Day Sixty Five...Tootsies..

I decided that Grace and I needed some girl time - we've been butting heads a lot lately so I wanted to so something where we could reconnect and just be together.

Lucas has Science Camp after school on Fridays so I took Grace to get a pedicure. This is a real treat for her as she doesn't get them very often. And I always go on my own so it was nice to have the company.

It was fun picking our colors, and having her sit in the chair next to me, both of us laughing and giggling because its so ticklish when they scrub the bottom of our feet. We got to chat a little, some of it serious, some just idle chatter.

In that hour I realized how much I enjoy having a daughter, I love doing girly things with her. I look forward to the future, to continue our relationship, to grow as mother and daughter but also as friends. 

 

Day Sixty Four... Happy Birthday!

Today is my mum's birthday. Can't imagine not having this woman in my life.

Yes, We've had our ups and downs, what mother and daughter hasn't? But my mum means the world to me.

I go to her for advice or when I need a should to cry on, which isn't easy being here in the States. We've spent thousands on long distance phone calls and I swear we hold the US/Australian postal system together.

Back in the day we used to fax each other when we couldn't wait over a week for a letter to get across the world. Now we have Skype, which isn't as good as being in the same room together, but better than what we had 10 years ago.

I love when we get to be together, cups of tea and yummy cakes - perusing shops, or just hanging out chatting. We enjoy each others company but also know when we've had enough of each other too. I love that I can talk to my mum about anything.

We are planning a girls week away for later in the year to New York. I'm super excited that I can get some one on one time with my mum in a city that we both love. I look forward to the quality time I will get with her. I can't wait to make some memories.

Happy Birthday Mum!! I love you with all my heart.

 

Day Sixty Three...Don't tell anyone we are friends..

I just love my kids.  They are pretty much my life. And I'm so ok with that.

When I got pregnant with Lucas Grace was only a year old and we realized they wouldn't even be 2 years apart, only 23 months to be exact. I was a little concerned, would I be able to handle a baby and a toddler?

As it turned out Grace was the perfect big sister, she loved helping me take care of "brother" and was an easy child herself.

I couldn't be happier with the age difference - those two are thick as thieves most days - heads together, working on something or playing a game. They get a long way more than they fight, and it amazes me how much they enjoy doing things together. Melts my heart to see them go off, climbing their tree or playing at the playroom table together. I love watching Grace help Lucas with homework occasionally, or Lucas being concerned over his sissy when she is sick. I laugh inside when I hear them call each other butt-heads, because it means they really do love each other.

I love watching them walk into school together, heads usually together, chatting about something - turning back to wave to me. no, life isn't always perfect, yes, they fight like normal brother and sister - but I know they couldn't be without each other and my hope is that they continue to grow closer everyday. Nothing more important than the love of your family.

Day Sixty Two....Brrrrr!

O-M-G!! its cold!!

The kind of cold that makes you shiver all over until it hurts. When your fingers turn purple and go numb. teeth chatter, nose runs...

We are sitting at Lucas's baseball game and I wouldn't trade this for the world.

Grace and I are virtually frozen to the bleachers its that cold. we packed blankets and hot tea but it doesn't help much. But to be able to see my son play, to see the joy and excitement on his face when he hits the ball and gets to run to first base, is priceless and worth every bit of the pain in my lower body.

I love my kids so much it literally hurts tonight! I am such a proud mum I could burst, I would sit through a snow storm if it meant I could see my kids do something they love.

We sat there for two hours, cheering and laughing - shivering and chattering - enjoying every minute.

Day Sixty One....Spring is here!...

I just love Spring time flowers. If I could afford fresh cut flowers every day, I would. This is the best time of the year for flowers - I never get tired of tulips, daffodils, gerberas, and all the beautiful trees that are blossoming, like my Cherry Blossom trees.

Every grocery store I visit I pick up some flowers - right now my favorite is Fresh and Easy - they have a great selection and they are cheap!

This week was gorgeous purple tulips - super tight buds when I brought them home that have opened up and revealed these beautiful bluey centers...who knew this was inside...

I love how flowers make me so happy....

Day Sixty...Time out..

Oh my gosh! What a beautifully perfect day!!

The weather couldn't get any nicer, and its Saturday!

Today started off early, with opening day for Lucas and baseball. I love seeing my little man all dressed in his uniform, before all the grass and dirt stains. I just love spending time with my family.

After baseball we stopped to get some lunch to bring home. The kids went to play in their tree, Troy was doing yard work and hanging out with them. So I decided I was going to take some time out of my day, put my feet up and enjoy my lunch in the backyard.

My yard is so neglected right now, but I know with a little TLC it will be back in shape in no time. I need to start weeding and re-planting for the Spring and Summer seasons, but for now I will just sit and enjoy my sandwich, indulge in a Coke and just take a load off in the glorious sunshine. Sometimes its just nice to sit and daydream....

Day Fifty Nine..Good Times...

Every girl needs girlfriends. Some come into your life for a while, for a reason, and then go. 

Others stay in your life forever.

Those are the ones that really know you. the good, the bad and the ugly. They have been through thick and thin with you. They love you unconditionally. You can have fights and fall outs, but in the end you come back together. There is an unbreakable bond.

You share so many moments together, some feel like a million years ago and others you'll never forget. You lean on each other when there is a crisis, you feel true happiness when something good happens. These are the girls that you call first with any news or gossip.

Life doesn't allow us to see each other as much as we would like, but we truly make the effort when we can. We have a birthday tradition that is now 10 years strong. I couldn't imagine not spending my birthday without these girls.

We spend time together in the summer, lazing on the beach, catching up while our kids play. Reminiscing about when they were babies. We have girls nights out when we can - laughing about how old we've become because we cant stay out past 10.

 I love how we are all so different from one another, yet we have this connection, and we just get along so well. I love these girls with my heart, and can't wait to see what the next 10 years hold for us.

Day Fifty Eight...Happy Birthday..

Today is my birthday!

I'm a total birthday girl - always have been. I remember as a child birthdays being a big a deal.

We didn't have the big elaborate parties that kids get nowadays, but we always had a party of some sort.

Being the 1st of March, the weather in Australia was always nice for my birthday. Just coming off summer, I'd have a pool party or a backyard soiree of some sort. Ice cream cake and pass the parcel. Sometimes an after school party. But birthdays were never missed and you were always fussed over. It's your special day!

Birthdays are still a big deal and I love having kids so I can now be the one to plan the big event. But being the adult doesn't mean I don't like birthdays -I still want the whole kit and kaboodle! I love the fan fare and being fussed over - its my special day!

It was nice celebrating yesterday with my family - I love my hand made cards from my kids, the sweet gifts and a delicious dinner out. But I still miss the big ol' parties I had when I was a kid...ah, guess its time to grow up.

Day Fifty Seven...We've got the moves..

I just love when we turn up the music real loud and let loose.

Tonight my kids were showing us their talent show act - and it turned into a fun and silly dance session.

I love when we play songs off the radio and all our inhibitions just disappear. When we sing at the top of our voices, make up dance moves and have a free for all.

I love watching my kids personalities shine through, when they aren't worried about who's listening or watching. its just pure and natural.

I love seeing their shiny smiling faces - the laughter and giggling. I love being silly with them. I feel a real connection. I'm more than just their mum.

I'm in awe of these two people that I have brought into this world. So unique but snippets of me and my husband too. My heart is so full of love for them. 

I am truly grateful for them and absolutely cherish these moments.

Day Fifty Six....its raining, its pouring..

Yippee! another cold, rainy stormy day - love it!!

We even got small hail today - but what I really miss is a real storm. One that brews all day - that smell of raining coming, followed by lightning and thunder. I love the loud clapping of clouds bouncing off each other, and the sky getting a dark, dark grey. I love pouring rain, so thick you can barely see through it. I love water gushing down the street and massive puddles - especially driving through them. I love the sound of water hitting my wind screen while I drive and the whooshing of my wind screen wipers.

I love to come home and put on snuggies and turn the fire and heater on. I love making something yummy for dinner, all warm and comforting.

So, I'll take my little Southern California "storm", enjoy it while it lasts, because its as good as it's gonna get!