31st plan b | ending up here

And just when I stopped looking

I saw just how far I’d come

In this life – Delta Goodrem

I guess nobody knows how their life is going to turn out, least of all, me.

But as the end of another month arrives I reflect on the Plan B's of this month, this year, and the many years before this. The friends I chose, the subjects, the school. My decision not to study primary school teaching, and do an accounting course instead. The boyfriends, the jobs, the places I've lived.

Each decision taking me to exactly where I am today.

I almost laugh at my naive claim of not wanting to get married, or having any children. And yet, here I am mother of two, step mother to two and married for almost ten years.

How life takes its twists and turns.

And although I am here at a place I never thought I'd be, there isn't a choice that I've made that I've regretted. Because it's led me here, to who I am right now.

And so far the journey has been worth it.

I wouldn't change a thing.

Thank you for joining me on my alternative journey.

30th plan b | abandoning the routine and early morning

And as I lay me down tonight,

I close my eyes, what a beautiful sight - Jason Mraz

The back of your eyelids for eight hours solid is the most wonderful thing. Ever.

No children to wake you in the middle of a dream, no crying out or screaming. No changing wet beds or dirty nappies in the middle of a cold night. Just pure, blissful sleep.

Usually I'm awake well before dawn to get some solid office work done before the household arises. But today there was no work to do. My laptop was under the watchful eye of our IT guy. At the office.

So when there's nothing to get up for, there is lots of reason to go back to bed.

Like when your eldest child wakes up at 8am. I turned on kids TV, and crept back to bed. When that same child needed help in the bathroom. I did what I had to, then went back to bed.

And finally when I awoke of my own accord, I stretched out like the cheshire cat and asked my freshly showered husband what the time was.

It was 9:45am.

I had to pinch myself. Just like in a dream.

Because I couldn't hear the cry of my toddler (he was still asleep), or the demands of my 4 year old, I lay in bed and thought about how great I felt. And what my plans were for the day.

What day, you ask? Because it was really half over (the productive half anyway). As it turned out, I didn't actually get much done today.

But it was so nice just to wake up feeling refreshed and awake.

29th plan b | why be a regular toddler when you can be a cowboy?

Riding on the range,

I've got my hat on,

I've got my boots dusty.

I've got my saddle

On my horse.

He's called....T-t-t-t-t-trigger

Of course.

I wanna be a cowboy - Boys Don't Cry

Noah has just started doing the cutest thing. He finds his sister's cowboy hat, puts it on and grabs his horse on a stick. He presses the ear of the horse which makes a trotting sound, and off he goes up and down the house.

Giggling his little head off.

It's hilarious. And I just love that when all the toys are put away, his cheeky little grin when he finds it all over again. It's like he's saying, "You know what I want to do, don't you?"

If only he could say that. At the moment he just grunts and screams just to remind us that he's there.

But I'm loving the attitude. He's really starting to become his own little person. It's so precious.

28th plan b | remember more of this

And then it seemed just like a dream

When wide eyed, side by side

We faced the future holding hands - Steve Green

If we could capture all these precious moments in our minds like we can in our cameras, wouldn't getting older be more rewarding? You know, remembering every good moment, even every bad one?

Just lately, I've been worried sick I'm going to forget all these beautiful moments, and just remember the bad ones.

The reason for my worry? I want to remember it all. I write down as much as I can. My camera is always at the ready.

And already I'm forgetting.

My reality check came when my mum was here last week. Although she remembers quite a bit about us growing up, she doesn't remember a lot (that's okay, she said it too). And I know I'm just going to forget more as time passes by.

I don't want to forget. I want to remember.

And that makes me feel a little sad. Because I know that the prime of my life is the here and now. While my children are young. Although it's mad busy, this time will pass and I will crave these moments all over again.

27th plan b | breaking all the rules about eating and swimming

I can hardly wait

To see you come of age

But I guess we'll both just have to be patient

'Cause it's a long way to go – John Lennon

There's almost nothing better than going to the pool for a swim.

Except if there's a party at the pool where you swim.

Nothing tops that.

A little friend celebrated his birthday with cherry ripe cupcakes, a fruit platter, egg sandwiches and white chocolate lamingtons. And right after their little party feast, the boys hopped straight back into the pool.

Oh, how our mothers would be concerned.

But we didn't mind and, so it seemed, neither did the boys.

ALL THE TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORLD. AND I STILL GET IT WRONG.

Empty reasons for my past

Excuses do not hold

I’m stuck with my affliction

An inner perfect storm

Why didn’t someone warn me

To save me from myself

The pain is self-inflicted

The decisions were my own - Cutless

Confession: With all the technology I own, you'd think I was completely organised.

But today I had it wrong.

Outlook, my iPhone and my calendars all synced. Except the one I actually looked at - my handwritten diary. There was an appointment and I wrote it on the wrong page.

Doh.

But not to fear, my VIA (very important appointment) was also making sure I hadn't forgotten and so reminded me last night to make sure we were still catching up. Lucky for both of us. Because she would have travelled 40 minutes to not see me, and I would have missed her and her beautiful children by a whole week.

No matter how organised I think I am... sometimes I really miss the boat.

Do you forget to check all your electronic devices?

25th plan b | not many plan b's matter when you're this excited

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones – Coldplay

There was plenty of Plan B's today, but only one worth mentioning.

Why the excitment, you ask. Because my husband flew home today after being away for almost 3 weeks.

I missed him so much.

And while I was madly getting the garden looking spin and span for his arrival, the beautiful neighbourhood girls took Madison away to play.

How cute is this? Crossing the road together...

24th plan b | sobering thoughts on an otherwise happy day

She took my father from my life

Took my sister and brothers oh

I watched her torturing my child

Feeble I was then but now I'm grown

Fire on Babylon - Sinead O'Connor

A picnic lunch was planned at Healesville today. I had arrived early while my family were still leaving Melbourne. And while the children slept peacefully in their car seats, I decided to hop back into the warmth and keep driving.

I confess to have never been to Healesville before, even though it is only 30 minutes from where I live. Curiosity had the better of me after knowing that the direction I was heading was the host to devastating fires just over a year and a half ago.

For those of you who may be popping in from outside Australia, Black Saturday was a series of bushfires that ignited or were burning across the Australian state of Victoria on and around Saturday 7 February 2009 during extreme bushfire-weather conditions, resulting in Australia's highest ever loss of life from a bushfire.

Black Saturday killed 173 people and countless animals, injured thousands, destroyed 2029 homes, and burnt 4500 square kilometres of land.

The windy, slow drive through the ashen trees was eery, sad and sobering. The black timber of most trees had new growth, and the contrast of the green leaves was stunning.

Hauntingly so.

An overwhelming feeling came over me to close my eyes and take a few moments of silence for all those families who lost their lives, their loved ones, their homes, the animals... all gone.

Afterwards, it was a sobering afternoon with my family. And a renewed appreciation for all I have.

23rd plan b | doing all the work instead of letting it go

I love you like a fat kid loves cake - 50 cent

My once a month Food Club finally arrived and I was excited because it's been two months since I last went (thanks to sick children).

The theme? Christmas in July, or as a fellow foodie called it: Merry Midwinter.

I personally prefer the latter. But we did wear Christmas hats, feast on hors d'oeuvres, roasts chicken, turkey, pudding with Brandy Sauce, baked vegies, and the most divine bean salad.

Not that I like to squeeze too much in my day (cough, cough) I decided as well as making dinner for my family, and two sides for Food Club, I also thought I could also clean my house from top to bottom, as well as get my hair done, put on makeup and - oh - wrap up my Kris Kringle gift.

So please remind me if I decide to do this again, that it doesn't matter if I don't do everything.

I did do it all, but it's definitely not worth all the stress.

22nd plan b | public instead of private transport

I used to be the main express

All steam and whistles heading west

Furnace burning overtime

But this train don't stop,

This train don't stop there anymore - Elton John

Today we were kind the environment. We also supported the Victorian public transport system.

We enjoyed a trip on the train, then the tram, ate lunch at Soul Mama in St Kilda, then enjoyed afternoon tea in one of those continental cake shops where the front window is full of sugar, butter, cream, chocolate. (All mixed up and made pretty, of course).

Oh my goodness. It was all so good.

We walked and walked. The boys loved the trains and trams, of course. And we enjoyed looking through all the shops.

And instead of driving, it was cheaper too (if you don't include the shopping and the eating).

21st plan b | bed early, right after addictive television

Now I gotta get up early every morning

Cause the early bird always catches the worm

Now I gotta get up every morning

Gotta make up for the lesson Ive learned - Gap Band

To prove that I'm really, really tired here's a picture of the clock just after 8pm.

I plan on going to bed... right after Masterchef.

But first, Masterchef.

20th plan b | what a joy to just watch and play

After chasing sunsets

One of life's simple joys

Is playing with the boys - Kenny Loggins

With all the helpers in the home right now, all my work is mostly done, and completed much faster than usual. And there's so much more time to stop and play.

Watching the boys in action is far more enjoyable than working, or even more, housework. And seeing the youngest boy taking part in a game of Hide and Seek was so cute. Especially when he kept hiding in exactly the same place. And the look of delight every time. Oh, I could eat him all up.

So much better than housework.

19th plan b | changing rooms instead of changing scenery

Every day is so wonderful

And suddenly, I saw debris - Christina Aguilera

When family take over your house, one thing is certain. Once the cleaning, the washing, the entertaining and child minding is taken care of, there's nothing left to do.

Well, almost.

My first employer drummed into me that there is always something to do. She said, There's no such thing as being bored, which I've learnt is true.

And when when the every day jobs are done, there's time for all those other jobs. The ones you rarely have a chance to do.

Like, going through my wardrobe. Sorting my necklaces. Visiting Vinnies on a very regular basis. Cleaning out and changing rooms.

It's been so much fun. And to cull like there's no tomorrow has certainly proved to be cleansing for the mind, and the space.

18th plan b | sunshine instead of a cloudy day

The train left the station

Blowing steam and smoke

With a carriage full of children

So excited no-one spoke

Hanging out their feet

Was there ever a day so fine!

Waving to all the people

Come to watch the train go by - Hesterman/Meagher

Not my Plan B, but Melbourne's. What a beautiful day to ride on Puffing Billy. Cloudy predictions turned into sunshine. Cold, yet perfect. The rain came in just as we were returning home. What timing.

WHEN NO PLAN IS THE BEST KIND OF DAY.

On this perfect day,

Nothing's standing in my way

On this perfect day,

When nothing can go wrong

It's the perfect day,

Tomorrow's gonna come too soon

I could stay, forever as I am

On this perfect day - Hoku

In the past two weeks, I've spent most of my days wondering what Plan B is going to be. But today was not one of those days.

In fact I cannot think of one thing that didn't go according to plan. There was nothing where I had to change my approach to parenting, or anything different that I said.

Today went exactly as it should have.

And it was perfect.

16th plan b | the dandenongs instead of main street

I took time, made all the plans.

I know I told you that we were

Supposed to have something

Made for this weekend

But I changed my mind - Lyrics Born

Sometimes it's worth changing your mind. Especially when the drive isn't much further, and you planned something else.

We had a beautiful afternoon at Sassafras in the Dandenong Ranges.

We picnicked in the park, enjoyed a luscious dessert and devonshire tea at Miss Marples tea rooms, shopped in gorgeous boutiques including Tea Leaves where there's the biggest range of teapots (and teas) I've ever seen. I even bought a few gorgeous things (and decided that shopping with parents is a really bad way to save money).

The air was fresh, and the temperature was chilly, but we were in the mountains. Besides, it was such a lovely location.

And so much better than the original plan.

15th plan b | a day with visitors instead of a day of preparing

I still don't know what I was waiting for

And my time was running wild

A million dead-end streets

Every time I thought I'd got it made - David Bowie

There's nothing like preparing for visitors that throws you into a spin.

There's cleaning the house, catching up on jobs, ensuring there's a full pantry, and fresh sheets. I even thought there was time to run a few errands.

But Plan B was the early arrival of my parents. I hadn't even gone grocery shopping, and they had arrived. So we had lunch together, shopped together, folded washing, played with the kids, and then made dinner.

It's been a lovely day, just not how I planned it.

But that's okay.

14th plan b | taking the time to explain instead of skimming over the details

Where are you going

My beautiful friend

Is this the road that

You take till the end

And if we left behind

Is this the highway

Of our mankind - Big Audio Dynamite

After a full day at the office and at least 3 hours on the road, the last thing I wanted to do tonight was sit down and explain something to my four year old. Especially when it's well past his bedtime, and encroaching on my Quality Me Time.

Why, there's four bags to unpack, washing to sort, things to organise for tomorrow, my to do list to fine-tune, and a bunch of cleaning to do. And that's before I think about taking off my makeup to crawl into bed. (Which is what I really want to do.)

But then I caught myself. My son is asking me really good questions. He wants to learn something. And it is important stuff to learn.

You see, tonight on our way home from the boys' big day at Grandma and Grandpa's place, we called our loved ones in Scotland. It was morning over there when we called at 8:30pm. The whole time Madison couldn't understand how it could be day time over there when it was night time over here.

And so all the way home he kept asking, why. And, could we please look at the globe when we get home?

So after lugging all the days' contents in the house, and putting a sleeping child in his cot, the questions carried on.

And so I gave him the globe. The light was the sun, and the globe was put in place. And we went through it together.

And he understood.

I am so glad that today's Plan B was a lesson both of us could learn.

13th plan b | walking instead of driving

Feel it, breathe it, believe it and

You'll be walking on air.

Go try, go fly so high and

You'll be walking on air - Kerli

I was so inspired when I caught a glimpse of Dannii walking with her new pram and four children in tow, that I wanted to start walking more too. And as this thought entered my head, so did the reminder of the exact same thing being said by me a few years back.

You see, when we first moved to our home three and a half years ago, we promised ourselves we would walk everywhere.

Why, we're only one kilometre from the train station, the main street, cinema, cafes, Woolworths, a golf course, the park, two playgrounds, walking track, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pool. We loved our house, but the main drawcard for purchasing it was the amazingly close facilities.

And after living in a country for four years where we were surrounded by barb-wire fences, guard dogs and security guards, we were sure we would never take Australian freedom for granted ever again.

But somewhere along the way I became busy. So busy, in fact, that I now drive all the time.

So sad.

But today, I packed up the boys, the towels, lunchboxes, kitchen sink, and we walked to the pool for Madison's swimming class. I even timed it to see how long it took.

Our walk time included:

• intervals of marvelling at the glorious sunny and almost warm day,
• regular stops to look at the flowers on the side of the road or other things that marvelled us,
• picking up strange objects we just had to put into our pockets,
• changing methods of transportation from the scooter to the front of the pram,
• and time to stop and catch my breath (no, I'm not joking).

Seventeen minutes and 29 seconds later, I arrived at the pool feeling invigorated, slightly puffed and excited.

And absolutely certain that, weather permitting, we would be doing that again very, very soon.

12th plan b | a day of innings instead of a day of outings

Never opened myself this way

Life is ours, we live it our way

All these words I don't just say

and nothing else matters - Metallica

When a child wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, it's easy to just say 'no' to all previous plans.

That's what I did. Playgroup could wait. So today we did other stuff:

• We cooked dinner for the next three nights
• We played with our toys
• We opened birthday presents (thanks to Kellie)
• We played checkers
• We learnt the names and moves to all the chess pieces (well... he insisted)
• And we taught our new monkey (also thanks to Kellie) how to play chess too
• We drew on our face
• We played Memory
• We ran errands, and bought a few necessary items from the shops

And despite the unsure start this morning, the day turned out quite nicely. Two happy children for most of the day.

(We also discovered an extra tooth this evening which might account for the bad behaviour this morning.)

It's days like today that I don't mind being at home for most of it.

11th plan b | a hot bubble bath instead of no bath at all

Pleasant smell of bubble bath

Slow, slow, slow, slow down your breath

Let the life flow out of veins - Mechanical Poet

Today has hummed along so nicely that when the boys were having their evening bath while I prepared dinner, I found myself thinking "What Plan B am I going to blog about tonight?"

It was in the next minute during my checkup in the bathroom between peeling potatoes and cutting up vegetables, I discovered more water running into the bath and both boys standing. They were quickly reminded that using more water was wasteful, while standing in the bath was dangerous. They should sit down immediately.

My eldest responded for the both of them: "Mummy, we can't. The bath is too hot."

The boy had changed tact (or should I say tap?), and instead of flicking on the cold one for his usual drink from the tap, he'd turned on the hot one.

The bath was much warmer than tepid and the boys legs were very, very red.

So while they were swept out of the water, I asked Madison, "Why did you fill up the water so high?" He answered, "Because I wanted a high bath just like your's Mummy."

Which gave me an idea. Because it would have been waste to empty the water out onto the garden (perhaps not a complete waste), I decided once the boys were in bed, I'd use the water.

And so now a little red, and totally relaxed, I relay my story from the warm glow of a Sunday night, very unplanned hot bubble bath.

TOO LATE FOR AN EARLY NIGHT.

There's only emptiness

In the late of night

Just before I closed my eyes - Toni Braxton

Every night it’s the same.

I say, “I’m going to have an early night.” But then I work until all the jobs are done, and then I want to unwind, log onto Facebook, do some blogging, and...

Voila. It’s after midnight.

And I wonder, how did this happen?

Then I retrace my steps... was there a stage when I should have stopped my jobs? Perhaps I shouldn't have checked my emails? Should I just have not tried to finish everything?

Why so late every night?

So last night I'm in bed by 11:30pm. Not bad. But definitely not early.

At midnight my phone rings. It's my Special People calling from Heathrow Airport. We chat for a bit, and then we're disconnected.

An hour later they ring again. We chat some more. They were upgraded and spent their 22 hour journey in first class. They have had a great trip. They're buzzing with excitement and have just passed Windsor House.

Then I can't go back to sleep. For a moment I felt like I was in their hire car with them. And I'm replaying the conversation, sensing their relaxed vibe. And wishing I was there.

Perhaps I'll try an early night tomorrow...

9th plan b | a smaller play centre instead of the really, really big one

You are the sun

I am the moon

You are the words

I am the tune - Neil Diamond

Perhaps it's because these boys are nine months apart that I can see so many similarities. Like, "whoah, we were just there a few months back". Or perhaps its because his mother and I compare notes on a regular basis, to check that our boys are "normal".

Yes, they are boys, and yes, there is lots of testosterone going through their little bodies right now. Yes, they have outbursts and have no idea why, and hit things just because.

But one thing is certain: these boys have a good time anywhere.

The plan today was to head to one of those big indoor play centres: the ones with the big slippery dips and all those large balls.

And as it also happens: the ones with the millions of other children. (Once again we forgot about the school holidays.)

So, Plan B today was heading to a much smaller venue where there were only three other children. And a much smaller play centre.

I confess there was initial disappointment. But once there was confirmation that Charlie was going to be there, we were happy to just play wherever he would be.

8th plan b | eating out instead of eating at home

I'd like to direct your attention

To something that needs directing to

A lot of people talk about

Dining in and eating out

I guess that's what this song's about - Madonna

Our daughter Kelly discovered this cute little Moroccan place down the road from our house. It is a homewares shop and organic cafe all rolled into one. And not being one to keep her fantastic discovery a secret, it was time we joined her in her fabulous second experience.

We settled on breakfast.

And for the record, breakfast is my favourite meal. I confess I don't understand why some people just have a cup of coffee when there is so much breakfast food to enjoy... french toast, pancakes, eggs, toast, hot drinks, croissants, oats, quiches... all so yummy... and made for breakfast!

We hardly ever go out for a meal these days. And today was a big reminder why. If you asked me what we talked about, I couldn't have told you. I spent more time chasing the tail of a certain toddler on his journey through Mini-Morocco.

Sad, but true.

And although the food was to die for, I relished in the company of family (when I could). Because as quickly as the house became full of people, laughter and madness, it has just as quickly dissipated. Today we all said goodbye again. And although it's so quiet in the house now... I really miss the noise.

7th plan b | the zoo instead of the office

Someone told me

It's all happenig at the zoo.

I do believe it,

I do believe it's true - Simon & Garfunkel

What's better than taking a day off from work? Going to the zoo! The family packed up two cars and headed to a very busy zoo.

Every family and their pram was there. We totally forgot about the school holidays.

But the day was so nice, and the best Plan B so far!

6th plan b | living instead of blogging

Before you cross the street

Take my hand

Life is what happens to you

While you're busy making other plans – John Lennon

So, here it is 10:15pm and I'm just unwinding from a busy day. I stare at my blog screen blankly.

Now, for those of you who know me, being speechless would be a first. And if I didn't have this theme of Plan B, there could be lots that I could say. But I confess, I can't think of any Plan Bs worth mentioning.

We went to the pool today (it's Tuesday), and we went a little earlier than normal. I guess that could have been my Plan B. Then we had lunch at home instead of at the pool with family. We don't usually do that.

Instead, we went home earlier because we had a special guest arrive today. Our eldest daughter flew in and we've enjoyed just hanging out. There was lots of laughter, chatting, talking about our lives and relaxing. A bit of last minute grocery shopping and then preparing for dinner with extended family, and then a lovely night with them.

So perhaps today was the day when I decided that living my life instead of blogging about it was my Plan B.

What do you think?

5th plan b | making cards instead of making beds

Everyday is a winding road

I get a little bit closer

Everyday is a faded sign

I get a little bit closer to feeling fine. - Sheryl Crow

Getting your life back after having babies happens in teeny tiny steps.

Like waking up one morning to discover that you've had enough sleep; discovering that the house is beginning to resemble some sort of order; the return of a calm and steady voice that doesn't escalate at the smallest thing; the expanding of a very important trait called patience...

And one day you realise that you're able to find time to do the things you enjoy. Because as a Mum, there's not much time to do things just for yourself. So when it does happen, it is pure luxury.

Tonight I discovered that wonderful thing called time. I made some cards. I was creative.

And it felt so good.

4th plan b | being goofy instead of cleaning

When I grow up to be a man

Will I dig the same things that turn me on as a kid?

Will I look back and say that I wish I hadn't done what I did?

Will I joke around and still dig those sounds

When I grow up to be a man? - Beach Boys

Today has been trying. That's because I was attempting a Non-plan Plan day. But i've found they don't seem to work.

That was because my eldest had nothing to get excited about, and from his perspective that was just depressing. There were lots of cuddles, games and even some television, but he was satisfied for only a very short time before asking, "Aren't we going to do anything today?"

Didn't he understand that doing nothing was actually lots of little somethings? Perhaps I need to sell the idea better to him? Perhaps it should be a day of games and cuddles at home. Why can't he be happy with that?

As part of 'helping' today, instead of just saying "no", I let him vacuum. Usually his type of vacuuming means it takes much longer to do a job that I already don't like. Seriously, why would you want to vacuum longer than you have to?

So, we vacuumed everything. The floor, the books, the CDs, the DVDs, his clothes, his hand, his feet, his hair. It was vacuuming hair that was the best as his hair stood on end. It looked funny, and created lots of giggles. He vacuumed Mummy's hair and Noah's hair too. It was so much fun, I think the vacuum cleaner was on for about an hour longer than necessary.

But it was something during a day of 'nothing'. And his face was worth it.

3rd plan b | attempt two at a weekend outing

Here comes the rain again

Falling on my head like a memory

Falling on my head like a new emotion - Eurythmics

Today's Plan B was last week's Plan B.

Because the boys were sick this weekend and last weekend, we've been kind of isolated. And the idea was to have a picnic lunch so there was something special to look forward to. Also, I'm trying to go to new places, so we experience Melbourne as much as we can. Last week we went to Olinda. Today Finns Reserve. The place was incredible and the flying foxes had a real workout.

And today was the second attempt. The weather was slightly better. But of course it did rain again, but that didn't seem to dampen the boys's spirits. We all had a nice time and it wore them out enough to have some more sleep when they got home.

I sure hope they're on the up and up now (and not contagious) so we can socialise with other people soon.

2nd plan b | reading instead of working, eating instead of cooking

Take it easy, take it easy

Don’t let the sound of your own wheels

Drive you crazy

Lighten up while you still can

Don’t even try to understand

Just find a place to make your stand

And take it easy. - The Eagles

It sure is hard to be reliable when a child is sick. Every plan you make ends up being put out on the front lawn like hard rubbish. All because we want to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to friends (and their kids), minimise the unknown quantity of a grumpy child's random behaviour out of the home, and ensure they have enough rest.

Perhaps it's the germs in the air, but I don't feel Quite Right either. So, today was another day of cuddles and doing very, very little.

While the boys slept today, instead of jumping onto the computer immediately to update a website and work on a new publication, I rested for a while too. I lay on my bed and read a book*. In fact, I realised this week that this is the first time I've been able to read a book without falling asleep. How did I get here?

And my other Plan B for today?

Friends... where would we be without wonderful friends? Tonight at 6pm, a friend had delivered (via another beautiful friend) home-made soup to our front door (in the cold, wet rain). So instead of needing to prepare dinner, we were able to eat a hot, healthy and delicious meal. Thanks so much Anna.

*Shameless plug: the book I'm reading is called Brinn: War In Her Veins written by Jotham Kingston. It's hard to put down, and such a great read.

Thanks for stopping by.

1st plan b | nursing instead of shopping

Never know how much I love you, you never know how much I care,

When you put your arms around me, I get a feeling that I just can't bear,

You give me fever, when you kiss me, fever when you hold me tight

Fever in the morning, fever all through the night. - Eva Cassidy

Well, we've started this month with a bang.

Plans for our usual shopping day came to a quick halt, when after a morning of unusually grumpy behaviour, Madison didn't eat his lunch and put himself straight to bed.

I smelt a rat when he slept solidly for a few hours, and then woke up grumpy, red cheeked and miserable.

So instead of buying groceries for this week, I nursed my little boy through his fever. The poor guy is sick again!