Worry Not

Hello everyone, how are we today? I am not sure who really follows my ramblings really because you are all so quiet!!!!! I see there are many of you from all around the world and I am happy to have you joining me now and then.

Well as you all know I love to scrapbook. For the past month I have kept all my stuff out and sat at my table most days and just got stuck into it. It was amazing and it was a much needed time for me.  I also managed to keep up with things around the house. Whenever I needed a break I got up and pottered around and got little things done. 

It was nice to relax and focus on things I wanted to and not have to be so responsible for five minutes. Something I don't do very well being the control freak, order keeper and bossy mum lol. It felt amazing!

While I was in this scrapping zone, I really started thinking about what I enjoy and what makes me happy. Other than scrapping I really enjoy reading. Not the soppy romance kinda stuff. (That was all I read as a teen). Now the kind of books I read are the ones that improve me and get my mind thinking.

Recently I ordered a book called 'Unglued' by Lysa Terkeurst. It arrived yesterday and because I have packed up my scrapping stuff for a minute, I thought I would enjoy the sun while it was shining and enjoy a cuppa with my new book. I got through a few chapters and then had to come inside for a while. Without thinking I got onto the computer and just started looking up counselling courses to do online. I found one that will let me start when I am ready and at my own pace. I spoke to someone but have not decided if I want to start it yet. When I do it will be part time not all in like before. Will let you know how that goes.

A while later I made another cuppa and sat outside for more sun and read a few more chapters. One section made me stand up out of my chair and head strait to my computer and here I am.

This is the bit of gold that I found;

'The radio announcer was talking about how freaked out people get when their cats climb up trees. His guest was a firefighter who gets at least one call a week from someone wanting help to get their cat down. The firefighter said, if he has time, he'll help them out, but if he's not able to go, he gently reminds the cat owner that he's never seen a cat skeleton in a tree.'


I am someone who thinks about everything and want's to know that things will work out. If there is a problem I want to find the solution. I like all my 'duck's in a row' so everything will 'work out'.
Sometimes we control freaks need to let go and let God.
God has a plan.
God's plans will work out.
God's plan is better than ours.
Once we work that out, we find we don't need to know it all, and don't need all the answers before we let go.
I am slowly learning all of this, as I am sure some of you out there are.
If you can get a hold of 'Unglued', I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I have so far.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart;  do not depend on your own understanding           Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 3:5-6

Feeling Alive!???

Hello everyone! It's been a while I know. Having my three kids at home, home-schooling has been quite rewarding but also time consuming. I have thought to get on here but have not really wanted to. The inspiration just hasn't been there. There have been days where I felt quite ordinary and not really interested in anything.
When we started home-schooling, the plan was to do it just for the last half of this year. We have been to the kids old private school and hope to start them there next year.
With all these plans for them, I have been thinking a lot about my own plans. Plans to have five minutes to my self again, and what can I do once I have more free time again. I have tried the study thing and found it quite hard but it was interesting to me. I don't have long until my score runs out and I would have to re-sit the exam to get it back again, if I don't use it before then. This has made me wonder if I should try again. Just take it slow and see. I was studying counselling and i'm sure their was a reason why I started it.
I guess the biggest thing that has had me thinking was something that was said some weeks ago by my Pastor.
Pastor Ian was sharing how much he feels ALIVE! when he goes surfing. It's his thing. The way he was discribing how it makes him feel and how he tries to do it as much as possible, really got me thinking.
I actually have not stopped thinking about it since!
What has been on my mind since that day has had me wondering. What is my thing?
I guess looking back I have just been in mummy/wife mode for so long, that I have kinda forgotten who I am and what I like.
Yes I have enjoyed myself over the years but I really don't know if that real ALIVE! feeling has been there.
Yes I have all that I have ever wanted. Yes I am happy. But am I ALIVE!??
Does this mean I am a boring person? Have I not truly lived because I have not found my thing?
I guess this is how Satan can get at us and cause confusion and doubt in us. We can start comparing ourselves to others and what they do and what they have achieved.
If I really want to, I can keep thinking this way and feel like I have let myself down, when in reality I should just think of it as a time to re-evaluate and think of the great things I actually do.
When I had decided it was ok if I don't get that ALIVE! feeling when I do anything, I actually realised I am content with the things I do enjoy.
For me scrapbooking is what I love to do. I can't say it gets my adrenaline going but I do enjoy it, especially when scrapping with others. The more I do it the happier I get.
I have been constantly saying I wan't to scrap but never get it out unless someone is going to do it with me. I recently had some friends around to scrap and since then I have left it out so I can do little bits at a time. My house feels messy to me because it's all out and it does get to me, but at the same time I am happy I am doing something I love so I don't care.
I know my pastor was not intending to make anyone feel bad if they don't have a thing. What I think he was trying to tell us was..... go live your life and have fun, enjoy it and do what you love to do.
If you don't know what it is maybe it's time to find it. Just make sure it's something just for you and make it your thing.  

“In almost everything that touches our everyday life on earth, God is pleased when we’re pleased. He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our maker’s praise without anxiety.” ~A.W. Tozer

Cheers to new beginnings

Hi sorry I have been absent for so long. I had planned to blog a lot more than I have when I started on here. Life seems to get in the way and I don't seem to get here as often as I would like.

Lately there have been a lot of social engagements to attend and the kids had school holidays so not a lot of time for blogging during all of that.

The most important engagement was the wedding of my most beautiful 'couch' friend. The one I have blogged about earlier. She has finally found her prince charming and he has swept her off her feet. There was not a long courtship but when you know you have the right one, that really does not matter one bit. Luke and Alinta are a perfect match. I was a part of Alinta's first wedding and was honored to be a part of this one. It is so nice to see her so happy again.

The day was a causal affair but turned out beautiful in every way.

Luke and Alinta

My spunky husband(the photographer) and me

The latest news for our family is we have decided to go down the homeschool road. We had our kids in a private school and we were planning to re-locate a bit further south so took the kids out at the end of the year. This was a year and a half ago and things didn't quite pan out. Since then we bought a house locally and left the kids in the public school. Well needless to say, we saw some changes in them that were not what we would have like to see. They were doing okay academically but their changed behavior was not something we wanted to continue. The BIG choice was made and we are now schooling them at home through a distance education. Eventually we would like them to attend the private school again but we want to see some changes in them before we do. They are great kids but sometimes as a parent we need to step in and do our part to help them become greater

I know some people would probably think we are crazy or even controlling in a way. I think that is the whole point though. We would be crazy not to step in and steer them in a better direction and as parents it our responsibility to do the best job we know to do. It is not a long term path for us (well not at the moment) but I know others who love it and will continue on with it for years to come. Luckily for us the kids were all for it.

There have been some amazing days so far, lots of laughing and bonding going on. There has also been the odd grumble at the amount of work given at the moment due to testing to find out their grade level, but generally it's been a great move for us.

We are planning a family holiday for later this year and lucky for us we can go whenever we want to. We get to enjoy the quiet seasons when everyone else is not on holidays. What we are working on is where to go. The kids and I have never left Australia so would like to experience something new but the homebody in me thinks lets just go to Queensland.  

What I would love to know from any of my beautiful readers is where would you go? If you have been anywhere as a family and your kids had a blast please share with me so I can do a bit of research!!

Thanks in advance and please feel free to leave a comment even if its as anonomys........

Simple Ideas For us Mum's

60 Simple Ways to Reclaim Your Day

1. Turn on music. Try a soundtrack - it makes life feel a bit more dramatic. Meaningful. And maybe try dancing with that four year old.
2. Give everyone ice cream.
3. Turn on a movie and actually watch it with them.
4. Put shoes on and go for a walk.
5. Start a quiet time in the house. For everybody. Including you.
6. Work together to make cards for someone important.
7. Weed the garden.
8. Choose one room to clean and only work on that room.
9. Sit and pray. And pray some more.
10. Light some candles.
11. Wash dishes by hand - being grateful for those who eat from the dishes.
12. Read some books. Out loud.
13. Organize toys. I love this one, I love sorting, and cleaning, and establishing order.
14. Call a friend. 
15. Go for a walk. Walk to the park. Anything.
16. Rest in the grass and look at the clouds.
17. Sing songs together. Refer back to point one for options.
18. Paint. Anything. Again.
19. Give each of your children a hug and tell them you love them.
20. Write your spouse a note thanking him for all of his work.
21. Shake out some rugs. {helps with frustration}
22. Load everyone up in the car, drive to get coffee, and breathe.
23. Clean the garage.
24. Sit on the floor and build with legos.
25. Write stories together letting everyone add a new sentence.
26. Look through old pictures.
27. Watch old movies.
28. Be okay with not having everything perfect.
29. Pull out some workbooks.
30. Color together.
31. Have everyone sit at the table and brainstorm 5 things they want to do this summer.
32. Blow bubbles. Especially if you have littles.
33. Start to laugh. 
34. Count to 10. Or 100. Or 1000. Whatever it takes.
35. Write down 10 things you love about your child.
36. Start whispering to each other - you'll be amazed at how quiet it gets.
37. Pull weeds.
38. Make an obstacle course in the backyard.
39. Don't let the hard stuff of the day define your tomorrow.
40. Read some Scripture.
41. Bake cookies as a surprise.
42. Let the supermum ideal go.
43. Choose one thing to do right now. Do it well.
44. Wash walls. Get the kids involved. They'll think it's fun.
45. Search the house for change.
46. Sit down and have everyone be still for a bit.
47. Write Bible verses down. Read them. Post them around.
48. Be okay with telling your kids you're having a hard day.
49. Brew sun tea.
50. Remind yourself to never give up.
51. Give yourself grace.
52. Look at the littles while they sleep - gives perspective.
53. Run around the house. Or have the kids run around the house.
54. Go outside and play with them.
55. Tell your husband you love him and that you are proud of him.
56. Look for 3 blessings right around you.
57. Watch Gilligan's Island.
58. Watch Little House on the Prairie - the early seasons.
59. Don't compare your life with others.
60. Take some deep breaths.

And know - you are not alone.

We Have Created!!!

Well I have started a craft group at my church. So far there are seven of us doing our own projects. I am scrap booking along with some others, some are cross-stitching and long-stitching.
I have finally got my groove back and am loving all the pages I am getting done. I am thankful I get one day a week to just get my scrap stuff out and focus on nothing else for a few hours.
Recently I picked up a make your own card pack for all of $12 and decided I will have a go one day soon. I never thought I would make cards because I enjoy scrapping so much but I like the idea now so gave it a go.

Mine

Jarrod's

Anthony's

Well tonight was the night I got it out and tried. My boys even had a turn too. This is what we made. I hope you like them. I hope you get inspired to do some of your own projects too.....

Nicer Times

After an interesting time last week I was looking forward to some quieter days this week. With power back on, kids back at school and routine happening again, hubby and I managed to fit some quality time in.

We went and sussed out a place that sells chocolate and more chocolate. We walked in and thought we would walk out with some of the merchandise but after we had this we decided we had had enough chocolate for a while.

    Once we had a bit of room in our tummies we went and had some lunch at our favorite indian restaurant.
By the time we left we felt quite full but it was worth it just to spend some quality time together.

The rainbow at the end of the storm was the wood we managed to score from the tree and the pole that fell down. We definitely are well stocked for next winter now.

Philippians 4:19

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Knowing God's Peace In The Storm

Do you know how to stand firm in the storms and not let them sway you or blow you away?
This past week I was tested in a big way....
Upon coming home from church on sunday, my thoughts were on getting a birthday cake for my youngest son as we were having a family gathering later in the afternoon. It was all planned but what I didn't know was we were expecting a lot of wet and windy weather.
Living near the ocean is great in summer but winter can bring strong winds!
As we headed home I could tell the wind had picked up. There were tree branches every where along the road and as we got to the cake shop I knew we were in for a wild time and we needed to get home as soon as possible.
Upon getting home i realized we had no power and there was part of a shed/fence that was flapping in the wind. I knew I had to try tying it down but the wind was so strong and my eldest son and I could not do anything so we just left it. The feeling in the air was quite daunting and it felt like a 'Dorothy' moment for me so before we could get blown away or have something fly from out of nowhere to land on us we got inside!
In the end the wind snapped the shed piece in half and it landed on the ground so I felt better about it. As the wind died down a bit the kids and I went out the front and as we were talking to our neighbor we heard a crash. This is what we found......

We live near a park and I guess one of the trees decided the wind was too strong for it and it fell. Unfortunately for us it was on our power lines and this meant power would not be back on any time soon. There was a lot of damage around and we would have to just get in line and wait like everyone else. What a bummer that was. Thankfully we had a wood fire to keep us warm and still had the gas stove to cook. It's funny how we become so complacent and don't worry until something happens that makes us leave our comfort zones. Having the power on is something I am sure we all take for granted, when it's gone it makes for interesting times. I was content to carry on as usual but I have three techno kids who don't know much about a life that doesn't allow you to charge up the ipods! We did enjoy playing cards by candlelight and I enjoyed the early nights too.
So no power on at home, three kids not going to school and a husband away meant long days for me. The kids were fine but I could tell they were kinda unsure about what was going on. Tuesday came and usually when it's your birthday you have a good day. It happens that our youngest shares his birthday with me but because there was so much going on it didn't feel like a happy day at all. I actually wanted to just go back to bed and have it next week! Thankfully my beautiful friends Alinta and Luke had power and so we went over to visit to get some over due washing done and charge some things up. The weather warning on the news said we were due for another storm with strong winds so prepare. Alinta offered for us to stay the night. I said no to start with but after being at her place with some sort of normality I decided we should stay and get a good night sleep. The problem with that meant I was leaving my home to fend for itself. People lost fences and some lost their roof on Sunday. I wasn't sure how bad the next storm was going to be but I just prayed that when we got home the next morning everything would be fine and left it in God's hands. Our birthday ended a lot better than we expected and we even got a cake made for us by Luke.
On arriving home Wednesday morning we turned into our street and saw workers fixing the power pole and found our home still in one piece with the power back on...Thank you Jesus! It was a really nice way to start the day. That night hubby came home too so all was starting to get back to some sort of normal.
What I learnt from this experience is;
I am tougher than I know during trying times and that God's peace is never far away when I desperately need it. Sometimes we are more prepared for the unexpected than we realize. All I know is if I didn't have a BIG God who is in control and couldn't turn to HIM I probably would have stressed out more than I needed to.
What do you do during trying times? Do you try do it in your own strength or do you call on the one who has all the answers?
Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”