Surprise!

Scott and I had a secret task to get through this weekend. And yesterday, we weren't too confident that it would come off. Scott's little brother is turning thirty and his lovely girlfriend Nat decided to organise a surprise party to mark the occasion. But being a part of the decoy plan to lure him to the venue, the pressure was on. As is always the case with these schemes, there were a string of happenings that added to the stress and excitement. Scott did a fabulous job of keeping Andy occupied over numerous beers and a couple of footy matches at the pub. Then when it was go time, he actually did look surprised. I'm never too sure just how genuinely oblivious people are when it comes to a surprise party... but he played the part well if he did suspect something.

I have been feeling decidedly dusty today. It was a top night, with warm, funny characters and plenty of tasty nibbles and drinks that went down nice and easy. A funky little location too, which complimented the upbeat mood perfectly. Hard to believe the teenager I met twelve years ago, is now in his thirties. Happy days young Anders!

Playgroup Wonderland

It's been so long since we attended our local playgroup, I'd forgotten the real attraction of the place. I think the last time we went along Felix was a young baby and Angus, an emotionally charged three year old. As I recall, the whole experience completely put me off going back. Which is unfortunate, because for the past year or so, we've definitely been missing out.

Thinking about how little exposure Felix gets to groups of children, prompted me to make the comeback. Since the end of his four month stint in daycare last year, he really hasn't been around children other than friends or family. And at this version of a playgroup wonderland, it didn't take long for him to feel right at home. Angus had a ball too. 

The Joys

Angus likes to fill his pockets these days. From bits of paper, to lego people, from crayons to cars. If it's small enough... and sometimes only just... he'll squeeze it in and off he goes. This morning, whilst unloading wet clothes from the washing machine, I made a discovery. The largest discovery yet. Special edition Tex from the first Cars movie. It made me smile seeing him resting right at the bottom. One thing is for sure, he is now clean and sparkling.

The boys are recognising their own physical strength more and more. When they wrestle, run, play and lift. Angus attempts to pick Felix up at every opportunity. Something Felix really loves or really... doesn't. love. Depending on his mood. As the days grow colder, our lounge room, right at the front of the house, is a lovely spot to be. The boys gravitate to the area just inside the front door. With oodles of sunlight streaming in, I don't blame them. I love these snippets of peace, when they coexist so beautifully together. Makes my job that much easier and it isn't too bad for them either.

Two of my favourite 'inside' moments of the day. 

Linking up with Faith Hope & a whole lotta Love for 'Snap It' and today's topic of: Inside.

More than enough

I felt a little frustrated today. We were running late for preschool. Again. Though this time, it was not my own doing. Two separate neighbours stopped us along our path, for a chat. And these particular neighbours love a chat. And so do I. I just wish I had an extra couple of hours in each day to actually stop and enjoy a chinwag. Instead of worrying about the freezing cold morning surrounding us and endeavouring to teach my boys the art of patience. I also wish I had the heart to tell people I'm running late or should of been where I needed to be half an hour ago. But I don't. I listen intently, smile politely and share my thoughts, because I know some people rely on these encounters in their day.

But what I really wish I had the heart to do, was tell people, to lay off on questioning whether I am going to have any more children. And more specifically, any girl children. One of the chats this morning went something like, "Oh the boys are looking more like their father every day... you need to have a little girl so you have one that looks like you, Julie... do you think you will try for a girl?" This neighbour is a lovely lady and she would mean no harm by asking such a question. But sometimes it would be nice if people stopped and considered for a minute, before speaking. Instead, maybe tell me that I have two gorgeous boys, who are enough. Because in reality, that is how I feel. I love babies and children and in a perfect world I would have had a family of four or five. For now, if I never have anymore children, I still feel blessed. If I do, it's a beautiful bonus. My experience earlier this year has impacted me in many ways and the most valuable lesson I've taken away from it is life is precious. So SO precious. It is to be enjoyed and savoured and appreciated.

So after returning home from preschool drop off and a whirlwind burn around the shops to pick up essential groceries, with a screeching Felix, who insisted on taking his shoes and socks off, throwing them down, then bucking and writhing in the stroller like a banshee... I. was. spent. An early nap for Felix, a thorough clean of the floors and a little time for me to clear the old head space, was all it took to bring me back from the edge. And then to look over my darling boy's preschool photos. My how I love them. They didn't do school photos like this when I was little. But I'm glad they do now. 

Images by Honeydew Photography

Mama

For the first time, this year, I experienced a genuine Mother's Day moment. Angus carefully and purposefully snuck a small parcel home from preschool last Tuesday. Covered in hand-painted wrapping paper, he informed me that it was to give to Daddy and I wasn't to touch it. I'm sure glad I didn't leave it up to either of them to actually remember it this morning, as they both completely forgot. But I didn't. I kind of hoped it would be something special. Something handmade. Something that I'd be able to treasure forever and a day. And it is. A framed drawing of me. I love it.

There were no excuses when it came to training this morning. I was out and amongst it by seven thirty, in blustery cold conditions. But it felt good. After spending time with my Mama on Friday, today we lunched with Scott's family. A nice afternoon was spent chatting, eating and drinking. All four cousins were beautifully behaved and had a ball playing together.

Four years in and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about being a Mama on Mother's Day. For so long it has always been about appreciating my own Mama, or in years gone by, my Nana. And for many years now, Scott's Mum. To me, it is just like any other day and I'm cool with that. I don't expect to be spoilt and certainly could not ask for anything more than my adoring boys to be around me, doing what they do. Just looking at their precious little faces is all the reward I need. I feel sincerely privileged to be their Mama.

Magic

I have very fond, vivid memories of climbing trees as a child. Working my way from branch to branch, edging closer to the canopy overhead. My feet all roughened and grubby. Excitement and anticipation surging through my veins. At times, my brother or a friend would be right there with me, sharing in the thrill. And other times, it would just be me. Alone with my thoughts and dreams. But whether I had company or was on my own, there were always imaginative games played out. From vast castles to great ships, from kings & queens to happy families. So many stories unveiled way up high in the tree tops.

There is this magnificent tree in a park near us. It occupies a good two thirds of the park... and it is so loved. It's root structure is a work of art in itself and it is upon this that the children in the neighbourhood play. Angus is into all things magic at the moment. Spells and tricks and make believe. Yesterday at the park, I overheard he and Felix conversing by the trunk of the spectacular tree. Angus doing all the talking. Felix just happy to be a part of the magic. And for a moment, it took me right back in time.

Black & White

As far as Autumn days go, I think today was the best kind. Twenty six toasty degrees. Buckets of sunshine. A clothes drying dream. As soon as the crispness of early morning melted away, the warmth broke through. No better feeling than hanging clean clothes on the line with the sun on my back. With the exception of a mid-afternoon wander to a local park, we were self-confessed home bodies. My demolition kings were out in full force in the backyard. It has to be a boy thing, wanting to tip things over, throw things out, pile things on top of each other... then knock them down and do it all again. I often find myself getting frustrated with this behaviour. But I'm learning to just let it be.

These are my first black and white shots. Not perfect, but I was pleased with them all the same. I really love black and white photographs, so might be making the switch, for certain snaps, from now on.

Linking up with Faith Hope & a whole lotta Love for 'Snap It' and today's topic of: Black & White.