Chrissy's Chat Corner

Summer Days...

2012-02-06T15:16:00.000+10:00

Week 5 - "LIQUID"

It's hard to believe that it's the middle of Summer here with all the rain and cool weather we've had! On the weekend though we were blessed with some really beautiful sunny days, perfect for splashing in our pool and enjoying being outside together. Michael is such a good hubby, spent heaps of time organising the levels etc and cleaning it so all would be safe for the family to have some pool fun! The water looked so inviting it was hard to resist.

The theme this week for the challenge over at Paint The Moon was "liquid" and the first thing that came to mind was our sparkly pool. Had heaps of fun trying to capture the splash as Michael hit the water, can't believe my camera didn't get drenched. LOL Love the final shot on the right with all those droplets caught mid-air but had to include the before shots of my cute hubby too. ;)

Hope you all had a lovely weekend as well. xx

Some days just feel so nice if you know what I mean...

2012-02-05T10:52:00.003+10:00

Saturday was one of those days, a day at home.

{February 4}

*We slept in a little and then had brekkie together by the pool, I love sitting back and listening to the kids and what is going on in their world, the way they interact with each other, with their Daddy.

*Michael and Nick mowed the yard together. It looks so good now.

*Emmy and I had fun in the kitchen together while she baked some cute cupcakes (and iced some extra special ones for Sean)

*Alex went off to work and then with a shorter shift spent time with his friends too.

*I stayed in my PJs til lunchtime.

*Michael had an afternoon nap.

*The five of us had a delicious dinner outside since the weather was just gorgeous.

*Michael made some yummy Baileys & milk on ice for the two of us late that night so we sat and chatted by the pool in the moonlight.

I feel much more relaxed. It was a perfect day.

Only one...

2012-02-04T14:50:00.004+10:00

...still at school!

{February 1}

I am still amazed at how time has flown for our family and instead of seeing three children heading off to school each morning as we have for so very long (especially having 3 under 3 there have been many years of them all at school together) I now hug and kiss goodbye just one, our last baby. Alex has always loved catching the bus, Emmy hated it with all the noisy boys LOL, so this is generally my view each school morning this year. Today of course he has two bags as he heads off to work straight after school. Such a hard working kid, so proud of that. He should have an umbrella though as it's been raining pretty much ever since he started Year 11!

Our routines this year haven't been quite set, we're still trying to come up with what works for us, especially with 3 kids off in 3 different directions and of course Michael & I to get to work too. It's a bit crazy here to be honest. Very early mornings for us, especially with Emmy having to catch the train to the City for early lectures. Early buses, early trains, early leaving times for us all, everyone going in different directions... it's going to mean some changes to our night times here I guess. A sign that life is constantly evolving, as it should be but sometimes I kinda yearn for those days when my three little chicks woke in the morning and our days were spent happily together at home playing in the sandpit their Daddy built, having lunch time picnics under our backyard tree and sleepy afternoon naps in their little beds. :)

Monthly Favourite Family Meals - JANUARY

2012-02-02T18:49:00.006+10:00

Creamy Chicken and Bacon Tortellini

{January 31}

As part of my daily photo taking challenge I've decided at least every month to photograph and share some of our favourite family meals which, considering I never know if I'm feeding just Michael and I or a small army of teens LOL, needs to be super flexible. They're not always the fanciest or most complicated of recipes but as a busy working mumma our nightly meals together need to be easy or dinner wouldn't be til LATE. One we love and that Emmy is always happy to make too is Creamy Chicken & Bacon Tortellini with crusty bread. It's quick, it's easy and quite tasty. Surprisingly it freezes ok as well so leftovers always get put in a take away container for a homemade work lunch meal for Michael which he always appreciates. :)

The 31st was a Tuesday which meant it was my very special day of the week with my gorgeous girlfriends for lunch. I volounteered to do the first Tuesday back after school holidays at my place, so although I am pretty sick this week I didn't want to cancel, we've been looking forward to seeing each other for weeks. I love my girls! There's nothing like sitting back, chatting, laughing, eating and drinking cuppas each week with my besties, they are definitely my gift from God. To try and make things a bit easier for myself this time I decided to make one of my favourites and doubled the recipe so there was enough for dinner that night too. A bonus! I'm going to include the recipe each month as a record.

Creamy Chicken & Bacon Tortellini

Large pack fresh ham & cheese tortellini

600g chicken tenderloins chopped roughly in halves

chopped bacon

1 chopped onion

3/4 small carton of light cream

chicken stock powder

garlic

parsely

grated cheese

sliced french bread stick

Cook the onion, bacon, crushed garlic and chicken in a little oil or butter til brown. Sprinkle a teaspoon of chicken stock powder over cooked mixture and stir. While the chicken mix is cooking boil fresh tortellini until tender, usually only takes 5 mins. Drain well and add pasta to the pan with chicken mix. Stir through thoroughly and just before serving add cream. Keep on heat for a couple of minutes. Add parsley and grated cheese as desired. Yummy!

Starting Her Future...

2012-01-31T16:06:00.002+10:00

Emily's First Day

{January 30}

I thought I might do a few posts with my Photo A Day piccies this week instead of one long one at the end. So much happening in our household at the moment! On Monday our Emily (who finished school last year) started her further studies. After doing her Cert III in Childcare the past two years, she's now doing her Diploma in Early Childhood. Her plan is to do this and then her degree. So proud of her and the decisions she is making right now. She had a great first day and made new friends, all good! The train trip to Brissie was a bit of an "experience" though LOL but I'm sure she'll get used to it over time. Miss 17 decided to go to Typo last week and picked up this ever so CUTE red satchel bag for her laptop, books etc and looked every bit the young student as she headed off. It's wonderful to see her so happy following a path she loves.

Feeling a bit like I rattle with all these tablets!

{January 29}

As for me, well I'm sick. :( Last week I started the new school year with a very sore throat. As usual I ignored it and hoped it would go away but by the end of the week my ears were hurting too and I wasn't getting any sleep. A visit to the doctor on Sunday and apparently I have a bad throat infection and double ear infections. *sigh* No wonder I felt so awful. The timing could be better, it's way too early in the year to have time off. Praying it all improves by Wednesday. Teaching feeling so miserable is kinda tough...

Hope everyone else is well and enjoying time with their friends and family.

365 + 1 (Week Four)

2012-01-30T10:33:00.003+10:00

January 22

A quick iPhone piccy of Michael and I together in China Town celebrating Chinese New Year! Was such a wonderful day (see THIS POST BELOW for lots more photos) was mesmerized by all the amazing colours, movement and sounds. Hard to believe but I think it's the first time I've ever been to that part of the City? Was great to see it so alive with the spectacular dragon and lion dancers and lucky for us the weather that day was pretty perfect too.

January 23

Today was spent mostly indoors because this is the view from my back door... yep it's STILL raining! It's been a year since the awful floods that devastated our town and so many of the surrounding small country communities and I have to admit all this rain now has brought back so many mixed memories of that time, especially as Michael was away overseas and I was on my own when it happened. I hear the water rushing behind our house now and it takes me back... I know we are safe but it doesn't completely take away that worry in my heart.

January 24

Ok I am still kinda shocked to see this photo, our youngest Alex's first day as a senior in High School!! In Years 11 & 12 the boys at the College have a different uniform to signify they are leaders of the school now and it's hard to believe my little "blue shirt" is now a big grown up "white shirt"! Where did those years go? *sigh* They also have a blue tie and blazer but the uniform shop is still waiting for their delivery, will have to take another piccy (if he lets me! LOL) in his full formal uniform.

January 25

Off to Futsal! Our Alex is most definitely a very active BOY *grin* and has played a variety of sports including basketball, soccer and football so when the guys from his work at the Fruit Market were putting a Futsal Team together out in the country for the season he jumped at it! Their team has totally blitzed the opposition each week and tonight they were playing in the finals... THEY WON!! Well done guys. :)

January 26

It's Australia Day! We decided to have a casual family BBQ out by the pool to enjoy the day together (more photos in THIS POST below) Michael went to the shops and picked up some BBQ supplies. We had heaps of food, I also made some yummy zucchini patties. The kids and their loves chatted and swam, was a relaxing day.

January 27

A few weeks ago we noticed part of our back garden was being taken over by this plant. We weren't sure exactly what it was but guessed perhaps a pumpkin or watermelon plant? With all the rain (you can see the raindrops on the leaves in this photo!) we hadn't been spending much time outside and today Michael called me over to have a look at this beauty hiding amongst the leaves... it's so big already. Looks like a rock melon and with so many flowers we may have a bumper crop to enjoy!

January 28

Our Emmy has really enjoyed working as a casual at the jewellers for the past few months, I guess what 17 year old girl wouldn't! LOL So many pretty things and yes Miss Emily has a spent some of her $$$ on a few beautiful pieces. Tonight I took this photo of our big girl when I picked her up after she finished work. So grown up now and about to start further studies next week in Brisbane.

Paint The Moon :)

2012-01-29T18:51:00.001+10:00

Week 4 - "UNEXPECTED PERSPECTIVE"

You may have noticed among my daily photos this year I also have a weekly one with a theme. I decided to join the Let's Do 52 Challenge over at PAINT THE MOON after unofficially following the themes last year when I could. I really enjoyed it and thought why not give it a proper go. Annie is lovely and the themes are really fun, she explains them all with some great photo tips too over at her BLOG. Love seeing everyones takes on the theme over at FLICKR each week too.

So here is my Week 4. Did a bit of a different take on the theme this week... Was having a nice bubble bath by candlelight to try and relax during the busy working week, loved how the light was reflecting off the water and thought it would be wonderful to take a photo from that actual angle. Asked for the camera LOL and took this shot while carefully trying NOT to drop the camera in the bath tab with me! Only the strap got wet! *grin*

Chinese New Year!

2012-01-28T15:56:00.005+10:00

China Town

This was a FUN afternoon!! Last Sunday Michael and I (you can just see him in between the columns) headed in to the City together to celebrate Chinese New Year in China town, something I'd never done before! Now I know it's not the real China LOL but I had a ball, so much colour, music and movement. Being the Year of the Dragon everyone was extra enthusiastic. It was amazing! I didn't bring my camera this time, was worried it would rain but we took some nice shots on Michael's iPhone to help remember the day, here are just a few. Now just to choose my Photo Of The Day. ;)

Just a few Chinese New Year Memories...

With Michael having spent so much time in China over the years, working and living there as well as visiting to catch up with friends, China obviously holds a special place in his heart. Going along to celebrate was a really cool thing to do, we strolled through the markets, listened to the beautiful singing and watched cute little china doll dancers. There was definitely LOTS of excitement as the loud drums started and the dragon dancers began for sure. So colourful and full of life! I just love experiencing a little of other cultures from around the world. Michael had a grin at the firecrackers though (they were SO loud!!), said they were just "babies" compared to the huge ones they play with when he goes overseas. LOL I have photos from his trips of him with crazy sized crackers, usually celebrating the marriage of one of the local couples.

Mostly we just joined in with the happy crowd and then sat back, relaxed, chatted and had great food while watching the various Chinese artists on stage. I had the yummiest seafood soup with an icy lychee tea! Michael is still learning Chinese, such a hard language, and it was great for him to be able to practise a bit too as the event was held in both Chinese and English. What a great day!

Our Australia Day!

2012-01-27T21:51:00.002+10:00

On Thursday we decided to have a casual family BBQ out by the pool for Australia Day. I bought the cutest balloons and matching flag cups as well. We were so lucky, the weather was really nice, probably the first time in quite a while where it hasn't rained the entire day and we actually saw the sun peeking through! It's pretty wet here right now.

Hope you all had a lovely day too with family and friends. :)

...and it's not even Valentines Day yet! grin

2012-01-24T17:20:00.004+10:00

Our marriage... you know some days it really feels just like those early times, the days when I first met this cute hubby of mine... it doesn't feel like I've been married more than 24 years or actually been with my gorgeous man for almost 30 years and today (yesterday by the time I get to post this!) was *definitely* one of them.

I've noticed that lately my hubby has been doing little things, sweet things, just for me. Thought I'd record this one to remember. I had run out of diet coke (oh no! LOL) and Michael drove early to the shops before work and popped back with some for me which was lovely in itself considering I was going to be home and not working that day myself. So thoughtful. When I sent him a little thank you text later that morning the one I received back had me squealing and sent me on a little treasure hunt. In the drawer beside my bed he had hidden a surprise treat to go with my drink, this cute chocolate heart. Oh but I love this man! This will be one of my Photos Of The Day so you'll see it again I'm sure but I really thought it deserved a post of its own, still smiling thinking about how darling he is.

Blessings. All. Around. Me.

365 + 1 (Week Three)

2012-01-23T12:06:00.009+10:00

Am so LOVING taking my daily photos for the year so far. This is just a little of how the week looked...

January 15

(Week 3 -"WHITE SPACE")

This week the lovely Lisa over at Facebook set us a challenge to photograph something special in our homes. Now I have quite a few very precious items I could capture and I definitely will throughout this year of daily photo taking I'm sure but today I decided to share my very *newest* most treasured gift instead. For my birthday at the end of last year my dear darling friend Donna gave me this ever so beautiful little jewellery box. It's very girly and truly beautiful, I just love it! I keep it on my bedside table, isn't it adorable? I am so lucky to have such sweet friends.

January 16

Well it took me literally the last 3 days of my holidays sorting all the piles of craft/scrapbooking stash, papers, photography gear etc etc but it's finally done!! Every time I walk past this room now I smile because, well, it's been one of those jobs that almost seemed too big to tackle (it was seriously a HUGE MESS!). Decided to keep my jars of pretty flowers on my desk for now, can't wait to print off all the photos for our Family Wall Gallery once I settle in to the new school year.

January 17

It's been hot, sooo hot, we've had temps of over 40 degrees C here! It's definitely the middle of Summer. Went back to work this week and it's busy, VERY busy, I'd almost forgotten how hectic. I did manage to find a few moments this afternoon to relax by our pool with a nice Midori and Lemonade (becoming one of my favourite drinks!)

January 18

Our Alex looking a bit tired and having some chill out time on the lounge with his Dad this afternoon. Our young lad has been working heaps extra these holidays, sometimes 12 hour days too which I really worry about. We are keeping a close eye on him but he loves it, is keen to go and NEVER complains. He has such a *strong* work ethic, I am so proud of him! Look at that gorgeous freckly face... my beautiful baby boy. :)

January 19

This photo makes me smile. Tonight we had Emmy's young man Sean and Nick's young lady Emily over for dinner. The kids decided to play some card games in the lounge room while I was cooking Chicken Enchiladas for dinner, lots of laughter! It'd be fair to say I never really know these days if I'm cooking for just Michael and I while all the kids are off with their friends for the evening or making a meal for a whole tribe of 7 or more instead which makes menu planning a tad more interesting. *grin* I LOVE it, a happy sign of all the changes our family has with 3 fast growing teens at home.

January 20

Look at these cutie pies! Came home and found this little brother and sister hugging each other while asleep on our TV room rug. On Saturday the first of our kitty babies is going to her new home, they are 8 weeks old and it's time. *sigh* Am going to really miss each one of them (although I'm still hoping we can keep one of the three!) Michael surprised me tonight too by ringing on the way home from work to tell me he was taking me out for dinner at our favourite Thai restaurant, love him!

January 21

After a hectic first week back at work I found a little time today (in between ferrying the kids to their various things) to sit down with a cold drink, chill out (yep the diet coke made the photo! LOL) & check out a few of my favourite blogs. I totally LOVE bloglines! Makes it so easy now to keep up with my friends, if they add an entry I can see it easily. If anyone hasn't used it before you can check it out here: http://www.bloglines.com/

Back to work this week for me...

2012-01-20T18:19:00.007+10:00

...and I'll be the first to admit the extra days and hours I've worked this week have left me feeling ever so TIRED! Lots of late finishes and up working til after midnight each night getting ready for a new school year. One early evening this week I managed to have a cold drink by the pool for a few minutes which was nice as it's been incredibly hot and sticky this week. Not sure though I'm doing the whole balancing work and home life right now *sigh* but am truly hopeful once routine sets in all will be good.

Hope everyone has had a good last week before their kiddies go back to school. This year I only have one little chick at "school" how strange that will be! Brand new uniforms too for our youngest as he goes into Year 11. Seniors at the boys school have a different uniform to the rest, it's a white shirt LOL oh dear, we're talking Alex here, can see the napisan being out in force for the next two years. *grin* Wish me luck as I head to the Uniform Shop on Saturday, it'll be me and a million other mothers I'm sure. If only it had been open when I wasn't at work!

365 + 1 (Week Two)

2012-01-17T18:38:00.011+10:00

First day back to work for me today, looking forward to a wonderful year with a new job share partner and a new bunch of munchkins to teach. Will admit though, it's only day one and I am already exhausted! LOL Oh dear, only 3oo and something odd days to go. *grin*

______________ WEEK TWO ______________

January 8

I know this is a shocking iPhone pic but I don't care... it is definitely my photo of the day! My hubby and I spent the day together at Southbank, swimming in the pools, lazing on the sand, lunching together and then got changed and had drinks & dinner at a cute Indian curry place there. Walking hand in hand through the City is always fun. I totally *heart* times like these. Appreciate them so much with Michael overseas recently too.

January 9

For quite a while now I have been keen to create a family photo wall for our home and have been keeping my eye on particular black frames when they go on special and buying them for when I'm ready to create Our Wall. These are just a few of the many sizes I've collected over time, and with today's purchase you can see here, I have enough!! Just need to clean up my front room first (my incentive) but boy oh boy THAT is one BIG job. *blush* It is my craft room & the first room you see when you enter our home, it's so messy I'm ashamed to admit. Wish me luck!

January 10

It's me! A very quick self portrait for this week (don't look too closely no make up and hair tied back as it's SO hot here again). Today I was lucky enough to have some "me" time with a lovely morning tea and lunch out with my sweet friend Sue at Shingle Inn. ♥ With the holidays we haven't had a chance to see each other every week like we always do so there was lots of chatter! *grin*

January 11

Yes this is definitely a teen bedroom! LOL Our Nick has been working hard & finally spent some of his dollars on a TV for his room, a whopping big 42 inch flat screen 3D thing, bigger than our family one. Nick's girlfriend Emily bought the gorgeous glass and chrome unit as her gift to him for their One Year together. So spoilt! He's pretty happy with it to say the least!

January 12

(Week 2 - "OPEN")

Thought I'd better take a photo of the gorgeous agapanthus blooms in our front garden before they are gone. We're so lucky, one of our neighbours was culling his beautiful garden and gave us a pile of these (think he was trying to tell us something about our sad & sorry lack of "green thumbness"! LOL) They add such a lovely colourful touch of purple to our garden which always makes me smile. We're very fortunate to have such caring neighbours, this is the same fellow who helped me concrete in our new letterbox a while back when Michael was overseas. I was desperate to surprise my hubby with it when he returned but was having, ahem LOL, some "difficulties" *grin* digging the huge hole for it. He came over and helped me out straight away and I think of his kindness every time I look at it. I love living here!

January 13

Here is our 15 year old all ready for the next Paintball Tournament this week. Lately our Alex (and Nick too!) have enjoyed quite a few sessions of Paintball fun with their friends. Alex just loves it and has started buying his own gear. Today these "mad" (as he puts it) paintball pants arrived from Sydney, pretty cool I agree.

January 14

Michael won the Friday Avo work raffle and came home with this last night. He said he would have preferred the box of chocolates but hey, I'm thinking Strawberry Champagne Cocktails don't sound too bad!!

Family Gallery Wall Plans

2012-01-16T15:19:00.006+10:00

Now don't faint! Those who have been to our home in recent months will know exactly how MUCH work was needed to clean up this room and today I finally finished it! *grin* Yay!! Who knew there was actually a floor and desks in the room! hee hee This is my craft room/office and the very first room you see when you walk into our home, it also is open plan so no doors to hide the mess which made it even worse that it was SO disastrous. My catch phrase has been "Please excuse my incredibly messy room, nothing to see here, move on!" LOL Over time it has become over run with piles and piles of papers, scrap stash, photo props, computer gear and school stuff. One of my goals for the new year was to get this room tidied up so I could finally create my Family Wall Gallery which I have been eager to do. So I thought I'd document what it looks like before I add all my photographs and some after shots later when it's done. Here is the whole room (that I could fit in the photo) all tidy and beautiful ready to decorate.

This is the side of the room with my computer, I can't believe how much bigger the entire room looks now with all the rubbish gone!

...and here is the wall (on the left) that I plan to use to create our Family Gallery. After the Gallery is done, when visitors walk through our front doors they will see our family photos instead of a bomb site! Now I just need to sugar soap the walls so they are sparkly clean.

I've been collecting the frames for a while now, whenever they were on special I'd buy more. I decided on the black frames. STILL not sure if I'll put black & white photos in them or colour. Decisions decisions! I'm not sure I will need them all either as the space isn't very large but I plan on using the extras in another room of the house where I want to create a special place for all of our travel photos and memorabilia, we have so many with Michael travelling all over the world so often. Another fun project to look forward to... :)

365 +1 (Week One)

2012-01-12T14:18:00.007+10:00

One of my (many!) goals for this year is to be a part of the 365 +1 Photo Challenge with a lovely group of girls over at Facebook... taking and sharing photos each day of our lives, our loves, the everyday moments to treasure! Because I have a number of family and friends who aren't on Facebook I thought I'd share them here each week too, sometimes they will be the same photos and sometimes I'll choose another favourite from that day to share and record. So looking forward to this. Here is Week One...

________ WEEK ONE ________

January 1

(Week One - "SHARING")

Just a snap of our 3 little "Mini Lillys", I could watch them play together all day they are SO cute. Today we started teaching the kittens how to lap from a bowl and use the litter tray. Two of them are doing pretty well but the littlest one prefers his mumma...

January 2

Today I packed my new 'kinis and beach gear as Michael and I headed to the coast for the day... us and about a gazillion other people as it turned out! LOL Had lots of fun spending the whole day together though, especially as he has been away overseas. We lazed on the beach, had lunch at a little pub, swam, drinks and prawns at the Surf Club and then an evening wander through Surfers for some window shopping and desserts. Finished up lying on those cool wave benches looking at the waves by moonlight too. ♥

January 3

Michael has been enjoying riding his bike for some exercise recently, often around our local area in the early evening but also down in Brisbane along the many bike tracks. This week I had a call from his mobile saying to grab the shovel from the garage... he had arrived home but couldn't get in as there was a snake in our front entry!

January 4

Today I finally took a photo of our Christmas Tree... yes it's STILL up even though we are well into the New Year. *blush* I have to admit with Michael away I had little enthusiasm for putting it up in the first place so I guess it doesn't matter that it stays up a little longer? This is the first year we have had the tree in our formal lounge instead of the TV room, felt it was time for a change. I chose traditional red and gold for the tree this year, just a little tribute to my beautiful friend Natti and her angel baby Sebastian - Red for Seb.

January 5

Our Nick and his lovely girl Emily have been together 12 months and he wanted to give her something special to celebrate... a sweet 9ct gold diamond and heart shaped amethyst ring. He'd spent quite a while looking and then asked if I wanted to come along too. He was so keen to find a heart shaped amethyst and there it was, the perfect ring for his girl. Was so lucky to be there when he found his beautiful gift.

January 6

Quite a few months ago I saw this pretty dress online and thought how cute it would be. I also noticed that depending on the site the price varied enormously up to $70 (which I wasn't going to pay). I ended up buying it for about $13 plus postage, a BARGAIN, and after 2 months waiting for it the postie finally arrived today. :)

January 7

Kittens everywhere!! LOL Today was definitely the day we HAD to take down the Christmas Tree because it also the day our 3 little mischief makers discovered how fun it was to climb it! I was so worried they would hurt themselves on the sharp wire branches.

One Year

2012-01-11T14:30:00.005+10:00

An Anniversary Gift

It's really been a wonderful year for our Nick, spent with his much loved girlfriend Emily who we all adore. In many ways it feels like they have been with each other now so much longer than 12 months, both really great wonderful kids, bright and focussed on what's important in life. It's also kinda cute that her Mum Liz and I were there when they first met too. I was planning a girls morning tea out with my bestie Sue and Liz (who also happens to be Sue's aunty). It did seem a tad strange when Nick asked me if he could tag along too *huge grin* (although his sister may have whispered there was s'thing in the wind hee hee) there was definitely plans afoot! Surprisingly Nick and Emily had never actually met that we can remember but that day they both turned up with their mummas. Nick had a huge smile on his face when he saw her and I heard Emily whisper to her Mum "Oh wow, he's tall"... all so SO sweet. The pair left us for some time at maccas and then a movie, which then extended to lunch and then an invitation for dinner. I think their first date lasted something like 12 hours LOL and they haven't been apart since. ♥

Nick wanted to celebrate their first anniversary together with a special gift, and after much searching found this beautiful 9ct gold diamond & heart shaped amethyst ring for his sweetie (he was determined it was going to be a heart). Emily loves all things purple so this was perfect, it was a great choice. I haven't been able to share this photo, one of my Photo A Day images, until it was on his Emily's finger.

...and a couple of photos of Nick with his "Remmy", as he calls her , heading off on one of their nights out down in Brisbane. :)

Happy "One Year" blessings Nick and Emily!

Our New Year's Eve!!

2012-01-10T18:37:00.004+10:00

You know your children are getting older when they ditch their folks because they all have fabulous plans of their own! LOL This year our Nick was away with friends at the coast for a few days over New Year (got the chance to celebrate it both in NSW and then back over the border in Qld an hour later for fireworks there too! *grin*) Emily was off to a NYE party with some kids from schoolies and Alex was all set to spend the night at a mates place with a few of the boys.

Sooooo Michael and I decided to spend this New Years Eve together, with about a gazillion other people LOL at Southbank Parklands to watch the fireworks and light display over the Brisbane River in the City! We got there early and set up our big comfy blanket on the grass right along the river, was so relaxing laying there chatting, having hot chocolates, snuggling, listening to the bands play and just BEING with one another. It couldn't have been more perfect.

The fireworks were definitely spectacular, all timed to music and reflecting so gorgeously on the water too. No I didn't take my camera, I didn't want to risk it getting stolen or wet if we went for a swim together or left our spot for some food. I just wanted to relax and I did. A worry free beginning to 2012. Michael took some very grainy piccies on his iPhone so I'll share them, I love them, and even though the quality isn't the best they remind me of our *wonderful* start to this New Year and with God's blessing hopefully the whole year will be the same. There are so many dreams and plans I have for this year. For our family, for our home, with my job, my photography... my life! Will be back to share about them all.

HAPPY 2012 EVERYONE!!

Some Final Memories Of 2011...

2011-12-31T08:40:00.009+10:00

It's hard to believe another year has come to an end, I kinda blinked and ~~2010~~ 2011 was gone! I'm not sure why but as the kids are becoming older it's all passing by so very quickly. Throughout the year there were *heaps* of moments I didn't quite find the chance to add to my BLOG but really wanted to, memories I'd like to keep here for the future so I can look back and remember... remember how our family loved one another and brought others into our lives, lost family and friends now in Heaven, celebrated huge milestones and mostly tried to live a life with faith & gratitude to God for giving us the grace & beauty of each new day. So it's a VERY long one but here's some final posts & photos I haven't shared yet from 2011...

____________________ Longboarding Craze ____________________

I seem to hold my breath every time Alex hops on that longboard of his! This year has definitely seen him roll rather than walk...he's had his fair share of scrapes and bruises but he *adores* it. He looks so little here too, taken on the 14th of January he's grown so much and is now taller than me making me officially the shortest person in the house... LOL

____________________ Emmy Starting Year 12 ____________________

Emmy accepting one of her Senior badges from a Sister Of Mercy, Sister Mary Lawson. This badge was for the SoM's 150 years of service in Queensland. Sister Mary received the AM in the Australia Day honours this year. Emmy really seemed to connect with her, a woman of such grace and faith. A beautiful moment. :)

____________________ Our Model ____________________

Over several weeks Emmy attended a course after school and here she is at the Deportment and Grooming graduation night. The girls learnt alot about presenting themselves well in life and for work and also how important it is to be proud of themselves.

...and our confident girl on the catwalk.

____________________ Gracie Turns One ____________________

Our cute little niece Gracie turned one on the 21st of April (which also happens to be my folks wedding anniversary date!) and her parents had a HUGE birthday celebration for their princess so off we all went to Maleny for the weekend. Here she is with the exquisite hand turned rattle made for her by Hugh.

________________ Camping Together At Easter _______________

____________________ Baking ____________________

I always love baking and luckily Michael, the kids and their many friends love it too! LOL I must have made many dozens of cupcakes this year which I love to decorate (including these pretty chocolate ones with marshmallow flowers), baked some "whoopi pies" very yum and my sister found me a HUGE stockpot so this winter we had quite a few soups too.

____________________ Ripley's Believe It Or Not ____________________

Mid year I noticed one of those daily deals online for passes to Ripley's Believe It Or Not at the Gold Coast (only about an hour or so away) and decided it would be really fun if we could take all the kids and their special someones with us as a bit of an early birthday pressie in August. All the kids actually had been begging to go so I picked up passes for us all! The kids were really little the last time they'd been and everyone was keen. Surprisingly it turned quite chilly at the coast that day but we had such a nice time anyways.

Nick and one of the street performers.

Michael and the kids watching Nick with the performer in the Surfers Paradise Mall.

Inside the museum, Michael and Alex next to the tallest man in the world moving statue. Whoa!!!

Me with this creepy exhibit!

We saw heaps of really interesting exhibits, some quite amazing! Everyone had a go at the laser wall at the end of the museum. Can you guess who these two are? Yep it's Michael and I waving our arms about, reminded me of angel wings when I saw the photos. :)

____________________ Nick is 18 ____________________

Hard to believe but our baby boy is now officially an adult! On the first of September Nick turned 18. We had lots of discussions about the type of gift we'd like to give our young man with Michael very keen for him to have an "experience" rather than a thing if that makes sense. With a great deal of excitement (and ok some anxious moments on my part) we decided to give Nick an interstate trip to Sydney, a chance to see a bit more of our beautiful country and spread his wings. A chance to plan a trip, organise flights, accomodation, sight seeing events etc. All very valuable experiences for a first time young traveller. He'll go hopefully in the new year with his special young lady. I think he's pretty thrilled with his gift!

As usual I organised a balloon bouquet for our birthday boy! We had a black and silver theme for his party too.

On the actual night of his birthday Nick chose his favourite Indian restaurant "The Mehfil" (which is ours too) to celebrate! It was wonderful having the kids partners there as well, our family table is certainly growing. Here is Nick with his much loved girlfriend Emily.

Me with Nick, can't believe I am the mother of an 18 year old! LOL

Afterwards at home we had a yummy chocolate profiterole treasure cake from The Cheesecake Shop.

Nick and his very proud Dad!

Nick and his September born siblings!

Being such an important milestone we also had a big extended family party for Nick with family coming from up north to help us celebrate! We set everything up at home by the pool.

I loved getting all of the food organised for such a big event, lots of planning and preparations but well worth the effort when Nick saw his birthday feast.

...and another cake for the big party day! Happy birthday Nicky love. xx

____________________ Father's Day ____________________

~September 4~
For those of you who know my gadget loving hubby his Father's Day pressie is no surprise! LOL He's always loved remote control cars and helicopters, I'm sure half the gifts for the boys over the years were secretly for him to play with too. hee hee Here he is with his new helicopter, it's a beauty! Funny story though: as we were all out watching him fly his new copter on the nearby oval it went into a tail spin and headed straight for our pool! After it hit the water it went kinda crazy and the remote control would no longer work. With Michael watching it disappear into the big blue he set off on foot through the bush to try and follow it. Emmy and I watched for a bit longer and then grabbed the car keys as I thought I knew where it may have landed, IF it landed at all. In a million to one chance we found it!! It could have landed anywhere, someones back yard or the thick bush that our estate is nestled in, but there it was on the side of a back road. Luckily we popped it in the boot as half way home we hear this crash, clatter and bang as the copter "woke up" and was flying away in the boot! Oh my, what a fright it gave us but a BIG giggle too.

____________________ Sebastian's Funeral ____________________

Reading my bible, the one I have had since I was a little girl. I'm not even sure I can write the words that should go along with this post... it just seems too unreal, too hard, too... well just still too emotional. This year my beautiful friend Natti and her hubby Greg found out they were expecting a little boy, so very special! They also found out that their precious baby boy had Trisomy 18, a genetic condition which heartbreakingly means bubba would "not be compatible with life". I can't tell you all how many times I shed tears for Nat and her family, how many times I prayed and how many times I asked Him why! Why! And Nat, oh Nat and her FAITH, that pure brave faith she has shone through it all, giving us all a glimpse of the blessings God has given us through their much loved little Sebastian. I wasn't sure I was going to make it through the funeral, I have been to so many in the past two years I wasn't sure I was emotionally strong enough for this one. But of course I wanted to be there for Nat, for her family, for Sebastian... and mostly to thank God for looking after my friend over the past several months. She asked us to wear red for Seb on the day, and I knew exactly what I would wear, it now reminds me of him every time I go out in it and I quietly feel God with me.

____________________ Emily Turns 17 ____________________

On September 13 our gorgeous girl turned 17! She still takes my breath away when I look at how grown up she has become, especially this year, her final year of school. Here she is with her birthday flowers from Sean, the first time our Miss 17 has had flowers delivered to her door.

I baked Emmy some cute yellow birthday cuppies to take to school for her and the girls, yes, even big Year 12 girls like birthday cake I was told, particularly when Emily's mumma bakes them apparently!! *grin* Isn't that so sweet? They are yellow of course because that is Emmy's favourite colour. :)

For her family birthday tea our pretty girl chose Hog's Breath Cafe that had finally re-opened after the massive floods earlier this year. Have to admit, I totally *heart* those curly fries!

...and of course a very special ice cream birthday cake before bed (yep Em is in her jammies LOL), especially created for our birthday girl with a rainbow base, boisenberry balls on top with chocolate panels on the side - all tied together with a lovely yellow ribbon.

____________________ Family Holiday ____________________

Towards the end of September we decided it would be nice to go away for a few days together as a family, so we booked the unit we'd had for our honeymoon almost 24 year ago. With the kids getting older it's becoming harder to find time together to go away, especially with Uni and school schedules as well as work for our teens. Sadly Nick's young lady Emily had to go to hospital the very day we were to leave for the coast. Nick came to us and said he just couldn't go, not with his Em so sick. I was a little disappointed he couldn't come with us but also so PROUD of the kind hearted young man he had become. Emily's parents treat our Nick like gold, we truly couldn't be luckier and knowing he was staying with them while Emily needed him made it that much easier. Here's a photo I took one night, so wished I'd taken my tripod. The view from our balcony of the lights at Surfer's Paradise.

____________________ Our Alex @15 ____________________

The birthday of our last September born munchkin Alex, he's 15 now and rapidly growing up! This year Alex has been working at the local Fruit Market which he LOVES. I wasn't so sure about him working at such a young age with school and all but you know our Alex is such an active and adventurous BOY, he *needs* to be occupied in a meaningful way and this job is just perfect for him. He's become so much more settled at school, we were thrilled with his report card comments, being on task and giving it your best is so important.

This year all the kids had a birthday tea out at a favourite restaurant and Alex chose for our family to go to Sizzler. This time we invited his lovely girl Jade to come with us to celebrate Alex's special day. As young as this pair are, they have been together for a year now, which in teen terms is quite a while! We love Jade, she's cute, funny and totally "gets" our Alex and his crazy ways. Our Al is such a character. They laugh alot which makes me happy and is as it should be at their age. Took some candid piccies of the pair at dinner and I have to smile... so very Alex & Jade! *grin*

____________________ Emily's Graduation ____________________

After all the studying and exams Year 12 is over for our Emily who graduated from St Mary's College in November. It'd be fair to say Em was very much looking forward to finishing school and moving on to further study teaching and caring for little ones in Early Childhood. Emmy attained her Certificate III in Childcare during her Senior years too so hopes to work with young kiddies, she's such a caring girl and so suited for this path...

Our Emmy, on stage after accepting her certificate, right in the middle of her graduating class. I've actually taught a number of those faces when they were little primary school kiddoes. :)

A final goodbye in the Rose Garden of the College grounds...

...and with her best friend Shani.

____________________ Off To Schoolies! ____________________

On her way! Now this was a BIG one for us. Yes I know Nick went last year for a week to the Coast with the thousands of other graduating seniors but for some reason it was just that much more anxious for me to see our daughter head out our front door for a week away from us. The girls had an apartment right in the heart of Surfers Paradise so they could walk to the beach, shops etc and Em had worked out all the meals and together we'd all done the grocery shopping for the week. So organised compared to the boys I have to admit! LOL I was driving the girls which meant I could help settle them in before driving home. The wonderful Red Frog people who look out for the teens during the week greeted us at the apartment entrance with one sweet young girl asking me how I felt about leaving our daughter for the week and offered me a red frog to help with my nerves. How cute! Emmy of course was perfectly fine, apart from a touch of the flu while away and came home safe n sound. Prayers answered. :)

_________________ Our Little Niece Gracie _________________

Had a wonderful but too short overnight visit by Michael's brother Luke, Charmaine and of course their VERY adorable daughter Gracie. Oh but she is the cutest little toddler ever.

_________ Beautiful Morning Tea For Donna's Birthday _________

It was my beautiful friend Donna's birthday a couple of weeks ago and as luck would have it the 13th was also a Tuesday so of course we planned something special. There is a cute little cupcake shop that has the most divine treats so we headed there for the day. With Rebecca away on their big family holiday to Perth it was just the 3 of us this time but how lovely it was to play ladies for the day together.

We will definitely head back there for some more of these yummies like the ones here ( had my very first red velvet cupcake too!)... I can't wait to take Emmy for a bit of a mother & daughter morning.

Another Year Older...

2011-12-15T11:40:00.004+10:00

Another year older...

As fate would have it my beautiful girlfriends and I all share our birthdays at the same time of year, all 4 of us celebrate our days within a 6 week time frame... I so love it, it makes it just that extra bit special! This week we got together for the last one this year and it reminded me I hadn't had a chance to share some memories from my own birthday High Tea a few weeks ago.

Bec and I... the birthday girls!

Although she is younger (yes I put that in for you Bec! LOL) our birthdays are only one day apart which we adore. A little bond that we have always shared and treasured, spoiling each other a tad too. This year I decided to splash out a bit on one of our Tuesdays and do a gorgeous High Tea at home for us which was exciting.

Inspired By This

Many months ago I was wandering through Spotlight checking out all the pretties, as you do LOL, and I came across these ever so beautiful butterfly napkins. Such soft sweet colours in pinks, mauves and greens, all of my favourites! Straight away I knew I wanted to create a little birthday High Tea around them, bought a pack and then started to plan a mini party for Bec and I. Here are just a few of the photos from the day...

Mauve Lemonade

I found the perfect mauve coloured tablecloth to match the napkins and decided I would set up our dessert table outside overlooking the pool and so we could enjoy the wonderful Spring weather (which was very kind to us that day too). As it was during the day and we would all be driving I made pretty purple lemonade. It looked so cute I'll admit!

Helium balloon bouquets of pale pink and purple, one bunch for each of us. :)

Hummingbird Cupcakes

We had some delicious little cupcakes and muffins, including these two special ones for Bec and I. Just a little fancy. *grin* They are hummingbird cuppies with a lemon frosting. Divine! I can't take credit for these beauties, I wish work at this time of year hadn't been so busy because I adore baking but these come from our local bakery, I just added the flowers and candle touches.

One of my favourite desserts is pavlova so of course we HAD to have that too with fresh cream and yummy strawberries.

And some fruit, just to even out all that sugary sweetness! Before I redecorated our bedroom, for many years it used to be shades of mauve and I had the most amazing arrangement of dried flowers made by a local florist to match all my accessories. To be honest I haven't quite known what to do with it now our bedroom is shades of soft golds, creams and latte. It tends to sit in my messy scraproom most of the time LOL but it was the *perfect* addition to the table this day!

Bec, Me and Sue

Big thanks to my Nick for taking this piccy for us. Was really sad that our Donna had to work that day and couldn't be with us, normally she doesn't as our Tuesdays together are kinda sacred, but it just couldn't be helped. All of us have organised our work schedules over the years to give us this time together, praying that it stays that way for many more to come, seems God has smiled on us in this even as our work and family life changes. We had such a nice day with each other it was so worth all the preparations, memories to treasure. So here we are, another year older, another year wiser, another year of love and friendship. God has truly blessed me!

Our Bundle Of Furbabies!

2011-12-10T18:21:00.001+10:00

On the 23rd November our precious Lilly, who had been looking decidedly round the last few weeks LOL, had 3 of the *cutest* little kittens! Each one is just a mini version of their sweet mumma, sooooo adorable. Alex arrived home before me and at almost 3pm I had an excited phone call at work from him saying Lilly had had her baby... but just one and it looked exactly like her. I raced home in time to see the new addition and say goodbye to Michael who was flying out overseas that day. Several hours went by with texts from Michael at the airport asking for kitten updates *grin* and still no sign of more kitties! I'd never heard of a cat having a litter of one, but by 10pm I heard a squeal and two more little ones were born at almost the same time, one of them coming out feet first. Our poor little Lil!

She has been just the bestest little mumma, very doting and loving with her bubbies. We are having to be careful though as of late she likes to move her brood, in my cupboard and under our bed are her favourites LOL but I'm way to worried about squishing them to let her keep them there. At the moment you can see them here in the corner, under the coffee table in our formal lounge room. Of course she refuses to keep them in the comfy box we have made for her, never mind! They bundle up like this to sleep all the time, hard to see each one. They are undeniably the most darling little furbabies ever.

What the?! ROFL

2011-12-10T10:08:00.007+10:00

FOUND... in our front yard this morning! LOL

Still scratching my head with this one and having a giggle with the kids... woke up this morning to take Alex to work and we found THIS in our front yard!! It's just way too funny, we have absolutely NO clue where it came from, seriously, certainly wasn't there at 10.30pm last night either...

How funny!! LOL Of course I had to take a photo, Emmy too. Hope we get to the bottom of it, my guess is Emily's Sean did it? Or maybe one of the kids friends?? Emily said maybe one of the neighbours giving us a hint to decorate our house! hee hee Hilarious! Have sent a piccy to Michael in China, doubt he knows anything about it, so wishing he was here to see this though. Oh but it's all just too funny!

Another school year finished!

2011-12-09T17:19:00.003+10:00

A beautiful thank you from one of my little cuties this year and her sweet mum

(who also happens to be a florist! *grin*)

Well today was the last day of work for me this year, hard to believe I have taught, encouraged and loved another gorgeous bunch of munchkins. It's amazing to me that it's been 24 years since I started my teaching career, with a break in the middle to have my own family. Such a long time! There were a few tears as they said goodbye, how adorable, but I'm sure they will be off having fun now that holidays are finally here. I know their teacher is looking forward to a well earned break. ;) Feeling somewhat exhausted after the past few weeks to be honest. Michael is still in China, each email from him brings news of the very chilly weather Beijing is experiencing at the moment as well as all the fun he is having overseas when work allows. Missing him heaps, can't wait to have him home. He'll arrive back just in time for our 24th wedding anniversary later this month, will be sooo exciting to have him back with us...

I was blessed with lots of thank you hugs, letters and gifts. I'll admit I have more chocolate than I could (or should! LOL) eat! These flowers certainly took my breath away though, the photos simply just don't do this stunning arrangement justice, it was so huge and to make it even more perfect inside each pink rose was an exquisite sparkly crystal.

How lucky am I?

Driving to work... on his own!

2011-12-04T10:42:00.005+10:00

Our New P Plater

Yep our Nick went for his test this week and passed so now is officially a P plater on the road. So proud of him. It's the day I've been looking forward to AND dreading all at the same time. I'll admit that after he drove out of our driveway alone I was quietly having a mild panic attack! LOL Those of you on facebook will know what I mean, my hands were literally shaking for a good 20 minutes after he left. The feeling of watching your little chick flying solo like that is beyond words, seriously, it hit me hard. You spend your whole life protecting them and then they go and get their licence! Of course he arrived home safe n sound in one piece as you'd expect. Nick is a good driver, a sensible kid but sometimes those mumma nerves do get the better of me.

CONGRATULATIONS BABY!!

Happy Birthday Sue honey!

2011-11-29T18:01:00.007+10:00

Sue and I sipping Pina Coladas

(big thanks to Liz for snapping this one for us)

Tomorrow is my dearest friend Sue's special day, it's her birthday... happy birthday beautiful girl! As it's Tuesday the girls and I had lunch together at the Shingle Inn to celebrate, hoping Sue likes her new perfume, I couldn't resist as it is so soft and girly and our Emmy's favourite too. Was so nice seeing her today to give her a birthday hug too. A few weeks ago Sue and I headed off for a much looked forward to fabulous 3 day holiday at the coast together with about oh 30 other women LOL all celebrating some time away from our families and enjoying each others company. Although quite a few of the ladies live close by, I met many of these women through an online parenting group so it was fabulous to finally give those girls a real life hug. This was my first year away at the retreat but it won't be my last! *grin* We call it MMM for Mad Mothers Meet LOL pretty appropriate too, such crazy fun girls. Sue and I always cherish any time we can spend with one another, especially being such busy mummas and even though we adore being with our families this weekend was the perfect opportunity to let our hair down, be carefree and get away from it all!

Early morning 5:00 am view from our balcony

The weekend had been almost a year in the planning and first stop for me was a relaxing trip to the Calmer Therapies Day Spa, it was heavenly! The full body massage and gorgeous facial was pure bliss and the perfect way to start my trip. Sue and I hit the shops, oh boy did we hit the shops at the coast! Each day we shopped til we dropped, oohing and ahhing over the pretty clothes and picking up a few bargains for ourselves along the way. It was so funny, Sue and I really do have the same taste in clothes which made it hard to decide exactly who would get what! *giggle*

Spa Fun!

The first night was a cocktail party by the pool in our 'kinis, SOOOOO fun! Had a blast sipping drinks in the spa with some of the other girls. Ta muchly to one of my roomies Liz who kept my glass topped up! LOL Lots of chatter and giggles this night and I got to use my personalised MMM cocktail glass too. :)

Here are my roomies :)

Kinda wondering now about Santa's wandering hand there, oh dear! LOL The dress up theme was Christmas hats, Liz and I were obviously the angels in the group. hee hee hee Huge thanks and huggles to Deb, Liz, Kerri and Sue for making my first MMM such a wonderful carefree time. It felt sooo good to relax especially at this crazy busy time of year with work.

YUMMO!!

One of the things I'd really been looking forward to was treating my sweet friend Sue to a yummy delicious morning tea of pancakes with icecream & hot chocolates at Choclicious at Pacific Fair. I'm sure we looked like mad women taking photos of our food there but after all this time together I don't think we really care, it's just "us", it's who we are! LOL

Saturday night drinks and dinner at Sage

Dinner with the entire group was loud, fun and totally wonderful at Sage restaurant. I had the creamy garlic prawns which was extremely delish! Sue tried her very first Pina Colada... will admit this is NOT my first Pina Colada! ROFL PCs are my favourite cocktail, brings me back to memories of Thailand and sipping these by the beach, oh to be back there now. *grin* Hoping if all goes well Michael and I will be off on another overseas trip together next year, Vietnam maybe? Not sure but getting excited thinking about all the possibilities. We even had a nice walk back to the ARC Resort instead of taking a taxi since it was close enough by. Time went so quickly I could have stayed an extra day - can't wait til next year to do it all again!

Look who came to visit...

2011-11-24T21:05:00.003+10:00

...our very cute little niece Gracie!

Life has been pretty HECTIC here in the Berry household, even more so than the normal crazy that is our life LOL - there is SO much I want to share and record here to look back on in years to come, am hoping to spend lots more time blogging over the next few weeks (and less time on facebook me thinks). Can't wait to share the kids birthdays, my special birthday High Tea, Emily's Graduation and my girls weekend away...

After driving to the Gold Coast and back to do the Schoolies drop off (yes our Miss 17 is with the thousands of other graduating Year 12 kids enjoying a week of fun at the beach while I am quietly in mumma panic mode! ) I arrived home to our special visitors for the weekend. Michael's brother Luke and Charmaine were down our way for a couple of days and *squeal* I had heaps of bubby cuddles with the adorable Miss Grace. She is a total delight, a very busy 19 month old now and photographing her is like capturing the wind, she never stops moving. *giggle* Surprisingly I did manage a few darling ones and just had to share. Hope her mumma likes this one. :) The last time we visited them up north little Gracie wasn't even walking, before we blink she'll be 2.

Just a quick post for now, as some of you know Michael is overseas again for a while so while I'm here on my lonesome I'm keeping myself occupied by finishing off report cards for work (it's that time of year *sigh*) and trying to edit some more of the many photos for clients I have to catch up on. Hope everyone is having a lovely week. God bless!

Melbourne Cup Fun!!

2011-11-01T20:05:00.005+10:00

Melbourne Cup 2011

Well it was that time of year again.... another year of dressing up in pretty girly dresses and cute hats, how I love going to these special luncheons with my gorgeous girlfriends. With work being so crazy, this year I kinda left things to the last minute LOL, had no idea what I was wearing until I found this lovely black and white dress, I knew the moment I put it on it was THE dress. For next year though I am seriously determined to wear a colour, there are way too many amazingly colourful hats out there AND also start looking for something a little earlier too. *grin* This year we splurged a little and went to the Turf Club for a really lovely seafood luncheon, the food was yummy and I had heaps of fun oohing and aahing over all the fashions too.

Sue and Me

It's funny how this year we all kinda matched, with variations of black with silver/white/cream. Love this dress my dear friend Sue wore, it's just darling hey with all those pretty flowers!

With the beautiful Bec!

I am so in love with Bec's stunning black & silver hat, very 1920s and the perfect match for her gorgeous gown, she looked so very beautiful.

Donna and I

As always, my darling friend Donna looked incredibly elegant from head to toe, she is absolutely THE most beautiful person inside and out.

Donna, Bec, Me and Sue

...and finally one of us altogether (photo thanks to the other ladies at our table), I think we scrubbed up pretty well. LOL I love these girls so much and whether we're dressed up like this or just relaxing in our jeans in each others kitchens each Tuesday as long as we are with one another it really is a wonderful day!

~ St Eddies Mothers Mass & Dinner ~

2011-10-29T09:25:00.002+10:00

With my darling friend Donna

So happy with my beautiful friend here who is very dear to me... even though for many years we have spent each Tuesday together with "the girls", last night was extra special for the two of us as we dressed up and attended our annual St Edmunds Mother's Mass & Dinner with about 130 other Eddies mums! I love how we now have this tradition each year of going to church with ladies who also have sons at the school and some whose boys were there long ago, it's truly wonderful the way the school puts such a focus on blessing the mothers of their boys and the very important part we play in raising our young men. Of course there was a yummy dinner out afterwards at a local club, 130 women in one room is always going to be a fun night! I even managed to catch up with my Aunty who was there and met some new women at our table too who were funny, super lovely and inspiring.

The first year it was held Donna and I were asked to be part of the service as I guess the "young mums" of the school, we were so nervous LOL and this year we both had a big smile as we watched two gorgeous elderly ladies, whose boys would have attended many decades ago, do the same thing. We hugged & both said how much we look forward to this being us in 30 years or more, so precious. We actually didn't manage to take a photo that very first year but last year and this one we have (big thanks Nick! *grin*), I know there will be many many more in the years to come, I am just ever so lucky.

Some holiday girly time!

2011-09-29T22:16:00.001+10:00

With my dear friend Bec and my sweet goddaughters Ebby & Alyssa

One of the best things about holidays is being able to spend some time chilling with friends and family and there has been plenty of that this September break, it's been really busy here at the Berry household. Even though I see this gorgeous girl each Tuesday it's never enough so we were keen to head out together, wander around the shops, do a bit of clothes shopping (I'm looking for a Melbourne Cup outfit), chatter and giggle, was so fun. Bec did well on the shopping front LOL I was on limited funds being the birthday month and all here so helped her spend her $$ instead, Michael would have been so proud! *giggle* I tried on a cute cream lacy dress from Forever New but not sure it is exactly what I'm looking for even though it had a darling twirly skirt, at least I have some time before the big day. The girls and their two big brothers went to the movies while we made the most of our time at Indro, we had such a great time together so much so that we ended up extending the day and headed to Mt O too for the rest of the afternoon before I had to pick Nick up from Uni. *grin*

Ebony, Me and Alyssa

Was super lovely to spend a little time with these two beautifuls, I adore being that extra special someone that a godmumma is, I am really super blessed. :) Both are so very different as they are getting older and are ever so precious to me, I love them to pieces. Thanks Bec for such a fab day honey!

Behind the camera again...

2011-09-18T20:53:00.004+10:00

...and loving it!

With holidays now finally here, there are SO many things I've been aching to do and one was a photo shoot of a lovely family that was heading off to a very glamorous 21st birthday celebration for this striking young lady. Isn't she stunning?! I adore being behind the camera and this shoot was really fun, how wonderful it would be to do this every day... This term has been a super busy one but now I have a couple of weeks off to take photos, upload and share our kids birthday pics which I've been dying to do and spend some time with my family (shopping trip to the City on the agenda for Emily and I tomorrow). YAY!!

Brunch

2011-08-27T12:02:00.007+10:00

Sue and Liz

Last Saturday I spent a lovely morning, and more LOL, having a leisurely browse through the shops and a yummy girly brunch with my dear friend Sue and her Aunty Liz. Liz also happens to be our Nick's girlfriends mumma! Yes it's all very small world for sure *grin* Emily's mum Liz is related to my bestie and I even went to primary school with Emily's dad (should I mention here her grandfather taught me too!) BUT funnily enough our Nick & his Emily had never actually met until the start of this year, amazing really... You sometimes have to wonder at God's perfect timing though hey. :)

We decided to have brunch at a super cute little local cafe called Fourthchild that specialises in organic, free range, healthy food. I chose "Benny and the Eggs", an eggs benedict dish with the biggest and tastiest farm fresh eggs ever. What a treat. Can't wait to go back again soon.

And Another About Our Alex!

2011-08-12T22:18:00.012+10:00

Alex and Jade

Yep two posts in a row about our youngest! Pretty rare for our Almost 15 year old to be photographed so often. *grin* On Friday night Alex and his lovely girl Jade attended the SMC Year 10 Dance. Jade looked gorgeous in her pretty pink lace dress with thin black satin ribbon sash and our Alex quite handsome too. The kids thought it was extra special that it was on their 6 month anniversary of meeting too (very sweet!).

They were running a bit late so I could only manage a couple of quick snaps. Both kids had the biggest grins as they headed off, my baby is growing up so fast it seems these days. *sigh* Last week we had two subject selection nights for his Senior Timetable next year. Can't believe we are at this point with him already, feels like only yesterday he started school...

All About Alex

2011-07-28T23:06:00.012+10:00

Rites Of Passage

What a special night for our young man! One of the things about our boys' school that Michael and I treasure is how they they mark and encourage the milestones in their lives and Rites Of Passage is one of them for sure. I love the way Alex (and Nick before him!) has the chance to reflect on the changes in his life at this stage and grow into a mature young man with goals, hopes and faith.

In Year 10 the boys go on retreat to bond and consider their future as young men in our community. The ceremony that night is so touching, outside under the fire light, with all the parents supporting their sons.

Alex (before his haircut! LOL) and his proud Dad

The boys shake the hand of their current Head Of Studies and then as they make their way over the bridge they are greeted by their Senior School leaders and teachers.

With his gift... :)

Parents are asked to present their sons with a token to mark this time in their lives... as we did with our eldest son, we gave our youngest a watch (which we'll engrave later) as a symbol of the passing of time and to know that no matter where he is in his life we will always be there to support and watch over him. God bless you now and always sweetheart!

Time alone...

2011-07-07T21:16:00.012+10:00

Today Michael and I set off for the beautiful Gold Coast, only an hour or so from home, and checked into our hotel at the Radisson! *squeal* Michael was there for a 5 day conference and arranged for me to go with him. Even though he was working during the day it was heavenly spending some alone time together, especially as he had only just flown back to us from a 3 week stint away in China. I miss him so much when he is away overseas and this time alone was such a treat, it's rare for us to go away without our kids (yes even at the ages they are now).

Whilst Michael worked during the day I relaxed by the pool and spa, reading and knitting. Each day I'd head to the shops or beach for a little wander too. After the hectic pace of work recently (end of term, report cards etc) and life without him here this was an unbelievable treat.

For my wonderful mother-in-law

2011-06-20T12:35:00.008+10:00

{Wedding Day}

Will definitely come back and add more about their big day but for now Mum (and everyone else that wants a sneak peek) you can see more photos from the day over at my Captured by Chrissy Photography Blog. Just click on the link below:

Captured by Chrissy PHOTOGRAPHY

Emmy's Senior Formal

2011-06-05T22:05:00.002+10:00

I guess you could say this is one shoot I've been waiting almost 17 years to capture... Our gorgeous girl at her Senior Formal looking ever so elegant and beautiful and yes I am totally biased. *grin*

Here are just a few more images from her special evening...

Emily and Sean
Miss E's special young man scrubbed up pretty nicely too, they made such a striking pair.

She simply radiated happiness...

Miss E looked just stunning, perfect make-up, glorious long hair with cute crystal flowers scattered throughout her curls and a truly unique princess style gown which was the perfect choice for our girl.

They are such a sweet couple, I'm so pleased it all went so well.

And a few casual shots before heading inside for the big event...

Looking happy and ready to start the evening!

~ Our Beautiful Girl ~

Together in... THAILAND!!! part 1

2011-05-09T11:40:00.003+10:00

A dream come true in Thailand...riding an elephant!!

Well it's been several months since we waved goodbye to Thailand back in September 2010 and flew home from the most amazing time overseas! Can it really be that long already? Seems like just yesterday I was sipping pina coladas by the ocean and swimming in emerald green water with the fish. To be honest I'm a little overwhelmed with all the photos, experiences and memories that come with being a first time OS traveler, really not quite sure where to start (probably very lucky I kept a bit of a diary while we were away) I guess maybe from the beginning is the way to go. Grab a cuppa me thinks, it's going to be a loooong post...

Wednesday the 8th
"Leaving Day"

Passport in hand and ready to go! After months of not so patiently waiting at times LOL it was finally Wednesday, departure day, and even though we'd still been packing til late the night before I was excited, nervous too I'll admit! As you all know Michael is such an experienced overseas adventurer but for little me this was all new. Michael and I have only flown on a plane together once and that was from Melbourne a couple of months ago. I was mostly looking forward to discovering a different culture and spending some romantic alone time with my handsome hubby although Michael said I couldn't really call it a second honeymoon since we'd already had a few days away at the coast back when he turned 40 so this would have to be known as Honeymoon Number 3. *grin* One of the things I was kinda anxious about I suppose looking back on it was just getting lost in a foreign country and not being able to speak the language to get help, I'd already heard the stories from others including Michael and their tales did nothing to put me at ease! Little did I know I would "lose" Michael at Sydney airport in Australia before we had really begun our trip! LOL We had some time before our international flight to Phuket was to leave so Michael went off to find an exchange so we could convert some more dollars to baht. Half an hour later when he still hadn't returned I was beyond worried wondering if we'd make our plane and exactly how I would explain to the kids I'd lost their Daddy! Of course he'd just been held up at the currency exchange booth LOL and all was well but it made me hang on that bit tighter as we made our way to Departures. It was another nine hours on top of the flight from Brissie to Sydney for us to go from Sydney to Phuket so to keep me entertained Michael organised a dvd player so I could watch some fun movies. I finally got to see Letters To Juliet that I'd missed back at the cinema and the time went by fairly quickly as we ate, nattered, read, checked the map to see how far away we were and slept (Michael, not me!). Arriving at Phuket airport was kinda crazy, so busy even that late at night. We'd already organised transfers and amongst the bustle of busy travelers we spotted the fellow with our names on a big card! Michael would normally just hop in a taxi and work things out himself when he goes overseas but I was glad to have someone from the hotel picking us up! We had to wind our watches back 3 hours to Phuket time and even though it was VERY late once we'd checked in we took to the streets of Thailand, found dinner at a little place close by that would become a fave and wandered around hand in hand til what would have been 3.30am here back home. It was like a dream, I was finally in Thailand!!

Thursday the 9th
"Exploring Patong Beach and our Elephant Trek"

I was jumping out of my skin the next morning to see Thailand in the light of day! The hotel we chose was in a perfect position, a short wander across the road to the beautiful beach and right in the heart of the town itself for shopping and trying out the local food. Couldn't have been better! After a yummy hot buffet brekkie at the hotel we met with our travel guide who translated as we booked the tours and places we wanted to see during our week there. We'd originally booked the elephant trek back in Australia for Saturday but after juggling everything into our schedule we were thrilled to change the trek so we could go that day! *squeal* I've always wanted to ride an elephant, one of the many things on my "must do" list, to know we would be riding high in the Thai mountains THAT day on an elly was excitement overload for me!

First Morning @ Our Thai Beach

Not wanting to waste a moment of our holidays we changed into our swim gear and took the short stroll to the beach before our safari began. It was still chilly back home but the air here was warm and humid, just gorgeous! The beach was utterly beautiful, rows of pretty white lounges with blue cushions and brightly coloured umbrellas along the waters edge as far as you could see. Michael swam in the warm water and I got my first taste of "Thai selling"! You literally could not move without someone trying to sell you something, it didn't matter whether it was on the streets, outside your hotel or on the beach itself! A bit overwhelming at first but something I became quite used to by the end of our stay. Something that caught my eye was this exquisite embroidered pink silk sarong... it was so beautiful, I knew it would be perfect although it was pretty expensive compared to all the others. Michael assured me there would be plenty more like it LOL and it became quite an adventure trying to find that sarong for the best price over the next week! *grin* While I sat on the white sand and happily soaked in the tropical sun, people, sounds, scenery and watched Michael in the water dozens of Thai sellers pounced on me hoping I'd buy anything from the armfuls of summery dresses and clothing they carried on their shoulders to the pretty sarongs, jewellery, hand crafted wooden toys and food they had! In Australia when you say "no thanks" that's generally about it but as I've learnt, not in Thailand LOL, throughout our time there it was not unusual for the sellers to physically grab your arm to lead you into their stall/shop and even walk or run after you to try and get you to haggle some more. I'll admit I was way too soft with the whole bargaining thing LOL Michael was such a pro. Before we headed back to the hotel Michael treated us to some massages right on the beach itself as the perfect way to start our adventure! I couldn't stop smiling as I listened to the girls casually chatting in their pretty language to each other (Michael swears they were really giggling at the big hairy aussie bloke that he is as thai men seem completely hairless! LOL). As we lay side by side on soft matresses in the open air on the sand you have no idea how special and relaxing it was... I was with my hubby, could hear the sound of the waves and open my eyes to see the gorgeous blue green ocean right in front of me. Bliss!

When the safari jeep turned up it couldn't have been better. Riding in the back of a rustic open air jeep heading into the thick mountain countryside really set the tone for the day! My hair was pretty much wet from swimming or windswept the whole time we were away (look past this in all the photos please! LOL) and although we were super busy I felt so free. As we left the town itself to pick up a few more passengers that were going on the trek I spotted two baby elephants just lazing around and eating branches by the side of the road! Yes I squealed out loud when I saw them LOL, I'm sure Michael thought his wife was crazy but how many times in your life do you see ellies like that naturally walking about and not in a zoo?! I also had my first experience of checking for bombs on a vehicle! As we arrived at the Hilton to pick up another family of trekkers I couldn't believe it as the guards on the gate stopped us to walk around our jeep with big mirrors attached to long poles so they could check underneath for any explosives! So different from home.

We met some of the nicest people from all over the world when we were away which was truly one of the best things about traveling overseas. Everyone was so friendly and it was easy to chatter about where we all came from, what life was like back home and all the fun stories about how we were getting along in Thailand itself. We spent an amazing day with a great couple from the Hilton who were traveling with their two very young kiddies and exchanged email addies by the end of our trek. Made me miss our munchkins at home a little I'll admit.

After the bumpy and noisy ride to the trek site we met our mahout who looked after the elly that would take us on our journey. He didn't speak a word of English but all of the mahouts had big smiles for us which was reassuring and once we'd hopped on the elephants back we were away! I didn't realise just how high off the ground I'd be, I mean it was a loooong way if you were to fall. For a moment there I tried really hard not to panic and just said a quick prayer and let happen what may! In most of the pics though you can see I'm clutching on fairly tight to Michael as well as my camera! LOL

We were lucky to be the leaders in the "elephant parade" so we had a clear view of everything ahead, every now and then we'd come to clearings through the trees and had an elephants eye view of the striking coastline and islands in the distance. You can see the path we took was kinda muddy and quite slippery, there were times we got close to the edge and I held my breath but the mahouts casually lead their ellies along.

Oops! Michael's sunnies! Thank you Mr Elly! LOL

I was surprised at how bristly and thick skinned the elephant was and boy were they ever so clever with their trunks! Without realising it, somehow Michael managed to drop his sunnies on the ground while we were trekking, the whole line of ellies stopped and the one behind us surprised us by picking them up with his amazing trunk and handed them right to Michael without a scratch!! Was so cool!

Smooching on an elly *grin*

Trying to take photos while hanging on to the back of a moving elephant is not easy let me tell you! LOL It feels quite jerky and you have to time it in between movements. I totally loved every moment of our day and tried to balance the photo taking with just simply sitting back and enjoying the experience iykwim.

At the end of the trek we were able to spend some time hand feeding our elephant some fruit, so amazing (which was absolutely covered in wasp type insects so you had to be super careful) and exciting!!

I'm sure our elephant coudl tell just how much I loved him, look at his face here. *grin* Trekking through the Thai mountains and spending close up time with these gorgeous big creatures is something I will absolutely remember and *treasure* forever and always...

Friday the 10th
"Speedboat to Phi Phi Island"

Look at that water!!! I'll admit I was on a high from the trek adventures the day before but the thought of spending the entire day exploring the surrounding islands by speed boat with my hubby was thrilling! Now those of you who know me well will be having a real giggle about how adventure filled our holiday was for little me and I think I even surprised myself at how much I relished and enjoyed it all. I was a little worried about the choppy waters but a couple of travel sickness tablets later LOL and I was ready to go on our trip to Phi Phi Island as well as the utterly idyllic Bamboo Island.

Our Thai guides for the day were totally wonderful, their happy and adventurous spirit was contagious and really set the tone for the day. :) We'd heard a boat load of tourists had ALL been sick the day before due to the large waves so I was a little anxious but I needn't have been... it was great! They sat us at the back of the boat so we could see everything ahead and the cooling air would help if I was unwell. I can't believe how beautifully I did considering I don't do particularly well in a car or even traveling with a baby on board *grin* (morning sickness was constant when I was having our munchkins!) LOL

Even today I can hardly put into words the colour of the waters as we hit the sea... the photos I'll share don't do it justice, I was completely overwhelmed by the intensity of the emerald green ocean, it was like absolutely *nothing* I'd ever seen before! It was crystal clear too and as we headed to the first lagoon we'd be snorkelling at I couldn't wait to hit the water! Knowing how wet we'd be I decided against taking my good camera with me for this trip so we used Michael's little camera instead which was a very good decision because the bottom of the speed boat was always wet from our water sports for the day.

Michael was in his element as we put on the snorkeling gear, the water was pretty warm too and together we swam amongst the beautiful fish watching them from under the water as they nibbled green banana from Michael's hand!! A first for me!

I was really surprised at just how many fish were there! You can see them as golden flecks of light in the water above. Snorkeling was a bit tricky for me, especially when the water started filling up in my goggles LOL but I'm sure with more practise I'd get the hang of it better. Look at that scenery... what an amazing place Thailand is!

The captain slowly took us around the edges of the islands on our way to Phi Phi Island which were incredibly formed and ever so fascinating. On the way there we edged the speed boat close to the overhanging trees and shoreline of Monkey Island which was super thrilling! They can't guarantee you will see monkeys on your trip as they are wild creatures, sometimes they will be there and other times not. We were SO lucky... hanging from the trees to greet us were all these cute monkeys, some with little babies, all watching us just as we were watching them! LOL As they are wild we were not allowed to feed them but our guides had some banana pieces which they gently tossed towards the branches and the clever little monkeys would easily catch them with their hands. What an experience!

Once we arrived at the gorgeous Phi Phi Island we were treated to a yummy buffet lunch at the resort itself and had some time to chill out & relax on shore before heading back to our speedboat and off to our next destination... Bamboo Island (a place I now have such wonderful memories).

Wishing I was back here enjoying the view with my handsome hubby every day!! *grin* So relaxing....

It had been a pretty long and physically busy day so I decided to have a laze on the sand while Michael did a bit more snorkeling just off the shore of Bamboo Island to look at the coral. The emerald water was too inviting though so I decided to have a dip myself. I'm soooo glad I did. I was standing about waist deep when I noticed literally hundreds of little brightly coloured yellow fish with dark stripes about the size of my palm were swimming with me, all around me, nibbling my tummy even! LOL Was the oddest most breathtaking experience. I squealed to Michael like a little kid, it was utterly amazing... what a day.

Each night we'd head into town to find one of the local places to eat, we'd eat at places I'm sure most tourists would not and did not LOL but Michael's philosophy is to find a place where a lot of the locals gather and eat & it will be fine. They won't eat there themselves if it's not good! That night we treated ourselves to a bbq seafood banquet, lobsters, prawns you name it we ate it. There was so much food! The best part was we could choose the seafood we wanted and then the cook put those particular ones on the big metal plate and did his magic. They absolutely spoiled us! I know some people will only eat western food when in Asia but truly if I'd wanted that I could have had it at home - I wanted to have the whole experience and I did! They kept bringing out plate after plate of delicious steaming hot meals for us to share. When we left the fellows there even raced out onto the main road to stop the traffic so we could cross (if you've been to Thailand you'll know cars don't stop for people!! LOL) they were such fun guys.

Saturday the 11th
"Wooden Junk Sailing "

Ahoy me hearties!!! LOL Michael was known for making more than one pirate joke on this adventure! After the thrill of our speed boat adventures the day before we were both so looking forward to lazily sailing the waters of Thailand on our Thai wooden junk...or pirate ship as we laughed! Isn't she the most amazing vessel?! I still can't believe thinking back that I was blessed enough to have had this unique experience. This trip was full of "firsts"and my heart literally was beating fast with the thought of a whole day aboard this magnificent ship, it was like nothing I had seen before!

The ship itself as you can see from the piccies was totally gorgeous, very rustic with beautiful timbers and these cute little bean bag type seats that you just lazed upon on the deck while the boat sailed the ocean...very comfy and relaxing. This was one of the "must do" items on our Thai adventure list, especially for Michael. I mean it's not every day you sail the seas like this! :)

Every part of the wooden ship was beautifully carved or crafted.I spent quite some time on this trip standing at the very tip of the boat here looking out at the water and islands ahead of us, it was so beautiful and calming too. Our guides, captain and crew were all so interesting and I especially loved the long chats we had about where they came from and what every day life was like for them in Thailand. So fascinating. I have to say they all looked the part too, some had obviously had very colourful pasts...

The best thing about sailing by a wooden junk is that you have the time to breathe in, relax and leisurely enjoy the scenery as you slowly cruise close the the many islands of the surrounding Bay and seas.

It's pretty awesome watching how comfortable and at ease Michael is with the local people. He just has that knack of striking up conversations with them and is always so keen to hear about their life. The captain of the boat after some chatter even let Michael steer the ship... what a FUN thing to be able to do. Of course I grabbed the camera! LOL

Because the ship was so big we alighted aboard the waiting Long Boats which were so cool to firstly spend some time exploring the caves and shores of James Bond Island.

Yes, the island is really called that! *grin* It was named after a James Bond movie that was filmed at this unique location. Now of course I had to take the obligatory silly pic of Michael "holding up" the land mass in the centre... too funny! Not sure he thought it was quite so humorous when later that day I told him about the small crocodile we had all seen just a few metres off the shore from where we had taken the photos, ahh what I'll do for an interesting shot huh! *giggle*

There were more stalls to look at from the local communities, another opportunity for me on how to say no and actually walk away without being grabbed or chased. Yes they really do that there! I spied my elusive silk sarong, but STILL not at the price we were hoping for. I was starting to wonder if I'd come home with one at all! While I had been watching the croc with some other tourists Michael spent some time at the stalls buying matching silver & pearl bracelets for his girls, Emmy and me. He's just so thoughtful.

Water Village

The Long Boats then took us on the next part of our journey - the water village. A whole community have built their homes, shop and school on the water itself, almost like a series of jetties with homes on poles. Water and all supplies have to brought in by boat and the people there survive by selling the fish they catch and the goods tourists buy from them. I've never seen anything like it...
This place is primarily a muslim water village and at the time we were there the men were all away at prayer. I especially loved the children and being able to take a glimpse into their everyday lives and homes like this. At home I worry about my washing falling on the ground and getting dirty, over here if it falls down it's straight into the sea! LOL The people here live simply, not a lot of possessions in their one and two room homes but they genuinely seem happy. I bought the cutest pink elephant print bag and of course kept my eyes peeled for *my* sarong. Michael was fascinated by the shark teeth they had on display. The only thing that really caught my fancy was this gorgeous turquoise coloured necklace. It just reminded me so much of Thailand. Without me knowing Michael my sweet boy had already bought it for me as a gift! Piccies of me wearing it by the pool the following day... *grin*

I loved the food too! There was fresh fruit on the deck you could just wander up and nibble on...

...and after our trip to the water village we had this delish buffet right on the boats deck as we sailed the beautiful waters surrounding the islands.

Sunday the 12th
"A Day Of Rest... sort of!"

Sipping pina coladas by the pool.... ohhh how I loved this! One of the cool things about Thailand is how yummy the cocktails are over there and how cheap they are too. I developed a definite love for my creamy pina coladas for sure. *grin* Sunday was our first and only day of the trip that we didn't have some type of big excursion planned which was very very lucky because despite worrying that with the change of diet and country I would get sick, Michael actually woke to a bit of a tummy bug that day. He rarely gets crook when overseas so I was a tad worried. A day close to our beautiful beach & the sparkling pool at our resort was in order. If you look at the piccy of me above you can also see my gorgeous necklace Michael surprised me with from our trip to the water village the day before. Isn't it beautiful, I adore it! :)
Playing by the pool together, swimming, relaxing, drinking yummy cocktails....ahhh how I miss this!

Hee hee hee Well it was a honeymoon of sorts for us *giggle*... being silly for Michael and the camera LOL, wish I was there right now.

With Michael feeling not so well for the first time I bravely ventured out onto the streets of Thailand alone... a big thing for me! The whole time we were away Michael treated me like a princess, I didn't have to do a thing. Whatever I wanted was no trouble and he handled everything we needed. I was incredibly spoilt. :) With Michael having a rest up in our apartment after our swim I bravely headed to our favourite little restaurant for another cocktail LOL and some lunch on my lonesome. Was the first time I used baht to pay for my meal and I tried out a bit more thai language too. It was such a feeling of freedom to sit there, in another country watching the waves and eating authentic thai food. I decided it was the perfect opportunity to jot down a few notes about our time away together so I wouldn't forget the little details that made our trip so special and unique. I'm so glad I did, it's very cool to read over my diary entries now... feels like I'm right there.

If you ever go to Phuket you really MUST go to the Night Markets in Phuket Town, they have the best prices and the best bargains! That night we headed over by taxi (hanging on for dear life as we went around every corner and up and down the mountains! LOL) and had a wonderful time strolling with the crowds and stalls... a garage sale or flea marketers dream so of curse Michael was in his element! *grin* We stayed late until they closed, making the most of every moment we had there. It was also a food market and although I tried my best to eat some of the creepy crawlies there I can tell you I am NO Bizarre Food Woman (if you have foxtel you'll know what tv show I mean!! ROFL). There were foods being cooked and sold that I had no clue as to what they were, sooo different. We also met another couple there from Italy, one of the loveliest things about being overseas is meeting new people for sure. While we we were waiting for our food the couple at the other long table offered us some of their cutlery and we began to chat. Michael being the gorgeous man he is paid for all the meals when they arrived even though they protested and only reluctantly agreed by saying they would provide dessert... There were definitely lots of giggles and fun that night as we tried to understand one another as they spoke a little English and we spoke even less Italian. LOL Oh but it was the best evening!

Monday the 13th
"We're going to the zoo zoo zoo..."

(Be back to write about this one and the final fun part of our trip!)

Off To A Country Wedding!

2011-04-30T21:25:00.001+10:00

Emmy and her Sean

Our young couple were pretty excited as they headed off to a family wedding out in the country today! Sean's cousin was getting married and our Emily had been invited too, so special. It's the first time she has been without us to a major event, I'll admit I could hear my heart thumping a bit as they drove away... generally they have chaperones with them and although Sean's parents would be there, it was bittersweet to see our baby girl drive away without us by her side.

~Emmy~

I have to say Emmy looked incredibly beautiful, composed and oh so grown up. Time seems to be flying by these past several months and Sean has certainly become a part of our family. To be honest I was a little apprehensive as to how this year would pan out with them and the rules we have in place but the kids have made it so easy for us, no dramas, simple and uncomplicated. I love this stage in their and our life. :)

Nick & His Emily

2011-04-01T23:22:00.002+10:00

Nick and his Emily

What an awesome year our eldest is having! First year Law and Uni life really seems to agree with our young man and as some of you know earlier this year he met a truly lovely young lady who has become very special to him and of course us. Yes, we have another Emily in our family LOL I'm guessing it could get quite confusing. *grin*

This year with many kids turning 18 there are a number of parties to celebrate and I was lucky to snap a few of Nick and his sweet girl Emily before they headed off to a very swish Black & White themed birthday, they both looked so happy, gorgeous and in love. :)

It's really a small world... I am best friends with Emily's cousin, have known her family for many years and even went to Primary School with her Dad LOL but the kids had never actually met til a few months ago, they make quite an amazing pair, bright, intelligent and focused on studying for their careers. Nothing makes a mother's heart happier than seeing her babies so loved and content.

Photo A Day

2011-01-03T23:20:00.002+10:00

Well 2011 is here and it's the beginning of a brand new beautiful year... full of promise, hope and I'm sure some exciting times too. I thought how lovely it would be to record both the special and everyday moments so have made a commitment to myself to take & share a photo each and every day of January (and hopefully beyond). Should be so much fun! Here is my third for the year that I took early this evening.

Today I took Emmy and Sean shopping (for now we still prefer the young couple to have a chaperone so off I went too! LOL) as they were keen to spend some Christmas money & find a double heart necklace they have been searching for... and they did! Should have seen their faces as they walked hand in hand out of the jewellery shop and showed me. It was so sweet, made me smile to see such happiness. :)

They told me the inscription was exactly what they were looking for, it was perfect. Kinda says it all... young love. *grin*

SO PROUD!!!

2010-12-18T19:16:00.012+10:00

St Mary's Catholic Church Ipswich
16 November 2010 (11pm)

Thought today would be a wonderful chance to share this special photo I took of our Nick after his St Edmund's College Valedictory Mass & Dinner. I can hardly believe he has finished school and with OP results out today it has been an emotional one for many I know. Completing both Year 12 and first year Law at university this year has been a BIG job for our boy. We are ever SO PROUD him and his commitment to study and reach his goal. He has worked so hard. Although I know the huge extra workload impacted somewhat on his final results & Nick would have liked an even better score, the benefits of studying at uni this year have been one hundred fold. We are incredibly proud that the university has offered him a place in their Law degree already for next year. Way to go Nicholas!! We ♥ you sweetheart!

******
Thought I'd add, the song playing on my BLOG makes me tear up every time. They played Go Do by Jonsi during the video presentation at Graduation. An Eddies boy in senior uniform travelling around the school looking for a final time at all the places there that he has spent his last 5 years, seen as though through his eyes. It could have been any of the boys, you could only see his back - it ends as he heads to that bottom gate that as parents we've watched them go through countless times and he turns briefly to wave at us, at the school... saying goodbye.. goodbye to his school days. Go Do Nick, it's your time honey, your time to shine my love!!

Hmmm might have a rival in the kitchen for dinners.... LOL

2010-12-17T12:50:00.001+10:00

Emmy & Sean Making Dinner!

Ok I could get used to this picture! *grin* For quite a while now we have had an extra at the dinner table each week night when Sean finishes work. Because we prefer the young couple to generally go out in groups, be with family or have a chaperone with them it means a lot of time spent hanging at our home with us, which Emmy and Sean have happily agreed to. Last night was kinda special... they went Christmas present shopping together, each buying the other something lovely at the jewellers where my darling friend Donna works (will have to share piccies after Christmas Day). Thank you for looking after the kids at your store too honey!! They also cooked their very first meal together for our family. Well technically Sean had offered to cook us all dinner as a thank you for all his meals here and Emmy decided she would have to give him a hand of course. LOL

Michael came home early from work so he wouldn't miss out on the fun and I have to say we had a few giggles of our own on the lounge quietly listening to the two teens banter, negotiate and chatter as they cooked and worked out what to do. Working it out together. Sean comes from a large family and obviously knows his way around a kitchen and I'm sure Emmy learnt a lot. She still definitely has her "L plates" on when it comes to cooking. *giggle* Oh but it was sweet to watch.

You know life really is different here in many ways at this stage, changing so fast...
I don't know why but it has truly taken me by surprise and takes my breath away some days...

This post is for Nana... smile

2010-12-15T12:36:00.006+10:00

Alex and his cute cousin baby Gracie

On the 21st of April (actually my parents wedding anniversary!) my brother-in-law Luke and Charmaine were blessed with the very beautiful baby Gracie. After 14 years Alex is no longer the "baby" in the Berry family now that this sweet bubby girl is here. And boy does he adore her.

Taken on October 3 the day after my MIL's wedding...

You can just tell little Gracie can't wait to be up and running around with her cousins on both sides. She had so much fun just hanging out with Alex on Nana's lounge room floor while he played on the X-Box! The controller was fair game too according to bubba. LOL Just loved how gentle and besotted Alex was with his little cousin. So adorable.

I didn't get any time to set up some shots of our newest princess but when I saw Alex playing so sweetly with his baby cousin I just grabbed the camera and snapped these. I'm so glad I did, they are very cute together... the two youngest Berry grandchildren, for now anyways. I'm always hopeful Gracie may have a little brother or sister one day. *grin*

Grace @ 5 and a half months

It was during this visit that I realised just how much Gracie looks like our Emily when she was a bub. I really must post a comparison piccy to show you what I mean. Although we always love heading up north to visit family oh how I wish they lived closer so we could spend more time with them, she's such a blessing and growing up super fast!

****************

Ok below is one of our Emmy as a bubby, different angle but the eyes looks so familiar. :)

Meeting the parents....

2010-12-13T14:03:00.006+10:00

Looking a little nervous...

Well we have had a few butterflies or two around here this past weekend I'll admit. *grin* As Emmy's young man Sean is a country lad who travels a distance into town here for work each day, we have been lucky enough to have him spend a lot of time in our home and come to know him better over family dinners each night. A really lovely thing for sure. It's been some time now and apparently Sean's parents were keen to meet our Emily so she was invited over for a yummy Sunday roast lunch in the country, which after some discussion we agreed to let her go.

Of course this meant a happy girly shopping trip for Miss Em and I on Saturday to find "The Dress" to meet his folks. LOL We just love spending time together, chatted lots about life at the moment, she asked heaps of questions about how I felt when I met her Daddy's parents for the first time... all those kinds of beautiful moments which are so important. It was a super wonderful day together.

Soooo pretty!

We had heaps of fun and it wasn't long before Emmy settled on this gorgeous long strapless dress, so pretty with dainty antique cream lace trim. It has the same trim around the hem too which made it look very special. We bought a matching cream belt and flat strappy shoes. Oh but she looked adorable! :) And amongst it all I even found a cute little dress myself too that will be absolutely perfect for our anniversary dinner which is in less than a week. It really is hard to believe on the 19th it will have been 23 years since Michael & I said "I do", I'm sure we're seriously not that old... hee hee

As I expected, Emmy's day out in the country with Sean's family went extremely well. Sean comes from a large family and as you'd imagine Em adored spending time with all the little brothers and sisters as well as his Mum and Dad. Sounds like there were a few funny moments too... especially when one of the little boys whispered were Sean and Emmy getting married which had everyone laughing! LOL Oh dear, we're trying to keep things at a slower pace here! Emmy laughed and said no she was still at school! *giggle* I'm so happy after her being a tad nervous and wanting to make a good first impression that she ended up having such a lovely relaxed day.

She's Smitten...

2010-12-05T16:58:00.008+10:00

Emily & Sean

Well I guess it was bound to happen but I'm not sure I'm ready! LOL Over the past few months we've watched our beautiful baby girl grow into such a gorgeous young lady, turn sweet 16, attend her Semi Formal, finish Year 11 and... meet a very special young man too. It was obvious from the start that this one was someone important to our girl and to say both are smitten with each other is an understatement. *grin* With Sean being older than Emmy, working and driving etc we are taking this all very slowly. As you can imagine we have some pretty strict rules around here which the young couple have more than happily been following (a good sign!) and some how over time we seem to have gradually fallen into a routine of having Sean here after he finishes work each day and setting an extra place at the dinner table each week night. He really treats our sweet girl well, ever so gently and like gold, it's quite beautiful to see.

Off to dinner and looking oh so grown up...

Up til now they have only been allowed out in groups or with a chaperone (yes her poor brothers!! LOL) but Sean had asked permission to take our Emmy out to dinner one night when we were ready and finally after some time Michael and I agreed. So on Tuesday night they both got dressed up and with much excitement he picked her up and off they went to the local Hog's Breath restaurant for a yummy dinner. They also saw the latest Harry Potter movie which Emmy was dying to see too. We have grown quite fond of Sean but you all have no idea how this protective mumma felt watching them drive away. I'm soooo not ready for this and really kinda wish it was a year or two from now, but it's not, so here we are doing our best to give her advice, gentle guidance and listen to her thoughts and feeling too....

{Young Love}

Who knows what the future will hold, it really is just early times yet and Emmy has soooo much ahead of her to experience and look forward to in life but Michael and I have the distinct feeling this young fellow will be around for a while *grin* so we will muddle our way through this just like we have I guess with everything we have done as her parents and hope & pray not to make too many mistakes.... For now I'm not ready to share all this with the whole world, we feel it's best to protect them and their privacy so I'll keep it here on my private family blog, somewhere to share with only our close family and friends.

Nicholas & some End of Year 12 Moments

2010-11-15T10:45:00.015+10:00

St Edmund's College Formal

10 August 2010

As it would happen, on the very same night Emily was attending the WMAC Semi-Formal we also had our very handsome Nick's Year 12 SEC School Formal... what a very busy afternoon and then evening for our family! Now I'll admit organising a young man for his Formal was a tad less complicated than a young lady with her dresses, hair, make-up etc to think about LOL and with fairly little drama we headed to the shops to purchase a gorgeous dark suit with a faint pin stripe through it which was very cool and Nick decided on a traditional crisp white shirt and red tie (his sisters suggestion!) to complete the whole look. With Nick's Law studies next year at University we felt it was time to invest in a suit as I'm sure it will come in handy over the next few years. My heart fluttered when I saw him at his fitting, he was just SO tall and HANDSOME, it takes you by surprise that time goes by so fast and the little boy you cuddled in your arms when he was born is now, I guess, a man. Looking through all his bubby photos of late to choose some for his Year 12 Graduation dinner this week has me very nostalgic for those early days...

Nick is so blessed to have some very good mates that I'm sure he'll keep once school ends shortly. Here are a few of "the boys" that we have watched grow from little Year 8's to Year 12 young men. :)

A few of us with our boy on his special night. Before the Formal itself the boys college has a Pre-Formal Party at the school for the parents and their sons with food, drinks and a photographer available to take photos of the boys with their proud folks. Can't wait to see ours!

It's hard to believe our Nick's school life is rapidly coming to an end, in fact today he had his last exam and with only Valedictory Mass & Dinner and Graduation this Friday it's almost over. Wow, a new and exciting chapter is about to begin...

Emily & Semi Formal Fun!

2010-11-15T09:50:00.003+10:00

St Mary's College Year 11 Semi-Formal

With three teenagers in our home, at this time of year there is alot of family fun going on... lots to photograph too! The girls school our Miss 16 attends was not having an official photographer at the event for the Year 11s but luckily our sweet girl has a Mumma who is never far from her camera. *grin*

29 October 2010

With only a 10 minute window to do a very quick session before needing to be on our way, I managed to capture these beautiful images of our daughter looking very elegant in her gorgeous red satin dress with black lace sash. The handmade black crystal pendant we bought just set off the whole outfit, she looked so striking.

There has been lots of excitement the past few weeks with dress shopping, hair dresser appointments and of course a relaxing manicure with pretty french tips to complete the whole look. Miss 16 is our only daughter so it's incredibly lovely doing the whole girly thing with her I'll admit. :)

I adore this shot of her just as we were about to leave for her SMC Semi-Formal night, so poise and elegant for only 16... she truly takes my breath away.

Jacob & Emily 10 August 2010

Speaking of Semi- Formals our Emily was asked to partner a family friend at another function for one of our other local private schools back in August, which she happily accepted and in a little way became a bit of a dress rehearsal for her own Semi-Formal night in October. Being our only sweet girl in the family she was spoiled with a different outfit for both, how could I resist? *grin* Here she is ready to attend the WMAC semi and with a young lad she has known since she was a baby and who also shares being a godparent to little Elijah with her.

Congratulations our darling girl, you are growing up so very quickly and Year 11 is almost behind you. We are very proud of you, definitely our true Gift from above....

It's Our Birthday Weekend

2010-11-01T16:57:00.003+10:00

(snapped by Miss Emily on the 30th October)

Well it's been months since I last posted and truly so much has happened to BLOG about and keep here as a record and treasured memory..... the kids birthdays, our amazing trip to Thailand, Formals and Semi Formals, Michael's Mums wedding! I will post about all these but for now thought I'd do a quick one from our birthday weekend!

Michael and I had a lovely weekend celebrating our special days, mine on the Saturday and his on the Sunday. Can hardly believe we are 43 and 44 now! How did that happen?

We spent my birthday morning strolling around the local Antiques and Collectibles Fair together which was really nice. I love all things old and vintage I'll admit, I think it's the history and wonder of who touched/held/wore/listened to/used all the special items from so long ago that touches my heart. That night we took the kids to our favourite Thai restaurant for a family dinner celebration. I totally LOVE their coconut rice, so yummmmmy! I think the boys are converted LOL not so sure about Emmy, she really doesn't like rice and is a bit of a picky eater these days. On Sunday we all went to church together early in the morning which was precious and then we took Michael to the fossils dealer so he could choose a few new Megaladon shark teeth fossils to add to his growing collection.

And I was *super spoilt*... my fabulous hubby has booked a romantic weekend away for the two of us at the Gold Coast as my pressie this year! Always love my alone time with him and I truly wasn't expecting something so big after our trip to Thailand last month, what a wonderful surprise. :)

University Graduation Night

2010-08-04T13:49:00.000+10:00

Last month we were asked to attend the University Graduation Evening for our gorgeous boy who has been doing first year Law while still at school in Year 12. Couldn't have been more proud as he accepted his prize AND we are thrilled to say Nicholas was also offered a place & automatic entry to Law next year already...!

Me with my gorgeous boy

Nick has worked so very hard this year juggling both uni and school. There have been many late nights studying for exams and writing assignments for both places as well as having the added responsibility of catching up on the missed school work whilst he attended University lectures every Wednesday.

Nick with his proud Dad

I was worried it would be too big a workload but our boy has such drive and passion for his chosen future career that it all seemed to work out. I couldn't be more excited that all his hard work has been rewarded with the early offer of a university placement now. You are one very special young man sweetheart so many people are as proud of your achievements as we are. Just had to copy some of the congrats he has received already...THANK YOU everyone!!

- Rach Wow!
  July 24 at 10:46am
- Michelle Fantastic Nick! Congratulations!!!!!
  July 24 at 10:52am
- Lisa that's great Chrissie, what a fabulous achievement!
  July 24 at 10:52am
- Christine I know!! It has taken the OP pressure off somewhat too I'll admit. Juggling Year 12 and uni I feel has probably had an impact on that perhaps so this was a wonderful reward for all his hard work and achievements. I'm bursting I'm so proud and excited for him, it's sooo what he has a passion for!! :)
  July 24 at 10:56am
- Danielle WOOOHOOOOO Congratulations to Nick!!! That is fantastic news ~ you and Michael must be sooooooooooooooooo proud ♥ ♥ ♥
  July 24 at 11:11am
- Christine Outstanding!
  July 24 at 11:19am
- Liz Absolutely wonderful news Chrissy. Congratulations to you all because an honor like that doesn't just happen, it would have been a family effort full of sacrafice no doubt. Well done!!
  July 24 at 11:44am
- Lesley So right to be proud of your Nick!! He must be so glad all his hard work is paying off!! What a blessing! xoxo
  July 24 at 11:45am
- Debra congratulations Nick....you must be bursting with pride Chrissy!
  July 24 at 12:00pm
- Jody You already know how excited I am for him! Such wonderful news. xo
  July 24 at 1:38pm
- Leonie Wow! that's fantastic!!! WTG Nick!!!
  July 24 at 2:51pm
- Katherine Oh Chrissy that is such wonderful news ... funny thing is I was only wondering how Nick was going just last week... Go Nick! What an amazing young man you have Chrissy and Michael! xx
  July 24 at 4:40pm
- Amanda So very pleased 4 u. Sending u lots of love and fairy dust manda*
  July 24 at 6:26pm
- Natasha Congratulations to the Berry household. That is fantastic news. Nick must be on cloud nine!!!
  July 24 at 8:38pm
- Michelle Awesome job Nick!
  July 25 at 8:44am
- Jo Fantastic!
  July 25 at 9:49am
- Christine Thank you thank you girls!! Will have to show Nick all the wonderful support from you guys. When I update my BLOG with some more piccies from the night I'm going to include all these comments for him to look back on. ♥
  July 25 at 6:04pm

Pretty in Pink

2010-07-20T21:06:00.007+10:00

Ohhh I *heart* this so much that I just had to share... took one of my pettis to Melbourne for Miss Charlotte to have a play in. Here's one of my faves, so soft and sweet. Will add a couple more to the post in a day or so (still recovering from a nasty flu here and it's taking it's toll)

Melbourne...in 2 and a half days! LOL

2010-07-20T09:58:00.009+10:00

I *finally* got to hug gorgeous baby Charlotte...

...and spend heaps of time with my two favourite Melbourne girls, a dream come true!

As usual when Michael is on his way home from overseas I was an emotional mix of anxious, excited and just plain aching to be with him but this time I was also a little upset as he would only be home for a few brief days and then off interstate to Melbourne for a week! Seemed so unfair to have him back and then go again so quickly, I couldn't seem to get past the fact he'd be leaving just as I had him back in my arms. Once again Michael was keen to persuade me to join him interstate, every trip for the past several years he has tried to convince me to join him but it never works out...the kids have always been too young, school, my job to consider etc etc. Well this time I did it!! Now I know some of you travel alot but for me this was a *first* and a biggy at that! :) OMGosh, I'll admit to feeling very brave indeed LOL organising the flights myself and traveling alone to spend some romantic time with my hubby and of course visit my two favourite Melbourne girls, my darling friend Jody and her gorgeous Miss Charlotte. I've waited so long to see them! So I shocked the socks off Michael by telling him I'd be joining him for the last 3 days of his trip, I'd even managed to get the same flight back and a seat beside him too. How cool!! \O/

~Thursday~

Could it have been an earlier start?! Oh boy, I had to be up at 3.30am to leave the house by 4am if I was going to make my flight. I figured the earlier my flight the more time I could spend with my sweet Jody & Charlotte who kindly were picking me up from the airport and then spending the whole day and evening together til I was chauffeured back to Michael's hotel late that night (and boy didn't he look handsome in his suit as he walked through the Hilton lobby to pick me up, definite heart flutters!) It was a bit of a rocky start to the flight, and how I wished more than once that Michael was there to guide me through, but the 2 and half hours went fairly quickly and before I knew it I was muddling my way through Melbourne airport and at the baggage collection hugging the life out of my dear friend and *finally* meeting beautiful little Charlotte who I already love to pieces. She greeted me with a smile and even reached out for my hand. So precious considering she really doesn't know me at all. To see Jody after all these years with her baby girl made me teary, you all have no idea how many times I had prayed for this wonderful lady to be blessed with a bubba and there she was pushing a pram looking so happy and content. God's miracle for sure...

Hot Chocolate With Style

We decided to have a yummy mid morning break half way through our journey to Jody's home and stopped at KokoBlack. Gave me the chance to treat her to the most delicious hot chocolate and pastries ever! Jody soooo knows all the good places in the city. :) Their hot chocky was to-die-for, a glass with home made vanilla bean ice cream that you then pour the hot chocolate mix on top. I'd go back to Melbourne just for that, yummmmmy!! Charlotte was such a good little girl, sitting on her mumma's lap while we ate and chatted. Our first little girls morning tea together.

Charlotte @11 months
(she has the most stunning eyes)

The plan was to have no real plans for our time LOL all we wanted to do was hang out and be with one another while little Charlotte amused and entertained us. We read books together on the carpet, played with all her toys (and yes she even let me near her special table!! LOL), cuddled, shopped for birthday invitations, played dress up with Aunty Chrissy's pretty pink pettiskirt I'd brought with me and of course took a few photos.

Almost walking!

Now Miss Charlotte is a girl on the go ROFL I worked hard to try & get some shots that weren't blurred or had her in half a frame as she darted around. *grin* She's sooo close to walking and keenly takes in everything around her, I think she's such a clever little cookie. I love this little princess so much, it was hard not to overwhelm her with lots of huggles. She obviously adores her mummy heaps and sticks close by, with her mumma by our side she'd happily let me have a few snuggles though, so sweet.

Simply LOVE the trams in Melbourne
{Bridge Road}

~Friday~
Shopping!! Well you can't go to Melbourne and NOT shop... after all, it's Melbourne!! *giggle* I'd been several years ago with a girlfriend so had a vague idea of the layout. Well as luck would have it our hotel was just down the road from the Hilton (which is where Michael's conference was held) and was literally a hop, skip and easy jump to Bridge Road for this little shopper! Ahhh Bridge Road - the longest street in the world it seemed with shops screaming "buy me buy me buy me" lined on both sides. LOL So while poor Michael worked I set off to find the one and only thing on my wish list that I was hoping to pick up this trip (apart from black knee high boots but I think I'm giving up on that one for the moment). Now I don't need alot of "things" but was quietly hoping for this... You see I may be a Queensland girl but I do have a bit of a thing for gorgeous Winter jackets *blush* and I reeeeeally wanted a nice tailored chocolate brown one to add to my collection. ;) I really feel the cold even living up here and honestly *heart* my jackets. All my super cute ones have come from Melbourne, they make the warmest ones ever.

It was the most gorgeous day, sunny and almost warm *grin* to be honest it was colder back home with below zero temps before I'd left!! Before I left the hotel Jody sent a quick text that with such beautiful weather that she and Miss Charlotte would drive in and meet me for some more girly time, shopping and lunch. Perfect!!

We both managed to find some pretty good bargains. I bought a few nice Spring tops at Esprit and Cotton On, had a delicious vegetarian lasagne for lunch, tried to not get run over by all the cars and trams LOL and of course we took a few more piccies (this one above thanks to a kind stranger).

I'm not sure what people in the busy street thought of us snapping away like mad women LOL but we didn't care much! Photos like the one above (I look very "Melbourne" too with the whole scarf and jacket thing going on don't ya think *giggle*) were worth the stares. Isn't Charlotte just the cutest little doll?! I could have packed her in my carry on luggage and taken her home on the plane! LOL I hated saying goodbye & bubba even tried to give me a wave from her car seat as they drove away. I know we live so far apart but I so hope we catch up again soon, either there or here in Qld when Jody and Matthew visit family. *hint hint Mrs Bell*

After such a busy day I raced back by 3pm with very sore feet LOL to the awesome apartment Michael and I were staying at to get ready for some special time with my hubby. How lucky am I? :) It was ever so romantic strolling along the beautiful streets of Melbourne hand in hand together with the most amazing old buildings which we both loved. Michael took some snaps of us with his little camera as we admired the architecture, caught the tram, peeked in the shops with high end names like Chanel and Tiffany and did a tad more shopping (found a great jacket for him!) before eating at a cool little Asian restaurant for dinner. Was the tastiest wonton soup noodles I've had! Michael of course talked about food he'd eaten in China on his recent trip (always different and unusual) and some of the things he'd done over there. I guess I just simply relished having TIME to be alone like that. Something to cherish. Before we headed to the casino for a bit of a flutter we wandered through China Town which was fun and found a warm spot at a bar to have a drink. A very grown up night for sure. :) I'll admit I wasn't ready to end our little holiday & fly home the next day.

And for those of you that were wondering about my wishlist, the jacket... well if you look at the piccy of me above holding the animal print bag I'm wearing it!! Yay!! Yep, I found THE perfect chocolate brown Italian jacket made from wool & cashmere at the Paddington Coat Factory and it was exactly as I'd hoped. *squeal* Was $399 on sale for $99 bucks! Even more perfect. *huge grin*

What a brilliant few days, way too short for words!! One look at this little face though and it was totally worth the trip, I can't believe next month little Charlotte will be celebrating her very first birthday (and that her cyber Aunty Chrissy finally made it down south to see her before the big day LOL!)

Missing this...

2010-06-20T13:41:00.008+10:00

Michael & I together at the Woodlands Colonial Faire recently.

Well another weekend has come and just about gone & around here that usually means time spent doing something fun and special with my Michael. But not for a while...he's thousands of kms away in China and I'll admit I'm feeling kinda lonely with him gone. *sigh* Guess I've just been very spoilt the past few months with him home (well in the country at the very least), I'd forgotten how it feels to open my eyes when I wake and be on my own, put only 4 plates out for dinner at night, no cup of tea made especially for me each morning when I wake... it's the little things huh.

Reflections of Us - in one of the grand rooms at Woodlands
{this mirror was taller than the ceilings in most homes!}

We managed to do a few fun things before he left, one of which was visit a local winery and a Colonial Faire held at a magnificent old home in the country. It's simply stunning! There was yummy food, wine tasting, local craft and homemade goodies, vintage cars, tours of the mansion and lots of music too. Here's a couple of my fave photos from the day....

Gotta love cool rustic sheds on country properties hey...

Love this relaxed one of Michael taking in the views from the magnificent verandah.

The last time Michael was in China was a few months back in January, a month long visit during a VERY cold time of year with temps of around minus 40 deg celcius!! He visited the amazing Harbin Ice Festival (think Siberian weather here, literally!) while he was there which was a real highlight of the trip for sure. Must try and find a few pics from then to share.

My adventurer back in chilly January this year at The Harbin Ice Festival and beautiful water cities Suzhou and Hangzhou in China

It's the start of their Summer over there in China at the moment so no big jackets, thermals or riding yaks this time! LOL He'll be enjoying himself at the World Expo in Shanghai too the lucky ducky. A bit of fun before he heads to work in Beijing. We've had late night phone calls already which always lifts my spirits and smses (technology when it works is a wondrous thing *grin*), you all have NO idea how much I wish I was there with him right now, missing him but trying to keep things running smoothly at home, juggle juggle juggle....

Time For the Two Of Us

2010-05-17T10:00:00.014+10:00

Together

Well this post is about US. :) The past few months Michael and I have happily been spending more time doing things together - just the two of us, it's been truly wonderful and more special than I can say. Lots of fun adventures! With Michael's job we've had to spend some times apart which is not always easy so we've made a real conscious effort and choice to try new things and have some very important couple time. It really helps that the kids are getting older now, busy too with their friends and school. Alone time with each other is kinda new for us in some ways. A new season I guess hey. :) Doesn't mean we don't cherish & plan heaps of family time out as well, we do and always have, makes life a full and blessed thing. Thought I'd share just a few of the fun things we've been up to since I've been too busy to actually record them here til now, all of them very special memories...

Romantic Overnight Getaway
Valentines Weekend

Oh yes baby!! LOL A couple of weeks after Michael came back from China we actually managed to get away on our own! This was a definite *first* for us and although I was nervous about leaving the kids it was the BEST decision ever. With the encouragement & kindness of our darling friend Kim who offered to help with the kids, we were able to have a very romantic weekend away at the utterly gorgeous Stamford Plaza in the City for Valentine's Day. So plush, with stunning views of the river, our suite was divine, a chilled bottle of wine when we arrived, performances over at Southbank, leisurely swims there & at the hotel, relaxing stroll around the markets, dinner out and then the yummiest buffet brekkie for two looking over the river in their restaurant the next morning. Can you say romance?! *big grin* Super late check out meant when Michael went back to work Monday I even got to spend the whole day shopping in the City as well. Time together here made me realise just how important it is for a marriage to have that alone time. :)

~ooOoo~

Melbourne Comedy Festival

A couple months back I read in the paper that the Melbourne Comedy Festival would be touring here in Qld and I was desperate for tickets. Sounded like the perfect fun night out with my boy. I thought we'd end up going to Brissie for it but I was surprised to find they were going to tour here as well!
I can't believe I managed to get the VERY LAST double tickets!!! Little Elijah was with me when I made the call, he looks excited for his Aunty Chrissy and Uncle Michael too don't you think? *grin* It was a real rush to get there by the 7pm start with Michael working so late but it was soooo worth it and being on the balcony the seats were even better than I'd hoped. Laughed and laughed all night!! The comics were edgy and funny, a real grown ups night out. We even managed coffee and cake afterwards, Nick snapped this one of us when we arrived home... what a fab night!!

~ooOoo~

Country Drives and Bush walking

With a hoped for first trip overseas for us later this year, $$ have been pretty tight so I budget for a few paid events out but *adore* our country trips in the car together, exploring places we've lived before, gorgeous National Parks, picnics and bush walking with the camera strapped around one of our necks! LOL We're really lucky to live so close to both sides of the valley with quaint country towns and beautiful dams & mountain views, all less than half an hour away. When we were studying before we were married we'd travel in the car together every day and head to uni, I think we really got to know each other well on those long daily drives back and forwards. Has that same lovely feel when we're alone on these trips now, different dreams to share with each other than before but just as special.

~ooOoo~

Caxton Street Food & Wine Festival

Ohhhhh THIS was a totally cool day and evening out in the City and more fun than words!! I was really excited when Michael said we were going to Brissie's Biggest Street Party and with tickets in hand we headed for the City. Lots of live bands on 3 seperate stages, from reggae, jazz and salsa to rap and rock! We jumped, sang and danced in the street together with the huge crowd of people til my feet hurt. LOL Spread out along the street were yummy seafood stalls lining both sides for lunch, dinner and snacks in between *wink* and although it was busy & crowded we scored the perfect seats at the Halo Bar to chill out at for a while which was great because the $10 cocktails there were SO good & I loved people watching from the balcony! *grin*

I decided not to take my camera, when the revue for the event said no moshing or crowd surfing LOL I got a little worried for the safety of my canon baby. Michael snapped some crazy ones of us on his phone camera, but for now we can't find the cord to get them off there! Luckily for us the events photographer came over and took the snap above (which I totally *heart*) and then this one below...

...was taken and put in special VIP lanyards which we wore around our necks while we were there, such a great keepsake. So somehow even without my camera we managed to have a few photos of the day, the memories I can tell you I will NEVER forget, it was one of the coolest things I've done in a very long time.

~ooOoo~

And even when the kids are with us...

...and it's crazy busy, we find time to be together too. :)

Cloud dreaming with my hubby

These ones were secretly snapped by our Emmy last weekend on her little pink camera when we took the kids to Wivenhoe Dam for a country drive & bbq picnic and showed them where Daddy proposed to Mummy all those years ago...

Life is really G.O.O.D.

A Mother's Love...

2010-05-12T13:01:00.001+10:00

Mother's Day 2010

Sunday was such a special day, celebrating with my family another year of being a mumma to our precious children. In all the busy craziness that is our life I really wasn't expecting to be spoiled quite so much but I was wrong. Michael and the munchkins had a few surprises for me! While waiting in the lovely morning sunshine by the pool, I could smell my brekkie of bacon, scrambled eggs and tea being cooked. Each of the kids gave me a gift... a large bottle of my fave perfume Opium that I've worn since my wedding day (Michael was way too extravagant with this one but oh boy I adore him for it, feels like "me" when I'm wearing it!!) some luscious face creams and a beautiful pink flowering plant so my blooms would last more than the normal day or two. So very pretty. After the yummiest breakfast, I lazed around relaxing for the morning before Michael took us all for a nice picnic lunch (that he and the kidlets had prepared) at a quiet little local park in the bush. After a stroll through the bush, we headed over to my folks for dinner with Michael and my Dad organising fish n chips for us all. No cooking for the mummas that day! *grin* Wish we could've spent some time with Michael's mum too but hopefully we'll have a trip up north in the near future to visit with them and of course also meet the new bubba, our little niece Gracie. :)

...and best of all I even managed to have a photo or two of me with my babies on Mother's Day (thank you Michael!), a true pressie in itself and one I ask for each year which always makes me so happy! I never take for granted that I have been blessed by God and what used to be such a difficult day for me many years ago is now a time to be treasured. I always take a moment though to say a prayer for those who find the day a hard one or have not been blessed yet. Hugs and love to you all.

Happy Mother's Day

Yay - I'm an aunty again!!!

2010-04-21T12:50:00.007+10:00

After a long labour and 13 days over her due date, much loved beautiful baby

"Grace Ruby Evelyn"

was born by c-section this morning at 7.57am weighing a healthy 3.6 kg or 8lbs. I'm an aunty again! Wow... it's been more than 15 years since the last nephew arrived and now I have a niece, my first one!! In a family of darling boys, our Emily is the only girl on both sides so I'm sure gorgeous little Gracie will be incredibly spoilt and cherished by us all. I can't wait to share the wonderful news with our munchkins when they arrive home from school ...oh and finish the sweet pink newborn baby hat I had started knitting in case they were blessed with a daughter. *grin*

Mum and bubby are both doing fine, Michael said the Daddy sounded a tad tired, it's been a long wait to finally meet this cutie pie. :) I'm just so thankful and relieved all is well. Couldn't be more excited for my brother-in-law Luke and new mummy Charmaine, their little bundle of pink is finally here!!

Isn't she the cutest little sweetheart. :)

~God bless you today and always precious girl~

Two precious poppets...

2010-04-20T17:07:00.001+10:00

Cuddling my darling Ashy...

Spent the afternoon with this little guy today who always makes my heart smile! Here's a couple of pics of me with two of my sweet ones, my godsons Ashton and Ethan. I just *adore* them and I know they love me too, it's such a special bond... loving little ones so much that are not your own but loving them in the same kind of way. It's a Gift from God to our hearts I'm sure. I know mine are to me. We often drag the camera out when I'm at Sue's place for a visit, I'm so lucky their Mum loves to take photos too because now I have ones like these to cherish. They are already growing up too fast for me!

...and with my little mate Ethy!

Aunty Chrissy loves you guys soooooo much. I'm really blessed your Mummy takes such awesome photos !! Thanks Sue honey for letting me share. xx

A Day With My Girl....

2010-04-10T12:21:00.009+10:00

Our Beauty
~playing with my camera & one of the photo props I bought last year, truly loving being behind the camera again!~

With only one car in our family atm (yes we actually have *3* but we lent one to family and mine is off the road til it's fixed!) Emmy and I weren't really sure we'd be able to do our planned day out together in the City but where there is a will there's a way! LOL We hitched a lift with Michael, just made for a much longer than planned day which was fine by us. *grin* Actually it worked out even better than I'd hoped because although we were "stuck" LOL there from early morning til Michael finished at 6pm that night, it gave us a great chance to leisurely wander around together and explore all the City has to offer. It also meant Michael could meet us for lunch and a spot of book shopping too before he headed back to work. So lovely!

Photo Booth Fun
(what a giggle this was!)

Emmy, like a lot of teens, loves to catch the train with her friends and head into the City so I was at her mercy yesterday! ROFL She had planned all these cool little clothes shops we just had to go to (we both found a cute dress each and a few other bargains), some absolute "must have" photo booth piccies together LOL, band shirts to ooh and ahh over (took her about half an hour to decide between two of the things, I think I may now be permanently deaf too btw! *giggle*) and then a number of stops for a bit of yumminess.... caramel slices at the coffee shop, Japanese for lunch :) and after all our walking some tempura udon soup for me and kebab for her! I'd put a little money aside for our day since $$ are a bit tight so it was nice to spoil our girl a tad. We giggled and laughed, tried on fun clothes & talked about anything and everything in her world right now... as a Mumma could it get any better than this? :)

HAPPY EASTER BLESSINGS!!

2010-04-08T11:46:00.011+10:00

God's Gift To Us This Easter

(our awesome view at our shady picnic spot in the mountains at Mt Glorious this Easter)

Hope everyone is having a glorious Easter, we've had a beautiful few days as a family, couldn't have asked for better. Michael went back to work yesterday so I'm feeling a tad lonesome even though he's called already to say a little hi, he took one extra day on top of the public hols so that was really nice and such a blessing.

We managed to pack in heaps over the break! Michael and I had a lazy brekkie together at the markets listening to live jazz and then bought some more plants for the front yard, yep we've been gardening this weekend too. We're not very fast at these things, I'm sure we'll finish our front garden eventually! LOL I've been experimenting with cooking more chinese and thai dinners so I've been replanting our little herb garden in pots to include more coriander etc and Michael has been super busy brewing his own ginger beer!! He's having an absolute ball with Nick and their apple cider is already on the way too. Lots of late nights and experimenting with their different "brews" going on here. *grin*

My Guys! :)

On one of the days we took off early with the kids to Mt Glorious for a yummy picnic lunch with fabulous views and then some bush walking in the rainforest which was really wonderful. Pretty muddy though with all the rain but everything around you is so gorgeous, all those fantastic saturated greens of the plants, wish I'd had my camera for the walk but it was way too slippery to take it on the trail.

Michael and I also managed to get to the beach alone for a whole day of relaxing together which was awesome. On the spur of the moment we decided to stay a bit longer and finished with drinks & dinner at the coast at a really cool teppanyaki bar, first time for me, I've never been to one before! Was amazing watching the chef slice and cook right in front of us, he put on a wonderful show, so skilful and very special. :)

Beka, Cassie and Conor
~March 2007~

During this time though I have kept our friend Cassie and her darling son Conor in my heart. When her sister Beka lost her fight with cancer last week it made me teary, even though I knew the news would come it still hits you, hurts you. Beka will forever be young and beautiful to me, I remember taking a couple of cute photos of the three of them a while back at Paper Arts, truly must find them. (found them!) I have the loveliest memory of her at lunch out one day asking me for a favour... she knew I had been praying for her and she asked for something so simple and so sweet - to hug me - God bless you *always* Beka. It's also the time of year we tend to share special memories of Michael's dad... he was such a man of faith, there are no words on how much he's missed by all of us...

God bless each of you. xx

Our Newest Godmumma :)

2010-03-21T21:55:00.006+10:00

A very proud Emily with her godson Elijah

You all know just how precious my own sweet godkiddies are to me... they have SUCH a special place in my heart. When my gorgeous bestie Sue asked our darling Emily to be their little Elijah's godmumma I couldn't have been more excited for her or proud that Sue and Martin would place this honour on our Emmy. Oh how I wish you all could have heard the high pitched squeals of excitement from our Miss Em as she quickly smsed, emailed and phoned all her friends (all pretty much at the same time!! LOL) with the wonderful news that she was to be Lijah's godmother. :)

Emmy was a tad nervous on the day, thinking back I probably was too the first time I became a godmother but she did just beautifully and so many of the guests there came to me afterwards to share how fabulously they thought she did. Michael and I were just beaming as the boys watched their sister at the alter.

Jacob and Emily with their godson
I think Elijah is a lucky little boy too having young godparents like Em and Jake. I know she and Eli's oldest brother Jacob will both be wonderful young godparents to this darling munchkin and be good examples of christian faith for him. I also know that he will hold a very special place in their hearts too.

From the moment little Elijah was born Emmy has totally adored Sue's bubby boy, as we all do. It's ever so cute to see! When Sue visits and Miss Em is here I am flat out even getting a cuddle!! LOL And wow, now my baby girl is old enough to be a godmummy like me. It's just darling....