Patience

Happy New Year!

My inspiration for the beginning of 2012:

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Lou on Pinterest

I think the key is to find something to be grateful for in every day, because we all know that life isn't perfect and some days are rough, but hopefully we can all see a glimpse of light in even the darkest of days.

So, my aim is to record my "gratitude List" here as often as I can. I don't promise a daily record, (I hate to break promises :) but I hope I can inspire someone to find a little joy in every day.

The first on my list, on this, the first day of 2012, is Pinterest. 

For the inspiration it provides me in any aspect of my life. Whether I am looking for creative activities for the kids, unique recipes, motivating quotes or home reno ideas, it never fails to inspire!
 

Source: tutuskirtsandsparklehoops.tumblr.com via Lou on Pinterest

Happy 2012, I hope it's a sweet one for you!

Words to live by

I love to read quotes, copy quotes, print quotes and hang them in my office, "pin" quotes and pass on quotes. 

I just love those little phrases that tell me the stuff I already know but need to be reminded of constantly. 

Lately I have been thinking about the little phrases that are continually popping up in my head. They are my words-to-live-by I guess, the self-talk that keeps me skipping/trudging through life.

My words to live by:

"Just keep going" 

Simple, but it works for me. I use this in tough times when sadness and stress threaten to overwhelm me. In these times it means "just put one foot in front of the other and keep going!"

I also use it during times when I feel that my work is not meeting my standards or my idea of success seems too far away. 

But I also use it (it is very versatile) when the house is a mess and it feels like I will never achieve that tidy, polished look I aim for by Friday afternoon.

"Tomorrow's just your future yesterday"

When I have a very busy day to follow - one of those days where you wonder how you are going to fit it all in, achieve all commitments, and exude confidence when pushed out of your comfort zone.. you know the ones.

I think of Craig Ferguson's Late Late Show theme song:  
If you haven't watched the Late Late Show, 10:30pm weeknights on 11, you won't hear the tune as you read this, so it won't have quite the effect :)

"It's hard to stay up
It's been a long, long day
And you got the sandman at the door
But hang on, leave the TV on
And let's do it anyway
It's ok
You can always sleep through work tomorrow, OK?
Hey hey
Tomorrow's just your future yesterday"

It is the last line that has the most weight.

It's funny, {it's supposed to be} but it really is true. It says how silly most of our worries are, because most of them aren't even an issue the next day.

"Suck it up"

When I feel like I'm being a bit precious. This works in heeeeaps of situations :)

"Enjoy now" 

When spending time with kids, family, friends, hubby, or just some time alone. It means "lap it up" or "live in the moment" because that moment will be gone soon.


I leave you with my favourite quote (because I can't help myself)

Source: google.com.au via Lou on Pinterest

All-encompassing..

Kids on school holidays, busy at Budburst Kids, and general life distractions are my excuses for my woeful blogging regularity...

it will improve :)

In the meantime, enjoy this quote that I think is so accurate and beautiful, it's simply perfect.

Source: etsy.com via Lou on Pinterest

Happy Sunday! ♥

Homemade Happiness

On this wet, wintery day we've enjoyed a very family day with musical & dance performances from the kids, baking, lots of tidying and organising ~ just simple, family time at home.

It has reminded me of this quote that I love

Source: alphabettree.com.au via Lou on Pinterest

I also love the beautiful products at the Alphabet Tree where I found the quote in the form of a wall decal.

Piece of pie

This quote reminds me of my mum - with a family of seven I know she often had less to ensure everything stretched far enough.

Source: google.com.au via Lou on Pinterest

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. 

~Tenneva Jordan

A penny for your thoughts

A treasure to a little boy does not consist of money, gems or jewellery. He will find far greater pleasure in the wonder of a rock, pebble, stick or beetle.

~ Author Unknown

Evening peace

I love that time of night when the house goes quiet, the kids are asleep and you can hear yourself think.

Sometimes I feel like I live for the evenings, for that time when I can hear hubby’s words or the TV.. but I miss my kids when they’re asleep it is true.

The only thing worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping child. 

~Joe Houldsworth

Reach for the sun

What better way to start the week than with an inspirational quote about children and what they can teach us.

"It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children will do with their lives, they are watching to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself."

Joyce Maynard

Quotable Kids

I wish I had one of these journals when my kids started talking. 

I’m a girl who likes a designated place to record things otherwise I just don’t do it. 

When passing on some of my kid’s quotes, my Mum always responds with, “Are you writing these things down? You’ll forget them!” And she’s right, you do forget. 

My son told me once “Mum you have a big bottom..and I like it!” While I don’t think I have such an over-sized rear, I do realise that to a 3 year old it really must look quite enormous.

Whether your child has told you that you have a big bottom, you have cobwebs up your nose (my niece), or pull out the back of your shorts and say: “Done a poo Mum?” (my daughter at 2), you will always have that designated spot to record these memorable quotes with the “Quotable Kids” journal.

 Find them here