what my 10 year old taught me about kicking fear to the curb

It was a bright and sunny Sunday morning. With a quick pat of the dogs, the kids piled out the front door and into the car, excited about the prospect of an adventurous morning at the local show.

We eventually found a car park, popped hats onto heads, and walked through the front gates.

We follow the same path each year, wandering through the craft, baking and art exhibitions first, stopping to marvel at the woodcutters, then meander towards the steam engine displays while licking ice creams.

As the morning wears on, we wander through sideshow alley, around the corner to the dodgem cars, and the Ferris Wheel.

I love the Ferris Wheel.

IKEA shopping for camping

Inside - Find out the 11 things on my wish list for our next camping trip

Like most people, I enjoy a good trip to wander around IKEA, but generally it's not Steve's favourite pastime. To avoid any discussions over purchases I find it easiest to have a plan for the purchases, rather than just "I love these, they're so cute" (although I'd be lying if I said that still didn't happen.)

Self Care for the Stressed Mumma

It's no secret that our household is stressed. From the financial stress of less money coming in, but the same amount of bills going out, to a teenager who isn't quite sure how to deal with anger except to explode all over the house, there's a lot of pressure on both Steve and I. And while we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, there are some days that we submit to the stress, and wallow, and become overwhelmed by it.

Sometimes, though, people will surprise you, pulling you out of the mud in the most unexpected ways, and allowing you some breathing space. We had one such experience just last week - a work mate of Steve's offered us free accommodation on the Sunshine Coast for a few days. He'd actually offered it to us back in April, and we'd said yes, but it became too complicated to go when we realised we'd forgotten about the NAPLAN testing Douglas needed to do last week, so we'd moved the trip to the too-hard basket.

But, on short notice, with very little budget flexibility, we manage an overnight escape, which was just what the doctor ordered.

The view from our sixth floor apartment was spectacular.

The water was freezing cold.

Who cares if you can't swim, it's water!

We managed to move away from the pool long enough to wander across the road, check out the crab pots Steve's friend had thrown in, and paddle in the salty water.

After an early dinner of fisha dn chips in the courtyard, Steve and I sat on the balcony drinking wine while the kids snuggled down for an early night in front of the tv.

Then I got to sit on the balcony and watch the sun come up, completely free of any noise.

There were some imperfect moments, like the room not actually having enough beds, and Douglas being relegated to couch cushions on the floor, and kids bickering and tripping over each other, but moments like these, where they worked together to put the breakfast dishes away, reminded us that they're really good kids at heart.

When was the last time you went away?

linking with Essentially Jess for ibot

Camping Adventures

Camping is something that has only been in my life for a few years, but is loved by everyone. The bickering kids never stop, food is still needed, but we get outside, into the sunshine (something that my days sorely lack) and breath the fresh air.

Linking up with My Little Drummer Boys for Aussie Wordless Wednesday
and
Pierced Wonderings for Photo Friday

Easter in Autumn

It didn't occur to me until I saw Beverly's post that my Easters of now are so different to the Easters of my childhood (I grew up not far from where Amy lives now)

When I was a child, Easter (and school holidays) meant mum and dad worked at the Home Show (which now seems to be broken into two shows - the Herald Sun Home Show, and the HIA Home Show. It was ten days of shows in the "old days").

The weather could be cold and wet, or sunny and hot, or sunny and wet, or any combination of these. Leaves turned brown and dropped off, shedding coats to sleep through the cold. Daylight savings had ended, and days were shorter, waking up in the dark, getting home in the dark.

In Queensland, Autumn means cooler weather, not less sun. Autumn means rain and green growth, and some trees shedding their coats. The end of the summer storm season can be ferocious, damaging trees and buildings, or constant, day after day of interminable rains. But the constant these days is sunshine and green.

A new location to explore today

What does Easter weather look like for you?