Bubbles, Bathrooms and Oranges...

Dear adult.

You probably came home from work or whatever today, feeling a bit stressed. You might not have really enjoyed cooking the evening meal. You might not have patted the dog or fed the cat without a grunt. You're feeling pushed for time, money, space... It seems like you'll be happy once you achieve x, y or z.

Take heart, my friend. Look into the laughing face of a child and remember what is important in your life. Think now, of the things that make you happy. These things are what drive you and they are what matters: the rain, birdsong, children playing, Mozart, Pink, Crocs, Socks, clean sheets, the scent of jasmine on a warm spring e'en. A kiss from your loved one in the morning, children's toes pinching your calves in the night, the smell of a baby's breath. The cat purring, the dog lying still and quietly at your feet. Coffee with a good friend. Crying with a good friend. Loving a friend, holding hands with your spouse. Seeing your spouse as if it was the first time you met.

And if those things don't get you thinking, have a look at these photos of a certain young boy taking joy in the simple things:

Who thought bubbles were so wonderful?

. . .

Life is fairly exciting at present. I have made my plans to move to Tasmania known to work now, so I feel free to talk about it and share my excitement openly. Each day I wake up with new energy, inspiration and drive. I feel motivated and excited. I am having fast-paced dreams and I feel great. THIS is what it is to be achieving a lifetime dream.

When Matty was born, Monte and I stopped for a moment - we had achieved all our goals earlier than we expected. So we set out to achieve a bigger one - the one to move to Tassie. And now that it is happening, there is much chitter-chatter and excited planning going on in our little abode.

Now that the other house has sold, and I have put in my resignation, we need to get our house ready to sell. At present, I am busy busy busy sorting and giving away whatever I can find. Monte has now demolished our main bathroom and is fitting a new one. It has been a lot easier to design a new bathroom when we don't have to live with it for ever. Having said that, it's going to be lovely. We bought a kitcsh mirror with a clock in it today.

This is why I am glad there are two bathrooms in our house.

Georgia at Abby's party. Complete with jelly on face.

Georgia is being delightful. She talks beautifully and cares deeply for her family. She talks of Tasmania with confidence and pride. She seems so mature, knowing that she is leaving friends and family here, but that she will make new friends when we're there. She is excited about starting a new kindy. There are many things that I hope for my daughter growing up in this world. One of these things is that she will be confident and secure. She is certainly these things. She is a beautiful girl: generous, loving and kind.

Matthew loves oranges so much, he doesn't have time to get somebody to peel them for him!

Matthew loves his oranges. Have you had your 2 fruit servings today?

The house...SOLD (at first open)

http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=104268208&f=0&p=10&t=res&ty=&fmt=&header=&c=11702328&s=sa&tm=1189569243

Ahhh. On November 25, 1999, Monte and I moved into our first house. Over the next few years, we transformed it and made it our own home. Our first child, Georgia, was brought home to the house. As a family of three, we left it in early 2006, when I was pregnant with Matthew. We tennanted it for nearly two years, before deciding that now is a great time to sell.

And, after the first open inspection, it has sold. Just one week ago, it was put on the internet. Today, the contracts are being signed and we are surprised and overjoyed with the price.

I don't want to let go of this house. It was my first home and we worked hard to make it the way we wanted it to be. It has many scars of our toil. I don't like to see it go, but the buyers are so pleased, and we are pleased with the price, so really it is the best thing.

So, now what? We are getting our current home ready for sale too. Monte is already renovating the bathroom and toilet. Next, we will landscape the gardens. We will also render the house. Our plan is to sell it at the end of the year so we can move on in January.

So, Rebecca, how do you feel right now?

I feel sick. My stomach is churning and I feel a bit like crying.

If you could describe this feeling in one word, what would it be?

Don't be ridiculous.

What do you really feel like doing right now?

Eating a lot of chocolate and cuddling my children on my bed in the sunshine.

What do you have to say to the buyers of your home?

Hope you are as happy there as we were. There is a lot of love in that house. And enjoy the garden that I made and that I covet.

What are you going to do with the money?

I plan to live mortgage free for the rest of my days, spending those days with my children, breeding dogs (and humans), writing and growing my own food.

Fathers Day 07

We had a wonderful Fathers Day, once we had spent the morning working on the other house, which is officially on the market this week.

The weekend of celebration began early on Saturday morning, when Gordon and Maxine visited us for breakfast. They brought danishes and we had a lovely chat over sticky, sweet food and hot, fresh coffee. Georgia had slept at her friend's house the previous night, so she had lots of stories to tell of her first sleepover!

On Sunday we went to my parents' house, where we sat on the front lawn and drank nice wines and had a delicious bbq. The collage above shows some happy moments, such as my dad with the children, Monte chillin' out and Georgia having a wonderful time strapping Barbie to the toy dog, before pushing her down the sloping driveway. It's worth watching this video. My camera doesn't do sound, but you get the idea that Barbie is having the time of her life.

Happy Fathers Day to my dad, and to my wonderful husband, who I love more than myself; who loves us more than himself; who gives and gives and gives - the most beautiful person in the world, Monte.

Getting better all the time

Thank God the children are better now. They are sleeping beautifully. Matthew has finished his antibiotics and is back to his happy self. Georgia is being obedient and happy. She is saying all kinds of things that blow me away. She works things out all the time; her mind must be racing so fast.

We have decided to start off by renting in Tasmania, so we can get a feel for where we want to live, without being rushed. We found a huge home in Geeveston, but we're certainly not ready to move yet! We're in the process of getting the other house ready to sell; that should take place in a month or so.

My Dad

Dad came for dinner tonight. We had a lovely time. I made a scrapbook page for him.

This is for my dad, who I love.

When things aren't that great...

Matthew is suffering his first ear infection. He is grizzly and very clingy. I have not done any dishes today because he wants to be cuddled so much. He is sleeping now, so I have some time to write this post. Yesterday was a bit dramatic because the doctor prescribed some medicine for him, and when I went to collect it, I was told there is a supply shortage. Last night Monte phoned nearly ten pharmacies before we found one that had some in stock (thank goodness), and it is helping him already.

Georgia is also not very well. She is coughing a lot and seems to only want to rest, draw quietly and cuddle mummy or daddy. Last night she had a nightmare and slept in our bed - all four of us cuddled together, fogging up the windows!

We're starting to move some things out of our house and we have a few things to give away. We're drawing different designs for our dream house. We've been looking for land in Tassie and we're planning to travel there again this Spring.

That is an update from us - until happier times!

Cherish

My loved ones, I can hold you in my arms.

I feel your body warm against my palms

I smooth my hand over your golden hair

and nuzzle against your cheek so very fair.

You grew inside me and came from me -

no gift can quite compete.

Each day as we are far apart

I know I grow more weak.

My babies when I hold you nothing matters

Except the love I feel inside my heart

I love it when you giggle and sing beside me

We are the many pieces of one part.

You cuddle me and I feel myself grow weak

Even though I'm meant to be so very strong

I want the world for you my darling treasures

And in my life you really do belong.

My babies I just look at you and smile-

Those labour pains were certainly worthwhile.

You bring a joy to me you may not know

I want to be beside you as you grow.

Becky Goulding August 07

Since my last post, Matty has hardly done any walking; we are about to put the house on the market; I have created a facebook page and both kids have been sleeping beautifully.

First Steps

Matty-moo can walk now too! (mostly)

Matthew took his first steps last night, walking from daddy to mummy and georgia in the bath. It was very exciting for all, except Matty didn't seem to realise what he had done! I think he still prefers crawling, because he can move a lot faster, but it is great that he has started the journey on his own two feet!

In other news, we have begun the process of selling the other house. We've contacted the agent and it's only a matter of time until we're on our way.

You can read about our move to Tasmania at http://www.gettingdowntoearth.blogspot.com/, where you can also vote for us to move (or not). Monte would just like to point out that we're going anyway!

More celebrations (and why not?!)

The cheeky smile

This afternoon we had our family come over to celebrate Matthew's first Birthday. It was very lovely and relaxed, and he was showered with loving attention. I liked the set of "Birthday Boy" napkins, cups, plates and hats that I got for the day.

I thought that it was very special to be surrounded by family at his birthday party. We won't always be able to be around family at birthdays, so this was treasured. We had my nanny there, pretty in pink, and sweet and attentive. I love her so much.

Opening Uncle Fran's card

Matthew is wearing this cute outfit; I got a pink one for our neice, Angelica. Georgia is finding it interesting that Matthew gets presents. She took a while to believe that, yes, actually, Eeyore does belong to Matty! (Eeyore is the blue and black fuzzy toy in the foreground).

The Boat Cake - isn't it great!

This cake was quite easy. I made a large slab cake, then cut it into pieces and stacked them. I made a butter cream icing and iced it - it was easy - and then decorated it. I am stoked with it, and everybody loved it. It tasted great too. Can't beat chocolate! Matthew 'chose' the butch pink love-heart marshmallows. He couldn't stop looking at and grabbing the bag, so I bought them.

Singing Happy Birthday

Here we all are singing "Happy Birthday" to our Matthew, who couldn't stop grinning the whole time. I love this photo; we're all linked together. The candle was singing too.

Eating Birthday cake with an unusually serious Gramps

I think Matty and Gramps have a lovely bond. He is always cuddling with Gramps, who adores his grandson! I like the paradoxical seriousness on these blokes' faces.

Matthew and Mummy

More cuddles with Gramps
Mum and kids

I call this photo "slightly happy." I love having the little dudes cuddling into me. I can't explain to sceptics that it's not hard being a mum. It does make everything else in the world a bit more challenging, but if you are organised and don't mind the mess (eek) then it's just a joy and an adventure. I would roll around on the floor with them over a crisp suit and a sophisticated latte any day.

And that's enough birthdays for now. Over dinner, Monte and Georgie kindly worked out that there are 97 days until her birthday; then Monte asked Georgia what kind of party she will have. Apparently it will be a fairy party, although Monte suggested 'Dora the Explorer' might be a good idea.

But for now I am going to spend the next week relaxing, enjoying my holidays.

He can't be one already!

...But he is!

Today our boy is one year old! He was born at 10:35am on July 10 2006. My labour was 2 hours and 5 minutes. I was induced at 38 weeks because of my antibodies. I am pretty clever, having a 4kg baby with no drugs, no stitches - after no fricking sleep! Below is a momento - taken just moments after the birth...

And here is Matthew, on the last day that he is 0 years old. Doesn't he look cheeky? He was investigating his presents, which were wrapped and sitting in the sitting room.
Here is Matty this morning, after opening his presents and playing with fire engine and 'Scoop,' while daddy puts the giraffe together.Here is Matty playing with 'Scoop.' He really likes pushing cars!
And here is the birthday boy in a moment of shock (?) as he eats some birthday cake. We sang 'Happy birthday' and blew the candle. I opened a bottle of champagne - blow it - my son will only turn one once!

Here is my beautiful (x) eyed boy. We're still not sure what colour those eyes are going to be, but does it matter? They're so gorgeous either way!

Here are proud parents, not quite believing how quickly time goes, and how rapidly a child grows.
And here is Nanny with Matty. Matty was feeling tired after his cake.

So, what are my reflections over the past year? I remember Matty being a very easy baby who grew quickly, but I loved every moment. He seems to become more and more interesting as he grows up. He is so close to walking, which is exciting, but I am not ready for him to be a toddler yet. I reflect that he and Georgia play beautifully, and he has just made the best addition to the family that we could hope, wish and pray for.

Happy Birthday Matthew

07 07 07

Me and my lashes

(they're fake btw)

Well, the birthday is over and I have almost finished cleaning up after the party. I'm pleased I didn't drink enough for even the slightest headache - although some people tried to encourage me to drink a lot last night!

The party was a great success. Some of my friends pulled out at the very last minute though, and that really dampened my mood. I really missed them. BUT lots of my friends came, and they gave me some really generous gifts. I guess the secret is out - I love my photos (photo frames and photo albums) and I love my coffee (lovely tea and coffee cups!) and I love flowers (flowers and vases). I opened some of my gifts this morning; it was fun!

It was great seeing people dressed up. There was a Saturday Night Fever dude (Chris H), a family of hippies (Michele's), a very swanky Wayne in an orange floral suit. It was so much fun. When you open your door and find a friend dressed up and just cack yourself laughing, it's a good sign. Well, it's fun at least! Mum wore a dress she wore when she was pregnant with me. Emily wore a dress mum wore when she was pregnant with her. There were some very interesting outfits.

And, there was dancing at my party!!! We did the nutbush and the hustle (sort of) and danced to several numbers. It was fun.

People looked great in their 70s gear. Georgia wore genuine vintage:

And my dad is genuine vintage, wearing genuine vintage, and holding almost 1-year-old Matty (not at all vintage and in his non-vintage orange tigger suit)!
I am wearing genuine vintage too. I bleached my hair for the occasion (just kidding, it's a wig). I really enjoyed dressing up. My platforms hurt my feet though; I was running around all night playing host.

I got to catch up with my lovely friend, Susie, who I haven't seen for ages. She looks radiant.

I had a great cake. I shared some of it.

And I married a porn star. Well, at least a star! Monte was wonderful, cooking food, serving, hosting, dancing and just being great! He's having the day off today, fishing with Wayne. I'll manage the tidy up so he can take it easy. His platforms hurt his feet too. I should have taken a photo! "How do you girls do it?" he wonders, after wearing his heels all night.

Ahh. Now I can almost get back to normal. I am on holidays. I can catch up on my washing, if the weather fines up. I can prepare for Matty's birthday too. He is being so wonderful, sleeping well at night and mostly having a decent sleep in the afternoon. Sometimes he doesn't have any sleeps - that's just crazy.

Georgia loved getting ready for my party, and she had a great time at the party. The kids stayed up late but Georgia went to sleep before guests left (which is a good thing, since people stayed late!).

"Thank you for coming to my party even on such a wonderful, horrid winter night. [Thank you for the generous gifts.] I am in two minds about being thirty, but I am happy with the things I have achieved in the past thirty years. Thank you to Monte, for the party, and to Amanda, for all her help and support [and just being wonderful] and to mum and dad, especially mum, for you help in the morning. Thank you all..." excerpt from an impromptu speech (I think I nearly cried actually. It was all a bit overwhelming, and then Georgia cried because I forgot to let her blow out my candles, and we did it all over again).

And I am excited to go back to work because I found out they are putting plasmas in my classrooms :0

Recently Added Pics:

I got some photos from mum's camera. Here is a photo of me with Emily, dad and mum.

Here is a photo of my cake. It was a great cake. What I find funny about this photo is the background. There's the photo of Georgia at 12 weeks, which could be either of my children. There's the statues of mother and child (which could be me and my three kids) and the photo of Monte and me at my year 12 formal (!94!) and lastly, the beer bottle (enough said!).

Here's a pic of Emily, me and mum. I think we look hilarious (in a seriously cool way) - basically, a bunch of oxymorons.

Mum took this photo. I am opening a present from my nanny. It was a couple of ancient tea cups from her prized collection. I am SO grateful and lucky to get them. You can see by the look on my face. I think this is the nicest photo of me I have.

And here is Georgia, my angel. She is so great. She is saying the best things at present, but just when I sit down to write them down I realise I have forgotten them. Let's see: "When I am sick I like to cuddle with my daddy." "Can I please eat in the TVD room?" Classic.

The week I turn 30

My wonderful husband and me on my birthday

My birthday is looming and I am very excited. People tell me I don't look thirty. For a while I enjoy being told this, and even feel flattered - until I realise they are telling me this because they think that 30 is old! It's not old! I am young. I am at a very good spot in my life, thank you very much!

Lots of people are coming to my party. There is a lot of excited chatter about what people are wearing. Amanda is coming over on Thursday to help me do some cooking (bless her). There will be lots of kids there too! We're having a few kids treats for their part of the party. They'll be watching some dvds too.

I have organised the 70s music but want to get more Bee Gees. I love the BGs! I have already got out my collection of wooden bowls and platters. I bought some indoor ferns too. I am looking through recipes from the 70s and find some of their ideas hysterical, and others are quite cool. I get the impression that elaborate, colourful dishes were all the rage. Dips were in, as were punch, quiche, fruit kebabs and anything on a skewer and poked into innocent fruit. Pizzas were popular too. I guess there's nothing too crazy on my party menu! I have my dress. I have Georgia's outfit too. Monte has organised his outfit but I am yet to work out what the baby wears. I'll do a web search on baby clothes from the 70s. No doubt I have something useful.

Confessions of a shopaholic

Having a go at digital scrapbooking:

I have taken Matty to the doctors 3 times in 6 days, just to be told that he has a virus and will get well soon. Today I was given an ointment for conjunctivitis though, which he developed today. Poor little mite. He has never been sick before, and has really been out of sorts. He still smiles and laughs occasionally, but he really is grumpy and very needing of mummy. So, I have been cuddling him a lot, and feeding him a lot, and being there for him, which cheers him up. I really enjoy looking after my family all day. It makes me feel very valued.

Today I took the kids to the shops after the doctor's. They were so well-behaved that I didn't realise that we'd been there for two hours! The length of our expedition was stated further with the total on my shopping docket. Oops! I really did think that Georgia needed more clothes, and that the size 2 Bonds sleepwear was necessary for this year, albeit way too big. And then there's all those scrapbooking things I needed, and gifts for children for next year! And then there's, well, chockie bickies which I like to enjoy with my hot chocolate at night! Hello big tum!

This brings me to another thing. Dora the Explorer. Georgie hasn't seen that much of the tv show, but she loves it nonetheless (ok - we have one of the dvds). She has the Dora jarmies and the Dora gumboots. She threw a packet of Dora undies into my trolley today. I have no restraint and spoil her rotten: "Oh, okay," I said with a sigh. Besides, they're cute. And she probably needs more undies anyway. But wait, that's not all. There's the Barbie slippers. I wanted Georgia to get some new slippers. Hers were a bit old and small. I thought some plain old slippers would do, but NO! They had to be Barbie ugg boots! It's not Georgia's fault though. It's all they had in her size. It's really hard to find plain stuff. It's also hard to find unisex clothes. So I have bought Matty some navy girls' pants. I have bought Georgia a fair amount of boy's t-shirts (they're cheaper too). I'm trying to buy generic unisex things where I can, but I do love the boyish clothes in blues with the trains on. And I love the pretty girl's clothes with butterflies.

I have been doing a little mini scrapbook of Matty's first year. I have really enjoyed it. I should have made it bigger; it was so hard choosing between all his cute photos. One thing I have discovered though is that he is simply the baby of my dreams and soon he will not be a baby but a little boy, and I can't wait! He and Georgia play so beautifully. He loves it when her friends are over - he tags along and gets such a kick out of being included! He's almost one now. In 3 weeks. I am having a family do for afternoon tea on the weekend, and a little kids' tea party on the day. I remember being slightly over myself this time last year, at 35 weeks pregnant. That is so many weeks isn't it! But wait - there's more! If I have 4 children, that'd mean I'd have been pregnant for three years of my life. Ok, that idea I just had about having 4 kids - that's gone now. Besides, I'd spend way too much money on their clothes. Jeepers.

It is hard being a working mum. It is hard because yur house suffers a lot of the time. You need to make the most of your time with your family, so housework goes by the wayside (well, mine does). I am behind in my washing. Then there's the kids - I just miss my children when we are apart. Is that normal? I feel like part of me is lost somewhere. I need them! Then there's the attitude at work. I am teaching part time, so I am not there much. I get a lot of: "Oh, you're only part time" crap. It makes my skin crawl. Firstly, dude, I already have an overtime job, where I am on call 24/7 and I am underpaid. Secondly, dude, this is the 21st century! What about women's rights? So when you say "oh, you only work part time," I'll say "Well, my paid job is actually a restful pastime at present, and I work full-time from home for free."

I'm nearly 30.

Well...

I have just finished designing my 30th birthday party invitation. I am very happy with it and I feel slightly clever. Why did I choose the seventies as a theme? I'm not really sure, except I was born in that era, obviously. I think the 70s were cool. I just love the music! Star wars came out, Led Zep was huge. I think that's pretty cool. I love the fashions of the 70s. Pretty cool. Did they even use that word back then? Cool? Now I've just got to tackle the menu. Any ideas of seventies foods?

This morning I vacuumed the house. Big deal, you may exclaim. I think it is a big deal, as it does not get done that often. When I was pregnant with Matthew, feeling very sick, I decided that I wanted to move house. TIP: if you are pregnant, don't make big decisions. Although I love this house, I don't think we had to move. For one, this house is huge, and takes a long time to clean! Secondly, moving house in the throes of morning sickness just sucks! It took me a long time to settle into this place. Luckily, I am well settled now. Anyway, the point is that I vacuumed the house and got some time to think. And it was good exercise. There's nothing like a good sweat - although I can think of more fun ways of doing it. For example, running.

I can't remember now what I thought about whilst vacuuming. The odd incredulous shudder as I came across an old jatz under a chair comes to mind. I was thinking about moving to Tasmania, and how much I will love the life. Oh yes, I was thinking that the house we build will be smaller than this one. I'll need four or five bedrooms and a few offices. Maybe just one living area though. The kitchen will be wood. My style: country classic. I was kidding myself that I won't need to clean in Tasmania because life will be so wonderful. But that was just silly! Monte reminds me that life will not be a bed of roses over there, so to speak. I'll have to get up early to milk Molly or Daisy or whatever we call the goat and/or cow. I'm beginning to wash my dishes by hand after each meal because I don't necessarily want the negative environmental impact of a dishwasher.

Enough of that. Matthew took a step yesterday! However, he can't actually be bothered walking because he can crawl so quickly. He is always standing up though, and until he realises he's not holding on, he's quite happy about it. Georgia is dressing up as a fairy princess (called Sophie) every morning - tiara and all. I am grateful that I have such a girly little girl. She's into Barbies and all that too. It reminds me of what I was like once. It's fun.

So, what do I hope to do when I am 30? Don't ask me that. I have a huge list. I'm thinking of taking on a Master's in Education, but I'm not really sure how long I will be teaching for. I'd like to have a few more children but not before Matthew stops feeding! I don't think I'll ever get him to stop. He's practically lifting up my shirt these days. I'd really like to start a business that uses my craft skills. That way I can work in a light, airy studio, with bowls of beads, pots of paints, folds of fabrics, reels of ribbons and piles of paper surrounding me. Ah... and children playing perfectly peacefully whilst I work, looking out large windows, feeling the morning sun soak my skin.

I feel like writing poetry. It's a good time in my monthly cycle. Don't talk to me in two weeks though!

Update

I feel like I am always updating. Something is always happening around here!

Georgia is the cutest. She is looking so pretty. Her hair goes very ringletty sometimes, but she wants to brush it straight all the time. She likes putting her clips in - usually just all over her head. She's still wearing her princess skirt all the time, doing dancing. Just now we were drawing on the blackboard. She was telling stories like 'Pink Dinky Doo.' That is a favourite tv programme at present, as is 'Charlie and Lola.'

I must list some classic Georgia-isms:

• Come here Dart Onion! (d'Artagnan the dog)
• This is Dickless! (ridiculous)
• Mummy, I love you so much. I don't want you to die. I want to stay young for ever and I want you to stay young too. Let's ask God to let us stay young. "Dear God, please let mummy and me stay young for ever. Amen."
• I want to dance on the moon and touch the stars!

And today Matthew cut his seventh tooth. A bottom right Incisor. Matthew has recently had a bit of a growth spurt. Yesterday I had to put away a size 0 jumpsuit, and I imagine soon he'll be fitting into his size 1 clothes. He crawls very quickly. I am not sure if he is near walking, but he timidly walks along with the walker, and he is cruising like a pro (cruising = walking along furniture whilst clutching it). He is clapping hands and still loving the oooohs and aaaahs it gets him. Recently he has begun waving. He waved to Maxine, he waves to himself and he waves to us. Today he reached out to me from the high chair, saying a clear "cuggy." Other words that resemble real words are: Georgie, daddy, mummy, ta, dart, cat. And there is a distinct "I'm hungry so bloody well feed me!" kind of screech that makes me jump sometimes! He loves the television and he loves making 'boy noises."

Today I took my son to watch the footy. I felt so proud of him sitting in his huge pram, watching the ball and the boys so intently. He laughed. It was so cool. I felt so cool going there with my boy, and so proud to have my boy. When I found out I was having a boy, I sort of panicked, thinking "how can I be interested in boy toys?" because it is no secret that I am very feminine! Now I am interested in toy cars and so forth. I shove them in front of him, but he still prefers to play with Georgia's toys: dollshouse, tea set, barbies, dolls and pushers. I think that is so cool. My boy plays with everything and he likes dress ups too! Currently he is sporting two lovely lovelt t-shirts that mum gave me. He looks like he is swimming but he seems very happy (also waving to himself!). He suits pink too! LOL

As for me...hmmm. I am feeling a bit stressed because there are so many things I want to do but I am not sure what to choose. We are planning a 30th and a 1st birthday party, which is fun. Monte has declined my offer of him taking the kids for a few minutes so I can do some blogging, and has gone to bunnings. So I best be off.

Mothers Day

One of Monte's gifts to me was this painting he did. It is of me, pregnant with Matthew.

I had a lovely day. Monte and the children showered me with presents. A painting, a magazine (craft), a magazine subscription (scrapbooking), a pen, a bookmark, a statue of mother and child. I felt so spoilt. And all I really wanted was to be with my children and my husband on the day...

The 'trad family' Georgia, Monte, Becky and Matty

My mother's day began with coffee and presents in bed. Then we went to church. Church was very special because nanna, mum, georgia and I went up to light the Christ candle and open the Bible together. I felt overcome with emotion with the four generations together. It felt so powerful - the important women in my life doing God's work. It was a moment I will never forget, from my nanna hobbling up to the alter to Georgia smiling widely as she blew out the match.

Four generations: Me, Nanny, Georgia and Mum

We went to visist Maxine and Gordon after lunch. We didn't have very long but we gave her some presents and she walked around her garden with Georgia, pointing out herbs, flowers and autumn leaves whilst Georgia listened with intrigue. Gordon cuddled Matthew; he certainly adores his grandson! He seemed to be in awe of how beautiful the kids are. We gave Maxine a framed picture of them both. They looked at the picture and exclaimed: "They're our grandchildren you know. How did we get such beautiful grandchildren?"

We then had lunch at my house. Mum, dad, Uncle Fran and Nanny came along. Mum and dad supplied the food. we ate roast lamb. I loved it. It has been a long time since I ate roast lamb and it is the only meat that I have missed. I never call myself a vegetarian because I eat fish. I don't think I can cut out meat completely; I've felt so sick and tired lately. Maybe sometimes I will eat meat. I will listen to my body anyway.

Matty and Georgia watching the rain

I am a mother because God chose me to be the mother of Georgia and Matthew. He created them, grew them inside me, enabled me to birth them, feed them and watch them grow. Children are a blessing. Each child is made and chosen by God. Our mothers are chosen for us by God. Mothers are given special gifts so they can be mothers. On Mothers Day this year, I felt these things strongly. Motherhood is the biggest thing I will ever do. I love my marriage, I love my career, and I love motherhood more than the world. I love my children more than life itself and I have God to thank for that, so thank you, God.

Me and Matthew (good photo, Georgia!!)

Georgia took the above photo. She has an interest in photography already! I love this photo. Matthew and I share a wonderful bond. I love the bond between mother and son. You cannot put it into words. I love him dearly. He is the son I have dreamed of all my life.

How blessed am I!?

Happy Hands

A week ago today my son learned how to clap. It's so cute. Firstly he tentatively placed his hands together. Sometimes he forgot to unclench his fists. He would look at us to make sure we approved. Now he claps his hand on command and when we clap hands. We say "Clap Hands" and he claps. We clap and he claps too. And when I come into his room in the morning, when he is calling out for me, he sits up, gives me a huge smile and claps his hands. I tell him that he is clever, that he is my lovely boy and I give him warm cuddles and I kiss his cheek and neck. It's a nice way to start the day.

Today I dropped my kids off at childcare. I hate doing that. But they are happy there. Georgia has just graduated to the kindy room: "Seahorse Room." She is one of the big kids now. The leaders keep telling me how quickly time has gone; they remember her as a baby! They don't need to tell me how fast time has travelled over the past 3 1/2 years. I know. I have a three year old daughter. When she gets cranky she tells me she won't play with me or invite me to her party. Yesterday she told me she would cut my 'nibble' off with my nail clippers (I was feeding Matthew and she wanted to play with him). At present we are trying to educate Georgia that speaking to us like that is not okay. She gets sent to the back door. Frequently.

Georgie plays beautifully with her baby "brovvy" and I am confident to leave them playing in her room whilst Monte and I have a coffee in the morning. Matty just dotes on his big sister. She makes up songs about how much she loves him and how she wants to look after him, and how she never wants to grow up - she wants them to stay young for ever. She makes up dances and her dancing face is so pretty and graceful.

She is at such an interesting age. She dotes on her family but also gets cross with us. We explain that it's ok to be frustrated but it's not ok to be mean to other people. She feels bad when she's mean and sometimes cries because she loves us and she's sorry. She loves art and craft and being with us but she is also learning to be sneaky, and take things without us knowing. Like yogurts from the fridge and mummy's favourite notepaper (I confess I am a stationery junkie).

I would not swap this for the world. I am very happy with my work and home life. I adore my children and love watching them grow. But geez it happens fast.