Monday, 30 January 2023

First Day back to School Photos!


Seriously. Long gone are my cute littlies with arms around each other and big toothless grins. My son, now seventeen heading into year eleven didn't want the photo at all telling me to hurry up and not accepting his sisters arm around him while my daughter, thirteen and about to begin year eight smiled up big after taking hours to get ready and pissing me off in the process.

It was a quiet day at home for me on my day off but it was Max who missed Nevaeh the most today. Over the school holidays he has been coming inside and sleeping in Nevaeh's bedroom. Today he was back outside and the plan is that he comes in on weekends only. 

Such a loved boy.

After school Jie came into my bedroom to tell me about his day and that he missed his first legal study subject and tripled up on Math. He then practically begged me to go with him to the pool. I caved in and after the doctors this arvo we headed to the local outdoor pool. 



At around 3.40pm we had the whole Bacchus Marsh Swimming Pool to ourselves for at least an hour. 

It was so refreshing and Jie and I enjoyed being idiots before having a more serious chat about his education, subjects, teachers and friends. 

After we returned home it was decided that Fish n Chips was on the menu for dinner tonight so David and I drove down to pick them up once ordered. 

Nevaeh strolled in the door at 7.30pm after spending the whole afternoon with her friends riding the local buses, hanging out at McDonalds and seeing her friends off at the train station. 

She did not want to talk about school or anything only asking what’s for dinner and that she was talking to a new boy “in real life” (oh no!) 

I sent photos to her father of her in prep and the ones taken tonight. He said he’d been trying to call but I explained how she is just too cool for us these days. 

Overall it was a good first day for them both. 
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Tuesday, 24 January 2023

Monday Mural - Aboriginal Art Melbourne, Australia

Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

I came across this blog hop tonight and thought I'd join in.
I knew I'd taken this pic about a year ago and so I searched for it on my phone to join in on the hop.
Not sure if you've all seen it before as I'm new to the hop and I think its the only mural I have.
But for those of you whom haven't seen it, the picture is of an Aboriginal Boy around 14-15yo.

As our Australian nation divides itself with the coming of "Australia Day" in just a few days time, here are my thoughts. Our country is Australia and our city is Melbourne, this is what we were taught from a young age. But through more education and through the Australian Digitalized Newspapers we realize that there were people living on this land before the arrival of the first fleet. We now know that there were many different clans/mobs whom occupied the lands with their own languages, lores, traditions, ceremonies, families whom we refer to now as the "Aboriginal" people. I really don't love that word as "ab" meaning abnormal put together with "original" only falsifies that they actually were the original occupants of the land. Through more education we find out that they were hunted and killed in large numbers, we learn of the stolen generation where children were taken from their parents and families - some never to return. We learn of the Stolen Wages and Generational trauma and poverty endured by our first nations people. We also learn that the lands we now live on are deeply rooted in racism and the unjustified deaths of the people whom first occupied, cared for and loved this country.

It just wouldn't be fair now knowing what we know for us to "celebrate" a day in which dances on the graves of our countries ancestors. 

We need to together as a nation in our city of Melbourne in which we now know was named Narrm by our traditional elders in language to allow our first nation communities to mourn the loss of its people, its languages, its lores, its traditions and the families whom never made it back to their country or homes and allow them to celebrate their survival.

As educated people, we now have the ability and platforms to educate more people.

Stop this Celebration of Australia Day Bullshit!

Find Mourning Ceremonies and Survival Day Events happening near you and truly wholeheartedly stand with and support these people whoms families have had to fight for just an ounce of what you get to enjoy today and for the ones who never made it.

Mel x

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Monday, 23 January 2023

Jie’s Chicken Parmigiana



Jiedyn has mastered the art of cooking his favorite take-away food. Whether out for dinner or ordering from the local pizza shop my son always seems to sticks to what he knows and already likes - Chicken Parmas! And yes, we call them parmas in our house, lets not get into the debate of Parma's and Parmi's because quite frankly, when ordering, and asking for either, you're going to get the same thing. 

A Chicken Parmigiana.


Ingredients:

Olive oil
1/2 brown onion
1 clove garlic
200g Passata
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
10g butter
1 Chicken Breast
Pinch of White Flour
Panko Breadcrumbs
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 egg


Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 220/200 degrees Celsius fan forced.
Finely chop one brown onion
Finely chop garlic

To make the Sauce:
In a small saucepan heat a drizzle of olive oil over a medium heat. Cook onoin stiring until softened, 2-3 minutes.
Add Garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
Add Passata, the salt, brown sugar and the butter. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

Crumb the chicken
Meanwhile, lay your hand flat on the chicken breast and gently slice the knife horizontally to make two even chicken steaks.
In a shallow bowl, whisk the plain flour, a pinch of salt and egg until combined.
In a second bowl pour in some panko breadcrumbs.
Dip the chicken into the egg mixture and then coat in the panko crumbs.
Transfer to a plate.

Cook the Chicken
In a large Frying Pan heat enough olive oil to coat the base of the pan over a medium temperature.
When the oil is hot cook the chicken until golden on both sides.
Transfer the chicken onto a lined baking tray.
Top both Chicken pieces with two heaped tablespoons on the sauce you made earlier and a good sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Bake until the cheese is golden and the chicken is cooked through. 8-10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions
Chips
Wedges
Salad






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Friday, 20 January 2023

Thankful Thursday




 This week I'm so thankful that my work colleague is back from leave and sickness. It was a pretty hectic two weeks without her and the time alone has definitely made me appreciate her all the more. I realize now just how much I have to learn and how needed she is for what I cannot do. A new found appreciation for sure.


So incredibly thankful for friends who have stuck by my side through all life's ups and downs and whom check in on me and love me regardless of my weird distant phases.  


Thankful for a supportive team around me at work, not only my workplace managers whom are approachable at anytime but my people at KIRRIP Aboriginal Corporation whom always have my back and have me feeling so loved, heard and so so supported. Working within the Aboriginal community with this type of support is so needed to keep your spirit strong. I love what I do but I couldn't do it without the love and support of my people.


Thankful for new connections with my Torres Strait Islander Family. I received a message from another one of my elders from the "Nawie" side of my family tree whom married into the family. Word must be getting around up there about "Uncle Laubry's Granddaughter down south" as that's who they know me as. It's been a beautiful journey finding my family and learning of my culture thus far. Excited to have now booked in a trip for June to go up to see them again.


Thankful for the brief time spent with my son this afternoon after work. My two kids (aged daughter 13 & son 17) are on school holidays at the moment and I'm working most days only able to catch up with them on weekends and my Mondays off as all of our sleeping patterns are off. Usually the kids are asleep until dinner time as they'd been up all night gaming with their friends so I get home from work, cook dinner, have a shower, watch some TV then go to sleep by around 7-8pm. I then get up at around 12-1am to clean a little, blog and prepare for the following day getting back to bed at around 3-4am. To which I consider "my-time". But tonight after work, Swim & Gym and shopping I came home to cook dinner for the fam and Jie came into my room to watch "Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds" with me as I ate my dinner and enjoyed a scotch on the rocks. Thankful for him laying up beside his mama for this one on one time.


Thankful for my blog and the ability to be able to document mine and my childrens lives for future generations. Thankful for my friends and followers I've met along the way and for all that I have done here. It keeps me motivated and is by far my favorite place to be. Whether reading posts of the pasts or creating new ones I really do love every aspect of blogging.


Thankful for full bellies, ice cream after dinner, savings accounts, the ability to save, hot showers, fresh sheets, cold bottles of water in the fridge, scotch to relax with after work, my daughters laughter, the sound of my sons guitar, messages from my niece, a car to get me here and there, specials at Coles which keeps us under budget when shopping, my partner keeping the kitchen clean for me to come home and cook dinner, clean clothes, comfortable shoes, the ability to do work notes at home, the ability to turn my work phone off out of hours etc. 


So much to be thankful for this Thankful Thursday!

Linking up for the first time Jennifer's blog-hop here..

Feel free to join the blog hop or just comment your thankfulness below.


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Thursday, 19 January 2023

Our Weekend Getaway Checklist


This is our families weekend away checklist.

Blogging this for the kids to know what to pack one day when they have kids of their own.


Toiletries

Toothbrush
Tooth paste
Deodorant
Perfume/Aftershave
Razor
Hair Straighter
Hair brush
Hair ties
Beauty Case (Make up)
Medical Kit
Aerogard 
Sunscreen

Clothing/Shoes

2 Shirts
2 Shorts/Pants
2 Jumpers
Bathers
PJs
1 going out outfit
Thongs/Rock shoes
Going out shoes

Shopping List

Paper Plates
Serviettes
Disposable Knives and Forks
Meat tray
Bread Rolls
Cold meats
Hot chicken
Prepacked Salads
BBQ Meat Pack
Mayo
Tomato Sauce
Milk
Fresh fruit
Biscuits/Donuts 
Jaffas/M&Ms
Popcorn (for the long drive home)
Bulk bottles of water
Bulk cans of soft drinks
Ice for the Esky
Paper Towel
Oil

Extras

 Beach Towels
Picnic Blanket
Beach umbrella/Shade Tent
Eskie
Bucket
Fishing rods
Tackle box
Sharp fishing knife
Bait
Tongs x2
CDs/Good Playlist
Speaker
iPod/Ipad
Phone
Chargers
Inflatable toys
Air pump
xbox/wii/switch
Oodie/Warm jacket
Card games
Board games
Instant Camera/GoPro


What'd I miss?

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Tuesday, 17 January 2023

Seared Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash & Creamy Peppercorn Sauce


Sweet Potato Mash*

2 Sweet Potato
25g butter
Pinch of Salt

Bring medium pot of salted water to a boil. Peel Sweet Potato and cut into large chunks. Cook sweet potato until soft when forked. Drain the Sweet Potato then return to the pot. Mash in Butter until smooth.

Seared Chicken Breast*

1 Chicken Breast
A drizzle Olive Oil

Place your hand flat on the chicken breast and slice through horizontally to make two thin steaks. Drizzle olice oil into frying pan and place it over medium heat. Cook Chicken until browned and cooked through, 3-6 minutes each side.

Creamy Peppercorn Sauce*

Olive Oil
Crushed Peppercorn
Garlic Paste
Dash of water
Chicken Stock Cube
Light cooking Cream

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add in crushed peppercorns and Garlic and cook until fragrant. Reduce heat to low and add a dash of water, light cream and crumble in chicken stock cube stir until thickened. 

Garlic Green Beans and Carrot*

Olive Oil
Garlic Paste
1 Large Carrot 
Green Beans

Heat Olive oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Add chopped Carrot and Green Beans. Add a few drops of water then the garlic paste. Stir until fragrant.

*These are actual recipes from Hello Fresh Australia




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Thursday, 12 January 2023

Six Sentence Story



This week I am again linking up with GirlontheEdge's Blog Hop.


Rules of Blog Hop
Write 6 Sentences. No more. No less.
Use the current week’s prompt word.
Link up and Share.

This weeks Prompt word is Lead.



She lead her younger brother out into the warm night knowing she'd be leaving the responsibility of looking after he mother from her abusive step father whom was still looking for her armed with two large kitchen knives he'd come back for earlier that night after finding her at a pub down town dancing up with other men and after cutting up her clothes from out of their suitcase in front of them. But what was she to do? In a new state and after just walking in to witness a down syndrome man sexually abuse her brother whom she'd left in the boarding house room while she went to warn her mother of her psychotic husband armed with knives - enough was enough. She'd saved the number off of a sign she passed in the streets days earlier which read "Are you feeling unsafe, do you need crisis support? Call CAFS to see how we can support you." She walked her  and her younger brother to the other boarding house around the corner, took a deep breathe and called the saved number. That night, unknowingly at the time, the two of them had just entered the Brisbane foster system.

2003 Aged 14




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Wednesday, 11 January 2023

Pop's Chicken Kebab Recipe

 These are what Pop called his “specialty” and he would only do these on very very special occasions such as Melbourne Cup day, Christmas or Derby Day. He taught me how to make them and now, he taught you how to make them!

Ingredients

500g diced chicken breast

2 large brown onions

Red Capsicum

Green Capsicum

Tinned Pinapple Pieces

Wooden Skewers

What next?

Thread all ingredients onto wooden skewers

Cook on the BBQ, Under the Grill or in a frying pan.





Best served with a Jimmy Black can! 

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Tuesday, 10 January 2023

First Date of 2023


David took me out for dinner over the weekend, to The Brook in Pointcook! While the venue was beautiful and the ambiance and atmosphere was lovely the food wasn’t that great. We stayed a while enjoying a few drinks at the sports bar and talking about life before playing the pokies. 

Afterwards we left heading for the beach where David proposed to me last year. He bought with him two scratchies for us each to do and then held me as the sun went down. 








There was a big beautiful red moon shining down on us as we rolled the windows down allowing the cool breeze in on the way home.

It’s the little things in life. My man and a beautiful night out is exactly what I needed. 
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Hoyts Cinema Docklands

We had a beautiful night at Docklands with the kids who watched the new Avatar in 3D! I really wanted to see it too but not in 3D. They ordered Pizza, Popcorn, drinks and fairy floss to get them through the 3 hour movie while David and I watched Operation Fortune (wouldn’t recommend). Would however, highly recommend the Hoyts experience at Docklands though! Pre bevs at the Bar, serve yourself candy bar and comfy leather recliners! To see the video I created from the night check out my TikTok! 

Here are some photos before we left for the night and headed to my fave side of the road food van on Ballarat Road in Sunshine! 

We finally made it home at 2am! 


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Thursday, 5 January 2023

Six Sentence Story

 Today I am linking up with GirlontheEdge's Blog Hop.


Thursday's Six Sentence Story.


Forgive me as I break the "prompt word" part to this link-up in my first week. Eeeek. I will use the word prompts if/when they prompt a moment of a day in my life. Here we go..


She sat in the corner of the room, looking out at the sea of faces; none of which she recognized. This was another Christmas with another Foster Family she knew she wouldn't be with for long. Finding a familiar face, she watched her little foster brother's eyes light up with glee on the lap of his grandfather as he opened his beautifully wrapped Christmas gift. She'd always wished for one, a grandfather that is. Her mother an addict, her father an alcoholic, her aunt and Uncle refusing care of her and a Nana likely oblivious to the situation, maybe a grandfather would love her. Like this grandfather loved Aidan.

Christmas 2002 aged 14


Feel free to join in..
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Tuesday, 3 January 2023

Family Acrostic (not) Poems

Thinking of thoughtful words and meanings for me and my family was tougher than I thought, this post actually took me two hours to write and I have work tomorrow.. eek! but here is what I came up with for my.. 




  Melissa

M is for Mother, first and foremost, until the day I leave this earth. Being a mother to my two wonderful children has been and always will be the biggest blessing I have ever received from the heavens above. It has not always been easy, many nights I cried feeling totally alone and without help but the love I have for the two pieces of my heart kept me going, knowing they needed me, relied on me and loved me all the way back.

E is for Eclairs. From the bakery or the caramel candy type they are both a favorite of mine. The caramel candies with the chocolate center are even better. If you know me, you'd know they're my sweet tooth weakness.

L is for the fierce Leadership qualities that make me who I am. An advocate from day one for all things truth and never backing down from doing what I thought was right, even if that meant I had to stand alone and without the support of my family. Through school and through life, I am a Leader with a Lionheart.

I is for the Inspiration I try to be. An inspiration for all the young girls like me who never had a chance from the start growing up in a loveless home full of drugs, alcohol, domestic violence and prostitution. For young indigenous girls in a foster system, living in foster homes with foster families they know they'll never fit into. For young women raising babies on welfare, living paycheck to paycheck just trying to survive another day. For the woman I was a year ago defeated and exhausted from all of life's pressures, none of which she asked for but knew she had to stand up and do no questions asked only to be abused and harassed into complete submission by the ones she loved on, whom she'd do absolutely anything for and did. Inspiring people when your a broken soul ain't that easy but an inspiration is what I choose to be.

S is for Small, the person I have become this last year through all of the abuse, lies, harassment and antagonizing comments and statements said to me and about me both online and to others. I have never felt as small as I was walking out of 2022 feeling completely defeated wearing the words they say on my broken heart. In a time I needed people, I needed love, I needed my family, I received the the most hate from the people I love most. For those who don't know what that feels like I envy you. I have loved on every single person who has entered my life and my home. I would go without to see them happy. Yet after I lost my Dad and as I was learning to live life without him hate is all I received. 

S is for the very Singular person I have become. My role as a Mum and a partner have become my priority and while I miss the big energy friendships I've had over the years, being singular has become my safety. I trust absolutely not a single soul on this earth not even David. And that's the truth. His family don't want him with me and my family hate - and I mean HATE seeing me happy. Him leaving would hurt but would also take so much pressure off me. He would have his family, shit wouldn't be hard and my family would stop attacking my happiness. Singular is what I've become.

A is for Able and what I want to do while I'm still able. Working with chronic health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women whom are no longer able to do what they actually want to do in life has grown me. Them along with Dad passing I realize that the world doesn't stop for any of us. It just keeps on going and we have to learn to keep on going regardless. Even when we don't want to or think we cant. I spent a while hating that fact. But while attending my first Aboriginal Health Conference last year I now know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people develop chronic health issues in their 40's, thirty years earlier than the rest of the population. I am 34. I am able. So while I'm still in my 30's and able I'm making plans for the short future I have. And that's where my power is, that's where I win.. against all statistics, all the haters, all the doubters I've had to overcome in my lifetime.. I will do what makes me happy and fulfilled in my lifetime.


David

D is for Driver. Driver of Trucks for the past 15 plus years, the driver of Taxi's for the past month and the only one I let close enough to drive me crazy at times. David knows every road, has experience with a lot of delivering companies and has beaten me in driving interstate. Him and I share a love of driving and do it together often.

A is for Admirable. David had a very different up bringing then the one I had to endure. Stability throughout his life enabled him to enjoy and finish school, go on to higher education and keep the strong friendships from his childhood. He got to grow up alongside his very present grandparents and has never done drugs or even tried a cigarette. I admire these qualities in him and who he is because of the choices he's made for his life thus far.

V is for the Videos he shares with us. Every time he sees his daughter or spends time without us with his friends or at work he always brings back videos to ensure we still feel a part of his day. I have really come to love this quality of his. I enjoy him retelling me about aspects of his day and it's super sweet when he shares with the kids too.

I is for his Intelligence. One of the main things that attracted me to him in the first place. He knows a lot of things I don't know and  doesn't make me feel dumb when teaching or telling me things. I have been with both the kids fathers whom I had to dumb myself down for in relationships, but with David, I can trust that he will either be thinking what I'm thinking or something better. His intelligence is attractive.

D is for the Dad he is. Every fortnight and last year even weekly he would see his little girl. The way he prioritizes her, loves her and speaks of her is beautiful. He shares the same love with and for his eldest daughter although he hasn't seen or spoken to her for a very long time. His love for her and the bond they had remains so close to him and its so much bigger than the circumstances that took her away from him. I pray with all my heart she finds him one day and they get that special bond back. And although my kids (being the very independent teenagers they are) wont admit it David is such an amazing and present step father to them. He treats me so well which I think is absolutely pivotal and treats them with kindness and real respect. He includes them into his day, checks in on them individually and is always happy to listen  and share wisdom and/or advice. He tells us the weather and corny Dad jokes but most of all he is always willing to help when we need it. They both now refer to him as their "step-dad" to their friends and families and he has really earned that with them. He is in no way perfect, no one is but he tries, which is more then their real fathers do.


Jiedyn

J is for the Jovial boy my son has become and all who know him would agree. Jie can lighten a tense situation with his cheery personality and a quiet car with his confident dance moves. Jie loves to make the people around him happy and can tell when things are off. If I've had a bad day he doesn't think twice about making himself look like a fool to cheer me up. It's one of the really special qualities Jie has naturally.

I is for Intelligent also.. and that's no lie. He'll hate me saying this but next year, his year 11 subjects are English, Math, Advance Math, Physics, Chemistry and Law. My son is the brains of the family and enjoys learning. Jie also loves to find his own ways of working things out and thinking outside the box. He surpasses me with intelligence that's for sure.

E is for Even Tempered. Probably the only one in our family. It takes a lot to really get Jie angry enough to say something and I have only seen him get that mad a few times. Jie is what I describe as an old soul, he is so easy going and stays in his own lane. He has his own views on the world and the people in it. Jie rarely speaks without being spoken to first and observes people and places before commenting. Another amazing quality my son has that I don't have.

D is for Dear. Not a likely word to explain someone but this is Jie. He is a dear son, a dear brother and cousin, a dear friend and he was a dear grandson - Dear meaning beloved, loved, adored, cherished. 

Y is for Jiedyn being in the last year of his Youth. Next year Jie will be an adult by the Law of our country and no longer a child. This is so exciting and daunting for us both. I received a hateful and hurtful message on my blog last month about how I "smother my children away from the realities of life" and haven't allowed them to "see the real world for what it is". I agree with them. I had to endure the "real world" the degrading, verbal and physical abuse and racism being mistreated as a child from the ones whom kissed me goodnight and I was completely exposed to drug use, mental health, domestic voilence, drug and/or alcohol fueled violence, rape, prostitution, street life, motorcycle gangs, drug houses, pubs, clubs etc. and yes that was my "real world". But for my kids it's not the "real world" because I chose to keep them and myself away from those people and their lifestyles. If people want to chose to put themselves and/or their kids in those situations and associate with those sorts of things/people/places that's on them and them/their kids will have to grow up real fast like I had to. But for children never having grown up around these people, places etc. Their real world is what their parents have created for them and  for those kids, they may never see those lifestyles or be in those places in their lives. It's not the "real world" for every child and that shit lifestyle I had to endure is thank fuck.. nothing my kids have ever had to endure. And with the opportunities they have in front of them.. one they might never have to! I'm thankful my son, in his youth, has never had to see and experience what I'm had to and I'm a proud mother because of it.

N is for "Not interested". Jie is a very rare and unique person whom reminds me a lot of my Dad, the grandfather he grew up with. He has this very non interested part of his identity. What other kids find cool or in style Jie doesnt. He doesn't follow trends or follow crowds, he thinks for himself in a very logical way. Some teenagers his age have to have the latest designer clothes or shoes where as Jie is happy in a plain black jacket and tracksuit pants. The latest goss? Not interested! The most popular kid at school? Not interested. Jie likes what he likes, does what makes him happy and doesn care what others think. You can find Greenday on his playlist and Anime on his TV. But ask him whats popular on the music charts.. Not interested!


Nevaeh

N is for Nosy! and that's it. Anagram for Nevaeh is done! haha.. But seriously, Nevaeh is everything opposite of the last paragraph I wrote of Jie. Nevaeh has to know everything about everything and everyone. This gets her into trouble a lot but that's how she rolls. Nevaeh knows what's trending, who kissed who, whos related to who and everything in between. You want the latest hot goss.. don't buy a magazine, buy Nevaeh a iced latte and you'll get more than you asked for!

E is for expressive, and boy is she what. Nevaeh expresses herself in such a variety of ways which I love about her because its such a unique feature to have. Whether she is yelling at someone being racist or homophobic online or giving you the biggest squishiest hug you've ever felt in your life, you will see, hear and feel what she's thinking. When low, she's by my side needing to be embraced, when she's high, she's pulling me up to dance. When she's lonely she's annoying her brother to play xbox and when shes happy/bored, the dog and cat get fed, loves, hugs and baths haha..

V is for Voluptuous meaning curvatiously attractive. I think I just made that word up but you get the picture. Nevaeh struggles with her weight alongside her skinny little mini peers but the reality is, Nevaeh is a Torres Strait Islander young woman and we aint meant to be little. With thick thighs and brown skin, we tropical sea people from up north. Nevaeh living down here away from her culture struggles but when shes with her people, she is her people and I love seeing that confidence in her.

A is for amusing. Mate, this girl is off the hook with her witty comebacks, her crazy antics she is definitely without a doubt the most amusing one in the family. Nevaeh doesnt care how silly she looks as long as someones laughing. Whether playing games, out with her friends or hanging with her family, she sure knows how to have our tummies and cheeks sore with laughter.

E again, hmm.. Nevaeh is Expensive. Very Expensive. She likes what she likes and what she likes is the latest and greatest no matter the price tag. She will push the budget, $500 on clothes just last month! Then money for movies, money for credit, money to hang out with friends or bubble tea and chewing gum! This girl gonna need a top paying job for her expensive taste!

H is for Honest. Both of my kids are honest but only one of my kids puts themselves in positions to have to be honest! This is a beautiful quality I love about both of my kids. Natural and real honestly about who she is, who she loves and what she wants. A trait that will get her far in life.


And so there we have it! An Acoustic (not) poem for each of us! What would your family’s acoustic poem be?


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Sunday, 1 January 2023

Goals!

 My word for this year is..



I have so many goals for 2023. Personal goals, relationship, parenting goals, career goals, financial goals, travel goals; even blogging goals. 

Yesterday on the last day of 2022, my partner David took me to buy a new diary for this year and although I chose a “buisness planner” in it has places for me to brainstorm, make and check off goals in every area of my life. 

My first three January goals are already in there:

1. Pay off my Afterpays (you do not want to know how much I spent for my family over Christmas!) This goal may take two months not one.. eeek!

2. Set the kids up with everything they need for School. New stationary, uniforms, laptops, text books, school fees themselves and everything in between.. double eeek!

3. Put money away for specific things - also known as sowing.. Sowing my money into the things I want to see grow! Like my desire to travel overseas, spoil my kids next Christmas, weekend trips away with the fam, an 18th birthday for my son etc. But also I just want to get better at budgeting and sticking to my financial goals. 

I’m sure you have your own goals for the new year, if you’ve blogged them, please leave you link below so I can check them out. If not, what is one goal you’d like to achieve this year and why? 




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