Grateful For... Little Pleasures

I've failed the patience test this week.
Dismally.

 

Almost as pitifully as some of the efforts I've seen in NAPLAN in the past few days.
Poor little sweethearts.

 

So, to distract myself, I've been delighting in simple, everyday pleasures that can put a smile on this dial...

• a dry bed each morning (and I don't just mean mine)
• dinners eaten without a word of whinging or negotiation (and I don't just mean Hubby!)
• hot chocolate with extra marshmallows
• smiles that melt my heart
• snuggles
• a cosy Winter doona
• a trashy magazine and that sweet spot on the couch
• clean floors - even when oh-so-fleeting!!
• the sun on my shoulders
• a spot of baby girl inspired retail therapy
• newborns joining the fold
• a pantry Tupperware-over
• kids and their gorgeous ways
• a certain little boy in his dressing gown
• sweet 'i love you's
• ugg boots at the end of the day
• gorgeous nephew cuddles
• fresh flowers
•  'easy' friendships that just are (and I don't mean the promiscuous types!)
• movies so wrong, they're hilarious...

Then there's the not so simple, not so everyday stuff.
The smack me down with a feather kindness of people willing to go out of their way for me -  at least three times in the last couple of days, if you don't mind!
It's enough to make a girl wanna bawl!!

Grateful for turning my week around - in the little and the big ways.

Happy weekend.


Shar :-)

Grateful For...Flexibility. It's Contagious, You Know.

Just yesterday, I was a-pondering on the way to my new role at work.
Thinking about how much this motherhood caper has taught me in the past few years.
How much my perspective has changed and my reactions have mellowed.
How my habit of catastrophising events or issues has slowly subsided over the past three years.
How I can actually be flexible in all areas of my life - internally and not just on the surface.

I'm not entirely sure whether this taming of my rigid, irrational self is really due to the mummyness factor.
It could well be put down to aging, marriage, the craziness of my work life in the past two years, greater faith, recent tragedies that put things in perspective or just plain fatigue.

But these thoughts were part of a silent prayer that I will cope with whatever this little one within my belly throws my way. That I won't punish myself with unrealistic expectations and let anxiety dictate my days - or those looooong nights -  this time around.

Then Hubby's company decided to drive the point home for me yesterday afternoon.
He lost his job.
Pretty much out of the blue.
The company is folding.

Obviously, my initial reaction began with "what the..."
We won't go into where that sentence went next.
But I was amazed by the sense of calm that followed immediately after.

It's not ideal.
By a long stretch.
The timing is terrible.

But I (finally, honey) have such trust in my husband.
He will fall on his feet.
He always has.
(And no amount of panic or ranting on my part has ever made one bit of difference to that.)

He's not too proud to work hard for a dollar and he will do what he can to support us.
He was lining up job interviews within thirty minutes of telling me yesterday.
We will do what we need to.
Whatever that entails.

This time four years ago, I spent much of my pregnancy with Magoo awake at night budgeting and stressing about how we would manage financially, among other things.
So, so, so many things!
This time around, we face going down to not just one income again, but possibly none - and I slept soundly last night.

I'm so grateful for the place that my boys have brought me to.
It's quite lovely here in the land of 'contentment'.
There's this deep seeded feeling (that may well turn out to be foolish ignorance!!) that nothing can truly destroy us.
That we'll be okay and we'll have each other regardless of what's happening outside of that.
That if 7.30pm finds the three of us (and a tiny one) snuggling on a single bed - then how can it not have been a good day?
It's a bit like a semi-permanent 'I just enjoyed a glass of wine in the afternoon sun' buzz - without the wine in the sun part.
(See, Mr. Bank Manager? Not scared. Not one bit.)

I quite like this person he encourages me to see/be.
It's like I've married my very own chill pill.

 Linking with Maxabella's 52 Weeks of Grateful.

Shar :-)

Grateful for... This Man

This week (but always) I'm grateful for the man that is my Hubby.

As I've mentioned before, my Hubby is so easygoing he may as well be horizontal most of the time.
But he's also extremely patient, tolerant and caring - when he loves ya.
(No, other drivers around Perth - he doesn't love ya.)

I think a great indication of a man's heart is how he treats his Mum.
Hubby has a great relationship with both of his parents.
Yes, he takes advantage of their extreme patience, tolerance and care  - but he also genuinely looks out for them.
Hubby's Mum has been really unwell the past week and he has (of his own accord - and without any fanfare) visited, gifted and checked in on his Mum daily.
I love that he speaks to his folks frequently and values their opinion.
It's because of him that I'm lucky enough to have a lovely relationship with my in-laws.

He doesn't ask for much, my Hubby.
Well. He drops a lot of not-so-subtle hints.
But, he isn't phased that most of them go ignored - or get shot down in flames.
(There will be no boat.)

Case in point.
I may just have made Hubby's week by picking up a $7 Big W flannelette shirt for him.

His inner bogan is jumping for joy - and his early morning paddles are a little warmer.


There are real issues and tragedies playing out all over the world during this privileged Easter break we're heading into.
Beth from BabyMac put it perfectly in her post 'She's A Rich Girl'.
Eden from Edenland is living it - in the midst of true poverty in n]Niger as I type.


But closer to home for me...
Tomorrow a woman my age is laying her beautiful husband to rest.
Her two little boys have spent all the time they're going to get with their Daddy in this world.
A mother and brother will farewell their Pete - probably terrorised by images of the way his life was taken.
My heart hurts and my head cannot even comprehend.


Twice in the past week since hearing of my school friend's death in the ocean, Hubby has set out to paddle and not returned at his usual time.
I can't begin to tell you how far in my throat my heart sits as the time goes on.
The release of tension in my body when his ski appears and his car pulls into the driveway.


Thursday, he and his buddy did have a scare. A genuine one.
When he left the bathroom after telling me, I sat and bawled in the shower.
I can't - and won't - imagine our life without him.


Another woman doesn't have that luxury anymore.
Pete, the loss your family and community feel is like your spirit -  immeasurable, mate.


Hubby, you are loved, needed and wanted more than you will ever know.

So, so grateful with Maxabella Loves 52 Weeks of Grateful.


Shar xxx

Grateful For...This Kid

If it weren't for this gorgeous little man in my life,

this past week alone I would not have had reason (excuse?) to ...

• style a 'fire engine' bedroom
• visit the city - and marvel at the wonders of public transport
• cluck at farm animals
• take a carer's day from work
• make fairy bread and chocolate crackles in one day
• buy a whole new winter wardrobe - in a boys size 3
• eat my weight in party food
• cram my expanding self into a miniature train
• ride a see saw
• turn the car radio up to stupid volumes to drown out the backseat tantrum from hell
• count collections of items out loud - everywhere I go
• build uninspired Lego creations - only to be outdone by someone a tenth of my age
• just about melt at the "I love you anytime, Mum - and my baby too" whispered in my ear at random intervals
• cringe at the (repeated) sound of a newly discovered duck whistle
• laugh hysterically in a coffee shop - and look slightly insane to the others patrons who couldn't actually see the little person/clown on the armchair opposite me
• climb into a single bed and snuggle down
• cook sausages...

I'm grateful for the day to day that is living with a small person.
They way they can turn an 'ordinary' moment into one to be treasured (or trashed - depending on their mood!)

Linking with Maxabella's 52 Weeks of Grateful

Shar :-)

*My appreciation of life, my gorgeous husband and our boy is even greater tonight as I reflect sadly on the tragic passing of a school friend today.
Peter, who was killed by a shark while diving, leaves behind a beautiful family, his wife and two young sons.
Rest in peace, Pete. Every moment IS one to treasure. xxx

Grateful For ... My Own Shoes

Some days you just have to look around and thank your lucky stars.

And once you start, it's hard to stop.

It seems people all around me are experiencing illness, grief or pain at the moment.

I feel that I couldn't possibly cook, gift or help enough for even half of them right now.

The saying goes 'walk a mile in my shoes'.

I have two friends enduring long term hospitalisation as I type.

Thanks, but no thanks.

 One, has experienced a very fragile third pregnancy and has been in a hospital bed for the past ten weeks or so.
This amazing woman is more organised, efficient and hardworking than I could aspire to being - so I take my hat (and anything else) off to her for her un-be-lieve-able patience.
Months in a small room with literally no fresh air for most of this year, not seeing her husband for more than fleeting visits and never being alone with her two and three year old children.
I think that may just be my definition of living hell.
(Remember, I am the pathetic chick who posted about being carless for one day this week.)


Actually, no.
Another poor woman is vying for contention in the 'my idea of hell on Earth' competition.


My neighbour has broken both of her ankles in a number of places.
She is currently doped up in a shared hospital room with one of those hideous metal cages through and around one leg.
She faces a couple of weeks of waiting for the swelling to go down before medical staff can operate on both ankles.
She may be home in a month or so - but be in a wheelchair for some weeks after that and rehabilitating for even longer.
She has three busy, school aged children, a very active dog -  and one exhausted husband right about now.
(Remember, I am the pathetic chick who's only leg related drama is deciding whether to run when pregnant or not.)


As callous as it sounds, the truth is that this week I am beyond grateful that I am not living in either of these womens' shoes (or lack thereof, as the case may be).


I'm aware that both of these friends are in temporary situations.
Horribly inconvenient circumstances that they will eventually recover from.
Others are not so lucky.


I'm grateful for the freedom, mobility and lifestyle of convenience that I enjoy - and quite often take for granted.

Counting these blessings with Maxabella's 52 Weeks of Grateful.


Happy weekend.
Shar :-)

Grateful For Intuition

This week I'm grateful that intuition has nudged me quietly

and suggested I keep my big mouth firmly shut.

Less chance of letting a foot slip in that way, you see.

Wise advice when there is a bigger picture at play and

I'm just one little piece of the puzzle.

(How many idioms can one idiomt fit into a single sentence??)

I'm struggling with an issue, struggling to 'go gently' as beautiful Jane terms it

- but I'm definitely treading a little less elephant stampy-trudgey than I normally would.

I've stuck to unfinished drafts and resisted that 'send' function.

I've said less than I've wanted to.

I've edited and shushed the feisty voices.

I've thought and thought and thought and thought some more before blustering on my way.

I may just spontaneously combust under the pressure of all this self control though!!

(Especially without a glass of something sweet and fermented to take the edge off!!)

Meanwhile. this has been my evening...

Not much to struggle with there, is there?

Linking with Maxabella's 52 Weeks of Grateful

Happy weekending.

Shar :-)

Grateful For...The Fam

I have ridiculous amounts to be grateful for this week.

Probably ridiculously unfair amounts - when there is all sorts of pain 'out there'.

I feel so damn blessed right now that I actually feel self-conscious about it.

(I will not mention the 'b' word in this post.)

I will say that I am grateful for my family.

(As we all are.)

The little family that Hubby and I have created.

The family that genuinely feels like my 'retreat' and my 'escape'.

I walked out of a seriously heavy few days at work later than I meant to this evening.

I walked out knowing that Hubby had also worked later than we planned

and Magoo was being picked up later than either of us would like.

I knew we would effectively have an hour or so of 'family time' to regroup,

eat, bath and cuddle before goodnights.

I made pathetic raspberry "pwoooof" sounds to myself in the car as I chastised us

for 'doing it again'.

Then we all piled in the door here and 'the hour' was heaven.

'The hour' felt like many.

'The hour' was laughing, chasing, scoffing, cuddling, sharing, bouncing, chatting, silliness, sweet cooperation(!) and refreshment.

I thought of nothing but my boys for the entire time we had.

My focus was solely on soaking them up and nothing else mattered.

Except maybe grabbing a snap of the sun setting from our backyard.

Sometimes, it is 'quality over quantity'.

That said, I won't say no to the three day weekend that awaits us.

Have a great one.

Linking with the beautiful bride Maxabella for 52 Weeks of Grateful

Shar :-)

Grateful For ... Miscommunication

A day behind the eight ball - but that's okay.

'Cause I'm the boss of here and I say so.

Any dramas... please take a number.

It's been that kinda week!!

This crazy week, I am grateful for when miscommunication goes good.

A couple of times this week I have been misheard/misunderstood

and I have misheard/misunderstood others.

The results have been hilarious.

'Falty Towers' style hilarious that still has me chuckling a few days later

- and looking a tad deranged as I walk about.

I'm grateful for those moments when you realise that the person

in front of you is talking about something else entirely

- and therefore your contributions to the conversation so far have been quite ridiculous.

I'm grateful for friends and colleagues with a brilliant sense of humour

 and appreciation for the absurd.

(Late) linking with Maxabella's 52 weeks of Grateful tonight.

Happy (rest of the) weekend to you.

Shar :-)

Grateful For Soul Food

I'll never tire of the belly laughs that erupt out of ordinary conversation.

Those gorgeous mouths of babes and way they can lighten any mood and brighten any day.

I'm so grateful for the perspective and joy that children bring to my work, home and social life.

This week's personal favourite...

          Pre-Kindy Teacher :   Magoo, what does your Dad do?

          Magoo :                    Sleep with my Mummy... Oh, and sometimes do the dishes.

Just what I needed after a heavy day doing what I 'do' part time.

Hubby is a construction manager,

but obviously he makes more of an impression in other areas of his life!

What is it exactly you do again, Dad?!

Linking with Maxabella's 52 Weeks of Grateful.

Come see what's making everyone smile this week.

Shar :-)

Grateful For...

Reasons to celebrate.

People who make anything worth celebrating.

Surprise downpours that literally clear the deck and bring relief in this 40 degree heat.

Grateful, grateful, grateful.

Linking with Maxabella Loves' 52 Weeks of Grateful

Happy weekending!

Shar :-)

Grateful For...Home Sweet Home

With this holiday time, sloooow pace of life has come plenty more home time.

Down time a la casa.

I've always loved this home of ours.

(okay, except those occasions when I stomp around here boo-hoo-ing about how I have to do everything in this falling down tip

- a little rant is needed every now and then).

I've always pored over home magazines 

or home/real estate liftouts in the paper and still do.

Our home doesn't even begin to compare to those fantasy places,

yet I'm happy here in our reality place.

It might not look the goods, but it feels just perfect.

The good, the bad and the ugly - I'm grateful for it all.

Our home is not flash by anyone's standards but it is (relatively) ours.

It's comfortable.

It accommodates us - plus neighbours, friends & family.

It has enough rooms that when my short attention span threshold is reached, I can simply move to another room and be satisfied for another short time.

I can see the street, sky, trees and other people from most or all rooms in my home.

(Not to be underestimated, people. Townhouse claustrophobia, anyone?)

I can feel relaxed here (when I'm not doing the odd poor-slave-me stomp) and have a number of truly happy places around this joint.

Magoo has more than enough around here to keep him entertained and active for days on end should we become house bound.

I can pretty much control the temperature in here and, to some extent, the noise factor.

We live in a beautiful area and by far the friendliest street I've ever enjoyed.

I've always loved this home of ours.

Yes, the fridge door handle came clean off this week, the retic control box thing packed it in last week, the toilet played up the week prior, the lawnmower died the week before and the pool cleaner before that...

There is always something breaking, dying or expiring around here.

(Not of the human or canine variety, thank God.)

My dreams are filled with sparkling appliances, unstained carpet and unchipped tiles.

The luxury of skirting boards even!

Our laundry is a makeshift disgrace, storage (or hoarding??) is an eternal problem, every corner in this house has chunks missing from the wall, there's face brick and ugly beams, the window tint is peeling in such a fashion that the windows look constantly filthy, we have roof leaks and a small gutter issue, the front screen door warps in the weather, the front lawn is weed's paradise...

The maintainence crew at work.

I've always loved this home of ours.

This place was a lucky, last-godforsaken-house-I'm-looking-at find.

It was my home when I became engaged, where I fussed and primped before heading off to marry my love, where hopes and dreams have been put out there - and mostly realised.

We brought our gorgeous, but oh so timid, puppy dog home to this house and then our gorgeous and not so timid newborn Magoo home to this place.

We've repainted, repaired, refitted, replaced and revamped.

We've renovated bedrooms, backyards and bathrooms.. and have plans. So many plans.

I've always loved this home of ours.

I'm grateful for every part of it - especially those that bear the stamp of our blood, sweat and tears (with a few choice words for good measure).

Hey BTW, what do people with those brand,

 spanking new homes do with all that spare time???!!

Linking with Maxabella's 52 Weeks of Grateful.

Happy weekend.

Shar :-)

Grateful For...This Week

Ever since getting married at this time five years ago,

this first week in January has been one of milestones, memory making,

miracles and magic for my little family and I.

Year in, year out -  this week does not disappoint. 

It brings us the perfect combination of life's best offerings and

so, so many reasons to be grateful.

So I am.

Truly grateful for the gift of love, fabulous friends, the beauty of life,

the treasures that are my three boys (including one canine kind) 

and the freedom of holiday mode.

The quality of life I enjoy

(which has very little to do with the state of our finances- thankfully!!)

is not lost on me.

I hope 2012 has opened in fine form for you too.

Leaping into a year of gratitude with Maxabella Loves & Kidspot's 52 Weeks of Grateful.

Shar :-)

Grateful For... Holly Days, Holy Days & Holidays

Although Maxabella Loves is granting 'Grateful For...' a much deserved holiday,
I can't help but close my week with some gratitude.


I've gotta go with the obvious here.
Holidays.
I'm now in the throes of school holidays, soon Hubby will be jumping on the holiday bandwagon and Magoo will have himself a non-school-aged-kid version of holidays too.


This time of year seriously makes me giddy.
As a teacher, a sun worshipper, a cheesy Christmas lover, a parent, an early riser, a nibbles and wine constitute a meal believer...
it doesn't get any better than this.

My poor deck - she misses me.

For me, holidays mean letting loose. Literally.

-loosening the structure/routine around here as work, care and activities take a break

-loosening our belts as we (over)indulge

-loosening bedtimes to accommodate carols, Christmas lights, longer evenings and socialising

-loosening the dress code as bathers become a suitable outfit (for my boys, anyway)

-loosening the tedium of household chores as bbqs and outdoor living ramp up

-loosening the hold of mother guilt as I can slow down the tempo and be more Magoo led

-loosening the mother-of-dog guilt as we spend more time time at home and outdoors with our gorgeous four legged one
-loosening the "hurry the heck up" jaw clench as we can take.our.sweet.sweet.time


Have a fabulous loose weekend.
If you'll excuse me, we've got weddings, parties, carols and Ikea storage to attend to.
Wooooooo hooo!

Shar :-)

Grateful For... Traditions & Tears

This morning we enjoyed our annual 'Living Nativity' at school.
It's the event on our school calendar that I most adore and look forward to.


Each year, on the final day of school for our students, some staff recreate the nativity scene.

As the children and their families arrive and the sun is rising over the school, we form a tableau of the stable where Jesus was born - complete with a real live baby from our community, straw bales and disobedient farm animals.

The Christmas story is read from the bible and a beautiful hymn played. 
Then we change positions and the whole thing is repeated over and over. 

Four years ago, after a year of depressing diagnoses and fertility treatment, I played the role of Mary in our Living Nativity.


Within days our very own Christmas miracle occurred and one big belly later we welcomed Magoo into our family.


Get. Out.
I. Know.


A few hours into my first (of many) sleepless night after seeing those two glorious blue lines and not quite believing it, I woke Hubby up with a start.
"Honey. Honey. I was Mary. I was Mary.
Holy mother of God. I. Was. Mary."


Be it a beautiful coincidence or divine intervention - I'm thankful. Every day.


The following year I played the part of Mary again
- this time with my very own boy child in my arms.
I don't think Mary was supposed to let the tears roll the entire way through the morning, but I figure that was my interpretation of Mary's joy in God's handiwork.


Today was beautiful.
I'm definitely no angel, but I was this morning.


I'm grateful for the tradition of the Living Nativity that moves me (and many others) every year and the tears that remind me that some miracles do happen.

Linking with Maxabella Loves' Grateful For...


Shar :-)

Grateful For... Uma

Not Thurman. (Though, she is beautiful.)

The sense of... kind.

The crack a smile, have a giggle, laugh 'til you snort stuff.

It's been a week.

A week of disappointments and delights.

I won't bore you with the details of the failings of my week.

They don't outnumber the laughs - and that's what matters.

As someone who spends a great deal of time with one foot lodged firmly in her mouth or stepping on someone's toes,

I am mastering the art of turning pain into a punchline.

I love being surrounded by people who are up for a laugh and can see the lighter side of life. People who inject their wit into even the most frustrating situations

and can see the 'uma' in their misfortune.

I'm grateful to have a Hubby who happily laughs at himself (or me) and a partner in crime to laugh with when Magoo is clearly temporarily possessed by an evil demon spirit.

I'm grateful for friends - and bloggers -  who make me giggle (usually at inappropriate times) with the memory of their comment or a long running joke.

I'm grateful for the hilarious antics of the students at school and colleagues who find the time to share a laugh amongst the crazy schedule we're chasing at the moment.

Linking with Maxabella Loves' Grateful For...

I hope your weekend is full of laughs.

The gasping for air, slapping your leg, belly aching, tears rolling variety even.

Shar :-)

Grateful For... Ladies in Leadership

Leadership qualities...
Leadership potential...
Effective leadership...
Commitment to leadership...

These have all been 'buzz' words for me in recent weeks as I prepare my students for their school captaincy nominations and elections.


Make no mistake.
It's serious business, this ten year old political arena.

It has been an interesting process for me to be involved in after so long with my babies in the early years.
A time to reflect on my own suitability as a leader (or to the contrary) and to be amused at how my burning leadership aspirations dissipated around the time contraception ceased to exist in my world!!
It has provided a springboard to appreciate the leaders I am privileged enough to follow and collaborate with in my roles at work
(the 'mostly paid in monetary value' variety of work, that is).

Earlier this year I was deeply saddened, and almost distressed, to bid a retirement farewell to my boss. He had been a brilliant mentor and friend of mine for the past six years. He is an amazing individual and educator who has left a huge mark on me professionally and personally.

But with the winds of change came two strong, warm and beautiful women, whose direction and guidance I have loved working under this semester. Both of these women have been exceptional leaders. confidantes, colleagues and role models. They've supported me through some tough decision making, helped me navigate complicated too-serious-for-this-poor-child issues and offered valuable insight when I've needed another perspective. They've been generous with feedback, acknowledgment and encouragement. They've asked personal and engaging questions - and genuinely cared to hear the answers. They've also accommodated (and possibly even nurtured!) my tendency to be a tad sooky and become a tad too attached to my students or their families.

This week I'm grateful for leadership that transcends 'being the bossy boss boss' and embodies so much more. Leaders that don't just inspire you to follow, but to forge a new path with them.

Linking up with Maxabella Loves' Grateful For... 

Pop over to enjoy some weekend gratitude.

I'll lead the way, shall I?!

Shar :-)

Grateful For..Pressure & Plenty

This week life has turned it up a notch once more.
Letting me know that holidays are to be earned if they're to really be appreciated.


Most definitely half full


The social calender is filled to capacity.
School's in - in a biiig way.
Renovations are revving up.
Commitments are calling in all at once.
Ye old lists are my new, old best friends again.
The pressure is mounting....                                 and I'm loving it!


I work best this way, it seems.
Deadlines, dates, lists, efficiency bordering on neuroses.
I feel very much alive and kicking!


As long as I don't lose sight of how utterly blissful it is lying there in the moment, tearing up with those pudgy little fingers on my face (Magoo's - not Hubby's) or how important it is to stop and truly listen, busy is my friend.


I could choose to pee and moan, couldn't I?
Poor me.
I am lucky enough to have family, friends, communities, gatherings, a home, fulfilling work, healthy obsessions interests...
Woe to be me.
My life is full. My heart is full. My brain is probably over-full.


A chain-poem-thing I've read in the past springs to my dizzy head - about being grateful for the snoring beside you because it means you have a partner, about being grateful for the piles of washing because you have a family (a family with an extensive wardrobe, it seems!), about being grateful for cleaning because it means you have a home to maintain.


I get that.
I feel that.


I'm grateful for every last person, group and commitment that bulges out of my diary right now.
I am busily blessed - and destined to outrun boredom as long as I shall live.


Linking up with other Gratefuls over @ beautiful Maxabella Loves.

Shar :-)