Story Time.

Joining faith hope and a whole lotta love and my little drummer boys for wordless wednesday.

x jody

Back Home . .

Apologies for not being around so much of late. Visiting the family was a little time consuming, they kept us very busy!

Thankfully we are now back home again. And oh how i had missed it.

It was lovely to catch up with my family and see my Grandfather. I feel so much better having done so, like a weight has been life from my shoulders, he is no better or worse and things change everyday. But i know i made the right decision and i am so happy that i have seen him now before anything more serious happens. It was so good to spend time with my Mum and Dad, they spoiled the kiddies and had some great quality time together. Apart from visiting family and the hospital, we had time to get out into the sunshine, we went for a nice walk, stopped at a great Sydney market and ate lots of yummy food!

The hard part was, basically solo parenting for five straight days. We stayed with my parents, who were great and very helpful. My little ones love their grandparents, but both missed their Dad terribly causing them to become even more clingy to me. {here i was thinking i could spend five days with my feet up on the couch - no chance.} What made it worse was the 5:30am wake ups. Both wide eyed and ready to go. I am not used to getting up so early, so this i really did not like. It made for a few very long, whingy, grumpy days for all of us. I think the flight really took it out of them {and me}. Melbourne to Sydney isn't a big trip, but it was the combination of the driving and waiting at the airport along with being stuck in one seat for such a long time that they really struggled with. I'm not going to lie, it was tough trying to deal with both of them running around the airport and on the plane by myself. They were hyped up on excitement and sugary treats, i had used for bribery. Maybe not my best move. But not as bad as not listening to my husband who had suggested i take the stroller, i so wish i had, but don't tell him that. Seriously who takes two crazy little kids unrestrained to the airport? ... me.

The little ones couldn't wait to get home to their Daddy, it was the longest we had ever been apart. Riley had even started with the teary 'i want to go home' - and not because they weren't having a good time they just wanted Dad. It was sweet to see their happy, smiling little faces when we came through the front door, rediscovering toys and books they had forgotten. But nothing could beat Dad, he got smothered in kisses and cuddles! They didn't leave his side. I even heard Riley whispering 'i missed you soooo much Dad!'. And we did.

I am exhausted, tired and drained. But i love my home and my little family.

It is so good to be back.

I hope to get back on track with my blogging and reading this week. Thank you all for your support, kind comments and thoughts. More helpful than you know. So greatly appreciated.

x jody

So here i am . .

I have been in Sydney for the past couple of days, with the little ones, visiting my family. My Mums father, my Grandfather had a nasty fall and is quiet unwell. I hadn't planned to come, but he had asked for me and had been talking to the nurses about me, so i took it as a sign and hopped on the next flight i could.

My Grandfather is old, {although this is a photo of him when he was much younger.} and he has had a pretty good life. I spent a lot of time with him and my Grandma as a child, but I haven't seen him for quiet some time and although i visit my parents in Sydney occasional, my mother doesn't speak to him, {all families have there issues, and mine is no exception!} so in effect i don't often get to see him. In fact my children have never even met him. That is most of the reason i am here. I already felt so much guilt that each time i was in Sydney i had never had time to visit. I didn't want to carry that weight, if something more serious had happened, i would never forgive myself.

And so i am here, i am so glad i have made the effort and special trip to see him, it was clear the reason i was coming, and everything has gone smoothly. I took the little ones to see him in the hospital as soon as i arrived, he is battered, bruised, black, blue and grey. He is unwell and has other infections and underlying problems that have surfaced since his fall. The kiddies were shy and a little frightened i guess, we sat together, words were exchanged but we didn't talk much. We didn't need to. His face said it all. Then he thanked me, he said we were like angels, his favorite of all and he appreciated us being there. His eyes welled. As did mine. And that was all.

He has not worsened or improved since we have arrived, and with all the family animosity it is hard to know for sure what is truly going on or what the likely outcome is. I haven't booked our return flights, but will wait to see how things progress in the next day or so.

x jody

shhh it's lizeylou . .

The lovely lizeylou is having an awesome giveaway! Of the gorgeous eb&ive variety!

I probably shouldn't have mentioned it since i would like to keep the prize all to myself!

But pop over and check it out here, if you haven't already.

x jody

Self Dressing . .

Joining faith hope and a whole lotta love and my little drummer boys for wordless Wednesday.

x jody

Paper Popsicle Memory Game . .

Spotted last night on Eat Drink Chic. I loved it so much i just had to share -

DIY Paper Popsicle Memory Game.

Awesome free download available here. 

x jody

Dad Rules.

Mr S looks after the little ones every Saturday, when i head off to work. This week i was feeling pretty under the weather, so decided to take a sicky.
It felt so strange to be home on 'their day'. I promised not to intrude too much and take over {as i usually do}. Saturday is Dad rules. And so i discovered, just what they get up too when i'm not around...
.

It is compulsory to stay in pajamas for the entire day. Dad thinks of really ace games to play, like towing your sister around the house and running into the walls. Toys cover the floor of every room. There is chasing, jumping, hiding, bad dancing to bad music and general craziness. Lunch is served late {after my subtle hint} sleeps even later. And if that wasn't enough, Dad likes to put the four man tent up in the lounge room, complete with air mattress, pillows and sleeping bag. Just for something to do.

I was sick and had no voice to argue. It was Dad rules and i had promised not to interfere after all. Nothing better for it, i joined in too. And you know what i kinda had fun. It's not like anything i ever do. The house was a mess, dishes and washing piled high. But none of that mattered, it doesn't really. The most important was the kiddies were in heaven! They had the best day, you could tell by their little dirty faces, they were beaming.

Who knew Dad was so much fun? It was nice to see what they really get up to, and i am sure it was relatively tame considering i was there! I love that they have that day together each week, we all do, it is so good for them, and for me. And who cares about the mess? Not me. Kids will be kids, as will Dads and the mess will clean just as easily the next day. And Dad rules, right?

What do your little ones get up too when left with their Dads? Do they have a set time or day each week that they spend together?


x jody

Voice.

I never quiet valued my voice until i woke this morning and it was not there anymore. It was on its way out last night, but now still remains completely gone. When i say completely, i mean i can still manage a whisper if i have too, but it hurts and is draining. 

I don't know where it has gone too, i am not that sick, just a little run down maybe and i have this annoying wisdom tooth that has been giving me trouble {you've probably heard me complaining about on twitter..} No real reason to have seriously no voice, it has never happened to me before, and i don't think i like it.

Chaos reined in our house today, i was over-ruled, under-minded and flat out ignored. I couldn't speak up and Riley took full advantage of it. 'speak louder mumma, i can't hear you', 'use your loud voice mum' he taunted. Through all my frustration i couldn't help but smile, I love a little bit of cheek! Nice for me not be nagging them for once. I enjoyed the quiet. MrS spent the day at home with us, thankfully, and he was happy too i'm sure, that was until i threw my box of antibiotics at his head, but that's another story.. 

I have never before been grateful for my voice, or truly realised how much i use, need and rely on it. I am lucky and grateful that i don't have to spend everyday like this, it is only temporary after all.

Linking up with the lovely maxabella, what are you grateful for this week?

What exciting things have you got planned for the weekend?


I hope its a good one!

x jody



embroidery and handkerchief effects from pugly pixel. 

Thrifty Finds . .

A trip to our local op shop found us these little treasures. A lovely little cardigan for Lyla. Some sweet little glasses. A tea pot for the cubby. And a well used pudding tin {which reminded me i will have to start thinking about making our Christmas puddings soon!}

All great finds for under ten dollars. That's a win!

Have you had any great thrifty finds lately?

x jody

Linking up with Sophie from her library adventures.

Flour-less Chocolate and Raspberry Muffins. .

Today i had Kate from Our Little Sins and her gorgeous boys over for a play-date. I have been reading Kate's blog for quiet a while now and we only just realized that we had meet each other through a mutual friend years ago! I couldn't believe it when Kate recognized me, such a small small world! We had a lovely morning, the boys surprisingly played pretty well together. We drank tea, ate yummy biscuits from Kate and little flour-less chocolate cakes i had made. It was so nice to meet again and reconnect, not only do we have boys similar in age, we both blog now too! Yay, for bloggy friends!

Ingredients

150g dark chocolate, chopped

125g butter, softened.

3 eggs, separated

90g caster sugar

100g almond meal
2tbs caster sugar, extra
Handful of frozen raspberries

Method
Preheat oven to 170 degrees celsius. Grease a muffin pan.
Melt chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until smooth.
Add egg yolks, sugar and almond meal. Mix well.
Use an electric mixer to beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Sprinkle over extra sugar and beat until firm peaks form.
Fold into chocolate mixture until just combined. Add frozen raspberries and fold gently. Spoon into muffin pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until skewer inserted comes out clean.
Set aside to cool on a wire rack.

Beautiful served warm with a little vanilla ice cream, or just as they are with a nice cuppa.

What are you up too this fine day?

x jody


Adapted recipe from taste.

Much Love..

Today i am feeling a lot of love for my home. 

After a big spring clean last week, and a quiet weekend. 

I am really enjoying just being at home. So nice to just be. 

I even discovered a few hearts around that i had never noticed before. 

Who knew, even my furniture loves me!

What are you loving this week?

Linking up with Anna over at much love.

Happy Monday! 

x jody

Red.

I am lost for words.

Today I wore red for Daniel. I'm hoping that says it all.

I am liking up with Styling You.

You can also support the Daniel Morcombe foundation here. 

Did you wear red today?

x jody

Memories and Forgotten Treasures. .

Earlier this week i stumbled upon some old boxes we had hidden away. You know the type. I had no idea what i would find. But the curiosity got the better of me and i decided to pull them out and investigate further. You can imagine surprise when, under about six inches of dust, i saw these gorgeous jugs staring up at me.

The memories came flooding back. They were my mother in laws. She passed away four years ago now. And I had forgotten we had stored a lot of her things. Things i had totally forgotten about, until i'd opened that box. And it was nice to stop for a moment, and remember, i think of her often but not in so much detail as i did that day.

I could see myself in her kitchen, I could see us talking, laughing and eating, always eating. I could see the jugs sitting high on the shelf. Along side the tea, coffee, vintage Spode blue and white china plates and Irish pottery. Its the small details like that, of day to day life that we take for granted, that we too soon become complacent about. That we let slip from our minds. It was so nice to remember.

Oh the forgotten treasures.

What little gems i thought and set off immediately to clean them up.

And now they will sit in our kitchen, just were they should be.

And so, i am grateful. Grateful for the memories and forgotten treasures.


What has got you thinking this week? 

I am joining up with Maxabella, what are you grateful for?




Have a lovely weekend,

x jody

Coffee and Cake. .

There has been lots of that here this week. Coffee, cake and sweet treats to eat. And an abundance of visitors and play-dates. 

I love having people over, it forces me to clean my house and do some baking!

I only wish my little ones would learn to share with others.. when does that happen?

Today the ever so lovely Shelly from myshoeboxlife and her little MissA came over to play.  It was so nice to catch up and chat while the kiddies played. Shelly made some yummy biscuits for us {seriously i think Riley ate almost all of them} And i baked a simple banana bread {thanks to Irene from the fruit market whom gave me plenty of over ripe bananas for next to nothing.}

Simple Banana and Coconut Bread

2 ripe bananas – peeled and mashed with a fork

½ cup milk

2 large eggs – lightly beaten

125g of butter – melted

1 ¼ cups plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp cinnamon (or mixed spice)

1 cup coconut

1 cup brown sugar

Method

Preheat oven to180 (or a bit less if you have a fan force oven)

Grease a 10 x 20cm loaf tin

You will need 2 mixing bowls – Combine mashed bananas, milk, eggs and butter in one bowl and then add this mixture to the combined flour, baking powder, coconut, sugar and cinnamon in the other bowl.

Pour the well combined mixture in the loaf tin and bake for approx 50-60 mins or until cake is cooked.

Dust with a little icing sugar to hide the burnt bits.

Perfect shared with a friend and a nice warm cup of coffee.

My house is clean, who wants to visit?

x jody

Eating Out..

With no plans on Saturday night we decided to head out to our favorite local Japanese restaurant {i'm sure i've talked about it a thousand times before.. but we love it!}  We hadn't taken our kiddies there, only ever had take away or gone on our own, but we were feeling brave and felt like breaking the mold.

They love sushi so how bad could it be?

We got there nice and early with all the oldies, so as to avoid our little ones turning feral, for the sake of others around us and our own sanity. We ordered promptly, an abundance of sushi and little entrees flowed to the table, not to mention a few beverages for ourselves!

To our surprise, our children behaved angelically - who knew!? Now i won't pretend they were perfect, there was lots of silly faces and reminders that we were in a public place, but they stayed seated in there chairs for the full hour and a half we were there, without the slightest protest! Displayed the most impeccable manners. Consumed all of there food and then some. Mess was unavoidable but contained to their immediate areas, no sticky sushi rice flung across the room. Win!

Reward - a bowl of ice cream for them and some nice warm sake for us.

 And for you - way too many photos of my little ones eating, but here they are...

We all had so much fun, we may very well just take them out again next week!

Do you ever take your little ones out for dinner?

x jody

Milky Tales. .

In keeping with World Breastfeeding Week, i am looking back and reflecting on my own breastfeeding journeys. I was lucky enough to be able to feed both my little ones, and for this i am grateful.

I had trouble breastfeeding Riley right from the beginning, he was so small, and lost so much weight during those first days. But i was stubborn and it was something i really wanted to do. 

I never realized breastfeeding would be so difficult, no one ever told me how hard or painful it could be. 

I had trouble attaching him properly, and he had shredded me to bits {seriously it looked like someone had been at my nipples with a cheese grater..} But still i persisted. {lucky i have a very high pain thresh hold, and a very supportive husband!} And after seeing lactation consultants and doctors they discovered he was tongue tied, and had to have a procedure to release his tongue. Almost instantly his feeding improved, but i still had to continue with all the expressing, top ups, supplements for both of us and all the other crazy things i did to try and increase my supply. On top of that he had reflux too, which caused us all sorts of grief! 

All in all, it was worth the effort and perseverance, I breastfed him for nine months before he decided to wean himself, just like that, he had slowly cut his feeds down and then one day just flat out refused. I was heart broken, i wasn't ready, he didn't 'need' me anymore, i was so emotional and rational at the same time, i told myself it was much better this way, it was all his decision and i hadn't had to force him to stop or wean him when he wasn't ready, he was obviously ready.

With Lyla, everything was so much easier. I think being second time round i felt so much more relaxed and at ease, i just followed her lead. Of course we had our hiccups, her attachment wasn't great and i was a little grazed and sore, and she too developed reflux which was challenging, but things improved quicker than they had with Riley and i found i could deal with it all a lot better. In fact she loved breastfeeding so much she totally refused the bottle and never had one at all! 

I breastfed her happily for twelve months, until just like Riley, she decided she had had enough and weaned herself. Slowly but gradually cutting down her feeds in duration and frequency, to one day she just refused.

There was that feeling again, of heart break and sadness, an emptiness really, a longing, i missed having her so close, more so because i think she will probably be my last baby. I knew it was something i would never get to experience again. But i was happy in a way too, she did it all on her own, it was natural, she was ready.

I loved every minute breastfeeding my little ones, i loved the closeness and the bond, the special quiet time we had together. I felt so special that this was something only 'I' could ever do for them. And i feel so privileged and grateful that i was able to have that experience. 

What were your experiences like?

I'm joining up once again with the lovely Maxabella, what are you grateful for this week?

Enjoy your weekend!

x jody

Happy Birthday Ma

Today i am wishing my lovely Ma, the happiest of days.

This photo was taken on your birthday last year.. after one too many wines..

We can't be with you today, but are all sending much love and hugs.

I'll have a glass of bubbles tonight, a toast to you!

love love

jody and the lovelies

Fallen off the wagon. .

This week my healthy eating plan {no white and fluffy} has gone out the window. I have fallen off the wagon so to speak. I feel naughty, like i am cheating. And i haven't even been that bad. I am not one to over indulge in chocolate or sweets. It's those cheeky extra carbs i let sneak in. Pressed for time in the morning, i grab a piece of toast. Rushed at lunch time, have a sandwich with the kids. Lazy at dinner and have a bowl of pasta. Instead of spending the time making some extra vegetables for myself. Lazy i know. I don't have any excuses, I am past that now. It's up to me, no one else is going to do it for me {unfortunately}.

I am hoping that writing this down will help kick my butt into action.

We all have our bad weeks right?

x jody

image

Bubbles in the Backyard . .

Joining faith hope and a whole lotta love, project alicia, and my little drummer boys for wordless wednesday.

x jody

Lighter Days Ahead. .

In contrast to my last post.. today was warm and the sun was shining. I opened the house and let it all stream in. The fresh air, the bright sunlight, it was a glorious day. It was a little odd in fact, to feel such warmth. I can't help but think mother nature is taunting us, and the weather will turn blistering cold any moment. I tried not to let the thought creep in and just enjoy the moment, to just be. I have always loved the sun, not in a crazy sun baking kind of way, the way it's soothing rays can warm the soul and lift ones spirit. My mood is somewhat lighter, the little ones too. It gave us all a spring in our step. We played outside in the cubby for hours, washing was hung and dried, we blew bubbles and sipped tea, real and make believe.

More days like these please!

Is it just me or do you also feel better when the sun is shining?

x jody

image. 

Let it Snow..

Early Sunday morning we packed ourselves into the car {my brother included} and headed to Lake Mountain for the day. It would be the first time the little ones would see snow.
It was a beautifully sunny day, albeit cold, and to be honest there wasn't really much snow, but it was enough for us.

We trekked away from the masses and found our own private little slope, we played for hours, tobogganing, making snow men, throwing snow balls, little Lyla even had herself a little nap!

We all had an amazing time and the little ones, well you couldn't wipe the smiles off there faces.

What did you get up too on the weekend?

x jody