Clover 2015

Routine trip to the park ended all nostalgic.

Isn't the weather just beautiful.

I love that feeling of NOT being HOT or NOT being COLD.

Bliss.


We took our kite to the park to fly. Wasn't too much wind.

Then as we were leaving  me and one child saw the patches of clover.

Clover! It is SPRING already!

Then we remember clover chains. {It's been a year?!}

As the others all left for home we stayed behind for extra 30 mins.

and I thought how many years of clover chain making do I have left.


Hopefully many more.

 

2008 Clover

2011 Clover

2012 Clover

2013 Clover

Sydney - Time out for Women 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last time I was in a plane and off for a weekend was - you guessed it -

 the last Time Out for Women (see HERE! ) two years ago -so sad. My friends and I lamented why does it take something like this to make us take a girls weekend? I've never had a girls weekend but these 3 trips to Sydney for TOFW have been amazing. More girls weekends - STAT!

 

We had real trouble finding affordable accommodation (apparently the Bledisloe cup and Netball championships and wrestling were also on) and were once again going to have to be at the mercy of my friends friends to put us up. Last minute blessing we found a super quaint B&B right near the Olympic Stadium where we were headed. Kevin the caretaker was so awesome to us. He fitted in an extra bed in our room and because we had to leave super early and come home late he showed us where all the food was and to help ourselves. It all felt a bit too quaint and a bit downtown abbeyish for these girls who don't get out much ;) it was such a lovely place to stay. I totally recommend Darcy's Hotel in Homebush, if your looking for somewhere to stay. http://darcyshotel.com.au/

 

Sorry my pictures are dark. We were only at the house late at night or early morning :)

 

Time Out for Women - see  http://www.tofw.com/

My favourite part of Time out for women is the spirit.
There is an amazing spirit that follows 2000 LDS women in one room. It almost can't be described.
It's fun, its kind, it's comradery , it's running into old friends, it's like you know everyone there.
It's plain beautiful and amazing. If only it went longer than 8 hours.

Each year I usually give a bit of an overview but I didn't take many notes this year.
The speakers were different this time from the previous two times.

Elaine Dalton:
You are stronger than you think
Arise to the calling that is yours. Lord asked many to arise (eg Man in Bethseda, Man with withered hand, Paul on road to Damascus). It is time to arise and be the person you are prepared to be.

Atonement is enabling power. Not just redeeming power.
IT covers weaknesses, sickness, unhappiness.

Return to virtue is always possible regardless of mistakes or what has happened.
Virtue leads you to the temple where you are endowed with more power.

** and I totally wanted Elaine's dress. HOT! I love taking fashion tips from the over 60 set :)

Sandra Turley:
Beautiful amazing singing! I had never heard of her before, but she was sooo good!
She performed in Les Miserables on Broadway.
Likened the songs from Phantom of the Opera to that of Heavenly Father - think of Me.
There will never be a day I don't think of you.
Sandra spoke of infertility and adoption and heartache and trials. She plead for an Abrahamic experience that didn't pan out as such.

Heidi Swinton:
started with the parable of the 10 virgins. They had lamp and oil. Oil can't be shared. Key about the oil is that is produces light. This is like the light within us. It might not matter what the oil is eg service to others, being kind, responding to callings, looking after our families, doing hard things.
but the oil gets the light growing. Service brings us light, fills our vessel so we can in turn be a light/lamp to others. Sometimes good things bring light but difficulties and trials can also bring oil.  We must fill our vessels/our oil so we can BE A LIGHT.

Heidi was the biographer of Pres Monsons biography. Shared her unexpected story about how he rang her up (very funny). She was blessed with power that made her days longer, work quicker, think clearer as she was on a mission with her husband at the same time.

She spoke of value. When she was busy with callings and serving others and being a good church member she felt she gave value and was a good daughter of God. A terrible accident (a fall down some stairs) left her with injuries that had her bed bound for many weeks. At first she felt terrible for having to have people help her, dependant and reliant on others, and she unable to do anything. She spoke of our value. Our value is not tied to what we do. We still have value even when we can do nothing. Lord loves you for you, not for what you do.

Lisa King:
Lisa was our lovely first time Australian presenter! There wasn't a dry eye in the place as Lisa spoke. Very moving.Lisa was recently awarded mother of the year for Tasmania.
It's OK to have questions. It's easy to have faith when things are easy But faith is really for when things aren't easy. Everyone needs to know they are loved. Even without having a trial.
Don't wait for hard times to care for people.


David Archuleta:
Even though I knew he was from American Idol I hadn't actually heard him sing before.
Be willing to say God I can't do this. Be willing to hand it over to him. Admit our weaknesses.
Take courage, show weakness, be vulnerable to the Lord.
Don't be afraid of who you are. Both weaknesses and STRENGTHS

Brad Wilcox:
If you can laugh at it you can live with it.
When does life even out? Life is more like a wave. I want smooth and straight.
His wife a nurse said nooo... ITS BAD when you have a straight line!!
Ups and downs in life mean we are alive, we are participating.
A sense of humour is an important thing. Helps keeps things in perspective.
Humour is a gift, a skill. Something you need to develop not necessarily something you are born with. There is difference in light mindedness and light heartedness. Many scriptures mention happiness, joy, laughter.

Sheri Dew:
Questions are good. Questions lead to peace, progress, revelation and will lead you down the path.
All questions have answers. Rules don't constrain us they give us maximum freedom. People who keep covenants have greater access to higher power.

Ask for angels to help you.

Are you willing to engage in a wrestle with the Lord? Many scripture stories involve a wrestle with the Lord. How much effort are we willing to put in to find answers? A spiritual Wrestle.


God will do amazing things IN us and THROUGH US

 

Because my friends are awesome and knew some cast members in Les Mis, we got to go see a show.

I've not seen Les Mis before so it was a wonderful end to our day (esp since Sandra Sang the Songs at TOFW aswell! So much Les Mis that day!) I'm not a big theatre goer but it was nice to be able to go.

 

Our weekend was packed so tight we didn't really have any time for sight seeing. One restaurant my friend wanted to see was Ground of Alexandria. It was so cool. I would recommend a visit there if you are in Sydney. There was even a pony and pig there! IT was like 4 restaurants and markets and shops joined by LOTS of hanging plants and outdoor eating. Fun

 

A just because I rarely fly and my companions so nicely gave me window seats. I'm such a kid and love to look out the window down below. I took lots of photos to show my kids as they have never been in a plane. Seriously people will think I don't get out much. I'm a bit special.

I'm so thankful to my poor friend who had to navigate crazy Sydney traffic. Who got us everywhere alive, in one piece, on time. Who found us food, amazing tickets, hotel and car. I really wouldn't leave my house without her organisation. Mwah! kisses!


We had little sleep over our weekend but holidays aren't for sleeping.
That's what you do when you come home!

Rainbow / Colour Party

With a 9 and 6 year old - its been easy to recycle and turn upsidedown decorations ;)

 

Miss N asked for rainbows and bright colours and a piñata and pass the parcel.
{after changing her mind on a lalaloopsy party .. phew!}

I love a good theme so fleshed it out a bit, to help me with games and craft ideas.

The big colourful birthday party details.


Activities:

On arrival we had bubble blowing, drawing with chalk on concrete while waiting all guests to arrive

Rock Painting:

I purchased a 15kg bag of river rocks from Bunnings.
Everything else was left over from the Art Party

Hot dog Rock by Miss G

 

Facepainting:

 

Love older kids who take charge of party activities.

Miss G gave everyone Rainbows, icecreams, cherries, suns. $6 Face Crayons from Riot.



 

 

Spray Bottle Painting:

 

The Kids LOVED this activity. It was hard for everyone to wait their turn as I only had 4 waterbottles for 15 kids. I filled a waterspray bottle with a big squirt of acrylic paint and half filled with water. I bought a cheap white double bed sheet and hung it over the fence for them to spray. It's so addictive to spray colour out! I wanted to not share too! Will do this activity again!

 

 

Pinata:
Our first store bought piñata. I didn't have time to make one. The week he was in our house Miss N fell in love with him and didn't want to break him at first. But that didn't last. There may have been screams of smash him smash him. Kids love piñata's in my experience. The anticipation is palatable.
I have to buy a replacement for a room decoration. We got used to the little fella :)

 

 

Balloon Stands:

A lovely friend lent me these concrete and pvc pipe stands. Very handy and versatile!
For balloon towers blow up balloons and tie together in bunches of four (tie two balloons together, then tie two pairs together - no string just the balloon ends) then you just push each bunch onto and around the pipe. Keep adding bunches until pipe is covered. Easy to dismantle. Every kid wanted to take balloons home, so each got a bunch.

Rainbow Cake:

I'm no baker so I have to steer my kids to easy made cakes when perusing the internets :) This was a quick easy cake made from one round cake - my favourite types! I love it when a cake works.

 

 

Pinterest Food ideas :

 

Wafers dipped in chocolate dipped in 100's and 1000's. Easy and colourful. We also served marshmallows with choc and an M&M on top. Potato Chips and Freddo frogs and nuggets.
Miss N's favourite food.

 

 And I let the Birthday Shirts Here out early to wear for her colourful birthday.

 

Yay! And all my parties are done for the year!

 

I can't believe I said no parties this year. Kids really do love it. A bit of a stress but worth it.  I only wish we could invited all our friends and family. I'm thinking I'm going to have to start having school friends, family, church friends multiple parties!! The past couple years my kids have had school friends/class by default but I've been so sad that we didn't have everyone else. Next Time!

Traditions and Rituals for Families

Perhaps it's because I'm lazy.

{True Story.}

Or maybe there really is something to be said for Family Traditions and Rituals.

{Probably}

I've found I'm much more motivated when there is a reason or tradition.

Because you can't mess with tradition.


Lately I've lost my zest for most things {what!? you can tell!? I'm never here}

I never update this blog, or do anything worth blogging

Between work, Relief Society President, hours of kids homework I just don't have desire.


This week I had another realisation about traditions. For years now I've been wanting to celebrate Christmas in July. Just because. It's silly and no reason, but why not? Of course we had about 5 things to do on the 25 of July so I thought it won't happen.. AGAIN. Anyway I woke up Friday the 24th and thought just do it. Just do it tonight anyway with whatever you've got.

And you know what? There was a pep in my step. I lovingly decorated that table with whatever Christmas decorations weren't up in the roof. We hung a star light. I made a roast dinner with trimmings and dessert. We played Christmas music. A child played Christmas songs on the  piano.

I put in effort.

Lately I'm not in the mood for cooking, or preparing or crafting or doing much at all.

The thought entered my mind that I really like traditions. And reasons.

Having a timeline, an expected due date, a deadline. Without, I do nothing.

As an adult with not many {important} deadlines I think family life can really slip by.

When was our last proper fancy homemade dinner? {Easter?}
When was our last extended family get together {Easter?}
When was the last time we celebrated something {Miss G's Birthday}
What was the last thing we created together?
When was the last time we ALL sat and talked together? {Family Home Evening}
When was the last time we went on a random spontaneous outing?{School Holidays}
When was the last time we put thought and love into decorating? {Christmas in July}
When was the last time we watched the Sunrise?{Last Year}
When was the last time we watched the Sunset? {Winter Solstice}
When was my last date with the MR? {our birthdays 7 months ago?}
When was the last time we celebrated anything?


I've realised most of these things happen for our family around traditions and holidays.

Now not all traditions are good. Some traditions bring stress and hard work. It HAS to be this way because .... Just BECAUSE... it's tradition. Now I'm all for only doing what works and getting rid of stuff that doesn't. But maybe, just maybe I need that tiny bit of stress.
That tiny bit of EXPECTATION....

I really feel that tiny bit of expectation is important for me.

Life has been a little overwhelming, a bit busy, a bit in the doldrums, a bit repetitive - which will always make one lose desire {who isn't over cooking, cleaning, washing, homework?}

But give me a reason, a tradition, a ritual.

And it makes it a little easier for me to have a fulfilling life.

Might be time for me to add some more traditions to our life.


What are your favourite family Traditions?



Simple Family traditions that we use

Attending Church weekly
Monday Night Family Night
Friday/Saturday Movie Night
Watching the Sunrise once a year {used to be on Queen's Birthday or Easter}
Celebrating Birthdays with as many large candles as your age, birthday letter and crown, choosing your own breakfast and sticking candles in it
Birthday Shirts
Celebrating Winter Solstice with a fire and watching sunset
Photographing the Eating of the first mangoes of the season
Back to School Dinner
Easter Monday at the Dam
Visiting the place we got engaged each year and having a picnic with the kids
Going to the Ekka
Making Advent Calendars
Measuring Day {the same day each month we measure the girls and make a excel spreadsheet}
Its measuring day, its measuring day can be heard sung out on those days by the girls
Climbing on the Roof with Daddy
Grandparents Christmas Dinner
Sewing Christmas pillowcases and a million other Christmas Traditions

Art Party

So this year was the year I said no one was having a birthday party and could choose a fun place to go as a family instead. First child obeyed but well as the ideas got crazier and wilder, and then - how about I bring this friend or that friend or two, or as well as the family outing - we will do this too, add in visits to restaurants, but what about the pool party, can I do both? , but we've had a party (of some sort) every year, the begging and cajoling got too complicated so I caved and said it will be easier (and cheaper) for everyone to  have a party! You can have a party! And You can have a party....

So here we are...

 

Miss G is an art and craft freak so I thought an art party would be a good idea.
There are so many ideas out there, and she had a few ideas of her own, but we went easy.

I bought 10 kids an art book, letter of their name and mini easel.
We painted and decorated, opened presents, ate, decorated a paper bag to put it all in. Done.

The cake was so easy and I was happy with how it turned out.
Pretty, quick and easy. My favourite combination!
I didn't forsee the fight over who got to eat the slices with the colour blobs though. Kids!!

 

The finished products.

 

I had lots of ideas for fancy foods but when the birthday girl said she wanted calippo iceblocks and chips and drinks I thought I'm insane for trying to talk her out of it.
She wants calippo's? Give em I say. Sooo easy!! 
I gave up on fancy food and attempting pinterest perfect parties a while ago.
I did throw in some nuggets cause I felt bad.

 

We painted this sign from an idea on pinterest though.

Wasn't as good as the pinned one but effective nonetheless.

 

 

Helping me set up.

Friday afternoon parties are becoming my favourite.
I find Saturday parties harder to clean for and organise with everyone home 'helping' or messing.
They seem to take ALL day and the party always goes overtime (which is ok, but still)
Friday parties from 3:30 till 5:30pm everyone is always gone by 6 latest and its done.
Kids spend the preparty time hyper at school and not at home underfoot.
I set this party up Thursday night as I had work Friday.
Anyway it seemed a lot easy than a Saturday party. And that's my party tip.
I feel silly sharing our parties sometimes as they are pretty simple but I like real parties with realistic price tags (I have about $100 - 150  budget per party) and even though I love and get many of my ideas from party blogs most are done in a studio and are ideas to share online, not at real parties.

and an art party is the perfect place to wear your arty number birthday shirt.

Winter Solstice 2015

 

As per tradition ~ a little Solstice celebration.

 

This time we had hot chocolates in hand to watch the sunset.

Sadly the sun was hidden by the city. Then the clouds cleared.

We saw the Moon, Venus and Jupiter all in line.

We came home to marshmallows and fire.

 

Happy Longest Night of the year.

 

 

 

Its pretty crazy that its mid winter and we were doing this on Saturday and a few even swam.

 

 

Previous Solstice Celebrations Here: 

 

2014

2013
2012
2011
2008