I'm grateful for {inspiration}

This week I've come across some wonderful inspiration to be grateful for....

Gratefulness can't always come from within...perhaps sometimes it needs to be an external source that makes you take stock and go "gee...that made me think!"

A girlfriend stopped by earlier this week and provided the much needed friendly face, coffee and chat that we both needed.  A gentle reminder that friendship is so importnant. Value it, hold it and don't take it for granted.

I read this wonderful post, and my heart broke into a thousand pieces and made me want to rush and hug my children and whisper secretly in my mind that they would never experience this type of hardship but still be mindful that some are not so fortunant.

I found not one but a few lovely new(ish) blogs that I love exploring and feel the excitement I did when I first started blogging and finding kindred spirits in the blogging community.  This post made me value motherhood at its core and I really appreicated the honesty with which it was written and could relate on many levels.

So this week I'm grateful for inspriation from near and far.

Joining in here.

Happy days to you all

xx

I'm grateful for {girls}

I have a confession.  I've never been on a 'girls weekend'.  nope. never.

And it doesn't bother me.  I don't feel like I've missed out, it's just never held that much interest to me, even though I can see the appeal.

But this week saw me and my girlfriend pack the car and our respective daughters and headed off to a small country town for a sort of girls weekend (mid week and with children!).

There was giggling and dancing, laughing and playing. We had good old fashion fun, spent next to nothing and the girls were just delighted playing in knee high fields of grass.

This week I'm grateful for...

1. Girls - spending a few days with a houseful of girls is just awesome.  I love being a girl.  Gee we know how to have fun.

2. Toblerone - when the girls were off to the land of nod each night, we popped on Pride and Prejudice and got stuck into the toblerone.  Oh life is good.

3. Giggling - the sound of two little girls giggling will always be one of my favourite sounds.


Happy grateful day.

Join in at Village voices. 

I'm grateful for {a splash of colour}

Source: newyorksweethearts.tumblr.com via Brenda on Pinterest

It's official!  I'm over winter.  Over. It!  There I said it!  I know there are not many days to go....(14 more sleeps) till Spring is here....but I would just like a little bit of sunshine and less freezing icy chill!

I'm noticing all the blossoms getting in early and giving me a lovely colour of pink and white as I walk to school....The magnolia's in their gorgeous hues of pinks and purples are ever so delightful, my snazzy purple nail polish my daughter insisted I needed or my bright coral lipstick....man I'll do anything for colour these days! Even the amount of full bright yellow lemons on so many front yard trees is enough to make this yellow crazy mumma jump the fence and bag me a bundle (but I don't of course).

So this week, I'm grateful for colour....because in amoungst the rain, wind and washing all the black clothes that is the Melbourne uniform I am appreciating colour even more.  The flowers, the gold cushions I made, my girl dressing in her brightest outfit or the stack of stunning colourful fabrics waiting for some much needed attention.  I love colour.  I tend to embrace it more...add more colour to my home, my wardrobe, my life.

Colour is good, colour is happy and life would be so dull without it!

What are you grateful for?

Join at Kidspot and now the fun continues on Instagram!  Add #52weeksofgrateful to your snaps and join in twice as much fun!

I'm grateful for...{kindness}

A simple Grateful today....

Kindness.

More of it, even just tiny random acts of kindness.  Give it, receive it!

This clip makes my heart sing and my tears swell! Go Adele!

Play At Kidspot Village Voices with this lovely lady

Happy Grateful day
xx

I'm grateful for {days together}

Source: fromthetortoiseandthehare.blogspot.com via Chaymae on Pinterest

Gee I haven't blogged since last grateful day.

The holidays have captivated most of my time, and quite honestly....It's been lovely.  I've put my gear in neutral...I'm idling along and we all got away from the city for a few days as a family to breathe in some country winter air and it was....delightful.

So this week I'm grateful for....

Days together... Family days spent together, not doing much or doing heaps. Going out for dinner, trying new cuisines,  staying up past "bed time" and the general chit chat that somehow comes with owning a six and nearly four year old.  The endless games, requests for entertainment (our first visit to the movies was a success!) and of course being with the three people I love the most.  We've spent time doing the same things and time just doing our own thing in the company of each other.

Tell me what you love doing with your family?

And remember to join in here at Kidspot with Bron from Maxabella Loves 



xx

I'm grateful for {simple pleasures}

Source: ohhellofriendblog.com via Brenda on Pinterest

First week of the holidays almost over and I have to say...It's been pleasurable.  No getting to school on time, no lunches and bags to pack and library books or notes to remember.  Lazy mornings rule, and days are spent with friends, or playing at home or out and about.

This week I'm grateful for....

Simple pleasures...the joy of catching up with friends...sharing a meal...a bunch of flowers, a board game with the kids, no routine, baking, impromptu singing session, a good belly laugh, winter sunshine on your face or a good book.

All of the above plus more....something simple that brings pleasure.

Join Maxabella over at Kidspot and join in the Grateful Linky!

xx

I'm grateful for {....feeling spirited}

Source: flickr.com via Brenda on Pinterest

I love being part of the Grateful Reunion Party.  I joined Bron in being grateful two years ago when she first started and I loved how the followers grew and grew and I got to share and be inspired by so many other gratefuls.  Lately I've been a slack grateful-er (sorry Bron, I'll pick up my game I promise!)....so I'm grateful that this reunion prompted my much needed kick up the backside to start taking a moment in my day to stop and be grateful...even for small things.  Because sometimes it's the small things that make up the bigger picture and make it all worthwhile. 

This week I'm Grateful for....

...feeling spirited....

After a week of pain, and finally getting myself and the family back to normal, I'm feeling the only way is up.  My spirit is increasing, the school holidays officially start tonight and our little family is making plans to make sure we pack a lot of fun into the next few weeks.  There will be catch ups with friends and family, road trips,  and just hanging out having fun. 

Is the best part of recovery the energy it brings, the feeling that it made you stronger, more determined and resolved to use that spirit for the better?  I do. 

Join in and be grateful and that BIG reunion party over at Village Voices!  Happy 2nd Grateful Birthday Bron! 

xx

a week of {labour} pain

Source: etsy.com via Brenda on Pinterest

What a week it's been, and quite frankly, I'd rather not have a week like that again.  Ever.

It all started last weekend, when I was excitedly looking forward to having friends over for dinner.  I ignored a slight little pangs of pain that was lurking all day thinking "I'll be fine".

Famous last words.

As I served up entree, I looked at my homemade gnocchi and turned to my friends and made some apologies and spent the rest of the night on the couch.  Pain increased and what can I say....It felt like I was having a baby.    I thought after a good lie down and I'd be fine.   Wrong again.

Hours past and I could see the worry on my husbands face.

He called the ambulance.  The rest of the week has been spent in a blur of tests, scans, morphine (oh bless that morphine), a discharge, a re-addmition, more tests, anaesthetic and finally I'm home.  And it seems I'm not the only one who's had some medical emergency! 

I won't bore you with the gory details, but it seems my women's bits and my digestive bits were having issues which was causing excruciating labour-like pains.

But one thing I was grateful for, was the rally of support.  Family, friends and school mums, phoned, emailed and dropped by cooked dinners all week.  Girlfriends ensured my magazine and toiletries supplies were up to date.  It meant this stay-at-home mumma could rest (drugged up on morphine reading the last two Fifty Shades books) and indulge in getting better.  

I'm grateful for {solitude}

I realised early on in my life (oh say about eight or nine) that being by yourself wasn't such a bad thing.

I didn't need to always have someone around me, playing with me, entertaining me or even just sitting next to me.  I loved finding a little quiet place in the house or in the backyard to potter around, think, craft or read.

Nothings changed - although the responsibilties of an eight year old compared to now are somewhat different (and envious).  But I love some solitude. Don't get me wrong....I'll be the first one to invite you over for coffee, cake a chat or head out to a dinner party or even scream madly whilst running around with my kids in the backyard.  I'm up for that too. Alot of that actually.

But solitude. Even the word. Solitude.  Say it with me.....Solitude. Sounds good hey.

I'm more than happy with me, my own thoughts, something to do (for me) or even not for me (like folding amd sorting the families washing)....anything really. In Solitude.  It's calming, comforting and nice.

So today I'm grateful for Solitude.  That when it visits, I grab it, relish it, take it as time to nuture me and fully enjoy it.

Do you like Solitude??

Please join in here.

;

I'm grateful for {the nucleus}

Source: camilaprada.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Family.  It's what defines us, nurtures us, embodies us, hopefully meets our needs and help us dream.

A family is only a strong as the individual components that make it up.

The nucleus...the heart of the family....the shared beat.....

Today that's what I'm grateful for....

I'm grateful that I feel such a strong connection with the three other people that reside with me.  They love me, and I love them - unconditionally.  As my children are getting older and personalities are developing I'm proud and honoured just to be apart of it.  As my husband forges on, creates his personal dreams and concurs them, I relish in standing by him and knowing that I can celebrate with him (or not but just be there).  And me.  My three cheerleaders cheering for me, backing me up, supporting me and loving me.

No. matter. what.

For the most part This Family works like a well oiled machine.  We are evolving, creating memories on a daily basis and I just am so very very grateful.

Join in with this lovely lady who I must say, made one very stunning bride ten years ago today.

Happy weekend
xx

52 weeks of grateful {patience}

Source: esther-fromthesticks.blogspot.com via Brenda on Pinterest

There are a lot of virtues and skills required to be a mother.  Some more important than others.

One I hold as one of the most essential is that of Patience.

Patience is something I thought I had in abundance prior to children, but I soon learnt that it is something I will never take for granted.  Some days I wonder what happened to my patience.   I get annoyed at myself, and then loose even more patience.  Days when breakfast is spilt on the floor, children don't want to wear a jumper and the temperature outside is in single digits and no matter how many times I insist on the no running inside rule, it gets broken at least five hundred and eighty times a day.  The constant "where is my..." infiltrating my mind along with the "I cant find...", the "I'm hungry..." and the "But why..."  all of these are sent to test but one virtue.

Patience.  Times when you tie up a shoelace for the tenth time in 5 minutes, or find yourself sprawled on your tummy legs flaying about trying to reach that essential piece of lego.  Or heaven forbid you cut the sandwiches into triangles and not squares.  And don't even think about having privacy in the bathroom anymore.  Yes, it's those moments I rely heavily on Patience.

Today I'm grateful for patience.  For when I can rally enough of it, it helps make my days easier, enjoyable and even lovely.  It makes me a better person and helping me take a deep breath and ride the motherhood wave.

What are you grateful for today?

Join the new home here.
Thanks Maxabella
xx

I'm grateful for....{a little imagination}

Source: care2.com via Claudia on Pinterest

Ahhhhh....i could not sigh more deeply that the end of the week is here. It's been a long grueling week, and I'm totally up for some fun weekend action.


Today I'm grateful for....


1. Great outcomes - After weeks of recruitment, interviewing and discussing late into the night - it finally ended. I was over the moon yesterday when our favourite applicant accepted the Teachers job at my kids Kinder. The enormous amount of responsibility I felt along with my other parent helpers was getting overwhelming but I'm so relieved to have a great outcome. I love our community run kinder, and I'm a little excited as the new teacher has a little touch of Mary Poppins about her!


2. Challenges - I'm usually, mostly, or even sometimes up for a challenge. I think they are good for the soul, and make us stronger. I've learnt things I never thought I would need to know going through this whole recruitment process that I have a deeper appreciation of what amazing, special people Early Childhood Teachers are.


3. Sense of community - It's wonderful when you work towards an outcome or the greater good of your local community. Even though I live in a city, I appreciate and am grateful for those that look in their own backyard first and make that a better place.

Happy grateful to all of you! If you are grateful, stop by with this lovely lady and share with us!


xx

I'm grateful for {the right attitude}

I'm hoping that today I get to enjoy the sunshine, play with the kids and get some much needed crafty projects ticked off the list.  A plan for a good day.  But first, I need to be grateful, because it's been a bit hectic around here.  We've done some travelling and both hubby and I have been ships in the night no really kicking back and doing quality time stuff due to working, attending meeting, volunteering, and general stuff that life throws at you....

So, joining in with the ever so happy Bron from Maxabella Loves....

I'm grateful for...

1. The right attitude - because really, the right one can get you going, moving forward and see you through to the end.  The wrong one can just make one hellava mess even messer.  I'm really grateful that most of the time, my attitude is what can get me through....

2. Volunteers - when I signed up last year as President of the Kinder Committee I least expected to be recruiting for a new Kinder Teacher.  I've been thrown in head first with HR, advertising, resume reading, and the like, so ...I love my little gang of volunteers that are sticking with me to the end!

3. Priorities - when life gets busy, and things have to get shifted - it's time to rearrange those priorities.   Take care of your loved ones and yourself so you can all take care of the rest.

Grateful for something???  Join in here....

xx

I'm grateful for....{bicycles}

Hey, it's that time of the week....time to be stand still and be grateful.  Bron's back too.  Whoo hoo!  Bron, we missed you, but I think we all had a bit of fun with the touring gratefuls too.

So today I'm grateful for...

1.  Bicycles -   My kids love them, I love them, and there is just something special about watching your kids ride around, feeling the air hit their face and be free.

2. Crafting in numbers -  well, it's no surprise I love to craft, but crafting in a group, or even with just one other crafty soul just makes it even the more enjoyable.  I ventured out to a little crafty get together this week with my special tailored bag in tow and its fabulous to be surrounding by so many other crafty types.

3. Breakfast out -  It's not often we go out for breakfast...but the other morning I was particularly feeling like some poached eggs and instead of making them at home...the kids and I went off to a local cafe (kid friendly recommended) and enjoyed kiddy pancakes and eggs florentine for me!  It felt super luxurious...

Please join in the fun!
xx

I'm grateful for...{a good catch up}

Source: google.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Wow - Grateful Day already!!!  How did that happen....where did the week go?  Are you back yet Bron??  We miss you!  Anyway...I'm not complaining...I love a good excuse to shout out some gratefuls and here are mine for this week.

Today I'm Grateful For...

1. A catch up - this weekend hubby and I are heading out and catching up with some old friends.  As the planning was taking place, more and more friends became aware so our smallish group just became a whole lot bigger.  It's so nice to look forward to catching up with a great group of friends, to celebrate...well, friendship!

2. School holidays - I'm a mother with smallish children, so I haven't yet got tired of school holidays, so to me, I love that we can make plans, go to new places, meet up with friends and have no routine to bother us!

3. Projects - I love a good project....something to sink my teeth into, be a craft, diy, decorating, or planning a bit of a re-vamp....I'm a busy little bee and I think I always have to have something on the go.

What about you?  Grateful?  We're linking up with Sonia at Lioness Lady....so if you have something to say....  Share it here!

xx

I'm grateful for...{a little kiss kiss}

Source: dailymail.co.uk via Brenda on Pinterest

Welcome welcome, to all that have come over from our delightful Maxabella Loves as I play host to this week's Grateful Link up. Grateful Day has become part of my weekly routine...what about you?  I often think during the week, when something happens, or I have a moment and I often say to myself "gee, I'm grateful for that..."  And this linky is a fabulous way of sharing it....

So what are you Grateful for this week??

Today, I'm grateful for...

1.  Kisses - they come in many forms.  The pash from your loved one, the cheek kisses, the air kisses from friends and family, kisses planted on top of heads and those delightful little sloppy ones from children.  My daughter learnt to make that cute little "mshaw mshaw" noise, and now, her kisses are just that little more frequent!

2. Spring Time - yes, it's here (well, it was and then it went and now I think it's here again)....but you get my drift.  That lovely feeling of slightly warmer weather, longer sunshine-y days, more outside playing, washing actually drying on the line (the same day you put it out!), and spring cleaning!  Yep, I'm slowly making my way through each and every cupboard, nook, and cranny and tidying up this house and getting ready for awesome weather!

3. Ikea Catalogue - I know pretty naff!  But since it arrived in my letterbox last week, I've been reading it like a novel, pouring over all those gorgeous done-up rooms that have me marvelling at how efficient and amazing it all looks.  I've even made list (or should i say wish list!).  The problem is, actually getting the courage to go there (cue music from Jaws).  It's a daunting place. If only I could buy online!

Now you've come all this way, please play along with me today and link up!  Bron and I will be so excited if you do.....



Add your Grateful post to the list below (and please, we love you, but it really does matter that your post is one about being grateful, not just a random), and pretty-please add a link back to the list. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are spreading a little sunshine... 

I'm grateful for...{fairies}

Source: camillaengman.blogspot.com via Jonahliza on Pinterest

Oh I'm so excited to be joining up with my fashionista friend Kymmie who is delightfully hosting Grateful day on behalf of Maxabella (whom we miss heaps!)

So, today I'm grateful for...

1. Fairies - well to be specific the Dummy Fairy, who I came last week and took all my daughters dummies to give to other little babies who needed them.  The Dummy Fairy left a small little present (jar of glitter, some Lark Daisy Lane swap cards and a little money).  This softened the blow of dealing without those much loved dummies, and to my surprise, my daughter hasn't looked back.

2.  Winter boots - seriously I don't think there is a winter item I love more than winter boots.....I've come back from a European Summer to the bitter cold of Melbourne weather.  But in the gloom, there is the silver lining of being able to wear my boots just that little bit longer....

3. Photos - they help explain memories and are nice way to reflect on times past.

what are you Grateful for today....Please pop by our host for this week and join in.

xx

I'm grateful for family adventures....

Yep, more travel photos, as I join with with Maxabella via Beetle Shack for today's Gratefuls...

Because of course I'm grateful for...

Family Adventures!! Travelling with kids is not for the faint hearted.  It takes organisation plus, it takes a whole bucket load of patience and more, and it also means going with the flow and allowing your guard down (and breaking routine frequently) so that you can indulge in the spirit that is adventure and holiday fun.  And that's exactly what we did.  We adapted to the way of life of the Italians, and my kids did super well.  We had fun, and enjoyed everything together as a family. And we were never in bed before midnight!  We soaked up all that this holiday had to offer and more...

The memories we created will be with us forever and a joy to reflect on in years to come. 

What are you Grateful for?  Join in! 

xx

I'm grateful for....{ciao ciao}

Source: sterlingstyle.net via a s h l e e on Pinterest

Yes, joining in with Maxabella Loves as I have every reason to be Grateful! 

Today I'm Grateful For....

1.  Overseas Travel....depending on when you read this post - me and my little family will be taking off on the beginning of our overseas adventure. 

2. My pocket Italian translation book -So che inizialmente sarà la mia bibbia, ma I' la m. che spera di guadagnare la fiducia per lasciarla è e per comunicare appena il colloquio!

3. reunions and new family - during our travels, we will be reunited with family already known, but will get to meet others for the first time.  

xx

Join here

xx

English translation for number 2

"I know that initially it will be my bible, but I'm hoping to gain the confidence to just leave it be and talk the talk!" 

I'm grateful for..... (nostalgia)

Joining in with the beautiful minded Maxabella Loves, on this day to be Grateful.

Today I'm grateful for....

1.  Heading home - I took the kids up to the country town where my mum and dad live, and I spent a lot of my childhood.  It's a small country town that is very sleepy during the winter months.

2. Nostalgia - The return home meant re-living some memories that I enjoyed as a kid.  Above is a picture of the dodgem cars that are at a very small and almost vintage entertainment park.  The kids had an awesome time, just like I remember spending waaaaayyyyy to many hours doing the exact same thing when I was small.

3. Country Op shops - Whilst my kids were entertained by grandma, I got the hit the country op shops.  Why are they so much better than city ones?

Happy Grateful day - Join here. 

xx