A time for blossoming

Ye haa!  Spring is here

Without a doubt, the season of Spring is my favourite season and the month of September is pretty spesh.

Although it holds my birthday, it also holds my heart.

In the past, so many significant changing events evolve during this time and I now look forward to the growth and another chance to blossom and learn.

The great outdoors opens its doors to me, the fragrance in the air inspires me.  I want to decorate, garden, try new things and create new habits for myself and my little family.

I haven't blogged for so, so long. I have returned back at work part time and it was starting to consume me in so many ways. I am finding my way back to balance and although somewhat difficult at times, I am definitely learning to prioritise and make the most of my limited time. My playing soccer has been a great diversion and something completely out of my comfort zone. I am finding as I get a little older, I don't always want a comfortable and predictable life, I want to continue to try new things and meet new and inspiring motivated people.

I have always held a bucket list of dreams, ideals and goals but when I was faced with illness within my family with my husband my Mum and daughter, I soon realised that although they are great to have and do, it's the relationships that matter and my being with them, for them, supporting them and loving them far overshadowed any of my pipe dreams. During these times you become selfless. These are the times, the lasting memories and the testing of one's character that really challenge us and inspire us.

Maybe by going on this journey the road takes another bend and I realise that sometimes it is ok to take a little time for yourself, and soccer has been this for me this Winter. Stay tuned, we are currently in the semi finals! Woo hoo!!  I am currently contemplating at rekindling my love of yoga as the next venture and discovering what else I can do for me.

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So as I have a little skip in my step and a smile on my face, purchasing flowers for my home (today it was snap dragons ~ a childhood memory) and assembling a new shelf for my lounge room....my inspiration is Spring.

Spring is here, and I am ready to blossom and continue to grow to be the best me I can be.

Peace Love Joy
X

Doors are a opening, let in the fresh air!!

I feel like I use the saying "When it rains it pours" so much lately. I know our life is busy and very constant but when I look at what life has blessed us with and thrown at us since my love and I have shared our lives together  - it's absurd!!

I am not a person that thrives on drama at all. I definitely put my focus on staying calm, centred, peaceful and maintain this ambiance throughout all elements of my life ~ probably not particularly helpful on my soccer field ( I'm yet to discover my inner Xena!!) and I think our children reflect this.
We are all very real with each other, relatively calm and gentle souls. I really should indulge in yoga again, it really is up my alley.

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With all that it holds, the black, the white and the charcoal grey in between ~ I really do love my one crazy life. Time to throw some yellow in, perhaps pink polka dots and a splash of red!

So many life changing events, opportunities, hurdles and challenges have come our way - WE ARE SURVIVORS,Yes!

I don't like to harp on things, don't like to bring out the violin and say,"Why me?", I generally roll up my sleeves, become even more practical and logical and make plans on how to deal with each situation and have learnt to live one day at a time which is definately easier to say than do. I have loved learning of the people who truly love and support us and have shown us what true friendship is. This is what I am most grateful of learning in these experiences.

We have definitely faced some difficult,emotional and draining times but I am glad to say, as a family, and with great support, we are coming out the other end of it all.

Times are a changin'....... I can see clearly now the rain has gone.

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With these obstacles, I have many opportunities to reflect, fantasise and dream of what I want, what I want to experience, taste, feel and see.

Everything has a season and I have learnt not to put pressure on ourselves to have to have it now. I have definitely learnt more patience and learnt to maintain my visions in my eyes. The things I find myself wanting are very rarely of the materialistic kind, more of the things to feel and see with those who I love. Why waste time with those who don't, yeah?

Our world is starting to open up again, some of my visions are becoming a reality and I am quietly excited about the future. I look forward in sharing our journey and experiences as we get our mojo back and begin to play again.

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Let's open the doors to opportunities and wonderful experiences to be had. Let's put a smile on our dial and open our eyes to see the beauty in the day and who and what it holds. Breathe in some fresh air and exhale any negativity in our lives. C'mon let's get happy!!!!!

What are you excited about?

Autumn clean !?!

At My Place

Lately, I am inspired to clean, De clutter and decorate.

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 (I'm no Gwen Steffani!! but I like the rug and the idea of vacuuming in heels!! hehe)

This cooler weather definitely agrees with me, I'm a jeans and scarf kinda girl, thrown together with my Converse and I am in my element. Comfort definitely comes first now a days and this is reflected in my life - my home and my style.


As life gets busier, I find I am craving the simple pleasures. I'm back buying flowers for the home, have been enjoying baking some sweet delights, cooking up delicious savoury feasts and reorganising our worldly possessions. My donation bags are growing as is my anticipation for bin day!!  ( I said simple pleasures ~ I am so thankful for the service!!)

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After Dominic was diagnosed we decided to down grade our home and I love it. We live in a renovated cottage ~ yes, all 6 of us, complete with the white picket fence. I've never felt more at home or settled here and I feel that this home resembles me more than anywhere I have lived before. With down sizing, I am always working on ideas on how to utilise space to the best of its' abilities and our needs, keep it looking homely, but not cluttered and definitely not minimalist. I want my home to feel warm and inviting. At the moment I seem to be continually throwing out paper ( we seem to accumulate SO much!!)

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As I have my clean up, I make lists - new throw rugs and cushions, what clothes the kids need, get some of our artwork framed, some shelving required, distress my 2 new dining chairs I bought. With a new season, I get excited, a new beginning, seeing the day in a new light.
Although I realise it really isn't that long til we are wrapped in the warmth of woolen jumpers and new leather boots with Winter on our doorstep, I am embracing these beautiful Autumn days.
I'm cleaning up and re-organising my abode to create some more time to do some of the things I love to do and not fill my time cleaning up after my little people. I'm pretty lucky cause the little people that contribute to the state of the house also chip in and help clean up too!!

Am so looking forward to having it done and rewarding myself with a few new touches around our home.

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Home,  is definitely where the heart is.

xxx

What will be, will be.

This week has been a little C.R.A.Z.Y in our household. We have had three out of four children sick with a tummy bug with myself getting run down on the forth day. It started to take a toll on me with the endless nursing duties for three days and nights straight with little to no sleep for mwa. The household still hasn't got the all clear with Cooper being picked up early from pre prep yesterday and coughs that are lingering.

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Through the midst of this, my hubby who has been out of the work circuit due to illness and medical treatments, got put forward for a job.
So the journey began....the resume to update, a phone interview and an actual interview to be had, then the news....
"You got the job!!"  WOO HOO!! Yeah BABY!!
We weren't looking to return to work so soon but we figure its one day at a time and obviously its a step in the right direction ~ forward!!

What will be, will be.

I new I've been ready for some changes and plenty of changes this will bring.

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Fantastic - with this news brings a bit of normality and security back into our lives but in saying that, I want to carry with me and continue on the journey of less actually is more and the importance of family time and simple pleasures in this beautiful world in which we live. All that really matters is each other. We have learnt so many lessons throughout the last two years of my love learning of his diagnosis as individuals, as a couple and as a family. I don't want to get caught up in the ways of the world, of stuff and being too busy. I want us to continue to just BE and blossom.
Right now ~ it's time for my love to blossom.

After the week I've had, I went and spoilt myself with a pedicure and manicure, well over due and just wonderful.  What a fab afternoon. It was whilst I was at the salon that I received my love's great news ~
things are feeling bright again.

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All in good timing ~

oh, and vision boards really do work ~ crossing a few things off my list!!
~THINK~BELIEVE~SEE ~  Be careful what you ask for!!

"Have you finished yet??"

I and we (my love & I) often, and I mean O.F.T.E.N!!
get asked...

"Have you finished yet?"

"How many children are you planning?"

"When are you having the next one?"

"Another girl would be nice!! ~ balance out the sexes a bit!!, wink!! wink!!"

If the truth be known.....

I have no idea....

but.....
I am feeling we are moving onto the next chapter of our lives ~



We are truly blessed to have four delightful, energetic children who are full of spunk and pizzazz.

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I adore having a large family - by today's standards

never a dull moment ~ one can never EVER say she is bored!!

BUT......

 - any way you look at it ~ its a huge job ~ no matter how many you have
                                                 yet SO worth it ~

they give me SO much more(just their smile,hug and their honesty);
my hearts' capacity has grown with each one;
I am truly learning what I am capable of;
I am a better person because of them;
I am their Mumma Bear!!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have always adored children and always wanted a family, and now that I am at this stage in my life ~ I know I am in my element.

I always dreamed of the big kitchen table with all the fam gathered around sharing a feast and now I am living it.

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Lately I am surrounded by so many gorgeous babes and it always has me thinking -

"Have I met all my babies yet?"

and you know what!!

Who knows??

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At this point in time, I am enJOYing life and all that it holds
and enJOYing the little people I have the priveledge of raising.
I love taking them to their extra curriculum activities,checking homework, sharing stories and jokes around the table. We are all growing together.

There is a season for everything.

Harley often reminds me that we still have a vacant seat in the car!!

That my boy, is for your friend! (I think!!!)

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1, 2 , 3 ,4 +  +  +                 

Do you ever feel finished?

Good night John boy ;)

Lovely to meet you

Some things you may not know about me......

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•   I have 2 older brothers
•  My childhood pet dog Labrador was called 'Paco'. I also had a cat         'Sarah' whom I had since I was 9.( She passed away when I was 27, just before my 2nd son, Harley was born. So I had her for a mere 18 years. She definitely had nine lives!!
•  My passport has expired
•  I adore design and decorating
•  I want to learn more about photography
•  Growing up I learned the piano,clarinet and the guitar - I think I need major refresher classes now though
•  When I was little, I often imagined I lived in New York City
•  I went to four schools
•  One of my most memorable childhood memories was living in Maleny
•  I love sailing                                                             
•  I used to chef                                                                                  
•  I didn't wear white to my wedding
•  I always dreamed of having 5 children 
•  I'm currently learning and training how to play soccer
•  I love gardening and want to do more of it 
•  I love to distress and do up old furniture
•  I can't live without music
•  My Mum and Dad are my heroes
•  I've never seen the snow
•  My Grandma was my best friend
•  I love autobiographies

Feel free to share something interesting about yourself ~

we are all growing on our own journey 

I would love to learn

something interesting about YOU


Mumma Bear XX

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my fruitful life

So I find myself, sitting on my new red leather couch(which I love by the way) in the quiet of the night whilst my babes are sound asleep in peaceful slumber and listening to a little jazz, my world feels very safe and peaceful.

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It's lovely to be here - I've thought to venture in often but my focus has been on being present with my family.
There has been so much happening in our world, and in my world, that I felt I needed to put the focus into my family, and get my bearings straight within myself and was not so compelled to write. The catastrophes that Mother nature has provided have been truly devastating but the blessings and human kindness as a result of these has been beautiful to witness and absorb.

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This is what I want my children to witness.This is the beauty I want them to share.  The strength of human kindness, the resilience of people and the loving gestures of help, support and guidance. The helping hands and the L.O.V.E!!!
This is what matters, what I cherish and what pulls my heart strings much more than anything materialistic can provide,
goose bump moments ~ I seem to get them a lot lately.

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So many people I know are going through some pretty tough times - in so many different ways at the moment. Although these times are extremely challenging and trying, I truly feel that it is in these times we learn what love and support really means, we learn compassion and we are humbled. We learn of the people who truly love us even when the cards are down, and do not judge or criticise us. This is LOVE.
This is TRUTH.

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Embrace your feelings, your experiences, both good and bad and YOUR journey - this is your truth. Hold close those you love and the moment of now.
We really can only live one day at a time as we really don't know what tomorrow will hold, no matter how much we plan.

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  XX

PS.  Remember to eat icecream and laugh!!

Give Thanks

I would just like to say a big thank you and shout out for sharing the link my live signature to getting my own signature for my blog. I learnt through Naomi of seven cherubs to find Jane at Life on planet baby's hand to hold to guide me through the steps of the required procedure.

I just want to add that this community minded spirit that I am discovering in this blogging world is truly wonderful and what I believe life is all about, helping one another. Thank you girls.

XXX

Resolution or Revelation

Resolution  n,  1.firmness of purpose or determination

Revelation n,   1. the act of revealing; disclosure

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As we are faced with a new year, we often see it as a new beginning ~ out with the old, in with the new.

We see it as a fresh start,

an opportunity to free ourselves from the baggage that we may carry,  that ultimately slowly
suffocates our spirits.

That's a lot of pressure we put on ourselves for one day, one week, one month.

For the beginning of 2011 it will be no different for me. Daily I try to work on myself, through the smorgasbord of emotions, through the daily challenges that reveal more about oneself and observing the beauty and splendour in the details of our wonderful world. I don't dismiss negativity but I don't endorse it either. I love to reflect on the year just past, and learn from it. I choose to continually grow and blossom and this is my promise to myself and my family ~ always. I want resolution and revelation be apart of my daily life. To go from a noun to an adjective  - a 'doing' word.

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I won't except putting my life on hold til Monday, New years day, my next birthday or until I've lost a couple of kilos.

I am living now, today, this minute.  I really have no idea what the future will entail so I am choosing my best life ~ whatever predicament I find myself in, now, in the present.

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Don't get me wrong, I set goals, I think I am the Queen of list making and scheduling (I think I need to with 4 kids, just to function and keep my sanity)

I have dreams and aspirations and a great imagination.

One thing I have learnt through my challenges is that we need to be flexible and be open to change, to really be able to embrace this wonderful life. There is always room for tweaking and improvements but lets not be so hard on ourselves. Let's support our loved ones and be kind to ourselves. Allow us all to be the best we can be so we can encourage one another and shine together.

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My revelation is that I want to embrace opportunities with my two hands and my heart, allow myself to dream big. I want to Shine and rock on in Twenty Eleven.

I am always trying new techniques to improve the mindset and routine of my family. I like to think we continually evolve and adjust to each others needs.
Quite a few months ago, I introduced whilst we were sitting around the dinner table, instead of asking the obvious, 'How was your day?' or 'What did you do today?' which often was replied with grunts or 'I can't remember',

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I asked 'What made you smile today?'

Then we started with each family member stating five things that they are grateful for today.
It amazes me the fantastic conversations that come out of this. It has been significant in my world. I am learning more about my children and husband, and guests in our home ~ how they tick and what's on their minds. We have had a lot to be grateful for lately but one answer that has stuck with me was when Harley(7) replied, ' I'm thankful for gravity so we don't get sucked out into the Solar System!' This definitely opened my mind, and that would be a bummer dude.
and Cooper (4) saying ' I am thankful for the hoppital.' awww, bless him. xx  Me too.

I am grateful, so grateful for my little family. Grateful for the blessings that are touching us and inspiring us to grow.

I am grateful that I have experienced these hurdles, because they have directed me to live more consciously and not lead my life on auto pilot.

I live with my cup half full no matter my circumstances (sometimes its a coffee that's gone cold but would much prefer it to be a Moscato and definitely should be more H20)

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I am always open to learn.                          

I am real.

I am revealing my word for the year inspired from
Cate at Life behind the purple door                            

                                 REAL
                                                                   adj.   1.true
                                   2.actual
                                   3.genuine
                                   4.sincere


                                   I hope you join me on this journey as we travel the highway of life
                                                                     and lets get real.
                           
                        
                                    Is your cup half full or half empty?    What are you grateful for?
                                                             I would love to hear your thoughts

'Every morning cries to us: Do what you ought and trust what may be.' Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

 {hearts}
Mumma Bear
     Kate  XX

In reflection

So here I am, with the first real chance I have had to reflect on 2010 and all I can say is

 'WOW!!'


If you had of told me this time last year what I had installed, I truly wouldn't have believed you and would have made a bet on it - and I don't even gamble.(and I would have lost, big time!)

Life in my world is joyous, busy, peaceful, chaotic, noisy, calm (especially now that all are asleep) and extremely loving with in our household of our four children and furry friend.

In 2010 we -
Moved House - downgraded to a little cottage I adore and feeds my imagination complete with a white picket fence. (my little Green Gables)

My love began dialysis (and training to do it at home himself)

I discovered by chance, Sunny Mummy.









Through this group, I have met on-line and in real life the most inspiring, motivated, loving, caring like-minded women I have ever had the privilege to know. They have been a blessing in disguise for me and I look forward to continuing these friendships both personally and professionally in the future. XXX

The dialysis machine came home and my love began his journey of administering his own medical treatment at home 3-5 times a week for 4-8 hours at a time.(Brave, very ,very brave. My absolute hero XXX )

I was able to convince my love that we needed a dog(not a mean feat!), and we adopted Bentley from the RSPCA. Actually I am still convincing him, however the kids and I love him and I love, my love. 

My baby girl, Lucia was admitted several times into hospital due to convulsions. All up she has had nine. Our boys soon learnt the procedure of the ambulance arriving and mummy watching the clock and feeling for Lulu's pulse. Huge awakening and a reminder to keep things in perspective - at the end of the day - nothing else mattered except keeping my baby girl alive and well and truly learning to pray.

What we call the 'Braxton Hicks'. The kidney transplant that ended up being a false alarm. What a roller coaster ride.

Mending and forming the most amazing relationship with my sis-in-law. My true sister-an amazing, talented and ever supportive woman that is inspiring on so many levels and I am truly grateful for. Its all about timing.

The miracle of my mum  - defying all medical odds - and despite her diagnosis - her strength, love, spirit and faith is granting her wish and she is an absolute miracle. She has taught me what unconditional love is and to soldier on despite the obstacles that lie in our paths. She is such a quiet achiever, never one to ring her bell but I am privileged to know her, call her my mum (our Evie and our Meima) and call her my best friend. I love you XXX

and as if we needed things to get any bigger .....

My love......

Received .......

the blessing...........

of           a

Kidney transplant on the 6th December 2010, my sis-in-law's birthday. ( not a coincidence, I believe)

WOW                         WOW                             WOW!!

Nothing can top that. What a way to end the year. The ultimate gift for Christmas.

After believing it may take 3-5 years even though we knew we were at the top of the list, we were officially on the waiting list for a mere 9 weeks with a false start in between. Truly, jaw dropping amazing.

At the moment we are on the roller coaster of recovery but the future looks bright. When I asked my love what did he want when he was recovered, expecting him to say, "I'll take you to Nepal and and lets go climb us a mountain."(guess he's been there, done that!)

His actual response was " I am looking forward to having enough energy to play with the kids and to work on really establishing our vegetable patch." It truly always comes back to the simple pleasures. Oh joy, I can't wait!! I want to rock this world together.

Through all the hurdles we have faced this year, I have never felt more happy and content with who I am, with where I am at and who I surround myself with. I am open to new experiences, people, challenges and discoveries within myself, my family and this world full of opportunities.

I am trusting my instincts more than ever, am believing in dreaming big and am continually learning to live one day at a time, be in the moment, present in my life, my husband's life and my children's life.
Realising I am learning way more from my children than I believe I am teaching them. They are all individuals who shine in their own right and I am there to guide and hold their hands. I love them to bits and pieces xx

I now know how many things are truly out of my hands and although some are huge hurdles, skyscrapers in fact, I have learnt that I am stronger than I thought, can rise to the challenge and face them head on.

Tears have been shed, plenty of laughter, hugs and sympathetic gestures have pulled me through. I have felt the true feeling of compassion and support.

I have faith in the extraodinary and am learning to believe in the unbelievable. These situations have connected me to the most amazing people and that is the greatest gift.

For 2011, I am going to take the ride and write my heart out and maybe learn a little about blogging along the way. I may delve back to 2010 to share some of these obstacles to inspire, and support others in similar situations because each one of us has our own journey, not free of hurdles, hurt and loss and we all need to feel loved, supported and understood.

Lets not sweat the small stuff

Lets get R E A L

and be honest with ourselves and each other

 and live the life YOU are meant to lead,

Rocking it on!!

Mumma Bear XXX { hugs} virtually!!