day 31

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a pretty fearful person. My Father in law found out yesterday that I am very scared of heights after I had to shimmy backwards down a wall (1.5m max!) on my knees whimpering after climbing up for a photo! Others know that I am completely petrified of spiders - all spiders, real spiders, plastic spiders, spiders in books, the works! But, as I did yesterday and the same today I am trying to push myself, I may never get over my fears but I will make a pretty ordinary photographer if I can only photograph things in nice and easy locations!

So as I was doing this dishes this morning I spied this horrific little creature under our back patio - revolting huh! I had to sit about ONE TINY WEE metre away from it and wait for the wind to die down to get this pic - terrifying! And editing it - OMG! Let's just say that I feel like I'm crawling!



Oh and yes I am fully aware that it would have been a much better pic if I had got his front rather than his underside. BUT c'mon people, I have my limits, crawling under the web to get on it's other side was too much, ugh feeling sick just thinking about it!

Day 30

Today's cyclone never eventuated and we received about 4 drops of rain!

This afternoon we visited my In-laws to say goodbye to their gorgeous exchange student. Apart from being a wonderful person and excellent company for my Mother in law, she was also really lovely to my kids and they adored her. Tomorrow she leaves to stay with a new host family and in July returns home to Denmark.

Sanne & Scarlett

My in laws have also recently moved from the semi suburban bush of the hills to inner suburbia, very close to the city! It came as a surprise however that, even though the new block is very small and their new home would fit in exactly half of their old home, the reserve across the road is absolutely gorgeous and gives the feeling of space and tranquility in the midst of the city. It will be one of my favourite photo locations from now onwards!!

Day 29

Today we had 'The Storm', tomorrow we'll brace for 'The Cyclone' ohhhhhhhh!

Ok, so maybe I should take the warnings seriously. I even did take the storm warning seriously preparing the house for possible damage from flying debris etc but, ah, today's storm was not all it was cracked up to be even though the storm clouds rolled in threatening a huge one!

What it did leave however, was a lovely refreshed garden.

The next pic, although not my ONE for the day (I really must restrict myself lol!) I thought I would add because I saw this plant in a new light. I always thought of it as the ugliest plant in the garden, seriously ugly! I don't really like succulents but we agreed to have it planted because it was hardy and we needed a good hardy plant for this area. After the rain today however it sparkled! In true succulent fashion it held it's water but the water looked like glass and shone, the only reason it caught my eye. I even touched it to make sure some hooligan hadn't smashed a bottle in our garden!

Day 28

This morning before we left the house Scarlett had some quiet time while waiting on everyone else to get ready so she snuggled up in bed with baby and this is how I found her.....

The funny thing about this picture - as a baby she was never a good sleeper, the worst in fact! Many a time I tried to force a dummy on her and she never ever took one! But today here she was with her baby's dummy in her mouth, sitting contentedly while the rest of rushed and argued and bustled around her.

Day 27

Almost school time!! I am sad that our days together are ending but also a little relieved not have to think of fun and exciting things to do every day otherwise the days are filled with arguments. It's not as if I've had a sleep in any of the days either!

When I was a kid I used to love getting my stationary, sorting it, labelling it and as a Mum I still find it somewhat satisfying labelling it all and packing it ready for school! That was today's job sorting it into two piles - one for Josh and one for Isabella and then labelling EVERYTHING which I have to say took ages but hooray for the Dymo!

Day 26

Was planning on a real Aussie picture theme for today but life got in the way, you know how it is! Instead we went to check out a new location for a shoot I have coming up. The location was not really suitable for pics so as a group (we also had some friends join us) nutted out a plan B!

We ended up at Woodbridge house, a spot I have wanted to photograph for AGES! Imagine our disappointment when we rocked up only to find that the house doesn't open on Wednesdays . . not to worry, have legs, can jump fence (OMG I haven't jumped a fence in decades)!

Day 25

I learnt something today . . kite flying photography is really hard!

Today was our last school holiday workshop, this time in kite making & flying. Despite my initial inward groans of protest I went along for the kids knowing they would have fun . . . and they did, and I guess so did I! The day started with some kite facts and history which sounds boring but the kids were hanging on the presenters (who's name I cannot remember!) every entertaining word and then the kids were able to get in there and make their own hexagonal kite. Once the kits were made everyone picked up and moved to the oval for some serious kite flying! Frustrating yes, lots of noise yes but there was some fun too! Josh and Isabella were able to run to their hearts content and were able to get their kites soaring quite high. It was great sense of achievement to see something they made work so well.

After a lot of flying and watching the presenter fly a ginormous kite we all sat down to picnic lunches and a play on the play ground. Once our energy was restored it was time to decorate the kites, fly some more and THEN all of the kids were able to make fruit skewers - all supplied by the shire!

The kids all walked away with a smile on their faces and of course Scarlett crashed out as soon as we got home! I am quite impressed by how great these free workshops have been so yay City of Swan!

Day 24

Today I was struggling for inspiration. The kids wouldn't have gone with it and light was lousy anyway. I was in the kitchen a lot this afternoon baking for a picnic tomorrow and also making dinner etc just staring out the window and noticed that we had some purple flowers that had bloomed. As well as a terrible cook I am a very ordinary gardener so I couldn't tell you what they are and by the looks of them today, they must have been out for a while! While I was out there I took a walk around and snapped some of the different colours. I'm not much of a nature photographer but I quite enjoyed my 5 minutes of piece and quiet on my own!

Day 23

But where is day 22 you may be asking (my four loyal followers lol!). Well yesterday was so busy between cleaning, dance school enrolments, shopping, cooking, working and socialising and then arriving back home at ONE AM this morning I just didn't get around to it! I will let it go though, no use stressing about it, I only let myself (and 4 other people!) down lol!

So today, yet another busy day as I was Godmother to my precious niece but obviously this kind of occasion means mandatory picture taking! My Dad took hold of the reins while I was up performing my special duties but I managed to get a couple in before the show got on the road!

And one of the happy and gorgeous family!

Day 21

I was going to post and add a photo of the kids at the circus workshop we went to today but I couldn't not post this one as my photo of today! This little girl has the most magnificent eyes!

However I also can't resist adding a couple more pics! It seems that Joshua has a hidden talent that we discovered today - hula hoop hip spinning (although apparently done with eyes closed is the secret)!

Day 20

I think I have come to some kind of understanding that while the kids are on holidays, this blog will be more out and about documenting our days. When school goes back I will have the time to work on special projects and pushing myself.

As you will able to guess, the kids and I went bowling today. Josh and Bel absolutely love bowling and they are pretty good at it too considering theyare only 7 and 6! Apart from a small hissy and then falling asleep on my shoulder, Scarlett enjoyed herself too.

Day 19

I am wondering where to go with this blog and I still have the same question as when I started . . should this be a blog that pushes my skills so I take the best possible photo I can every day or is it just a record of my daily activities?

Well today it's not a fancy pic at all but it's cute! The kids and I as well as my Mum and sister and her baby were out the entire day shopping for clothes for my nieces Baptism on the weekend. We succeeded and while we did Scarlett slept - awesome! In fact, all of the kids were great and at one stage both Scarlett and my niece slept at the same time.

The above is how Scarlett was sleeping at one stage taken by the trusty iphone. The light was good in this particular shop too lol!

Day 18

Nothing like the threat of a Woolies home shop delivery to kick my butt into gear to clean out my pantry! Well actually that's the problem, I DON'T have a pantry! Crazy, especially as the kitchen was newly renovated when we bought the house and we didn't think to look as you just assume that a kitchen has a pantry right?! So we use 2 small, double doored cupboards with one and a half levels of usable space and the back of the second row and the top level I need to climb on unsteady stools to reach with the tips of my fingers.

It took almost 4 hours and 2 big green garbage bags but it's done, everything is clean, everything is in date. It's amazing what you find as well . . like do I really need over 20 sachets of dry yeast? Or more than will fit in a 2L container full of icing sugar? Oh and cordial, I don't even give the kids cordial but some how I have 2 and a half bottles of the stuff!

I'm pretty embarrassed about the first 'before' picture and I'm not a complete grot! In my defence this bench is hidden from all parts of the house other than actually in the kitchen so becomes some what of a dumping ground!

Day 17

They say that you leave your dignity at the door when you arrive at the hospital to give birth . . I wonder if you ever get it back?! This afternoon I have danced, danced like a fool, danced to the most atrocious music (Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers) but it made my babies happy and that's my job right?! Well there is no photographic evidence to support the above (as if!) but afterwards we had a spot of colouring and Scotch Finger biscuits. Our lazy afternoons are coming to end when school goes back, this makes me sad.

Day 16

It's been a hot one and a busy one today but as a family we still managed to get out there and have some fun! This morning we visited the Health and Well being expo at The Vines and as a family there was something for all of us to do. The kids especially had a ball with face painting, jumping castle, tractor rides and fun games made giant (which of course means they are more fun right!) like Chess, Connect four etc. Below is a pic of the kid with their faces painted. The artist (and she can legitimately call herself an artist as she was brilliant!) was so creative, patient and her finished products were just stunning!

Day 15

Phew what a day! Between work this morning, a party mid afternoon at the water park and then home to continue working this afternoon I am ready for bed tonight! In between time though I managed to get a couple of my kiddos!

Day 14

We went off to explore a new park today! It was really awesome, so many things to do for all ages so no one is left out or bored! We also shared a sausage sizzle with some others hence the sauce on Scarlett's face! I was going to edit it but really, it is her, she's messy and fun and cheeky! Oh and on that note, it may seem that I favour one child in this blog. Ah no! In fact when I ask the other two if they would like to help me with a pic or even if they see me coming with the camera they either hide or pull a grumpy face! Especially the boy, he hates having his photo taken so I don't hassle him often and occasionally he is happy to help out!

Day 13

Today as we peeked in on the girls we caught a glimpse into the future. These girls were destined to be friends as I have known their parents for years and years and when our children came along we only hoped that they would become the best of friends. That they have and as we listened to them whispering and giggling and writing secrets in the diary we could only imagine this same scene in 5 and 10 years time. Although I am hoping that their taste in music extends beyond Hannah Montana and Just Bieber!

Day 12

This room, ah this room . . . the source of daily angst (mine) and a whole heap of fun (for Isabella). Clean again for another month and I say it won't be messed up again but I would be dreaming.

Day 11

I worked today . . witnessed a lovely wedding on a gloriously sunny beach!

Day 10

No matter how old he gets, the attitude he develops, the Independence he most desperately wants, when asleep he looks just like he did as a newborn . . this boy will always be my precious baby.

...and because I've been meaning to take a pic of Scarlett and her many friends she takes to bed and because I then can't leave Isabella out of the blog when the other two are in it, I will add one of them too! It's amazing to watch them grow up, they are so alike in so many way but asleep Josh is all over the place and rarely with blankets on, Isabella wraps herself in her doona regardless of the weather and stays in a little tight ball the whole night and scarlett, probably because she co-slept for so long, like to touch something - a baby, a teddy, her pillow (which she has only recently got and was very excited about getting!).

Day 9

I have a job coming up at a beach I had never heard of before the booking so today we went out to investigate and for the kids to blow off some school holiday energy!

Scarlett had never swam in the sea before and she was petrified of the waves so clung onto Brett. The first minute she was able, she flew up the beach back to the safety of the towels. It seems my girls are not beach babes!

!

Day 8

I worked today and then shopped and then worked again so no personal pic but a little share from my job today.....

Day 7

Phew, I made the week! This was quite last minute (is there any other way with me?!) but thankfully I had 2 girls happy to play!

Day 6

Today we had a friend come to visit! We have known Taylah all of her life and she is just like a sister to my three, as are her 2 sisters (did ya get that?!).

Day 5

Ok guys, 5 days in and I'm just about ready to rename this blog "365 photographic fails"! Had grand plans of photographing my Nana and perhaps my kids or even her youngest great grandchild Stella but it seems Nana got a better offer and we didn't see her for morning tea! Yes seriously! Anyway we still caught up with my folks and my sister so of course I had to drag out the camera. It was just a shame that it was soooo dark at Mum & Dad's house so we have noise galore.

My gorgeous neice Stella giving me one of her cheeky smiles!

Day 4

Once again I am not super happy with today's pic but I have been on my feet all day shopping and baking for my Nana's birthday tomorrow that I only have the energy for a simple pic. We are having a small morning tea and I thought it would be nice to bake for the occasion. Those who know me know that I am not a baker . . actually I'm not a cook of any description so I guess photographic evidence is needed when I do take the plunge!

Back left: Vanilla cake, not cool yet and still to be iced (tomorrow after it spends time in the fridge, it's far too hot here for it to cool on it's own!).

Back right: Sausage rolls - haphazard sizes and shapes!

Front: Pizza scrolls - again, varying shapes and sizes! Heaps more of these were yet to come out of the oven at that point.

Day 3

Ok, so second day into blogging and third day of the year I had quite a good excuse to take some lovely pics . . . except I forgot my camera (oops!). Which means that todays pic is shudder worthy but I'll get back onto it properly tomorrow . . . promise!

Isabella wearing fabulous Hair Flair accessories at a birthday party taken with a crappy iphone!

and the 365 project begins!

I have never participated in this challenge before but this year I was spurred on by a fellow photographer and, although a little daunted, I'm looking forward to it, especially come December 31st! It will be great to see how my photography skills have (hopefully) developed in that time and also see how my enthusiasm has kept up!

It's now the second day of the year however I have been true to the challenge and taken a (well a few!) photos yesterday and today, hopefully I will post them every day however, if I can't blog them, they will have the day number recorded on them.

Day ONE

My precious baby girl who isn't much of a baby these days but will always be one in my eyes.

Day TWO

Brett and I decided that we don't take the kids out and explore as often as we should so today we decided to head to Scitech, mostly because it was indoors and outdoors was a crazy 40 degrees! Honestly, I found it just a little too "stimulation overload" and kinda boring but what would I know, the kids had fun (I hope), there weren't too many tears and it's somewhere I've never been ticked off my list!