A Girly Day Together

Mummy & Daughter Time

I *love* spending special time with each of our kids on their own, life gets just so hectic with our busy family of five and I've really treasured our one on one times ever since they were quite little. For a while now Miss Emmy has been planning a girly day for the two of us and had everything worked out! LOL We've both read the Twilight series and with New Moon in the cinemas she decided we'd make a day of it now that the holidays are finally here. She's SO sweet my Em. :) So we snuggled on the lounge together and watched the first movie at home. Had fun getting dressed up, doing our hair and make-up before we left for a naughty but yummy dessert dinner at the Pancake Manor. The waitress asked us if it was a special occasion and I told her yes it was, it was one of our Mummy Daughter days. Our timing was perfect and after much chatter (& strawberries and pancakes) we were off to the cinema to watch the second movie. You know I really don't think it would have mattered what we watched, just being together was precious but we both loved the movie. God truly blessed me with my baby girl and I'm reminded of that every day...

One Of My Favourites... Elijah @ 2 weeks

Healing....

Me With Elijah
(Snapped by Sue)

This morning my sweet bestie Sue came over for a lovely little visit so I could take a few photos of our newest mumma with her precious bub (will post those here next time once they're proofed). Little Eli, who we all agree is utterly ADORABLE *grin*, was snuggled so very soundly in my arms I had to have a piccy of him with me before we started. The only one I had of us together was the day after my surgery and boy what a mess I looked then! I couldn't help but thank God that after all the anxiety during the past 9 months this cutie is now here with us, content in our arms and that he and his darling mum are safe. As for me, with His grace, I'm healing well too. I think my surgeon did a marvellous job and although it's still quite painful at times (panadol is my new friend LOL) I'm doing ok. It's not looking too bad either I think, considering I looked such a wreck only 2 weeks ago when it was first done. Perhaps in 6 months this difficult time really will all be a faded memory...

My little niece or nephew....

is baking away beautifully here!

After almost 15 years of no babies in our family (apart from my own) Michael and I were *thrilled* to bits when my brother-in-law Luke rang to say they were expecting! At almost 24 weeks now Charmaine is doing so well and a beautiful baby bump is definitely beginning to show, so very sweet. Of course I had to snap a few piccies when we were invited over for a yummy relaxing Sunday lunch yesterday. How could I resist? *grin* I'm sure Michael's mum who reads my BLOG will be smiling at how wonderfully her 5th grandchild is doing too.

24 Weeks

It's lovely to see them so excited about the new bundle due early April and this Aunty is pretty chuffed too. :) Not surprisingly I've already started knitting a couple of little things for this precious bubba, I'm thinking maybe it's a girl, but my track record of late has been quite woeful LOL so who knows.

~ooOOoo~

As for Alex and I, we are both recovering well from our surgeries, it's amazing how quickly children in particular bounce back even after such a serious illness. Before he was wheeled in to surgery the doctor discovered a definite heart murmur and with my family history in particular it of course has had us all anxious. Tomorrow morning we go back to the hospital for a follow up appointment to see if it was linked to his ruptured appendix or not. Am praying all will be fine for our youngest munchkin....

My Calendar Guy

"Mr January"

You might remember mid-year I was scrambling around trying to buy a calendar, which at that time was almost impossible, well I'm covered for next year! Last month I shared how proud I was of my Michael as he had won an award for his photo entry in the Ipswich Enviroplan Photographic Competition. The yearly calendar in our home town for 2010 has finally come out and what a huge surprise, Michael's entry was chosen in the number one spot of January! Wow!! I'm SO excited for him. Of course I had to take a quick snap of him with it this morning too before he headed out to work. Hopefully a little sign of good things to come for the following year, with Alex's emergency surgery and my own this past week I'll be kinda happy to see the end of 2009 I'll admit and start afresh...

Congratulations Baby!

All is going beautifully well...

...for my gorgeous friend Sue and her precious new little man @ 36 hours old.

I know a number of you have been patiently waiting to hear about them and see a few snaps too. I'm sorry I couldn't share anything sooner, I know you'll understand that I just haven't been up to spending much time on the computer now that Alex is finally home. Things are still going slowly here but he is showing signs of improvement which is a real blessing. Trying to recover from my surgery too in the middle of all the worry, it's been a bit of a nightmare...

Here he is! With many prayers for a safe arrival, Elijah Christian Olsen was born almost a month early on Tuesday December 1st at 9.48am (exactly when I was in surgery as it turns out!) weighing a huge 9lb 4oz. I can only imagine what his birth weight would have been had he been able to grow inside his mummy for another month! Sue had to have a couple of steroid injections on the weekend to help strengthen bubby's lungs and apart from a little trouble with his lungs on the first day he has been perfect since, doing wonderfully. Praise God Susan is also recovering from the birth beautifully. I feel so relieved that Eli's birth has gone so much better than her last one which had us all so anxious and worried.

Welcome to the world baby Elijah, Aunty Chrissy loves you heaps & heaps already sweetheart!

I know I look awful here, but that's just the way life is right now I guess. :( I'm kinda glad little Eli won't remember my first precious cuddles with him looking as injured as I am at the moment but I was aching to see them, just had to make sure for myself that they were both ok. Look at him - honestly he's just SO beautiful and looks so much like his big brother, my godbubba Ashton. I cried when I saw him, when I saw Sue, they are both safe.
Thank you God

So Much Can Change In A Few Days...

Alex and Mummy - Hospital Bracelet Buddies

(Photo by Emmy)

There are few words to describe how HORRIBLE the past week or so has been. Nursing our Zacky Cat alone while he passed away from a brown snake bite, the death of our beloved Deputy at my school Penni and then of course her very sad and difficult funeral on Friday, I was a bit of a mess and bracing myself for the next thing - my cancer surgery on Tuesday, wondering how much worse things could be. But it did get worse, so MUCH worse and any mummy who has had a dangerously ill child in hospital will know *exactly* what I mean...

~OUR ALEX~

On Saturday night our youngest munchkin was vomiting and as Nick had had a nasty case of gastro a week before (which saw him miss a senior exam and required injections it was so bad) I assumed we were ready for round two with Alex and spent the night up with my sick little guy. At 5am he came into our room this time complaining of bad tummy pains which he hadn't had before. You know I thank his Daddy every moment for the quick decision he made then. You see Alex's symptoms presented like gastro BUT reminded Michael so much of his brother David when he had had appendicitis as a child. He bundled him up and took him straight to our local Emergency Hospital where he got progressively worse. They admitted him and I went up to be with my boys. I didn't leave or sleep for days. Once they did bloods and a battery of tests they confirmed it was his appendix, he went to the Children's Ward while they waited for theatre to be ready. I was anxious we wouldn't go in for surgery for a few hours as they had other ops to do before us, I mean he looked really bad. I was right. His fever spiked dangerously and then it all happened so fast. Doctors and nurses everywhere racing him in, me signing a million extra forms, me kissing my baby goodbye and sobbing as I was led back to the ward to ring Michael that things were bad...

They told us all going well the op should go for about an hour and a half to two. 3 hours came and went and after almost 4 hours of Michael and I waiting and worrying we were told it was over. We weren't told til the next day by the doctor it had ruptured and created a huge mess of infection in his abdomen which is the reason why the surgery took more than twice as long. The nursing staff said they were told it was one of the nastiest cases they'd seen. :( Over the next two days he really struggled to make any improvement, he didn't do very well. All I could do was sit and pray over him, hold his hand, stroke his hair, lie beside him... While I watched other children after Alex with the same thing come in and go home after one night our poor little guy still had dangerously low oxygen levels, was constantly vomiting, not eating or drinking, asleep all the time, on IV fluids and antis and *still* on oxygen.

The last time I had slept was Fri and by late Mon night I know I was a real wreck, vomiting myself and severely nauseous with lack of food and no sleep. The nursing staff were really worried and finally convinced me I needed to go home for a few hours before my surgery or it would be dangerous for me to go under general anaesthetic in such poor shape. We needed to leave home by about 5am for my admission at the Royal Brisbane at 6.30am, not even the same hospital as Alex was in. You all have no idea how many times over those few days I wished (and tried unsuccessfully) to cancel my surgery. No one would listen to me. The timing was all wrong, how could I leave my baby like this? No one seemed to understand. Michael was insistent my cancer surgery go ahead. When I left Alex at the hospital I literally could not stop sobbing all the way home...

~ME~

Well as for me, I'm almost too tired and light headed after sitting here typing and recording all this to talk about my surgery much but I guess I am as ok as can be expected for less than 24 hours post op. Very battered, bruised and sore between my eyes, looking black & swollen, not terribly pretty really. I have a nice sized L shaped set of stitches from my eyebrows down the bridge of my nose and across where the plastic surgeon has tracked it. My doctor and anaethetist were brilliant and prepared for my BP to be a problem this time. My blood pressure that they were really worried about bottoming out gave them some grief apparently but it eventually stabilised after several hours to a low but acceptable 80/60 so after being there all day they finally let me go home. I won't find out results til next Mon when we go back and have the stitches removed etc. Praying praying praying that this is the end rather than the beginning of a harder fight...


I can't thank my Michael enough or our big kids for the way they rallied and coped with so much stress. The kids spent alot of time alone keeping everything going here at home. Emmy broke down at the hospital on Monday night, it has been so tough for them with their little brother so ill and a mummy going in to have surgery too. My folks have been brilliant. They've been up to the hospital for visits and my mum sat with my precious Alex while I had my surgery which helped my spirits a little knowing she was there when I couldn't be. She took Nick and Emmy to the shops to get them lunch and some groceries (plus a few goodies which I'm sure brightened their day) since I hadn't had a chance to prepare the house stuff before for my surgery like I'd planned. So much for making and freezing dinners for when I was recovering. *sigh* Today Alex and I are both home with God's grace. It's going to take a little time for us both to recover, not sure about Alex, he's not doing too well with keeping much down so perhaps we will end up back at the hospital yet but for now he is here with me. Thank you for all the prayers, texts, phone calls and good thoughts. I'm sorry I couldn't reply to many of them, I just didn't want to leave my little guy. As for Sue I hope to see them tonight, both she and bub as of last night and this morning were doing really well. Thank you God.

Almost Time...

...to meet Sue's little man!

Here we are with 3 sleeps to go and what seemed like an eternity of waiting is now almost over... we are only a few days away from meeting little Elijah! I've said soooo many prayers for these two precious ones over the last several months, I'm sure His ears must be hurting LOL and with God's grace both are doing really well. I'm so very proud of my gorgeous friend, Sue's done beautifully and at just over 36 weeks on Tuesday morning sweet bubby Eli will celebrate his birth day. :) I'm sure his seven eager big brothers are looking forward to cuddling the newest member of their family. I know I am!

I have such mixed emotions about Tuesday that are hard to put into words - incredibly excited, nervous... and kinda upset that this time round I won't be there. *sigh* I mean I'm always right there for my bestie when they wheel her up to her room, with love and support for her and cuddles for her newest bub who is usually only a couple of hours old. It's where I'm meant to be... I still can't believe my surgery is scheduled for the exact same time, in a different hospital too, hmmm, not sure what God's plan was with that LOL but I know there must be a reason for it all so I'll leave it in His capable hands. In the end, there's nothing else I can do.

Last week I took some really cute Belly Shots of my darling friend, blooming at 8 months! I think she looks totally amazing and fantastic for a mumma with number 8 almost here. Couldn't help but share a couple of them with you all (adore some of the other piccies but they are perhaps a tad too nakey for the old blog *grin*) I'll leave it up to our expectant mum if she shares any others with the world. ;)

God bless and protect you both. x

He's gone....

Our Zacky Cat - One Year Ago

It's been such a horrible night. Our poor sweet Zack was bitten *again* by a brown snake but this time he wasn't so lucky. After sitting with him throughout the early hours talking quietly to him and comforting him as best I could, he died in his little bed he loved so much. I'm just so upset... When Alex chose this cute little moggy at a garage sale one morning with his Daddy, he truly picked the most adventurous kitty who was scrambling out of the box to play with him. It's that mischievous spirit that had us all in love with him straight away but has got him into trouble with snakes too. We're going to miss the way he adored just being with us, sleeping on our beds, the way he "talked" too, he was such a vocal kitty. I swear it sounded like he could meow "hello" to us. Such a snuggly bunny our Zacky, actually we used to often say he was like a baby rabbit with those soft white paws. Oh he looks so little in this photo I could cry, I wish we'd had more than a year.

I haven't slept at all, I couldn't leave him on his own and am too shaky to drive, the kids were too distraught to go to school... I wish Michael was here...

Drama Drama Drama!!! LOL

A Snap Of Em After The Big Night With Her Best Friend
(yep it's a boy LOL NO it's not The Boyfriend)

But the good kind!! *grin* Last night was Emily's drama performance for school, all the kids hard work in class this semester was easy to see and as it was also their assessment piece it added a few tiny butterflies to the evening too (for me not Em I should say! LOL). I haven't seen our gorgeous Emmy on stage for a while now, not since she finished dancing so long ago, and I'll admit it reminded me of when she was a cute tot happily dancing on stage. Really must scan a pic or two of our girl back then she was adorable in her cute costumes. :) :) I was a tad nervous for her but she did ever so well!! Super proud mumma moment for sure. The NO PHOTOS rule of the evening was kinda sad BUT I did take some snaps outside after it was over, I mean you have to have photos right? *grin*

She was so surprised to have heaps of friends come to watch her last night, made it extra special for her too. Here's just a few of them with our talented girl...

As her Daddy is away at the moment it was just the boys and I going along to cheer her on, or so I thought. Emmy's friends had heard about the evening and had come along to watch and support her. How very sweet! You know it kinda upsets me when I hear negative comments and thoughts about young people in general, teens really can be the most caring bunch... Afterwards as a treat for all her hard work, we went to the Pancake Manor for some yumminess which finished the night off beautifully. Em has applied to do drama next year in Senior too, fingers crossed she gets all her subject choices, guess we'll have to wait and see.

Less than 3 weeks to go...

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..."

A pretty dress, hat, bag and (eventually!) shoes...

...and I was all set for another Melbourne Cup lunch day with my gorgeous girlfriends. :)

Every year the girls and I "do" Melbourne Cup, not that I know anything at all about horses and racing LOL but it gives us mummas the chance to dress up a little also to have some fun and just be together, something we DO know alot about. *grin* Each week, for about 15 years now, we've spent one day a week with each other. We've watched with utter joy as our munchkins came into this world, watched them grow into precious toddlers and now our older ones are becoming young adults themselves and we get to be "aunties" to them all, even amazingly for me a godmummy too. It's an amazing thing having such long term love and friendship in your life. I'm sure there must be a deeper word than blessing but that is what they truly are to me. They are so much more than friends, and over time have become just like family... in my heart they are my sisters. I love them each dearly.

At the last minute this year (since I wasn't even sure I'd be able to go with surgery dates all up in the air til recently) I found a really CUTE little strapless cream and black accented dress, it had a sweet "swishy" skirt underneath. So girly but elegant too. You can't see in the picture but the cream fabric has a pretty embossed kinda pattern to it. Oh and I fell in love with this unusual triangular beaded bag and as it wasn't too dear AND was my birthday that day, I splurged and bought it for myself. Very naughty! *giggle* I have to also thank Sue for making me stand up very reluctantly with her at the luncheon awards - I might not have won a cent on the horsies LOL but I did walk away with a lovely gift basket as prize for "Best Dressed" at the event this year. Very unexpected!!

~My darling friend Donna looked amazing in her pretty gown.~

~Hey it's ME! LOL~

~My sweet Sue looking gorgeous in her vintage hat.~

~Beautiful Bec looking very glamorous in black and white.~

In the last few weeks I've been quite nostalgic, looking at all my photos of Melbourne Cups past and wow, here is another to add to my beautiful collection. Soooo missed a few of the girls who had to work and couldn't be there this year, hopefully next year hey...There's nothing like spending time with these amazing friends. You know, I can just see their darling faces smiling under more lovely hats in 20 years time from now too, I really can. :)

A Time To Celebrate

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

~Photo taken by our Nicholas at Kholo Gardens~
31 October 2009

Time is a funny old thing isn't it. Seems to go so slowly sometimes and yet races by so quickly you can hardly catch your breath! This weekend Michael and I were another year older, celebrating our birthdays just a day apart (with Michael being 364 days older! *grin*) which is always fun but with all that is happening here at the moment it was also a time to be with our family and
celebrate being together,
celebrate faith,
celebrate love
and most of all
celebrate LIFE.

It's so fragile and ever so precious...

I'm SO proud of my hubby....

Congratulations Baby!!

One of the things I was most sad about maybe missing with all my health dramas was the Awards Presentation and Exhibition for the Ipswich Enviroplan Photographic Competition. Not because I had submitted anything (you know I've still not gathered the courage to enter any photo comps ever, maybe one day hey...) but because my talented hubby Michael had decided, at the last minute, after all my chatter about last years comp, to enter just 3 of his wonderful nature images for the first time. I'm SO happy I could be there to cheer him on! There were over 700 entries this year and you couldn't have found a more beaming wife as last night I watched my Michael receive his award. How fabulous is that? When I first met Michael he was 16 and already had a passion for photography and nature shots even back then, developing his own black and white film in the dark room at school. So clever. I really should scan some of the (very! LOL) old photos he took of me back when I was a teen...

A Snap Of Sue and Me
My beautiful friend Sue had a number of lovely entries of her own, after such a draining day with so much anxiety and stress it was so nice to spend time with both of them, chatting away and checking out all the entries and winners (and not thinking about hospitals and surgery for a teensy while).

Portrait - Native Wildlife of Ipswich
...and here's the photo that caught the judges eye (although he preferred one of his other entries below! *grin*)

I should probably also mention Michael has never used any type of photo editing software ever so all his images are straight out of the camera. I thought I'd make him a little watermark for his ones I've shared here, can't wait to show him tonight. Here's the other two entries, his personal favourite is the "Magpie Moon" shot.

Love how you can see the individual veins on the wings in this one...

Thanks for letting me share some proud wifey moments. :)

Not my usual Monday....

I always look forward to my Mondays, it's a non work day for me, I clean the house and get everything organised for the kids and my busy working week.

But not this Monday.

I have no idea what it will hold and what the doctor will tell me, what he will need to do. And although I've been trying to keep the date out of my mind and concentrate on other things I'll admit now it's here I'm scared.

How I *wish* with all my heart it was a normal Monday...

************************************************************
A little update on me

Today has been a very up and down kinda day for sure. An anxious one for me I'll admit. My sweet hubby took the day off work to drive me to Brisbane for hand holding duties *grin* and also in case I was unable to drive home. So many unknowns when we left this morning. After a lot of discussion with the specialist we decided instead of cutting once for a biopsy today and then again in a week for a second surgery to remove the lump/s from my face we would schedule one removal surgery for December 1st at the Royal Brisbane instead of the Wesley Hospital. I'm quietly relieved for a number of reasons, despite the high risks I face under a general aneasthetic with my BP the fact that I will be unconscious for this (I still get terrible nightmares and flashes from being awake during my eye surgery) is a total blessing. Secondly I can be there tonight to support my Michael at the Photographic Awards Evening, go to Melbourne Cup with my girls, take my sweet bestie Sue bubby clothes shopping before the Big Day as we always do and can finish all my testing and report card writing at work. It's all good..

Your prayers and hugs mean so much, even more than I can say or write here you are all angels...

Year 10 Semi Formal Fun...

...and our princess looked gorgeous!

So the big night was finally here and after a few minor hair and make up dramas, with or without a sparkly headband, such a teen LOL, our darling Emmy was ready for her Semi Formal looking cute and so excited. You know I couldn't help but think how grown up she is now seeing her like this (despite how much I'd like to slow down the whole growing up thing) how very much like she me is at this age but also how different and unique too. It makes me wonder what she will be like when she finishes school, meets that special "someone" to spend her life with, her wedding, her children... and I think I can really start to SEE her future. I pray every day that it will be a beautiful and blessed one. :)

Masquerade Style!

Her Daddy came home from work extra early so together we could take our precious girl and "C" to the Year 10 dance. Our Em is quite modest in a lot of ways, so when she found her gorgeous dress she was also ecstatic to find a cute little lace fringed bolero jacket to pop over the top. Such an individual our Em with a fun fashion style.

She was really touched too when given a sweet corsage that was made to match her dress perfectly by her young fellow (his lovely mum had suggested silk flowers so Emmy could have them as a keepsake when she was older, how adorable is that?) You should have seen her face as all her friends, and even principal, oohed and ahhed over the pretty flowers on her wrist, it was such a quaint touch to a special evening. :)

After a bit of shopping at Spotlight to buy feathers and bling we made an elegant matching mask to complete the whole look. Unfortunately when our princess came home she was minus her disguise as it had been passed around for photos on the night and misplaced LOL , never mind, I'm seriously toying with the idea of doing a masquerade theme this New Years Eve so we could whip up another perhaps. *grin*

"The Dress"
The shorter style dress was perfect for the occasion, she looked so striking, poised and happy, just as she should be at this time in her young life. Em always surprises me with her clothing choices LOL, I wonder what type of pretty gown will capture her heart for her Year 12 Formal, something wonderful to look forward to for sure. :)

~ My Beautiful Girl ~

By 11pm, with sore feet and lots of smiles, our Emmy was home, with non stop chatter about all the girls dresses and semi formal fun. You know it doesn't get any better, raising these children I'd so longed for, being her mum is such a Gift...

One Of Those Moments...

Well today was one of those moments I'd been so looking forward to ever since our beautiful sweet daughter Emmy was born, dress shopping for her Year 10 Semi-Formal! It's been 6 days since I had my foot surgery and with the dance on this Friday I'll admit I was praying I would still be able to do this with her. God smiles on us sometimes with extra grace, the very first shop we walked in to (ok I hobbled) had THE dress! Emmy *adored* it instantly, a very CUTE shorter young style with eye catching bling. She looked amazing in it, so grown up that it truly caught me by surprise, guess I've been looking at too many baby photos of her lately huh. I'll admit to looking longingly at the full length gowns LOL but apparently that will be the length for her Year 12 Formal, that seemed so far away and now, well, even that's racing towards us. After buying some pretty bling earrings, bangles and headband we had a relaxing lunch together and headed home. As she was excitedly chatting away in the car about all that is important in a 15 year olds world I found myself trying to hide the tears. Life is incredibly precious and moments like these are too, remembered FOREVER...

Taking time out...

...with some friends before facing the next few weeks.
(Neek, Natti and Me)

Just spent a fun and relaxing weekend at Rozzies "Girls Night In" to raise money for charity, I think we managed more than $200 in total which was amazing. Was so lovely and helped take my mind off things a little.

Without going into a lot of detail, I need to have to a number of procedures and surgery for some lumps and bumps (saying the C word just seems too scary). At the moment I am hobbling around after the first one on my foot Monday morning, a bit sore here right now but coping. I'll admit the scheduled surgery on my face soon scares me absolutely stupid if I think about it too much. I just keep praying, praying, praying that all will be ok in the end. It just has to be, you know?

Another October

When they were just little ones...

I blinked.... and another October was here. Has it really been 13 years since all 3 of our babies blessed our family? In my heart I see them, still like this. It's 1996 and these two sweet cherubs had celebrated their 2nd and 3rd birthdays and our third precious Gift his actual birth day. We were beyond ecstatic, one look at Michael's face and you can see it, feel it. I also look at this picture and I wonder, wonder with an aching heart if there were meant to be more little ones on our chair, to raise and love. I guess time has had her say on that, but if I'm brave I'll admit some days are so much harder than others even after all this time. *sigh* I'm not sure I'm really ready to go through the old baby clothes now like I'd hoped, I wonder when I will...

I promised myself if my prayers were answered, to have a family of my very own, I'd cherish them and I truly have

Every. Single. Moment.

My Beautiful Baby Boy Is...

...a teenager!!!

Happy 13th Birthday Alex

As we left the restaurant last night (Pancake Manor yumminess was his choice) it was 8.32pm, the exact time our precious baby was born 13 years ago. I was holding hands with Michael as our 3 big kids walked ahead to the car, laughing, chatting, giggling with ipods in hand and smsing on mobile phones and it really struck me... they aren't my 3 little guys anymore and I'll admit I'm having a tougher time than usual with that this week. *sigh* I'm sure cleaning out the garage this holidays and having to go through their baby and toddler things didn't help. I have a HUGE box of bubby clothes to sort through and I just can't seem to make myself do it...

Look at his gorgeous face. What a cutie! *grin* Alex was much loved and treasured from the very moment we knew he was conceived, which was early on. I knew from the very first days that he was there, that I was pregnant and carrying a sweet little bubby, another September miracle that would, in the end, be our last child. I was right and Alex has certainly blessed our family with his kind soft heart and zest for life and adventure, he has the most amazing spirit. :)

Happy Birthday Baby!

Clothes For The Cute Miss Charlotte

~One of My Baby Shower Gifts for Precious Charlotte~

(a cute little soft all in one teddy outfit with adorable hoody ears)

Ok ok so I'll admit I've been soooo looking forward to the day I could spoil my darling friend Jody with bubby clothes and over these past 4 years I have prayed so many times that she and her sweet hubby Matthew would be blessed with a little bundle of their own. Well now that the very ADORABLE Miss Charlotte Jean is finally here I have been a tad naughty in the shopping department. LOL But I mean *really* who could resist?! *big grin*

Now that we know it's a little bundle of PINK LOL I have been having heaps of fun oohing and ahhing in the girly section. :) When I saw THIS beautiful dress with matching headband and gingham pants at Pumpkin Patch I knew it would be perfect for Charlotte's first Summer. Can't wait to see her in it, her Mummy has promised piccies for Aunty Chrissy when Charlotte is big enough to model it! :)

This morning I packaged up another little parcel to pop in the post this avo, a baby soft little knitted Winter hat (handmade with love by her Aunty Chrissy. :) I finished it just after she was born, soooo hoping it still fits and that Melbourne is still chilly enough for it!

...and what do you do when you really can't decide between pretty in pink or beautiful baby white? Well you buy both of course! *giggle*

Can't wait to hop on that plane and head to Melbourne to see the beautiful little Bell family soon and have some much longed for bubby cuddles...

OUR BEAUTIFUL GIRL IS...

...15 today!!

~HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMY~

Fifteen years ago I was already cradling our precious baby girl in my arms, born in the early hours of the morning, I could hardly believe in the light of day that this sweet princess was actually ours and that we had been blessed twice in just 12 months! I felt like I was floating, so happy with our bundle of pink....

Today our darling Emmy still makes our hearts smile with her gorgeous teen ways and super kind heart, the fun way she bounces into a room and giggles and how she *loves* those around her. Em is our precious girl, our Gift and so very much loved. Happy Birthday Sweetheart. :)

Please VOTE for my godson Ashton...

...because he is SO cute!! *grin*

Alot of you know, or know of, my gorgeous bestie Sue who loves to enter competitions (she's much braver than little me! LOL). Well she is also one very talented girl behind the camera and was once again chosen as a finalist in this years Smile Comp (Lutwyche Store). This year the winner from each store is chosen by the number of votes they receive from the public so if you think my sweet godson Ashy is as cute as I do AND you'd like to be in the draw to win a $5000 shopping spree just click:

HERE!!!

THANKS EVERYONE!!

Happy Father's Day

Don't think there are words to describe how much I love my Daddy!!

To say we have had the *perfect* Father's Day weekend is an understatement...

1. Started Sunday early with all the family going to church together. It was precious. :)

2. A sausage sizzle lunch.

3. Time outside planting herb gardens for both Michael and my Dad as gifts.

4. Our kids also gave their Daddy his much wanted book, mosquito nets and school supplies for children in poverty stricken countries overseas in his name (through TEAR Australia, it's a great pressie idea!) , stereo CD player for the new little car so he can practice his chinese on the way to work, a whipper snipper and a cool camera so he can video his adventures overseas for us. Michael reckons he was way too spoilt this year. He absolutely totally deserves it too.

5. After a relaxing afternoon together we all headed over to my folks for a yummy baked dinner and so I could spend time chatting with my much loved Dad. Every time I see him I'm reminded of how blessed we are to have him here with us still, sharing our lives and being loved by him. My dad was only Michael's age now when he suffered a severe heart attack and we were told to come and say our goodbyes... to have him here today watching all 4 of his grandchildren grow into awesome young people, despite having a major heart attack, a heart transplant, lymphoma cancer plus so much more over the years... how do you describe that kind of gratitude? He's a walking miracle and we love him...

A quick snap of my darling Michael with our babies on Father's Day (yes they will always be our "babies" . *smile*)

I am SEW lucky!! :)

..and it's PINK! *giggle*

I didn't just get my lovely surprise gifts of flowers and choccies after SWIG this week from Michael, there was more... In a few weeks time, after birthday month for the kids is over *grin*, I will have THIS cutie to play with! Double yay! The motor on my poor much loved Janome (that I've had longer than the kids!) seized up some time ago and although I've missed it I'll admit I've been happily busy with other crafts since then. I used to make our 3 munchkins some adorable little clothes when they were younger, like pretty dresses with matching hats, sweet overalls for the boys and matching warm tracksuits for Winter but as they got older (and discovered the surf shop LOL) I kinda lost the bug. Now that we have a new Spotlight store only 5 minutes from my house I've found myself oohing and aahing over all the pretty and gorgeous fabrics once more but promised myself I wouldn't buy a single metre of material until I actually had a machine to use. LOL

Well true to my promise I waited until my new machine was safely on layby and then had heaps of FUN buying these beautiful shirred fabrics to make some simple tops and dresses for Emmy and I, just a few easy pieces to get back into the swing of things so to speak.

Emmy's favourite colour is yellow, thought this would make a pretty sundress...

For me... of course, it's PINK! LOL

Can just imagine this gorgeous one made into a top to wear with jeans...

Soft pinks and greens, soooo my colours, couldn't leave it behind...

Ohhhh I can't wait to pick up my new machine and play. :)

Weekend Away With My Girls

Bec, Sue and Me

With only 2 SWIG scrapping retreats this year I have been excitedly looking forward to this one for ages (even with my eye being a pain that I can hardly remember how to scrap! *sigh*). So Friday afternoon I packed Bec, Sue and all our gear into the car and off we went for a girly weekend away. Despite much procrastination on the Friday night and achieving a big fat nothing LOL I actually managed to create 5 pages with a 6th just waiting for journalling to be added so not bad for slow little me at al! *grin*

Michelle and Me
(and sporting my new shorter "do", had about 5 inches cut off just before the weekend!)
The best part about our lovely weekend aways is relaxing and catching up with my online friends like the gorgeous Michelle! She is such a love.

...and with the blossoming Sue

**Not sure exactly who took which photos above as my camera was passed around from Michelle to Bec. Thanks girls!**

Can hardly believe this was our 21st SWIG AND that I've been to every single one over the years! I'm not the only one and this crazy group of girls have been to them all as well! I think it's best not to say what V was up to in the one below, the looks on our faces say it all... ROFL

Back: Christine Virginia Judy Wendie
Front: Mummy Beryl Chrissy (me!) and Ginny Ginny

21 *again*!!! ROFL
Since we were turning 21 *giggle* our theme this time was FORMAL so we dressed up for dinner on the Saturday night. I found these cute 21 tiaras at Spotlight and knew they'd be the perfect fun accessory for our little black dresses. Too cute! Big huggy thank you to Christine and Mummy Beryl for looking after us so well all weekend. Can't wait for the next one...

When all the fun was over we had some ummm difficulties LOL fitting all 3 of us AND our gear back into the car! Think we need a bigger vehicle next time girls, my poor commodore was bulging! After the big drive back I also came home to THIS...

...a perfectly cleaned house, some beautiful blossoms in a vase, a flowering orchid and chocolates too! I am so spoiled by my family!

Oh and something else a tad exciting but I'll share that next post... *wink*

It's Birthday Month!!

Happy 16th Birthday!

Yep, it's finally September and we are definitely in celebration mode in our household!! I *heart* September, I love the warmer weather Spring brings, the gorgeous flowers blossoming all around me makes me smile and all the happy party FUN that having 3 September born munchkins means to our family. Yesterday our big boy Nicholas turned 16, such an awesome young man he has become, you couldn't find two parents more proud of their much loved son. :) For so many years we waited for him to bless our lives and Nick truly has.
Every. Single. Day.


Sixteen means so much... being a senior at school and the heavy workload that's required, setting goals for the future, more responsibility at home and gulp learning to drive (will admit I'm still having heart palpitations about that one! LOL) With all 3 kids so close in age we decided it was probably time to add another car to the family fleet LOL so after a fair bit of searching around Michael picked up a nice little silver manual so that they can learn to drive using gears. I've been eyeing it in our driveway the past week with a sense of excitement and dread all in one. Does everyone feel so uncertain when their kids get to this stage? *sigh*

The birthday boy had a great day, woke to a some fun "16" balloons I'd put together, a sound system for his room, some cool gaming ear phones, a few more little things and a wad of cash. A family get together in the afternoon for coffee & birthday cake with the rellies and then dinner at Hogs Breath with those ever so yummy curly fries made for a perfect day. Michael is also taking Nick and a few of his mates for a day of paintball when the holidays hit in a couple of weeks as part of his 16th celebrations. I'm sure the guys will have a fantastic time!

Happy Birthday Baby!
{We Love You}

Big Day For Baby News!!!

Firstly.....

It's A Girl!!

Are there really any words to describe how EXCITED and HAPPY I am for my gorgeous friends Jody and Matthew with the arrival of their utterly precious bubba today?? So very many years of prayer and hopes for their dreams to be fulfilled... and now the two sweetest people ever are Mummy and Daddy to a precious princess. Little Charlotte Jean was born at 2.12pm weighing 7lb 3oz. :) Oh my, I actually cried when I heard the news, could they be any more blessed...

WELCOME TO THE WORLD BEAUTIFUL BABY CHARLOTTE!!

Jody and Me at her Baby Shower in May (Brissie)
Can't wait to hop on that plane and see my "Melbourne Girls"!! Love you Bella!!

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

...and Secondly
(hurry up Sue and spill so I can share! *giggle*)

It's A Boy!!
How fabulous is this? I came home from work today and found THIS tied to my backyard pool fence. *huge grin* Should have heard me squeal!! LOL It was the most wonderful way to tell me her special news... Today my sweet bestie Sue had her ultrasound and praise God everything is, at this point, going along beautifully well. :) They also found out that they are adding another darling son to their family, 8 amazing sons. She is SO blessed! I'll never forget how you shared the news with me honey, it was incredibly lovely... you and bubba mean the world to me! :)

{Impromptu} MATERNITY SHOOT

Although I was a teensy bit disappointed that Sue's ultrasound was cancelled last Tuesday (just keen to make sure she and bubs are doing ok), it did mean that she was able to come out for lunch with us after all. Always fun! We actually ended up spending the entire afternoon together when she asked if I could take some photos of her blooming at 20 weeks. I have planned some cute ideas for when she is a little bigger, and even though it was unexpected this day, I still love the way these ones turned out.

And since I couldn't possibly choose just one or two faves for a sneaky peek (how can you when your best friend looks so gorgeous in them all hey?) I'll share a few, hope you like them sweetie....

"With God all things are possible" Matthew 19:26

He's Home!!!

(Photos By Snap Happy Miss Emily)

It took 24 hours of travel and 36 hours without sleep but he's finally home! I've missed my hubby more than I can say this trip, it just felt like forever that he was away. I'm SO incredibly happy he's home safe with us, curled up with the kids on the lounge as I type. Feels wonderful to be together again. He picked up some cool pressies from Malaysia and Hong Kong too, the kids squealed (ok Emmy deafened us! LOL) when they saw the brightly coloured new converses and t-shirts. I felt so spoiled too... all these utterly beautiful coloured silk scarves that are incredibly gorgeous, I really must take a piccy or two to show you all. :)

Could it feel any more wonderful being wrapped in these arms? :) :)

Big hugs of thanks to everyone who prayed for his safety, emailed, smsed and phoned while Michael was away from us. It means so much to me, to us, especially this time with my work so busy & all the kiddies so sick, it was a little more "challenging" on my own than normal. You are all very special. :)

Another Step Towards The Future...

Another Milestone

This week has been a special one for Emmy and the other Grade 10 girls at her school as they ask questions, set goals, explore their options and make choices for next year as Seniors and beyond. At this stage Em is keen to pursue a career working with children, teaching perhaps she thinks. I can see her following that path one day, she's such a patient kind hearted soul our Em.

Emmy with her girlfriends

They are growing up so fast, seems like only yesterday that Em and her friends started high school and they looked so little back then, now most are taller than me! LOL

Today was their Transition Ceremony in recognition of their progression to the Senior School next year and becoming young ladies of faith. Our sweet Emmy (like her brothers) has had me quite worried, suffering from the flu and now has severe tonsilitis too poor darling. :( Not wanting to miss this occasion though she went along just for a little while this morning to receive her certificate before I took her home, she looks so flushed poor pet...

For you baby girl....

As a momento to mark such a beautiful milestone in our darling girls life, Michael and I decided to give her a gift, one to hopefully treasure for many years to come. It's a dainty gold and diamond cross, a symbol of her faith, it's so pretty and yep, it's identical to the one Michael gave to me on our last anniversary! Extra special meaning and so precious. :) She LOVED it and the girls all oohed and ahhed over it LOL, can't wait til she can show her Daddy when he arrives home from overseas soon.

We love you Emily and are so proud of the gorgeous young woman you have become sweetheart. :)

THIS wedding couple just touched my heart...

I'm sure alot of you have probably seen the very cool and incredibly heart warming wedding entrance of this couple (it's been doing the rounds on facebook, tv etc) Oh but it made me smile, made me cry, totally touched my HEART with their joy.... click on the link, you have to watch it if you haven't seen it. Because I just LOVE the song so much had to blog it too, it's making me happy while my boy is away. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

...and because a post from me wouldn't be a post without a photo or two LOL here's a couple more recent ones of our gorgeous Emmy this month.

Em is in the middle of Transition Week at school atm, lots of decision making for subjects going on and helping the girls on their journey to become Seniors in their school next year.

Finally, one of my darling love :) Can't wait to HUG him to pieces when he comes home, so missing the way he looks at me, missing that cheeky smile of his...

Michael's Malaysian Moments

One of Michael's Favourite Photos - coloured coconuts!

Am loving the photos he's sending back from his trip, little glimpses of his life over there without us. He's in Malaysia at the very moment and then heading to Hong Kong shortly. Missing my boy more than words can say. Just thought I'd share a few here with you all, excuse the quality, they are all taken on his iPhone....

Michael LOVES his curries. LOL Chicken Malay Curry for breakfast the first morning there!

...and eating it here in the mornings!

Standing at the bottom of the Twin Towers Malaysia

He always love sending back photos for the kids of odd snacks! *grin* Tomato and Garlic Soy flavoured Twisties??!! LOL More normal than the Pea Flavoured icecream last trip... giggle

A visit to Butterfly House - these fellows were bigger than his hand!

One of the 30+ shoe shops he's been to looking for more connies for Miss Emily!

Drove past a garage sale on Saturday and immediately thought of Michael (can't remember how many times I've said we have enough "treasure" at home and don't need anyone elses! LOL) He'd be having a ball at these Malay markets, reckons you could get lost in them for days...

Kuala Lumpur at night - monorail in the background. So crowded...

Finally one of the traveller himself! Asked Michael to pretty please include himself in a photo or two as well to send home. He was inside one of the huge modern shopping centres in KL (not his favourite of places in any country LOL, he definitely prefers the open local markets) so the light was poor but it made my heart flip when I saw it because he's there, he's safe and he's smiling.

God watch over him...

I. Miss. You.

...in the mornings when you hop out of bed first to make me my cuppa and help get the kids ready for school
...in the evenings when you walk through that door, big smile on your face with a bear hug and kiss for me
...and late at night, when it's all too quiet and the kids are sleeping

I miss you

Stay safe my love. xx

He is...

15 years 10 months
...and racing towards his future...

That's how it feels these days with our gorgeous Nick, he just seems to be rapidly growing and changing into a young man before our eyes. Some days it seems he has grown from when he goes to bed at night to when he greets us hungry for brekkie and those 6 weetbix LOL in the morning! So I thought it was about time to do a little update on our eldest, so much happening in our big boys life right now to record and remember. :)

Barrister in the making? :)

This year he's in Year 11, a senior at his school, which he's loving. I still get a little shock when I see our 6 foot 3 inch 15 year old (16 in less than two months!) come out in the afternoons wearing his new senior uniform, blazer, tie and long pants. He just looks so grown up. Wasn't it just yesterday I was still helping him tie his shoelaces as he went to kindy? He loves the subjects he's taking and the responsibility his school expects from their young men.

We were asked last year to consider Nick applying for both the mentoring program at his school and early start uni as they felt he was an excellent candidate. We're still deciding on early uni atm but I was so proud when he was accepted into the Mentoring program and he was recently invited along to the breakfast launch to meet his two mentors a lawyer and a barrister. The look on his face as he excitedly and keenly told us about the fellows and their lives was priceless, it's an exciting opportunity for our boy. I also smiled when he said he'd asked them how they juggle their work and a family life, makes my heart smile to think he feels family is so important. He's going to make a wonderful, kind and caring husband and daddy one day. :) His mentors seem very keen to offer him lots of opportunities too in their firms to really see if this is what he wants to do with his life. All is looking good!

For quite a while now Nick has been keen to pursue Law when he finishes school. I guess in a big way I'm not surprised, he loves & excels at debating and has a strong sense of protection and justice for all. A typical eldest child! *grin* It's a big ask though but I'm ever so proud that he has set such high goals for himself no matter what the final outcome of results will be at the end of 2010 when he graduates we'll be proud.

These holidays after lots of keen chatter with his mentors, each one invited him along to their firms to watch them in court in the capital here. What an amazing experience for him, he totally relished it!! All of the photos on this post were from that time (evening by the time he came home on the train but they turned out ok), crisp white long sleeve business shirt, jacket and cool new tie. May be time to think about a suit one day soon, just a little worried he'll grow out of it before it gets much use, he's growing taller it seems every day!

Wearing His New Contacts
Nick is sporting a new pair of glasses, I think he looks so handsome. :) He's also wearing contacts for the first time too. After much discussion with Nick our optician thought it was time so he's been trialling them for the last 2 months, going super well with it too. Geez all these changes and *gulp* only a few weeks til he gets behind the wheel. Not sure I will ever be ready for THAT! Slow down my beautiful first born mumma needs to catch her breath...

She is...

...14 years and 10 months old today

(typical almost 15 Emmy style - jumper sleeves pulled over her hands, fun hairclip in place & wearing her favourite new black boots, always so CUTE)

...making decisions about the future
(deciding subjects and career choices as she enters senior next year)

...our gorgeous kind hearted girl
(such a young lady these days, a mix of shy confidence, girly fun and excitement)

...growing up before our very eyes.
(We love you baby girl!)

~Kholo Gardens Sunday Family BBQ 12 July 2009~

Time To Share...

...some very special news. :)

Photo above taken by Susan's hubby.

In my last post I mentioned that for a few months now I'd been praying alot for the protection of those that are dear to me and to be honest this is one of the BIG reasons why... something I haven't been able to share until now, when my darling friend Sue was ready for the world to know too (although I'm seriously not sure she could have kept it quiet much longer *smile* she is simply blooming).

~Sue after our girly day yesterday... 16 weeks and beautiful~

I guess if you read my BLOG then you'd already know how precious this girl is to me and that I've been utterly blessed to have such a special friend in my life, I love her, she couldn't be more like a sister to me. :) And so if you do read here often then you'll also know that with all the risks that this news brings for both her and bubs I'll admit I'm scared.. anxious... and in the first month or so I also didn't really sleep well for worry about all the "what ifs". Michael has been great, very reassuring and without knowing all the details the beautiful girls at SoF & their prayers have truly helped me come to a place of real peace with this delicate journey for my sweet friend. I really feel that she is in very capable hands and is being looked after by all around her which helps add to that sense of peace that all will be well. I pray every day for God to watch over them both and with the best care and support from doctors, come this Christmas another gorgeous baby will bless their family, a little bundle of pink or blue with seven big brothers. What a lot of love for sure.

It's so special that I am allowed to be a part of that too and support her absolutely. Yesterday we had another of our happy girly days just shopping and chatting (s'thing quietly I think I needed), we're very good at that. LOL I bought some more wool cuteness and two pretty cupcake trees in pink and green. Guess I'd better get a wriggle on with knitting my baby cocoon, I'll have a little one to test drive it before too long... :)

CONGRATULATIONS AND HUGS HONEY!

A Memory...

This morning I had a memory, more like I felt a memory it was so clear, so big, so strong that it’s shaken me a bit….

Being on holidays I found myself relaxing & blog hopping a little. Then I came across one that has had me reading page after page of a brave Mummy and her struggles to survive horrendous burns after a plane crash. But it was her description of her hubby, her love for him and his efforts to save her that took me back to the canoeing accident we’d had so long ago and then I could hear them… the screams, Michael's screams… to go to me, to save me, over and over again until our friends who were between us in their boat turned away from him & reached me…I could see the light brown water as I was swept under as if it happened yesterday…Watching Michael go under the water for the last time still makes me shake inside, he was drowning and he’d made sure I was safe first…he'd realized they wouldn’t be able to save us both and had sent them to me. I don’t often think about it alot I’ll admit, but today it’s on my mind, seeing flashes of that light brown water and it kinda won’t go away. The rest is sort of hazy, I honestly don’t know how they managed to reach him on the other side of the river like they did after that, it was super human. It was God. I *truly* believe He was with us that day and I carry the faith that He will protect those I love, the people dearest to me, I've clung to that alot in the past few months…

I'm not sure why I've posted these ramblings, it wasn't what I was going to post tonight but I guess I wanted to share that I am...

So Thankful.

So Grateful.

Those words are weak and small and can’t really describe my feelings, I’m not sure there are words but sometimes you have to try.

I. Love. My. Husband. Always.

Our view this holiday.....

From our balcony right on the beach, 30 floors high, *awesome*!!

Michael and I very *rarely* go away for any type of holiday, always seems to be some reason or another (usually $$ LOL) for not going away, life just gets too busy and complicated I guess with 3 active & social big kids and a hard working hubby. Well I was so excited and absolutely tickled pink when Michael booked a little family holiday at the coast this school break, just a few days but so special - at the same resort we'd spent our honeymoon 21 years ago! It was just fabulous to walk down old memory lane with our 3 children and share some of those precious times with them. We had so much fun, something I'd longed for before Michael heads overseas again. Took the camera out only rarely, here's a few shots from the last few days at the Gold Coast...

We stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment with the most amazing views on all sides, the weather was kind to us too and we couldn't have hoped for better. The resort had heaps of great things for us to enjoy even though it's winter atm, you'd find all 5 of us several times a day using one of the heated swimming pools, heated spa, sauna, steam room or tennis court when we weren't out and about enjoying the coast itself.


A few wonderful moments....

*Watching the moonlight on the waves while walking along the beachfront markets all lit with pretty fairy lights on Friday night.

*Curly fries at Hogs Breath and yummy cocktails for mummy! :)

*Watching Michael and the kids play in the spa and steam room, they just crack me up this lot! Look at those faces! LOL Have to say how much I enjoyed all the hot spas and then saunas myself, seems way too lazy to be spending so much time doing, well nothing! *grin*

*Cheering on the runners at the Gold Coast Marathon - we had a superb eagle eye view being right on the beachfront overlooking them all as they headed past our building.

*We splurged and took the kids to a very fancy Thai restaurant so gorgeous with colourful decor, intricate hand carved wall hangings and the staff all dressed in beautiful traditional clothing (wished I'd taken my camera for this!) We had a tasty Thai Banquet, a first for the kids, I don't think I'll need to eat again for a week! LOL

*Fish n Chips for lunch by the water at Kirra with the crunchiest fries and lots of walking along the beach at Surfers holding hands.

*Just relaxing together, gazing at the glorious view outside while chatting. Even managed to find a few quiet moments to do a little knitting on my pretty pink scarf, Emmy did some on her fluffy cream one too (in between all those smses to her friends, a teen can't be too far away from her mobile! LOL).

Another view from our balcony - Q1 at sunset...

*As the kids are getting older we decided to take them up to the top of the Q1 building for yummy drinks and afternoon tea. The 360 degree view from 77 flights up can only be described as spectacular, worth every cent!

Emmy, Alex and Nick drinking milkshakes 77 stories above the ground at Q DECK!
And didn't they think they were extra cool having them in fancy glasses too! LOL I settled for a yummy hot chocolate and Michael had his usual cappa, the deserts there were to die for. We even managed to have a little alone time at a table for two to natter away & enjoy the spectacular views while the kids sat together not too far away, one of the advantages now they are a little older. :)

...and finally, one of my favourite shots from the weekend.

Miss Emily at Q DECK
Emmy saw this fab green wall up on Q1 and squealed it was the perfect place for a photo! LOL Of course I had to oblige. *grin* The moment I took this I knew it would be special... beautiful... just like our little girl. :) What a great time we've had and I've promised myself we shall do this more often, maybe not on such a big scale money wise but time away has been like a breath of fresh air for us all. Can't tell you how precious it was to explore the place where we'd been newlyweds together. Who would have thought so many years later we'd be here again but with our three munchkins, we've been totally blessed with them...

Being a Godmummy...

My Gorgeous Goddaughters Alyssa & Ebony

...is something very precious and dear to me. :) I've always longed for "just one more" as most of you know, I think I always will, but I guess being a godmumma (5 times over now!!) was God's incredible way of filling my heart and it truly makes me happy to be that "special someone" for them.


Today was SUCH a treat, lots of hugs and cuddles and presents too - sweet little Alyssa, my youngest goddaughter, celebrated her 9th birthday with us! Emmy and I had fun putting together two pretty bags of holiday treats for both the girls, I had a giggle when my Miss Almost 15 asked if we could perhaps get her some pretty pens too and had just as much fun as the little girls blowing bubbles in the backyard. *grin*

The Birthday Girl
I adore her shy quiet ways, those beautiful eyes and gorgeous little bow lips melt me...

...and a kiss for her Mummy. Thank you Bec for bringing the girls over today, seems like only yesterday you asked me to be this precious ones godmumma and wow I can hardly believe 9 years have flown by. Amazing hey. Before we know it there will be formal dresses, wedding invitations and grandchildren too...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA!!

Some Family History FUN!!

~RICHARDS FAMILY REUNION~

Sue Mills, Vicki Trewella and Christine Berry (me!)

As most of you know one of my passions is researching our family history, I LOVE it! Discovering more about my family before me is fascinating and for those who are like me you'll also know how addictive it can be too! *grin* A couple of weeks ago we had a family reunion (my Dad's side of the family) which was like icing on the cake, it was truly exciting. What an amazing experience and opportunity to *finally* catch up in real life with these two WONDERFUL ladies in particular Vicki and Sue, as well as all the other Richards family descendants that attended. Vicki and Sue have been so welcoming and supportive of my family history journey over the past year or so and I can't thank them enough. Finding them has been a true blessing. 3 girls all passionate about tracing our shared family roots AND all directly descended from the Richards name too. :)

Some Of The Rellies At The Richards Reunion

We had about 40 rellies arrive in my home town on Sunday the 7 June 2009 and although the weather looked like it was going to be against us, the rain stopped & at 10 am the winter sun was shining at Queens Park- a perfect day!!

We are all descended from my great great great grandfather William Pearce Richards who was born on the 21 January 1816 at St Erth in Cornwall. He had 11 children during his life. I am descended from his daughter Johanna Richards. Vicki and Sue descend from one of Johanna's brothers Richard William Richards.

We have discovered Johanna and her husband were the first of the Richards siblings to emigrate to Australia in 1875. According to family lore Richard W Richards was actually sponsored here by a sister who would have be Johanna (and would explain how Richard went to Howard when he arrived here, as Johanna and her family settled there.) I had the biggest grin on my face when Vick proudly announced to all that we could thank me and my great great grandmother for them all being here in Australia!

Me with Frank Greene
One of the most fabulous things about a reunion is the chance to meet new people who actually share a common history although they have never met. This kind wonderful gent truly stole my heart. This is Frank! He's full of life and such a happy soul. We talked for ages about our common links to the town of Howard and I adored looking at the old photos from the 1900s he had brought along. I could have chatted with him for many hours more. I had to go back over my tree to work out how Frank fitted in exactly (so many new faces it was hard to keep up! LOL) but I discovered his grandfather was actually Richard William Richards! Amazing to think his grandfather was my great great grandmother Johanna's brother... wow.

Thank you so much Vicki for organising our first reunion, hoping that it will just be the first of many!

Miss H

Little Miss H

Had another shoot last weekend, this time with a very gorgeous 3 year old Miss H, her mum and aunty. I kept my eyes towards the heavens as the dark clouds rolled by and although we had a spot or two of rain we were pretty lucky with the weather after all.

Miss H was also keen to show me some of her ballet moves, utterly adorable.

It was a fun shoot with a this very cute little princess, will share some shots of the adults next post. Can't explain just how much I love doing this, practising all I'm learning about my camera is heaven. What a dream it would be to do this every day, maybe one day... (the more I know the harder I am on myself now looking at technique etc etc though! LOL)

I know her aunty follows my BLOG, so here's a few for her. Still editing proofs but hope you like the sneak peaks Aunty A!!

With my babies...

...on Mother's Day!!

Mother's Day is one of those extra special days I hold ever so close and dear to my heart... you see for many years I didn't think I'd be able to celebrate it as a mumma myself, hold my own babies close, hug them, love them, cherish them, raise them... The pain and yearning when days like this came around is hard for others who have not been through infertility to understand and even now that our 3 precious munchkins are here, my heart aches a little for those still on the trying journey, waiting to be blessed. This year I said an extra prayer of thanks as my gorgeous friend Jody has a beautiful blooming tummy and a smile so big after many years too, it's such a miracle and there's no way to explain how happy I am for her and her gorgeous Matthew.





So each and every Mother's day I thank God and am full of joy, a joy I'll never be able to fully describe in words, it's just in my heart.








Look at my beautiful babies, my Gifts - what I wouldn't do for them...

A little Sand n Sun

Beach beauty..

The past couple of weeks I've been sharply reminded that having your health really is everything, am having some dramas with my eye again *sigh*, big hugs of thanks to the girls who have been keeping my spirits light with their friendship and love. I had such plans for our recent Easter holiday too and yet even before the much longed for break I was struggling with a horrid flu bug on top of it all that literally knocked me off my feet. Instead of the week I'd be longing for it was spent just trying to cope.

Alex and his daddy
The day before I went back to work I convinced Michael we needed at least *one day* doing s'thing fun as a family (and that I really was ok enough to go!) so we headed to the beach for a fish n chips lunch by the water as well as some yummy freshly caught prawns, walks by the ocean, lazing back to read a book on the sand, dinner at Hogs Breath that night, love those curly fries and even managed a photo or two of my precious family as well.

Thought I'd share just a few of them with you all, still not quite ready to take my canon baby near the surf LOL but took her for a little "stroll" on the sand. *grin* Love this piccy of My Guys watching as Emmy was squealing at the baby sand crabs she'd found.

Feels like ages ago these were taken, so much has happened with life being back to it's usual crazy BUSY pace but guess I'll blog all that another day. :)

My windswept sweetie...

Mothers & Daughters

My Girl

A baby girl has blessed a family today...

At 3.20am my darling friend Lusi and her hubby Brett finally held their gorgeous little princess Zipporah Patricia Austin in their arms!! Yay!!! Both the darling little "Zippi" and her mumma are doing well, I'm so excited for their beautiful family! May God always watch over and protect you little one.

With the arrival of another sweet princess in the world it's made me reflect on that special bond between mothers and their little girls... There is something so precious between Emmy and I, especially as she changes (it seems oh too quickly) into such a beautiful kindhearted young lady. I'll never ever forget the look on her Daddy's face as she was gently placed on my chest and the joy in his voice and eyes as he told me my little girl was finally here! I never thought we could be so blessed to have our sweet son Nicholas and then a daughter too. After years of infertility it was definitely our miracle (and one that in 2 years time would amaze us with the birth of our Alex, 3 blessings under 3!) Ever since she was small we've enjoyed our girly days together and have been very close. We're different (as a teen Emmy has a really fun sense of style that isn't always her mumma's *grin*) but in other ways it's like looking at myself as I watch her navigate friendships, relationships and life itself. I guess, I just know her heart.

At the moment we are learning to loom knit together and happily snuggle beside one another on the lounge at night chatting and knitting away (really must ask Michael to capture that one day). We share a love of photography, music (the first 3 songs playing on my BLOG are some of our faves right now) and loyalty to friends. I'm sure Michael and the boys must think we're both nuts as we watch movies and cry together at the happy and sad moments. Big soft hearts...

I guess the trick as she heads towards being 15 in September is that balance between being her mum who wants to watch over and protect every step she takes to stepping back a little and giving her the independence she inevitably will need. I pray every day with all 3 of our munchkins that we get that balance right, it's just so important...

A Special Gift

"Thank you so so much Tess, I totally love this!" ~ Emily

You know it still amazes and humbles me that the net has brought such special people into my life. I have a real faith in the kindness of people and everyday there are little signs that reaffirm that strong belief. Well sometimes there are big ones too, that stand out and make you stop in your tracks and realise just how lucky you are...

When the very sweet Miss Tess heard I was trying to learn how to knit she at once offered to create a beautiful handknitted beret for Miss Em while I got my head around the whole wooly wonder that is knitting. LOL Together Emmy and I went to the much visited Spotlight and Miss 14 chose some pretty pink yarn to post to the wonderful Tess. We couldn't believe our eyes when the much anticipated package arrived so quickly, not only a gorgeous Aunty Tess Original designed beret but a matching soft scarf with fun tassles too. The beautiful stitch she chose was quite appropriate too - the berry stitch. How cute! She loves it Tess, you are just the the kindest and most clever cookie ever!!

...some scrapping too!

One of my favourite layouts from the weekend... :)
Photography has kept me happily busy the past couple of months but I also had heaps of fun at another fabulous SWIG scrapping retreats too. Can hardly believe we celebrated our 20th weekend away together... and that I've been to all of them! We had a huge group this time including a number of our interstate girls who flew up to Qld which was extra special. Now I've been joking with Chris for quite some time that those of us who have been to all 20 over the years deserved a gold watch but I laughed so hard when she presented our special group with these custom made A2Z scraplet watches ready to scrap! Really must find some gold paint now. *grin* Too too cute!

With our special "20th" watches...

Don't ask!!!! LOL

After so many years together it's truly like catching up with family each and every time. I love that feeling of fun and closeness we have and how welcoming we all are of our SWIG virgins as we call them LOL who join us for the first time. I love to hear about everyone's families and see how much their kiddies and grandies have grown. I laugh so hard my sides literally ache for days after I come home. Can't wait til our big 21st celebration in August, theme this time will be "formal" which is pretty appropriate for turning 21 I think. *grin* Might have to drag out the old ball gown for that one hey. ;)

Michelle and Me!

Finally a BIG huggy thank you to my very sweet and special roomie this time the lovely Michelle, we chatted and giggled like school girls til 3am both nights LOL probably the latest I've ever stayed up at SWIG, you are such a naughty influence on me honey!! hee hee hee *ducking and running for cover* I had just the bestest time with you.

And a couple more shares just to prove I did actually scrap!! LOL

~ooOoo~

~ooOoo~

and a close up of the plain 12X12 purple scrapping storage box I bought and of course just had to alter with some pretty ribbons, blossoms and bling from my stash. :)

I've been knitting too!

Yep *shock horror* LOL I actually made it myself! With the opening of the new Spotlight store here in town it's made my head spin with all the wonderful projects I'd like to do and learn.

~ LOOM KNITTING ~

Hmmmm... what will I make next??

I think I'm seriously becoming addicted to oohing and ahhing over all the fabulous fabrics, wonderful wool and sewing supplies there. Last year I was keen to have a go at knitting one of those beautiful baby cocoons (gorgeous to photograph a newborn in) but honestly I'll readily admit I'm a bit of knitting ninny! LOL The last time I knitted anything I was a little girl and I'm sure that scarf was longer than the Nile and never ending too. *giggle*

But this year Emmy asked could I try to make her a cute knitted hat for winter so off I went in search of the much talked about circle loom. Had to look interstate for one but with the help of the lovely Peta (thank you sweetie) I had no more excuses to do it! hee hee I'm sure Michael thinks I'm nuts curled up on the lounge in my warm bedsocks knitting away on the loom while I watch tv but it was surprisingly easy once I started and I'm kinda proud of my soft cream beanie! :) Not bad for a practise one and my first attempt, so here's a self portrait of yours truly (don't look too closely at me, I've got the most dreadful flu bug which has really knocked me around pretty badly atm). It's just a very basic knitting stitch, I can't wait to learn some different stitches too. One baby step at a time though.

Am mixing these two soft colours together to make a knitted hat and matching scarf...

Oh and yes my name is Chrissy and I'm a wool-a-holic!! *grin* I'm starting to gather quite a collection, oh dear... I can imagine them already as soft beanies and warm wooly scarves, I just hope I can actually do it. Will promise to share them here as I go.

...and I thought THIS gorgeous wool above for a newborn cocoon :)

I have so many sewing projects I'd like to have a go at (itching to sew my beautiful bag) but my poor sewing machine bit the dust a while back so will have to patiently wait to find the $$ for a new one. With all these hobbies I just might need to find myself some extra hours in my busy working week too but I'm loving it...

It's been 2 months...

...since I last blogged! Life with Michael and the kids has been crazy busy, work too, hasn't left a lot of time to play on here. I'm not really sure where to start, may have to do a few posts over the next few days, so much to share - photography fun and workshops, scrapping retreat, creating, knitting (yes I did it!! LOL) and surprise birthday parties...

~ PHOTOGRAPHY ~

Am so loving this! Our sweet teen Miss Emily happily did a little photo shoot for me, an idea we'd talked about for a while (and finally found a day our 14 year old social butterfly was actually home *grin*) Can't tell you how much fun we had together this day and here are a few I managed to catch in between the rain, she's really turning into such a gorgeous young lady isn't she...





She looked so cute and the photos turned out just how I'd imagined them when planning it. Had to giggle though, we had a bit of a balloon disaster. LOL I'd bought yellow, orange and green balloons but before within the first couple of minutes a few had popped on the long grass and then the orange & green ones I'd tied to my jeans were floating up up and away! Oh dear. Next time I need a weight! *grin*









I'm so proud of our baby girl. She has such a big heart. This weekend in the pouring rain and mud she walked through the night for Relay For Life to raise money for cancer, in honour of her dear Grandad. As a parent it really touches my heart that all 3 kiddies are so willing to "give" of themselves, their time, their friendship and their love. With two of our munchkins now teenagers you always question whether or not you are doing/saying the right thing, hoping and praying they find the right path for themselves. There have been many moments with our kids particularly over the past couple of months that I can see just how mature and compassionate they have become. So far so good...

With Sue at the Rachel Richter Weekend Workshop

This is s'thing I had been impatiently waiting to do!! Yay!! Photography has always been such a passion for me and now with my DSLR there's no stopping me! *grin* Capturing moments with my camera is more fun than I can say. I've learned so much over the past couple of months too after being lucky enough to do a weekend workshop with the very fabulous Rachel Richter and I think it's all starting to come together. The weekend workshop, with gorgeous locations and models to shoot, was such an amazing experience! You couldn't find someone more open, friendly and so giving of herself and her talent. Honestly I can't thank you enough Rach, you are a love! We were even invited along afterwards to a Trash The Dress shoot with the lovely bride Kate... simply awesome! Huge hugs to the always lovely Leanne Stamatellos who was Rach's extra helping hand and (who I finally got to hug in real life) for taking this photo of Sue and I. Ta so much hon. :)

Here's just a few of the incredibly lovely models we practised our newly acquired skills on! LOL They can't be thanked enough for their patience! *grin*

The incredibly beautiful Miss G with the gorgeous eyes

The lovely Miss L was just the sweetest treasure!

The very cute Miss C, she was such an angel...
Master H - oh boy, what a little heartbreaker he is! Had all of us in the palm of his hand.









...and the very beautiful and brave Kate LOL for our Trash the Dress Session. How could someone so muddy manage to look so incredible?!

So many things we've done over the last couple months will share some more tomorrow.
HUGS xx

The {real} me....

Well it's been quite a few Mondays since I last blogged 3 weeks ago, not surprising really with our crazy busy start to the new year. Honestly I'm still trying to find my working mumma feet atm and juggle the demands of a new grade and new school year for the kids and me. We're getting there...

This week my gorgeous friend Miss Lusi has inspired me to join in and blog a bit more about the REAL everyday moments, the very human "I'm definitely not perfect" moments that I'm sure we all have but most don't share with the world. I have to admit it's not hard for me to share the good and the not so good LOL but I think that's just me. I'm a bit of an emotional chooky who wears her heart on her sleeve for all the world to see anyways and I guess if you've been following my blog over the past few years you'd probably already know that. *grin*. Like alot of women though I often feel "less" than that mythical "perfect" woman, mother and wife that's out there - you know, the one who always has the tidy house, angelic children and is the most organised home maker. Hmmmm. I think I'll always aspire to be better, do better but maybe if we all shared our true selves a bit more we'd be less hard on ourselves and more content too.

So here are some REAL things about my life and home atm:

REALLY: Whenever we have visitors I close my bedroom door because Michael *still* has a huge pile of gear sitting there ready for our next garage sale (it's been there for more than a month now!)
REALLY: We have so much rubbish in our double garage that only one of our cars can be parked in it.
REALLY: I'm scared and nervous about doing a photography course next month. I'm worried I'm going to look like a ninny who knows nothing...
REALLY: I have 3 baskets of clean clothes not put away from the weekend shoved in the spare room.
REALLY: I should get off this computer and spend more time with my husband tonight.
REALLY: I feel sad that my baby is now in high school and mourn not having had more children.
REALLY: I need to get a better balance between work and home, some days go in a rushed whirl and that makes me tired and grumpy.
REALLY: I get frustrated and annoyed that Michael and the kids constantly misplace and lose "stuff" and expect me to know where it is or find it.

And some HAPPY thankful real moments too...

REALLY: My hubby truly is a wonderful guy who surprised me by booking a table for two at a romantic restaurant for Valentine's Day this weekend. I can't wait til Saturday.
REALLY: I managed to get all the washing done (even if it didn't get put away).
REALLY: I'm SO happy Alex has had such a settled easy start to high school.
REALLY: I'm proud he's been made captain of his Saturday sports team at school and is thriving on the responsibility.
REALLY: I'm excited to be keeping up with my weekly self portrait photography challenge. Making mistakes but learning alot too.
REALLY: I was chuffed to find a simple but cute pink dress for half price ($15) to wear out on Saturday night.
REALLY: It was wonderful spending Saturday morning with some of the girls from SoF, I treasure those real life hugs and chats with my online buds!

Would love to read some more real moments too from you all, so if you feel like sharing let me know and I'll be sure to visit. Hugs everyone, hope to be back here soon with some piccies of all we've been up to. God bless! :)