The Rhythm Of Our Days: Freo Fridays

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved Fridays - the closing of a week, a simple low key dinner, the anticipation of everyone in our household being home together for a few days and the promise of the weekend ahead and its break from routine. And while I still love Fridays for all of these reasons, there is a new part of this day of the week that brings me much joy...

Our Saturday morning market run has been a thing of the past for some time now.  When Grace began full time school and was visibly tired at the end of her fifth day, heading out the door early on the first day of the weekend was not good for anyone. Instead, Sophie and I began collecting our fruit and vegetables on a Friday morning and so began a new end of the week tradition.

Over the past year, these end of the week visits to Fremantle have become so much more.  They are our 'treat', our 'Sophie and Mummy morning' after a full week dictated largely by the school bell and endless 'to dos'. They are our chance to explore and browse in little shops and stores together because we want to, not because we have to.  Most importantly, they are our special one on one time and something I look forward to tremendously.

After dropping Grace off at school on a Friday, we often make our way to Fremantle. We run errands on the way, stopping here and there and then begin our favourite part of the week.  Purposely parking on the outskirts of South Fremantle, we begin a long slow wander down to South Terrace, Sophie's chubby hand clutching mine tightly, her endless chatter breaking the quietness of the streets as we walk. We stop to admire sweet features on quaint cottages - white picket fences, ivy trailing along limestone walls, trickling garden fountains, prayer flags strung across verandahs and mosaic lined driveways and paths. There are our 'must-sees' like the teacup path, goldfish pond and friendly backyard chickens and new discoveries are made on every stroll.  Taking time to slow down and notice the small details we pass has become a highlight for us both and seeing the enjoyment on my little one's face as we point out these interesting finds is priceless.

At South Terrace, we make our way to what has become affectionately referred to by Sophie as 'The Zebra Cafe', a quirky but trendy spot where we religiously order our three C's - a chai, 'cino and choc chip cookie. I have become somewhat of a chai snob and after one too many sickly syrupy versions, a skinny chai latte from this cafe is the only one I will now drink (other than home brewed chai).  My Friday pot of deliciousness is the perfect blend of spices and I always enjoy several cups. Sophie and I sit at one of the tables outside or in cooler months, try and score window seats where we can watch the traffic and passers-by.  We play 'I Spy' or draw together without interruption and free from distraction and after morning tea, sneak in a fossick in the Op Shop several doors down or Manna Wholefoods before heading home for lunch and a slow relaxing afternoon. This unhurried, free from time restraints part of our Friday has become such a precious way to end our week and definitely sets the tone for the weekend ahead.

I am so thankful that Sophie's kindy days this year are Monday and Tuesday and that this tradition of ours can be savoured for another year. I hope that one day in the future, she will look back on these 'Freo Fridays' we currently share with the same affection and appreciation as I have for them...

A Snapshot Of Our 2015

With so many highlights of the past year yet to be documented here on my blog and with a fresh new one having already begun, I figured the best way to get back into writing was with a re-cap of our family's past twelve months...

For us, 2015 began with a summer that was all about water.  Days were punctuated with endless trips to the river, swims at the beach and dips in our neighbours' pool. A final trip to the family holiday house south of Perth over the Australia Day long weekend was the perfect end to our relaxed holiday break. When school returned for Grace, she settled in well and without the anxiety of years gone by. There were no tears and fewer worries and soon home readers, spelling lists and times tables made their way into our afternoon routine.

In April, the four of us had our first ever interstate holiday to northern New South Wales. It was the perfect balance of sightseeing, family time and relaxation.  We based ourselves in Kingscliff, a quiet little town with a laid back holiday vibe and lots to explore within close driving distance. Our accommodation was perfect for our needs and the ability to hop in the car and be in Byron Bay in only thirty minutes suited us really well.

Days were spent out and about exploring, taking in new sights and then come the afternoon, we would head back to our accommodation for a swim in the pool followed by a warm bath and some quiet time. At night, it was just a short walk across to one of the restaurants in the Salt Village for tea (such a convenience for us with the girls) and the novelty of room service was also a treat on a few occasions (especially the delicious chocolate fondant dessert!)

Our girls loved the whole hotel experience with the novelty of sharing a room together where they would watch in-house movies and chat and giggle way past their usual bedtime.  I too loved the luxury of staying in a resort... no beds to make, rooms to tidy, washing to do or meals to prepare!

Autumn brought with it a birthday each for Paul and I, as well as our tenth wedding anniversary. With much excitement, Grace lost her first tooth just before her sixth birthday. Her ice cream themed party with five friends and three cousins was lots of fun, despite us having to scrap our plans of an outdoor celebration in the backyard when heavy rain arrived.  Instead, little ones were entertained with indoor games like 'pin the cherry on the ice cream', musical bobs and ice cream bingo.

As the temperatures dropped and the cooler weather set in with the onset of winter, gum boots were donned for outdoor adventures between the showers. Visits to the river and play-dates on the shoreline were replaced with catch-ups with cousins at the Fremantle Arts Centre.  Sophie and I also began regular trips to Fremantle where after dodging puddles and running along footpaths under umbrellas, we would seek refugee from the stormy weather and sit at one of the window seats with our chai and babycino at Ootong and Lincoln.

In Spring, we escaped to Denmark for our annual getaway.  Days were spent exploring in the crisp country air - highlights being the natural playground, our long river-side walk down a peaceful track through the bush (where a snake slithered across our path), Elephant Rocks and the ever-popular animal farm. Afternoons were spent enjoying the gorgeous gardens next to our chalet while Paul mountain biked.  The girls pottered about in the fairy garden (complete with a real life 'Faraway Tree') and played hide and seek in the beautiful surroundings.

October arrived and with it came Sophie's 4th birthday and a simple gathering with just three of her cousins, perfect for a little one often overwhelmed by crowds.  It was a 'girls only event' (as back when we were planning her party Sophie had declared, "I don't want any boys because I don't want any silly!')

The wind-down to the year and lead-up to Christmas meant a busy calendar and lots of social events. Shopping for presents became a priority (often meaning housework was ignored whilst doing so). With the onset of warmer weather, we regularly found ourselves back at our riverside spot for morning tea picnics and sandcastle building. I also had a fantastic evening in Perth one Saturday with my sister and cousin attending the Florence and the Machine concert... such a mesmerizing performance and such a magical voice.

Class parties, kindy orientation, a school concert, extended family Christmas parties and the usual Advent activities like visits to Santa and drives to see Christmas lights all saw the year end on a fun note... and after a wonderful year, brought with them a readiness for the slow-paced, unplanned days of the new year and summer holidays ahead...

Snippets Of Our Week

1. A bunch of daffodils made their way into our trolley earlier in the week as a 'must buy' for Daffodil Day. Our entryway was much cheerier with their presence.

2.  The annual school Book Week dress-up day provided lots of excitement as Grace made accessories for her Ruby Red Shoes costume (the obligatory red shoes she wore are unfortunately out of shot in this photo!)

3. In between the rain, we had a plenty of winter sunshine and spent a lot of time pottering about in the garden, tending to our new seedlings and setting up beer traps for the snails.

4. With several birthday gifts to buy, we stopped at the Fremantle Arts Centre gift shop for some lovely locally handcrafted pieces. This building is one of my favourites in all of Fremantle and gloomy, overcast days only add to its beauty.

5. The girls' gumboots have been a wardrobe staple over the past few months. It won't be long before the weather warms up and they're replaced with sandals...

Snippets Of Our Week

1.  When there is an unusual silence during post lunch 'quiet time', Sophie is usually up to no good. However on this particular day when I poked my head in to check, I found she had set herself up comfortably reading.

2.  My happy little cherub and I have shared the same hair woes in this summer humidity... frizzy curls and fly-aways locks. She carries the look much better than I do though...

3.  Once we're finished our current bedtime read, we cannot wait to get stuck into Grace's new book (bought on the weekend with the voucher she won for an award at school last year).

4.  Our new toadstool house in the fairy garden has seen two little girls regularly leaving notes and other offerings for the pixie-folk.  It has kept this 'mama-fairy' busy and often seen me creep outside in the dark to retrieve bits and pieces that have been left.  Last night, at 10.40, I remembered I'd not removed the thank you note Grace had written...  However, I said a quiet thank you to those fairies myself, as when I went to fetch it, I discovered I'd gone to bed having left the back door open and unlocked...

5.  After doing a bit of house-cleaning last Tuesday, I was wondering which activity to sit and do with Sophie when nature provided us with the perfect one.  We were so surprised to discover a wayward ibis in our front garden as we do not live in particularly close distance to a lake or wetland area. We spent the next forty minutes tip-toeing between the bedroom and lounge room windows watching this friendly fellow scratching about in the leaf litter and pecking at the spiderwebs on our window frames before he flew across the road and disappeared into the neighbourhood...

The Lingering Summer Holiday Vibe

 

The end of 2014 seemed to disappear in a flash and while we were not ridiculously busy, blogging fell by the wayside for me for a little spell.  I dedicated November to gift buying and December to end of year functions and Christmas preparations, consciously keeping our activities as relaxing and low stress as possible.

And then after a wonderful day on the 25th, just like that, the busy season was over for another year and we fell into true holiday mode - days filled with lazy, slow-paced mornings, swims in our neighbours' pool and quiet time pottering around home for all.

Now, with Paul having returned to work a few weeks ago, we've tried to let the summer holiday rhythm linger. Days where we've caught up with friends or spent time outdoors by the water have alternated with ones where we have stayed close to home, the girls happy to pull out the paint set for a morning of art while I've tackled my latest decluttering project.  Housework has been done on an as-needed basis, the clock not watched as strictly and there has been a carefree feel in the air.

As for blogging, I am looking forward this year to getting back into my photography and to capturing more precious snippets of family life.  With 2014 zooming by much too quickly for my liking and our girls growing so fast, documenting this chapter in our lives has never felt more important...

Welcoming Spring

The end of winter and the past few weeks have seemed to pass by in a blur of head colds, housebound days and irritability (from all family members).  We've ticked over into spring and yet have only been treated to sunshine and warmth on the odd day here and there.  Cloudy skies, lingering low temperatures and rain have been the norm.  But lately, especially today, I've felt winter's grip beginning to loosen... there's a change in the air, a change I for one am eagerly awaiting.  As much as I love winter and its cosiness (and know that I'll be wishing for cooler weather once the heat sets in and our garden begins to feels its effects), my body is definitely craving some sun and warmth.

Spring will see us spend more time outdoors, having riverside picnics and adventures and pottering about in our yard.  There will be a move from soups and cassseroles to salads and warmer weather foods. A family getaway will be had in the south-west.  A party will be planned and a third birthday celebrated.  Projects set aside over the colder months will be brought out again and hopefully completed. Energy levels will pick up and motivation to 'get things done' will slowly return.  This year, I am welcoming spring with open arms.

What are you looking forward to most about spring?      

Our garden has seen an abundance of bird life lately.  It's so lovely to hear them singing to one another during the day.

On Sunday, Paul accidentally startled a barely feathered baby honey eater, who them got himself wedged behind the vegetable garden and fence.

The four of us spent a good half an hour trying to free him and re-unite him with his mother and father.

Snippets Of Our Week...

1.  A morning tea stop at our favourite Cookie Dough Biscuits for a milkshake and cup of tea before running a few errands in Fremantle 

2.  A special after-school treat on Friday from the markets (not actually a photo from the past seven days, but still our same cupcake choices nonetheless)

3.  It was all about fairy flower crowns for the girls when it came to dress-up costumes this week (there were also lots of squabbles over whose turn it was to wear the 'new' garage-sale-find pink fairy dress)

4.  Words of wisdom (found online) printed out to bring to a friend's Blessingway... such a lovely gathering and a beautiful celebration of motherhood

5.  Outdoors, enjoying the winter sunshine (we bought the girls a swing-set a few months back and it has been such a great addition to our backyard)

Joining in with Em

Snippets Of Our Week...

1.  A sweet little pillowcase to pretty up Sophie's new big girl bed until her patchwork quilt is ready (we've said goodbye to the toddler bed she's slept in since 16 months)

2.  A few days earlier in the week were perfectly overcast... my favourite kind of sky

3. Sophie made herself at home in Grace's room as usual while her big sister was at school, wearing her shoes and playing with her toys... a box of craft 'jewels' kept her entertained for ages

4.  I smiled this week seeing my Dad's old childhood set of dominoes being played with by the girls (alongside farm animals and fairies)

5.  Asha seemed to be smiling in this photograph... I couldn't not include it here

Joining in with Em's Weekly Collection Of Stills series

Snippets Of Our Week...

1.  Sophie taking the job of polishing her tricycle very seriously

2.  'Mr Mudlark', visiting our back garden as he does on most afternoons

3.  A swim in the neighbours' pool to cool off before tea

4.  Some of the thoughtful gifts I received last Wednesday for my 32nd birthday

5.  Sophie and her beloved scooter, wearing her nightie and a princess dress, waving an Australian flag and calling out, "Wave for the Queen!" each time she zipped past us

Joining in with the lovely Em

Regaining Clarity

I've felt a bit muddled and uninspired during much of February... a mixture of adjusting to a new school-focused routine, accepting my role as a 'school Mum', dealing with four-year old tears and two-year old tantrums and trying to get on top of things house-wise.  The combination of all of these happenings has seen me turn inwards more than usual and retreat from this space for a bit, something I tend to do when I'm overwhelmed and lacking energy.

Slowly as the weeks have passed, I feel as though I'm emerging from the fog.  I've dealt with things one by one, done a lot of reflecting on my priorities and goals and have more clarity for what I want and need over the coming months as well as a desire to 'make things happen'.

I'm looking forward to writing here again, sharing my thoughts and musings and recording the precious day to day happenings that occur in our family...

A post I came across yesterday on 'igniting inspiration' really spoke to me... I urge you to have a read yourself...

Savouring Our Summer Holidays

It’s taken me a little while to fall into the groove of summer holidays. When kindergarten finished up, there was Christmas to think about.  Between Christmas and New Year’s, Paul was home and it was ‘family holiday time’.  However now, with not long to go until school begins, my mind has been going over and over how to make the most of these final weeks… what to plan to make it memorable for Grace and what I can do to soak up this precious ‘end of an era’ myself.

A few nights ago in bed, sleep didn’t come as quickly as usual and I found myself mulling over my concerns.  The more I thought about it, the more I realised that  perhaps the best way I could spend these final three weeks of Grace being at home full time was to just keep on doing what we’re doing.  Perhaps lazy mornings with the girls lingering in PJs that little bit longer, swims in the neighbour’s pool on hot days, reading books or crafting after lunch and little outings here and there for milkshakes or picnics or playdates with friends were in fact the perfect way to be spending our holiday after all.  Perhaps this simple rhythm, dotted with the treat of a sleep over at Grandma’s or Nan’s and a few days spent at Paul’s Uncle’s beach house were exactly what we needed.  

Come February, Grace and I won’t have the luxury of our one on one time whilst Sophie is napping, outings will be restricted to the weekends and dress-up costumes will remain in their basket until the end of the day. I'm trying to savour these precious moments of ordinary days while I can.  

Holidays don’t necessarily have to be monumental or extraordinary to be memorable.  I've now accepted that simple days enjoying the comforts of home, sprinkled with outings to our favourite spots are the best way for Grace and I to enjoy our time together this January.

The Rhythm Of Our Days: Meatball Wednesdays

Ever since we've been married, I've worn the 'chef's hat' in our household.  I've been the one to menu plan and to cook meals each night (aside from the odd meal out or the occasional take away dish).  And while I haven't minded, (especially now being a stay at home Mum), a few months back, I suggested Paul have a turn in the kitchen.

That meal turned out to be spaghetti and meatballs and ever since, every second or third week, come Wednesday night, I've rostered Paul on to cook.  Knowing I have a night off from making dinner is a wonderful feeling, but even more rewarding is watching our little ones help their Daddy prepare tea.

With aprons tied around waists and chairs to stand on, two girls are eager assistants.  One grates the carrot while one 'beats' the egg. And then, once the mixture is ready, a production line of sorts occurs with Paul shaping the meatballs, Sophie passing them to her big sister and Grace rolling them in flour. Watching this teamwork makes me smile.

Then, while the spaghetti cooks and the meatballs are left to simmer in the sauce, the music is turned up and the dancing begins.  With flour on the floor and endless giggles, there is a disco in our kitchen as the girls and their Daddy twirl around and show off their best moves.

When we finally sit down at the table together, there are always declarations of their dish being 'the best batch ever'.

On our 'meatball Wednesdays' there is always mess and more often than not a squabble between little ones trying to help... but there is always lots of laughter too... and that makes this precious little snippet of family life one I want to tuck away and remember always...

With the hot weather now here, I wanted to record this little snippet of our family life sooner rather than later, as I'm sure all too soon, 

our 'meatball Wednesdays' will evolve into a meal more suitable for this season, most likely  a meal cooked outdoors on the barbecue.

The Rhythm Of Our Days: Saturday Market Stop

There is a slight chill to the air as we bundle into the car early on Saturday mornings, making our weekly visit to the markets to stock up on our fruit and vegetables while Paul is out bike riding.  It has become a ritual and one the three of us look forward to once the weekend arrives. At this time of morning, the roads are beautifully quiet and the journey we make with a Play School CD to sing along to or an Enid Blyton talking book to listen to is an unusually peaceful one.

We park the car, feed the meter and hold hands as we cross the street and begin to wander.  Clutching my shopping list, the girls follow a few steps behind me.  We stick to the same few sellers and over time, have come to know who offers the sweetest strawberries, the longest lasting lettuce and the perfect-ripeness bananas. We do a loop, collecting what we need, occasionally stopping at The Herb+Tea+Spice Shop, flower stand or secondhand wares seller Refound.  Our final port of call is to buy four of our favourite mini-cupcakes. Sophie is always after the pink lolly-topped version, while Grace chooses what she thinks looks prettiest on the day.

I love the feel of the markets at this time of day... no busy crowds and only a sprinkling of tourists... mainly locals doing their grocery shop as the stall holders begin their day.  It is a relaxed atmosphere with friendly faces and our hour browsing (in between making sure the girls aren't getting under people's feet) is for the most part relaxing.

On our journey home, we point out all the landmarks we've come to recognise... the Fremantle Prison, the 'church house', monument hill with its colourful flower beds, the netball courts, the golf course and so on.  It's become a bit of a game as we see who can remember what's coming up next. Occasionally we'll stop at a garage sale, call into an op shop or run an errand.  However usually, the girls are itching to get home and have fun with their Daddy.

By the time we pull into our driveway, Paul has long since returned from his ride.  I flick on the kettle and as it boils, begin to unload our bags and prepare morning tea.  It's a standard joke now that every single week, Grace tries to trick Paul, pretending we've forgotten to buy him a cupcake.  She thinks it's hilarious.

And then, with my tea poured, we all enjoy our delicious icing topped treats and get ready to continue on with our Saturday...

For the past few weeks, we have been enjoying the ceiling of everlastings in the market yard, part of the Under The Wildflowers upside-down exhibition... 
We are hoping to purchase a bunch to bring home when the display comes down and the flowers become available for sale.  
There are at least ten of the frames above currently suspended in the market courtyard... the effect is breathtaking.