Hip Hip Horray - 3 Today!

Presents from Daddy, Mummy and Jie-Jie.

Your first barbie doll.

A quick pic with your very proud Mama.

Getting acquainted with your new bed.

A new look in your room with thanks to Poppy Leon and NeeNee!

And you blowing out your candles with some last minute help from your big brother Jie!

Happy Birthday Munchkin!!

Read More

(Three)sday!

Right now it's 2.33 Thursday morning and I'm wide awake! This time three years ago I was in the first stages of labor with our beautiful girl, this time the following year I was rubbing bonjela on her soft gums to help her sleep, last year I was writing this post and well this morning.. I'm writing this one!

So let me start by explaining this particular photo^ 

You may not think much of it but this shows you a rare glimpse 4 things she really loves..

1. That thing in her mouth, un-needed and one of the first things we'll be tackling this morning when she wakes up!!

2. The puppy under her arm, his name is ralph but comes to his pet name - Ralphy! Nevaeh loves that dog, she has us up searching for him some nights. But most nights, she knows exactly where he is.

3. The DSi, or should I say - The now broken Dsi. The most fought over toy in all the house! When she's not playing with it, she hides it from her brother.. Under beds, in pillow cases, under cushions etc. 

4. Notice where she is sitting? leaning on me! Never sitting still, always free to wonder away..

If anyone was to come to visit, this is exactly how they would see Nevaeh!

Yesterday our baby was two and today she'll be learning she is a tot no longer, but instead - a preschooler! She now has her name on our family chore chart and has things expected of her. She now learns right from wrong and yes from no. Today and over the next few months she'll be introduced to things like sleeping in a bed, respect, authority and how to use a toilet, She'll learn to say grace, brush her hair and keep her room tidy.

I'm actually quite excited about her turning three, she'll have more independence and will be learning the first steps on how to be self sufficient. 

Last night before bed I got two special kisses. Although I wanted a whole bunch more, two was all she was offering.. 

How appropriate! 

Today she is three.. 

No more dummy..

No more nappies..

No more cot..

and no more baby....

Read More

ABC/Wordless Wednesday

Our gracious girl is always outdoing herself.

Learning how to operate our video player,

to watch.. The Wizard of Oz!

Read More

3 Days before her 3rd Birthday!

Read More

Unfathormable Friendships

Unfathomable: not capable of being sounded or measured and impossible to come to understand. 

 Friendships: a state of mutual trust and support between two people.

 Dear Zoe,

You have been my rock, my sister and my friend. You have been there for me when no one else was. You could have me breaking a smile while my insides were full of pain, hurt and neglect. To me you mean the word. Back in high school 2001, when we first met you shone out of the croud.. No matter where we were we'd always be together. I wiped your tears in some of the hardest times in your life and you wiped mine. You'd skip a class if you knew I was hurting just to hold me, to comfort me and to promise you'd always be there. Our friendship remained as I moved states. Letters from you would fill my heart with love while others left me wanting to come back and hold you so tight. From day one my heart took you in and although we lost contact it never let you go. I'm so blessed to have had you beside me through Matt and my break ups, Nevaeh's birth, our 21st but most of all my wedding! I only hope you one day realize that God was the one who placed us into each others lives. The months I'd wish for guidance struggling with an alcohol addicted father it wasn't by coincidence or luck that you became a part of me but by a higher being, by the creator of my heart.. and for that I'm internally grateful each and every day. I love you!

 Katherine,

Okay I'm crying just at writing your name. Your presents in my life and such a vital time in my adolescents was never by mistake. I strongly believe God placed you in my life at such a time as I was finding who I was and who I wanted to be. While attending FGSHS in grade ten I struggled to find myself. It was while on a Christian Camp that you and I found each other. A few weeks later I was sitting in your lounge room meeting your wonderful husband and some of your most treasured friends. It was then and there that I wanted what you had. A beautiful home, a loving/soulful husband, lifelong friends and most of all a heart for Christ. I took everything you ever taught me and pinned them onto my heart. While in foster homes, youth shelters and on the streets it was the things I was taught of God's love that got me through and kept me strong. Katherine, you believed in me long after everyone else gave up on me. You'd call me while I was homeless just to say hi and to tell me you loved me. That in itself is Jesus. Thank you!

Penelope,

My nearest and dearest friend. My journey with you has been an extraordinary one. When I first moved to Bacchus Marsh 7 years ago I struggled to find a church or even christian friends. When I met you I fell in love with your personality, loved your relationship with your two youngest sons at the time and how accepting you were of me. Since then, with a few speed humps and stop sign's along the way but our friendship has stood firm. God knew your friendship, love, kindness etc. was perfect for me, exactly what I'd been praying for. Not only did He have us meet and become friends, but Jie and your sons getting together, nevaeh and your precious little girl dancing and Matthew and Marky become best mates! That to me is beyond amazing!! Penny, I love that you've been encouraging me to be a better person, to have me know that I'm loved, respected and worthy to be everything I'd ever wanted to be. It's your belief in me that haves me believing in me! For that - I'm proud to have you as my friend and sister. Praise God!!

Read More

Scripture Sunday: 1 John 4:21

And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Read More

ABC/Wordless Wednesday

N is for describing my Noisy, Nutty, Nimble, Nocturnal, Nappy wearing nearly 3 year old daughter Nevaeh whom's favorite word just so happens to be NO!

Linking up for ABC Wednesday and for Wordless Wednesday

Thanks for the visit!

Read More

Mum's Meatloaf with Roast Vegetable Couscous

Tonight the girls were in the kitchen, that's right Nevaeh and I head chefs for tonight's dinner.

Poppies Meat Loaf (with a twist) 

Shopping List: 

1 chopped onion 

1 egg 

1 grated carrot 

1 grated zucchini (mums secret)

500g of beef mince 

250g of sausage mince 

125g bread crumbs 

 You need: 

1 Large bowl 

1 Roasting tray 

1 Grater

 Method: 

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees 
2. Using your hands mush together the sausage and beef mince. (Nevaeh's Favorite part)
3. Add the egg and mush some more 
4. Add in the onion and carrot still mush mush mushing 
5. Once all the ingredients are evenly combined gradually add the bread crumbs until the mix is less gooey 
6. Make a ball using the whole mix and put it onto the oiled roasting tray. 
7. Roast for 1 hour 
8. Leave for a further 10 minutes
9. Then slice and serve!

Roast Vegetable Couscous

Shopping List:

1 sliced onion

1 chopped potato

1 chopped pumpkin

1 chopped sweet potato

1 sliced zucchini

1 sliced red capsicum 

1 packet of couscous

2 cups of water

2 shakes of salt & pepper

You Need:

1 baking tray (or a UFO see here)

1 pot

1 sharp knife

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
2. Chop and slice all vegetables and put into an oven proof tray.
3. Drizzle oil and shake on the salt and pepper.
4. Add to oven for 45-60 minutes.
5. Cook couscous according to the packet.
6. Stir through roast veggies and serve!

Read More

The Kazoos

School holiday fun with the Kazoos!

..Photos via the Bacchus Marsh Village Shopping Centre Facebook Page

Read More

Day One, Term Two..

No need to shake Jie twice this morning. I think he was excited for his first day back at school. 

With his bag packed, lunch made and bus money in his big-boy wallet he was out the door and ready for his first day back at school.

Time ticked by so slowly without him at home with Nevaeh watching repeats of The Jungle Book..

As soon as he got off the bus he was excited to tell me 101 new things happening this term.

Once at home he snacked on  apple puree' before changing into his PJ's and settling in for the night..

His reader was read with confidence and his sight words sounded out with ease!

He ate most of his dinner (Creamy Tomato Fettuccine) which was so awesome to see. He is my picky eater, he wont eat spaghetti bolognese but loved his dinner tonight.

Before bed Jie brushed his teeth, grabbed a glass of water, gave me his lovin' and went straight to sleep with only four words on his lips - I love you Mum!! 

This boy never seizes to amaze me..

Reminding me every day that he's a big kid now!

Tomorrow's surprise Lunch

Honey and Peanut butter sandwiches, an apple and cinnimon baked bar, a chocolate cake, cheese and bacon balls, a yogurt musli bar, and some fresh strawberries and grapes is what Jie will see at lunch time tomorrow.. 

I just so love being a Mum to such great kids!

Indescribable.

Read More

Camping at Lake Cairn Curran

This is why I love blogging, I love capturing the kids firsts and documenting our lives especially when we're away from home.

We spend the morning trying to find our way around the Malmsbury and Laurinston Reservoir's near Kynton before finding a notice board which indicated that the lakes were full of Blue Green Algae. 

We loaded up arriving at Lake Cairn Curran a little before 12pm. 

The guys baited the lines up 

 and within 5 minutes of Jiedyn tossing his rod out he was helping me reel it in catching himself his very first fish - A baby red fin.

 We casted the rods in again before I found a soft surface to pitch our tent and lay out our beds,

 while the others gathered fire wood for the fire that would cook our dinner and keep us warm.

After the camp was set up we all went to fish in our desired spots,

 Uncle Al and Meagan posed for this gorgeous shot with the river behind them,

 Then Uncle Al gave Jiedyn his first lesson in yabbies.

 As the sun was going down I took the opportunity to head off on my own for a bit.

 When the sun went down, there was no moon in sight making the tapestry of stars look breathtaking and the fire and our faces glow.

Read More

Scripture Sunday: 1 John 4:12

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Read More

Never..

.. have I said no to a potato cake which was going to be tossed into the bin.
.. have I sat next to a jewish man on his way to the city to a job interview with the NAB bank, who actually admitted he wanted in on the corruption of the banks!
.. have I plucked a strand of hair out of someones head, and covered it so well.
.. have I seen a well dressed buisness looking man pull out empty coffee cups, taking the lids off and start drinking the drop left in the cup.
.. have I high-five'd a stranger in a pink shirt.
.. have I brought a passion-fruit yogurt over a whole food court of yummy all-sorts.
.. have I had to pee from laughing so much.
.. have I walked behind a girl with big thighs wearing tights and hot pants which were clearly too small.
.. have I seen a cowboy in an alley.
.. have I seen a shop this unique.

found on Flinders Lane.

.. have I walked three and a half hours in ugg boots
.. have I seen a guy who walks up stairs for a living fall up the stairs and act like no one saw.
.. have I been in the same elevator 8 times and felt so scared.
.. have I seen so much graffiti in a side street.
.. have I seen so many motor bikes and scooters parked on a footpath.
.. have I brought my brother a new jacket just because.

Never - Until Now!

Read More

It's Me Time!

Me Today
123kg

I have always known I was big, but after seeing my baptism and wedding photos I realized I was much, much larger than I felt. Once hitting puberty at 13yo, I started getting wide hips but my Mum had always said it was the T.I blood in me and that all islander girls have big bones. I have also always been self conscious about excessive hair growing on my chin, chest and lower back. I tried to just get rid of it by waxing but being in one foster home after another it got too much and to save the confrontation with explaining to yet another foster mum I just started shaving it. On the 28th of March, two weeks after Matt and I got married I wanted to start getting into shape. He and I had spoken about extending our family and having more kids but I wanted to feel fit and healthy within myself before carrying another child. I booked an appointment with the doctor to get some fitness advise where within seconds he offered dieting pills which were pretty pricey. I turned him down after setting up an account the night before with the free calorie counting website, MyFitnessPal. I was pretty impressed after adding my food intake and workout for the day with calories to spare, that I was confident that if I put my mind to it I could lose the weight myself. Then we spoke a bit about why now, had I dieted before, why couldn't I keep it off etc. After telling him more and more info about me and my body, he wanted to have me tested for Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and run a full blood test. Within a week the results were in and it was confirmed I had PCOS. 15 cysts on each ovary and well as in my uterus and cervix. I was then scared of being diagnosed with diabetes, which I was told goes hand in hand with PCOS but praise God, I'm not a sweet person! However my cholesterol levels were that of a 35-40yo age range. Although the week and days after being diagnosed, I binged, (I tend to do that most when I'm stressed) I am now more focused then ever. I want to be healthy, I want to look on the outside the way I feel on the inside and most of all I want to want to jump in front of the camera with my kids without thinking of fatty photos!

My Goals:

Lose a kilo a week

Join a gym

Start water arobics and swimming

Sign up for netball after losing half my goal weight (at 89kg)

Be at a healthy weight for my hight, 55kg

You can follow my journey via MyFinessPal Profile, I accept all friend requests. 

Read More

Happy Easter 2012

Read More

Scripture Sunday: Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Read More

Bunnies at Bostock Reservioir

Today was yet another brilliant day, a day with a family I've always longed for. My Dad, my brother, my wonderful husband with the laughter of our two blessings from God himself.

The kids had busy fingers all day.

Searching for the larger rocks to throw in the water to see whose would make the biggest splash.

Prying under rocks and leaves for they're first look at where lizards (Skinks) live.

Nursing a skink saying "Oh no, it's okay boy" when it's tail dropped off.

Fumbling the footy and marking speckies.

Spying to see how to cast a rod exactly the way Poppy does.

Playing with really wiggly moist worms.

Wrapping both hands around a BBQ'd hamburger, potato, egg, onion and salad sanga.

Winding windows down to get a better look at the rabbits playing in the late afternoon air.

and clicking in seat-belts for the short trip home.

But amongst all the busyness, I managed to take a back seat for an hour to have a quick re-read through the book of Matthew and while reading, verse 45 caught my eye like never before. In the moment I was reading it the sun came out. Although I was on a hill, by myself, away from everyone, looking out over the water thinking about the verse, the sun was upon me. The warmth soaked into my skin and the goosebumps from the frozen wind on my arms were calmed with light.. It was incredible and as much as I try to explain it, it wont give credit to how much it hit me that we need light. And as the bible says God is light, how much we really need Him!

Sitting alone, cold and away from my family who were down the hill fishing, I heard God. I felt God. Today he was as real to me as if he just sat beside me.. He knows I need him, He knows my name and He knows and planned my past, present and future. It's because of the blood shed pierced from His sons brutally belted body that I have all the love, life, hope, purpose and peace I need to get me though the everyday miseries that come with being human, which will ultimately set me free from my body one day to a life completely sinless..

Although Jesus has not yet come.. he is here and near.. And he knows I'm ready.

I'm Ready!

Read More