It seems everyone is super busy...

... and tired around here!

{May 27}

I guess we are all right in the thick of it so to speak at the moment. All three kids have work commitments and of course lots of assignments and exams to complete & study for too. Alex invited his sweet girl Jade over for dinner after work on Sunday night so that they could at least spend a bit time with one another. The kids each took a little time out on Sunday for some relaxing - our Emily went to the coast for the afternoon with her young man and our Nick was at his girlfriends place for tea. Was really lovely spending time alone with Jade and Alex, they are pretty cute. They always make me laugh. *grin* Both were exhausted though and fell asleep on the lounge while watching TV. I couldn't help but take a snap or two. 

As for me, I think I am procrastinating just a tad tonight with my reports by playing on here for half an hour LOL After a busy and tiring day at work I just need my brain to focus on something other than school before I have to get stuck back into some more marking tonight.

When is it holidays??

Where I've Been Lately...

Yep that would be WORK!

{May 10}

Today I've spent a little time updating my 2012 Photo A Day BLOG . I *heart* Saturdays! Not quite achieving a photo every day at the moment but trying hard to capture moments as often as I can. It's truly lovely looking back on our everyday life so far this year and I'm keen to keep going on with it and not be discouraged if I miss a day or two. Since I spend all my time at school these days I thought I'd share a quick snap of me there, my photo for May 10. :)


This time of year always hits hard, handling extra at home right now, lots of assessment to set and mark, extra meetings, report card writing, late nights and very long working days that don't finish when I walk out the gates but keep going til 1am or longer every night. This time I've also had to present to a group of teachers at Uni too, busy isn't even close a word to use. I guess it'd be fair to say I've been burning the candle at both ends and it's starting to show. Came home from work last night and, well, I just had to lie down. And then couldn't get up! Oh dear! My gorgeous kids were so sweet - Nick offered to go back out and pick Alex (who was at work) so I could hop into some jammies & didn't have to drive again and Emily insisted she make dinner for us all while I had a bit of a rest.  


Bless them. I love my babies. xx

Who Would Have thought 29 Years Ago Today....

...as a young 15 year old girl, that I would meet THIS gorgeous man of mine, the man who would eventually become my beloved husband a few years later.

It's the 21st of May today which is the same date Michael and I met many moons ago at that dance between our two schools, 29 years - WOW! Kinda surprises us both that it's been so long, funny thing is I don't FEEL that old *grin* and you know I still get that crazy feeling of excitement when he walks through our door at night, love spending time just being together & pine for him when he goes away overseas for work too.  

Sometimes I wonder...

What if I hadn't gone that night?

What if he hadn't gone either?

What if we hadn't danced with each other?

What if our best friends at the time hadn't been going out? 

Would we have met?

Would I be sharing these photos today of the two of us taken by our beautiful daughter as our sons stood by? 

It does make you sit... and reflect... I'd like to believe God had a hand in it and somehow we would still have met anyways. It's hard to explain but it's always felt as though we were just meant for each other, meant to be, that once we had it was then in our hands to make it work. So my heart tells me yes, He would have helped us find our way, our way to one another.

Emmy & Elijah

Our Emmy and her precious godson Elijah! 
{May 8}
It's Tuesday today and as usual the girls and I met for lunch only this time my Emmy joined us as well (after completing her online test this morning) and asked if perhaps Sue could bring Liji along so she could spend some time with "her baby" as she puts it. With school in the past and now studying Early Childhood she really doesn't get the chance to see him often at all so this was the perfect chance. 

We headed to Queen's Park Cafe and had a lovely time chatting and relaxing over lunch. So strange in some ways that Emmy is old enough at almost 18 to join our girly lunches, it truly  seems like just yesterday we were all here playing at the park and Emmy was a toddler like little Liji. Now she is a godmumma! Of course she had to take some "selfies" of them together on her mobile phone, which Elijah looked more than happy to do, really very sweet considering how shy this little guy can be. What a lovely day. :)

I managed to take a few photos for Emmy as a keepsake, love this one, so precious...


Best get moving, lots of work to do particularly at this time of the year with reports about to hit. Can't wait to share all about our *wonderful* weekend away but will have to leave that to another post. With a bit of juggling we actually made it to the Caxton Street Seafood & Wine Festival after all again this year - So. Much. Fun!! Hope you all had a fabulous long weekend too.

A Sister Day :)

{April 29}

Have had such a wonderful time today! For many years my sister and I have spent a girly sister day together at the Antique Doll & Bear Fair but very sadly have missed the last couple. Last night Lee sent me a message asking if we wanted to go as it was a bit later this year - of course I said YES! It's always special checking out each of the displays, discovering toys we played with as children and admiring the gorgeous old dolls, bears, materials and laces. It's been taken over and run by a different group now so includes some crafts as well. I guess we really just love spending the time together chatting while we browse and have yummy scones with jam and cream.

We always buy tickets in the raffles (the money raised goes to Hospice), eagerly waiting for the draws (about 30!) and well we always win too which is a bit of a giggle!! LOL Of course this year was no different - we each won two of the draws, four in total! I was happy to browse but Lee picked up some really beautiful laces and also THE most gorgeous reborn baby girl, oh she's *adorable* and will be the perfect model for her pretty baby dresses she creates. I love our Sister Day, I'm so happy we went this year. :)

Mirror, Mirror...

{April 28}

After she finished work today, Emmy and I spent a girly afternoon together doing some clothes shopping, having a late lunch and, after a visit to the optometrist, deciding on some cute frames for her new glasses. Our Emmy has never worn glasses before but her sight was getting a little worse so it's definitely time, she'll use them when driving and for some board work for her studies. She was keen to try some of the gorgeous red frames and this one by Lipstick was so beautiful with her dark hair and creamy pale complexion. The sides are incredibly pretty too, so swirly and delicate - perfect! They'll take two weeks to arrive so she took a quick snap in the mirror using her mobile phone (and I'm pinching it for my photo of the day. *grin*)

Well it's been almost two weeks since I last posted...

Lots and lots happening with our family but sadly work has kept me way too busy to play on the computer. Haven't been feeling too well either which doesn't help. It's nice to slow down a little now & find a few moments tonight to jot down some more of our April memories...

{April 25}
Not the ANZAC Day we were expecting! We don't seem to be doing too well in the car department lately... *sigh* Today Nicholas was heading into the doctor's to see how his hand was healing (ok will have to post about that below - oh dear!) Michael and I had planned to take a long drive down south past Kyogle to do some bush walking when luckily as we were leaving we had a message from Nick that the car battery had died. Quick change of plans and we headed into town. Unfortunately even though we managed to get it started it broke down again on the way back. I'd been directing traffic away from us but after buying a new battery we managed to get it up and running. I snapped this shot from our other car in the church car park, hey I had to have my photo of the day. *grin* Looks like it's the alternator perhaps, am seriously getting tired of all the car dramas around here for sure. It was really heart warming though to have so many people drive past and offer to help, Aussie spirit shining brightly!


Ok so the reason for the doctor's visit...
(If you are at all squeamish just scroll past super fast!)

{April 21}
I knew by the tone of her voice when Emily's mum rang that something was wrong... Nick had been helping out with the gardening at his girlfriends house and somehow managed to quite badly cut his finger with the electric hedge trimmer. I met them up at the hospital, he'd done a nasty job of it too, cut right through to the bone - OUCH! They got a bed ready and we headed in for x-rays to make sure the bone wasn't chipped and they had the ortho surgeon ready in case the tendons needed repairing. He was pretty lucky, the tendons were in tact, the bone wasn't chipped, the nerve endings seemed ok and he had good blood supply to the finger (yep there was alot of that!). The locals were kinda horrid needles, poor kid, I actually watched them literally scrub the bone and wound with a bristled brush and then it was stitched. A tetanus shot later and they let us leave. It's his right hand which is a bit of a problem considering he is in the smack bang middle of Uni assignments but it looks to be healing ok. Super grateful it wasn't worse! 


The day surprisingly finished off sooo well though. Emily's Dad invited us all over to their place for some dinner, drinks and games which turned out to be one of those really *wonderful* and relaxing chill out kinda nights. We took Alex with us as well as our Emmy and her lovely new fellow too (will share a post about that another time). Pete and Liz are truly such great generous hosts, was one of the nicest evenings we've had in a long time, thanks guys! Our Emmy's new young man even drove us home so Michael & I could both have a few drinks which was so sweet, it's actually the first time we've ever had someone drive us home like that, normally one of us is the designated driver so to speak. Made for a terrific night out!

{April 20}
And lastly, just because she is soooooo incredibly CUTE (and playing with my socks as I type), here's a piccy of one of Lilly's little furbabies. My beautiful friend Michelle has already asked to adopt this adorable blue eyed bundle of fun, thrilled she will become a part of such a wonderful family. :)

Last day of holidays...

"The Barracks"

It really is quite beautiful at night here. It seems this place is becoming quite a popular little Sunday afternoon and evening destination in the City for us, especially on a rainy day! Sunday was the last day of the holidays and with the kids all busy Michael took me out for the evening before the hectic pace of work starts up again, such a treat. Term Two is always *crazy* with assessment and reporting...

The cinema there really is fabulous, we don't have anything like it at home so it's worth the drive! It's the sort of place you can sit and have a glass of wine and some yummy snacks while you relax and watch the movie. Just outside is a cute al fresco type eating precinct, always a great place to have a bite for dinner. Yesterday we tried the gourmet burger place which was really delicious. I can't go there now without heading to the little coffee shop downstairs, they have THE most delicious hot chocolates and the prices are so good! We ended up seeing The Exotic Marigold Hotel, I wasn't sure it would be my cup of tea so to speak but it had some funny quirky moments, the acting was great and being set in India the scenery was colourful and interesting too.

Week 16 - "REFLECTION"

I so love wandering along the City streets with my hubby at night, so full of life, golden colour and pretty lights reflecting on the beautiful buildings. This time I took my camera along, no idea what people thought LOL but who cares! There are lots of cute little shops with fun things to ooh and aah over like the one below. *grin* Everything just glows, it's just magical... :)

{April 15}


Caxton Street which is nearby was unusually quiet, doubt it will be that way for the Seafood & Wine Festival coming up next month. We've really enjoyed going for a few years now, just not sure how the ole money situation will be by then but I really hope we can go, it's such a FUN time. Was starting to get a tad chilly this time, need to drag out my boots and knitted scarves too I guess. Hmmm, probably should get out those knitting needles and actually finish a few projects as well before Winter is really here...

A Wonderful Birthday Surprise!!

How super spoiled am I?!
{April 12)


No I'm definitely not celebrating two birthdays a year *grin* (how ancient would I be by now hey! LOL) it's still in October but back then one of my gorgeous besties had given me a pamper voucher so we could spend a girly day together. When we went to use them this holiday break we discovered the place had actually closed down which was a bit sad. Luckily the money can be refunded and on Thursday I was treated to a very special day out...

...by THIS beautiful girl, my sweet friend Bec! Rebecca and I are "birthday buddies" celebrating our days only one day apart so every year we kinda spoil each other. She organised a morning tea for me at this place...

Monty's Chocolates in Paddington! 

It is just the most adorable little chocolate shop, filled with amazing and delicious handmade specialty goodies. When we walked inside you could instantly smell the sugary chocolate treats, totally divine! Our morning tea was this...

...an exquisite chocolate tasting platter for two. 


Lots of yummies to try with thick hot chocolates, to die for! The chocolatier explained the best order to taste test all the goodies. Was really interesting reading about the different types of chockies too. 

We sat at a cute sidewalk table, watched the world go by, spent the morning chatting about life, love and...

... drinking cups of tea

...and really just enjoyed being together as close friends do!

After such a lovely girly morning in the City, my beautiful Bec also treated me to Sushi for lunch, my favourite, then it was off for some retail therapy and dress shopping, searching for something cute for her to wear to her fabulous 40th party later this year. I took her to a little place I love and yay she found the perfect little cocktail dress. Can't thank you enough honey for such a *wonderful* day, adore our moments together like this, love you heaps! xx

This was on our table...

Week 15 - "MINIMAL"


... at the sweetest little chocolate shop in Paddington! Will definitely share more in another post about my beautiful birthday mystery trip yesterday organised by my darling friend Bec. Had the bestest time but for now here's my weekly photo. This week's theme was minimal and I just loved our table decor - a striking single floating flower in a glass bowl, perfect simplicity.

Easter Monday Funday

Jade and Alex

{April 9}

Today was the Easter Funday up at Queen's Park... I remember *many* years ago when we first went and our Nick was really just a bub, so many years later it's a busy much looked forward to event with the news reporting more than fifteen thousand people heading there for all the free entertainment and food. We picked up Alex's lovely young lady Jade and met up with our Emily and her new friend.

It was a super hot day and I'll admit the crowds were a bit overwhelming. One thing Michael and I marvelled at was just how much work and effort it took to put something like this together. There is no way one church alone could freely cater for so many but with all the local churches combined they create something very special for all the families here to enjoy. Many times I heard people say "Are you sure there is no cost?" I pray that the crowds today took home that beautiful message of service to others. I couldn't say thank you enough to all those that volounteered. It was a really nice day, relaxing on the grass, listening to the bands play and just enjoying being out in the sunshine.

This pair are seriously just sooooo cute! We love Jadey and watching them as they grow up has been a delight. They seem to bring out the best in each other without all the dramas and angst teens can have so as parents that makes us extra happy. Smiles and laughter are never far away and today I even managed to capture a few photos of our young couple, an Easter miracle *grin*, for some reason my kids seem to run when they see their mumma's camera. Hmmm! LOL Wasn't so sure about the sun flare in the first shot but am kinda liking it now, how could you not with those two gorgeous smiley faces. Hope you all had a terrific Easter Monday!

Happy Easter Sunday!

{April 8}
A few snaps taken on Michael's iPhone

What a beautiful day, I love Easter Sunday! Time spent at church reflecting and remembering what this special time of year means to me and to us all was a wonderful way to start the day. The kids were all away on holidays or with friends so it was just Michael and I heading off to church together this year. 

After church we decided to take a short stroll down to "Bon Laneway" the cutest little cafe ever, I can't believe I didn't know it was there and has been for about 18 months apparently! Lots of rustic tables, stencilled decor and sweet glass jars with fresh daisies too. Adore the casual seating there, you can share a long table inside and chat to your neighbours, grab a stool in the window to watch the passers by or pull up a soft hessian crate and spend some quiet time having a coffee in the old laneway itself, totally LOVE IT! Michael & I often try to find fun little places like this when we are in Brissie, how lucky we have this place right here close to home. Definitely bringing my camera back here with me next time! Ahhh, relaxing with my hubby and reflecting on what Easter truly means, couldn't be more blessed...


HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

A Surprise Girly Day Out

Easter treat out with my beautiful girl

{April 5}

I love how relaxed the days are during holidays, not having to run around like a mad chook. *grin* Yesterday was one of those days with two lovely unplanned treats! I had a surprise phone call from Ella Bache saying they had a cancellation and would I like to come in and have a facial. Michael and the kids had given me a voucher for Mother's Day last year and somehow time flew by and I hadn't had a chance to use it, the expiry date was only a week away...

I said yes and quickly got ready. Was SUCH a pampering experience, I could have stayed there all day! A beautiful relaxing facial and massage, I literally glowed by the time I left. It's a special birthday week for them at the moment so I was also greeted with cute little cupcakes and a delicious strawberry drink. As I left they gave me a goody bag to say thank you too. What a wonderful way to spend an hour.

Week 14 - "DRINK"

Before I left I asked Emily if she'd like to have a bit of a Mummy & Daughter afternoon out when I came home. Our girl has had a lot going on especially the past couple of months, making some big and often emotional decisions and I really felt some alone time together was needed so off we went. Love these spur of the moment times.

We decided the cute little cupcake shop with its yummy treats and delicious hot chocolates was the perfect place for some girly together time, was so nice chatting about life and love. It's funny because as I looked over the photos from yesterday it really struck me how much she has grown, changed and developed into such a strong young woman. I know she has made some difficult decisions recently but I also know they come from a sense of maturity and what she really truly wants from life as well as the future she sees for herself. No one ever said parenting teenagers was going to be easy and we are definitely in the thick of it with all 3 *grin* but that's life and you know that's ok. It's not been easy but I am so very VERY proud of our girl. :)

We're off shortly to visit my folks for Easter, Michael's family may come down so really I should be cleaning! Oh well! LOL Nick is away with his young lady's family on holidays so it'll be just the 4 of us this year, yes times are changing. Hope everyone has a blessed Good Friday!

Afternoon at West End...

Yia sou At Yiros

{April 1}

We ended up here last Sunday! Michael has spent alot of time working on the car since the crash but we're still deciding if it is viable or not so on Sunday we went for a drive for a looksy at some of the car yards between here and Brissie. A bit different to our weekend country drives. *grin* A car right now is not really in the budget but it was good to check things out anyways. I've never placed much importance on spending heaps of $$ on expensive cars, in fact we have never had a car loan preferring to save the money first, but it was kinda cool looking at all the snazzy shiny ones. Our cars are getting on in age I guess so we had been thinking at some point it might be time to upgrade a bit but not this way! When we'd finished I was expecting to go home but Michael said he had a surprise for me and kept on driving... you know, I soooo love the way he does that! We headed into West End and he took me to this cute little alfresco style Greek cafe for some lunch. He'd had coffee nearby one evening last week after work catching up with his brother who was staying in the City for a conference and he was keen to go back with me. :)

Char Char Platter

We decided to share a mixed Char Char platter for two with delicious grilled halloumi cheese, shaved chicken & lamb, pita, tasty hand cut chips and fresh greek salad. What a yummy mix! I loved sitting outside relaxing with my hubby and watching the world walk by, all so different and unique. We wandered through the little shops there too which was fun, adored the little book and antique shops. I'm not sure what we'll do about the car, I can say juggling everyone without it has been a challenge but it was nice to get away from it all for the day!

Getting ready for Easter...

Easter Shopping With Sue

{April 3}

Yesterday was Tuesday and luckily with a bit of juggling of kids, times and cars I still managed to have a lovely lunch out with my best friends, love these girls to pieces! We can talk, laugh and chat for hours. *grin* Bec had to head off after lunch so Sue & I spent the next few hours chatting, looking at clothes and wandering around the shops together. With all the Easter specials I decided it was probably best to start my chocolate shopping after all and picked up some yummy bargains for the family. Sue bought some treats for her little guys too.

Week 13 - "CURVES"
{April 4}
(bit late with this one but thought it suited the theme)

Today Nick and I had a wonderful time together too buying a few more goodies before he heads away with his girlfriends family to the coast for the Easter holidays, such a lucky ducky! Have to admit our young social bunnies are all over the place this Easter, not sure when I'll do the yearly Egg Hunt this time, might have to be after the weekend but that's ok... so looking forward to Easter celebrations, won't be long now. We're not going away but may have family visiting so I thought I'd do some Easter baking to share. I've been keen to create some Easter Cupcakes and today I bought these oh so darling little chocolate eggs from Darrell Lea to decorate the cakes. The colours are totally gorgeous aren't they, who could resist?!

Our Alex was at the movies with his young lady and a group of friends while I was shopping so after it had finished I asked if he could snap a couple of photos of Sue and I before we left, always a treat to have a photo with me and my besties. Thanks for my photo of the day Alby, love you heaps baby, I hope we didn't embarrass you too much! :)

Stanthorpe Part Two - There really were some good moments!

Ballandean Station Shepherds Hut 1842

{March 25}

It's funny because even Michael said to me when we finally arrived home if you could just forget the car smash for a moment the rest of our time away was actually a pretty great weekend together! Guess you really do have to look on the bright side in the midst of all this hey? *grin* We'd been so looking forward to spending some time at the Historical Museum with all the quaint cottages too... and we did. That's me above, sitting on the steps of a hut built 170 years ago, amazing!

I'm VERY fortunate that Michael has always been a handy type of bloke. He may work in an office but he's been looking after and fixing up cars since he was a young lad, something his wonderful Dad passed on to him. After a lot of discussion that night we headed in to town early the next morning so Michael could hit the local Mitre 10 and pick up all the gear he'd need to temporarily patch things together so we could try and make the trip home.

We needed to stop along the way for breaks with the car anyways so after a yummy brekkie and hot chocolate at a little cafe we realised we would still perhaps be able to time our breaks on the return route home with a few of the places we were keen to see.

Stanthorpe Historical Museum

We'd taken the kids to the museum a few years back and loved it! This time there was even more to see including a 1940s cottage filled with original antique furniture and of course cool gadgets throughout the property from a variety of eras. One of highlights was the long friendly chats we had with the lady who was caretaking the museum. Not surprisingly she was a family history research nut like me and we had heaps to talk about! She even showed me some of their very precious and delicate wedding & christening gowns they keep in storage so the public don't get to see these creations. Michael was intrigued by the vintage cash register (that was in use when you pay to enter!!) so she let him go behind the counter to see how it all worked. We were so lucky!

(Week 12 - "VINTAGE CHARM")

Inside the very dimly lit Shepherds Hut, built in 1842, each small room was set up as it would have been 170 years ago! There were charming vintage pieces throughout including ones like this cool lamp (perfect for my weekly challenge too), every piece was totally fascinating and told a story. Truly gave us a glimpse of what life would have been like so very long ago.

We stopped to buy some fresh fruit, always a must do on our trips this way, such delicious apples & apple juice from Applethorpe! How awesome is this rustic garage door. Michael snapped a pic of yours truly in front of it, couldn't resist! :)

There are quite a few "fruit shacks" along the old highway road. When we were kids that road was the main highway and I remember it well, makes me a little sad to think these small businesses now miss out on so much trade with the road bypassed... We ended up buying some apples, bananas, grapes, tomatoes and few others too.

...and some wine tasting too!

Well for me anyways, Michael was driving so missed out poor love. We don't have a lot of spare cash but picked up a bottle and a little something for my Dad's birthday coming up in a few months. :)

For our little trip away we'd packed the esky with food for a bbq picnic so stopped at Warwick for a much needed break from driving and to rest up a bit too. I can't tell you how relieved I was to make it to this town, because it's quite a big place if we'd needed assistance with the car. We were so blessed, not a spot of trouble along the slow road home. It seems the damage is all panel related so now my very handy hubby has a little project of putting it all back together! Amazingly he's done heaps already, but I'll leave that for another post. Look at that gorgeous face... I couldn't be more grateful that this trip ended with us healthy and in one piece!

Still can't believe it....

Oh dear *four* more kittens!!

{April 1)

No it's not an April Fool's Day joke... our little Lilly was already expecting a new litter of kittens when her last ones were only 8 weeks old!! This time she is definitely going in super early to the vet, we love her littlies BUT oh dear we weren't going to be having any kittens and now her second litter is already here. I mean, she was still feeding her big kitten the day she had these 4 cuties! They are only 6 days old here and this time we have a mix of colours - two sweet stripey ones like their mumma, a black beauty with white tummy & socks and an adorable white and pale grey. I couldn't believe how teeny tiny these little guys were when they were born, so much smaller than the last ones but at almost a week old now they are fattening up fast. Lilly is such a good mumma cat.

Guess we'll be needing to find good homes for these little ones in about 6 weeks time, sing out if anyone is looking to adopt one of our little furbubbas... :)

Lighting the way...

Week 10 - "MONOCHROME"

Life is a very precious gift isn't it... even when things have been kinda tough the past few months I've always been mindful how important it is to count our blessings, be grateful for all that God gives us. If your eyes are open there's plenty to see. :) We certainly have had some very beautiful thankful moments of late - walking away from the crash on the weekend was a big one, receiving Michael's good results from the doctor yesterday was most certainly another! He told us it was a very good thing Michael came in and had it removed now, to say I am glad is an understatement.

Michael and I were out on a drive recently (I totally love looking at the mountains) and on this day, as the sun was setting over the peaks, I was mesmerised by the beautiful light streaming through the dark stormy clouds. Even though I was in a moving car on the highway (passenger of course! *grin*) I reached for my camera which is never far away and just hoped the image I captured was even a little like the moment before me. God's shining light...