Monthly Memories | May

 

Stallone and Ember sharing a cuddle on our bed one morning. Their relationship is so cute, he is so careful and gentle with her (even though he looks like he is squashing her here..).

They are the best of friends.

Happy Birthday to Us! Celebrating in style by going bowling.
A picture with 2 of my bridesmaids and greatest friends, Aimee and Ceridwen.

I have known Aimee since I was 15 at high school and we quickly became fast friends. With some bumps along the road (good old high school), I still cherish her friendship more than ever. I have known Ceridwen since I was 8 years old and grew up alongside her at Church. I love these girls so much and although life gets in the way and I don't see them as much as I would like, when I do it's like we have never been apart.

Getting my craft on and making Mothers day cards for my Mother, Grandmothers and Mother in Law. Handmade (although a little rough..) is best.

A might not be a "real" mother just yet, however, I still call these guys here my babies and love them just as if they were my "real" children. Benn and I even call each other "Mummy" and "Daddy" when speaking in to them (Eg, Go to Daddy/Mummy). They bring such joy into my life and I could not imagine my days with either one of them.

We had the pleasure of going to Benn's family farm in Wingham, NSW to watch his cousin get married this month. It was such a beautiful wedding. Sitting on bails of hay watching the bride ride in on her horse (so jealous!!) and listening to their beautiful vows. A magical day.

Benn and I with the beautiful view of (some of) the farm behind us. Every time we visit I fall more in love with the country and really hope we can move somewhere as beautiful as this one day. I mean look at that scene!!! 

Ember making herself at home in the (empty) bird bath. Such a pretty kitty.

A Change for the Better.

 I thought this post decided one of it's own. I have thought for awhile about posting this, I am not one to "preach" to others, as I have had my fair share of that throughout my life. However, this blog is to do with our lives and that changes that happen during it.

For those that knew me growing up, I used to go to church with my Mother, however I fell away during my teenage years as I discovered that it possibly wasn't for me. I guess in a way though, I never really gained a strong testimony of faith while I was there.

Well, that has all changed. 

Since about December last year, I have been going back to church,

 The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints.

 

Now if you had of told me this last year, I would not have believed you. For approximately the past 10 years, I have believed that I would never return to Church, for a variety of different reasons. Although about October/November, I had started to think about it. Nothing in particular happened to bring about this change of heart, apart from literally waking up one morning with the thought that "I need to go back to Church". I pushed it aside for weeks, but the feeling became stronger and stronger. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. After deliberating for weeks, I finally went. On the first Sunday that I went, someone I knew spoke and it really touched my heart. Another thing which made me know it was the right thing, considering she lived an hour away from the Ward that I went too, what where the chances of her speaking? On the exact day that I finally decided to attend? It was more than a coincidence for me. The following week, I recognised a girl who I used to know back when I was 12. She is a few years older than me and was like a "mentor" type person at one of the girls camps I went on when I was younger. I remember really looking up to her back then. Well now she is married and has moved 2 hours from her hometown, into the Ward which was in my area. Another coincidence? No. Another sign that where I was and what I was doing was right. There have been so many more similar instances like these which have opened my eyes and changed my heart, for the better. I have not missed a Sunday all year and I am so grateful for returning to where I should have been all along. 

I have been happier, feeling more uplifted and my faith is growing more than ever. I finally have a testimony of this gospel. The true church upon this earth and how it can positively impact my life in so many ways that it is incomprehensible to even count. 

Although Benn does not wish to come along with me, he has been very supportive of my change of heart. Something both of us did not for see. He has his own faith and that is fine by me. I am grateful that he is comfortable with me attending my Sunday meetings, full filling my calling (teaching the 6-8 year old class) and having the missionaries over once a week. He is a great man and I love him. Our house has been filled with peace and the spirit and I feel so blessed, even amongst all our trials I know that everything will be okay. 

Anyways, this was more in depth than I had planned and I am not one to yell from the rooftops about what I believe, however, I want to record this change in my life.
A change for the better.

9th May - The best day there is.

Happy Birthday to Us!

Yep, you heard (or read) right, we share the same birthday. The 9th of May. Benn was born in 1988 and myself in 1990, so we are exactly 2 years apart. Although I love sharing my day with him, sometimes it would be nice to be doted on hand and foot for just one day (I'm sure he would agree with me, actually, I know he does). I mean we already share Christmas, Valentines Day, Anniversaries and Easter.. Needless to say we are both looking forward to the future Mothers and Fathers Day that we will one day get and trust me, those holidays and traditions will be made a huge deal of in this house!! 

We spent our day going bowling with a group of friends. We have lots of different friends from all our various walks in life (school, work, uni, neighbours) and not many all know each other, so it was lovely that they were all able to come together for our day. My Dad even made it up from Victoria, as it was Mothers Day a few days later so he also came up to see his Mum. 

My father and Myself.

Terrible photo, but some of our friends who came along.
Devastated we didn't get a full group shot!!

Bowling was so much fun! If you haven't gone bowling lately... DO IT. You won't regret it. I felt like I was 5 years old again. One of the happiest memories I have when my parents were still together was the 5 of us (my two brothers included) going bowling together. It was so great. 

It still is so great.

So Happy Birthday to my love. 5 years of Birthdays with you and I have loved every one. Whether we have celebrated big with friends or celebrated small with just us two at home. I've enjoyed every one and I love our special day. I can't wait for many more to come.

I think hand-made cards are the best, even if I do kinda suck at them.
At least I will be able to laugh in a few years time..

 

Here is a gem from the first year we celebrated together. Such babies.
My red hair, lip piercing and all haha.