and so it begins

the newness
the milky smell
on me on babies
the finally getting to put head on pillow
yet it was just five minutes and I'm up again
the washing piles getting higher each day
the gazing into those windows of the soul
as they start to be awake a little bit more each day
the relearning of so many things
but oh how it all does come back
and yes I'm more confident than I realized I would be
the worries
are they getting enough milk
why are they so windy
am I eating something that causes it
the skin still looks a little yellow
the unspeakable joy
she's looking at me Mama!
soft skin on my skin
I'll get the wipes for you Mama!
the windy smiles
the little clenched fists around my finger
the open, eager mouth searching for Mama's sustenance


despite this being the fifth (and sixth) time it's all new and I'm
marveling at the wonder of birth and new life

They Arrived - 10 November 2011

Ryder James - he is on right

Ruby Grace - 23 minutes later

right now

I am :

~ waiting for these babies and hoping they will be sooner rather than later

~ treading slowly through the days as I get bigger and movement becomes more difficult
~ writing lists and lists- baby needs, house jobs, errands to be done, Xmas, animals chores, cleaning jobs and it goes on.
~ suddenly aware of how little I have in preparation for two new little ones soon to join our family
~ having bouts of wide-awakeness at night (and so mentally making more lists)
~ grateful that husband is able to be home more
~ trying to yield to what is and where life is at and let go of all that I haven't or won't be able to get done before babies
~ so happy with my new purchase for our newly relocated bedroom
~ feeling rich from the love and ease of spending a weekend with the best girls ever.
~ eating oranges, fresh juices, berries, and tomato and cheese on corn thins
~ waking up to the sound of our white silky rooster
~ thinking of ways to spend some special time with my oldest three before the babies arrive- cups of tea and a movie, snuggles in bed with a book, stay-up-late night...any other ideas?
~ missing terribly the closeness of friends
~ watching the garden come to life after the hard work of one very special lady
~ wishing for a magic wand that would clean and organize this busy home 

~ enjoying the talent of our 11 yr old as he cooks yumminess for us: this one is apple and berry pie

~ and here are more right now's around here....

November: oh my!

This month is as full as it could be.

the kids have many projects to finish, presentations to make, dances to practice.
there are end of year gatherings
a 12 year old boy birthday party to organise & celebrate
and of course the very obvious around here- two babies to welcome into our midst
(every day the children ask-'will it be today Mama?')
and then there is the normal- laundry, food, general house tidy, outside work to be done

 Although lately I have been anxious and worried about all the unknowns ahead today I feel surrendered and as the balmy summer breeze caresses my face I know someone greater has it all under control and I am resting in that knowledge.

right now

 I'm SO over it.

(36 weeks with twins)

a puppet show

We had our very own Puppet Show during the school holidays. Jett, Zach and I sat and watched a very exciting and somewhat violent story put on by our very own Director: Jasmine and her sidekick Isabella. I am looking forward to more shows and perhaps our director may allow some input from other equally creative storytellers.

paper pile from Jasmine

 My desk has been staring at me in all its chaos and slowly I am trying to get it sorted. During one session I found some bits of paper that I could never throw out. This little group is all Jasmine.
                                                     {Smiles and heart tugs}

weekends are for celebrating

Happy Birthday Honey!!

 

making me smile

making cards

eating outside under the pear tree

watching the chickens

seeing her face, feeling her love, missing her already

holding my big girl

living in the country

 is amazing!
The landscape at different times of the day changes into differing views of beauty. The wildlife that comes and goes depending on the season is a wonder for all of us (at the moment it's mating season for the Echidnas and we are seeing many on the property). The connection with creation is ever-inspiring and helps put life's annoyances into perspective.
BUT.....
my patience and tolerance for a particular little bird has come to an end : the Swallows.


When we first came to view our would-be home and I noticed a swallow swoop into this barn-like house, I was a bit enchanted. These are cute little chaps that make such a lovely chattering sound as they busily go about the day. Of course I didn't for one second consider the practicalities of what it would like with those little cuties swooping in and out, day after day, month after month.
As spring arrived the swallows have once again returned and they are busy. They have decided that inside our home is the best place to raise their own little family and so as soon as a door is left open in they swoop with dirt in their tiny little mouths to build their own abode. And although the process of watching these clever creatures build their nests is quite amazing, all I am noticing is how the walls are not white anymore and the floor and furniture have splats of whitey black marks that are making my already not-keeping-up cleaning list even longer. Yes, I have had enough and am trying to come up with a solution to keeping these mess-makers out of the house. This is certainly one area that I didn't foresee when we listed the pros and cons of moving to the country.- the dealing with bird splat on the walls.

weekends are for friends and fires

gratitude and art

4yr old girl- 'Mama with her blue veins and twins'

8 yr old boy- crayon and water colours

4 yr old girl- learning to write

It has been a while since I posted some of the children's drawings and sorting through some paper piles the other day I came across these and they made me smile. I will never tire of my kids bits of paper and their art.

weekends are for

moments of grace
where mama makes favourites
kids gather around happily
mama smiles at the wonder of them, all four