Happy 4th Birthday Grace

Dear Gracie,

Wow, 4 years my dear. I'm still slightly in denial that the little girl in front of me is actually my baby girl - you have grown so much.

You are my sweet little girly-girl, always taking delight in the prettier things and living by the motto that a "girl can never have too much bling" I'm not really sure where you get your fashion obsession from, but it's a beautiful trait and can either having me tearing my hair out trying to change you or laughing my head off. You have an amazing way of pulling together outfits. I look at you as you make the choices from your wardrobe, thinking to myself that will never work - but you always manage to pull it off.

You are my gentle, loving little girl, who has no problem being raucous or loud. You love the outdoors and are in your element surrounded by nature, especially pretty flowers. You have a love for nature that is showing itself more and more everyday. Apart from your current phase of ant squashing, you love all animals and have a special place in your heart for any furry friend that you meet. Your ultimate pet would be a pony, and one day I promise, I will make that dream come true.

You're my right hand girl in the kitchen, always wanting to help out. You can make your breakfast all by your self (toast or cereal) and you've even got a few meals up your sleeve for when I can't be bothered cooking. Spaghetti on toast is something that you can whip up from start to finish, and you do often. You also love nothing better than baking something yummy, then licking the beaters and bowl clean.

Although there are many fights and arguments, I know that you adore your little brother. You are the first to check if he is ok when he cries, offering a sisterly cuddle and reassuring words. He really looks up to you Grace, and he spends most of the day wanting to be like you - both good and bad. Watching the 2 of you laugh and play together is a sight that I never tire of. Watching my 2 children interact and love each other, its just magic to know that we have given you both the gift of a sibling. I love you for sharing your love with him.

Your 4 now. It's been a wonderful and sometimes challenging past year - 3 was definitely a year of testing boundaries, but apart from all the "interesting" times, it's been an absolute delight parenting you. With the testing times, also comes loads and loads of truly special moments. Your chatter, although at times makes me want to invest in gaffer tape, is hilarious. The sound of your own voice is so obviously pleasing to you, so talking just for the sake of talking, happens A LOT. The conversations that you have though are beautiful, giving us a glimpse into how you adorable mind all works. Your chatter gets quicker as the day ends, it's like you have a daily quota of words that you MUST get through.

You have matured so much over the last few months, I've really noticed a change in your attitude and how you interact with everyone. You're much more sympathetic, helpful and understanding. You're slowly realising that there is more to the world than our little realm. We love confusing you with family trees, watching your little eyes squint as you try to work out the logistics of Nanny having a baby and that baby being your Mummy. You're always asking if Mummy or Daddy did the things that you do now, when they were little.


Your happy to play with the kids, but most of the time your hanging around the adults, listening and observing and then asking a million questions about what is being said. I know that this is payback from what I used to do to my own Mum, karma and all that. The only way to pry you apart from the adult talk is to put you in charge of a baby, then you are in your element. You would dearly love a baby brother or sister to fuss over, your maternal side is such a strong part of your personality. Although I loved having you and Xav born so close together, I often wonder how much easier things would have been if he was born with you at this age, and you being such a wonderful helper.

I've taught you how to hand sew and finger knit, and we have been busy making Christmas decorations. For a girl that wouldn't sit still to do anything, you've developed so much patience with these 2 new skills. I set you up with a threaded needle and you are quite happy to sew and sew and sew. You love it even more if I sit and sew with you, it always turns unproductive though as we chat and giggle to each other.

You're most treasured things are your jewellery, your favourite clothes and your family. You absolutely adore a particular pair of jeans, that you have carefully packed away for next winter. I don't have the heart to tell you that, the way you are growing, they will be closer to shorts by the time next winter rolls around. I guess when a girl finds a perfect pair of jeans, she lives in them right?!

You love your Daddy with every ounce of yourself, you truly are a Daddies little girl. His fingers are getting constricted from being wound so tightly, but he loves every minute of it. He is the one you choose to cuddle of a night if you sneak in to our bed. I try to steal you away, but you always shimmy back to your Daddy. He is who you want when you are sick or upset, at your happiest and most content in his loving arms. He makes you feel safe and loved and its really beautiful to see the special bond you have together. You're his little girl, and I have no doubt, that however old you are, there will always be a place for you in his arms. You definitely did score in the Daddy stakes though, yours is top of the range - absolutely brilliant. I look at the relationship that the 2 of you have and I often wonder if it was the same between me and my Daddy. You are at the exact age now I was when I lost mine, and can't even bare to think about that happening to you and Xav.

You are a beautiful girl Grace, both inside and out. Of course I am completely biased, but looking at you, still takes my breath away. I am in awe that your Daddy and I could create such a stunning little girl that seems to be getting more beautiful as she gets older. You have the most gloriously soft and creamy skin, so silky and completely blemish free. Your little button nose has been with you right from the start, its the cutest little ski-jump and gives you an adorable profile.

Your face is so expressive, so much so that I'm sure you'll make a lousy poker player. Everything you feel is written all over your face. The toddler body is all gone, replaced with a long torso and shapely "go on for miles" legs. You still have the little pot belly though, a cute reminder of my little baby girl. Your hair is such a beautiful honey blonde colour, when it's wet it reaches the top of your bum. When its dry, it's curls up gorgeously, tucked behind your ears or held back with an Alice band. I love playing with your hair, trying out all sorts of hairstyles, but you only have so much patience before you demand it to be put back in a head band and left alone.

This will be our last year at home together before Prep. You will be heading off to pre-school 2 days a week starting next year, and I'll be off to uni (hopefully!) I'm sad that in your last year at home, we will be separated, however I'm vowing to make as much time for you as you need. I'm promising to make this your 4th year, the very best. We will make many beautiful memories, I want you to remember this part of your childhood as your BEST. I'm running with your vivid imagination, and this year is going to be the most magical yet, full of wonder and excitement. I promise, that although I will be busy with school I will always make time for you.

Grace, you really are my little sunshine girl. I hope that you realise how much we all love you and how much joy you have bought into our family.

You have a very special place in my heart. YOU are the one that made me a Mother, all that time ago. I barely can remember life with out you, it's like a piece of you has always been with me, waiting for the right time to join us. I knew deep in myself that one day I would be blessed with a daughter and you are everything and more that I could ever want.

Every night, as I am heading to bed, I go to check on you. Asleep, your face is an exact image of yourself as a baby - a reminder to me that you were once my dependant newborn.

Happy 4th Birthday to my very special first born. I love you as much as you could possibly imagine, and more.

Love Mummy xx

Grace's Birthday

I tucked my little girl in bed, for the very last time as a 3 year old. We talked about the last 3 years, and how tomorrow she would be 4. The birthday fairies were going to come and spread her with magical fairy dust, then tomorrow she would wake up older.

I read her a beautiful birthday story, then kissed her goodnight and we cuddled until she was asleep. I love the drowsy time as my children slip off to sleep, its one of my favourite times with the children. Watching eyes get heavy and speech become slower, then slowly there little bodies relax as they drift off to dreamland.

This morning she woke, excited about it being her very special day. I gave her her birthday crown to wear, which she did for the morning. We had some cuddle and reminiscing time on our bed, along with an unsuccessful family photo shoot.


Nanny had sent up a special birthday present a few days earlier, so it was taken down from the hiding place and handed over to the birthday girl. The very lucky girl was given a lovely wooden flower press, complete with pre-pressed flowers from Nannies garden. She wasn't too sure what it was, but after some showing and explaining, she understood and was very excited about pressing her very own flowers from the garden. She also was given a beautiful craft book, full of wonderful ideas for us to do together. There was also a smacker lip gloss, which she has had permanently attached to her hip since, so I guess that was a hit!

Grandma and Poppy came up about 7am, then we headed outside for the big present unveiling. It was our old sink that my Fil had built into a bench. It's set up so the hose connects straight to the bottom and the kids can use the top like a normal tap. She was thrilled with the surprise, her and Xav both wanted to play with it straight away.

She then was given a present from the grandparents, a dish drainer and dishes to go on the side of the sink.

It was only a quick play with the new sink, as we had planned to head down to Paradise Point for a big beach breakfast.

The kids ran amok on the playground, chasing Poppy and Daddy around, whilst Wendy and I cooked the big feast. There was bacon, eggs, toast and crumpets. All washed down with a special treat of Grace's favourite apple juice. I was stoked as there was a power point, which meant I could take the jug and have endless cups of tea.

After a delicious breakfast, the kids headed out on to the jetty to give their new kites a fly. Xav got bored quickly, and Grace wasn't too far behind - however Duane and Trevor were having a blast.


After cleaning up, Wendy and I perched in our fold-up chairs, right beside the beach to catch the breeze. We watched as the kids splashed and frolicked in the shallow waters.

Duane dropped Grace & I off at Nicole's house, and he headed how with Xav for a siesta. Poor Duane has come down again with giardia, he had it about 2 years ago, whilst I was pregnant with Xav. Apparently it's something that can flare up again, and seems it has in him. He's on a strong a/b now, so hopefully it gets the rotten parasite out of his system.

We hung out at the Truets for the afternoon, just lazing around and chatting. Duane turned up at about 3pm to pick us up, which is when he gave me the wonderful news that we were now $4700 richer. Yippee!!

We headed up to the Silkwood school for the markets and Christmas carols. I had big plans of preparing a picnic dinner, but forgot, so was hoping that food would be available. We weren't disappointed. Firstly we all enjoyed some chop suey and rice, then the kids moved onto gelati for dessert. Duane reminisced over his Japanese food days, and had some takoyaki balls.

I managed to snare a few bargains from the stalls. A wooden clock for the basement price of $1 and a cute little holly hobby nappy cover, which is going to look devine on a certain little 6 month girl that I know.

The kids, of course, were immediately drawn to the face painting. Both gave their stock standard request - Xav wanting a scary spider and Grace a beautiful butterfly.

Duane & I got to relax on a picnic rug chatting to some friends, whilst the kids played chasey on the oval. Once the carols started though, they came back over to listen. Xav was a crack-up, somehow his funky dancing skills don't really suit Christmas carols - but he boogied the night away, loving the attention that he was collecting from his random fans. He does this crazy little leg flick and hand jiggle dance, and when I asked him what he was doing he answered "My drum dance". It did look a lot like a rock drummer on speed, now that he mentioned it.

The kids after a while, plucked up the courage, and shimmied there way to right up the front - where they sat diligently for the rest of the concert.

We headed home at about 8pm, got the kids in their pj's and tucked into bed.

I layed with Grace and we looked over her birth photos, she then asked me to tell her again the story of when she was born.

I love telling her this story, it's still so deeply etched into my memories and without doubt, one of my most wonderful moments. Grace knows the story so well, and sometimes tells me her side of what happened. She says that she was inside my tummy and was pushing me with her arms and legs, trying to get out and be born. I really wish that I had her birth videoed, so she could see how magical that time was for all of us. But I don't, so I'll just have to keep reminding her.

Of course, I had to take my photo from the time of birth. So this is my beautiful Grace at 10.08pm on the 27th November 2009:

I just can't believe that it has been 4 years since I was flung into this sometimes chaotic but always amazing world of parenthood.

~~Happy Birthday my beautiful Daughter~~

Almost a millionaire

I was almost a millionaire.

Almost had to spend days searching for my dream house & furnishing it perfectly - complete with humungous vegie patch, horse and an orchard.

I nearly got to go to several banks and pay off the mortgage of all my closest friends and family, then present them with their deeds in a frame.

Hubby nearly got to call work and give his notice, then spend his days being a stay-at-home dad who volunteered and spent lazy days on the golf course.

I was > - < close to being able to travel the world as I pleased, taking the kids to winter in Canada, safari in South Africa and any where else that took my fancy.

BUT it all came down to 1 measly number. 1 number stopped all of those ^^^^ dreams.

My husband told me today that he always buys a powerball ticket when he goes on holidays, in the hope that he wins enough money and doesn't have to go back to work. He could just extend the holiday indefinitely. It's not like he doesn't enjoy his job, but it's physically tough and hey, who wouldn't want the option to not have to go to work.

Anyway, today he fronted up to the newsagent and presented his ticket. "Can you check my loosing ticket" He asked. "Sure, but I hope it's a winner for you" answered the friendly shop assistant. She scanned it then looked over at his and smiled "Well, I can't give you that much, you'll have to wait for the cheque", she then said very excitedly. "You've won about $4700, but the bad news is you were 1 number off winning about 8 million dollars" Doh!

I'm stoked about winning nearly 5 grand. Within 5 minutes of Duane telling me the good news, I had mentally done up a wish list, and there wasn't much change.

First thing on the agenda is a service and air-con for the car. Next is the study cupboards done exactly how I want, and also a new solar hot water service. Duane's asked for $500 play money, not sure what he wants it for, but he never spends money so I couldn't really say no hey! The rest (if there is any!!) will go in the kids school account. It's already looking healthy, but considering schooling is going to be a large on-going cost, it needs to be supersized.

Oh, and the number that he missed out. 35. It's his age.

WW week 16

Ok, what have I learnt this week?

That you can't snack all day when you are camping.
That the odd lick, taste or bite when you are baking is not your friend.
That not going for walks or exercising can prohibit weight loss.
That tracking in your head is not very accurate.

I've learnt this and put on 1.2kgs - wow, I am so lucky.

I expected it, so wasn't too surprised. I found it slightly amusing, and hope that I can get rid of the "fresh fat" that I acquired, plus extra, next week.

Grace's 4th birthday party

I have dreamt for a long time how I would organise the perfect fairy garden party for my very own daughter. I've kept a list of things over the last few years and finally I've been able to use all these ideas. I contemplated doing it last year for her 3rd birthday, but thought that she still might have been a little young to really get it and appreciate the thoughts behind it.

This year was perfect timing though. We've spent the last few weeks getting the area ready, fine tuning the food lists and organising games. She is just as excited as me, and has loved the whole process of transforming a patch of dirt into her own special sanctuary.

The fairy garden had to be built up with rich, organic soil as our old soil has a lot of clay. To avoid Duane accidentally whipper snippering off flowering plants, we edged it with some foot high bamboo. I cut down an arch, so it's only just over 1 metre tall, to put in the middle. Then Grace & I picked out a few plants to start the garden. We chose some long-living daisies, lavender and some ground covering gardenia.

Grace woke this morning and came bounding out of her room, asking excitedly if it was time for her to finally be able to get into her party outfit (5.30am, mind you!) She was beside her self with the anticipation of a combination of wearing her new shoes, twirling in the pettiskirt, eating all the yummy party food and also having all her little friends coming over to celebrate.

I gave her the beautiful birthday crown that I had made, and she wore it for most of the morning. It's something special that she'll only be able to wear on the week of her birthday, once it's over, it'll be packed away for the next year.

We bustled around putting all the finished touches on the food, cleaning up the mess and setting up the outside area - ready for the 16 under 4's to descend.

Wendy and I had been busy baking lots of yummy party food. I wanted everything to be tiny-mouth size, just big enough for little mouths to devour in one bite. There were egg & bacon pies, sausage rolls, star and heart shaped sandwiches, crackers and dip, caramel slice and yummy apple slice.

Also on the menu were tiny babycinno's:

Dainty little hats:

Butterfly and star fairy bread:

Mini scones with jam and cream:

A childhood favourite - Honey Joys:



White chocolate rocky road:

And, of course the cake:







I love, love, love making a very special cake each year for the kids. Normally they help choose and make it with me, but this year I decided to do it all in secrecy, so even Grace was surprised when it was time to bring it out at the party. She loved it, telling me it was perfect and so pretty. It was a fairly easy cake to make, except now as I look back at photos I realise how crappily I did the icing. However, as I was icing in the late hours of the night due to a mixture malfunction - it doesn't look too bad.

Note to self - Weight watchers margarine cannot be whipped to make butter cream icing. Seems all the disgusting chemicals in it makes it all separate once icing mixture is added. Thank heavens for late night supermarkets and willing & compliant husbands.

I kept the party games fairly simple and only involved those that would follow instructions.

We had pass the parcel:


A marshmallow spoon race:





Which the birthday girl won, no it wasn't rigged.


There was also a fairy hunt, which led the children all around the front yard and finally to some glitter. The last fairy asked them to each take a turn walking around the fairy garden, and to sprinkle some glitter as they went. This was a huge hit with the kids, each lining back up again and again to sprinkle more fairy dust.

~~We're going on a fairy hunt~~

~~Each having a turn at sprinkling the fairy dust~~

I'd been hoping to make up little pots with seeds as party favours, but time got the better of me and I succumbed to lollies. I did jazz them up a little, putting them inside these cute little metal pots and making quick dolly peg fairies to go on the side.

Grace received so many beautiful presents for her garden. She was absolutely spoilt, and now her gorgeous garden is overflowing with beautiful flowers, statues, butterfly's, gnomes, fairies and even a metal chicken! Grace & I are going to plant everything in tomorrow, and then fill in any gaps with other plants. Already she is asking to visit her garden first thing in the morning and throughout the day - it really is her special place now.

She was also spoilt with a few non-garden presents. A cute rainbow rash vest, a perfectly suited Grace book called Fancy Nancy, some lovely jewellery, a mosquito net for her bed, some butterfly's that have been hung on her wall and 12 hanging fairies that have been given a home along her curtain rod. She was spoilt rotten.

~~Beautiful lisianthus plant from Jen & the kids~~

~~One of the many stepping stones from Grandma & Poppy~~

~~One of the beautiful glitter fairies that have moved into the garden~~




~~The fairy garden with all the lovely presents~~

As grace had farewelled the last guest and the front door was closed, she turned to me and said, "That was a WONDERFUL party, thanks Mum"

And all the stress of organising her party was washed away, as I looked into the eyes of a very grateful and appreciative little girl. It was all worth it for that moment.

She then grabbed the lego bucket, shoved a cushion into it and promptly fell asleep, absolutely exhausted and yet content.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BEAUTIFUL GRACE

Party Eve

Ok, so I officially suck at posting every day.

I was absolutely exhausted yesterday, after spending the whole weekend relaxing - kinda ironic hey!

We went camping down at Lennox Heads, staying at this campground. I'll do a big post on it later, I just can't be bothered fiddling around with pics at the moment.

I've spent yesterday afternoon and all day today baking up a storm, ready for Grace's 4th birthday party tomorrow. I'm too scared to look too carefully, but I think there is roughly 30 people coming - 16 of those under 4. Yikes! I'm hoping the weather is not too hot and the kids can all run crazy in the backyard.

The 2 fridges and freezers are choc-a-block and all cupboards are nearly bursting open. The table are hopefully going to be groaning under the weight of all the handmade goodies. There is mini sausage rolls, mini pies, tea cup biscuits, hat biscuits, jelly, rocky road, caramel slice, apple slice, mini scones, dips and of course the Toadstool house cake. It's been a busy few days in the Penny kitchen, cooking up a storm in the comfort of air-con.

The cake has just had the last decoration put on and its safely tucked into the fridge for the big unveiling tomorrow. Note to self - WW margarine does not work for butter cream icing. It just results in sending the hubby out for a late night dash for real butter.

Grace's fairy garden is simply decorated & looks great. I've asked for everyone to bring something along for it, so I'll fill in the gaps once all that is planted.

The birthday girl is beside herself with excitement. It took until 8.30 tonight until her excitement waned a little and she headed off to bed. She's got her gorgeous pettiskirt, a simple white singlet and her new shoes all ready to put on in the morning. She is giggly with anticipation at all the lovely things she'll have to put in her fairy garden, she spent this afternoon cleaning all the stepping stones carefully.

The house is still in a shambles, but I'll have an early start in the morning and get it looking presentable. That's just for my benefit, cause once the kids start rolling in, it'll be back to messy.

Lennox Heads camping trip

Right-o, what is the last thing you want to happen just before you are heading for a long drive in the scorching Queensland sun?

The damn air-con. It's been randomly squealing for the last few months, but true to my procrastinating personality, I've been putting it off and just ignoring the high pitched noises it makes every time I temp got high. Last week, I mentioned to hubby that the car was smelling like burnt rubber, but him having absolutely no clue, passed the smell buck to all the other cars on the road. It's not us hunny, its that car over there.

Well, we were both happy in our procrastinating and deflecting worlds, until the CLUNK and then the SQUEAL, that could not be ignored or blamed. A few calls later, it seems the whole air-con unit has gone ca put and the $$ value is about $1200. A lot of money for cold air hey!

So, the trip down south was in good old fashioned comfort. Windows down and breeze blowing through our hair - which in turn blew everything light out the window, much to the kids amusement. Grace, the whole trip down and back, made a game out of throwing wipes over the front of the car, only to have them blow straight back to her. See, who needs those fancy in-car dvd's?

We arrived at our home for the next 3 nights, set up the tent and filled up the inside with 80% of unnecessary items.

~~The Penney Tenthouse~~

Jen and the kids were joining us for 2 nights, so the kids all had a ball running around whilst we adults slaved in the hot sun getting the Penthouse all cozy.

~~Grace and her 2nd best friend Cass (Lily was top dog for that nano-second!)~~

A quick look at the Lake, that we had excitedly booked our site near, we were slightly disappointed. It was a murky colour that resembled a blood bath - Yuck! Of course, I scouted the area hoping to catch sight of some hot blood-suckers, feeling slightly disappointed when I couldn't spot any.

After chatting with a few locals, our minds were put to rest. Seems the lake is stained by all the tee-trees surrounding it. Once working out that the water wasn't festy and going to kill us, we eagerly shoved the kids in first to test the waters - so to speak. It was actually surprisingly warm, and soon enough we were all happily going in and having a great time.

~~The murky tee-stained water~~

The beach was also about 80mtrs from our tent site, so we spent a fair bit of time over there too. Except, the wind was up a bit, so getting whipped by sand particles at the beach, made the lake look way more enticing.

~~Xav chasing Grace, Grace chasing Duane and Duane chasing his hat~~

The kids all had a great time running amok in the caravan park, enjoying one of the best bits of camping - making friends. Grace, Xav and Cassie all decided one girl they met was their best friend. The never called her by the name (which was Lily), instead all three of them called her My best friend.

~~Oh, to be young and have instant best friends!~~

Lily was high on the popularity and sat on her pedestal bossing them around. Most of the time she made them sit quietly on the side of the path, watching her as she scooted up and down - and they obliged. I didn't care, it just meant the adults could sit down and relax whilst some random 4 y/o minded our children - bad?

On Sunday we excitedly headed up to Bangalow with all good intentions of going to the famous markets. I'd checked and re-checked the market schedule, and booked our camping trip around the weekend that the markets would be on. Well, seems they are on every other 4th weekend, except the one I went out of my way to go too. No, this weekend it was all about the Bangalow show. Ok, we will just go to the show, no biggie. Except, Sunday is pack up day - so NO SHOW either. With my bottom lip heading south, we decided to head to the local park and let the kids loose with the locals. It turned out to be a lovely morning with some nice photo opportunities, so I was happy in the end.
Most of the holiday was spent frolicking around in the lake, playing at the beach, exploring the local area and generally relaxing and having a great time!

~~Stunning, early (6am) light - just beautiful~~

Food also played a big part in the experience with bbq's every night, fish and chips on the grass beside the lake, lots of refreshing lemonade icy-poles, yummy summer fruit and a beautiful breakfast on the beach at the surf club on our last morning. I tried very, very hard to eat sensibly, even forgoing yummy pancakes:

For a big bowl of fruit and yoghurt. It was lovely, but damn the banana pancakes with maple syrup and ice-cream looked delicious.


It was a perfect holiday, well except for the lack of comfortable cool air whilst driving and the cyclonic winds that whipped us overnight. Our ten held up beautifully though, not buckling at all under the pressure.

We can't wait for the next long weekend, to be able to head off again!