Monkey-Angel

Pigtails, Playsuits and Frisbee Games...

2010-12-13T14:35:00.001+11:00

After a few very hectic weekends we spent yesterday doing nothing but enjoying the sunshine, playing with the kids and catching up with family.
It was bliss.
The next few weekends will be busy but I think I am a little more organized now. I think.
And I am certainly not stressing like I was a few weeks ago.
I'm not sure why I did in the first place but after my complaining everything just fell back into place.
Even Mr Corey is a happy chappy again.

Have a happy day

Ange xx

Graduation!

2010-12-10T10:19:00.000+11:00

My baby goes to big school next year.
Really?? Oh my where did the last five years go?
Last night we had her graduation at Pre-School. The kids danced, sang, and showed how grown up they are now.
Watching Lilli was heartbreaking. I cried. I sobbed.
She sang the National Anthem and I lost it big time.
Her teachers Jo and Katie have done an amazing job building Lillis confidence.
Maybe a little too much.
She has gone from being the child that hangs on to her mum to the leader of the pack.
In fact watching her and her little friends last night made me think of the movie "Mean Girls"
Not that they are mean to each other but the way they talk.
About their dresses, their hair and their little American accents. I think Lilli may watch Barbie dvds too often and I blame it on that.

I know she will love big school and she will continue to thrive but the thought chokes me up.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Motherhood + Work = Guilt

2010-11-17T19:22:00.000+11:00

I know I'm not alone here.
There are millions of mothers out there that do what I am trying desperately to succeed in.
Work full time. Run a household. Be a loving wife. Be an involved mother. Take time out for myself to ensure that I am healthy inside and out.
And I am sad to report that I am failing. Terribly.
The first six weeks of me working full time, the household was running like clockwork.
Things were done.
Family was happy.
I had some me time.
The last two weeks it has all fallen apart!
The house is neglected. We seem to never be able to catch up and we are planning to renovate our bathroom, flooring and kitchen.
The kids aren't pleased. Corey especially is starting to show signs of unhappiness.
And I am actually worried as there are mental health issues on his fathers side.
Something we are watching closely but not sure how to handle.
Something that breaks my heart as I don't understand it and it hurts to see my little boy so unhappy.
Something that I'm not sure if it's just ten year old attitude or something more serious.
And I cant remember the last time I went to the gym or spent some alone time with my husband.

And I know many of you are reading this thinking "that's my life" and yes indeed it is life.
But how do we, especially us mothers, live it without being awake all night feeling so guilty?
Guilty for working, the house being untidy, not having enough time to play, for not being able to make it to assembly at school, for being tired, for running out of milk and bread and only realizing at 10pm?

Here's the boy - too serious and sad lately.
But still amazing beautiful.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Baby Lilly - Four Weeks Old {Picton Newborn Photographer}

2010-11-02T20:39:00.000+11:00

The weekends are over way too quickly now days. With working full time I try to fit in as much as I can including photography.
On Saturday morning I had the absolute pleasure spending a couple of hours with Kristy and her little Princess Lilly. I could have spent all day there capturing the beauty of the love between mum and daughter, not to mention Lilly is just adorable and so expressive. At four weeks old I swear she was trying to smile into the camera. Sleep wasn't high on the list of priorities with this little sweetheart and she probably only slept for a total of 20 minutes, in short intervals. It was just enough time to snap a couple of shots before she woke, changed positions, outfits and Kristy would settle her back to sleep.
It was a relaxing and fun session.
Kristy and Lorne thank you for letting me photograph your beautiful baby girl.
Too many gorgeous photos to choose just a few so here are lots!!
Enjoy your sneak peek Kristy x

A very special outfit, hand knitted by a loved and missed great grandma.

Mum totally relaxed, not even her screaming baby girl flustered her :)

Check out Lillys expression !

Have a happy day

Ange xx

Happy Birthday Princess Lilli

2010-10-27T19:06:00.000+11:00

I kissed her last night and hugged her extra long.
I laid there for a long time listening to her breathe and smelling the strawberry shampoo in her freshly washed hair. Yesterday was her last day of being four.
This morning she woke at 6.30.
Sleepy eyes, messy hair and FIVE!
She really hasn't changed all that much over the last 12 months.
Yes she is bigger. And much smarter. A lot more confident.
But she is still our silly, beautiful and clumsy girl.

Her favorite colour is still pink.
She loves Barbie, her baby, Polly Pockets and Littles Pet Shop.
She could colour in for hours and hours.
She has a huge crush on Justin Beiber (or Justin Beaver as she calls him)
And her request for dinner this birthday is sausages, pasta and vegetables. (last year it was prawns)

So Happy Birthday my beautiful Lilli Angel.
May you always wake up happy with sleepy eyes xo

Have a happy day

Ange xx

Beautiful Baby Scarlet - 14 days old {Picton Newborn Photographer}

2010-10-25T09:31:00.000+11:00

How slack have I been?!?!?!?
Now that I work full time I barely have time to do what needs to be done let alone do all the extra things that I love but are just a lovely bonus in my life.
Like my photography and blogging. Both have had to take a back seat for a while till I settle back into full time work. Something I haven't done since I had Corey ten years ago.
But I'm pleased to report that I'm loving my job and both me and the family are adjusting well to the big change.
Anyway enough about me!

Meet baby Scarlet. I photographed her and her family a few weeks ago and she was just 14 days old.
Tiny, beautiful and awake for most of the indoor session.
After almost two hours of trying to get her to sleep, a couple of feeds and not much luck we headed out to the beautiful surroundings that were blooming with Spring!
That seemed to have worked and Scarlet was sound asleep.
While I snapped Scarlet, Daddy fussed over his older Princess Lilly! He was throwing her up in the air and gifts of freshly picked flowers made me smile to now end.

Here is the very overdue session :)

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Third Time Lucky! {Picton Maternity Photographer}

2010-09-19T15:53:00.000+10:00

Meet Kristy. Gorgeous. Expecting baby number two. Unlucky with the weather!
She was telling me that every special occasion she has ever planned has always been rained on.
Engagement - rain. Hens night - rain. Her son's first birthday - rain.
Her maternity session - first appointment cancelled due to rain. Second appointment - beautiful sunny day till time for session where it poured!
So this was third time lucky. We tricked Mother Nature by making the session in the morning.

This was such a lovely relaxed session :)
I loved it and Kristy I hope you had fun too.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Lilli and Her Ways...

2010-09-10T11:54:00.000+10:00

My darling little girl has been a little jealous of the photos I have been taking lately of clients.
She will come into my office while I'm editing and rest her little arms and head on my desk and just stare at the pc.
Asking such things as "Who's that?" "Is that at the beach?" "Why are you colouring them in?"
And the most sweet question "Why haven't you taken photos of me in a long time?"
Simple answer to that is because every time I do she insists on funny faces, silly faces and I usually just get a shot of her back. So on this particular day I said to her "Come on, we'll go take some photos of your pretty hair"
She lets me braid it only so she can have this mop of wild fuzz she loves to shake and whip back and forth.

Even on this day, when she pleaded and insisted on photos being taken of her she wouldn't sit still.

Till of course she got bored and tired. She sat still for this one. It was literally a split second before she ran off squealing and dancing.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Gorgeous Much??...

2010-09-05T13:15:00.000+10:00

Through the week I did a quick mini Family Session.
Not just any family. A ridiculously, amazingly good looking family.
And a family that has beautiful heats too.
The mum is one of my fantastic trainers. She is awesome, funny and so supportive. And she is one of the reasons why I am healthy and smaller.
The dad is Josh's and Corey's trainer. And is equally awesome! And the reason why my husband got into a kick boxing ring and fought. Hmmm.....
Their kids are so sweet and beautiful. The little man is getting Christened next weekend, hence the reason for the lovely shoot.
And their daughter! Oh my she is absolutely gorgeous!! She looked into my lens and my heart literally melted.
Good luck with the teenage years Mum and Dad :)

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

PS - Happy Fathers day to all the dads today!!

Life Begins in The Bump {Picton Maternity Photographer}

2010-08-23T17:18:00.001+10:00

A week ago I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet family.
They are expecting baby number two. Alison, Steven and little Lilly are expecting another little princess!
For some reason I was really nervous coming up to this session. I always get nervous but more so this time.
And as always when I do feel nervous, as soon as I get to my session and meet my lovely clients the nerves disappear. And this was no different.
They were warm and sweet and so calm and relaxed. And Lilly was loving her photos taken (it must be in the name)
Anyway enjoy your little sneak peak Alison and Steve!

I cannon wait for the newborn session! I do love squishy babies :)

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Look How He's Grown! {Picton Children's Photographer}

2010-08-16T18:51:00.000+10:00

Remember Jaxxin? He was just four months old the first time I photographed him.
Now he's nine months old! He's grown into a confident, cheeky and playful little boy!
And he's stayed just as gorgeous as he was.
Check out his beautiful sister and spunky brother.

Your disc is ready Chris, enjoy a sneak peak :)

I'm really liking the B&W lately!

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

A Month of Happy

2010-08-01T16:38:00.000+10:00

The last couple of months I have been feeling blah!
Not my usual happy, hypo energetic self. For many many reasons my spark was gone.
I haven't even been taking photos! Not of anything or anyone :(
But lying in bed late last night I have decided (because I can) to be happy.
Shake my little self out of this miserable boo hoo mood and just be happy.
After all, I know that things could be much much worse.
And I have many many things to be grateful for and be happy about.
So as a personal challenge/project I will find a happy something in each and every one of my days in August.
I will update my blog every few days with my 'Happy Somethings' and if you're friend of mine on Facebook then you'll see photos of my 'Happy Somethings' on a daily basis.

Today going out for lunch and playing with these two made me smile beyond belief.

What made you smile today? :)

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Before & After (Of A Different Kind)

2010-07-17T15:09:00.000+10:00

Every time Lilli goes to Pre-School she looks lovely.
Clean, hair done, like a princess.
Every time she comes home she looks well, messy.
But of course that is a sign of a day well played.

The other day she came back looking almost the same as when she left.
Did she not play? Or she getting a little obsessive with how she looks.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Little Man...

2010-07-09T18:56:00.001+10:00

Corey has spent almost the whole week of school holidays at his dads.
The one day he was home I had a million errands to run.
So he came with me. Waiting patiently in every line, smiling every time I looked at him in apology for the delay.
I got my haircut. When it was done he said "it looks really pretty mum". I got two centimetres cut off, you couldn't even tell.
We had lunch. When I asked him what he wanted he said "well what ever you have mum I'll have something from there".
And when we were finished he said "Mummy I wish I could drive home for you, so you could play with your new iPhone on the way home".
It's just the way he is. And one day he will have a love who will be the luckiest in the world.
And on the way home we stopped for literally a few photos.

And when I said I had a couple of nice ones he says "Let me take on of you mum. No one ever takes photos of you". :)

Have a happy day

Ange xx

It's Been A While...

2010-06-30T19:08:00.000+10:00

It's actually been a very long while.
Well not much has been happening around here. Which is a good and bad thing depending which way you look at it.
Every one has been healthy apart from a couple of mild head colds.
I have celebrated a birthday and got spoilt with love, attention and presents.
I've been in very mummy and wife mode the last few weeks and I'm really missing feeling like ME.
I'm still running. Its my 30 minutes a day.
No kids. No husband. No domestic duties to attend to. Just me and the iPod, it's lovely.
And I haven't taken any photos lately. Until today.
Lilli and I had a lazy day. By Lilli and I, I mean Lilli.

Her at 8am eating breakfast while I'm rushing to make lunches and drinking cold coffee.

At 11.15am. Her drawing - still in her pjs while I'm folding and ironing laundry.

At 1.20pm. Her twirling and being a Fairy while I'm trying to vacuum around her.

And at 3.50pm. Cuddling with Corey while I go out for my run.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Sydney At Night

2010-06-20T10:16:00.000+10:00

A couple of weeks ago Josh and I went on a Harbour Cruise which was organised by his work.

And we stayed in a gorgeous hotel right in The Rocks.

I was not complaining with views like these

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Tiny Snippet About Me...

2010-06-09T21:16:00.000+10:00

For those of you who are friends of mine on Facebook, you would be aware that I have been trying to get fit, healthy and strong.
I have found it easier than I thought it would be and it's all thanks to a great bunch of girls at the gym, doing Kickboxing and my old time love of running.
There is something I find peaceful about blaring the iPod and pounding the pavement.
I have a mind that doesn't seem to be able to be switched off. And running helps.
Especially in these surroundings.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Winter...

2010-06-04T11:00:00.000+10:00

I have been slack with my blog posting!
But I have a good excuse. I have been sick for the last two weeks and it feels like the last two weeks went by without my participation. Apparently winter has arrived.
I don't like cold. I don't like wet either.
Which is funny considering that till I was ten I lived in a country where I made snowmen, went ice skating and wore fur coats in winter.
Now my favourite part of winter is our fireplace :)
The world seems grey, black and simply colourless.
Except for her world.
Hers is always filled with colour, frills and fun!

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Baby Levi - 16 Days Old {Picton Newborn Photographer}

2010-05-25T21:30:00.001+10:00

I've been dying to blog this session for over a week now. But I've been so busy and we went to Canberra for the weekend which always is a blast and get us even busier.
I just loved this session to bits, because it was my first newborn shoot and because I'm pretty happy with the outcome.
I had the fireplace cranking, and mum said he slept really well during the day.
But not at my place.
I guess it didn't help that I wanted to play with him, and to undress him and unwrap him and talk to him and ooh and aah at him.
But he is so gorgeous and he looks just like a dolly. And he did have just enough power naps for me to get these.

Enjoy your sneak peak Bel. And give baby Levi a big kiss for me :)

What do you think??

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Two Cheeky Monkeys {Picton Children's Photographer}

2010-05-21T08:33:00.000+10:00

Being quite new to this business I guess I have an illusion that every session and every client will be a dream to work with. And so far they have been.
On Sunday I (started) a session for two little sisters and that dream didn't go as planned.
These two little girls are so adorable and beautiful. The older one Caitlin was excited and didn't mind being photographed but baby Gemma was not well and teething. And I know what it's like.
While we got some great shots we didn't get enough. And instead of trying to get a sick and crying little girl to do what she didn't want to we decided to finish the session the following day.
The following day we ventured to the park early in the morning.
This time I got huge smiles from little Gemma but Miss Caitlin announced that she didn't want phtos. :)
After a few games of hide and seek, tickles and bribes it worked out (mostly).

Enjoy your sneak peak Tabatha and thanks for letting me play with the girls.

Little Gemma broke her leg a few weeks ago and has this tiny purple cast on. I know!

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Meet Danielle...

2010-05-17T14:52:00.000+10:00

The winner of my 100 Facebook Fans competition I held a little while ago.
She welcomed me into her home yesterday and I must say she is a really inspiring young woman.
When I was in my mid twenty's I went out a lot, was irresponsible a lot and shopped a lot. Saving for my car registration was the hardest thing let alone anything substantial like an overseas holiday or a deposit on a house.
This young lady is in her mid twenty's, single, has travelled and bought her own home 18 months ago.
That's independent. That is admirable.

I know she found it a little awkward and uncomfortable at first with my lens in her face but I got some great shots and she has these amazing aqua coloured eyes.

I even may have talked her into joining me at my weekly Kickboxing classes.
Thanks Danielle! Enjoy your little sneak peak.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Teigen + Brea = Best Friends

2010-05-12T14:06:00.000+10:00

For those of you who visit my blog often, you would be familiar with Teigen.
She is my little brothers partner of two years.
To us she is many things.
The kids love her being their 'Aunty', Lilli especially has a beautiful bond with her.
Josh loves the fact that she can have an intelligent conversation and she has a great sense of humour.
Me, well she's like a little sister to me. She brings out the 'young at heart' in me. She has become a friend I can't imagine my life without.
In our house she is loved.

And Brea is her best friend. They met in the early days of high school and eight years on they are still best friends. They are both turning Twenty One very soon and wanted some nice photos of the both of them .
We went to the old train tracks at Thirlmere where everything but the Girls is old.

Enjoy girls :)

All images post processed with Sheye's Eye Candy Actions (Vintage Overlay).

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Not Much Going On Around Here...

2010-05-06T10:13:00.000+10:00

Our week has been enjoyably quiet.
Apart from the everyday life not much has been going on.
Sometimes it gets like that.

This image was taken over a year ago. My first time at night photography and hand held.
It's far from good, but it was a special weekend for me and my husband so I love it. Blurry and all.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Interview With a Four Year Old...

2010-04-29T11:26:00.001+10:00

Lilli talks a lot. A. LOT.
All day, everyday she chats and asks questions. This was out conversation at 9.00am yesterday.
Lilli: Where's Daddy?
Me: At work.
Lilli: He has to work so we can have nice things.
Me: That's right, and have food and a roof over our heads.
Lilli: Well because he's at work now can we go buy nice things?
Me: That sounds nice but we have to go grocery shopping.
Lilli: He's your husband (with a giggle).
Me: Yep, are you going to get married when your're bigger?
Lilli: Noooo! Yuck.
Me: Why is it yuck.
Lilli: Cause I don't want to marry daddy!
Me: No you don't marry daddy, you marry someone else you love. Maybe you'll have a baby?
Lilli: I already have Daisy (her baby doll)
Me: She's not a real baby. She doesn't cry or eat and you don't have to change her nappy.
Lilli: Mummy! Cant you hear her now? She's screaming, she never stops. She's a real pain.
Me: Um, no I cant hear her.
Lilli: Maybe we need to check your ears.
Me: Huh?
Lilli: (rolling her eyes) Well if you cant hear we need to clean out your ears.
Me: Maybe we need to wash your mouth out with soap??
Lilli: Nah, we need to go grocery shopping.

Imagine her as a teenager!! God help us.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Total Havoc...

2010-04-26T12:38:00.000+10:00

It's over. Thank goodness.
Josh competed in a Kickboxing fight over the weekend. His first in over Thirteen years.
I have never seen him fight and don't watch him train so I was a nervous wreck. Thank goodness for a great support team. And no I did not take one single photo as I could not watch THAT through a viewfinder.
He is 37 and fought a 19year old.
He lost on points and am proud to say his face went untouched.
I am proud of what he has achieved. He has trained so hard in the last few months.
I am even happier about the fact that he has no intention of ever doing this again and if he thinks about it I will beat the thought out of him.
That was our Saturday night.
Besides the fight we stayed down the south coast in a Heritage Listed guest house which was built in 1921.
It was old, creaky and beautiful.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Last Day of School Holidays...

2010-04-19T15:57:00.000+10:00

Corey is back at school tomorrow.
So gone will be the days of sleeping in, wearing our pj's all day long and not having a schedule. We like it that way around here (most of the time).
Last week we went and saw 'Clash Of The Titans' and he was worried that the 'Princess' in me would hate it. He kept saying "Mummy do you really want to see it with me? You know there will be a lot of fighting and mythical creatures" But I loved it. We went out for lunch after and he even helped me do the groceries.
Today we went to Bowral to hang out. We strolled through town and then went to one of my favourite spots to take photos there (the cemetery). The leaves are all changing colours and I just love Bowral in Autumn. Plus all the fallen leaves make for great throwing!

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

100 Fan Page Winner..

2010-04-12T08:10:00.002+10:00

And the winner is....

Congrats DANIELLLE. Please email me at angiefield72@yahoo.com to organise your session :)
Thanks to everyone who has become a fan and to all that entered.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

They Had Me at Hello...

2010-04-11T18:48:00.000+10:00

Especially when they come bearing coffee for me!
I spent this morning with two gorgeous families.
A brother and sister plus their partners and kids made for a busy, challenging and most of all FUN morning.
The adults were silly and the kids curious about why this woman (not much bigger than them) was following them with a big black camera.
Thanks for being awesome and enjoy your little sneak peak guys!

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

100 Facebook Fans Competition...

2010-04-09T16:37:00.001+10:00

I am pretty excited that my Facebook fan page hit 100 fans!
So I thought why not show my appreciation by giving away a free mini-shoot for one of you.
All you have to do is be a fan of my page on facebook and leave a comment on this post. About anything that comes to your mind. I'm easy that way :) I will use a Random number generator to 'draw' a winner! It's as simple as that.
And the winner will receive a free mini photo session with up to 15 fully edited, low resolution proofs to choose your prints from.
The session will last for up to an hour. You must be willing to travel to the Picton area and the session is for up to two people.
So go on leave a comment if you'd like a chance at winning a relaxed and natural photo session.
You have until Sunday 10pm to leave your comment and I will announce the winner on here on Monday morning.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

He Makes Me Smile...

2010-04-08T12:24:00.000+10:00

When Corey was a baby he was easy going, placid and calm. All the time.
He would sleep anywhere, eat anything and be happy to go to anyone.
He was the total opposite to what Lilli was like as a baby.
And he is still pretty much the same. Gentle, loving and easy going.
He is on school holidays at the moment and it's great to be able to spend some time alone with him while Lilli goes to Pre-School twice a week.
And he has these amazing eyes. They are beer coloured. Mine are dark brown, his dad's are bright blue.
I don't know how it happened. But in the sun they look like you could drink them up.
He's happy to do a lot or not much at all.
This week we will do not much.
Next week we'll go to the movie's and go out for lunch.
He will share some random facts about bugs and leggo with me and I will just look and smile at him.
Because that is what he does, he makes you smile.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Our Easter...

2010-04-05T10:59:00.000+10:00

This Easter I didn't take many photos. Of course that is unusual. Perhaps it's not even right?
What I did do instead is indulge, enjoy and really soak up my family.
I prepared yummy and delicious lunches and dinners for us all.
I visited my brother-in-law and sister-in-law to celebrate Easter Sunday and my nieces 8th Birthday.
I relaxed with my husband on the lounge snuggling and drinking good wine.
And I really looked at and appreciated everyone in my family through my eyes, not the lens they are so used to having in their face.

It was hard find even these nine...

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Become A Fan!!

2010-03-28T18:37:00.000+11:00

I have created a fan page for my Photography. Yay me.
I may or may not get many fans but it's another place besides here to show off my work as I don't have a website as yet.
So become a fan here! (please)
I would really appreciate it :)

And because we cant have a nudie post...

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Little Miss Sunshine...

2010-03-25T19:47:00.000+11:00

Meet little Miss S. Spunky, Silly, Strong and Super Sweet.
I had the pleasure of photographing her this morning and she was so much fun to play with.
While mum sat back and relaxed Miss S showed me around their huge and gorgeous property.
She introduced me to the ducks, showed me where her brother hurt his bottom on the boat and tried to find a fairy for me. She loved blowing the bubbles and dressing up in the little tutu and I loved watching her.
Just over an hour of playing outside she showed me her bedroom then plopped herself on the lounge and announced to me "no more photos". Hehehe, session over.

Enjoy your little sneak peak Mrs M.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

As Far as Little Brothers Go....

2010-03-24T10:43:00.000+11:00

Of course he is now bigger than me.
And I now love him to bits. But when he was little I didn't like him much.
There is a 10year gap between me and my younger brother and I was not impressed at the age of ten when mum announced I was going to be a big sister. I was even less impressed when I was left to baby sit from the age fourteen because both my parents had to work long hours.
Mum used to make me take him for a walk in the pram when he was a baby. I wanted to play with my friends.
So I used to scare him, he would scream. End of walk.
Then when he was a little older he was fascinated with our little bar heater. I told him over and over not to touch. He wouldn't listen. So I stuck his little finger right on it. He never went to touch it again. No, I have not lived it down and am reminded frequently of how horrible I was.
My teenage years were spent trying to 'bring him up'.
I would get him breakfast, make him brush his teeth, walk and pick him up from school and even take him out with my friends. And the thanks I got? He would constantly dob on me. And I would constantly be in trouble.

Now things are different. Not only is he a great little (big) brother but he is also one of my best friends.

So while visiting him and his lovely girlfriend on the weekend I ~~made~~ offered them to have a photo shoot.
I love you both, hope you love your photos :)

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

When The Kids Aren't There....

2010-03-21T20:32:00.000+11:00

We spent the weekend in Canberra with my brother and his girlfriend.
We didn't have the kids, they stayed home and got spoilt by Nanny.
We stayed up late, got up late, ate late and went out and danced till very late.
We don't do it often, but when we do we try to make the most of it. I think this time we have outdone ourselves.

Enjoy just a snippet...

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Searching For Fairies...

2010-03-18T15:06:00.000+11:00

Yesterday Lilli suggested we go look for fairies and play dress ups.
So while she dressed up and searched high and low for magical fairies I snapped away playing with all my settings like a mad woman.
It was my first time shooting in RAW (NEF for me because I have a Nikon and that's theirs)
I was all excited to load the photos once we got home but couldn't open them in photoshop!
I had to download all these updates and converters but it all worked out in the end.

Here's the gorgeous girl...

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Baby Bump...

2010-03-14T12:48:00.000+11:00

Yesterday I did a maternity shoot for one of my friends.
If there is one person that deserves to feel great, be a little pampered and have a few pretty pictures of herself at this very special time it's her.
Her and her two kids will soon welcome a little bundle of squishiness and loveliness into their lives and I cant wait to do the newborn shoot for them.
In the meantime enjoy your sneak peak Miss Bel! Hope you love.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow...

2010-03-12T20:18:00.000+11:00

Or in our case 'gone today'.
Lilli has done the un-thinkable and cut her own hair. Which for those who know her is hard to believe because this is the very same little girl who tears up at the slight mention of a trim..
She wanted her hair past her bottom. It was close to it. Just past her waist.
She wanted to be Rapunzel.
After she went in her room and was a little too quiet I went to see what she was up to to find her bending to the side, singing softly and snipping away at one side of her hair. Her shortest bit she cut came to just her nose!
I didn't scream (I wanted to), I just asked her what she was up to while staring at ALL this hair on her floor to which she replied "I'm having a haircut, you want one?"
I thought once she knew what she had done she'd cry. But no.
We went to the hairdresser straight away to see what could be done to 'fix' it. Over 20cm had to be cut off, that's what could be done to fix it.
Anyway she loves it! I love it too.
Check out the before and afters.
See the first image? That's how much she cut off on her own!

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Mascara...

2010-03-09T14:03:00.001+11:00

I am addicted.
It is one object that I can not live with out.
If I could only pack three things to take on a deserted island, one of them would be mascara.
I even had eyelash extensions done last year to make my lashes lush. (oh yes I did)

Lilli however has been blessed with full, lush, fake looking eyelashes.
Lucky girl, I am envious.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Saturday Night Shenanigans...

2010-03-08T13:54:00.000+11:00

We had my brother and his partner up from Canberra over the weekend.
The kids go a little crazy with excitement. Lilli adores my brothers girlfriend Teigen and Corey has a very special bond with his uncle Pauly.
On Saturday night we had some great food, a little wine and the kids were allowed to stay up late and play.
Such simple pleasures. We love and are grateful for the small family that we have in Australia.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Orange...

2010-03-06T12:13:00.000+11:00

Last night Corey got his orange belt in Karate.
He did so well. Knew all his Kartas, did great in sparring (I know they are so little but they spar!!) and was generally awesome.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Oh (Baby) Boy...

2010-03-04T21:07:00.000+11:00

Jaxxin. Four months old, cute, cheeky, cuddly, smiley. Almost makes me wish for maybe one more?
I said "Almost"
I did a little shoot for his mummy and I love how they turned out. He looked adorable in every single image I captured and it was so hard to choose.
Here are some of my favourites. Hope Mummy likes :)

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Can You Say Energy?...

2010-03-02T13:55:00.000+11:00

Meet Jaxon. He has a ton of it! And he's not afraid to use it.
Yesterday I did a mini shoot of this 20 month of bundle of cheekyness for a friend of mine and boy did he keep us on our toes.
Jumping on the trampoline? Sound like fun except he has no fear!
Sandpit? Great but sooo wet!
He won in every case. He has big blue eyes that I have a feeling let him win all the time.

Sneak peak - Andrea enjoy.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Bit of This and That...

2010-02-28T16:33:00.044+11:00

After suffering the bug that Lilli has kindly shared around the entire family (except for Josh he apparently has guts of steel) we are on the mend. Lilli back to normal, me and Corey still a little tender but much better.

Yesterday my dear friend (and neighbour) took our kids to the old Thirlmere Railway to play with our cameras and kids. This station was built in 1883 and has not operated for many years except for the steam train rides that do a local loop every couple of weeks and our Annual Steam Festival. It now acts as one of the largest Rail Transport Museums in Australia. The kids were a little distracted by trying to explore every carriage that they could but we still managed to get a few good shots.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Stop the Squawking!!!

2010-02-25T10:53:00.000+11:00

I was woken at four this morning by a very upset Lilli who had been sick in the bed.
I changed her pj's and popped her in my bed.
She was obviously not going to school so I was hoping she would have a sleep in.
At seven I woke up to this horrible squawking. Loud. Ferral sounding. So annoying.
I went out side to shoo away whatever it was making the noise to find these two having a jolly old time.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Husband - Photographed...

2010-02-23T20:42:00.000+11:00

Finally Josh agreed to having some photos done.
After all I need the practice, we don't have many photos of him and just because he is easy one the eye!
After a little begging and pleading we took the kids and off we went to a little empty field.

They aren't the best but baby steps...right?

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Cousins...

2010-02-22T11:24:00.000+11:00

We had my Brother & Sister In Laws kids over on Saturday night for a sleepover while they went out to a concert. My nephew is thirteen and my niece is almost eight. Lilli adores both of them and even though they live a good hour and a half so we don't see them as much as we'd like all the kids have a very special and sweet bond with each other.

I took the girls out for a quick little photo session on Sunday morning after prettying up their hair in the same way. When my niece saw her mum in the morning she said "Look mum I've been Anged!!"

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Six...

2010-02-21T15:36:00.000+11:00

Today Josh and I celebrated our sixth year wedding anniversary.
Six years of less than perfect.

BUT

Six years of loyalty, friendship, love and family. Six years of many tears but many more giggles and smiles.
Six beautiful years of making our house become home, of growing our small family.
Like most couples we have had our share of problems and when I think of the beginning of our relationship I some times am amazed that we stayed together. And like most couples we both get lost in the every day living, kids, job, school, mortgage and all the stress that comes with it all.

BUT

I cannot imagine my life without him. Without waking up next to him every morning. Without him snoring next to me every night. I cant imagine sitting on the lounge and not being sprawled all over him every evening once we have kissed our babies good night. I cant imagine starting my day without our 'Good Morning" phone call or the kiss on the head I receive every afternoon when he gets home from work. I cant imagine the clothes line without his clothes hanging to dry, or smelling his aftershave long after he has finished in the bathroom. I still get excited when I hear his voice on the phone. He still sends chills down my spine with the most innocent of smiles and touches. I absolutely cannot imagine Me without Him.

I love you Honey, more than I say and much more than I ever thought possible.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Fit For A Princess...

2010-02-19T19:46:00.000+11:00

A few weeks ago while we were browsing in Harvey Norman she literally fell in love with this bedroom suite.

The "Queen Ann". She lovingly stroked the little antique looking knobs, sat on the bed and opened all the drawers. She looked at us with THOSE gorgeous eyes and sighed. We knew at that moment we were in trouble. We knew we were going to have to buy it for her.

We promised her a desk for when she starts 'big' school next year. She has always had Hand-Me-Down furniture. Today her beautiful suite arrived. To say she was excited is a major understatement.

Yes she has a Hot Pink suede feature wall. And the 'Princess' canvas I painted for her before she was born.

The middle image is her waiting for the delivery. So sweet.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-02-17T09:16:00.000+11:00

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Secret....

2010-02-15T20:35:00.000+11:00

Lilli and I went shopping today. Boring grocery shopping and fun shoe and birthday present shopping for daddy who's birthday is late next week.
I told Lilli that the present is a surprise and a secret and she couldn't tell daddy what it was.
Daddy comes home...and says to Lilli "Hello Princess what did you and Mummy get up to today?"
Lilli replies "We went shopping and bought you a surprise it's a bracelet! Do you want to see it coz it's a big secret??"

Happy birthday honey?

Then I took the kids for a quick session of photos in an open field and totally forgot to re-set my ISO, which was on 1600!! So a whole hour wasted. Here are two I did manage to clean up a little.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Valentines Day...

2010-02-14T10:21:00.000+11:00

is just another day when you have a family.
Josh and I have never really celebrated it, we have always made it more of a family date.
Today we will lounge around in our pj's, play some games, watch dvd's and listen to the rain.

Hope whatever it is you do you have fun.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

If You Cant Beat It...

2010-02-13T17:26:00.000+11:00

May as well join it.
The rain that is.
It's pretty miserable and wet here today, so we took the kids and one of Coreys friends for a swim at our local indoor pool. They played, they jumped, they swam and I took photos. Of course.

Have a happy day.

Ange xx

Before and After

2010-02-12T08:14:00.000+11:00

Pixel Perfect is doing another before and after blog hop and I'm loving these at the moment so here I go again.

Before..

And after...

Using Photoshop CS4 I cloned the buildings and traffic lights out. And of course I applied Eye Candy actions, this time Vintage Overlay 'Gold'.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-02-10T06:45:00.003+11:00

Have a happy day.
Ang xx

Gone Is The Blur...

2010-02-09T11:14:00.000+11:00

If you read my previous post you will know that I was trying to take photos indoor without the flash and failing miserably. It was really getting to me and I ended up whining and complaining about it on Facebook.
And two wonderfully kind and very talented photographers came to my aid. Literally walking me through it step by step. Their advice helped and fixed my problem, I now know to shoot in Manual and control Shutter, ISO and Aperture all in one. I usually either shot in Aperture or Shutter modes, hence the blur or darkness. Something I was not trying because to be honest I just didn't know how to and never really shot indoors. But in a couple of weeks a friend has asked me to take a few photos of her four month old baby and I know most of the shots will be indoors. So I needed to practice.
So a huge thank you to Vanessa and Julian for helping what seemed like a lost cause. Go check out their sites, both are amazing.

And here are the improvements...

Have a happy day.
Ang xx

Random Ramble...

2010-02-07T20:08:00.000+11:00

When will it stop raining?
It's been raining for days and days. I know we need it, but it probably isn't falling in the regional areas for the farmers and it's driving our whole family crazy.
I realize some people love curling up in bed and indulging in some reading/dvd watching but I cant. Not with two kids. Not with so much to do. So I want the rain to stop now, move on and the sun to come out please.

I have been on the computer most of the day, trying to come up with some sort of long term plan for what I want to do with myself. Photography is my dream, passion and love. But I'm a newborn at it all. So I fumble around on the pc googling everything I'm clueless about. And after being here all day I'm none the wiser.
My mission today was to photograph indoors without the flash. Everything was blurry. I cant keep Lilli still enough to take a sharp image. I hate the blur.

The highlight of my day was watching her eat her spaghetti and meatballs. Yep that's as creative as I get on a Sunday evening.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

For Ava...

2010-02-05T08:35:00.001+11:00

Today...hug your children a little tighter.
Today...kiss your children a little more.
Today...listen to your children when they talk to you, really listen.
Today...take the time to be silly with your children.
Today...tell your children you love them.
Today...be grateful.
Today please light a candle for Ava Rosemeyer who went to heaven three years ago.

Please go here to read more about this beautiful 'Super Princess' and light a candle.

Ang xx

Before and After Part II

2010-02-05T07:55:00.000+11:00

Last week I participated in a blog hop at Monicas at Pixel Perfect.
It was so much fun that when she announced she was having another one I couldn't wait to do it again.
Go over and have a look at every one else's editing techniques.

Here is my before and after.

First off I made some adjustments in Potoshop CS4. I changed the exposure just a little, added more contrast, brightened it and smoothed her skin. Then I applied an action 'Vintage Overlay Pink Blossom' from the Eye Candy Beauty Full set.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

When Mummy Was a Princess...

2010-02-04T07:15:00.001+11:00

Yesterday Lilli and I went out for a coffee (me) Babycino (her) in Camden.
The plan was to have coffee, browse some shops and then go to the park. Not just any park, the very one Josh and I got married in (the day she says I was a Princess). I have been promising to take her for ages and even though it rained today we did just that.
She asked a million questions....."Where did you stand?".... "Where did daddy stand?"....."Were those roses here?"...."Did that kookaburra laugh?"...."Why didn't I come?".
I always love that last one. :)

Just a few images before the rains opened up on us.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-02-03T06:30:00.001+11:00

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Just Twelve Months...

2010-02-01T13:26:00.000+11:00

I know every parent experiences this every now and again.
You look at your children and wonder where has the time gone. They grow up so quickly.
Princess Lilli goes to big school next year and even though she has changed so much in the last twelve months and has 'grown up', she still seems just too little.
And I know she will change and grow even more in the next twelve but big school??

Here's a similar shot of her from January 09 and today. Just twelve months apart and how she has changed.

Check out how her hair has grown! And her little belly :)

Have a happy day.
Ang xx

Pain In The Neck...

2010-01-31T17:25:00.000+11:00

A couple of weeks ago I purchased a new camera. It's just lovely. BUT. When I hang it around my neck (which is a must for a clutz like me) it hurts. The strap is really hard and digs into my neck. I know boo hoo.
I have asked my husband to buy me a hand made strap and camera bag from Etsy for my birthday but that's not until June. By the way they have really cute hand made stuff.
So I made myself one yesterday. It was so simple and for now it will do.
All I did was cut some quilt wadding the length of my strap, covered it with some pretty Amy Butler fabric and ta da! We have comfy strap.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Before and After

2010-01-29T08:12:00.002+11:00

I never do this as I'm only new to blogging and photography and still trying to find my feet.
But this time I thought I would...
Monica over at Pixel Perfect is having a blog hop to show off everyones editing techniques.

These photos were taken a couple of months ago for my friends daughters year 10 formal. She is sixteen and so gorgeous, I wanted to make a few look different and pop. She and her mum loved them.

The before

And the after.

I first de-saturated the photo then coloured back in the dress and hammoc.
Then I applied Eye Candy actions Lightswitch to lighten the shadows on her face and Zap to make the colour really pop.

Yay my first blog hop.

Have a happy day.
Ang xx

Cleaning the Princess Way...

2010-01-28T17:21:00.000+11:00

This morning over breakfast I was chatting to the kids about pocket money. Corey wants a new Wii game so we have told him he has to do some chores and save up for it himself. Easy conversation with an easy going nine year old.

As soon as Lilli heard we were discussing money she asked if she could do some chores and earn some money too. And so the conversation went from easy to.........well this

Me: So what do you think you can do to help around the house.
Lilli: Well when I'm bigger like daddy I can hang out the washing.
Me: That sounds lovely but do you think there is anything you can help with while you are still little?
Lilli: Yep, I can vacuum!
Me: With my big vacuum cleaner?
Lilli: (rolling her eyes) No you'll buy me a pink princess one mummy.

Yes I will honey, yes I will.

Princess Lilli processed with Honey Child from Sheye Rosemeyer's Eye Candy Actions.

Have a happy day.
Ang xx

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-01-27T07:40:00.000+11:00

Have a happy day.
Ang xx

Miss You Already...

2010-01-26T17:59:00.001+11:00

We have just returned from spending four glorious days with my little brother Paul and his lovely girlfriend Teigen in Canberra. We had the best weather for all our touristy outings which included The War Memorial, The Zoo, Telstra Tower, Botanic Gardens and Australia Day Concert at Parliament House. However only three songs from Evermore was just not enough!

They used to live around the corner but late last year moved to Canberra for work. And both us and the kids miss them like crazy. The kids adore Uncle Pauly (Corey especially has a very strong bond with him) and just secretly I thinks Lilli loves Teigen just a tiny bit more. They have this cute little two bedroom villa that accommodated seven of us. It was loud, squeezy and we all had a blast.

Pauly and Teigen thanks for having us and we miss you already.

Lilli at the park behind Paulys house...mmm yummy sunset light.

My silly boys. Love them all.

Just a couple from the zoo...

And a rare family photo courtesy of Uncle Pauly...

Have a happy day.
Ang xx

Yet Another Ordinary Day...

2010-01-21T10:20:00.000+11:00

Yesterday was just one of those days. Nothing bad happened, nothing wonderful happened. It was just an uneventful day. Don't get me wrong those days are great. I love the mundane days, the ones that you're not rushing, not trying to tick off your 'To Do List', not yelling at the kids, the days where anything goes.

The kids and I got up nice and late.
Had breakfast, got dressed, played a bit, went outside a bit, made beds ect.
See nothing out of the ordinary.

Till I took this shot of Lilli.

And then suddenly my day got a little more special.

And to top it off when she was in the bath (yes I realize she is probably a little too old for bath photos) she gave me these. They make my heart sing.

Proof that an ordinary day can become extraordinary if you know what to look for.

Mine are made special very simply. A hug from my little man, my little princess smelling like strawberry bubbles, a laugh from my gorgeous hubby, drinking a cup of tea that is still hot.

What makes your day special?

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-01-20T06:56:00.001+11:00

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

My Little Monkey...

2010-01-18T19:37:00.000+11:00

He is now 9 years and 4 months old.
He has an amazing personality which makes you think he has been here before.
He has been at his dad's for the last five nights and we have all missed him like crazy. But now he is back, and posing for his crazy, always camera holding mummy.

I have called him 'Monkey' since he was born as that is what he looked like on his arrival into this world, like a wet, slippery and hairy little monkey. The name stuck and he still happily answers to it.

Apart from his nine year old attitude he also gives on a daily basis

A smile that could melt Antarctica.
An "I love you mummy" before every bed time.
A sense of humor that leaves you giggling long after he's left the room.
A wonderful and protective love to his little sister.
His best efforts at Karate. He is now a blue belt.
His wisdom to anyone who listens. He is like a walking encyclopedia - repeating random facts about random things at random times.
His helping hand at anything we ask. He'll do the washing up, recycling, watering of plants, taking washing off the line. You ask and he'll do. (sometimes with a huff and a puff but mostly with a "no worries mum")
He loves his real dad to bits and his step dad exactly the same. Something that makes my heart pound with proudness.
Most of all he gives you his all. He wants to learn, he wants to make you happy and he still gives cuddles and kisses (even when I drop him off at school).

Here are a few very funky faces of Corey.

And a few more...

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Bowling...

2010-01-17T16:17:00.001+11:00

Yesterday Princess Lilli went bowling to celebrate her little friends 4th birthday.
Miss Caitlin and Lilli met at pre-school and are both crazy about eachother. It's so cute seeing how they walk around holding hands and get excited for eachother when they knock down the pins.

A few pictures of the two little darlings. (sorry about the quality, still learning to take shots inside without the flash).

And I love these next three of Caitlin. The anticipation in her expression is just too sweet.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

When Boredom Strikes...

2010-01-15T17:27:00.000+11:00

I get bored easily.
I am one of those people that seems to always need to be doing something. Even late at night when the kids are in bed and Hubbie and I are watching tv, I need to be doing something with my hands. And if by chance I am not doing something than I am writing a list of things to do. The list ranges from sewing something new for Lilli to cleaning the spare room to re-planting my little tomato tree. Yep, it's that random.

A couple of nights ago boredom struck. I picked up a crochet needle, some yarn and crocheted Princess Lilli a new hat. The next night I appliqued a very plain t-shirt of hers which I picked up from Big-W for $6.00 and now we have a one of a kind tee.

Here's the result on one very pretty Princess...

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Shhhhh...

2010-01-14T12:47:00.000+11:00

Can you hear it? It's silience. And it's at my house!!
I dont get a lot of time to myself. I had Lilli just before Corey went to Kindergarten and then I went back to work part-time when she was 10 months old. So the only days I got to myself were actually spent working for someone else.

But since being made redundant in October 09, I still put Lilli into pre-school 2 days per week. Sometimes I feel guilty, sometimes I don't. She has always been my clingy baby so learning to play with other kids and respect other adults is a good thing for her. Right?

Anyway I took her to pre-school today and Corey is at his dad's for a couple of nights and I feel a little bad but I am really enjoying the silence. No arguing kids. No making snacks and lunches that won't be eaten, no picking up after anyone and no ABC Kids on too loud. Well not till 3pm!

And now I miss her and wonder if she is having rest time. And I wonder if Corey is cold, I didn't pack him a jumper or warm pj's.

Ahhh motherhood, it makes sure you feel guitly about enjoying the quiet moments.
You literally feel guilty for feeling guilty which in turn makes you feel guilty again!!
And us mummys wouldn't have it any other way.

Here's Princess Lilli back in September last year.

Have a happy day.
Ang xx

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-01-13T07:06:00.000+11:00

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

No Boys Allowed...

2010-01-11T21:33:00.000+11:00

Princess Lilli had her four year old immunsations today. Daddy took her as I could not do it emotionally. (I am the biggest and weakest sooky lala there is). Any way she was so brave that after that we all went and saw a movie of her choice. Princess and the Frog of course. Monkey was a little weary saying he must be the only boy there (he wasnt).
Then when we came home I asked her what she would like to do and she replied "lets have a tea party mummy with no boys". So while the boys got busy on the Wii, we realxed in the back yard with her baby 'Daisy' having a girls only tea party.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

The Little Red Tub...

2010-01-10T20:18:00.000+11:00

I bought this little red plastic tub a few weeks ago, thinking I will find a use for it some day.
I didn't, but Princess Lilli did.
Today she announced she wanted to have a 'swim' in it.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Happy 2010!

2010-01-09T17:23:00.000+11:00

We are finally back from holidays. I find Holidays away a funny thing, we spend all year planning where to go, what to do. We save our money. We cant sleep the night before we go out of excitement. We get there. We have a lot of fun for a few days. Then we all kind of need our own spaces, beds, comforts of home etc.

This year we went to Port Macquarie for two weeks and we loved the location. Everything was walking distance from where we were staying and there was lots to do. We went bowling, hired a canoe, Monkey went on these giant water trampoline and slides in the middle of a lake, we took a sunset cruise, the boys went on jets ski, we painted a rock, Hubbie went deep sea fishing and cought dinner for that night, I think Princess Lilli had her first crush (!?), we saw a movie, walked through a rainforest and we hung out and relaxed as much as the kidlets allowed.

So as much as I love going on holidays I for one am really happy to be back home too.

Here are a few snapshots of our fun. (forgive the photography wich was taken with just a cheapie happy snappy camera as my "real camera" is broken)

Have a happy day.
Ang xx

'Twas The 'Day' Before Christmas...

2009-12-24T08:50:00.000+11:00

Our kids were up early bursting with excitement of Christmas Eve. Pirncess Lilli announced "one more sleep mummy!!" and Monkey asked if we were busy today because if we were the day would go faster. We are busy, we a having a lovely lunch with my mum and little brother today.
Tomorrow we will relax at home with our small family and some friends. And on Boxing Day we leave for holidays at Port Macquarie for two weeks. Two weeks of realxing, playing with the kids without time getting in the way and no work for Hubbie who works six days a week.

Looking back on our year, we cant complain infact we are more that grateful for what we have.
We have two happy and healthy kids who give us joy (and a little cheekiness) every day.
Hubbie and I have been together for over eight years and our lives are exactly where we dreamed we would be when we first met.
Besides me being made redundant from my job at the begining of October our year has been wonderful.

Next year holds some new challanges and some new asparations and dreams.
Whatever next year will bring, I know we will be ok.

Here's our 2009 in very few images.

We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and holiday period.
Thank you to all the kind people who have taken time to read my blog and the wonderful Fellow Bloggers who have left lovey comments.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-12-23T08:27:00.000+11:00

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Like me, but little...

2009-12-18T17:28:00.002+11:00

That's our Princess Lilli at four.
She is just like me in so many ways it's sometimes a little scary after all I am 37 and she has just turned four. She took a long three years to bless our family with all her charm, happiness and pinkness and besides being our Princess Lilli she is -

Beautiful - to look at her that is obvious, but she is just as beautiful on the inside.
Curious - so much so that she takes her toys apart (ok she breaks them) to see how they work.
Loves Fashion - it became evidant very early she loved clothes. She was not even one when she cried when I put jeans on her and clapped when I changed her into a dress. I kid you not. So now I don't buy many shorts or pants. Her wardrobe is overfilled with skirts and dresses.
Clever - ofcourse she is.
Cheeky - but she does it with a flirty smile. I try not to let it slide too often.
Loves Make Up - and I let her wear a little gloss and eye sparkles if she wants. Because I cant breatheat at the thought of if she was taken away by angels and never could again.
Imaginative - every day she amazes me with her imagination. She comes to have her breakfast in a Princess dress almost every day. She sees things I wish I could.
Loves snails, catterpilars, butterflies and lollypops.
Her favourite colour is pink. Always pink. She kisses my forehead when I don't feel well and loves to ride on daddys back. She adores her older brother almost as much as he adores her.

She is our Lilli Angel and she has completed our family.

Just a few faces of my Princess Lilli -

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

School Holidays (officially)...

2009-12-17T17:32:00.000+11:00

It's offically day one of our school holidays. I say officially because although Monkey had a day off yesterday, things went officially crappy today.

The day started out simple, we got up, ate, took Lilli to Pre-School and decided that Monkey would get his haircut. Yep sounded like a good plan. So we're at the hairdressers, the nice lady cutting his hair like Edwards Scissor Hands, then she looks at me with a horror. I thought oh my gosh she's cut his ear off, but he didn't look in pain, he wasnt crying and there was no blood. She motioned for me to come over and parted his hair. And there it was.........head lice!!! We havent had any experience with lice in this household so I was upset, ashamed and somewhat angry. How!? When!? Whyyyy!?? My reaction in turn made him cry. So the lovely hairdresser lady finished cutting his hair, gave me some product, told me not to worry and told him the same. So we came home, washed, combed and repeated.

On the up side, the kidlets recieved their present from Nanny and Grandma who bought them a new trampoline. Our one is over six years old, has no pads or net and my kids think they can fly. So we are now the proud owners of a round trampoline with the safety net around it.

It doesnt make my heart pound any slower when they are flying!

Heres a few photos of the good times our old one provided. (excuse the angle of Hubbie in the bottom one, but I just love that photo, I think he thinks he can fly too.)

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-12-16T06:15:00.005+11:00

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Christmas, Family and Presents oh my...

2009-12-14T12:30:00.000+11:00

I adore Christmas, the whole holiday preiod!
I love the frantic pace we live in for the month of December.
The decorations, the get togethers with friends and family, the big leg of ham that takes up half the fridge and everyone gets sick of within a week, the culinary delights we try to make to take to the mentioned get togethers, the school and preschool concerts and parties, the threat of Santa not coming when kidlets don't behave and of course it's a really good excuse to have that extra glass of wine. I love it all.

Yesterday we had our family Christmas get together. We usually host it at our place. One party for my side of the family and another party for Hubbie's side. But this year we decided to have one BIG party for everyone. After all we all know eachother, we all get along really well so it made perfect sence. We spent the day at Lake Alexadra at Mittagong.

The saying goes "you cant choose your family". It's true. In my case if I had to choose I would choose mine. I only have my Mum and a little brother in Australia but am blessed to have an extended family that I honestly adore. I love my Mother in Law and my brother in law. I have a niece and nephew that amaze me at how quick they are growing up.
But mostly I have a sister. She is my brother in laws wife and I love her to bits. Over the eight years I have known her she has become one of my closest friends. We are total opposites of eachother in so many ways but somehow we just click. She has listened to countless hours of my complaints about almost everything, she has coloured my moods when all seemed black and we have spent hours and hours laughing. I just love her. Oooh and as an added bonus she comes with a really lovable sister, brother and parents.
Here's some random photos of our fun yesterday.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Ninja Monkey...

2009-12-12T16:52:00.000+11:00

Monkey has been doing Karate now for just under 18 months.

Today he recieved his blue belt! We couldnt be prouder of him.

Although he whines and carries on at times about going to training, he is forever walking around the house karate chopping, round kicking and doing his cartas on anything that will stand still for a split second. Usually that means Princess Lilli and she promptly and very loudly yells at him to stop. Which in turn turns into a screaming match (just from her). Monkey doesnt scream he just stands extremely close to her cranky little body and proceeds to do Karate moves on her.

In his defence "but I'm not even touching her!"

Here's the proud and happy blue belted Monkey.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Beach Bums...

2009-12-11T18:20:00.001+11:00

We love the beach.
We don't live that close by but we are only? 45 minutes away. So when we can we get down there we do. Friday evenings are always great, it's sort of warm, fish and chips are a hit for dinner and the kids play and get tired.
Afew weeks ago we went on a Friday and took Monkeys buddy from school. They met when they were in pre-school, took to eachother like ducks to water and six years on they are still good mates.
Me and Mister M''s mummy hope they always will be.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-12-09T06:14:00.001+11:00

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Un-Busy Little Bee...

2009-12-07T07:13:00.000+11:00

My weekend in one word - unproductive.
I just didn't do anything I should have. Saturday Princess Lilli and I played with various tiny toys that I know I will find today in places they souldnt be and hurt my feet on. I also indulged way too much time in reading gorgeous blogs that literally suck you in and you cant move.
Sunday I woke with a terrible headache so while my hubbie got up and catered to Princess Lilli's every whim, I slept a little more. Infact I woke up at lunch time to find Hubbie has hung out a load of washing, hung up some more Christmas lights around the home, washed both our cars and waxed mine, painted the front door, cleaned the kitchen after breakfast and mowed the lawn! He is amazing, wonderful and every girl should have one just like that.

A rare photo of him not pulling a goofy face.

And Hubbie in a nutshell..

Now time for me to get busy and redeem myself somewhat and to avoid temptation I'm turning the pc off!

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

When All Is Quiet...

2009-12-05T15:41:00.000+11:00

My house is extremely quiet at the moment.
Princess Lilli is fast asleep on the lounge.
Hubbie has gone to watch a kick boxing fight.
Monkey is at his dad's for the weekend.
So what else would I get up to but to play in Photoshop.
These are some more photos of the lovely Miss A I took a couple of days ago.

This took me forever and yes I know it's all a bit out of whack, but it was fun and it still looks kind of pretty.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Not a scrap of taffetta to be seen.

2009-12-04T08:06:00.001+11:00

It's that time of the year, School Formals.

Mine was almost 20 years ago and I won't bore you all with stories of all the taffetta, the high fringes and perms. Thank goodness those days are over!

Yesterday was my friends daughters formal and I had the great prvilidge of taking some photos of the gorgeous girl. Miss A looked beautiful and no there was no taffetta anywhere in sight.

Enjoy you little sneak peak Miss A xx.

And because I like things a little vintagey heres a couple more.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Who's Bribing Who.....

2009-12-03T07:02:00.001+11:00

I rarely leave the house without my camera, so when Pirncess Lilli and I were going shopping a couple of weeks ago my camera came along. There's been a spot on the way to the shops I have wanted to stop and take photos for a while now but Princess is usually fast asleep when we drive past.

This particular day, while we were browsing at Cotton On Kids I said to her "Do you think you'd like some photos on the way home under the bridge?" to which she replied whilst holding on to a pink TuTu skirt "Yes mummy, you can take photos if you buy me this" with a big smile and a flutter of the lashes. I taught her THAT smile and how to flutter her big brown eyes. I told her that no she didn't need another tutu, and the cheeky little thing said "No, I don't need another photo".

She has succeeded at the art of bribery. She is just four.

She got a new tutu, I got some photos.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-12-02T06:29:00.005+11:00

Have a happy day

Ang xx

Tiny Dancer...

2009-11-30T10:59:00.002+11:00

Ever since Princess Lilli was two she has wanted to do dancing lessons. She's a twirler by nature and such a little prancer that it made sense. So at the age of three I took her to dancing lessons. It took a couple of weeks but she finally enjoyed it and made little friends along the way. It is an uderstatement to say I was excited about the end of year concert, our very first one! Pretty costumes, sparkles and makeup. Whats not to get excited over?

But ofcourse ever since Princess Lilli could walk and talk it was evident that 1) she was extremely clumsy (I could be responsible, although that is yet to be confirmed) and 2) she is very moody. She has a very Princess attitude therefore if she doesnt want to do something, she just wont.

So imagine my shock and horror when at her dress rehrsal she did not want to put on her tiny Jeannie costume. She simply folded her arms, teared up and stood there with a cranky look on her face while the other little Jeannies danced around her.

Yesterday we had the concert and all I can say is thank heavens for the good old fashioned art of bribery. With the promise of McDonalds for dinner and a new DVD she was more than happy to not only put on her costumes but also dance and smile. She went splendid in the before the show rehersals!! I was overjoyed that she looked like she was loving it and was having fun.

The show started. In their first dance the tiny Jeannies came out, a little shocked to see the hall had somehow filled since the rehersal but they danced with "oohs" and "ahs" from the adoring audience. Princess Lilli pranced around the stage, pointed her little toes and twirled all the while looking at her teary mummy. A few dances later they came out for their second dance, but you could see in Princess Lillis eyes something had snapped in the last 20 minutes, she came out, found me in the audience and just froze. All the other little girls started skipping........right into her!!! Needless to say she balwed, I had to get up and scoop her off the stage and hold her. Right at the end of the dance she said through uncontrolable sobs "I want to get back on". And so she did. She didn't dance she just stood there, still sobbing and trying to smile. The crowd roared for my tiny dancer!

Nanny came for the weekend, which is always a treat for the kids.

The happy girl before rehersals

At rehersal....

And after a very emotional concert the golden trophy was all worth it.....

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Suprise....

2009-11-28T16:55:00.001+11:00

That is what my husband came home with one week ago. On a scorching heatwave of a day, I came home from being out for the morning to find him bright red, sweating and putting up a pool. An 8 foot, round pool. A pool that takes up a third of our tiny, tiny back yard. The other two thirds are taken up by a trampoline and a clothes line.
A couple of hot days later and the kids were not that keen with our new addition to the back yard. It was too cold, too little, too boring! It was starting to look like a waste of a suprise until today.......apparently today it was just right.

Have a happy day.

Ang xx

Testing, testing......

2009-11-26T16:02:00.000+11:00

Is anyone out there?
So this is blogging. Something I have wanted to do for a while now but never found the time. Something I thought my son (aka Monkey) and daughter (our little Angel who calls herself Princess Lilli) would like to look back on when they are older. Somewhere where I can record our familes' happenings. And to be totally truthful something that will definately keep me from going slightly insane since being made redundant from a job I was at for over 6 years and totally loved. Apart from Maternity Leave I took after having my babies I have never not worked. So now I find myself a little lost, a little bored and a little over the housework.
Will anyone ever venture here and read? Who knows.
But I will post every day (ok so more like every week) but I will not give up.
Have a happy day.

Ang xx