34th Birthday!

What wonderful friends I have! This morning I had a tea party at home with some friends. And not one but three of my friends brought me sunflowers. So love them for their brightness, cheerfulness and they've been my favourite for years. Isn't it nice to have friends who know you so well! And then all my other pressies were craft related which is so me too! Hubby is buying me a sewing machine can't wait to choose that... I even thought about getting a sunflower tattoo once upon a time but then decided I was too much of a wimp! So loving them ladies - thanks for a fab morning and for the gorgeous flowers and pressies. You're all fabulous and mean a lot to me XX

We're ready for Maia!

The bunk bed in Emma's room is all made up and ready for you Maia! Looking forward to seeing you real soon! (I couldn't take a photo of Holly's bed - cos that isn't made up yet but it will be soon!!)

I'm not the kind of person who can endure parenting books. So often I read them and think what boring common sense they are... Quite often I buy them or borrow them thinking they might blow me away but I am often left disappointed. However two parenting gurus who I would listen to and read until the cows come home are Ian & Mary Grant. Two great kiwis that have opened the Parenting Place as part of Parents Inc - the positivity and advice available through this place is amazing. Emma & I made a trip to the Parenting Place the other day. Great selection of books and wonderful cafe. I've only ever heard Ian & Mary Grant talk once - but one day I hope to go to more seminars on a topic of interest for only $10. Anyway the other day I went with one book in mind 'Cappuccino Moments for Mothers ' - by Mary Grant. A simple little book full of fun creative ideas.

One idea that I had to do for Em straight away was a treasure hunt afternoon tea. It was such fun. I left to pick her up from kindy and at the front door I left two fancy dresses one for her and one for me with the first clue. She was thrilled and quickly got into the spirit of the occasion. And she was delighted when the clues led her to a little tea party round the back of the house. Wonderful way to have some quality time after a day at kindy and so much better than TV! Mental note to self: Do more of this kind of thing with my darling little girl!

Happy Valentines Day too! To all believers in love out there! I treated my two darlings (yep I included Emma this year) with a tin full of favourite candy! And I copied Becky Higgins blog by putting in some note paper to encourage us to write love notes to each other this year!... We'll see....