Loving these moments!

Today I am loving the sunshine (after SOOOO much rain!)
I am loving:

this little one's current enthusiasm for cooking (and that he is becoming more capable and responsible in the kitchen!)

the gorgeous randomness of notes left by our emergent writer; I had such a "treasure forever" mummy moment when I found this note with a fistful of flowers left on my pillow!  And I'm still in shock that she actually apologised to her brother LOL!

I am loving the delightful chortle/chuckle/squeal that accompanies this little one up the hallway as she sets out to find someone; the closer she gets the more she laughs until at last she is so hysterical that she almost can't crawl - such fun!  Since she has been crawling properly Maddie is just a little ray of sunshine - not quite so frustrated and ever so proud of herself!  I am learning just how unbabyproof our house is LOL

Cleaning beckons, paperwork beckons, my garden is singing to me "come out and play in the sunshine" and there is washing to hang...
Happy Monday!
Keep smiling,
Nell
xxxx

Perspective

Isn't it funny how a little distance can give you a whole new perspective?  I spent the weekend in Brisbane having a super time with these girls at our annual Creative Memories Conference;

While I was there Maddie got to hang out with Auntie Kaz (my gorgeous sister) and wouldn't you know it she was the model child - going four hours (sometimes more) between feeds and having several decent sleeps each day LOLThe conference was three full on days and by the time I returned last night I was missing my little people and my man SOOOO much.  When I saw my two sweet cherubs waiting at the top of the gangplank for me it was all I could do not to break into a run and shamelessly mow down anyone in front of me!  We have had so much wet weather lately and I confess that I have been feeling run down and not altogether happy with the piles of washing and crumbs that come with SAHM status.  A little break away and a bit of vitamin D does wonders for your perspective.  Like Leanne Beasley from http://www.leanneshouse.typepad.com/ states in her book I am "Living the Dream - being surrounded by family and friends and screaming three year olds"  - sometimes when you are immersed in the dream day in day out it can turn a little like a nightmare so it was refreshing to come back with a new perspective and renewed enthusiasm.

I LOVE my Creative Memories business for the unexpected opportunities it gives me to step out of my Mummy shoes.  Each year I get two trips away (Showcase and Summit) and I have been given opportunities that I never would have thought of - things like living it up in a 5 star luxury heritage hotel in Cairns, cruising Sydney Harbour on a private yacht, seeing Vanessa Amorossi close our conference, spending time at Sanctuary Cove with one of my best friends and my sister (both got to meet my new Maddie when she was only 8 weeks old)  Silver Service feels so good when you're used to sausages and vege - and to have a turn down service with no crumbs or duplo bits in your bed can be a little slice of heaven LOL!  I feel so blessed to have opportunities with this amazing company and always enjoy time spent with my beautiful, fun-loving team.  I know I don't often talk about my business much here but if you would like to know more please check out www.mycmsite.com.au/nellward 

This trip Maddie and I got to catch up with my parents too - such a special time!

So now I am back to an Adelaide winter and guess what? When we got home late last night I noticed that one single daffodil had decided to show its sunny face - which means that Spring can't be too far away!!!

Leaving you with my most recently finished quilt - a dresden plate friendship quilt that was started in the days before children LOL!  The scalloped edges were a class with Sara from the Patchwork Apple.

Have a happy week!

Keep smiling,

Nell

Tyranny of Distance

I spent Sunday feeling very sorry for myself (not least because this Queensland gal is over the horrible SA Winter!)  I was grumpy because Thursday my lovely SIL had her birthday (and I was missing her and wanting to be back in the UK sunshine!)  Then Saturday my bestest buddy in Sydney had her birthday (and her sweet cherub turns one this week too)  It feels like it has been far too long since we caught up.  Sunday was my Mum's birthday - and we haven't seen her since February.  Sunday I also decided to call my friend Judy in Melbourne only to find that she was just back from the Lacemakers Retreat that I used to go on with Melbourne friends.  I moved out of home almost 20 years ago.  I moved interstate (Melbourne) in 1997.  I moved to SA in 2001.  When am I going to stop missing people and places?  Distance sucks.  Don't tell me the world is getting smaller.  Skype and email and facebook ...none of them even come close to a real hug.
I promise to be back with a happy chatty post soon but for now I just want to grump!