days of summer ~ 12

parents take the kids on a surprise outing -

at the end of our day at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (which we bought a yearly pass), 9yob exclaimed 'that was the best day of my life!'
Seeing my childrens faces as they touch and observe, exclaiming this feature or that colour , running and yelling with such enthusiasm was a delight to these Mumma eyes. Oh, that I would keep a wonder and awe in the beauty and brilliance of His incredible design.

days of summer ~ 11

:: Humid and rainy outside...conquering puzzles inside

days of summer ~ 10

:: little hands touching, exploring and showing their finds from a day at the coast

days of summer ~ 9

:: bike riding and bike falling

days of summer ~ 8

:: what is summer without time in the quintessential Aussie backyard - its hot and muggy but she's touching the clouds with the wind in her hair

January stillness

The beginning of a new year and already a sense of busyness is upon us, the days fill up with to do lists, to buy lists, to achieve lists. And during the rush, the need to fulfill all these demands, we lose something. We lose the ability to see, to listen, to connect.

Be still, don't rush.
Don't miss the whispers carried on the winds of His love.
Be still, don't rush.
Don't miss the smile, the hand reaching up, the request for a moment.
Be still, don't rush.
Don't miss the beauty in the everyday, the joy in the craziness, the peace in the chaos.

Be still and know that He is.

days of summer ~ 7

:: ok this is obviously not during the day but our waiting to see this little fella hatch certainly started while it was still light..not all of us managed to hang out that long but 9yob will never forget and hopes to go back one day and volunteer for the green sea turtles nesting/hatching sesaon.

days of summer ~ 6

:: 5yob collection of rocks from the beach brought back and arranged in just the right kind of way

days of summer ~ 5

my baby has a mottled fist
my baby has a neck in creases;
my baby kisses and is kissed'
for she's the very thing for kisses.
Christina Rosseti

days of summer ~ 4

days of summer ~ 3

:: making motors with Auntie Bec

days of summer ~ 2

:: look what I found Mumma! Isn't it beautiful, put in your hair!!

days of summer ~ 1

:: helping baby sister down the sand dunes and squeezing in a kiss

the warmth of sunny days

Sentiments I wholeheartedly agree with from my sweet 7yog. We've been talking a lot about last year in all its difficulties but also remembering the many, many moments of beauty, inspiration and connectedness. The sun still shining behind those grey clouds , still filtering through to warm us and encourage us to continue on.
And now another year ahead of us and I can truly say I'm feeling and seeing a whole lot more sunshine coming our way..(perhaps its the extra sleep I'm getting).
So many good times over Xmas and new year..sunshine, sand and surf and a whole lot more...
For the rest of January I'll be sharing some of our days of summer while I do a little preparing, book accumulating, house rearranging and general beginning of the year organising.
Anyone else what to join me in some days of summer?

the magic of it all

somehow it all goes so fast and your looking behind you in a kind of exhuasted way but oh so happy with the 'loving and giving' of it all and at the same time your looking ahead with a heart full of hope for the road yet to be travelled. This time of year I feel as if there is magic in the air as eagerness and wonder of all that could be fill this idyllic heart of mine. I hope there is a little magic in the air around you as you embark on the journey that is yours for 2009. xxx Skye