Thankful

So thankful!

Thankful for my hubby who won double movie pass tickets and decided to take me out to dinner and spoil me (an extra special treat after an extremely tough homeschooling week)!

Thankful for my very thoughtful son who decided all by himself to record 'Better Homes and Gardens' for Mamma while she was out. What a sweetie!

Thankful for a very contented baby who survived on the pittance of expressed milk I could manage until I got home and lay totally relaxed on our dining room table with not a care in the world (Grandma found it the best spot to keep an eye on him) while she ...

Cleaned my entire house, managed four rambunctious children, cleaned my fridge (seriously - my fridge is in total submission and is now even aesthetically pleasing)

and all the other 'normal' things I often take for granted - good health, a family who loves me even when I get very cranky (and often over things that really don't matter that much), beautiful green grass again after the rain, a letter from my Mamma to my kids, a grandmother who is in remission from cancer, a tiny window of time to do some craft, a quiet moment to chat with my first born who missed his Mamma...

Thankyou Lord... in the good times!

( PS - Please help me to be thankful in the tough times too)

Just for Fun

Some little hand biscuits to celebrate our new boy! I actually had pre-made dough in the fridge - so all I had to do was cut out the shapes and ice them...

... and most importantly take them along to church to share with friends...

Updates

Other recent happenings in the Campbell clan include:

An insiders tour of the new Clem Jones tunnel (the last tour before the big opening). David grabbed a group of friends from church and neighbourhood and took them along. I stayed home with the kids (had to be over 16 for the tour). This was prior to Jayden's birth so was relieved to hear later that mobile phone connection still worked in the tunnel should I happen to go into labour at that convenient time :) As we know Jayden was most polite and decided to wait another week or so...

Just noticed, looking at this photo that our darker skinned friends are rather camouflaged against the black statue:)

And more photos of our Jay with Grampy and Nanny. So nice to have them able to come and have some cuddle time.

Our little quiver full...

Our first photo as a family of six!

So our lives go on...

• Jayden helps me do the daily school run with Owen - has many admirers now and I can usually find a willing pair of arms to cuddle him while I help Owen settle in.

• Joshua is in grade five this year and has started Youth Quake (for pre-teens). Hard to believe I have a newborn and pre-teen! (ok, he is only 9, but still...)

• Owen just achieved a major milestone for me on Saturday and spelled out his name (when I wrote each letter on his Magnadoodle). Wow - Onya Owen!

• Rosa has become a real chatterbox and brought a smile to my face today when she used the potty and told me that I should come and see and that I should tell her "well done, Rosa, you can have a lolly" Children don't come with instruction manuals when they're born but I think Rosa has one for me ;)

Facial Expressions

I was telling my brother about how Jay's facial expressions change even while he sleeps.

This is what I mean:

He also does some funny eye brown raises and lip puckers - but of course he declined to let his mother photograph these and plaster them on her blog;)

What do you think he is dreaming about?

Baby love

Cuddles with Aunty Jen

Your first bath

With the most protective big brother in the world!

How you spend most of your day

Having fun with Owen and Rosa.

The details for those who got the general "they had a boy" from their hubbies

...Oh, and here are all the details for those who like to know

Jayden (meaning "Jehovah has heard") Matthew Campbell

• was born at 3:11 am on Tuesday 9th February 2010

• Is the smallest of all four of our babies at 8 pounds 5 1/2 oz or 3780grams

• Was not born at home (YAY) or even in the back of the ambulance or car but arrived with plenty of time to spare at the hospital!

• Is 54cm long

• Has a head circumference of 36.5cm

• Hospital UR number.... just kidding :)

• Has Joshua, Owen and Rosa stoked - each one has already taken to him very quickly and informs me the min. he squeaks as to his needs, life goals and aspirations ;) I can see Jayden has them well trained already ;) ;)

Now did I cover all the necessary details?

It's a Boy!

Another wee bairn blessed to our care

On knees we thank the Lord in prayer

A tiny life, with fingers small,

How can we thank you Lord of All?

With lashes long and downy head,

Siblings-a-plenty surround his bed,

He brings delight, he brings great pleasure,

A bounteous gift beyond all measure.

Bring with him wisdom, Lord we ask,

Though family already - tis' great the task!

For each new lesson, help us to be,

Ready to seek You on bended knee.

And while he's little, and soft to touch,

We'll enjoy the moments so very much!

Through times of tiredness or strife,

Remind us to love this wee, young life.

Welcome to our hearts Jayden Matthew Campbell!

Loads more photos to follow (when I can pry myself away from kissing his chubby cheeks)!

Aint' it Grand to be Three?

Early morning. Little toes bouncing in delight. Squeals and bounces all over Daddy and Mummy's bed. A very full bed, elbows and legs squished in. Loud voices. Paper everywhere. More squeals of delight and detailed comments about little fancies and cute froggies on gift wrap. Big brothers eager to explore new things. Attempts to calm wild, silly talk and settle giggly bellies.

Big hugs. Squeezy hugs. Tight hugs. Daddy hugs!

Soft words of consolation to baby doll. Long legs of Ollie owl - pulled and tangled. Big brother uses for soccer practise (on his sister). Children dressed. Chosen new hair ties (ice-cream ones:) embellishing ponytails. Routines followed. Car reverses from driveway.

Cake birthday hat - three sweet candles. Smiles from teachers and staff. Birthday well wishes at brother's school.

Decision making at cake counter. Instant choice - choc. cake. Mess everywhere. Two straws. Quiet togetherness. Smiles shared across the table. Slurps and chocolate moustaches. Quiet thoughts. Mine on future for our daughter. Hers on the icy-ness of her drink. Coughs and splutters and priceless facial expressions. Back for more. Some saved for big brother - wrapped precariously in serviettes and carried home.

Fun with new gifts - threading cards, half a game of memory and magic markers! Fun with joined chopsticks and cotton wool. Telephone calls from loved ones.

Another year gone. More little chattery words heard around the house "Can you come over here for a second?" and lots of the word "probably!" Shoes grown out of. Clever drawings taking shape - a fountain of words describing spotty shirts, shoes worn, names of characters...Cute little girly-isms smiled over and Daddy and Mummy glances across the table. Still plenty of growing up with brotherly wrestles. Lots of teasing, lots of imaginary play. Plenty of puzzles, nappy changes, trips to the potty, play and laughter.

Fattened calf prepared for evening meal. Veggies yet to be prepared. Moments to celebrate.

Time passed. Memories shared. Moments savoured before they fly away into the tiny crevices in my memory.

We love you Rosa. Glad to share in your third Birthday. May you grow close to the one who loves you most!

XOX

Dad and Mum

Fun paper flower tutorial

Fun tutorial for cool paper flowers (from tissue paper) for those interested. Great to use for:

Parties - cheap, fun way to add colour

Decorating birthday gifts

Fun for making anything look a little girly

and... I tried one tonight and they work well and are easy!

And here is another version - 3D that look amazing!

Or some mini ones for party favour boxes, gift bags etc>

Dish dryer extrodinaire

I just love how my little girl likes to sit up on my bench and dry dishes!