At this moment: 10 months old

I was just reading through the post I wrote when Ezra reached 8 months (read it HERE) and it seems like he has grown and changed so much in such a short amount of time. I love these posts because they are a great reminder to me of what my little man was like at exactly this age. I know will cherish these posts  and the memories they refresh so much.

So at this moment, right now Ezra is learning to walk, what an amazing thing. He is getting more confident every day. A couple of weeks ago he learnt how to go from sitting to standing by himself, without pulling up on anything. Now he stands up, then picks up the full size Basketball and walks a few steps holding it. I cannot believe it. He is starting to try to walk around instead of crawling, but the most he can do is about ten steps without falling. If he really wants to get somewhere fast, he will still crawl.  I wonder how long it will be until he is just walking everywhere? At least it will save the knees of his pants from becoming worn through!

He now has six teeth, with more coming through, I feel like the next ones aren't coming through in the 'correct' order, it just seems like his whole mouth is in pain. Teething, does it ever end? It feels like it has been consistently happening from about 4 months old.

He just learnt to climb up onto the couch, and thinks it is so great to sit up there next to us, it is so adorable. He loves reading stories, it is the only time he ever sits still, apart from sleeping. He despises wearing shoes, and cries and screams whenever I try, I am hoping we can overcome this soon, the photo above he put up with the shoes, but I took them off about five minutes after the photos were taken, I think he may be a little hippy baby!His laugh and his smile are contagious, he makes me laugh so hard everyday, hasn't done much for my stomach muscles yet though. We are getting the the time where he is really starting to exert his own will and get upset when he can't do what he wants, I know a whole new learning curve is on its way for me.

It is hard to believe my baby is almost a toddler, and how fast this year has gone. I celebrate his achievements like they are my own, and feel it so deep down in my heart when he is hurting or upset, I never knew I could love as much as this. I'll do anything for him, and one little smile just makes me feel like the luckiest person in the world that I get to spend my days with such an amazing little boy.

Karen xx

Amazing and Easy Guacalome Recipe

I often get asked for the recipe for the Guacamole I make. So I thought this is the best place to share. I am a big lover of Mexican food, I developed a taste for it when we lived in Florida, so many awesome Mexican restaurants! Its unfortunate that it is so difficult to get really good, authentic Mexican food around these parts. This recipe was given to me by my friend Cyndi a number of years ago, and I have been making it regularly ever since, and I still have trouble not eating it all immediately, it's that good!

Ingredients:

3 Ripe Hass Avocados

2 Roma Tomatoes

1 Lime

1/2 Brown Onion

1 clove of Garlic

A bunch of Coriander (Cilantro for the Americans)

Salt



What To Do:

Firstly, mash the avocados in a bowl, cut the lime in half and cover the avocados with juice from 1/2 lime

Chop the onion into small pieces and then mix in

Halve and de-seed the tomatoes, then chop tomato and mix in

Crush the garlic clove and add that to the mixture

Pick off a handful of coriander leaves, chop finely and mix in

Add a couple of pinches of salt

Use the remaining half of the lime and squeeze juice over mixture to your taste

Mix it all together and cover and put the Guacalome in the fridge, Or you can serve immediately but I like to let the favors have time to mix in.

Tips:

When refrigerating the guacamole keep the avocado pits and put them in to help stop the avos from turning brown.

Keeping leftover coriander (cilantro) in a glass of water can help it for last a lot longer than it would in the fridge.


Hope you enjoy, I like to eat this as a dip with cornchips, in a burrito, on top of enchiladas or you can use it as a spread in a salad sandwich.

Karen!!

Wordless Wednesday: Instagram

Last week I wasn't able to do a wordless Wednesday because my phone was in meltdown, on Friday I took a trip into the Apple store to get it replaced under warranty, I was lost without a working phone. 

Hours of entertainment from one wheel

I like it when this guy plays for us

Someone else really likes it too

Cold and Windy in Perth today, perfect for my Moo boots

Way too much cuteness for one picture

Angus has discovered that Ez can do more than just drop good.  He wants to play too.

Are these the storm clouds rolling in #Perthstorm

I love my hot rollers, easiest hair styling ever!

Rollers out and big Curly hair. 

This week I am linking up with Frugality is Free, Washing Line Revelations and Shashers Life

Do What You Love

I am finally back on the embroidery band wagon. After too long without really stitching anything, I have started the process of getting calluses on my fingers again. So this is my little contribution. I think I might keep it for myself to hang in my 'study' area. Just as a constant reminder to myself to focus on the things that I love and am passionate about.

I know that so many people don't get the option to 'Do what they love' it might be because of circumstances, the country they were born it, money, disabilities, lack of opportunity, responsibilities, choices made years ago, afraid of failure, family support, race, gender and a whole range of other things that make it more difficult.

I was watching the season finale of Mad Men last night, oh man this season has been so good! Anyway in this episode Meghan's (Don's Wife) Mother said to her:

“Not every little girl gets to do what they want. The world could not support that many ballerinas.”

It struck a nerve with me, because I think we should be able to follow our dreams. So what I say is: You only get one life, so make it the best life you can. And along the way help others to follow their dreams too. 

If you're working for a job that you hate, or you're not in the place that you want to be, and it is seeping into every other aspect of your life, start to plan on how you can change your circumstances and reach the place where you get to 'Do what you love!' It often takes sacrifice, I know this, I did a job that I loved once that didn't pay a single cent, I did it for almost 4 years. I've been lucky lately because I have a husband to support me in doing what I love, because he earns most of the money, I loved my last job it didn't pay a whole lot, and it wasn't full time, but I loved it, because it was fulfilling and meaningful and I know that by doing it I literally saved lives.  But I know not everyone has this option.

It often takes Courage, putting yourself out there, and stepping out into the unknown. I did this at 18 when I bought a one way ticket across the country, leaving everything and everyone I knew behind. We did this just after we got married when we just packed up and moved countries, then decided to move states after that, before moving countries again a couple years later. We didn't know what to expect, and it was a massive step.

But it will be worth it! I believe in living a life that fulfils you and is meaningful.
Do you have a plan? Do you have a dream? What is stopping you from reaching it?

I often think to myself, when I am 80 years old and I look back at my life, what do I want to think about it? That I should've, could've, would've but I didn't. Or that I took a leap of faith, and took on a challenge and lived a fulfilling, meaningful life that I loved.

I am a firm believer that Goals and Aspirations in life are extremely important, and so are the steps that get you there. Moving forward, step by step, to live the life you want, so you can Do what you Love.

I didn't really plan for this post to turn out like this, but it is truly something I have been thinking about a lot lately, and so it feels good to get it written down. I hope that you enjoy!

I would love to hear some of your dreams and what Doing What you love means to you!


Karen xx

Who am I?

I have tried writing and deleting this post a few times now, why is this so hard to answer, I really want to be a part of this, but it feels so difficult, and it is because of this that I don't want to give up. I know I need to get out of my comfort zone and be real, no glossing over, but it is so hard.

I'm a Woman. I'm a mother a daughter a wife a sister a friend.

But that is too broad, what distinguishes me from everyone else, what makes Me, ME! Because I know I am unique, original and one of a kind (so are you) there is no one the same as me. That is amazing, and frightening at the same time. That means, I have something to offer that no one else can, so do you. It means even though I do, I shouldn't compare myself to others, or try to be someone I'm not, because I don't believe God made a mistake when I was made, or when you were either.

That doesn't mean that I stop trying to be the best Me that I can be, because I know I'm not perfect. I can have a bad attitude, I can be rude, I'm not always the best communicator, I get jealous, I overreact, I feel lonely sometimes, I am not always confident, I make bad decisions, I like to wallow, I avoid rather than confront, I get too stressed, I'm selfish, I'm disorganised, I'm afraid of failure, I am overly sensitive, I'm not a great listener, I am not great at writing, I am bad at attention to detail, my house is a mess.

Everyday I keep trying and working on ME, and who I am, trying to be the best Me that I can. Trying to be less of the things listed above because they detract from who I really want to be, I know as well as those things I am also passionate about my family, I hate injustice, I fight for the underdog, I am smart, and analytical, I love to smile, I dream big dreams, I am kind and compassionate, I am loud, I love to speak to a big crowd, I am determined, I am supportive, I am an encourager, I like to laugh and have fun, I'm a good Mum, I will do anything for those I love, I am inclusive: I hate seeing people left out, I am funny, I am adventurous, I love a challenge, I am creative.

Who are you?

This is my answer to the question Who The Hell Are You? Posed by Eden Riley. Check out some of the other bloggers great answers by clicking on the link (image) below.

 

 

Happy Birthday Dad!

If you didn't guess by the title, it's my Dad's Birthday today.

Whenever I hear people say that they have the best Dad I never believe them, how can they?
When I have the best Dad!

My childhood was pretty awesome. I think back on those times and realise just how lucky I am to have such amazing parents. I didn't always appreciate the way my Dad looked after me, particularly those nights when we were camping in my early teens and I snuck away to parties on the beach, only to have my Dad march down and embarrass me by dragging me away. Or when I didn't want to be seen with my parents at the shopping centre, because I was apparently 'too cool' so I would walk a few metres ahead. My Dad would then deliberately start limping behind me and yell out in a silly voice with a lisp 'Wait for me KAWEN', completely shattering my coolness! I thought my friends with the laid back 'do what you want' parents had it made and I thought my parents were trying to ruin my life because they were trying to look after my wellbeing, but as a typical teenager I did not really see logic in these matters. Now, I am so grateful they persevered and stuck to their guns, because it was exactly what I needed.

My Dad was and still is always there to help, whether it be rescuing me from almost drowning in the pool, driving me to all my tennis matches, building lego, fixing my bike, listening to me rehearse for Drama plays or practice speeches,  helping me with my assignments,  resume and giving me financial advice. He even used to cut my hair, he's very practical so it involved putting gaffa tape in a straight line and cutting above it, so there was not mess to clean up! Genius.

My Dad is a fun Dad, some of my best memories are of Sunday mornings at the beach going surfing. Even when he used to drop in on me, I still enjoyed it! I remember our camping trips and family holidays, games in the pool, going to the park and just having fun. I used to love the Easter morning egg hunts, and was giddy with excitement when part of the Easter Bunny's tail got somehow stuck in the front door, and he left tracks in the sand pit. I can't wait to do the same things with my own kid(s).

My Dad always taught us to believe in ourselves. He always encouraged us, and still does, to follow our dreams. To do what we love. He didn't force us to follow a particular direction in life but supported us to do what we wanted to do. He didn't control us but let us make our own mistakes and to learn from them. He is a motivator and an encourager, and I always feel better and more confident after I talk to my Dad. He is so positive and always has a way of helping me out with my bad attitude towards something. He has great advice, and even at nearly 30, I still like to get my Dad's opinion on choices I am making. He is a wise man.

My Dad helped me to understand the value of hard work, taking care of things and money. We weren't in need growing up, but we also weren't given everything we wanted. I remember saving all our coins in big piggy banks so we could have spending money on a holiday to Bali, I think whatever we saved they matched. My Dad has an amazing work ethic, and has really been a great example to us in that, I still don't ever remember him taking a sick day. Growing up we occasionally had to work in the garden, and do the dishes, although we thought back then he was a slave driver, it really was barely anything, but it taught us we had to chip in and do our bit. Even though I know I could spend more time arguing about doing something than it would take to do it.

My Dad is generous, kind, loving, funny, loud and a pretty good dancer as well! He can tear it up on the Wedding dance floors!

My Dad Loves us! That is the biggest message that comes through loud and clear from all my childhood memories. Dad, I love you too! You have taught me such amazing things in my life and I can never express how grateful I am! So Thank You for being such an amazing Dad.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Love Your Favourite Daughter! 

Painting the weekend away

Wow, what a weekend. I embarked on too many projects for my own good.
Here I am Monday night, after a long weekend here on the West Coast, feeling sore and exhausted.
At least I have my glass of wine.  Ahhh, that makes me feel a little more relaxed.

 I decided yesterday that I really, really wanted to paint my lovely retro kitchenette. I realised about half way through that I severely underestimated the amount of time that it would take to paint it. I spent most of the day painting, while Joel was hanging out with Ez. I picked a mint green colour, thanks to some recommendations! It looks fairly average in this picture because I have so far managed only to complete one coat. Also the lighting in our dining room is terrible so it is almost impossible to get a good picture. But you get an idea, in reality it is so bright. I hope it is cool bright not crazy bright when I'm finished.

This morning we got up and got to work on painting the kitchen. It is something that has been bugging me for 4 years. I didn't want to paint until we renovated the kitchen, and by the time we renovated I was heavily pregnant and didn't want to paint. So, the gross, yellow, dirty kitchen walls have been silently driving me insane all this time. Until today that is. Seeing we have painting almost our entire house we have a good system going. I cut in and Joel rolls. It is mostly because Joel is terrible at cutting in, and I won't let him do it anymore. I have the steady hand, and he is colour blind which makes it even harder for him if the new colour is similar to the old.

Renovations with an under one year old in the house are intense. Especially a very active, very mobile 10 month old. When he was napping with were both painting, when he was awake Joel did the baby entertaining and I clung to the ladder hoping I wouldn't fall! It took me a few hours to do all the cutting in, and took Joel about 20 minutes to do the rolling. I think I got the short straw. Anyway, it is finally finished, and I am so happy.

Now I am off to crash on the couch with my wine and zone out to some tv.
I love completely projects on the house, but it is hard work. I don't think I want another 'fixer upper;

I hope you had a more relaxing weekend than us!!

My favourite baby lunches: Vegetable Pikelets

My favourite lunch to make for Ez is Vegetable Pikelets. The reasons I love them so much are that they are easy and quick to make, you can put them in a zip lock bag, you don't need to feed them with a spoon (which is perfect seeing he would MUCH rather feed himself and often refuses to be spoon fed), they aren't that messy so you can take them out with you without worrying too much about getting your Nanna's house filthy, I can eat them for lunch too if I want. Plus there are so many different varieties you can make, and jam them full of as many vegetables as you like so you know they are getting a healthy lunch. I got the idea from a good little recipe book called Baby Tastes (www.babytastes.com.au) but I just use whatever vegetables I can find in the fridge or freezer.

The basic recipe goes like this:

1 Cup of Self-Raising Flour
3/4 Cup of Milk
1/4 Tbsn Baking Powder
1 egg (if you have tried egg out for allergies already, but they don't need egg)

Sometimes I substitute some of the milk for yoghurt, mostly because I often don't have enough milk in the house and I needed some left over for my cup (or several cups) of tea.

I usually grate some cheese and add that in too! Mostly cheddar but sometimes I add Parmesan to mix it up a bit.

I've tried zucchini and carrot, grated. This is really easy because you don't have to cook the veggies first.

My favourite is pumpkin (butternut squash) and carrot. But you have to steam/cook the pumpkin first.

Ez loves Mushrooms (kinda unusual for a baby I think) so often I will add them.

Peas and Corn are also a good addition

Really you can add whatever veggies you have in your fridge, you can even do fruit as well. Just remember that the harder ones may need to be cooked prior to adding them to the batter.

Once you have mixed it all together, you just fry them up in a pan with a little Olive Oil like mini pancakes (which is really what they are) and hey presto!

Bag them up and off you go, or freeze them for later on.

Do you have a go to baby lunch? I am always looking for more ideas so I would love to hear, it is so easy to get stuck for ideas coming up with baby foods.

Karen xx

Wordless Wednesday of the Instagram Variety

I'm a big fan of Instagram, so today, I'm doing a Wordless Wednesday, with some of my favourite recent Instagram pictures! You can find me on Instagram I'm @yellowdandy

Three guesses who the pictures are mainly of.
P.S how awesome are these tea stamps? I have a big addiction to tea! (I'm a 6 cuppa day kinda girl, low caffeine though)