Once there was a Snowman...

This is our family's Sunday afternoon favourite. Watching the boys jam out to it is hilarious. Enjoy!

In Her Shoes...

I read a series of blogs recently out in cyber space looking at the lives of several busy mothers. The posts were entitles 'In her shoes'. I loved the idea of this. Documenting a whole day of my busy life. Recording all the little things I do so that I can share, and also one day look back and remember where I was and where I've been. My life is going through a process of change right now. I have been extraordinarily busy over the last three years and whilst they have been the most challenging times, I have also had moments of inspiration, clarity and deep deep joy. I have lived the last three years trying to make the most of every minute and I never want that to change. So here I go, a day in the life of me, this is what it's like living in my shoes...

My alarm goes off at 6:00am - I always hit the snooze button for an extra 5 minutes. Then I love to start the day with prayers and scripture study. I can rest easy then, knowing my day has started in the best way possible and that I have done the most important things first.

Then it's time to get washed and dressed. The morning routine is a 'tag-team' effort. Jason always feeds the boys and has them for the first hour of the day so that I can have some time for myself. He is a super-husband and I love him. I will change many bottoms during an average day.

My usual routine involves assisting my dad with his needs. These are some of the things that will be changing soon. Once dad is ready for the day, it's time to take the boys to school. Jarom likes to ride shot-gun. The younger boys sit in the back.

Jarom likes to jump out of the car first and walk the rest of the way to school. I always walk Tayler into school and stand with him in the playground. We talk about his day ahead, and have lots of interesting conversations about everything from the meaning of life to the latest Lego creation he is making. Today's conversations starts with - 'You know Mum, it's not fair...'

Once we have seen Tayler into his classroom. Nathaniel and I head home.

Most of the time we go home to help Grandpa, and occasionally we run a few errands before lunch. But today we are able to go to the park. Having free time is something we need to get used too. I really want to make the most of that too. I have trips to the park and the museum planned, toddler groups and swimming lessons. We also want to make the most of our beautiful seafront, so we'll be heading down there weekly for a jog (Nathaniel will be on his scooter) and a piece of cake in one of our fab little cafes. Sounds wonderful doesn't it. Today it was the park - we have several, and we're going to try each one and find our favourite.

Most of our mornings over the last two years have involved these syringes. They make great water squirters by the way. But their most important role has helped my dad stay chest infection free this year, which ultimately means his life is prolonged. And that is a truly wonderful thing! The job of using these syringes, will now mostly been taken on by some fantastically kind individuals, so that I can spend a bit more time with Nathaniel, and leave the house a little more then I do currently.

Funny story : As we left the house this morning for the school run, a grandpa and his two small grandsons approached us, with a very important request. Could they use our bathroom? Of course, I was overwhelming grateful that they had thought to ask. Hooray for humanity! I thought. I know that may sound a little silly. But I felt so glad that a stranger had asked, and that I had the capacity to say yes. And our bathrooms - although they wouldn't win awards - they are a lot nicer than any public toilets. This was my thank you gift. They honestly shouldn't have. But I was very grateful.

Dinner time. I always think carefully about what to cook for my family. We have a two-weekly schedule, and a monthly plan. We eat more fish, and a lot less meat then we used to, and I cook a different soup every Sunday. I love cooking food that my boys ooh and aah over. I like to make them happy by cooking food that tastes good and helps them to be healthy.

Speaking of healthy. Nathaniel developed another infection, so it was a bath before bed for him. Such a cheeky little guy. You can't help but love him.

When the boys are in bed I get down to some serious work. Only for an hour or two, but this is how I am managing to develop my business. I do of course use nap times (and any other spare minute I can get), what would I do without them? But today all I had was the evening to do my work. I edited pictures I had taken over Easter, I'll post a sample of pictures on my photography blog within the next couple of days.

So that's me & my shoes. I'll finish the day by helping dad to bed and then watching a little TV to wind down from a busy day. Then it's off to bed, I need my sleep, 8 hours is best, but I can survive on 7 for a few days before I get super grumpy.

So that's a little of what it's like to spend a day in my shoes. Nothing particularly inspiring, but it's my life and even in the simple stuff I try to live it well!

This boy is trouble... Part 2

It seemed a little too quiet this evening after I returned Nathaniel for the 10th time to his bed. So I opened the door to take a quick look and this is what I saw.

I have heard these horror stories from other mothers - when the toddler gets into the nappy cream, but up until this day I was suffering from some sort of negligent pride that this sort of thing would never happen to a mother like me - I'm a third time round mother of boys! How wrong I was. I am pleased that my reaction was patient and composed - I went for the camera first! Then it was a rough strip wash, a small bedroom makeover (to make sure all offending items were well out of reach) and then straight back to bed.

It's his little face that kills me - He was so proud of himself when I walked in - 'Look Mumma, look what I did', but that rapidly disappearing smile says it all - oops I think I may be in trouble again!

A right royal occasion...

We eagerly awaited the big day here in our home. TV's & radio's were on in every room. We do love a party! A wedding is always a magical occasion, but a prince and his bride - extra special!

This is how I watched - via the internet as I worked. Jason watched downstairs and couldn't pull himself away from the action.

We loved it all the Abbey, the music, the dresses. What a special day it's been. There's been special kind of atmosphere, an excitement in the air, and certainly a coming together of community with a shared feeling of pride in our country.

Later we celebrated with our neighbours as they held a street party.

The boys LOVED playing football.

Delicious cupcakes - nope, I didn't make them.

How our street looked.

Nathaniel enjoyed his piece of cake.

And Tayler couldn't resist the ham sandwiches.

Easter looked a lot like this...

It's been hanging on our door for over a month, in anticipation of the Easter holidays.

Our holiday started with fun at our local green. The boys enjoyed a great time playing Frisbee and hide and seek in the woods.

Nathaniel shows his skill at picture taking ...

Cricket celebrations from Jarom - where did that ball go to?

Playing guitar in the sunshine...

Nathaniel getting his groove on.

Oh, how he loves his Uncle Timmy ...

Easter Sunday, and the traditional Easter basket goodies. Lego. Hotwheels. Tech Deck. Enough said.

After just a few hours, we were reduced to a few M&M's and a tiny bit of wrapped up chocolate.

Easter Monday, and the Baby Momma's (Auntie Katy & Auntie Chessy) amongst us fancied the cool & shade of the local woods. (We wished there were bathrooms too!)

The boys loved the activities in the woods. Extreme swinging.

Den building.

More swinging - which brought on the most extreme fit of giggling I've ever heard from my boy.

There's nothing like the feeling of a swing.

Ashley not to be beaten by the boys got in on the action too. Bursting bubbles was her favourite activity of the day!

But she also tried her hand at climbing. Go for it girly!

More Easter egg hunting. But I think by Monday evening the little ones were all chocolated out!

I loved their 'follow my leader' approach to the whole event.

A word of warning - chocolate bunnies don't tend to do well in heat! This one became a little mutated - but my older boys thought it was hilarious!

The end of another successful holiday. We ticked off a lot of activities on our 'to do' lists. But now it's back to school. For all of three days - before the next four day weekend! And that one is stacking up to be a right royal celebration!

A birthday party invitation...

Our sweet niece turned 4 last week. My, how the time flies, has it really been 4 years? I guess there's the candles on the cake to prove it. It seems like just yesterday that she was born, such an anticipated baby. We were all so full of joy. Jason raced to the hospital to see this little one on her first day, how proud he was of his little sister and her new baby. And here we are four years later and that little baby has grown into the most beautiful little girl. Confident and fun loving, she is a loyal and caring friend. What a joy it is to have her in our family!

Nathaniel was privileged to receive an invitation to the sweetest girly party ever. Bouncy castles & bubble machines, pass the parcel & musical bumps, a castle cake fit for a princess, and the yummiest selection of party food ever seen. Nathaniel needless to say had a wonderful time. With camera in hand I had the pleasure of documenting the fun - what better gift to give then the gift of pictures. Priceless memories to be treasured for years to come. Happy 4th Birthday Sweet girlie, we all love you very much!

We made a chocolate cake...

Nathaniel loves to bake. And of course loves licking the spoon, but please forgive the licking of the knife - I know, I know! This afternoon we gave a new recipe a go and throughly enjoyed ourselves dancing to the tunes on the radio and eating the remaining frosting.

Not so happy with having pictures taken...

But always a poser ...

Licking the last of the frosting, wherever it happens to be ...

This boy is trouble...

This little boy is fast becoming a real handful and no amount of discipline seams to work on him. Anyway, how do you discipline a two year old? We've tried the 'naughty step' - he literally jumps straight off it. We withhold treats - he whines and whines until you can distract him enough to take his mind off of the treat. We send him to his room - he jumps on the bed and plays with his favourite things. We point our finger and tell him he has done something very naughty - he puts his hands on his hips and 'growls' back. All of his reactions to our poor attempts at a telling off involve a smile and a giggle, he honestly sees life as one big fantastic game. What do we do?

In my heart I hear the word - Patience. Just be patient with him. I know that I need to be firm, not laugh myself in the middle of a 'telling-off' moment and be consistent. Let him know when he has behaved badly, and help him to recognise his mistakes. 'Sorry' is an incredible important word in our home, and I won't settle for anything less then a full and proper apology, even from my two year old. It's just incredibly hard to do when this boys is so stinkin' cute.

Late night crafting...

I love bunting. I have made several lots over the last few years. I'm not perfect at sewing, but I can just about do the job. Last week my sister had her baby shower and I thought it would be nice to make some bunting to decorate. It couldn't be simpler. Sew two triangular pieces of fabric together back to back along two sides, then trim the edges and turn the right way round. Attach each flag along a length of bias binding or ribbon, then sew. Easy. Just don't leave it right to the last minute like I did, sewing like a crazy woman into the night.

'T' Days...

Have I talked about 'T' days before? We have a slight gaming addiction here in our home. The Mac's, ipad, the DS's and the Wii, my boys are obsessed. I had tried for many years to bring this under control and create happy balanced children. My boys do love to read, Jarom loves stake boarding, his scooter and football; and Tayler loves to swim. But after Jarom developed a mild form of epilepsy which was induced by light (especially the light emitted by games consoles), we knew we needed to make some changes as a family. So we have made a few family rules, that we find really help.

Firstly we half the manufacturers game playing time - if they say an hour, we say half an hour. Secondly you must have a break from gaming for an equivalent period of time - if you've played for half and hour take a half hour break before playing any more games/or watching TV. Thirdly, if you've been watching a game over another's shoulder, that's classed as playing, and you'll need a break before playing yourself. Finally we have 'T' days (Tuesday's and Thursdays) where we take a break from TV and games consoles.

We've been doing this for a year now, and although we're not always perfect, it is making a difference. My boys are learning there is more to life then games. And Jarom has been symptom free for over a year and has been discharged by his doctor. So hooray for 'T' Days! Do you have anything that you finds brings balance to your life?