Avril Lavigne's Alice in Wonderland
When the world's crashing down
When I fall and hit the ground
I will turn myself around
Don't you try and stop me
I will cry though, it is a release, a sign of things being washed away. It isn't a weakness.
“Fall seven times, Stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb
January 8, 2012
January 7, 2012
How's the Serenity?!
I am feeling a bit chuffed with myself and my goal for being productive this year.
Mr P took a large load to the dump today after we cleaned out the shed. We do have a rather large bit to go, but I am pretty certain a lot of the junk has gone.
My Dad took a load to the recycle this week too, I know we will have a lot to give away, but we have started to do so.
My bookcase has been tidy and well organised for a whole week. Score!
Now for the hotspots,the kitchen and dining table, to be smashed and I am on a roll!
Ways I am conquering the crap:
Reducing my work by reducing our belongings.
We had heaps of clothes, more than anyone could wear in a month.
I have gone through the boys draws and now when they pull every piece of clothing out of their draws, it isn't so bad. I make them pick them up and put them away. They aren't folded anymore, but the boys have figured out is much easier to keep them in the right spot.
I am a book gatherer. I LOVE books, they are like old friends. Comfort.
I was given some really useful advice so I am going to share it.
Books? Must be a true source of inspiration, have the intention to be re-read, have continuing lend-ability or everyday reference-ability, etc)
Fewer objects enhance our lives, not more.
Everything has a place and everything in it's place
It has always been a fight to get my boys to tidy up. I didn't realise it had so much to do with how they understood the process. If something has a spot, they know where it is to go when they pack it up.
I have made some play sheets for different activities. They play their games on the sheet and they put the toys away with the sheet. It works so well. I have to redevelop the storage unit that we have for the boys things because it isn't all that productive, but it will be. I think hooks for bags and the slide storage units for bigger toys is the way to go. I am using an old entertainment unit so not all the shelves are the right size or shape.
Do little bits often
There is always something to do. ALWAYS. It is so draining to be thinking of the million and one things that the dawn of a day brings. So I make sure I make a goal at the beginning of the day.
I have subscribed to 'the domestic housewife' page on Facebook. I have only been a follower for the last week but she always posts a goal to accomplish each day. You can follow her's or make your own.
I give myself rewards, if I have done a certain amount of time on a chore, I will give myself the same time on the computer, or reading. Then I do some more of the task and then might make myself a cup of tea, play with the boys, or any fun activity.
It doesn't feel so much like hard work when broken up.
So these are my strategies. I feel successful because I am accomplishing the mountain!
I sure do love the serenity!
Mr P took a large load to the dump today after we cleaned out the shed. We do have a rather large bit to go, but I am pretty certain a lot of the junk has gone.
My Dad took a load to the recycle this week too, I know we will have a lot to give away, but we have started to do so.
My bookcase has been tidy and well organised for a whole week. Score!
Now for the hotspots,the kitchen and dining table, to be smashed and I am on a roll!
Ways I am conquering the crap:
Reducing my work by reducing our belongings.
We had heaps of clothes, more than anyone could wear in a month.
I have gone through the boys draws and now when they pull every piece of clothing out of their draws, it isn't so bad. I make them pick them up and put them away. They aren't folded anymore, but the boys have figured out is much easier to keep them in the right spot.
I am a book gatherer. I LOVE books, they are like old friends. Comfort.
I was given some really useful advice so I am going to share it.
Books? Must be a true source of inspiration, have the intention to be re-read, have continuing lend-ability or everyday reference-ability, etc)
Fewer objects enhance our lives, not more.
Everything has a place and everything in it's place
It has always been a fight to get my boys to tidy up. I didn't realise it had so much to do with how they understood the process. If something has a spot, they know where it is to go when they pack it up.
I have made some play sheets for different activities. They play their games on the sheet and they put the toys away with the sheet. It works so well. I have to redevelop the storage unit that we have for the boys things because it isn't all that productive, but it will be. I think hooks for bags and the slide storage units for bigger toys is the way to go. I am using an old entertainment unit so not all the shelves are the right size or shape.
Do little bits often
There is always something to do. ALWAYS. It is so draining to be thinking of the million and one things that the dawn of a day brings. So I make sure I make a goal at the beginning of the day.
I have subscribed to 'the domestic housewife' page on Facebook. I have only been a follower for the last week but she always posts a goal to accomplish each day. You can follow her's or make your own.
I give myself rewards, if I have done a certain amount of time on a chore, I will give myself the same time on the computer, or reading. Then I do some more of the task and then might make myself a cup of tea, play with the boys, or any fun activity.
It doesn't feel so much like hard work when broken up.
So these are my strategies. I feel successful because I am accomplishing the mountain!
I sure do love the serenity!
January 3, 2012
Productivity
I have had a word for the last few years, which is something I strive to remember and to be.
This year, 2012, is my year of productivity.
I am needing to be productive in my goal of good mental health. I have struggled with depression since I was pregnant with my now 3 year old.
I am wanting to be more productive in my daily chores. I have started by decluttering and slowly I am working through our house to minimalise the work I have to do.
I am going to be productive with being more active. More movement = more energy. I need that.
I am going to be more productive about booking time for me. Be it making an appointment for the doctor when I have had an infected toe for 4 months, or taking time to do craft which makes me happy.
It is a large goal, but if I make it the focus for this year, I know I will be more content in life.
So my song for myself is this I like to move it. Will-I-Am It never fails to make me 'move it'.
This year, 2012, is my year of productivity.
I am needing to be productive in my goal of good mental health. I have struggled with depression since I was pregnant with my now 3 year old.
I am wanting to be more productive in my daily chores. I have started by decluttering and slowly I am working through our house to minimalise the work I have to do.
I am going to be productive with being more active. More movement = more energy. I need that.
I am going to be more productive about booking time for me. Be it making an appointment for the doctor when I have had an infected toe for 4 months, or taking time to do craft which makes me happy.
It is a large goal, but if I make it the focus for this year, I know I will be more content in life.
So my song for myself is this I like to move it. Will-I-Am It never fails to make me 'move it'.
December 28, 2011
Our Amazing Wedding
I became so wrapped up in my celebrations, I didn't share our day.
We were married on the 15th October 2011. It began with our family waking up in the same bed at our home. We spent the night before doing normal family things and it was a lovely way to wake and start our day.
Mr P and our boys were picked up about 9 and the clock started to tick. We started with a lovely breakfast, fruit, muesli, yoghurt and other good food. My Bridesmaids gave me a massage, a manicure and I was spoilt. Mid morning my husband to be came by and gave me a lovely bunch of flowers and a chocolate, he looked nervous and excited. I met him with curlers in my hair. hehe. He said I looked very relaxed, it was because I was.
I was so excited to be finally here, at the moment I was going to share my love in front of our family and friends.
The day went by quickly and with fleeting visits from family. My neice was literally bouncing from excitment at being our flower girl. We had some problems with her dress before the day, but it fit beautifully.
After all our hair was done (no mean feat with 4 bridesmaids, a flowergirl and me), my women took me to get my dress on. It was the most surreal feeling to be dressed by someone else, let alone 4 of them. Ha!
We proceeded out to the loungeroom and they put on my jewellery. I had thought the dressing was different, you have no idea how weird it was to have my earring put into my ear. So odd.
I was all ready and we started to get some photo's. My boys arrived, looking so gorgeous, and we were ready to drive to the location.
I had organised a spot on the beach really close to our home, but as it was blowing 30knot winds, we decided to change the location to the other end of the beach where it was a bit more sheltered from the massive winds.
With the move, we ended up needing cars. My friend owned a large enough car and we were able to go in two cars that were both silver, my bridemaids in one, my Dad, my boys and I in the other. It was still not feeling like the time had come, until we turned a corner and the breath got stuck in my throat. It was time.
My husband to be and his groomsmen were waiting at the closest end of a red carpet, our guests to either side, our minister at the other end of the carpet.
My flowergirl went first carrying a bouquet of buttons.
My bridesmaids were escorted by the groomsmen with wrist corsages.
My Dad gave my arm to MR P and our boys and he walked down before us.
I was greeted by Mr P who said, 'Wow, you have blown me away. You look amazing.'
We walked down the carpet with our closest friends and our families looking on. We had A love idea by Mark Knopfler playing.
We had a beautiful ceremony and shared our vows.
Mr P, you have filled my world with even more meaning.
You have made me happy.
you are my best friend and Father to our children
I promise to encourage and inspire you and to laugh with you
I promise to support the Knights when they are winning,
and if they are losing.
Thank you for taking me as I am; loving me,
and welcoming me into your heart.
As we grow together throughout our marriage,
I hope we never realise just how high our high can be.
I, Phoenix give myself to you Mr P to be your husband.
I will love you, comfort you, honour and protect you and
be faithful to you for the rest of our lives.
And his to me
From this day forward I promise you these things.
I will laugh with you in times of joy,
I will share in your dreams, and support
you as you strive to achieve your goals.
I will listen to you with compassion and understanding,
and speak to you with encouragement.
I will help you when you need it,
and step aside when you don't.
You are my best friend and
I will love and respect you always.
I, Mr P give myself to you Phoenix to be your husband.
I will love you, comfort you, honour and protect you and
be faithful to you for the rest of our lives.
We shared our vows with our oldest son taking in every word. He knew that we were sharing something incredibly special. It was beautiful to have him share such a moment.
We signed our marriage certificate while listening to Into my arms by Nick Cave
It was perfect.
We were introduced as MR and MRS and our family and friends cheered. My husband's family are from Scotland and we payed tribute to his heritage as we finished our ceremony. We played Highland Cathedral (there is a stupid ad before the song, and our version was a tad different, it was more brisk to begin with.)
We had some nibbles and champagne by the beach and enjoyed the company before we started the photos.
Our reception was wonderful, we had fantastic food and great company.
It was an ideal day, so perfect. *happy sigh*
We were married on the 15th October 2011. It began with our family waking up in the same bed at our home. We spent the night before doing normal family things and it was a lovely way to wake and start our day.
Mr P and our boys were picked up about 9 and the clock started to tick. We started with a lovely breakfast, fruit, muesli, yoghurt and other good food. My Bridesmaids gave me a massage, a manicure and I was spoilt. Mid morning my husband to be came by and gave me a lovely bunch of flowers and a chocolate, he looked nervous and excited. I met him with curlers in my hair. hehe. He said I looked very relaxed, it was because I was.
I was so excited to be finally here, at the moment I was going to share my love in front of our family and friends.
The day went by quickly and with fleeting visits from family. My neice was literally bouncing from excitment at being our flower girl. We had some problems with her dress before the day, but it fit beautifully.
After all our hair was done (no mean feat with 4 bridesmaids, a flowergirl and me), my women took me to get my dress on. It was the most surreal feeling to be dressed by someone else, let alone 4 of them. Ha!
We proceeded out to the loungeroom and they put on my jewellery. I had thought the dressing was different, you have no idea how weird it was to have my earring put into my ear. So odd.
I was all ready and we started to get some photo's. My boys arrived, looking so gorgeous, and we were ready to drive to the location.
I had organised a spot on the beach really close to our home, but as it was blowing 30knot winds, we decided to change the location to the other end of the beach where it was a bit more sheltered from the massive winds.
With the move, we ended up needing cars. My friend owned a large enough car and we were able to go in two cars that were both silver, my bridemaids in one, my Dad, my boys and I in the other. It was still not feeling like the time had come, until we turned a corner and the breath got stuck in my throat. It was time.
My husband to be and his groomsmen were waiting at the closest end of a red carpet, our guests to either side, our minister at the other end of the carpet.
My flowergirl went first carrying a bouquet of buttons.
My bridesmaids were escorted by the groomsmen with wrist corsages.
My Dad gave my arm to MR P and our boys and he walked down before us.
I was greeted by Mr P who said, 'Wow, you have blown me away. You look amazing.'
We walked down the carpet with our closest friends and our families looking on. We had A love idea by Mark Knopfler playing.
We had a beautiful ceremony and shared our vows.
Mr P, you have filled my world with even more meaning.
You have made me happy.
you are my best friend and Father to our children
I promise to encourage and inspire you and to laugh with you
I promise to support the Knights when they are winning,
and if they are losing.
Thank you for taking me as I am; loving me,
and welcoming me into your heart.
As we grow together throughout our marriage,
I hope we never realise just how high our high can be.
I, Phoenix give myself to you Mr P to be your husband.
I will love you, comfort you, honour and protect you and
be faithful to you for the rest of our lives.
And his to me
From this day forward I promise you these things.
I will laugh with you in times of joy,
I will share in your dreams, and support
you as you strive to achieve your goals.
I will listen to you with compassion and understanding,
and speak to you with encouragement.
I will help you when you need it,
and step aside when you don't.
You are my best friend and
I will love and respect you always.
I, Mr P give myself to you Phoenix to be your husband.
I will love you, comfort you, honour and protect you and
be faithful to you for the rest of our lives.
We shared our vows with our oldest son taking in every word. He knew that we were sharing something incredibly special. It was beautiful to have him share such a moment.
We signed our marriage certificate while listening to Into my arms by Nick Cave
It was perfect.
We were introduced as MR and MRS and our family and friends cheered. My husband's family are from Scotland and we payed tribute to his heritage as we finished our ceremony. We played Highland Cathedral (there is a stupid ad before the song, and our version was a tad different, it was more brisk to begin with.)
We had some nibbles and champagne by the beach and enjoyed the company before we started the photos.
Our reception was wonderful, we had fantastic food and great company.
It was an ideal day, so perfect. *happy sigh*
December 22, 2011
Christmas craft
I was asked to write out how I made this Christmas ball so I thought I would post it here.
What you need-
Foam balls, the ball I used was about the size of an orange, if you can get a size smaller it would probably be easier.
Ribbon that has wire in the edge, between 1 and 2 inches wide.
Flat head pins
Scissors
I got the balls and pins from Spotlight, I can't remember the name of the type of pins but they are metal with a flat head and about 2cm's long.
I couldn't explain with words so I took a rough pictures to show. This ribbon is too thin and has no wire but you should be able to get the idea.
The first part of the roll with the uneven end, cut about 5 cm of flat ribbon. Then start folding and cutting along the edge where the tails meet the edge. As above.
There will be 4 pieces on each round so I usually cut 8 at a time. I folded the first piece and then cut the ribbon while flat and folded after just to make it easier.
Pin the flat 5 cm piece at the top of the ball. I put a pin in each long side to keep it secure. Then line up 4 points to meet in the middle of the ribbon piece. Pin one of the sides, at the widest point, one each side. Then line up each one as you go around. When you have got the 4th triangle in line, each piece should touch in the middle.
The above shows the flat piece, the 4 points that would meet in the middle and also the next step.
Pin the next round with the tip covering the edges of the above two pieces, so alternating where the tip is.
This is how I pinned each piece, I would pin the widest points of the triangle each round, and then in the next layer the pin would be in the middle of the point from the last layer.
Continue pinning and alternating until you get to the bottom of the ball. Each row will have 4 pieces that will meet at the widest part of the triangle. Some you will have to fiddle to make it cover the previous row and to meet, but keep at it.
On the last round I folded in the edges so that the points weren't showing and then I glued a flat piece over the edges and bit of ball that was still not covered.
These are the two that I have done.
Happy Creating.
May 8, 2011
Being a Mumma
My poor neglected blog. I had a splurge of despair and it has been sitting idle ever since. *sigh*
I have been chipping away at our wedding plans. It is 5 months away now and feeling like it is heading towards me like a fun freight train, if that is possible! HA!
Well it is Mother's day! I think of my Grandma who I can't ring to say thanks for being such a presence in my life. I think of my Mum who tries very hard to be a positive force in my life. I think of my own journey.
I feel so thankful that I can be a Mother! I am blessed to be able to hold and love and kiss my beautiful boys! It is an amazing feeling to have these little men in my life. I sometimes feel like packing it all in, it is a big responsibility and I am not sure that I am the best person for this job. Then I see my son's eyes light up when I walk into the room and I know that I am, no one could do it better.
Enjoy today! xx
I have been chipping away at our wedding plans. It is 5 months away now and feeling like it is heading towards me like a fun freight train, if that is possible! HA!
Well it is Mother's day! I think of my Grandma who I can't ring to say thanks for being such a presence in my life. I think of my Mum who tries very hard to be a positive force in my life. I think of my own journey.
I feel so thankful that I can be a Mother! I am blessed to be able to hold and love and kiss my beautiful boys! It is an amazing feeling to have these little men in my life. I sometimes feel like packing it all in, it is a big responsibility and I am not sure that I am the best person for this job. Then I see my son's eyes light up when I walk into the room and I know that I am, no one could do it better.
Enjoy today! xx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)