Flowers picked by my little boys just for me.
I love how when they see a flower, they must think of me and how it would make me happy:)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Day 18
For lovely long nights.
I just love summer and being able to faff around outside until late before it gets dark. Tonight I got out and weeded my vege gardens, did some pruning, raking, staking, watering.. It was so nice to get out of the house and have some me time.
I just love summer and being able to faff around outside until late before it gets dark. Tonight I got out and weeded my vege gardens, did some pruning, raking, staking, watering.. It was so nice to get out of the house and have some me time.
Day 17.
For being able to bake anything I like again!
Last night we had Lemon Meringue Pie for the first time in 2 years! Chase has just been given the all clear that he is no longer allergic to egg, so we are going hard on all the yummy egg recipes that we couldn't use a egg replacer for:) Yummo!
Last night we had Lemon Meringue Pie for the first time in 2 years! Chase has just been given the all clear that he is no longer allergic to egg, so we are going hard on all the yummy egg recipes that we couldn't use a egg replacer for:) Yummo!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Day 15
For lovely little soft chubby hands.
The last couple of days, and especially today, have been rough Cooper days, but even though we have these days, I still just absolutely love him to pieces and couldn't imagine what our life would be like if we chose not to have him. Often I hold his little hands, they are so soft and chubby and teeny. While I'll be glad when this reflux year is over, I will miss little things like him holding onto my finger with those tiny little hands.
My lovely Flynn.
Today Flynn and I bumped into each other at church in between classes, we had such a lovely wee chat as we walked down the corridor to our next classes. I thought to myself how calm and grown up he was becoming. He wasn't being all silly, just telling me all about what he had done in class and when he had to go the other way from where I was going, he politely excused himself and said he'd see me soon. I know it seems like nothing, but I really got a bolt of "Wow my boy is growing up into a lovely little man".
The last couple of days, and especially today, have been rough Cooper days, but even though we have these days, I still just absolutely love him to pieces and couldn't imagine what our life would be like if we chose not to have him. Often I hold his little hands, they are so soft and chubby and teeny. While I'll be glad when this reflux year is over, I will miss little things like him holding onto my finger with those tiny little hands.
My lovely Flynn.
Today Flynn and I bumped into each other at church in between classes, we had such a lovely wee chat as we walked down the corridor to our next classes. I thought to myself how calm and grown up he was becoming. He wasn't being all silly, just telling me all about what he had done in class and when he had to go the other way from where I was going, he politely excused himself and said he'd see me soon. I know it seems like nothing, but I really got a bolt of "Wow my boy is growing up into a lovely little man".
Day 14
For ticking things off lists.
What a thrill I get from ticking something off my to do list. Today we ticked off loads of things.
What a thrill I get from ticking something off my to do list. Today we ticked off loads of things.
Day 13
For movie nights!
I'm grateful for some chilled time with my family during movie nights. Tonight it was the Smurfs! The kids always get so excited in the lead up to movie night, it's so exciting getting to stay up late and eat yummy snacks:)
I'm grateful for some chilled time with my family during movie nights. Tonight it was the Smurfs! The kids always get so excited in the lead up to movie night, it's so exciting getting to stay up late and eat yummy snacks:)
Day 12
For my baby going to sleep all by himself.
Cooper is very good at going to sleep with the help of his dummy. While he doesn't stay asleep during the day for very long, I'm grateful that I don't have to rock him to sleep all of the time. Granted sometimes he needs a little bit of assistance, but 9 times out of 10 he does it all by himself. I remember back to when Flynn was a baby and the hours I spent trying to get him to sleep, especially at night. So tonight as my hubby has another meeting and I'm left to put the kids to bed, I'm grateful that Cooper goes down just like that:)
Cooper is very good at going to sleep with the help of his dummy. While he doesn't stay asleep during the day for very long, I'm grateful that I don't have to rock him to sleep all of the time. Granted sometimes he needs a little bit of assistance, but 9 times out of 10 he does it all by himself. I remember back to when Flynn was a baby and the hours I spent trying to get him to sleep, especially at night. So tonight as my hubby has another meeting and I'm left to put the kids to bed, I'm grateful that Cooper goes down just like that:)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Day 11
For learning a new recipe.
I have never been able to make Russian Fudge before, mainly because I had no idea what the 'soft ball stage' was, I thought the mix had to become a ball in the saucepan or something! Today I had a hankering for some fudge so decided to look on YouTube how to make it. I felt so dumb when I saw what it actually meant to bring the mix to the 'soft ball stage'! So today the boys and I made some fudge, now I have to admit I did start to burn it when I went off to do something else for a second. But according to Flynn it still tastes awesome! Can only get better now that I know what I'm doing:)
I have never been able to make Russian Fudge before, mainly because I had no idea what the 'soft ball stage' was, I thought the mix had to become a ball in the saucepan or something! Today I had a hankering for some fudge so decided to look on YouTube how to make it. I felt so dumb when I saw what it actually meant to bring the mix to the 'soft ball stage'! So today the boys and I made some fudge, now I have to admit I did start to burn it when I went off to do something else for a second. But according to Flynn it still tastes awesome! Can only get better now that I know what I'm doing:)
Day 10
For good moments!
It has taken me round three of having a reflux baby to learn to just enjoy the good moments when they come. I had a good Cooper day today.. a bad Chase and Flynn day... but we won't go there, we are focusing on the positive and atleast they all didn't turn to custard together today;) So Coop behaved himself today which I really appreciated!
For Summer fruit.
Had our first Watermelon and Sweetcorn of the season today - the kids loved them and so did I! I love it when they actually enjoy healthy food. They especially loved how you get the juice from the watermelon and corn all running down your face, the only way to enjoy it:) I'm so grateful myself for some different fruit to mix it up a bit.
It has taken me round three of having a reflux baby to learn to just enjoy the good moments when they come. I had a good Cooper day today.. a bad Chase and Flynn day... but we won't go there, we are focusing on the positive and atleast they all didn't turn to custard together today;) So Coop behaved himself today which I really appreciated!
For Summer fruit.
Had our first Watermelon and Sweetcorn of the season today - the kids loved them and so did I! I love it when they actually enjoy healthy food. They especially loved how you get the juice from the watermelon and corn all running down your face, the only way to enjoy it:) I'm so grateful myself for some different fruit to mix it up a bit.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Day 9
For Gardening!
I really enjoy gardening, it really brings a smile to my face and I get a real feeling of accomplishment.
In one of the breaks in the weather today, Cooper was sleeping so I raced out and did another section of pruning. I was about 5 minutes from finishing when I heard Cooper wake up (I was right outside his window), but Flynn said he'd go and chat to him. So he went and yaked away to him and he yelled out several times that he was smiling at him. So I was very pleased that I accomplished what I wanted to get done. Just as I was walking inside it started to rain. I was very chuffed with myself and so grateful to Flynn for keeping Coop happy until I came inside.
I really enjoy gardening, it really brings a smile to my face and I get a real feeling of accomplishment.
In one of the breaks in the weather today, Cooper was sleeping so I raced out and did another section of pruning. I was about 5 minutes from finishing when I heard Cooper wake up (I was right outside his window), but Flynn said he'd go and chat to him. So he went and yaked away to him and he yelled out several times that he was smiling at him. So I was very pleased that I accomplished what I wanted to get done. Just as I was walking inside it started to rain. I was very chuffed with myself and so grateful to Flynn for keeping Coop happy until I came inside.
Day 8
For being able to listen to the testimonies at church.
Today the kids seemed to gravitate towards Karl during sacrament meeting, which meant that I actually got to listen to some of the testimonies today. I really enjoyed being able to listen to our friends share their testimonies.
Today the kids seemed to gravitate towards Karl during sacrament meeting, which meant that I actually got to listen to some of the testimonies today. I really enjoyed being able to listen to our friends share their testimonies.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day 7
For being able to enjoy making dinner!
Karl looked after all the kiddies while I made dinner tonight. Lately dinner is whipped together in such a rush, with kids squabbling and baby crying. It was nice being able to just take my time and enjoy the experience;)
Karl looked after all the kiddies while I made dinner tonight. Lately dinner is whipped together in such a rush, with kids squabbling and baby crying. It was nice being able to just take my time and enjoy the experience;)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Day 6
For working hard!
We had such a busy day today working in the yard. I have blisters from pruning and my body aches even down to my fingers, but I feel great. It's always so invigorating doing physical work!
For being able to swim in the ocean and play in the sand.
I love floating in the ocean, looking out to Rangitoto with a beautiful blue sky and hearing happy squeals all around me. I love watching the kids playing happily.
For Karl being so happy to be a Dad.
I was watching Karl today at the beach and other day on the tramp with the kids and it occurred to me that he really does enjoy playing with the kids, it's not a chore or something he does quickly so he can get back to what he wants to do. Being with the kids is what he wants to be doing. It's like he has two (now three) little playmates that he has a ball with!
We had such a busy day today working in the yard. I have blisters from pruning and my body aches even down to my fingers, but I feel great. It's always so invigorating doing physical work!
For being able to swim in the ocean and play in the sand.
I love floating in the ocean, looking out to Rangitoto with a beautiful blue sky and hearing happy squeals all around me. I love watching the kids playing happily.
For Karl being so happy to be a Dad.
I was watching Karl today at the beach and other day on the tramp with the kids and it occurred to me that he really does enjoy playing with the kids, it's not a chore or something he does quickly so he can get back to what he wants to do. Being with the kids is what he wants to be doing. It's like he has two (now three) little playmates that he has a ball with!
Day 5
Two again today! This is getting to be a habit:)
For Karl taking the kids for an hour so I can have some retail therapy! I really needed it today.
For a lovely YW President that is so supportive to me in my calling and as a friend. She is amazing, never once has she made me feel guilty about my limitations when I was pregnant and now with Cooper. She organised meals for me when I first came home from having Coop, she cleaned my house for two weeks after my C-section. She is such a thoughtful, wonderful lady and I feel very blessed to have gotten to know her.
I have just looked back over the last five days and have discovered how much the Lord has blessed me by being surrounded by beautiful souls who lift me up everyday.
For Karl taking the kids for an hour so I can have some retail therapy! I really needed it today.
For a lovely YW President that is so supportive to me in my calling and as a friend. She is amazing, never once has she made me feel guilty about my limitations when I was pregnant and now with Cooper. She organised meals for me when I first came home from having Coop, she cleaned my house for two weeks after my C-section. She is such a thoughtful, wonderful lady and I feel very blessed to have gotten to know her.
I have just looked back over the last five days and have discovered how much the Lord has blessed me by being surrounded by beautiful souls who lift me up everyday.
Day 4
Two today... can I do two??
For water fights - oh how I love water fights, so much giggling, so much squealing, so refreshing!
For Karl and my three boys who make me laugh and smile everyday, no matter how rotten I feel and no matter how grumpy I am!
For water fights - oh how I love water fights, so much giggling, so much squealing, so refreshing!
For Karl and my three boys who make me laugh and smile everyday, no matter how rotten I feel and no matter how grumpy I am!
Day 3
For my Flynnie, for his sensitivity to his Mummy, for his love.
Today was a really tough Cooper day for Mummy, Flynnie was so lovely to me and waited so patiently for me to sort out Cooper before we went to the beach. Even when I said they should go without me because I didn't know how long it was going to take to settle him and get him to feed, he was adamant that they weren't going without me. Made me feel very special. He is starting to be a very sensitive soul.
Today was a really tough Cooper day for Mummy, Flynnie was so lovely to me and waited so patiently for me to sort out Cooper before we went to the beach. Even when I said they should go without me because I didn't know how long it was going to take to settle him and get him to feed, he was adamant that they weren't going without me. Made me feel very special. He is starting to be a very sensitive soul.
Day 2
For my good friend Dee, for her lovely spirit, her daily uplifting texts, her empathy.
Despite her physical distance she really helped me through when Chase was a baby and having reflux complications, and she once again is there for me as I struggle with Cooper.
Despite her physical distance she really helped me through when Chase was a baby and having reflux complications, and she once again is there for me as I struggle with Cooper.
Day 1
For parents who love me, who I can call and chat to everyday.
I love that my parents are still close to me and I talk on the phone to them several times a day, they never moan that it's me calling again! They never tire of hearing what the crazy Hamons have been up to:)
I love that my parents are still close to me and I talk on the phone to them several times a day, they never moan that it's me calling again! They never tire of hearing what the crazy Hamons have been up to:)
The Beginning!
I'm never really very good with keeping or remembering new years resolutions, however, after reading a post entitled "Eucharisteo" over at Chocolate on my Cranium, I was inspired to make one new years resolution and that resolution is to give thanks!
I have heard loads of people say they keep daily gratitude journals and how much joy it brings them. It's never tickled my fancy before now. Below is some of what I read that got me so inspired!
President Henry B. Eyring has been keeping a gratitude journal for years. He would write a few lines every single night. Of this experience he shared, "Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.
More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened."
This one question “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” is powerful. The answers even more so. Why?
"To name a thing is to manifest the meaning and value God gave to it." (Alexander Schmemann)
Naming the blessings helps us see ourselves and those around us as God sees us. Giving thanks, counting my blessings, has changed my perspective, my focus. I no longer look inward. My eyes are drawn outward, upward to God. In that drawing I am able to see the needs of others around me. In my limited realm of experience I have learned that in giving thanks I want to give.
Seeing as I've managed to keep up with blogging, I figured why not have a Gratitude Blog;) I know, I know, another blog!
I read the post above and knew I had to start my gratitude journal, I want to feel the joy that comes from consciously seeing Gods hand in my life and remembering these things always, for reasons that Elder Eyring gives in his talk mentioned above... "Tonight, and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? I will do that. And then I will find a way to preserve that memory for the day that I, and those that I love, will need to remember how much God loves us and how much we need Him. I testify that He loves us and blesses us, more than most of us have yet recognized. I know that is true, and it brings me joy to remember Him."
So my resolution is to write something everyday that I am grateful for, just one thing that has made me happy, to remind me of how blessed I really am, even when I feel like everything is falling apart. I am sure this will really benefit me this year as we go through our little issues with Cooper too.
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