Winter Wonderland

Life is busy, yes?
Even when times are quiet (a version quite different from my single days)  and in transition, life is busy with four kids and a hubby at home and all that that involves.

Lately I have been feeling a little unsettled. This usually happens around this time of year and usually I find there are changes that come around my birthday in September.  I'm not sure exactly why, but my history shows this is the way. Time for tweaking and seeing what fruit will blossom.

Soccer season is drawing to an end, so with three boys, three training sessions and three games that are nearing the end of season,  this will free up a substantial block of time and I am looking forward to the next chapter and having our weekends back for a while.

I have been making a conscious effort lately to really play with the kids. Really play and be present. Not an easy task when there are so many distractions. So simple and so rewarding. Hide and seek - the look on Miss Lulu's face when she finds me is just priceless and chasey is the best exercise and often leaves me breathless. All our kids really want is US and shared time together. A good thing for me to remember.

It has been quite chilly in our neck of the woods lately,  down to -1!!!  The days have been full of clear blue skies and quite magnificent and once the morning warms up, it has been delightful to soak up some sun. Perfect weather to take a day road trip on a Sunday or enjoy a picnic. We've been spending a lot of time at various skate parks, bmxing and scooter trails.

I love lapping up the seasons. We have a garden of trees and I love the deciduous ones that really capture Winter and allow the sun to peak through.

Although there is no snow to be seen, and I can often be seen in thongs, I love jumpers, scarves, stockings and boots, throw rugs on the couch, stews and casseroles for dinner. It definitely is a season of comfort.

One thing that hubby and I have been indulging in of late is eBay. Yes, I know, we are extremely slow at starting this buying and selling market. I've looked before but have never been inspired to purchase until now. This week we have vintage suitcases and vintage scout belts being delivered. There's is something wonderful about purchases on line and receiving the parcels by post. I have been a long time customer of on-line stores, especially groceries and madeit.com.au. The convenience for busy lives and the joy of mail other than bills - Win/Win!!!   Long live Australia Post!

I am loving all things vintage.  This month I have purchased some funky cutlery, some 1920's style heels and a typewriter.  I was thrilled to learn you can still buy the ribbons for them. This is something that truly inspires my love of print, my love of fonts and my love of words. I'm thinking homemade cards and gift tags.

Currently we are facing hospitals.  My Mum has just come out of hospital after a three week stay and my Mother in-law is currently in with back surgery taking place and my Father in-law recovering from major surgery.  I am constantly being reminded on our health, our fitness and looking after ourselves. Never to be underestimated in my books or taken for granted, EVER!!

Today I am thankful for the days of sunshine, my little girl's constant conversation and budding personality, 12month leases, lemon water, vitamins, my boys enthusiasm for their soccer, being Australian, inspired watching the Olympics, London 2012, my husband's health slowly improving and medical services in our lucky country -

YES, we are blessed.