I have had such a busy and productive day! All starting with an early wake up call, otherwise known as Chloe. Managed to get to a friend's garage sale before 9am, drop in and see my Mum, run in to the cake decorating shop, pick up some groceries and bake a birthday cake all prior to midday! Post lunch time, caramel slice was whipped up, along with some choc orange cupcakes. Quick trip down to the football field to watch Cadyn in his auskick (AFL little league) debut, run in to the el-cheapo shop for wrapping paper, cook dinner and decorate fore-mentioned birthday cake. So I am now sitting down and relaxing for an hour or so before I collapse in to bed. It's my baby girl's birthday party tomorrow - and mock birthday. You see, her birthday isn't actually until the 5th of August, but that is the day Lochie and I fly interstate, so we are bringing the festivities forward a few days - we figure she won't know!
Amongst all of today's activities, I am pleased to say I have still taken the time to be grateful:
1. I am grateful I got to also spend half an hour out in my garden. We have had so much cold and wet weather this Winter, that my gardens have been completely neglected. This morning I got my hands dirty and managed to weed my entire front garden. It felt very good indeed.
2. I am grateful that my kids are grateful. The garage sale I went to this morning was full of fabulous children's toys, games and books. I picked up a pile of books for Chelsea and two great trucks for Cadyn. They both absolutely adored them and spent their day reading and playing. It didn't matter to them that the surprises I had brought home were second hand, they really were just happy to receive them.
3. I am grateful that my children get such a kick out of the homemade birthday cakes I make them. They love joining in, helping to make the cakes and then swarming around when it's time to lick the bowl! And when the time comes to decorate the masterpiece, they are always full of praise for my artistic talents! Their birthday cakes may not be shop bought perfect, but they are made with so much joy and love, and makes them so incredibly happy!
It's off to bed for me now. I hope all of you out there thoroughly enjoy your Sunday! Mine will be spent with some of our nearest and dearest to celebrate my baby turning two.....although part of me doesn't want to celebrate - I know she can't be a baby forever!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
To be Grateful - Day twelve...
So many things to be grateful for today! I really don't even know where to begin.....but I will:
1. I was super grateful to see my beautiful husband's face this evening as he arrived home from his interstate work trip. Hearing the squeels of "Daddy!" as he walked through the house alerted me to his presence, and I wanted to squeel too!
2. I am grateful for the 90 minutes of complete silence at my work place today. The only sound to be heard was the dull humming of the clothes dryer and the click of a keyboard. It gave me time to just breath and actually focus on what I was doing. This is a rarity these days...
3. I am grateful I made the decision to take the day off work tomorrow. This past week has been very stressful and at times I have felt like I was slowly sinking. So I have chosen to be pro-active and fill my shift and spend the whole weekend (gasp) at home with Andrew and the kids. Life is too short to be spent working every weekend!
And on that note, I have a quote for today - "Sometimes people don't know what they don't know". A very smart woman told me this little beauty a couple of weeks ago and it actually made me stop and think. This lovely lady said it was good to see I understood what she had said, because often when telling the same thing to people, she just got blank faces with big old question marks! But just think about it....it really is quite perceptive...
1. I was super grateful to see my beautiful husband's face this evening as he arrived home from his interstate work trip. Hearing the squeels of "Daddy!" as he walked through the house alerted me to his presence, and I wanted to squeel too!
2. I am grateful for the 90 minutes of complete silence at my work place today. The only sound to be heard was the dull humming of the clothes dryer and the click of a keyboard. It gave me time to just breath and actually focus on what I was doing. This is a rarity these days...
3. I am grateful I made the decision to take the day off work tomorrow. This past week has been very stressful and at times I have felt like I was slowly sinking. So I have chosen to be pro-active and fill my shift and spend the whole weekend (gasp) at home with Andrew and the kids. Life is too short to be spent working every weekend!
And on that note, I have a quote for today - "Sometimes people don't know what they don't know". A very smart woman told me this little beauty a couple of weeks ago and it actually made me stop and think. This lovely lady said it was good to see I understood what she had said, because often when telling the same thing to people, she just got blank faces with big old question marks! But just think about it....it really is quite perceptive...
Thursday, July 29, 2010
To be Grateful - Day eleven...
Keeping it short and sweet tonight, because quite frankly - I'm exhausted. So straight in to it:
1. I am grateful that my little (well, not so little) brother came over tonight so I could go to my first Zumba class. For those of you who don't know what Zumba is, it's an extremely up-beat work out, with a mix of dance and aerobic moves. Lots of shaking your bon-bon (Thanks Ricky Martin) and moving those hips! Best workout, and laugh I have had in ages.
2. I am grateful that I have the most wonderful, amazingly supportive and loving husband in the world. Even when he is not here, he has a way of encouraging me and wrapping his arms around me with his words. He never bats an eyelid when I lose my cool and am frustrated with the world - he just makes everything ok.
3. I am grateful to the person who invented asthma medication. Whilst Cadyn is having a cough right now in bed, it reminds me of all the sleepless nights we had earlier this year before he was diagnosed with asthma. I cannot believe how much of a difference these drugs have made and am thankful to modern medicine.
And that, my friends, is all I have to offer this evening. I hope wherever you are, that you have a truly wonderful day!
1. I am grateful that my little (well, not so little) brother came over tonight so I could go to my first Zumba class. For those of you who don't know what Zumba is, it's an extremely up-beat work out, with a mix of dance and aerobic moves. Lots of shaking your bon-bon (Thanks Ricky Martin) and moving those hips! Best workout, and laugh I have had in ages.
2. I am grateful that I have the most wonderful, amazingly supportive and loving husband in the world. Even when he is not here, he has a way of encouraging me and wrapping his arms around me with his words. He never bats an eyelid when I lose my cool and am frustrated with the world - he just makes everything ok.
3. I am grateful to the person who invented asthma medication. Whilst Cadyn is having a cough right now in bed, it reminds me of all the sleepless nights we had earlier this year before he was diagnosed with asthma. I cannot believe how much of a difference these drugs have made and am thankful to modern medicine.
And that, my friends, is all I have to offer this evening. I hope wherever you are, that you have a truly wonderful day!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
To be Grateful - Day ten...
I have been counting down the sleeps until my big boy and I get on a jet plane and head to the Gold Coast. Only nine sleeps to go! I haven't been this excited about a trip for quite some time. I think it may have something to do with seeing the majority of the girls I grew up with, catching up with my beautiful god-daughter, meeting my friend's gorgeous baby boy and of course, spending some well earnt time with Lochie. It will be a jam packed five days, but is just what I need at present. A good break. Having said all of that, here is today's entry in my gratitude journal:
1. I was grateful this morning at school drop off, when the Mum of one of Chelsea's friends shared a conversation she had recently had with her daughter. She said that after a recent sleep over her daughter had at our home, she told her Mum that she thought Chelsea was a really good friend. When asked why, she said that Chelsea never gets grumpy with her, and is always kind and nice. Her Mum said I should be proud. Well, I literally burst with pride and was once again very grateful to have such a beautiful daughter, who it seems is a very thoughtful and caring little girl.
2. I am ever so grateful to the 20-something girl working in the clothing store I walked in to this morning. I was on the verge of giving up finding something to wear to the above mentioned baby boy's christening, when she offered to help. To cut a long story short, she managed to help me very well! I left there feeling great, with two cute and groovy outfits and my confidence sky high. Well done young lady - you're a credit to your employer!
3. I am grateful that Andrew is home tonight. He has been at Uni the past five nights, and I am literally at breaking point. As soon as I have shown my gratitude here, I am going to cuddle up with him on the couch and watch some tv. I will make the most of it - he flies out first thing tomorrow morning for 48 hours!
And on that note - I hope you all have a great evening!
1. I was grateful this morning at school drop off, when the Mum of one of Chelsea's friends shared a conversation she had recently had with her daughter. She said that after a recent sleep over her daughter had at our home, she told her Mum that she thought Chelsea was a really good friend. When asked why, she said that Chelsea never gets grumpy with her, and is always kind and nice. Her Mum said I should be proud. Well, I literally burst with pride and was once again very grateful to have such a beautiful daughter, who it seems is a very thoughtful and caring little girl.
2. I am ever so grateful to the 20-something girl working in the clothing store I walked in to this morning. I was on the verge of giving up finding something to wear to the above mentioned baby boy's christening, when she offered to help. To cut a long story short, she managed to help me very well! I left there feeling great, with two cute and groovy outfits and my confidence sky high. Well done young lady - you're a credit to your employer!
3. I am grateful that Andrew is home tonight. He has been at Uni the past five nights, and I am literally at breaking point. As soon as I have shown my gratitude here, I am going to cuddle up with him on the couch and watch some tv. I will make the most of it - he flies out first thing tomorrow morning for 48 hours!
And on that note - I hope you all have a great evening!
Belated Gratefulness - Day nine!
Please forgive me......I was lying awake in bed at 5.30 this morning (due to being woken by youngest child) and thought s#it!!! I wasn't grateful last night! Heheh....so here I am, albeit 14 hours late!
The things I was most grateful for yesterday were:
1. I was grateful for the fact that even though my eldest son lives with his Dad 3/4 of the time, I can still work out, over the phone, if something is bothering him. He called me last night to work out what we were doing this weekend, and half way in to the conversation I asked him if he was ok, he sounded a bit flat. Took a minute or so, but he eventually spilled that he was in fact a bit upset, and he would fill me in on the weekend. He had had a fight with his best mate. So although I was upset for him, I was also a teeny bit happy to know that I still have a great connection with him.
2. I was grateful for all the smiles, hugs and kisses I got from my children. They were all a little moochy yesterday, which was absolutely delightful!
3. I was really grateful for a great conversation, and a good listener. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to really hear you. Not just to listen, but to hear you. It was much appreciated.
I have been doing a lot of soul-searching and positive thinking of late, and feel so much better for it! It helps that I have a few like-minded thinkers on Facebook who share their favourite quotes. Here is one I read and loved this morning - "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly."
(Buddha)
The things I was most grateful for yesterday were:
1. I was grateful for the fact that even though my eldest son lives with his Dad 3/4 of the time, I can still work out, over the phone, if something is bothering him. He called me last night to work out what we were doing this weekend, and half way in to the conversation I asked him if he was ok, he sounded a bit flat. Took a minute or so, but he eventually spilled that he was in fact a bit upset, and he would fill me in on the weekend. He had had a fight with his best mate. So although I was upset for him, I was also a teeny bit happy to know that I still have a great connection with him.
2. I was grateful for all the smiles, hugs and kisses I got from my children. They were all a little moochy yesterday, which was absolutely delightful!
3. I was really grateful for a great conversation, and a good listener. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to really hear you. Not just to listen, but to hear you. It was much appreciated.
I have been doing a lot of soul-searching and positive thinking of late, and feel so much better for it! It helps that I have a few like-minded thinkers on Facebook who share their favourite quotes. Here is one I read and loved this morning - "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly."
(Buddha)
Monday, July 26, 2010
To be Grateful - Day eight
Stunning Winter's day here in Melbourne today! The warm sun on the way to school pick up was such a welcome change.....but I am not counting my proverbial chickens, because I'm sure the hail and fog will kick back in shortly!
I must say, this gratitude journal is working wonders. There are many times during the day where I am literally saying to myself "gee, I'm really grateful for that!" It's a very small but significant change to one's every day thinking. I highly recommend it!
The top three highlights of my gratitude today are:
1. My baby girl Chloe is already showing empathy. She was sharing a bath with Cadyn when he hit his head on the tap and started crying and being dramatic....she got a very concerned look on her little face and lent over and kissed him better. Such small acts of kindness in a toddler is just so beautiful, and it made me grateful that all of my children are learning such wonderful life tools.
2. I am grateful I was able to get Chloe in to the creche at gym this morning. I have not been for a couple of weeks, and getting back on the treadmill was energising. I know it's a proven fact that exercise is great for the body, but I truly think it is equally as great for the mind and soul.
3. I am grateful I have friends in my life who are honest and like-minded. Being able to just "tell it how it is" and not be judged is a wonderful gift. And having people who really just "get you" is lovely.
That's it for this evening! Andrew is on his way home from four long days of university, so I am looking forward to just sitting on the couch and doing nothing!
I must say, this gratitude journal is working wonders. There are many times during the day where I am literally saying to myself "gee, I'm really grateful for that!" It's a very small but significant change to one's every day thinking. I highly recommend it!
The top three highlights of my gratitude today are:
1. My baby girl Chloe is already showing empathy. She was sharing a bath with Cadyn when he hit his head on the tap and started crying and being dramatic....she got a very concerned look on her little face and lent over and kissed him better. Such small acts of kindness in a toddler is just so beautiful, and it made me grateful that all of my children are learning such wonderful life tools.
2. I am grateful I was able to get Chloe in to the creche at gym this morning. I have not been for a couple of weeks, and getting back on the treadmill was energising. I know it's a proven fact that exercise is great for the body, but I truly think it is equally as great for the mind and soul.
3. I am grateful I have friends in my life who are honest and like-minded. Being able to just "tell it how it is" and not be judged is a wonderful gift. And having people who really just "get you" is lovely.
That's it for this evening! Andrew is on his way home from four long days of university, so I am looking forward to just sitting on the couch and doing nothing!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
To be Grateful - Day seven
Yay for me! I have kept my word and made it through the first week of my gratitude journal! The past seven days have been really interesting, and has made me really think about what I do on a day to day basis, and how the things I do and the people I spend my time with really do shape the way I feel.
On to today's entry:
1. I am grateful I took the time a couple of months ago to go down to Brighton Beach on a cold and windy day, and have professional photos taken of our family. I spent a couple of hours this weekend finally getting around to making decisions on which shots I wanted to get copies of and framed to put on the big wall in my back room - which has been waiting patiently for years to be covered in frames! I said to my husband tonight, I pity our poor descendants who will have the task of going through the mountains of photos and picture frames when we are no longer here...but I am also glad that they will have an endless supply of memories in print.
2. I am grateful that some genius invented gumboots! Another crazy thing to be grateful for, but given the fact I had to take three children to football training this morning, and was greeted by a mass quagmire - otherwise known as a football field, I was more than happy that the kids had gumboots!
3. I am really grateful that Andrew got an early mark from his University classes today. It meant we were able to sit down and watch the Masterchef Grand Final tonight on television! It is one of the rare tv shows we actually sit together and watch, so it made for an extra special night in on the couch!
I am sharing another quote today - "Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?" A certain someone posed this question to me a few days ago, and I came to the conclusion that I really just want to be happy. Sometimes, no matter how right you think you are, it's not worth the fight. So just like the song says "Don't worry, be happy!" Nighty-night!
On to today's entry:
1. I am grateful I took the time a couple of months ago to go down to Brighton Beach on a cold and windy day, and have professional photos taken of our family. I spent a couple of hours this weekend finally getting around to making decisions on which shots I wanted to get copies of and framed to put on the big wall in my back room - which has been waiting patiently for years to be covered in frames! I said to my husband tonight, I pity our poor descendants who will have the task of going through the mountains of photos and picture frames when we are no longer here...but I am also glad that they will have an endless supply of memories in print.
2. I am grateful that some genius invented gumboots! Another crazy thing to be grateful for, but given the fact I had to take three children to football training this morning, and was greeted by a mass quagmire - otherwise known as a football field, I was more than happy that the kids had gumboots!
3. I am really grateful that Andrew got an early mark from his University classes today. It meant we were able to sit down and watch the Masterchef Grand Final tonight on television! It is one of the rare tv shows we actually sit together and watch, so it made for an extra special night in on the couch!
I am sharing another quote today - "Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?" A certain someone posed this question to me a few days ago, and I came to the conclusion that I really just want to be happy. Sometimes, no matter how right you think you are, it's not worth the fight. So just like the song says "Don't worry, be happy!" Nighty-night!
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