Going with the flow

Some days everything feels just right in the world. I am full of energy, feel like a terrific wife and mother, the house is in order and the sun is shining. Then there are those other days. Today is one of those other days. The floor is a mess, covered in crumbs. The boy is nap-less. I am frayed. Today is the perfect day to remember to go with the flow. The clouds are out. Artie and I have decided to ditch any plans and all to-do lists and simply be. We are hanging around the house, looking for the sun and for peace in every room. 

I am also flicking through Buddhism for Mothers by Sarah Napthali. I read this before becoming a parent, well really I just skimmed it. I didn't really grasp just how relevant and insightful it is. I have reread it now many times. Some parts over and over. On days like today I will promise myself to try and remember this book. Because when I let go and go with the flow, a day like today can turn into a fantastic day. 

Living mindfully we feel happier; how could we not willingly let go of all preoccupations that keep us from noticing any joy in the present moment? We start to experience the 'here and now' more richly. 

-Sarah Napathali

{artwork by Arthur}

The First Birthday Party Decorations

Arthur turned one last friday, so we had a little party on Sunday to celebrate. I forgot to take many photos (well not so much forgot as was busy doing other stuff, like cooking and chatting and blowing bubbles!) but I did manage to snap a few of the decorations I made. 

The first thing I made was this birthday banner. I wanted decorations that we could reuse every year, and start a new family tradition with.  I love it and hope that in two decades it will be still be going strong and strung up at a 21st! 

I whipped up some pom-poms and strung them across the family room. These are still up and Arthur loves to touch them and point at them. 

I also made these little, very easy flags. Using the overlocker and eyelets. They can be moved around on the string to suit where they are hung. 

All the sewing, meant there was a lot of fabric scraps left on the ground. So in the spirit of an environmentally friendly party, I picked them up and tied them to some string, and; 

Tada! Homemade streamers

So there you have it. Some decorations that we can store away and use again and again. I am sure Artie will forgot that we got him a xylophone or any of the other presents, but I hope that he remembers for years and years the love that went in to all the home made preparations. 

Artie has been asking to be picked up for a closer look at the decorations A LOT. With a face like that how can I resist!

Trying

I have been trying to stay off the Internet. Lately the TV has been staying off but I tend to waste a lot of time on the computer. There is so much inspiration, but sometimes it is too much, and I feel the need to switch off and enjoy other things. 

Like running outside;

watching for airplanes;

a bit of sewing;

some knitting, with an excellent helper;

growing potatoes;

and spending time with my favourite, adorable and cheeky boy;

Sunday Afternoon

We spent the afternoon, like we do many afternoons, in the park down the road. The only difference this particular afternoon was that Arthur was walking around like he had been doing it for years. He even kicked the ball around and carried our bags all over the field. He took his first steps at 10 months old and, day by day, he has gradually improved. Now at 11.5 months I would officially call him a toddling toddler! You have to love Queensland winters, notice Adam is wearing shorts and a t-shirt. A perfect Sunday Afternoon with my loves. 

We returned home to our house with the bright yellow Wattle in full bloom. Winters in Queensland are definitely bright and cheery!

Holiday Photo Journal 4

The last of the photos from our North Queensland holiday:

::The Daintree Ice Creamery- pretty close to what I imagine heaven to be . They make ice-cream out of the things they grow on their beautiful property. What a life. We had wattle seed, black sabote, macadamia and mango ice-cream. So good. 

::Adam bungy jumping in Cairns. 

Oh, how i love holidays! I am already counting down to our next one.