Get out of here

My sister gave me some really valuable advice around the time B was born. She told me that when its getting tough at home, its really good to get out.

I remember with B as a baby taking him for walks in the pram. I would do small bits of grocery shopping everyday. He would often fall asleep with the rhythm of the pavement. People would start to nod in recognition. The pram and I a familiar sight.  I started getting friendly with the supermarket checkout operators. I'd be a regular at cafe, they'd know my coffee preference. It felt good to be part of the community. A known local. But everything changes and nothing stays the same. B grew out of the pram and didn't like talking long walks as a toddler and then we moved house.

But the point is that a change of environment is good for the mood. The fresh air, a different view, newness opens your mind and eyes.

So the other day out we went. I didn't have a plan of where or what we would do, but I needed to get out. We found ourselves in the city's east end with more than a couple of hours to use up.

We walked and discovered some crazy crocheted bicycles. Ready to surprise the Tour Down Under fans.

These bikes are amazing. The time effort and work with detailed crocheting was inspiring for a novice.

B and Little Miss picked at the streets lined with money

Then we found ourselves at the Adelaide botanic gardens. And wondered what and who is a radio?

 We explored

Marvelled at nature's colours,


textures,


and beauty.




Played leaf racing,


and stopped for refreshments.


We learnt about the moon lilly that shyly only flowers at night when the gardens are closed.

So we could only imagine what she looks like open.


Then we visited Daddy's work and played with the office toy box. A very cool play space for both young and old. Plus there seemed to be a never ending supply of biscuits and mints.

It really is good to get out and explore, even in your own backyard.

Space Travel

The last words I heard from B last night were, "I'm hungry."

The first words I was woken with this morning from Little Miss were, "Mum can you make me my raisin toast now?"



With a couple of weeks to go before the new year of school starts I have to say I am really craving some child free space.

I would like to have two hours without being asked to do something, like preparing food or finding some small important piece of something or other.

I would like a couple of hours without hearing the word, Mum.

I would like to have a shower without Little Miss coming in the bathroom with her latest drama.

I would like to sit down and read a magazine from cover to cover.

I would love to drink a cup of tea complete, without it going cold.

Heck I would even settle for some time in the toilet alone.

It was really wonderful to have my husband home with us for two weeks over Christmas. It was lovely to see so much of him, but it was also good for him to see so much of the kids. Thankfully he noticed how full on they are, how its non stop noise, action and peace keeping until they are tucked up in bed.

We reminisced about how simple and easy life was when we were alone, when all we had to worry about were ourselves. But then Little Miss overheard us, and got very upset, she asked, "Were was I?" and we replied that, "You didn't exist then" then quick added, "You existed in our thoughts."

It's hard relentless work being a parent, everyday, every second for the rest of your life. Right now I would love to travel back in time for just an hour or two to live the life I had as a non-parent. Yes I'm having a hard parenting time right now. I confess I have been to Ikea twice in the last 10 days so the kids could have fun in the ball room, and I could have an hour alone.

I know that what I really need is some balance. When I have a bit more time for myself  I am a much better parent. So bring on the new school/kindy year and the lunch box routine. I am ready and waiting.

Life's a beach

when I am here

I let my worries wash away

the never ending pulse of the sea soothes me

breathing in the fresh salted air cleanses me

the thrill of the water, the chill that envelopes me, surrounding and supporting me

I become part of the bigger picture

buoyant, I am adrift from any cares


looking at the horizon I am humbled, I am tiny in the ocean

catching one pulse of the world on a wave into shore

its thrilling to live

I ride the rush of life

turn around and enter again, to wait for another chance

a chance that comes and sometimes is missed

but there will always be another wave

another wave is certain, but when? who knows?

I wait, knowing this is my time

my time to just touch the surface

feel the energy

and live

Happy Christmas

If Christmas is about giving then we did pretty well.
B and Little Miss received way too many presents.
At home...





and at my sister's house.




















If Christmas is about being together as a family we did ok at that too.

Even when some of the family are animals....of the alpaca variety. A baby alpaca was even born while we were there.

And if Christmas is about sharing food then we ticked that box, starting with our mango prawn lime and chilli salad contribution. Yum.

We then ate a huge amount of food, delicious roast turkey, roasted vegetables, cheesy cauliflower bake and greens, with an amazing gravy. Followed by Christmas pudding with hot custard and then a helping of chocolate and peanut butter cheesecake. I was too busy eating to take any photos, sorry.


Despite all the sad memories of Mum that this time of year has brought to the surface for me we all seemed to have a really happy day indeed.


I was very pleased to capture this photo of B, as he is about to break into laughter. Something we all managed to do.

Hope you had a good one too.

Mum

Dear Mum,

It has been a year since you passed away. 365 days without being able to ring you up and find out about how you are feeling. 365 days of not being able to tell you about how B and Little Miss are going. A year without your common sense approach and advice. Your dinner ideas. Sharing in your delight at shopping finds, getting your daylight saving reminder, you noticing changes in the garden, buying you a birthday present, advice on movies to see, TV programs to watch and even the next seasons colours.

I miss you. Dad misses you, the kids miss you, we all miss you. Our family has a big hole in it without you. We miss how you organised us. When we were all together you would be planning the next event for us to come together. I didn't realise you did that till now. Like you were the glue holding and keeping us near. Without you that doesn't happen anymore.

I've wanted to tell you about the new house. Show you the plans for the pool, get your advice on the garden. Share with you my delights and disappointments.

I've needed to talk to you about B and Little Miss so many times. You used to help me put everything in perspective. I miss your advice. I really miss your interest and love for them. Little Miss said to me the other day. "I miss Grandma, she used to always comb my hair." And you did, but now you can't.

I couldn't invite you to Grandparent's day at B's school or buy a ticket for you to see Little Miss's ballet concert. She looked so beautiful Mum. At small or significant events I am reminded of the hole you have left behind. The void that takes the place of you.

But I like to think you are here anyway. Somehow seeing everything. I have to think that. It brings me some comfort to think that we are not just human beings who have spiritual experiences but we are spiritual beings who have a human experience. So I talk to your spirit and think of your spirit. But gee I still miss the human you so much.

It's been a year of trying to get used to you not being here. I haven't got used to it, I don't like it, but I am trying my best. That's what you always told me to do. "Just try your best, no one can ask any more than that." So that's what I am doing.

I love you so much.

Your daughter.
x

While the cat's back is turned....

The mouse will play with the cat's camera.


The cat then gets an insight into the games a certain mouse likes to play...


Constructive games

Shockingly violent lego games

Spying on mother and sister in garden game

















Following sister around game

Tormenting sister game


Locking sister on balcony game

and typing on the computer game.

What the???

Better keep a closer eye on that cheeky mouse!

Oh Christmas Tree

Dilemma: Christmas Tree.

Our big old white plastic tree made the move to our new house, but it was on its last legs last Christmas due to sun damage. I think Little Miss told someone, "We have a brown Christmas tree." It was then that I knew it had to go.

So do we go and buy a new fake tree or get the real deal this year?

I happen to think that like dog people or cat people there are real tree people and fake tree people. I have been a faker. I didn't want the extra mess of pine needles to clean up,  how would we get rid of the thing when its dead? And is it really very green to cut down a tree for a few weeks pleasure?

However I did grow up in a real Christmas tree house. Every year my Dad took it upon himself to go out and cut down a tree. We lived very close to a railway line and so he was able to clear the track so to speak and find a fairly small pine tree along the railway bank then cut and drag it home. Some may think this is stealing, others may think this is cleansing the bush of introduced species. I remember my Mum liked the idea of a free tree, but was always worried that someone had seen Dad in the act. I do recall once that he misjudged the size required and the tree wouldn't fit inside, but with a great deal of sawing and mess it was made to fit. Once the tree was in, the house would fill with the scent of pine that announced Christmas Day was close.

That pine smell is synonymous with Christmas for me. I love it, it brings back so many memories of my childhood home and Mum making so much effort. Having had quite a few scentless white (one brown) plastic Christmas tree years I thought it would be nice and proper to go for the real thing this year. In memory of all that effort my Mum made and for the sake of the kids knowing the smell of Christmas. And we can always put the tree in the green recycling bin afterwards cant we?

So for the real deal experience we went and chose our living Christmas Tree at a Christmas tree farm.





B was not convinced about killing a tree for Christmas at all.
"Trees are important for the environment." He told us. "I don't want it to die."
The Christmas Tree man then showed us that the tree regrows and doesn't die. Instead its like its had a really hard prune and shoots again. In 5 or 6 years it is big enough to be sold again by the farm. B seemed to be relieved by this information and it was a load off his mind.

This tree has been cut down three times


























The tree we chose

So the cutting began.



There was an uncomfortable few minutes when the Husband had to have a go and negotiate about the price, but once that was all sorted we shoved the tree in the back of the car, just.

B complained that there was no room for him. Little Miss said the needles were hurting. I made a mental note to bring an old blanket next year to wrap up the tree.

Once home the tree was decorated, but only after I cleaned the inside of my car of pine needles.

The real Christmas tree looks fantastic, but best of all it smells like Christmas is here, plus Little MIss and B can smell it too.

Note that B will be wishing for a front tooth this Christmas 



How do you solve the Christmas tree dilemma in your house?

Rocketing off

When Daddy's capabilities mix with the children's imaginations magic really can happen.
Or in this case cardboard space rockets.


Plans were drawn up by B.

Materials were sourced


























We are loving these reusable connectors made in Australia by Makedo allowing us to create things from our cardboard waste.

And a rocket took shape.

Just like the plans



























Little Miss didn't go without either































Let the space adventures begin

This post is linked up to Friday's Nature Table at The Magic Onions, where you will find a host of spectacular play ideas.