WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

[During an explaining lesson as to why his big sisters Kelly and Leah won't be here for Christmas day...]

"We have to go to London to be with my sister Kelly. Because we love her."

Kids do and say the most cutest, frustrating and funniest things.

And so this month at a day in the life of us, what he said (or did) will be shared each day.

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

"Mummy, I took my wet clothes off the carpet and put them on the wooden cardboards..."

Umm, did you mean floorboards?

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

"The view? It's great from up here."

FANCY PANTS [GEARING UP FOR XMAS]

My professional photographer (AKA hubby) is on a work trip this weekend, so I decided to be resourceful and pull out the ironing board.

To iron? Hell no.

As it so happens, it makes the best tripod. (I'm hoping my neighbours don't ask what I'm doing with the ironing board on the front verandah). And yes, I have to hold my boys' hands. Three seconds is a long time not to run around. Didn't they do great?)

We spent most of the day at Russ and Daniella's place - today their boys were dedicated (kind of like a christening, without the water). It was such a beautiful morning with gorgeous friends, and lots of yummy food. The boys all played together, and by the time we got home we goofed around putting baubles on the Christmas tree, and then taking them off, then putting them on... the boys had so much fun. Also, I was inspired to update my blog header with a Christmas theme as I love Christmas that much.

Watch this space!

And remember to join in with your Fancy Pants with or without kids. The linky is open all week.

 

Grab my button:

<center> <a href="http://kympiez.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywbFbayEId5157-ISrORWUUr0ZLVk_jBnkI2y998yaDp48Syum_2ymBn15iwt53grnFb0ARM6dmlJtmpHASpwSkwZAX6t_YJeA0qZuYn8oRstxjdTGxaWoiU0PhtozGsdFKJ_zA/s200/Blog+Button+Fancy+Pants.jpg"/></a></center>

And my American inspiration is:

Madison wears: SHIRT, from Fiji (gift - thanks Dad & Ria!). CARGO PANTS, Milkshake. Noah wears: SHIRT, Peter Rabbit (pre-loved by Jacob). SHORTS, Sprout (pre-loved by Jacob). CHRISTMAS HATS, The $2 Shop. Mummy wears: TOP, Witchery. PANTS, Portmans. WEDGES, Witchery. EARRINGS, Target (on sale $5!). BANGLE, Op Shop. SCARF, for twentyone.

Fancy Pants is the way I record my boys and their cute little outfits.
Goodness knows, they'll grow out of these clothes before they're worn out!

 

this saturday i'm grateful for... stopping after the madness

Saturdays are the days where our household comes to a grinding halt. (Except sleeping and eating, perhaps). And because it's our day of rest, there's time to reflect on the six past days and remember all the things I'm grateful for...

1. A super busy week. If it was possible, I fit more in my usual day most of this week. End of year meetings, working a full-time load, deadlines looming around my ears and entertaining 13 of my favourite work colleagues from around Australia for dinner (did I mention that they're awesome?) and then popping off to my first kinder information night. There were lots of early mornings, late nights and not much sleep in between. Although I spend most of my days running on adrenalin, I was kind of wasted by the time this week was over.
2. Great friends cleverly disguised as awesome babysitters. If you've been reading this blog longer than today, you may have already worked out that I struggle to ask for help. But I've been working on this and asked two friends to look after my boys this week. It's been getting easier to ask, but now I know from firsthand experience how much fun my boys had. Mummy is now third in line for good times after Dannii and Ella. A big heartfelt thank you. You guys are awesome!
3. Lights fantastic. So after the madness, I slowed down the pace by taking my little lads to the local outdoor pool and put up the Christmas tree. Every night since, I've been stopping by my formal lounge after the jobs are all done, sipping my herbal cuppa while staring at those pretty tree lights. It's hypnotic. Not only that, it's so relaxing. And beautiful.

Happy Grateful Day.

This Saturday I'm Grateful For... is inspired by Maxabella Loves... Join in. Maxabella would want me to invite you. It's good for the soul to be grateful.

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

"Why is that I can never, ever keep my eyes open when I sneeze?"

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

"I don't want to be a fireman when I grow up. I want to be a Super Hero."

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

 

"Oh, the tree is soooo pretty. It's soooo bootifool."

 

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

"I've decided that just one small piece of chocolate isn't really enough, so I'm eating it just like you do Mum."

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

[After Noah unbuckled his car seat without any help...]

With wide eyes, Madison said: "How did Noah do that?"

And after the cot breakout incident just a few days ago. Oh hell. Mummy is in so much trouble.

Kids do and say the most cutest, frustrating and funniest things.

And so this month at a day in the life of us, what he said (or did) will be shared each day.

fancy pants

,

If the key to great photographs is to persist asking your husband to take a photo every time you're dressed up, making clear all your expectations (flattering photo, include feet, take lots of pictures, be happy about it), then after a while he will get the hang of it.

And be happy about it.

Don't you think he did a much better job this week? Yay for the hubby! I sure am getting use to him being home so much. (Oh, and don't worry, the toddler didn't run out on the road during the photo shoot...) 

And now it's your turn. After doing Fancy Pants for a few weeks now, I've decided that the more who join in, the more fun it will be! All you have to do is grab a picture of you, your offspring, hubby, whoever, all dressed up looking all fancy pants, and attach to the below Linky. You know how I love a bit of interaction (okay, and I'm a little nosy too), and now is your chance. If you don't have kids, I still want to see what you wore... no getting out of this!

Now, I'd love to say that this Linky idea is totally original, but it's not. I've been inspired by Grateful Saturdays @ Maxabella Loves..., Weekend Rewind @ Life In A Pink Fibro, Steppin' Out Saturdays @ Harper's Happenings and What I/We Wore @ Bleubird Vintage (Oh, and can I tell you that I get a little bit excited when I visit each of these beautiful blogs? I highly recommend you visit each and every one!)

There are so many fabulous Linky ideas out there, and this is my contribution for this side of the hemisphere. The Linky will be open all week, and when this one closes, another one will open. I sure hope you contribute too!

 

Grab my button:




<center><a href="http://kympiez.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywbFbayEId5157-ISrORWUUr0ZLVk_jBnkI2y998yaDp48Syum_2ymBn15iwt53grnFb0ARM6dmlJtmpHASpwSkwZAX6t_YJeA0qZuYn8oRstxjdTGxaWoiU0PhtozGsdFKJ_zA/s200/Blog+Button+Fancy+Pants.jpg"/></a></center>
And as I mentioned earlier, I'm inspired by:

Madison wears: SHIRT, Levi's copy (gift - thanks Dad & Ria!). SINGLET, Bonds. SKINNY JEANS, Pumpkin Patch. SHOES, Big W. Mummy wears: BATWING TOP, Witchery (by the way, best top to breastfeed in - through the sleeve!). SINGLET, Giordano. SKINNY JEANS, Jeans West. PLATFORM WEDGES, Nine West. EARRINGS, Target (on sale $3!). 

Fancy Pants is the way I record my boys and their cute little outfits . Goodness knows, they'll grow out of these clothes before they're worn out!

this saturday i'm grateful for... a day of rest

Saturdays are the days where our household comes to a grinding halt. (Except sleeping and eating, perhaps). And because it's the last day of the week, I often reflect on the six past days and remember all the things I'm grateful for...

1. A day of rest. It's now a fact: we live longer if we take a break one day a week to stop and spend time with our family, friends and maker. Saturdays are my favourite day of the week. I don't work, I switch off from everything else that I think about all week and spend time with those I love. I highly recommend it.
2. Having just two kids under four. Yesterday I had six kids under four. It was mad, it was fun, it was totally out of control. I just loved it. But I confess that I kind of like just two most other days. It seems manageable to me. And for those of you who have more than two little kids - my hat goes off to you!
3. Lovely bloggers. Who would I be writing for if it wasn't for you lovely people? Today I was reading one of my favourite blogs, and there as one of her gratefuls was her discovery of some lovely new blogs - mine included. Thank you Brenda @ Mira Narnie.
4. Christmas Giggles. I do Elf Yourself every year, but it still makes me laugh out loud. My little guys watch it over and over again, and my eldest son wants to know where our elf outfits are so he can go and put them on.

This Saturday I'm Grateful For... is inspired by Maxabella Loves... Join in. Maxabella would want me to invite you. It's good for the soul to be grateful.

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

 "But Mum... I don't want to go to the Library now. I want to go grocery shopping."

[And later when I decide we will go grocery shopping first...]

"But Mum... I don't want to go grocery shopping now. I want to go to the Library!"

Madison wears: LONG-SLEEVED TSHIRT, Cotton On Kids. JEANS, Target (pre-loved by Ethan). SHOES, Big W. Noah wears: LONG-SLEEVED TSHIRT, Bonds. JEANS, Pumpkin Patch. SHOES, AirFlex.

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

 

"Mum, I can't be responsible for my actions if you don't bolt everything down,

or clean up immediately after every meal..."

 

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

[After being asked over and over again not to eat the pastry while baking]

"Oh look. A little mouse ate a teeny weeny piece of the pastry."

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

 "I don't care what anyone says, garden snails taste yummy."

"I. Am. Not. A. Grot."

 

EAT: ROAST PUMPKIN, BEETROOT + FETA SALAD

SERVES 8 | PREP 15 MINS | COOKING 20 MINS | VEGETARIAN, GLUTEN FREE

Tonight I felt like lots of fresh stuff, and there's nothing I love more than a good salad. Our garden is also going nuts and we're struggling to stay on top of it all before it goes to flower. So tonight it was tofu, cauliflour & cabbage malaysian satay stir fry with roast potatoes and this salad.

And now I guess you want the recipe? Well, it's a mix up of about four different recipes and the colour and flavour is just... amazing! Alternatives, also below.

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

"Geez Mum, it's Do Or Die in this house."

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

 "Seeing how you think I'm the best helper,

I thought I'd come in from the garden to help you clean the bathroom."

 "... besides, I was totally parched."

FANCY PANTS [MY HUSBAND THE PHOTOGRAPHER]

 

Yes, I'm in the photo. It's a little miracle called My Husband's Home, which makes it easier for me to be in the picture rather than taking it. Usually my little men are the stars over here in our little blog world - but hey - I thought on the off chance that hubby might be willing (because he's more than able), he might like to take a snap.

Now, I don't want to seem ungrateful or anything, but could he have bothered hopping down off the verandah steps so I didn't look so short? Could he have bothered to zoom in a little? Could he have found a more flattering angle? (According to him, the unflattering angle is my fault, and my bad posture.)

I know, I know. I'm such a backseat driver, and I don't even consider myself a photographer. No wonder why he doesn't like to take photos when I ask him.

So, where was I? Oh, that's right. Thanks a million Babe!

Grab my button:

<center> <a href="http://kympiez.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywbFbayEId5157-ISrORWUUr0ZLVk_jBnkI2y998yaDp48Syum_2ymBn15iwt53grnFb0ARM6dmlJtmpHASpwSkwZAX6t_YJeA0qZuYn8oRstxjdTGxaWoiU0PhtozGsdFKJ_zA/s200/Blog+Button+Fancy+Pants.jpg"/></a></center>

I play:

Mummy wears: JACKET, for twentyone. JEANS, Jeans West. PLATFORM HEELS, Zu. 

Noah wears: LONG-SLEEVED TSHIRT, Cotton On Kids. DENIM SHIRT, Seed. CORDS, Pumpkin Patch. SHOES, AirFlex. We drink: DrinkUp Spring Water (well, it's in the picture, isn't it?).

Fancy Pants is the way I record my boys and their cute little outfits . Goodness knows, they'll grow out of these clothes before they're worn out!

this saturday i'm grateful for... the men in my life

Saturdays are the days where our household comes to a grinding halt. (Except sleeping and eating, perhaps). And because it's the last day of the week, I often reflect on the six past days and remember all the things I'm grateful for...

1. My hubby has been home two weekends in a row. Delightful treat. Wonderful bliss.
2. My favourite little men. Their gorgeous kissable cheeks. Their big brown eyes. Their divine long lashes.
3. Something totally brand new. For the first time in both my husband's and my life, we've purchased a brand new car. From the car place - the genuine car place. And I confess, I'm a little excited.

This Saturday I'm Grateful For... is inspired by Maxabella Loves...

WHAT HE SAID NEXT... AND BABY XAVIER.

"Are we going to see Baby Xavier today?"

"Yes, but remember he's not a baby anymore. So you can just call him Xavier."

Pause.

"Well... perhaps I'll just call him Buddy."

And because Thursday was such a gorgeous day, after the library reading, my boys Madison and Noah, with Daniella's boys Xavier and Leonardo, headed to the park lake.

We've just started this tradition, but I think we have started it too late. You see, Daniella, her hubby and boys are about to move away. And I'm sad about it. I love that we both had boys, and we had our last ones only a few weeks apart.

And we get along so well.

So, I'm going to treasure our library reading days until they head north for warmer weather and a new chapter in their lives.

Perhaps a short visit next year will be on the cards?

 

Madison wears: SHIRT, WaveZone. DENIM SHORTS, Cotton On Kids. Noah wears: DENIM OVERALLS, Target (pre-loved by Lucas). TSHIRT, Mooo with the words "Little Brother" on the front (pre-loved by Madison).

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

[Wearing his newly found pyjamas which "fit perfectly" according to Madison.

But if a tight three-quarter sleeved midrift top is a perfect fit, who am I to judge?]

"Daddysaysheisgoingtobuildmeacubbyforchristmas.

Daddyisgonnaputinasandpitandeverythingforchristmas!"

~

why my kids are helping me go a little lala

I just want to say up front that I love my kids. Really I do.

But sometimes they drive me a little LaLa.

Because they really ruin my OCD tendencies (perhaps better said CDO - because then it would be in alphabetical order. There, much better).

I may have mentioned a few times (like here, here and here) that I like systems and order. The house in its entirety - cupboards and all - in its place. That includes the toys, the tupperware cupboard and even the third drawer in the kitchen. Yes, that drawer.

Let's face it, the idea is much nicer than the reality. But kids just ruin. it. all.

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

 [A picnic in our backyard, enjoying the sunshine]

"Give me loths and loths of tickleth!"