Life in November

Another November has come and gone and it's been a good one! I remember going over our finances (or lack of them) a few weeks ago and I questioned where all our money was going? Rick replied 'it's November remember?' So very very true. And with Christmas fast approaching I can't believe 2013 will almost be here. Here's a few highlights of our life in November:

 

McCaw, Rick and I went to Melbourne for my birthday and anniversary celebrations early in the month. I love Melbourne! We have decided it will become a yearly tradition for Rick and I. We shopped, ate at many fabulous places and really just enjoyed each others company. I had such a good time. Rick organised the flights, accommodation etc, which is quite a big thing for my husband as that is usually my job. It was bliss! Rick joked that half our trip was spent with people asking about baby 'caw'. I told him it probably had just as much to do with the handsome black man holding him, but I could be a little bias! I enjoyed myself so much I actually forgot to take photos!

 

 

We got back from our trip and it was straight back to reality! Our McCaw was schedule for his operation at the Sydney's Children Hospital to remove his extra digit (he was born with an extra toe). It was heartbreaking seeing him go under anaesthetic, but ultimately it was for his benefit and as always, my boy was a little soldier! I really could go on all day about how lucky I am to have this little boy. He is an absolute treasure as a child and seems to be quite the hit wherever we go! I quite frequently will hear the words 'this boy is the best baby!'. That's my boy!



 

 

We have visited our favourite park a few times this month. One time we went with my cousins so it was extra good! I really really like these pictures!

Given we have so many birthdays in November and with a lot of the family visiting for Alameins wedding, we have been spending a lot of time at the Ah Mus house. I do love hanging out there and we spent many a night chatting into early hours of the morning! The boys love it too, referring to it as 'Cori's house'. Uncle Valu has chickens, a turtle, and two swings he set up. Who needs parks when you have a house like that!

 

So it's been a fun month, full of lots of family time (which really is the best sort of 'time' isn't it). Here's two more pictures - one of McCaw I took while his Uncle Daniel was making him laugh, the second of Rick and I at the National Multicultural Marketing Awards. It was a last minute thing so I wore the same dress I wore to Alameins wedding (breaking one of my unwritten rules but such is life!).

 

Wedding Fever

There must be something in the water! In eight days, Rick and I attended three weddings - one quite cultural, one family focused, and the other pretty much a big party!

My favourite of course was that of my cousin El Alamein Ah Mu to Sela Seiuli. It was family focused and I always love the time we get to spend with my extended family. Having an excuse to get dressed up is great too, as those days are few and far between for Rick and I!

It was a beautiful wedding - the ceremony was at the Campbelltown Art Gallery and that was followed by a night of dancing and catching up with family from abroad. I look at the photo of Alamein with his siblings and parents, and am reminded why I want a big family of my own!

Here's a few pictures from the day, mostly of my boys but what's new right!

The Problem With Being a Realist

I consider myself a realist. I use to think that was a good thing, that my opinions of my children aren't overly bias and that although I love them dearly, I can readily admit what I think their strengths and weaknesses are.

But I was reminded on Sunday that being a realist isn't always a good thing.

My Cassius is very shy. Put him in a public setting and he goes all sorts of awkward. I know this. I joke about it. I'm realistic about it. So when it came to his sacrament presentation, where he would be required to stand up in front of a congregation of around 150 people, I was almost certain that he wouldn't do it. To the point where I told my cousins not to bother coming.

But my boy proved me wrong. I had read through the script so I knew his part was near the end. I waited anxiously and prayed that my boy would have the courage to do it. We had practiced time and time again but I wasn't confident. His time came and I could see the awkwardness all over his face, I could see the nerves creeping in. But he got on that pulpit, and blurted out his one line 'fasting'. I teared up and was so, so proud. I couldn't believe that he did it! I was so disappointed that every single member of my family wasn't there to see it!

So what's the problem with being a realist? I think in a way it expects people to fail, and it doesn't allow for the extraordinary. Which, quite simply, my children prove to be time and time again.

Maybe I'm not such a realist after all. But I'm ok with that. My husband reminds me that people often become what we expect of them.  So I should expect nothing less than the best from my boys!

Ps - How handsome does Cassius look in his tongan clothes! Rick also told me after that he had promised Cassius he would take him to Coris house if he said his line. I guess if all else fails, use bribery!

 

Daycare Photos ...

School photos have definitely come a long way since I was in School!

Yesterday I picked up Cassius and Phoenix's photos - aren't they divine! I'm a little annoyed at myself that I didn't dress my boys nicer, but I'll get over it (one day)!

I hadn't even planned to buy the complete package, but that morning as I told Rick my plans he told me to take enough cash to buy everything in case I change my mind. My husband knows me too well! Once I saw the set up I knew I had to order them! The ladies were lovely and so quick and professional. Click here to check out their website. I really think it's time for me to take a photography course - I love photos way too much!!

 

 

Finding New Play Parks

In this day and age, we are surrounded by so many electronic devices and it can be hard to pull our kids away. I think that's why I love the 'play park' so much. When we go to the park, I don't have to negotiate use of the iPad or phone, my boys just play and enjoy themselves. And it's free. What more could you want?

 

Two weeks ago Cassius, McCaw and I headed to Park Central in Campbelltown for a specialist appointment. After we finished we decided to head to the park across the road as it was one of those beautiful sunny days where you have to be outdoors. And we did not regret it! What a fantastic park! The area itself (Park Central) is relatively new and the park reflects that - it's modern, clean, and has beautiful landscaping. There are ponds with ducks to feed, walkways, and the playground is lined with rubber flooring (instead of sand and dirt like some others). There are bbq and toilet facilities also - it truly was one of the best parks I have ever been to. Definitely a new found favourite for my boys and I! I think these pictures illustrate its beauty precisely:

 

 

On another note, I am reminded that all parks are not created equally. We went to a park at Mirambeena Regional Park on Monday for our church playgroup. We still had a lovely time, I enjoy having a good chat with other mothers, and the size of the two playgrounds is quite generous which my older boys especially loved. But I am not a fan of parks that have sand flooring - they make for a very messy afternoon! All in all I can't complain though - the park had beautiful bush surroundings so I had some great photo opportunities. We had packed a picnic and stayed there over an hour after everyone from the playgroup left - I told you we love the play park!

 

 

 

Ps - I have applied the same filter to all these photos (lo-fi as it makes the colors look richer) - yet the pictures at Park Central look so much better! Anyway just a thought ...

Six Years on

On Sunday Rick and I celebrated six years of marriage. Six years! I know no marriage is perfect but I feel lucky that I chose him and he chose me. We make many decisions in our lives and that is by far the most rewarding, most important, and best decision of mine. He gets me. He's good to me. He is an amazing father. And he's a worthy Priesthood Holder. That above all, is worth it's weight in gold.

We had a family picnic planned with the boys but I'd had a stomach bug on Friday that returned in full force. So my day instead was spent in bed with Rick watching the kids. Not exactly the day we had planned, but Rick has organised a weekend away for us in Melbourne so we will celebrate then!

 

Here's some of my favourite pictures from that day, six years ago ...