Wouldn't it be nice to be a duck??

Who decided that Ducks eat bread? Well, however we found out, I am grateful because it makes for a fun and fairly calm activity with the kids. In my attempt to make the day disappear and avoid sending each other insane at home, we ventured to Minnippi Parklands last Wednesday and had a lovely time. It is a great spot and now that I have discovered it I think it will become a "Cowan hotspot". These ducks were so fun and came up really close so that our little throws were still ok.

Strawberry Kisses

This weekend we stayed down at Elliot's parents at Logan Village for the weekend. On Friday night we had a girls' scrapbooking night and then Saturday we all went Strawberry picking at a nearby strawberry farm. The season is just about finished and we were warned that the strawberries weren't as sweet as usual due to an extrememly hot August but they were delicious. So picture-perfect too and we had great fun!

Some neighbours of Jenny and Bob also have a heap of Bantam chooks so we went there and checked them out in the afternoon. They were cute! All fluffy and a small pointy head. And Hayden even found one Bantam egg which the owner kindly let him keep. Thanks to wonderful in-laws for a great weekend and thanks for the free babysitting when we went to the engagement party.

*edit: I'm so sorry Kate that I have cut you off in the last photo. I can't work out how to resize them as I copy & pasted them today. It wasn't intentional Kate!!

Too busy?

I think I'm guilty at times of making myself and the boys busy so that I can avoid motherhood.

There - it's out there. In all it's nakedness for the whole world to see. I avoid motherhood (at times.)

How so? I find being a mother hard. I love it but it's hard. And sometimes I avoid it. I justify that it's activities for the children and so I am mothering but it's not the same. I go to many of Brisbane's great parks, I take the kids bike-riding, I go to storytime at the local library, I go to bunnings, I go to swimming lessons, I go to the cultural centre and swimming at Southbank, I go shopping and we visit friends - I have to be on the go all the time. I've been like that since I was a small child, always looking for something to do, always needing someone to be around (complete strangers suffice and are even often better!). I usually go out somewhere for some period of time each day. And I recently came to the shocking realisation that this is to some small point about avoiding mothering.

You see, when I go out, I don't have to play with the children's toys and make up some fantastic role playing scenarios with the stick people, I don't have to clean up their messes for the umpteenth time and I don't have to think up creative activities to do inside (again which create a lot of mess and requires me to clean again), and last but perhaps the best reason, I don't have to discipline (as much) when we are out. The boys fight and antagonize each other at home but when we are out there are minimal altercations because they are free and busy and engaged in separate places.

We can go and make something creative where I haven't had to think up the idea, clean up the mess or paid a single cent. We can explore and enjoy the world we live in and again pay not a single cent and as a bonus it wears the kids out and they sleep when we get home! I could go on with more justifications but I think you get the idea.

I love going out and I feel good and enjoy spending time with the kids and think that I do a good job at providing a broad range of enriching activities, and the kids love it too.

But this week I realised that I am not providing quite the balance I thought I was.

Lachlan has asked me several times this week "Mummy will you please play with me?" Awwww (groan) - what kind of mother am I? My children don't think I play with them enough... sob....

I think I've forgotten how to play! Now, don't think me so terrible that I don't play with them, because I do - but I'll admit the time I get down on the ground with them has decreased since Hayden started interacting with Lachlan.

So today, after we made paddle-pop-stick people I role-played with him (which I really dislike doing and so avoid if I can) - and I'll admit I sucked and it was so lame - but he watched me with awe and smiled and we laughed and then we giggled and then we started a tickling game and then at Lachlan's request I played Hide and Seek with them and ignored the lunch (and breakfast for that matter) dishes.

So this mother is going to get off facebook (and all her blog-stalking) and get on the ground with the kids.

Happy Belated Birthday to Lachlan!

So Lachlan turned 4 a whole month ago and I have been so slack with my blogging that his birthday has not been acknowledged here yet...... but alas! never fear - here it is!

His birthday this year fell on a Sunday and as his big present was a big boy's bike so we decided to give it to him on the Saturday because it would be cruel to give him a present that he couldn't use on the Sunday! (the picture was here till I accidentally pressed an arrow key which for some reason deleted the photo. I did this several times to other photos so seem to have used up my upload limit because it won't put anymore up here - so you will have to use some imagination.)

Satuday afternoon we had family over for a bbq dinner and cake to celebrate his big number 4!

He got spoilt rotten and his presents included a remote control car from Nanna and Pop (pictured below), a Spiderman outfit from Uncle Darren and Auntie Paula (also see below), and a computer from Grandma and Grandpa - all of which he absolutely loves!

Lachlan had been talking about his rocket cake for months before his birthday. I am sure it must have been back in April that he decided on the said design. Then Sunday morning, just 12hours after the said Rocket cake had been eaten, he tells me that next year when he turns 5 he wants a spiderman cake. Can you believe it? It was the day of his official birthday and he was finally 4 after talking about it for so long and he's already talking about turning 5?!

Sunday morning's stack of presents.

This yellow matchbox wrecking rig was the favourite toy! In fact, this year I seemed to have worked out my son and all the things we bought him were 'a big hit'. Thank goodness we all say!

The Wednesday before his birthday we had a cake at playgroup to share with his friends. It was a very last minute design and something I totally made up but I am fairly happy with the result and rather chuffed that I managed to get such a good colour match for sand without my husband, the colour-matching professional's help.

So Lachlan, how shall I describe you? I am so proud of him and the wonderful little boy he has become. It's a pleasure to hear all the wonderful compliments that others give about him and which I don't see much of myself! But that is a sign that I am doing something right huh?!

Lachlan is so caring and considerate of others. He seems to have this intuitive sense for others and their feelings. He is especially caring for younger children and babies, and in particular - girls! It really is very special to watch him doting over young children and interacting so sweetly with them. Lachlan is very creative and loves to paint and doing collage and make endless things with playdough. He also likes to be doing things all the time and loves to go out for adventures and explore new places (hmmm wonder where it gets that from?) - but take him out of his comfort zone too much and he'll plead to go home. He's rather social but also quite content with his own company. Lachlan is developing into a lovely little companion and to watch his brain ticking and the amazing ideas that come out of his head are fantastic!

Happy Birthday Lachlan - we love you dearly. XX

Happy Birthday Adrienne!!

Happy Birthday Auntie Adrienne!!! We love you and hope you had a wonderful birthday. May the next year be filled with joy and fun! XX Love Bev, Elliot, Lachlan and Hayden.

Happy Birthday me!

I have had the best birthday in years!! Elliot really took care of me after a horrendous week and I was spoilt rotten.

Friday night I scrapped with some lovely gals and had a fabulous time (once the escapee had been captured). Saturday morning Elliot took the boys out shopping and left me with a tidy house and PEACE - this was the best present Elliot could have given me!! So more scrapbooking was on the cards and I am happy with the results. The rest of Saturday was spent reading and playing with the family and a lovely walk to the park in the afternoon.

Sunday we went to church and I managed to get out of teaching my YW class - not that I don't love them but it was nice to not have to teach! Sunday night Lachlan insisted on making me a pink house cake. What have I started with making character cakes each year for the boys' birthdays! But it was fun and the boys made and decorated it themselves. Thanks Elliot for all your love and support and for a wonderful birthday weekend! XX

Hayden turned 2 and we had too much cake....

Here are a few photos to summarize Hayden's birthday week. I gave up counting how much cake we ate, but suffice to say it was WAY too much.

The last photo pretty much sums up Lachlan's experiences of Hayden's birthday week. Quote of the week from him: "It's not fair. Why does Hayden get another present? When I am going to get my birthday." (said in a very angry moody manner) and....

"Hayden's not sharing his presents with me. Tell him he has to share Mum."

My cute little man.

I'm well aware that I'm extremely biased but I'm not sure that they come much cuter than this? And he is even more gorgeous to meet in real life. This little boy is so full of character and SO mischievous and cheeky. He is the kind of kid that you can't help but laugh at while in the middle of (supposedly) sternly telling him off. He has this innocent face that makes your heart melt and instantly brings a smile to your face just to look at him. He exudes personality and character.

This boy will break some hearts... He's already breaking mine. Today he turns 2!!! Number 2 has certainly grown very quickly and I just wish I could hit the pause button. He's just lovely at the moment and I'd like this age and stage to last a lot longer. On their birthdays I can't help but remember back to their birth and boy, did our lives change when this boy entered our world.

I love Hayden for all that he is, I love watching him every day. I love his spongy cheeks and when he's in my arms I can't help but constantly kiss those juicy chops. What an incredible experience it is to be his mother.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAYDEN!!!!!!!!!! XXXX

Terrific towers

Today Lachlan surprised me by building this tower all by himself. I'm very proud of my little man!

Would the pathetic blogger please stand up!!

Ok, so it's been a while. I think I'm still trying to work out my objectives and visions for this blog. When I began I seemed to be in a deep-thinking frame of mind and I wanted a place to express my thoughts and write. Then I also wanted to document my daily life with a wonderful husband and gorgeous children. I don't feel ashamed of my life and I really love my life but sometimes it all just seems a little too boring.... Why would you want to read about that i think? And then I had another thought the other day - do I gloat? Is telling the technological world my daily achievements gloating? Well, there I go again.... perhaps just thinking too deeply. But today I go an answer. (Isn't it strange where you get answers to your equally weird thoughts from?)

Today in reading "Contentment: Inspiring insights for LDS mothers" (because though I am very content, you can always do with more contentment) I found this quote:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It it our light, not our dakness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually who are we not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsiously give other people permission to do the same.

I think that's what I love about reading other people's blogs - seeing them shine and all the things they're accomplishing and commiserating of the difficulty moments or times life throws at us. That, and quite honestly, I'm just a down-right nosey-parker.

On a lighter note. We have been having heaps of fun lately.

To name a few of the fun things we've done lately:

~ been to 'toddler tuesday' at the state library in the city

~ visited the museum with friends

~ enjoyed playgroup outings with great friends for me and the kids!

~ baked cakes

~ we enjoy trips to the supermarket and Aldi

~ made owls out of paper plates

~ watched playschool everyday

~ gone to storytime at the local library every Tuesday

~ swam at the beach on the Queen's birthday

~ discovered that my boys' favourite toy to play with is the baby (doll)

~ seen our first-cousin-once-removed(???) blessed

~ read "Good-night kiss Sam" far too many times than I liked

Right now I'm just loving my life. The kids are at good ages - they love each other so much and entertain themselves so well and I am just in a happy place. Every day is different. Some days really stretch my patience, some days are a breeze. But i get to the end of every day and I feel sad that another day is over and my kids are another day closer to growing up. Where is the time going? The other day Lachlan got a joke and laughed at it adding some totally appropriate and applicable comment and I had a sudden lightbulb/Oprah moment - when did Lachlan suddenly get so big? I wrote in a card this week to a friend with her first baby, about enjoying the journey and adventure. Growing up and changing stages is just all part of the journey I guess. I wonder where the train will take us tomorrow....

My little parrot

A conversation between Lachlan and I yesterday at home while we were tidying up:

Me:  Lachlan could you put my shoes away for me?

Lachlan:  Mum you didn't say please.  I will if you say it nicely.  

Me:  Oh!  Lachlan darling could you put my shoes away please?  

Lachlan:  Sure.  I'd love to do that.

Potatoes come in all colours 'round here!

I can't believe I've done this.....

Lachlan hates and I mean HATES potato done any way except as chips - not mashed potato, not roast potatoes, not baked potato with lashings of butter and sour cream, not shepherd's pie (heaven help us if the dreaded mashed potato is touching the other nice food.  He goes into hysterics and refuses to eat anything that's touched the white stuff) - just chips and wedges.  I am ashamed to admit that I have taken to colouring our mashed potato just so that he will eat it.  He's still not in love with mashed potato but 60% of it got eaten tonight which is another big fat tick to me!  

Is there a way to get him to eat the Lamb casserole that the rest of us devoured tonight??  His dinner looks a little sparse tonight because I did roast pumpkin which he also flat-out refuses to even touch...

Recent happenings.....

A few weeks ago we had a FHE lesson about the Holy Ghost, likening it to a candle.  I'm marking this one as a success purely because Hayden actually came and participated!

Anzac Day 2009 - We went to Nanna and Pop's for dinner and of course, visited the chooks as we always do.  I remembered my camera this time and so got a few good shots of the boys feeding the chooks.  They love it!  We usually visit the cow that lives in the ajoining field but it wasn't there that day, much to their disappointment.    

This week's craft activity:  Nature pictures.  We went for a walk in the garden and collected some things.  Then we just went crazy with glue sticking them on.  Lachlan did a really good job -he just loves craft.  Hayden just wanted to paint with the glue!  It was a good activity and we will be doing this one again.  I've got out of the habit of doing craft activities at home and feel a bit more inspired after this one.  We've been out a lot lately but I need to get back into staying home and planning some interesting activities.  

  

Who wouldn't think this boy cute??  He's full of SPUNK though.....

When Lachlan was 20mths+ he began an obsession with "cooking" in my kitchen.  This entailed taking out all the saucepans and some plastic mixing bowls and pouring the contents of his water bottle amonst the pots and bowls.  He was even known to take the milk out of the fridege and use it.  Well, very interestingly, over the last couple of weeks I've watched Hayden develop the same "cooking" style.  He takes out all the pots and spreads them out on the kitchen floor and stirs like his life depends on it!  I have't seen Lachlan play this 'game' for a loooooooong time - ot really sure where Hayden saw this happening.  

Pot lids are not just for cooking though as you can see by this little piggie!!! 

Advice from a 3yr old

A conversation between Lachlan and I while bringing in the washing:

Me:  Lachlan, can you do a job for me please?  Can you pick up all of those clothes that have fallen on the grass?

Lachlan:  Why did you throw them all on the floor Mum?

Me:  I didn't.  They fell on the grass because I didn't put pegs on them.

Lachlan:  Next time you should use pegs Mum so they won't get blowed off by the wind and go all over the grass.  Then we won't have to pick them up.  (As he drags the lovely white clothes along the ground and dumps them in the basket.)

Thanks Lachlan...  

An eventful weekend

It is a privilege to serve in the church and it was my utmost privilege to attend Young Womens camp this weekend.  Just back this afternoon, so feeling a little tired, but a great deal uplifted and edified.  We have a fabulous group of girls in our ward and it was wonderful to meet the rest of the young women of our stake.  All the girls had a fantastic time and their highlight (in their own words) was the testimony meeting held this morning at 6am.  It was uplifting and inspiring and had they had the privilege to witness it too, the parents would have been immensely proud.  My testimony was strengthened and I went home today with a desire to be a better person having made many friends! 

 It got me thinking though... As a mother of boys "What do young men do on camps?  Somehow I can't see them doing craft, and heart-attacking each other, and holding testimony meetings that had girls and grown women's faces streaming with tears"....

When I grow into it...... I want to be a Fireman!

Uncle Jonathan and Aunty Carolyn were recently here for a visit from Scotland.  They spoilt Laclan with this fabulous Frieman's suit.  He loves it although was having some sort of issue about something not going his way when I asked him to pose for this photo.

Thanks Joffa!!! XX 

Apparently we need chocolate!

On Thursday we gave the boys their Easter present.  Lachlan got a dinosaurs bucket and Hayden got a farm animals one.  They really liked their respective miniature animals to play with.  However the one egg in the bucket got the most attenti

on.  They got to eat abut 1/8th of it before I whisked it away.  Mean mother that I am....

We went to Auntie Elizabeth's on Good Friday for an afternoon egg hunt and sausage sizzle.  We all had a lovely time but there was far too much chocolate to hunt - But then the Jeffrey's never do anything by halves!

Easter Monday adventure

It seems to be our luck that it rains everytime we choose to go up a mountain on Easter Monday.  Last year we went up to Montville after packing up at the close of our annual camping trip with the Dunlops.  It was fairly miserable trying to meander in the quaint shops with a pram and periods of pouring rain.  Needless to say, it cut our day short.

Well, today we tempted fate by driving up to Mt Tamborine (yes, it was overcast when we left and it has rained all weekend but...).  We got there without rain and stopped at Curtis Falls walk. We started off fine and Lachlan was very eager, walking at a brisk pace.  The ground was a little squelchy.  As we went further, it got muddier and slushier and well, let's just say it really was rather interesting to feel between the toes..  We soldiered on and despite the mud it really was a lovely walk.  We had a slight problem half-way through when we'd reached the falls, with Lachlan needing the gents.  No amount of coaxing would get him to do a 'tree-wee' and so there was some whinging till we got to the toilets (luckily these were halfway back from the falls).  Bladders relieved and we were all happy again.

                                                     At the end - Hurray we finished!!!

Lunch was a different story with no happy ending- I had a particular spot in mind but it didn't seem to be where I remembered it being?!?!?!  We drove for quite some time trying to find it and then just trying to find somewhere to cook our sausages.  In the end we huddled under a covered picnic table with fog/mist surrounding us meaning we couldn't see more than a few metres ahead, and with rain sprinkling around us.  No bbq meant for a less than appetising lunch but we still had chips so everyone was happyish...

Not my ideal Easter Monday, but an adventure none-the-less!

My not-so-secret addiction...

My dear friend Larissa Dunlop (who is also my husband's aunty) is due to have a baby boy in 3 weeks time and she wanted to get some serious scrapbooking done before the baby comes.  Actually, we were looking for any old excuse to get together and devote an entire weekend (minus the Sabbath) to a creative weekend of indulging our passion.  The weekend almost didn't happen, with a scare from her end but all is well and we were thrilled to go ahead with it.

We LOVE to scrapbook and we have formed a firm friendship since I joined her family 7 and 1/2 years ago.  It was a delightful weekend and I felt privileged to be sharing her last moments before baby #2 arrives.  She is a very special woman and inspires me daily.  

I had a goal of 8 layouts for the weekend and completed 6 and sketched 1 so not too shabby!  We had burgers at Grill'd on Friday night then a cafe breakfast Saturday morning in the swish end of the Valley.  There was laughter, scrapping, fine foods and drinks and wonderful memories made!

Thanks to a wonderful husband and fabulous in-laws who helped looked after the boys so I could have this experience.  I think I truly am spoilt....

Anyways - here's what I did this weekend.