5 Months

Wow! I can barely believe it has been so long! To recap on the last 5 months and my absence, here's a quick run-down:


* Computer was broken for the past 3 months. After saving up we've got it fixed and an extra one!
* We renewed our wedding vows and commitment on our 1 year anniversary.
* We went on an overdue honeymoon down the Great Ocean Road. Photos to come.
* We found out that I'm pregnant and expecting this September!
* We will be moving in, rent free, with Sean's mother/brothers in 3 weeks.
* I decided to start back at work late last year and will finish up in 2 weeks time!

There are so many things that I want to go into and write about right now that have been building up while I've been gone so expect a lot of posts to come. :D

Back in Business!

So everything has finally settled down and after a week of feeling under the weather and dealing with cat squabbles, I'm back! :)

Thank you so much for everyone who gave me advice about Jasmine settling in. It's been a tough week but they're finally all, seemingly, getting along and although there is still the odd growl (when Bartleby gets a little too friendly for her liking, I hope you know what I mean) everything is coming up roses! Happy cats = Happy parents. :)

I decided to try 'Tatertot Casserole' for dinner tonight and it's in the oven as we speak. We've never even had ground turkey before but when I saw it for the first time at Safeway last week, after hearing lots of good things about it, I just had to buy some! It's so much cheaper than most of the meats over here, so here's praying for a good result! :)

I was able to buy a few things from Crystal's (Biblical Womanhood) store over the weekend thanks to the greatest hubby in the world. :D I've ordered:

• Edwardian Apron Pattern
• The Hope Chest: A Legacy of Love
• More Than a Hope chest
• Created To Be His Helpmeet
• Simple Tips for Successful Home Management EBook
  
• Secrets to Supermarket Savings EBook

I've already received the ebook's which look great and I can't wait until I receive the rest in the mail! I am so excited! Not only that but my local library has also ordered The Surrendered Wife by Laura Doyle which I have been wanting to read for ages! Yay! :)

I'll be putting up our week's menu later tonight but right now I need to go and check on dinner. :)

Ikea and Everyday Affairs

Well yesterday, before we introduced Jasmine to our home, I went shopping with mum. We bought a new cat carrier, some new cat toys and somehow ended up at IKEA, one of our favourite stores! :)

I ended up coming home with a pink CD case for our car, some hangers, a new bathmat, some much needed pegs (do anyone else's disappear?) and a few woven wood balls for the cats the play with since they were cents each. I also fell in love with the Liatorp range so I know what we'll be filling the house with when we get one. Mum calls in "New England style" but I'm not sure what that is - the furniture is just very... me. :)

It's already past 10:30 and I've got a ton more to do. I've got a roast on the stove (courtesy of Tammy's Recipes), I've done one load of laundry and I've still got to:

Wash the dishes
Clean the kitchen
Clean the bathroom
Tidy and clean the lounge room
Vacuum and dust
Clean the bedroom
Clean out the boxes in the study

Whew! Somehow I have to also keep the cats separated the entire time as well. *sigh* I'll report on how it goes.

Amy's House of Cookies

Thank you all so much for all the wonderful comments that you left about my menu and soup - it really is very good, it's Sean's favourite. :) When I made some to freeze yesterday (it also freezes fabulously) I realized that I forget to mention that you can add 1 tbs of soy sauce when you're adding the stock powder to add a bit more flavour. I've also added the recipe for ANZAC Biscuits (which are another Sean favourite) below. In the link above you can check out more information about them. Try them and you'll love them! For those overseas, these biscuits are an Australian staple - YUM!

I've had a great couple of days and have really been enjoying being at home. I've spent all day yesterday and today baking and cooking future meals and snacks to try and get a handle on lunches and dinners. We don't like buying things that I can make at home like cookies and snacks and things, but I have been soooo slack lately and poor Sean has suffered with his lunches - so I thought it was time to make it up to him! I've made all kinds of biscuits - peanut butter ones, coconut ones, choc-chip ones, anzac ones... I went a bit cookie crazy. :)

We also had a great Prayer and Bible study at church, tonight. The study was all about prayer and how much it can influence our lives and the lives of others - it was really inspiring and I've gained a new appreciation for prayer, even more than I had before. Between that and my bedside book "By Their Blood: Christian Martyrs from the 20th Century & Beyond" my faith has grown in leaps and bounds and I am so thankful for how He has guided me so far and I'm looking forward to the future! Praise God!

Well I'm off for tonight. Tomorrow I will be doing more baking - I'm planning on baking some more bread, rolls and muffins. I also want to try Pita chips. :) I've also got general cleaning to do (I'm thinking of making one of those household notebooks...) and I'll be going to see my parents tomorrow as well to help them with some computer issues. Whew! I'm tired already! LOL

Anzac Biscuits (cookies)

1 c rolled oats (not instant)
1 c plain flour
1 c sugar
3/4 c coconut
125g (4 oz) butter
2 tbs golden syrup (I've used Karo light corn syrup just fine)
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tbs boiling water

Combine oats, flour, sugar and coconut in large bowl.
Combine butter and golden syrup in a small saucepan and stir over a low heat until melted together. In a cup mix bicarb soda with boiling water and add to butter mixture and then stir this into the dry ingredients.
Place spoonfuls of mixture on a lightly greased oven tray - allowing room for spreading.
Cook at 205C/400F for 10-12 minutes.
They will spread and become golden. If you prefer a chewier biscuit take them out when just golden, if you prefer a crunchier biscuit leave them in a little longer - the darker they are the crunchier they'll be.
They will be soft and pliable so allow them to cool on trays.
Makes about 35-40 biscuits.

Back to Normal... mostly. :)

The week has flown by and after a day of fasting and prayer I actually feel very rejuvenated and ready to get back into the swing of things.

We had two wonderful sermons today at church about trials and testing which reminded me just how much the Lord loves us in every facet of life. The Lord cares! Sometimes I think it's so easy to forget about the plans He has for us and to want to try and do our own thing, our own way - that was partially my dilemma last week.

As I think I've stated before, I didn't grow up as a Christian and only the Lord knows how much I struggle against my worldly background every day. It is SO easy to fall right back into the old ways, the old friends, the old thoughts.

I recently ran into an old friend of mine who I haven't seen since high school when I was in a very different season of my life. Seeing her and how much she had made of her life, in the worldly sense, left a very bitter taste in my mouth. She made several comments about my dress, my lifestyle and reminded me of my roots. How could she live the way she did and have so much when I was trying to live the right way and felt I had so little? I was envious, I was jealous and forgive me, I wanted what she had. Here begins the dilemma.

Sean and I have been struggling recently (and always really) with finances. We both incurred debt early and have since been trying to pay them off but it just never seems to decrease in size and more seems to be incurred through toll fines all the time, which is a story in itself.

Long story short: I was considering going to university to begin a career.

Knowing how much I could get paid in the field I had chosen it was very tempting and seeing this old friend just sealed the deal. I wanted the nice house, the nice car, the nice clothes - more than anything though I wanted to pay off our debts. I looked up courses, I spoke to people about employment internships and basically organized to begin a new phase of life.

Then the Lord, how gracious He is, brought me right back down to earth. He made the course I was planning to take unavailable to me and reminded me of my purpose: as a wife, as a woman and as a personal striving for Christ.

One day I hope to be able to say: ..."for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content." (Phil 4:11) but until then I am sure I will struggle and fall and pick myself back up.

Forgive me for being so open but I felt it best to be honest in my struggles, no matter how inarticulate the post may be. Through this I've learned how important it is to surround yourself with Godly people, material and things. We just may be having a clear out very shortly.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things." - Philippians 4:8

Decisions

Sorry that I've been away for so long. Sean and I are making a few major life decisions and they have taken up a good part of my activities and thoughts for the past week or so. There has been countless hours of prayer and discussion and we would appreciate your prayers for guidance also if you think of us. :) I'll give more information later on when things are more settled and, well... decided.

I'm going to try and get back into the routine in the meantime. :)

I've been working on some crochet gifts this week and I had forgotten just how much I love it. It's so relaxing and rhythmic - great for any television time. I also love just how quickly things come together, it's very satisfying. :) Unfortunately, however, Loki and B are also very fond of balls of wool, cotton and acrylic. LOL. It's a good exercise of patience and correct discipline. :)

Today is going to be spent on washing and a bit of cleaning. Sean had been away for work and came home Friday night with a suitcase full of dirty clothes and I'm trying to get them all clean (and dried and pressed!) before he leaves again tomorrow. We've been out all weekend so I haven't had a chance, yet. I hate when my routines get out of whack!

I'll be catching up on my blogroll later today (hopefully) and tomorrow. :)

I figured it.

We had a wonderful day today. First thing this morning Sean treated us to a fancy breakfast at a trendy cafe in town, Red Orange. We've been wanting to try their food for a while but the prices were a put off - so expensive! Once we got there though we found out that all the breakfast menu was half-off! What a break! :)

I didn't take my camera, but you can check out pictures here, and if you do, we were seated in the open area with the palm tree in the middle. :) The room was cool, but to be honest (and I hate speaking badly of things) it wasn't that great.

Maybe it was the high expectations I had placed on it, or maybe it was the half-price food, but the food and the service was pretty ordinary. My breakfast (of scrambled eggs on toast with a side of 2 small rashes of bacon and a small tomato) without a drink was almost $10 half-price!! Out total bill came to almost $30 so I would have had a heart attack if we had just paid $60 for breakfast, $30 was PLENTY! Live and learn I guess... and it was a nice treat to just be out sipping drinks at a swanky cafe, I'll be honest. :)

After that we headed over to my parents house for me to do a bit of gardening and for Sean to help pull a tree down in their garden. I WISH that I had brought along my camera (I need to learn to take it along!) for the wattle tree lopping - it was so funny. Between dad and Sean they had ropes with knots and pulleys going all over the garden tied to all sorts of things so they could cut it while avoiding the sticky wattle! It took us all about an hour to finally get it down, but what a relief when we did!! They have a view over the valley again! :)

I spent a fair bit of the afternoon weeding my old vegetable garden patch. Isn't it amazing how quickly weeds just take over an area?! Especially the Deadly Nightshade which just roots like nothing else! The tiny dirt patch was my pride and joy for months last year and I'm ready to have another go when it's time to plant (and I'll definitely take photos). :)

Unfortunately I didn't stop to think about my back while bending over the garden but BOY do I feel it now! I (stupidly) let my lower back get a chill while bending up and down and now I'm practically an invalid for the night. Hopefully though by tomorrow morning, after a night of warmth and rubbing it will be back to itself. I hope anyway. It's the second time this has happened to me in the past couple of months - first with vacuuming and now with weeding! Maybe I should just lounge on the sofa and let Sean do all the work. What do you think? ;)

What a day!

I'm back! Wow, this week seems to have just flown by, but it's had a great ending. :)

Firstly, I went shopping - well pattern shopping anyway. :) I ended up only spending a few dollars and came home with a lot more than I though I would - I'm sure everyone knows how that goes!

I bought a lot of kids dress and play sewing patterns for a start.

They're mostly patterns from the 60's thru early 80's but who doesn't love a cute vintage play dress?? I couldn't resist. I'll hopefully start sewing some of these up for a couple of friends who have requested a dress or two making.

These were .20c each so all up it cost me $1.80!! I've gone through each of them and although the packets are a bit tattered the patterns are all complete and will be fine to use!

Then I got three sewing patterns for me - I hope to alter them a bit and make some cute outfits! I love the dress/es on the left - they will be great for everyday during this summer! I also love the middle packet's green dress, especially the bodice. I'm going to try adding some length to it along with the first dresses and see how it goes. And lastly in my patterns I had to buy the jammies pattern because I just adored the pajama tops, how cute are they??

Next stop was the knitting and crochet patterns - I can never go past them. :) I managed to pick up these 8 pattern books at .75c each.

There is one book (far left) with no front page filled with 60's jumpers and cardigans and such, 5 Paton's knitting books that I would guess are from the 40's or 50's, a Paragon "Bootee Book" and a Paragon knitting book of 4 layettes a shawl and a reversible pram cover - just gorgeous!!

I love the little knitted outfits (or layettes) of the 30's-50's that babies wore so I was super excited to come across these! I'll be up to a lot of knitting in the near future I bet.

Lastly, my eyes fell upon a freezing book - "In and Out of the Freezer, Deep freezing from A-Z". It's from 1975, but everyone knows that the best book are vintage. :) It's basically a book filled with how to freeze everything. I'm trying to learn the art of freezing. I freeze the majority of our meat right now but sometimes I'm just not sure whether something will stand up for freezing so this is perfect! I haven't had a chance to have a proper look at it yet, but I'll get up to that tonight. :)

That was only the beginning of the day - this afternoon I spent getting up to a bit of sewing I had to finish off. This apron I have been working on in small bits and pieces for about 3 weeks so finally I had time to put it all together. Excuse the bad lighting, need for ironing and marks - I had just finished cleaning the kitchen in it and suddenly remembered I didn't have a photos of it. :)

Then to finish up my day with a bang I got a call this evening announcing the arrival of two packages from the US. Yay!! :) I drove straight over to pick them up and my mum wouldn't let me leave without opening them - I think she was just as excited as I was! lol!

Here they are but I must mention that the photos just don't do them justice! Thank you to Jessica who sent me the beautiful earrings that I'll be wearing tomorrow and vanilla bean dark chocolates - how did you know?? Dark chocolate! My favourite! I've already eaten one. :)

And the quilt I received from Sue Ellen is gorgeous, just amazing quality! Wow! I will definitely be getting more of them when I get some money together. :) Beautiful colours and the tags and various textures will be great for babies! I can't wait to give it to Michaela! She will love it!

So there's my day so far and I'm absolutely exhausted and ready for bed. I'll hopefully post a couple of things tomorrow, but until then have a wonderful blessed day!!

Time Management

Oh how I need to learn some time management skills!

It's 2 am, I am very tired and yet I must stay up for another half an hour at least. This is what happens when you get distracted from your plans!

Earlier today when I found out we're actually having friends over for dinner tomorrow night/tonight I was excited because 1.) well I was looking forward to seeing them! and 2.) I could finally try out this cake that I have been looking for a reason to make! Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it until tonight after dinner in between the cleaning I had planned to do (Sean worked late) and didn't read the instructions carefully through (beware!) to check how long it would take to make. After a lot of noise, one dead electric beater and uncooked cheesecake everywhere it's finally resting before I put it in the fridge overnight. All things aside, the raw cake tastes delicious! :)

I have tried looking for some time management tips on the web but they all seem to be related to academic studies or business efficiency, which is fine, but what about us who don't work or study, and need help in the home. Surely I can't be the only one who's been in the above predicament?

Feeling better now...

Thanks to everyone for their kind replies and many visits and a big HI to you all!

We had a busy weekend and I'm still recovering! The visit to our families was a wonderful catch up with lots of food and entertainment of various means. :) Unfortunately, after falling ill on Saturday night, on Sunday I wasn't feeling well enough to go to church, but we had some friends come over who brought with them the sermons on their hearts which was a blessing and a great time of fellowshipping.

Sean and I have booked ourselves into the IBLP seminar for later in the year that we're really excited about. I am really looking forward to learning, growing, and meeting some more awesome future friends. :) Their Financial Freedom seminar has changed our lives so much. If you have the money I would so highly recommend getting a copy of this seminar from Vision Forum (check out their site while you're there!).

I hope to finish two aprons that I have been working on tonight, so I'll get some pictures up of the (hopefully) finished products when I re-find the cable to link up my camera to the laptop. :) The kittens stole it again! lol

With trying to recuperate and not do much over the past couple of days I have read through a lot of my books (again) and I'm looking out for more. Does anyone have any good books, either fiction or non-fiction, that they can recommend? :)

I Won! I Won!

Oh my goodness, I actually won something in the Dog Days of Summer giveaways hosted by the ever thoughful Shannon! Well actually, two things! I couldn't believe it!

I have only ever won one thing in my life and that was a baseball cap for winning the indoor Bowls competition that they had for work - and to be fair, I only won because it was between me and a man without his glasses, so... yeah. :)

I won a pair of gorgeous cross earrings from the generous Jessica at Jessica's Family Blog! I have been looking for some similar to this, without success, and will wear them with pride. :)

I also won a Tag Blanket (what a great idea for bubs!!) from Sue Ellen at What's He Up To Now? which will be handed over to a friend of mine, Michaela, who's recently had a baby. I thought this would be perfect! Go check out her Etsy store where there are more blankets to buy here. I might go and buy one for my future children, myself. :)

Now we're off to Sean's family for a visit and then on to my parents house to help set up their new printer!

Have a great Saturday, everyone!

The Simpsons Movie

The above is the reason I am up so late with no craft whatsoever in hand. ;)

Sean and I had our weekly date night tonight and decided to see The Simpsons Movie. I was a huge fan when I was a kid and remember seeing the first episode on TV - it was a family event! I must admit that I have lost a lot of interest over the years because I found things becoming a bit too risque and predictable but Sean really wanted to see it, and we thought it would give us a laugh.

I won't give a lengthy review, or any review actually, because my reviews in school were usually so scattered it didn't give anyone any idea as to what I was raving about, but if you would like to know my opinion on the movie, I will send you here, where John sums up the movie just as I would have if I could articulate my thoughts more clearly. While you are there check out his other reviews if you're planning on going to the movies or hiring out a DVD soon - his reviews are family focused and highly recommended!

Thank You, Father

Oh my goodness, I thought I lost him! My big-eyed Bartleby!

I am so incredibly vigilant with our two kittens. They're the first two living things that have been totally dependent on me for their everything and I am determined not to mess it up. So you can imagine how guilty I felt when suddenly one of them went missing!

To back up, I was doing loads of laundry today, several loads. I was also airing the place out so both the window (with screen) and door (with security screen) were open. The kittens were playing and fighting as usual, running around our home like madmen. I was just finishing putting my last load of laundry in the machine when I heard a slight bang from the lounge room and suddenly Loki appeared next to me meowing. Little did I know that Bartleby, in his play, had run into the window screen, pushed it out of the window frame and followed it down two storeys onto the driveway and nearby road!

I also might add at this point that we live around 20 feet from a major highway that has a high speed limit and a huge amount of cars. My first though was that he was going to run for the road. Having never been outside because of the highway his curiosity was surely going to get the better of him! Before I knew it I was panicking and then part of a psalm that I was studying this morning came to mind:

"But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me." (Psalms 66:19,20)

So I stopped for a moment and begged God to watch over Bartleby, to make him avoid the road and to bring him back to us safely. It was not a kneel and pour our your heart kind of prayer, but a prayer of urgency, a tell me what I should do and where I should go. As I franticly slipped my shoes on and opened the security door to go search outside there he was, pacing outside of our door! I cried.

He had somehow managed to fall down two storeys onto concrete, climb back up two flights of stairs he's never been on and come to our door waiting for me to open it with not a single injury! It was nothing short of a miracle, and I have never been so glad to hear his irritated little meow in my life!

The Lord is so wonderful and is always ready to help us in our times of need, never mind how small they may seem - never has this been more apparent to me than today. Thank you, Father, for letting us keep these two blessings a little bit longer.