PLAY LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW.

The last weekend before school starts... there is something about wanting to be sure that every bit of fun was had over the holidays. Oh, the madness of squeezing it all in: long walks by the beach, lying in the sunshine, french cricket in the sand, outdoor movies on the village green, games of Uno, lazying with the lads, luxury meals... it all had to happen this weekend.

The photos were snapped like there was no tomorrow. Because, *sigh* it will all be over too soon.

| Top to bottom: Noah is obsessed about shutting the front picket fence gate; the short walk to the beach; a bit of french cricket; hitting the main street at a rare moment when all is quiet; twilight scooter rides to Pea Soup Beach; watching surfers from the rocks; the three-year old wants to be a photographer ("Say cheese, Mummy!"); Sunset moments; practicing on big brother's two-wheeler scooter. | 

4/52

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Madison: Weak at the knees with this face. "Push me please, Mum."

Noah: Died looking into these eyes. "Mummy, can you please take my helmet off?"

Looking at these faces is just the best part about being a mother.

Linking in with the lovely Jodi @ Che and Fidel.

SURVIVAL DAY.

Australia Day. Love it, or hate it. Call it Invasion Day if it suits.

But there's something bittersweet about discovering a land of amazing possibilities, that was inhabited already.

The spiritual use of indigenous land and the nomadic ways of life didn't mix with the way the new settlers did business, considered ownership, and grazed their sheep on acres of land.

There were misunderstandings. Cultural differences. War and massacres.

Two different cultures in one great land didn't mix. The heartache goes on today. There are swings to stop "Australia Day" entirely and change the date to make a "Unity Day". There are those who hold their ground and say that Australia Day is here to stay.

Today is Australia Day. And while I hadn't prepared a post specifically for today, while we were taking a twilight walk in our favourite beach town, the boys came across this monument. It was fitting that we had walked past it several times before, but stopped and noticed it today.

It reminds us that while we live in the world's best country (in my opinion, anyway), that the story of white settlement in Australia was a most difficult one for so very many.

We want our children to be so proud of their beautiful country, proud to be Australian. But we also want them to know the price that was paid for their life that is full of so many wonderful blessings.

As the Indigenous MC at the Australia Day concert just tonight in Sydney said, "Some celebrate arrival, we celebrate survival."

Happy Survival Day.

FANCY PANTS [BLACK + WHITE]

Hello summer! I'm loving the warm sunshine, the fruit bearing on our trees, and warm sun-ripened tomatoes, and salads at every meal.

I'm also loving making the lads icy poles made from juice, fruit and leftover yoghurt, and ice cream sandwiches.

SIMPLE THINGS.

Usually, the things we remember about life aren't the big things. It's what is small and simple that make us happy...

A walk in the park, a smiling child, a good meal.

This week, I am adoring my bedroom side table. It's small, it's old, second hand, and matches nothing else in the room. But it serves me well.

What simple things are putting a smile on your face today?

BUSY HANDS.

Often, the lads ask for pizza. And while we don't make it that much, we love the whole process - making the dough, rising the dough, rolling the dough (especially rolling the dough, and er, other things), putting on the toppings... it's usually an incredibly messy experience, but so worth it.

And the best bit about pizza (apart from how good it tastes)? No matter how messy it starts out, it doesn't matter. It tastes delicious. No perfect looking pizzas at our place. Just very, um, rustic ones.

Oh, and our tummies are pretty happy too. It's ridiculous how much pizza we consume when it's home-made.

Do you make pizza from scratch at your place?

3/52

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Noah: My pajama-wearing, pirate-scarfed, caped, plum-eating boy.
Madison: My one-eyed, knife yielding Superman.

Can you tell, they have been playing dress-ups this week?

Linking in with the lovely Jodi @ Che and Fidel.

 

FANCY PANTS [THE DENIM DRESS]

In the last Fancy Pants (which is far too long ago for me to be proud of), I shared that my gorgeous and dear friend Lindy had what she called her "Basket of Truth" in her bedroom - clothes that she wasn't sure about which she placed in a laundry basket ready to take back to the second hand store where she purchased them from. This dress was in there. It seemed to have some wardrobe malfunctions. Turns out I really loved this dress, made the minor adjustments, and have lived in it since the weather warmed up.

THIS.

I love these moments of tender love. Of closeness. Or perhaps, just a mutual love for Mummy's things.

However it comes, I'm just so happy that they like to be this close together.

THE SUMMER CUT.

I try not to take it for granted. But having a hairdresser that I fully trust, especially when I say, "Cut it all off" is a pretty awesome thing.

I'm away in Western Australia for work. It's a pretty busy time as I help coordinate registration and am the 'go to' person for pretty much most things. That means I don't have oodles of time to do my hair. I didn't pack a hairdryer, and I'm loving the shake-and-go (with a bit of product) appeal of this new look.

It's my Summer Cut, and it was about time for the big chop!

2/52

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Madison: Merrily making his way down the hill on his scooter.

Noah: Assessing how the downhill ride will go while being led up the hill on his billy cart.

Linking in with the lovely Jodi @ Che and Fidel.

1/52

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013.

Madison: The budding photographer (checking his photos after taking them)
Noah: This boy is full of cheek and is such a clown. Always pulling the funniest faces for the camera.

How fabulous is this idea? You can give all the credit to Jodi @ Che and Fidel. I'm joining in too.

BOXING DAY TO NEW YEAR'S EVE.

Sunshine. Sand. Family. Scenic walks. Nature. Relaxing.

These are the words that sum up our next few days after Christmas. The whole extended family headed to Port Fairy for a sumptuous week of photo taking, picturesque views, relaxing to the full, and enjoying each others' company.

I can't put my finger on why it was so good - perhaps it was my state of mind - but it was such a wonderful week.

In fact, the end of the year will be how we hope to spend the last week of 2013 too. In exactly the same place. There is news to share soon. Let's just say that this year plans to be an exciting one for us.

And I can't wait for it to begin.