Hunter Valley

 

Us sisters took my Mum for her 60th Birthday for a drive to the famous Hunter Valley a couple hours away from Sydney. We picnic ed and wandered all day. No kids, no worries, just the girls...twas splendid!

life goes on

Well, I think it's about time I post. I'm not sure what's holding me back, sometimes I wish I could just spill it and let the chips fall where they may...sigh.
The kids are in the midst of school holidays and so far it's going well. We've been out to do a number of holiday activities including a hike in a nearby reserve as well as just relaxing at home. Jay is turning 6 today!

Which makes it 3 years since we've been back from Africa. What a distant memory and so much has happened since then. We had another baby (Hayden), moved house 4 times (ugh) Shane started his career in photography and me...hmmm, gained and lost 30kgs (when pregnant) and concentrating on giving the kids a good childhood, reminding myself that they only have one, and I am possibly a step closer to finding something I want to study to eventually get a job that finds a good work/kids/life balance. Firstly it was a carer, then because I really enjoy interior design I thought I'd dabble in that and now I've found a number of jobs near home in Business administration that only require part time in school hours. So I'm enrolling in a year long Business Administration course to prepare me for a good chance a good paying job like that, that enables me to still be with my kids before and after school yet still contribute to our growing income needs.We'll see how we go with that.  

Jay turned 5!

Updates

I have to say though that the fires that have been happening in Victoria are on my mind and close to my heart which is part of the reason for my silence. It's shocking and saddening to be living in such a time of hardship and Australia worst natural disaster in it's history!
We are rather far removed physically from the situation but are experiencing sadness as a country at this time. The boys had "silly sock day" at school where they could wear their craziest socks and donated a "gold coin" which is just 1 or 2 dollars. Our school alone raised $3000 for the relief effort! Alan had a great pair of stripey socks he wore but Jay just wanted to give a donation...already concerned about looks.

And I cannot believe the rain and cold that has set in and am only thanking God that the beach part of our holiday was gloriously hot. We've managed to keep ourselves and the girls busy anyway. I've gotten back to a routine more or less of getting the kids off to school etc. We've had a few rockin' parties. My birthday (which I have yet to do a whole post on) then last night Heidi and Dan hosted a Valentines/Dan's birthday party. We all had to come dressed as famous couples. We had the Phantom of the Opera and Christine (bit creepy), Lois and Clark (Joanne and Sharif), Shane and I were Neo and Trinity (he had to work his leather trench coat in there somewhere..I was all ready to go as a Bond girl, sic.) Serena and Zeth were Hef and a playboy bunny and I can't remember the others....sorry. tons more photo's. Do u really want another slide show?

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So I'm 29 tomorrow...

....I know can't hardly believe it either. 20's and 30's seem to just flow into one another and you're only as old as you feel, eh?!
Well, I'm not all here tonight after a long day of reading (feast stuff) . All very envisioning and inspiring but feeling a brain overload so here's just a quick and easy list which in no way conclusive but perhaps interesting to some, definitely a bore to others. Ok....here goes

Me at 29

*My current favorite scent is Sensi by Armani and my all time favorite is white musk from the Body shop.
*I really benefit from a good belly laugh hence my love for good stand up comedians.
*I'm watching "Desperate Housewives", and I like reality shows like "Amazing Race" and those restaurant ones.
*I hate to watch anything to do with outer space or submarines! And all those crime series leave me cold...why put yourself through the stress that actually happens in this messed up world.
*I'm gearing up to feng sui my place. I can't stand clutter. I figure if I haven't used it in 6 months I don't need it. And it helps to uncomplicated ones life.
*I love it how Shane still flirts with me and loves me how I am.
*I love to decorate with plants, picture frames and lamps and I realized I've got a fetish for vases of every shape and size and throw cushions! I've collected at least 8 sets of two my latest find a set of zebra ones I just love.
*Every day I try to get in a walk and just zone out, or if I can focus, pray for things and people. It makes me feel closer to Jesus and refreshed.
*Washing, hanging, folding and putting away laundry. I'm over it!
* I'm striving to spend more quality time with my boys and less stressing over the physical.

Now I off to source some mango ripple yogurt ice cream! Mmmmm