DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

This afternoon whilst sitting at work, I caught a glimpse of a book in the tray of a co-worker - "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff". I picked it up, and began reading the first couple of pages, and it has me hook, line and sinker.
I have had what I guess you would call a tumultuous past few weeks, and this book is making so much sense of so many things I have been truly struggling with. Funnily enough, I have on many occasions over the years used the title of this book when trying to make others feel better about their own issues - but have never truly taken it on board myself.
I will now be the first to admit - I DO sweat the small stuff! I don't do it on purpose, in fact, whilst I'm sweating about the small stuff, I am telling myself to stop! I think the majority of us worry about the "little things" going on in our lives, when really, we should be focusing more on the great things happening around us.
I have been naughty and read 36 pages of the book, when I should be working. But it has me wanting more and I am considering asking my co-worker if I can borrow the book for the week so I can finish it! The fact that I have not read a book - and by book, I mean something other than a children's book - for quite a few years, but am drawn to wanting to read this one, has to say something?
This little gem is made up of 100 short but sweet chapters revolving around the stated title. And I'm pleased to say that first thing tomorrow, it's off to the book store for me, so I can buy myself a copy and continue with my read!
So the quote for today? "Don't sweat the small stuff"- seriously, don't!

Out of the mouths of babes #2

I told you I would have follow up editions to this title! My darling 6 year old daughter had her second sleepover here this week. And it couldn't have gone any better! Apart from the fact her friend staying shares the same name as her baby sister - making it rather confusing every time I called for either of them, the girls had a blast! Andrew and i giggled our way through the evening listening to the two girls belting out Miley Cyrus songs and strange american accents streaming from the bedroom - which upon further investigation, was their impersonation of what their Bratz dolls sound like!
So after a few hours of playing and a trip to the in-law's for dinner, we returned home where I told them they could read books for ten minutes....when I went back to tuck them in, Chelsea tells me her book is about fairies, and her friend was allowed to read it, because she believed in fairies. I nodded my head in agreement and commented I believed in fairies also. To which little friend pipes up "And my Dad believes in farts"........it took me all my time not to burst in to fits of laughter! I love, love, love the banter of children!
So that little pearl of wisdom is my quote for today.....when all else fails, and you are grasping for something - anything to really believe in, think of basic human bodily functions!
Have a great evening...

Fear plus action, is where you discover courage

Good evening......I just had to share this little drop of inspiration I saw posted on a friend's facebook page.

"Fear plus action, is where you discover courage". It is a very fitting quote considering the state of mind I am in at present. My ever joyous ex-husband has once again reared his head, and decided after almost ten years, he is still not quite done with tormenting me and trying to make my life miserable!

Today I took my fears and put them in to action, which I found took a hell of a lot of courage. I have realised over the last year or so, that I have let this man take control of my ability to mother my son, and last night - I decided no more...

Baby steps is what will be required, but I figure it's better than backward steps!

I've been inspired!

Well hello there little blog! I have been a terrible blogger and have treated you badly.....but I'm back again - inspired to blog at least once a week - let's see how I go!

Forgive me, as I have had a few very "trying" months getting used to a 'new me'. You see, a week before Christmas I had surgery, which in essence has probably changed me as a woman more than I ever believed it could have. And I guess I am only beginning to realise what a huge change it will be...

Having a hysterectomy has made me really come to terms with the fact that I no longer will be procreating and bringing any more beautiful little souls in to this world. And although I am grateful for the four amazing children I have, I don't know whether I would have really ever been ready to say 'no more'. But alas, this little body of mine made the decision for me, so I have just gone with the flow (pardon the pun) and allowed myself to accept the changes and hopefully move on.

I had a lovely catch up with a beautiful friend of mine the other day, and told her of a (now) funny little post-op story: About two weeks post-op I was watching a television show on MTV about teen mums. I emerged from the back loungeroom in tears and stated to my husband "I told you I wasn't allowed to watch anything about new born babies for at least a few month" and continued to the bathroom where I thought it best to get out cleaning products and spray my shower whilst balling my eyes out! And in true fashion, Andrew came in and wrapped his arms around me (I'm sure trying not to laugh at the sight of me hunched over holding my wound, spraying shower cleaner and crying) and told me everything would be alright. I knew I was going to be ok not having babies anymore, but the realisation that I no longer had an option or the equipment to do so was pretty raw.

So after three months of recovery and getting thrown back in to another year of new routines, and precious time with my children, I am doing ok and getting used to this new me.

My quote for today is "When somebody shows you who they are - believe them the first time". I was just watching an episode of Oprah and heard this quote once again, but today it really hit home. I have struggled for the past nine and a bit years with an ex-husband and his ever changing personalities. Hearing this quote again today has made things a little clearer.....

Have a lovely day!

It's been a while...

Sorry I've been away for a while! You see, our lives here in suburbia have become unusually out of routine due to my lovely husband landing a wonderful new job! The only downside of this new job - so far - is that out of the last eleven days, eight of them have been spent interstate. So the kids and I are adjusting to a 'new normal'.

I'll give you my quote of the day a little earlier than usual - ''Absence makes the heart grow fonder''. Never before have I understood this statement quite like I do now!

I have told my husband many times over the past eight years that I didn't think it was possible to be in love with someone so much, and to be more in love as each year goes on. But I am, and I do. I thank my lucky stars each and every day that I have Andrew in my life, and that we have such a wonderful little life together. This past eleven days have been difficult, but have made me appreciate him even more (yet another thing I didn't think possible).

So for those of you who sometimes may take your other half a little for granted, send them away for a few days, and see how much more you appreciate having them around!

That's it for tonight, I am absolutely knackered!

Have a great night!

Why do I feel the need to say thank you??

Yesterday, whilst at work, the same old question arose - why do i feel the need to say thank you? To my husband that is! He started his facebook day off with the status update ''I have already clothed and fed two children, emptied the dishwasher and made dinner''......this was at approximately 10.30am. I read it rather bemused. I had been up with Chloe since 7am, had managed to clothe and feed her AND myself, and gotten ready for work and out the door by 8.25am! My reply?? ''Get a grip!'' The updates went on for a little while, amusing our mutual friends no doubt, and more importantly - amusing me!
So when I arrive home at 5pm, with dinner cooked, and husband busily folding clothes in the backroom, I have to stop myself from saying thank you. Why? Well, because I always used to say thank you, but over the last few months or so, have ceased this due to the fact that I don't get a ''thank you'' at the end of every week day. He returns home from work to a cooked meal, bathed and fed children, and a pretty much organised household! Although I know he appreciates it, there's no thank you. Just the same as he goes to work five days a week and earns a decent pay packet to make life easier - but I don't thank him for that either!
I'm wondering how many other mothers/wives out there feel almost obliged to say thank you to their husbands when they do things around the house un-prompted?

So my quote for the day - ''The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention''. ~Oscar Wilde. Just as I do everyday things that I know will make my husband happy, I'm hoping this was his intention too! Have a lovely day!

I don't cope....

So, I'm not perfect.....I know, you're shocked, as was I when I came to this very disturbing conclusion!

It has been a while coming, but this epiphany came to me this morning, whilst I was having a minor meltdown. My youngest little dot - Chloe - has been unwell probably half of her very short 14 months of life. And so the next cycle began yesterday, when it seems the antibiotics she finished two days prior had more than likely worn off, and the fever returned, as did the non-stop whinging and sadness. And to put it very bluntly - I'm not coping!

I know we all have things and circumstances we don't cope with - mine is sick children. I thank God every single day that I don't have a child so unwell they are in hospital, or god forbid, on their death bed. And this is how my random conversation number 5976 began today - in Coles of course!

The check out lady started off talking about how she is caring for her unwell and ageing parents, and it went on from there. But it also finished with the same sentiments as above. We should always think about how lucky we are, and that there is always going to be someone worse off than ourselves.

So I took my sicky little baby girl home for a sleep, and curled up on the lounge to watch The View. Enjoyed my one and a half hour's reprieve from crying and sadness, and then made sure I was smiling when my little cherub woke up - crying. Onwards and upwards I say.....specialist appointment made and more drugs purchased from my local pharmacy, who seems to be profiting very well from the sickness dwelling in this household!

Today's quote: ''You're only given what you can handle''.....from a friend many years ago, who professed this little beauty to me when I was struggling through the break up of my first marriage, and dealing with a man who still, to this day, gives me the absolute shits! I remember this little quote on a regular basis, and it always seems to get me through. Have a wonderful day! x