At the end of 2014

At the beginning of 2014 I thought that we might each individually list our goals for the year. I like to have goals, it gives me something to work towards, but I had never written them down before. I wrote down three areas before sitting down with everyone, discussed what each meant and then asked everyone to list what they wanted their goals to be. By having the three areas it helped us focus on the goal setting and because we have such a large age range in our family it made it easier for everyone to understand. We displayed it in the kitchen which served as a reminder of what we were working towards.Some of us took the easy way out and listed what we knew the year was going to bring (Overseas trip), while some of the answers from the little ones surprised me (Learning Spanish?). As happens with goals some we achieved (Blogging) and some we didn't (getting license and taking off training wheels) and will be probably be worked on next year. So with this year ending and another coming, very soon it will be time to look at what we want to gain from our time in 2015. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!!!

Happy New Year!
Mumma Bear xxx

Last minute creating.

After a very creative 2013 Christmas I had no plans to make anything at all this year. That was until IB reminded me that I promised her a handmade Elsa (from Frozen) dress for Christmas. So after kicking myself for opening my mouth, we headed into town to pick out the fabric. Thinking it might be hard to find what I was looking for I was prepared to walk around for hours, but it turned out to be easy to find the perfect material. I became quiet excited to start on the project but, as always happens with me, that enthusiasm soon disappeared and the fabric sat in the cupboard for close to two months. As the days ticked by and Christmas got closer I started to panic that I wouldn't get it done, so with 5 days to my deadline I turned up to my mums with my sewing machine under my arm ready to sew (She, of course, had that look on her face that said "What crazy idea has my daughter come up with now?") Mum is great on the sewing machine and gave me the confidence that the finished product wouldn't look rubbish and working together we finished it in about 1 and half hours. Feeling so motivated I then decided to spray some second hand taps silver and hot glue gunned a headband! In the end I'm glad that IB reminded me of my promise and I might even sew up that skirt that's been sitting there for 6 months before the new year!

Mumma Bear

xxxx

Advent

This is the third year that we have celebrated Advent with our own handmade calender. Each morning the kids get to open a pocket that contains a card that has the days activities. Here are some of the experiences this year......

Decorated the house.

Received (new to us) Christmas books.

Created paper mache decorations.

 Santa photos.

     Donated to the KMart Christmas wishing tree.

Went to the local Christmas carols

Caught up with family.

Made (a prepackaged!) gingerbread house.

Cooked and delivered cookies for the neighbors. 

Went to preschool disco!

Happy Advent
Mumma Bear.

{this moment}

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

To see more from others check out Soulemama

Formal Time take two!

 Catching up with LT doesn't happen very often so I am grateful for every opportunity, even if it is only for a short moment. When she told me about her upcoming formal it was something I definitely didn't want to miss, so the girls and I made the journey into town to see her. She looked gorgeous and so tall in her high heels!!! (I always hoped that she would stay shorter than me but I gave up on that dream about 6 months ago.) She did her hair and her makeup by herself and it turned out great, the braids and twists that were through the back of her hair were amazing -she might give another family member some competition in a few years!! I'm sure she had a great night with her friends and it was filled with memories that she will have for a lifetime.

Love you my Baby Girl

xxx

Mumma Bear

{this moment}

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

To see more from others check out Soulemama

Formal Time

JT's year 12 formal was beautiful. After the stress of picking out a dress and shoes then getting hair and make up applied, its was chance to sit back, relax and for the kids to catch up after weeks of exams. Being a performing arts school, nobody was shy about showing of their individual style and everyone looked stunning. I'm glad JT enjoyed this time with her friends and dragging me up for a dance (even though there wasn't any other parents!) to the Spice girls "So tell me what you want" was a highlight of the night. Unfortunately she didn't win the "Dad Joke / Lame Joke" award (she wasn't  even sure why she was nominated!) but I don't think it will effect her getting far in life.  This signifies the end of her schooling and although I'm excited to see what her future holds it's sad to say goodbye to this chapter of her life. 

Mumma Bear.

On the island

Honestly, I will use any excuse to get away so when A.T had a special effects job on Cockatoo Island I packed up the little kids, the tent and the sleeping bags and took the long trip on the train to Sydney for a couple of nights to join her.

When we left home it was stinking hot and I am still in awe of how JB walked to the train station without his pack making him fall over. IB was also great considering her lack of enthusiasm of walking and both were very excited for the journey(I'm not going to mention the nightmare of a trip home... short term memory is sometimes a great thing!)

 I have never been to the island before so I wasn't sure of what there would be to do and how entertained the kids would be. The helpful volunteers at the information centre gave the kids a book that led them on a trail highlighting the convict history and encouraging them to complete activities at each stop.This was the only organised activity that we did otherwise they were more then happy to explore the tunnels and old buildings, climb tress and slide down a cement ramp.

We were the only mad people who brought our own tent and who stayed more than one night! Oh and we were the only people who were eating noodles for dinner - that was the limit of our carrying abilities!! Overall it was a great adventure and added more memories to our crazy life.

If you want to see more check THIS out.

Till our next adventure

Mumma Bear.