the cuteness kills me

The cuteness of these guys really does kill me sometimes. The big two are fighting so much less these school holidays which I am so grateful for, and they are mostly delightful to watch playing together. My favourite thing at the moment is when Josh blocks Zoe's way and he tells her she needs to say the magic words to pass through. After trying to guess what the 'magic words' actually are with 'please', 'pretty please', 'sparkles', etc. Josh finally tells her the magic words are 'I love my brother'. Hilarious. So willing, Zoe declares 'I love my brother!' and is allowed on her merry way. I've since heard Zoe use 'I love my sister' as her magic words for Josh. Cute. So Cute.

year of 52 moments - a special gift from moment watches

Just before Christmas I was gifted this gorgeous watch courtesy of Moment Watches. I hadn't heard of them before but when I read more about them and the artistry behind the watches I was captivated and more than happy to be on the receiving end of one of their timepieces. 

The watch I received is part of a very special initiative called 'Year of 52 Moments'. It's a world first, and a very ambitious task as it means creating a specially designed limited edition watch for every week of the year. Each watch will feature one of 52 personal stories translated into a modern watch design.

The great news is that little old you can submit a design that will be considered for one of the watch designs! If you have a significant story to tell or an inspirational moment to share, you are invited to register on Facebook at facebook.com/CelebrateYourMoment, and then create an illustration or artwork that tells your story or celebrates a special moment. You can also find more information at www.momentwatches.com.

The initiative kicked off on Christmas Day, so the watch I have has a very special Christmas message for me. It represents the bible verse John 3:16: 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life'. For me, that is what Christmas is about essentially, so to have received this watch just before Christmas was a lovely reminder of what I was celebrating, and is also a great reminder going into the new year of where my heart needs to be.

There are many more beautiful watches being produced by Moment Watches, including their John Freeman collection. John Freeman is an Australian artist who has designed a range of watches inspired by new journeys, friendship and love. I am super excited to be having a giveaway soon of three of these lovely watches.

Even if you don't submit a design for the Year of 52 Moments, it will be an interesting journey to watch all the watch designs as they are launched each week. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing them and the inspirational stories behind them.

Got any ideas for a watch design? What moment or story would you love to see be used for this initiative?

happy new year!

Hee hee!! Just kidding! Happy 2013!

I found this photo somewhere along my internet travels some time ago, and it always gets a great chuckle from me at the responses it gets. Thought I'd share the laughs to start off the year joyfully!

Last night we spent with some close friends. All our kids had a great old time, swimming, eating, playing wii, watching movies, and then we got home in time for the kids to get into their pyjamas while watching the 9pm fireworks on tv. We could actually hear some real fireworks close by going off at the same time - very cool! Sadly, I was so tired I was in bed before 10 myself - woeful. I don't think I've EVER done that on new year's eve before.....there's always a first I guess.

I hope you heralded in the new year with good times and hopefully good champagne (I may or may not have had a few, or more.).

xx

PS. There will be no more babes for me, just saying.

growing veges

We've finally got our own little vege patch! After a lot of work fixing a retaining wall and laying bricks to make the garden bed, laying the timber frame and filling it all up with a vege organic compost mixture, our first lot of edibles have been planted! We have blueberries, strawberries, mini watermelon, zucchini, cucumber, snow peas and cherry tomatoes in. This is what it looked like on the day we planted.

And below is what it looks like now...

I can't believe how quickly it has all grown in a few weeks! It's amazing! Yesterday I tasted my first blueberry off the tree and I'm patiently waiting for the cucumbers which look like they will be ready next.

It's all very exciting watching it unfold and the kids love it too.

Do you have a vege patch? What are you growing? Let me know your favourite websites for backyard vege growing!

today i love....

this

and this

and this

keep calm...

I really need to start paying attention to this piece hanging up in my kitchen. I know the mantra has been done to death, but it's a good one. With 5.44am wake ups from the 1 year old (yeah, I know, it could be worse) and days of non-stop school and preschool madness with the 5 and 4 year old, mountains of housework, Christmas shopping still not done, cash flow looking VERY unhealthy. sigh. I'm a bit exhausted with life, can you tell?

Just breathe. Gotta breathe and take baby steps. And keep calm, and carry on.

building fairy houses

I wonder if the fairies will come and like their new house?