What a beautiful girl

Sarah and Matthew had their haircut today ready for school next week. Sarah is trying to grow out her fringe so Hayley put it into an elegant side parting and braided the back. My little girl looks so grown-up and sophisticated.

Monday's random musings

Thank you for all the wonderful comments on my last post. It has been my experience that life is not always 'happy' and 'easy' and sometimes the frustrations expressed can help as much as all the positive comments in the world. The good news is that even when frustrations occur, they can be treated as positive lessons and the connection I have received from the last post was wonderful.

I bought a wonderful desk calender this year called 'Circle of Women - daily inspirations and this morning's quote is just perfect "If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought." (Peace Pilgrim 1908-1981 - American Peace activist).

This made me think about yesterday - Sunday and how I paid the physical price for all my frustrations in the form of a vicious all-day headache. Lots of water, a couple of pain pills and rest helped and I have woken feeling revived this morning. We had an overnight thunderstorm which has cleared the air of all the heat, but are still expecting another hot day today with temperatures predicted around 36 degrees.

This week is filled with chores and appointments as we enjoy the last full week of school holidays and Ivan's leave. Then next Wednesday everyone heads back to a regular routine. On one hand I am looking forward to the predictability and organisation of daily life and on the other am dreading the lunches, school runs and stresses involved. It has been a very enjoyable 5 weeks of relaxation.

I guess I have rambled and mused enough this morning. I wish you all a positive and enjoyable week.

Daily Frustrations

This morning I woke up feeling grumpy and frustrated. It has affected my whole mood and while I know the cause, I can't seem to shift the angry, irratated feelings inside. Things that I don't normally see (or choose not to see) have annoyed me and it made me think about how we deal with life.

I have so many blessings and good things in my life and yet there are times when I am disatissfied and frustrated. Then I feel really guilty for feeling like that. I have spent the morning cleaning and although that is making me feel a lot better, I am not able to achieve any sense of routine or organisation as there are so many things that are in the process of half-completion: like the shower refurbishment, the curtain hanging and room sorting out process.

I am also feeling the frustration of no personal time or space to work on my book, writing and personal things.

So todays post is a grumpy one, but maybe in sharing how I feel about daily frustrations, someone out there will have an inspirational thought about how best to deal with these days.

Mine is to work hard, breathe deep and wait for tomorrow.

Wishing you all a joyful, frustration-free day.

Lazy summer days ahead

A wonderful treat for Ivan and I, we bought a garden swing to enjoy around the pool.

It took around 3 hours to put together, after a few mishaps and a bruised knuckle (Ivan's - I jammed it with the wrench) it finally looks really good next to the swimming pool.

I am looking forward to taking my book out for a peaceful read next to the pool.

Cooking & Working

For Christmas Mum and Dad gave me a Wok. Yesterday we decided to try it out. It cooked fantastically, although we need a better sauce as it was a little bland with just Soy sauce.

The shower in the children's bathroom has needed some TLC for years and finally we figured out what needed doing. Ivan and Dad are working at removing all the old, mouldy grout - a very dusty time consuming job.

We are getting a new screen fitted after it is re-grouted and then it should be as good as new.

Working 9-5!

My two grown-up, amazing children.

Elizabeth and Matthew heading off to work. Matthew's first day working in the shop at Karalee News Agency shop. He worked a couple of days helping pack school book packs and was thrilled to earn his first pay, but today was the big day.

Yesterday, we bought him a pair of smart black pants and a light blue shirt, so that he would look the part.

Returning home a few minutes ago, he was pleased to announce that he would be working again on Friday morning.

Well done Elizabeth and Matthew, Daddy and I are so proud of you both as you venture into the world of adult responsibilities and prove yourselves so adept.

I am back

Our family at Christmas dinner.

Hello everyone, and finally a Happy New Year.

After many requests and now demands; Vesta is back online.

I have had the busiest and most fun and relaxed Christmas week. Ivan has been on holiday since December 23rd and is now completely relaxed. He has been working in the garden and we have started basic maintenance around the house. We have replaced curtain rails with new modern tracks and even replaced a set of older, ugly curtains. All small but quite impressive additions to the house.

Elizabeth has been working a lot of hours but managed 5 full days off over Christmas which was lovely. Matthew now nearly 16; had his first foray into working last week, with 2 full days helping pack school book packs for the news agency where Elizabeth works. They were so impressed with him that they gave him $2.50/hour above the minimum wage and tomorrow he ventures into the retail world by working with Elizabeth in the shop. Today we bought him black pants and a smart shirt to wear. Hopefully a photo will follow tomorrow.

Sarah has had a few play dates with friends, but has spent a lot of time with Ivan and I. We have enjoyed her company during her stint as an 'only child' for the first time. It has been an interesting change in family dynamic and quite enjoyable.

I have been busy with de-cluttering and tidying tasks. My book writing is at a bit of a standstill until the children return to school on the 27th and Ivan to work on the 28th of Jan. I have done some editing and have also been reading it out loud to the family as an evening serial. Three chapters a night. So far the response has been great.

I have signed up for 3 university courses, another writing one (this time the practical/grammar side of things), and 2 English courses - Gothic literature and Early Modern Literature covering authors like Shakespeare and Marlow. Should be both a challenge and fun. Elizabeth and I will enjoy a Wednesday together again, but this year it will mostly be the drive-in and out as we will only have 30 mins together for lunch between lectures. Luckily, no evening courses for me this year.

I have a few goals for 2010 rather than resolutions. The first is to finish editing book one of 'The Creators series' and to hopefully write book 2 and maybe book 3. I may submit it to a publisher but will probably self-publish and that way can sell a few copies to friends and family.

My second goal is to take better care of my health. I need to lose around 5-8 kg and keep it off, plus improve my fitness and shape.

Anyway after a lovely interruption from my brother skyping me, I will end and promise to write again soon.

All my best wishes to everyone for 2010 and may your dreams become goals and then reality.