{Family verse of the Month : February}

As many of you know, our faith is a big part of the day to day running of our house. I have shared before about ways that we integrate this into our daily routine. 
One of those ways is our monthly family verse. It is written up in a central location of the home. It is often a great reminder for us all to focus on what is important for us. 
This month the verse is from Psalm 34:17  which says: "The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help."

 

Having a verse for a whole month allows a lot of opportunities to discuss this in conjunction with what we are dealing with in our every day struggles. I started doing this for the benefit of our children, however I find that it blesses me just as much!

Q: How do you incorporate scripture into your home?

 

{School Notes Galore}

We are one week in to school for both my boys. As school mums know, once school starts - it means two things. 

Notes and contact. 

The notes have been pouring in. POURING IN!

Permission slip for swimming carnival. Notes which layout the allocated days for library/ news/ sport/ gross motor. 

Welcome notes from teachers. 

iPad info for Mr 8. 

Volunteer opportunities.

Planned pick up arrangements for Mr Kindy.

Oh the notes...so many to read. 

However, my 5 year old had one that asked me to overview a basic family tree, interests and likes etc... to help the teacher get to know the students.

I chose to focus on the positives here and talk about his love of reading, playing card games and imaginative play. 

It may have been less acceptable to admit he likes to negotiate a lot, sometimes run away if he isn't happy and we are working on the occasional nose picking. I'm sure most of these will be discovered without my help ;) 

The question on this seemingly rather innocent survey was when they asked about the parents job titles and likes/ hobbies etc...

I refrained from writing domestic goddess and put stay at home mum. Which was fine.

But then when I read the question about likes/ hobbies I suddenly paused. It began an 'slight' internal existential crisis which I was not prepared for amidst feeding pasta to the baby and reciting spring words to my 8 year old. I put it aside and thought I'd tackle that later. 

After clock off time (bed time) I sat with my dinner and thus blasted survey with one question unanswered that was starring at me and judging me. 

Hobbies. Hobbies??!?

I don't have time for hobbies. Sure there are things I enjoy but they barely constitute hobbies.

Why did this seem to bother me? Was it because it made me confront the fact I feel like I don't have a life sometimes. Or maybe because I'm knee deep in the busiest season of motherhood and if I get to the end of the day with the kids fed, a clean kitchen, a candle lit, dinner with hubby and most of my sanity in tact I feel like I've scored! 

I would love to write something glamorous or romantic in this blank space. Like hiking, aerial yoga, painting landscapes whilst in my country house, pruning my bonsai collection or polishing my collection of pre-modernist french antique teaspoons. Pfffft!    

I started writing something down - 'cooking'. Yes, that will slide.

I was going to follow it up with sewing. Although I like to play on my machine, I didn't want to be asked to sew costumes or puppets for the end of year concert. The vaguely related 'crafting' would have to do. 

Ok, that's it I thought. If I spend any longer on this form, I'll rip it up in a fit of note rage. 

Please enlighten me as to what hobbies you have. Maybe you might inspire me. Even if your hobby is reading junk mail. No judgement I promise ;) 

Lauren x

{Trolley Bags}

If you know me personally you will probably know that I'm a 'bit' of an Aldi shopper. In fact, I think that people who are Aldi fans love telling people about it. Imagine if a vegan doing Cross-fit also shopped at Aldi lol ;)

I joke about my Aldi obsession but I love how it has saved my family so much money and their range has improved a lot over the years. 

One of the main complication people have with Aldi, I find, is remembering to pack all the bags. 

However, I just received a gift that has made loading the trolley a WHOLE lot easier! 

Trolley Bags are a great invention that take the 'enviro-bag' concept to a new level. 

Such a simple concept right? It's so well thought out. 

Here are some photos of the bags in action: 

For me (and my love of order and organisation) the wonderful bonus is that the 4 bags have neatly corresponded with the way I have written my shopping list for years. In four columns:

Groceries / Fruit & Veg / Cold & Frozen / Cleaning & Personal 

They are only $34.95 for a set and it is a great way to organise your shopping. The link is available {here}. 

You should seriously have these bags in your car boot, Aldi shopper or not. You'll love the way it makes it easier to load. 

Lauren x 

{After School Snack}

I love finding healthy and yummy treats that my kids love. One of their favourites at the moment is so simple. They call them grape sticks. Basically you thread grapes onto a bamboo skewer (or paddle pop stick for younger kids - no pointy end). Then stick into a snap lock bag or container and freeze. In summer they eat them at almost any meal breakfast/ morning tea/ after school snack/ dessert. 

As sweet as an ice block but a much healthier option! 

Lauren x

{A Letter to my Son : Dear Daniel}

Dear Daniel, 

My baby boy you are so very dear to my heart. The moment I held you in my arms you took my breath away. 

As we watched you grow, it became clear that our life would never be the same again. You add a spark to our family that we cherish dearly. 

You have an infectious laugh that we hear often, as you approach your life with 100% tenacity and fullness. 

You are pure joy, strength and can bargain and negotiate better than many grown ups I know. Frequently we hear the words "here's the deal" from you as you assert your wishes on the person standing next to you. Even if you don't know them particularly well. 

You are a great communicator and always have been. I admire the way you make friends and love and protect those around you so fiercely! 

You see the world in a totally different way, you do things your way in your time. Right now it often results in hilarious moments like the time you read a magazine with your head in a box UNDER a trolley. Yes, I laughed hard that day.

You are generous to the core. You will give to those around you and you love to do it! 

My precious, crazy, chocoholic son. As you step into the world of big school tomorrow I want you to know that your mumma is a praying mumma and you are on her radar. 

Reading is important. Writing is important. Mathematics is important. 

However, above all these, I pray that as you learn in the classroom over the following years, God will continue to reveal his dreams and purposes for you.

Don't let the world steal and change who you are. Don't believe the lies of the world, that you need to 'find yourself'. God made you and you are HIS son with royal lineage. He created you to be who you are for a reason. He made you fearless, determined, generous and strong. He has a destiny and a future for you that requires these traits. It will fit you perfectly! Stand firm in your love for your GOD and may your footsteps always walk in tune with Him. May you always hear his voice and trust him. 

I love you my dear Daniel and no matter how tall you grow, you will always be my baby boy! 

Mummy xx