The day I was a model...

Pin Up Makeover...

Sneak peek.

To Murphy

So this is where we part my friend, 

And you'll run on, around the bend,

Gone from sight, but not from mind,

New pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on, I'll find the strength,

Life measures quality, not it's length.

One long embrace before you leave,

Share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,

But they are they and they aren't you.

And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,

Will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,

The fur I stroked, the nose I kissed,

And so as you journey to your final rest,

Take this with you

I loved you best.

Missing you so much mate x

Our treasured dog...

Ah the familiarity of the blogging world.

I am finally writing here again and it is not that I haven't been writing.. just everywhere but on my blog - for a local magazine instead.

There is something freeing about the blog world.

I got somewhat excited as I prepared to write, the beauty I think is that I had no idea what I was going to write about- but that is OK.

Do I tell you about my sick dog, my sore back and exhausted body after this long week or the lumpy custard my husband has lovingly (bless him) served me up as a treat... my new work load, my big 30 coming up or my new love of health..

It's been a while.

Well right now I am tired so I will keep it short.  The central focus of my life this week was my special pup Murphy. He was my first baby, the dog who gave us some practise before children, as they do. Suddenly he started throwing up and didn't stop. After rushed trips to the vet but no answers found he gave up on eating and finally drinking, making for a long teary night as I worried he would drift away from us as we slept.

These are the times you realise how close your animals are in your life, your unit, your family.

The tears didn't stop as I thought back on the lack of walks, the scoldings when we were stressed and the lack of time we had for him once the kids came along. As it goes.

It was a scary night as I waited until morning light to ring the vet and wait on their doorstep tears and all.

Sedation, x-rays and an empty wallet later we were no more in the know and a no happier dog, just told to wait it out and see. That word... time.

A sore guts just seemed like such a weak answer as he choked every time I feed him water through a syringe and he collapsed when he stood to try to go toilet. Completely exhausted one night, I actually slept through the night but found him saturated in a pool of urine as he hadn't had the strength to get himself up to the toilet himself.

My heart was breaking as I nursed him. Nothing else mattered and kids demands seemed more selfish that normal as the reality lay our dog was possibly dying.

But the love of animals is a powerful force and their determination to stay loyal and stick around. Tiny progress today, step by step he has sniffed at food then had a small taste. He wanted to chase a cat and tries to go toilet more. He walks down to be with us on the couch and looks at us with some life, not hunched over and giving up in his eyes.

This is Murphy:

The sweetest dog in the world... and on the mend.

There was nothing else I wanted to write about tonight... but him.

Treasure your furry family members.

Note writing...

Note writing.......

I got sent to the principals office at primary school because of it.... well love letters. 

The simple and creative gesture of a note is fading away as technology takes his place in modern society.

The postal service is at risk.

Kids, there used to be such things as pen pals! 

It's shame and in my simple little way I won't let it die out for my family and I.

Miss five has a best friend in Auckland, even though it takes a lot of encouragement to write a letter sometimes it is worth the excitement when one arrives back in the post on a sunny afternoon. 

Notes are also flying around our home at the moment and us as parents where not seeing how important these had become to Miss five until daddy heard this...

"Here is a note for you Dad."

"Oh thank you!"

"Daddy... why don't you and mum ever write back?"

Heart drop moment. 

So, here I sit... writing notes. I was in bed but my motherly conscience could not bear it. First note written back and ready to be placed on the end of a princesses bed in just a few moments....

The simple things. 

Exploring your own back yard

Lately it has dawned on us that (since the sun has finally decided to show his face) we live in such a beautiful part of the country and many find, you don't end up venturing out to your own backyards and exploring what is at your doorstep. So with that in mind, the last few days have been adventure days, new places, free entertainment and loads of fun! I'll let the pics speak for themselves...

Sometimes, you just don't need that big overseas holiday! 

Ballet memories x

The memories came flooding back. 

Tears welled in my eyes.

My darling baby girl all dressed up as a ballerina and nervous for her first time on stage. 

She folded her arms with nerves, doing little nervous jumps at first...

You made me so proud girl and broke through a barrier in your confidence up there, loving every second and showing the crowd your very best. 

You even nailed the solo that you were not expected to do! 

Love you baby- you did amazing! 

x

'Christmas Elfing'

Even a word? Elfing? Anyway this is what we are up to in our house at the moment and apart from the hideous humidity that makes me grumpy at everyone I love and hair frizzy and afro it has been thoroughly enjoyable I must say.

Last year we moved in to this house right on Christmas so as much as it was an amazing Chrissy prezzie and very exciting it also brought with it exhaustion, chaos and boxes.

Now we have had a year to really settle in our focus is on making the food YUM this year. Putting in the extra effort and spoiling our family and friends who may pop by (hint hint...)

Master four is a keen helper in the kitchen and it has been lovely to spend this time with him during the day before school came to a close.

After school we busied ourselves some more and Miss five and I had a go a peppermint bark, inspired from here while the little chap slept.

I am doing the baking in advance this year as to be honest, the closer I get to Christmas the less I want to do so I aim to get it all done far before Christmas Eve so I can just sit back and be merry.

What is on your list? Any traditions?

I've cottoned on to truffles this year and coconut ice. In this weather I do not want to be near an oven so I have been finding the recipes for treats and slices that do not require it!

Easy recipes, I will post up under the tab!


Happy Christmas prep!

Love Pip