feeling christmas a little early

I know it's October, but I am feeling the Christmas vibe right now. Inspired by my card making, it's been so much fun to create cards from scratch. And after making 20 or so cards, I was ready for a specific project.

So first job on the list was to create a Christmas card which I could duplicate for family and friends... and off I went.

And in a two-day sitting they were done. So, what next?

On Thursday, I started the Christmas shopping. Immediate family members: check. Hubby: check. Close friends: check.

Then I headed to the Myer Christmas Store and bought more baubels to go on our brand new big tree (which our eldest Kelly and I purchased just days before Christmas last year – and looked very empty last year). Needless to say I want to put it up already.

I asked a friend if it was too early to put up the tree now, and she said (ever so politely because I am sure she thinks I have gone completely nuts), it’s possible after the Christmas pageant (yes, South Aussies have one of those). So, technically I can put it up next Saturday.

But then I asked my hubby, who by the way, is MUCH too practical. He says it's way too early. His very rational reasons included the fact that Christmas would be too long a wait for our two year old... which of course is much too logical for me who just wants to do it... just because!

I am happy to wait perhaps another week or two, but I am sure I can find an excuse to put it up sooner than 1st December! Perhaps I can use the following excuses:

1. There is a lull in madness right now and to prepare for Christmas which will be REALLY busy...
2. The lounge room needs a little something extra in it, like some colour...
3. I need another creative outlet...
4. Madison is sick of playing outside (cough, cough that will NEVER happen)...
5. I need a weekend activity (like we don’t have enough of those with our built-in wardrobes needing painting, our gardening needing finishing, etc)...

I think all those excuses are way too weak. I need a really good excuse, but am failing dreadfully to come up with a real goodie.

what's in a name?

How accurate is this?

What Kym Means...

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life.
You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip.

You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.
You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.
You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.
You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.
You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!

the simple things

I was just reading a friend's blog about The Simple Things. You know, playing with your children, reading them stories, spending time with your friends and family, and just hanging out with your partner.

The Simple Things have taken on a new meaning because, quite simply, the last few weeks have been pretty awful. In three weeks we have lost a very dear friend, a grandmother, three friends have been diagnosed with cancer, and a friend of ours lost his mum in a horrific car accident.

If I've learnt anything it's this: life can be gone in the blink of an eye, so enjoy The Simple Things.

I read a few years back that life is 5% joys, 5% sadness and 90% maintenance. And the more I ponder on that thought, the more I think it's pretty much 100% true. That means when cleaning, preparing for meals, cleaning the house and putting on your makeup - make it fun, make it enjoyable, and remember every moment.

Now I know that sounds a little bit mad, but if life is 90% maintenance, there is lots of time that could be wasted if you're not making the most of it.

For example, instead of running the bath every night, I've been showering more often with my baby boy. Is it better? You bet! I get to feel his silky skin against mine, hold him close, see his expressive face and watch the excitement as he gets water on his rosy cheeks. I get a chance to listen to his chatter, hear what excites him and laugh with his squeals of joy. All the with double bonus of getting clean.

Today, when I was hanging out the washing, my son was fascinated by the dragonfly sitting on a wet pair of jeans. Then he got down on his stomach across the garden path and watched the ants trailing back and forth. So I stopped and watched his fascination with a millipede, a slater, a ladybird. The Simple Things are pure heaven.

Life is too short to be busy working, cleaning and maintaining without pondering something greater or including something worthwhile in the monotony. And I certainly hope that I don't need another death or diagnosis to remember The Simple Things.

Enjoying the small stuff: taking in the views at Port Douglas; Llevella (who was diagnosed with breast cancer this week) with Xavier and Madison; Art (who lost his mum in a car accident) reading to Charlie and Madison after taking their bath together.

MY DUMMY, MUMMY.

On the rare occasion, I get to catch up with an old school friend who has recently moved to Melbourne. We don't exactly live within five minutes of each other, so our visits are not regular I must admit. But when we do, it's like no time has passed and we talk non-stop and also to observe the dynamics between our boys. They are only a few months apart, and so are at that joyous 'sharing' stage.

Although I tried when he was a baby, Madison was not interested at all in a dummy. But as you can see after this visit, he was quite interested in trying one out. When we got home from this particular day, he said, "My Dummy, Mummy". So I scrounged around in his old baby stuff and, low and behold, found just one. So, he popped it in his mouth (upside down to top it off), and pretended to be a dummy sucking expert - for a few minutes anyway.

I'm sure the dummy has gotten 'lost' somewhere just recently. And it seems he has forgotten it for now... but I wonder what will happen at our next visit?

Above: Emerson and Madison defending the dummy title.

twins birthday bash at miniature railway

It wasn't last week, in fact it was over a month ago that we enjoyed a day at Eltham Miniature Railway. Dear friends of ours had their twin boys - William and Regan - birthday party there.

It was just so much fun - endless rides on the mini train and lots of yummy treats made by Kate, the birthday boys mum and host. To say it was a blast for the kids was an understatement. Luckily the Melbourne weather held back the rain, but it was a tad cold and windy on the day. Good thing there was plenty of sustainence by way of fairy bread and scones to keep us warm!

Above: Action shot taken on the train; my favourite boys; Jacob having the time of his life; the birthday boys ready to blow out their candles; Ruby sharing with Madison (or is that Madison just helping himself?).