise book on your way to school because I need it first thing this morning.."

This might have been nice to know on Friday! I was in a good mind to say he'd have to make do, but I knew this would have all kinds of snowball effects so just gave a stern talking to and said I'd drop it in to his class before 9.

Then as we're bustling out the door the middle guy strips off his dressing gown to reveal his shorts and t.shirt, no school jumper and 8 degrees outside!  

"Where is your jumper?" I patiently ask.  His reply with a shoulder shrug "I don't know, at school somewhere..."

So after the emergency stop off at the newsagent for the all important exercise book, we're straight into the stinky lost property box at school.  No sign of his jumper but I come out with an armful of other kids jumpers I pass over to grateful parents on my way to find my own freezing child, who doesn't seem too fazed at all.  

That is until the bell goes.  He lines up and suddenly says, panic stricken.."Mum, you didn't put my costume for the dress rehearsal in my bag!!!!" 

I didn't put it in because I didn't know about it because you didn't bring home your diary (again) for me to read that note!  Was what I wanted to say, but didn't in front of his entire class.  Again, I considered telling him he'd have to go without, but didn't think that fair on the poor music teacher desperately trying to co-ordinate over 500 kids for the school concert this Thursday night.

So home I dash to grab his costume, back to his class, where he sits wearing his missing jacket.  Miracles can happen!  Just out of curiosity, I grab the diary off his table to see that note I'd missed and what do you know, it says..

'FULL DRESS REHEARSAL FOR PREP TO GRADE TWO'.  

Bugger!  The little guy needs his costume too.  I can just imagine his panic as his teacher at this very moment would be asking all the children to bring their costumes in and put them on their tables.

Madly, I dash home again, grab his costume and race back to school.  I tell you, walking back up that hill to the car again is certainly taking it's toll by now! I've clearly been slack and lost some fitness with this little bubba growing, and I'm reminded to get myself back into walking with this pregnant belly of mine weighing me down more than it should be.

But you know what, as annoyed as I was at all the running back and forth and the disorganisation of this morning, seeing the sheer relief on all three of those little faces made me smile.

I was grateful that I could do all this running about, and grateful that they could rely on me.  Though there will be some serious discussion this evening about preparation and responsibility, I can assure you!

me, my boys and my bump..

 a day out with all my guys enjoying glorious sun...

in the past it's been rare for me to be infront of the camera, I'm always the one behind it, but this time was surprisingly a nice change...

the Mr has gone slightly picture crazy, it's been a while since he's been behind the lense

and he's having a ball!  

He's remembering how much fun it is, this time without worrying about running out of film, no dark room and tedious developing (when I said a while, I mean a WHILE!)..

 just random shots..

 as many as his heart desires..

turning an ordinary day into something special.