Things I Know

This week I know...

* That working on a checkout is like riding a bike

You never forget

I even remember all the fruit & veg numbers

Im not sure wether I should be proud or scared about that fact!

* That Master J is mellowing

I never thought I'd say those words

But the Boofa has had a shift in behaviour again and is starting to calm down
and is sleeping in!
never thought i'd say that ither!

* That things seem to be starting, ever so slowly falling into place

bit by bit inch by inch

* That my friends are everywhere

Here in Adelaide

Here in the bloggy world

Over there in tassie

Over there in QLD

and

Over there in Sydney

And i would be lost with each and every one of them

* That my backyard needs another mow and weed

and I have no idea how to use the lawn mower :|

* That I really want the warm weather back
buuuut it has been beautiful listening to the rain while laying bed

* That I am so very much looking forward to this weekend.
The boys will be at their daddys and mummy can have some mummy time
Its been a long, emotional week.
I'll miss them after the first night though... as you do

* That both boys fell ill with the same damn flu/vomit bug
needless to say my washing machine has been on overtime

* That Christmas is only
85 days & 16hours ish away!
get excitied people!

* That this weeks Things I know is a mish mash of knowledge
But that I quite like it

Linking up with the divine Shae
of
Yay For Home

I am her... A beautiful Birthday Present

I received this gorgeous book for my birthday from a very special friend called

I am her

It is a beautiful book full of gorgeous pictures

Inspiring quotes & phrases

and special places to write dreams and wishes

I am in love with it

When I received it in the mail on my actual birthday

I opened it and cried

It was so beautiful

I even took it to work, I didnt want to leave it.

Now it takes pride of place on display in my lounge room

and I read it every day.

There is one passage of wrting that Is my favourite

I see me in the words

As im sure you'll see a piece of you too



She is a daughter. She is a best friend.

She is a pocketful of light. She is a spark of something good, getting brighter; a dream grown large; the right thing at the right time.

She is a dancer, a singer, a thinker, a truth teller.

A connoisseur of all the things this wide world has to offer. Her spirit is the 1st thing people notice. Her mind always had a mind of its own. Her heart, though it has sometimes been hurt, bears a strong resemblance to a daffodil: it always flowers again.

So she wakes with anticipation. She finds new hills to climb. And everyone agrees that the very fact of her in the world means there is still so much more to come.

Who is she? She is me. She is you. ♥

~ I am her

Isn't it gorgeous?

And...

I shall leave with you that

Feeling Like Tara Again

I've been a single mumma for almost 7 weeks now

and it's been hard

Some days are fabulous and others arent so great at all

Amongst the good days things seem like a right old mess

and just cant seem to be fixed right now and not from a lack of trying

I've made choices that aren't really the best for me but I'm working on it

but all of it is teaching me things about myself

my strengths and weakness's, how much I will tolerate & how much I need certain things

In saying that though I have had to occupy my mind with other things

because things aren't getting better in some aspects

I have thrown myself into finding me again

thrown myself into Blossoming into me

*image credit

As I've said in this post here I'm not exactly sure how to do that or what I'm looking for

but I guess you could say things are happening?

* I'm trying to look after myself & move some of this baby weight

Im not far off at all

I'm eating healthy and actually eating 3 times a day all healthy plus healthy snacks

drinking lots of water & working is helping too

I'm going to zumba classes once a week & I even brought a dance DVD 

* I'm planning for Christmas

it will just be me and the boys so Im going all out

and I am so so so excitied!

* I purchased the TAFE guide and have 2 courses that I am interested in

I just have to take that tentative step and apply

because could i really do it all?

Mother, be me, work, blog and study?

I guess theres only one way to find out right?

* I am starting to come back to being the mum I was

yes its true through all of this my mothering has slacked slightly

Dont get me wrong my boys are looked after they are fed, bathed & clothed

But the fun had gone

The outings the activites

Buts its all coming back.. slowly

The mother I want to be is starting to blossom again

* I am hoping to take my friend up on her offer for a little mini holiday

To where she is living now

I think it will be perfect for me and the boys

especially if its gorgeous weather

* Another big thought, that only happened today was a move interstate

Honestly I havn't really thought about it but I'm kinda thinking why not?

What's holding me here?

The boys are young enough to adapt

we would be walking into an already established circle of friends all who have kiddies!

The only thing is obviously its not a "on the whim" decison

There is so much to consider

But at least I can think about it right?

There is always room for possibility

* I'm trying to do things for me

I am in the process of making my room all about me

making it my safe place, my place to relax in

I am also saving up for a lavish hair cut and colour, I think I deserve it

I'm trying to re-ignite my passion for craft and its coming back a little bit

At one stage I was inspiring people that felt awesome

I want to get back to that

* I'm cooking more

the motivation for yummy meals every night is semi back

and Im loving the fact my freezer is full and finding new recipes

After reading this Post & Giveaway the other day from over at the gorgeous Naomis blog

 Seven Cherubs

I know I am on the right track

and that i really must get this book!

Looking at this list

I'm making positive steps

I still feel alone and scared of being alone 

but my future is looking brighter

Things aren't perfect right now and I knew they wouldn't be

But there is light at the end of the tunnel

and today... I have hope

What do you do to find you?

*edited for image credit forgot it again damn it lol

Meal Planning Tuesday



Wednesday - chicken and vegetable rice a riso
the boys will be with their dad for dinner

Thursday - bolognese pie using meat sauce from the freezer

Friday - Nachos with gucamole & sour cream

Saturday - homemade chicken nuggets, wedges and steamed vegies

Sunday - just me
teryiaki beef stir fry & rice

Monday - just me
chicken schnitzel burger & homemade chips
will freeze extra schnitzel

Tuesday - just me
lasgane & garlic bread from the freezer

Linking up with the ever organised Katrina of

The Organised Housewife

Whats on the menu at your house this week?

Ooh, Thats Pinterest...ing - My 1st one!

Ok so I am slightly addicted to Pinterest

which in turn means im slightly excitied to be linking up with

Tina for Ooh thats Pinterest...ing

I would have loved to have linked up from week 1

but life has been busy

So im excitied to start now and keep on keeping on

Looking at my boards I have no idea what to link up so I might just go the easy option and link up some of the Christmas inspiration I've pinned

and maybe even kill 2 birds with one stone and start some christmasy posts

I love Christmas

Not a word of a lie even working in retail I still love everything about it

This year with all the things I'm about to share I'm even more excitied

So here we go...

A homemade advent calendar

How awesome is this?

I already have everything i need to make ours just have to actually sit down and do it haha

Christmas craft with the boys

I love this idea of doing it on a canvas and then it can be used again

and

making santa hats would be fun right?

and what a cute way of displaying their attempt

or mummys attempt

Homemade decorations

Im loving the idea of a bit of a homeamde christmas

So im hoping to attempt lots of craft and christmas goodies by myself with the help of 2 lttle elves

So i am loving this Merry Christmas banner using Christmas plates

and absolutly adore these

Snow candles

These WILL be happening in this house this year

And you can't have a homemade Chirstmas without

Homemade Presents

I love the whole cookie in a jar concept

and I really want to attempt coasters with drawings & paintings from the boys

for family presents

and lets not forget

Christmas Baking

Christmas cookies

and how awesome

Christmas Pizza!!

Dont you just love Christmas!

I've already sat down and written my list of things I want to do

what I need to buy

Now all I need is for november to roll around to really get things ready

you can see all my other Christmasy pins here

 http://pinterest.com/mummiitara/christmas/

And on that note

Check out all the other

over atTina Gray {Dot} Me

Things I know...

WOW its been awhile since I linked up with Shae from

Yay for Home

and her

So here we go...

* I know that the biggest obstacles in life are the ones where you realise how strong you really are

Who's really important and who really cares.

* I know That new friendships come from yucky situations

* I know that exercising and eating healthy is working wonders!

* I know that I am 6-7kgs off pre Lil C weight and 11-12kg off pre Master J weight

which I am extremely proud of and am feeling really good about

* I know that Spring has sprung and i am LOVING it

The weather, for the most part has been divine.

* I know that Christmas is creeping up YAYYY

and that I am inspired with new ideas, new presents and new decorations.

Yes I am one of those Christmas freaks!!

I think I christmas elf in a past life!

* I know that going back to work as hard as it is, is the best decison I could have made

I get some adult time and extra play money!

Cant complain about that hehe

* I know that Lil C really shouldnt cross cut his teeth, there have been 1 or 2 long nights

*yawn*

* I know that when Master J was crying out "help me my tummy hurts" a few days ago because he was sick

was the most heart breaking thing I've ever seen

* I know that I know alot more then this but Lil C has just woken up from a ripper sleep in

and master J is complaining of a sore ... again :(

Which means...

* I know I need to get back to mummy duties

It was a blissful 15 mins or so ;)

What do you know this week?

And the winner iiiissss...

*image

Thankyou to everyone who entered and shared my

26th Birthday Giveaway

I had a mostly fabulous day!

And loved sharing it with you all

There was so many gorgeous entries I loved reading all of them

So without further ado..

*drum roll please*

The winner of the 4 Ingredients Kids Book and $26 Coles gift voucher

drawn by random org.com 

is...

Comment Number 7

MichVee

Congratulations!!!

Keep an eye on your inbox I will be sending you an email very shortly :)

Once again thankyou all for joining in and helping me celebrate my birthday bloggy style

Meal Planning Tuesday with a sweet twist...

Soooo some of you may have noticed there was no meal plan for last week?

No? ok good haha

Last week wasnt a very good week at all

So the meal plan kinda ended up out the window and I followed very loosely

BUT this week im back at it feeling more fabulous then ever!

This weeks menu has a sweet twist ;)

Wednesday - Sang Choy Bow using the lettuce for me and wraps for the boys

Thursday - porcupines from the freezer

Friday - spicy chicken pasties (new recipe) & chicken nuggets for the freezer

Saturday - sweets for dinner!!

thought id make some sweets instead of a savoury meal for a little bit fun for my babies

Nutella crepes - 4 Ingredients Kids & Banana smoothies

Sunday - chicken & mozzarella melts - 4 Ingredients Kids for the boys

Chicken & Basil Toasties for mummy

Monday - Ravioli bolognese (with hidden vegies) from the freezer

Tuesday - Crunchy Chicken Fingers with flat hash browns - both from 4 Ingredients kids

will grate extra vegies into hash browns

I'm looking forward to this weeks menu

Its refreshing to start all over again with a clear mind

If you are after even MORE inspiration head on over to the gorgeous

The Organised Housewife

Whats cooking in your kitchen this week?

Its My BIRTHDAY!

And because I love my Birthday

yes yes I love having a day all about me where I can shine!

just dont throw any surprises at me

I wanted to celebrate by having a GIVEAWAY

Now please keep in mind I paid for the products all out of my own pocket

But i couldn't let my birthday pass without celebrating with all my bloggy friends!

Seeing as I meal plan almost every week

And I have 2 little Princes'

I thought a perfect present would be...

A copy of the 4 Ingredients Kids book AND a $26 Coles gift card

so the lucky winner can go buy some ingredients for any of the recipes they fancy!

Birthday badge NOT included

thankyou miss Amber & Fawn for the suggestions

All you have to do to be in the running is comment on this post telling me 

what your ultimate birthday present would be!

It can be anything from a luxury holiday to breakfast in bed

wouldnt both be divine?

To new clothes or the latest gadget!

When commenting if not a fellow blogger or account holder

please leave an email address as a way I can contact you, just incase you are the lucky winner

I will draw the winner via random org.com on Thursday Morning

Id give a time but my boys are fairly unpredictable

Soooooo without further ado...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

And thankyou ALL for celebrating with me

*CHEERS*

No-one understands

No-one seems to understand how I'm feeling

I am coping with this thats for certain

When I say I'm ok i really am ok

Im not great, Im not fantastic

I am simply just that... OK

Im getting through 1 day and into the next as best I can

I'm not sitting in a corner crying, I'm not laying in bed all day

Life goes on I have 2 small children that need me

Im managing, just but I'm doing what I need to do to get through

But somedays straight out SUCK

Somedays I cry.. alot

In the shower

In the car

At night when the boys are asleep

I dont cry because I miss him

I cry because I'm alone

I cry because I crave Love

I cry because I crave to feel special & beautiful again

I cry because I wish that the situation I am in now with the people in my life now

was 6 months into the future where things could be differnt

where I would be past this stage

I cry because if things hadn't of changed all that time ago

I wouldn't be crying now

I said that its my time to shine

my time to be me

Other people are saying it too & its all true

But how do I do what I want when I dont even know what that is

How do I just be me when I dont even know how to be me

I am getting out there and doing things

I get my nails done

Im going to the gym again

Im seeing friends when I can

Going out for dinner & hot chocolates

My house is being decluttered

Im starting my scrapbooking & crafting again

But once my boys are in bed 

I'm alone

I have no-one to share in my day

To kiss & cuddle

To talk to

To flirt with.

And its not easy

I enjoy all of that

I like the company of a partner especially when they can full-fill all those needs

and there's nothing wrong with that it's just who I am.

I dont want nor do I need another relationship right now

But it dosen't stop me missing the good times & fun that can be had in one.

*image

The weekends the boys aren't here are the hardest

Yes crazy I know

I have all this child free time to do what I want un-interrupted & I just dont want it

The amount of time i actually have to myself is daunting

How do I fill it all in?

How do I just enjoy this time without wishing myself into the future?

Whatever happens, happens I need to let the universe play my cards

But how do I enjoy being me?

Today the days ahead look long and lonely

Tomorrow hopefully they are full of light & life

*edited to add image credit

The breakup + developmental delay = tough times

Master J has not been coping with the split very well at all.

I mean I didnt expect him too this time he is older and understands more.

But I didnt expect it to be this hard to deal with ither.

Every time he speaks to Mr S he asks him to come home because he misses him
He constantly asks for his daddy
Everything he sees throughout the day has something to do with daddy

It breaks my heart that my boy is hurting

I want to fix it but I know I cant.

I dont regret making the decison to live our lives like this
Its something that had to be done for all of us
I just wish it wasn't so hard on my boy

Luckily his team of therapists are amazing

They are helping us with startergies to help him cope

We need to get him into a routine with visatation and "family" situations

having him know what to expect

is going to make the times in between him seeing his dad that little more bearable

We need to keep talking to him

explain to him very simply that mummy & daddy can't live with each other

but that we still love him and his brother

We need to let him vent safely and cry and scream
I know some days I feel like that
I cant even imagine not being able to express those thoughts and feelings.

We are also implementing a calendar and clock for him
which Im really excitited about and will share once compelete
Im hoping it will help him grasp time a little easier
and it might help him cope with the time in between seeing his dad

In all honesty we have a huge road ahead of us
Its not going to be easy but the days will start to become better
I will do anything in my power to make this easier on my boys
and they will always know this wasn't their fault and that we both love them very much
I will never bad mouth their father to them

and I will encourage their relationship

I think if Mr S & I can stick to this way of thinking

The boys will be able to cope with this alot easier

and the future will be bright for all of us.

So far so good on all accounts and I couldnt be happier!

Trinkets on Tuesdays Posted on Wednesday

Im linking up with the gorgeous Naomi of Diva Mum again
With her

with yet another beautiful Hugga Boo Design piece

Can you tell I love their work?

This pretty little thing is a gorgeous vintage inspired bracelet

It goes so well with my necklace

I love that the actual material of the bracelet is blue, tattered and frayed

and that the lace and flower add a very girly touch.

I love wearing this when i dont need a necklace or for somthing just a little bit extra special.

Another piece from the gorgeous Hugga Boo Designs girls

Make sure if you havnt already you pop over and like their page

and maybe even treat yourself to some prettyness ;)



Meal Planning Tuesday & Lasagne in the Slow Cooker Recipe

Ahhh Tuesday we meet again

Im sure the weeks are getting faster & faster!

Last weeks meal plan went relatively well

I was able to freeze some of the leftover from the meals i cooked just for me

and sent some of the Slow cooker lasagne with the boys for their dinner.

This week we are back to normal excpet for monday where I have my first day back at work

Dinner will be something Ive already cooked and frozen.

So here we go...

Wednesday - Chicken Chow Mein

Thursday - Homemade hamburgers

Friday - 4 ingredients Spaghetti Cup cakes with added vegies

and a pesto pasta for mummy

Saturday - Quesalliadas

ham, cheese & grated vegies for the boys

pumpkin, spinach, feta & red onion for mummy

Sunday - Cohens 1st Birthday Party

So we will have his favourite chicken nuggets & roast vegies for dinner

Monday - 1st day back at work

Chicken Pie which I didnt end up eating last week & popped in the freezer

Tuesday - Pastie Pie

for more meal ideas check out the gorgeous Organised Housewife

Recipe Book

Lasgane in the Slow Cooker
requested by the gorgeous Fiona

Im a bit of a chuck it in type of girl and dont follow measurements

especially with things like bolognese and lasagnes

So i hope you can all make some sense of my recipe

Ingredients
500gms mince
1 packet of fresh lasagne sheets
1 tin of diced tomatos
1 tin of tomato soup
1/2 lge carrott grated
1/2 lge zucchinni grated
1/2 an onion diced
1/2 a medium red capsicum diced
2-3 button mushrooms sliced
mixed herbs
curry poweder
worstichire sauce

Method
In a bowl mix your mince and vegies together
Add both the can of diced tomatos & tomato soup mix well
Sprinkle in some mixed herbs & curry powder and add a few splashes of worstichire sauce
Mix well

Layer sauce on the bottom of your slow cooker pot so it covers the base
next layer is the lasagne sheets I just rustically rip these and place them over the meal layer
Continue layering meat then pasta until the meal mixtureis gone making sure yor top layer is meat
Grate some cheese ontop
&
Voila!
Place lid on & cook on low for 8 hours
Some how you still get a bit of a crusty edge and it tastes amazing.

Serve with garlic bread &/or salad

So whats cooking in your kitchen this week?

You Know You're a Mummy When #2

You know you're a mummy when...
You find kids toys in odd places.

Have you ever opened your kitchen draw to find this..

Or gone to answer the phone only to realise this phone actually dosent work?

Or perhaps you were in need of getting something out of the cupboard but had to move the parked car first

Or maybe there's a monster underneath your couch that collects kids things and hides them there?
I know I have one

Or even better you find a child where their toys should be?

You wouldnt find these things anywhere but in a home that has children it
and you cant help but giggle and take photo
They just never tell you your house would be literally be take over by these little people
But isn't it the best reminder that your house is filled with fun!

Have you found any toys or kids things in odd Places?

and
If you missed the 1st you know you're a mummy

you can read it here or maybe it should say smell it here?

no its probably a good thing you cant smell it ;)