Mothers Day

I had the most wonderful mothers day! The kids came bounding in at 7:30am... that was the compromise.... LOL they really wanted to come in at 6:30! They had lots of presents and cards, and of course kisses and cuddles. I got some lovely handmade presents from the kids and a few soaps and candles from the Mothers Day stall at school. Todd, Ben and Emily made me a wonderful potted herb garden, after getting rid of our vegie garden I was really missing my fresh herbs! I also got this really cool weather station. A sensor stays outside and relays to a display unit inside the humidity, barometric pressure and temprature inside and out. I love knowing how hot or cold it is outside, although sometimes its best not to know! LOL Here are some pics of Todd and the kids making the herb garden.... looks fantastic!

So after a nice sleep in (yes I did manage to go back to sleep after all the excitement) I awoke to the aromas of a cooked breakfast. The kids had set the table and picked flowers for the middle. Todd cleaned up the kitchen afterward which was the real treat! We then had a nice quiet day..... no bickering from the kids....that was wonderful! Hope all you mums out there had a great day too!

Photo Shoot

It was a beautiful sunny day at the end of April after 2 weeks of rain. So nice to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Took a few photos of the kids,shame they can't be that nice to each other all the time!

Visitors.....

have a look at this, how lucky are we to have these beautiful visitors... King Parrots on my back deck...wow. The kids get such a thrill seeing wildlife in our backyard.

We often get visits from Wallaby's too. Usually its the same mum with a baby in her pouch.... a bit too fond of my roses though!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME......

well, I am only almost a whole month late with my birthday post.... better late than never right? So, I turned 41 on Friday 18th April. Seems like forever ago already. My birthday started early the Friday night before (the night Kerry, Jaimee and Lis were here for tea). Jaimee gave me a lovely handmade card and a gorgeous wee box with bits and pieces of stationary in it. Its so pretty Jaimee, I cannot bear the thought of taking everything out of the box! Thanks luv!

The Wednesday before I had a lovely visit from Lisa. Awesome to see her as always and she came bearing gifts! A very yummy heart shaped sponge cake and the most gorgeous pressie for moi.......

How nice is this toiletry bag? and little matching make up bag???? Love it, thank you so much Lis!

The morning of my birthday started bright and early with Ben and Emily running in with lots of kisses and cuddles. Em made me the most beautiful card.... I have to say, its my favourite!It was not long after there was a knock at the door and it was the florist with the most gorgeous delivery of flowers from Todd's parents. Thank you so much Shirley and Spencer, they were beautiful and lasted 2 weeks!

The kids and I spent a quiet day at home, had lots and lots of emails, sms messages and phone calls. Thanks Janey, Sandra, Lis, Annette, Kerry.... I hope I have not missed anyone.

My dear friend Nickie in Christchurch (hey girlfriend!) sent me this beautiful bottle.... cant believe it made it all the way here in one piece! Thanks Nick, its on my kitchen windowsill, looks fantastic!

So late afternoon mum arrives bearing more gifts. From her, a voucher for a facial... oh I am so going to enjoy that, and also a pressie from my sister Christine, a really gorgeous blue glass perfume bottle.

Todd arrived not much later with cake....its not a birthday for the kids in this house without it! We sang happy birthday and I had plenty of help blowing out the candles.

After dinner was organised for my mum and the kids, Todd and I got tarted up and headed off into Newcastle to eat at Sesame's at the Junction.... oh yummo, its a mixed Asain resturant....very, very noice!

I am involved in a card swap at TSE. I received so many gorgeous cards from the girls...

back: Marcela, Crystal and Kristine front: Kerry, Katherine and Judith

back: Donna, Skye, Sandra front: Annette, Al

Thank you so much girls, never had so many birthday cards before, I love them alllllllllll!!!!!

Now this lovely present was given to me by the gorgeous, generous Vita when she was in Sydney for Janey's birthday bash. Just love it all Vita, and I cannot believe you made that little bag and those felt flowers....how clever are you????

Then one last wonderful surprise in the mail from the ever so talented Jane Jones. Wow Janey, I so appreciate the time you spent making this, when I know time is so rare and precious for you. Thanks girlie, love it so much!

All in all it was a great day. Thank you to all my wonderful friends that made it even better! *mwah*

Janes 40th birthday bash..... April 12th

oh wow! what an awesome weekend! it all started on Friday evening when the gorgeous Kerry flew into Newcastle airport. Lisa and Jaimee made up the welcoming commitee and then they all made their way to my house for some dinner and lots of laughs. It was not long before a few drinks were had and we were all having the best time. Dinner was a combined effort, Jaimee made a lovely chicken curry, Lis bought a cake and bread and I made a big salad with balsamic dressing (as Miss Lis requested!) and some rice. Janey rang to check in and see what we were all up to. I wish you could have been there with us luv!The girls headed off pretty early to rest up for a big day ahead.

Kerry, Jaimee, me and Lisa just about to head off!

The next morning we all met up at Lisa's house and at 9:30 we hit the road. I so appreciated being able drive the landcruiser and the lovely Miss Sat Nav got us to Cronulla right on lunchtime. A lovely lunch was had at a beachside cafe with a few wines.....yummo! Annette and Vita joined us at the cafe then we headed up to our room to wait for the arrival of the quest of honor. Janey made her grand entrance along with Marcela and they chatter, laughter and high jinx began in earnest! It was so much fun to surprise Janey with her pile of presents and we ooooooed and aaaaaaahed over her loot.

We ventured down to the beach to hang out with Annette and her family for a little while. It was a beautiful afternoon. Before long it was time to head on back to the room to get ready. With us all tarted up off we went to Opahs at Cronulla. OMG, the BEST Greek food, and soooooo much of it. We ordered the banquet and had about 10 courses, all delicious. I cannot believe the girls ordered dessert as well???? LOL I could only manage about 2 mouthfuls of the shared chocolate platter and death by chocolate.

After gorging ourselves we headed to the local bottle shop (all class girls LOL) to stock up and headed back to our room to hang out. I was a little disappointed we were in our jammies at 10:30pm, however the next morning after only 4 hours sleep I really appreciated not having a hangover!

The next morning was a delicious brekkie at a local cafe then we loaded up the car and Miss Sat Nav again delivered us to our destination with no problems at all. We found a great car park at the Opera House and had a lovely time wandering around Circular Quay, the Opera House and the Rocks. Before we knew it, it was time to sadly say goodbye to Kerry and Vita. What an absolute priviledge it was to meet you guys. The effort to fly in from Queensland and Victoria is so appreciated. You are both gorgeous girls, I feel so lucky to have made two new friends!

So then Lisa, Jaimee and I headed off back up the freeway to home. The most beautiful rainbow followed us all the way. I had a very enthusiastic welcome when I got home. My wonderful hubby had dinner all organised, so all I had to do was unpack, enjoy a lovely hot shower and eat. I was so tired I don't think I moved all night!

Thank you Jane, Lisa, Jaimee, Kerry, Vita, Marcela and Annette. I had the most wonderful time and cannot wait until we do it again.