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!!