Monthly Memories | August

It's like my body knows that Spring is coming, which also means Summer is coming. Cause I have been eating Oranges like mad. I buy a whole bunch each week and eat them everyday! They are pretty messy and sticky (especially at uni), but I can't help myself! Oranges forever!

I started this month with the best intentions. Walking at least 4-5 times a week. And then each week that slowly dropped until last week, which was zero. I have put on alot of unwanted weight this past winter and I reeeeaaaallllyyyy need to get into gear and walk it off. Here's to another month...

I'm sure you have probably heard (unless you live under a rock), that Robin Williams passed away this month. He was one of my all time favourite actors and such a bright light in the world. I feel somewhat sad that I will never see another movie with him in it. He brought so much laughter and happiness into the world - what a great thing to be remembered for. Needless to say I have been watching ALOT of his movies this month. I have a feeling it will be that way for awhile (Patch Adams is on the list for tonight, so keen!)

Another food craving I have had this month is Avocado and Tomato on rice crackers, with salt and pepper. It is so amazing, yet another thing I eat everyday at uni. I bring my cut up tomato and everything. Makes me feel so healthy (this is new). I have a feeling this craving will be sticking around for a long time also.

My babies. This photo sums them up pretty well. Petal (white) and Stallone (middle) are always watching your every move and looking for that little bit extra attention. Chloe however, does what she wants. Photo? who cares. Sleep is way more important. I love them so much.

A good old selfie. This photo shows to me how much I really need to get my eyebrows tinted, which is something I have been thinking about for awhile now. Alycia, over at Crowley Party, recently got hers done and the difference is so incredible. I am very interested in how my face might look too. Hopefully I can get them done this coming month!

Farewell Sister Slade!

These past few months I had had a great pleasure and honour of getting to know a missionary from my church, Sister (Kelli) Slade. 

 Missionaries from the church serve volunteer for a period of 18 months - 2 years in a country around the world where they are called too. It is such a huge sacrifice for so many of them and they are all such wonderful, humble people.

We were lucky enough to be blessed with Sister Slade! She is such a lovely girl and has become such a great friend to Benn and I. She flew back to America yesterday where she is from and I will miss her terribly!! One day we will finally venture over to America and go on our dream holiday to road trip across the states on Route 66. We will surely be taking up Sister Slade's offer to crash out her house and see some sights! We can't wait :)

Oh and of course I sent her home with some Tim Tams, Milo and good old Vegemite!!

 

 Thankyou for your love and friendship.

Thankyou for your words of wisdom and your support.

Thankyou for being a such a bright shining light.

Can't wait to see you again one day.

Love you lots. Love us! xx

My Favourite Blogs!

 

I thought I would share with you some of the bloggers I find myself constantly reading and checking each week. I love their positive, real posts and find myself immersed in their words more often then I should be (sorry uni work).

I have always loved reading about peoples lives, biographies are my favourite types of books, so with the never ending advances of the Internet I constantly finding myself new blogs that I fall in love with. 

I am not really "big" in terms of the blogging world and half of these blogs wouldn't even know who I am, however, thats what blogging is all about right? Creating posts and inviting people into your lives - so many people that you don't even know whos reading. 

Thats kinda what I love about it I guess, letting people into your life one post at a time..

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Nie Nie Dialouges - Stephanie is phenomenal. She has a beautiful family and a wonderful husband. Her journey is incredible, not to mention her optimism about life and the strength of her faith. I have spent hours reading her posts and have still not got through them all, not to mention so many bring me to tears.

Officially Stoked - A fellow Aussie blogger, Rachel, talking about her life in Brisbane with her husband and brand new babe.  I have known Rachel for a few years now and it's been lovely to see her fall in love, get married and start her beautiful family. She is a genuinely love person.

 Crowley Party - Alycia is so cute and loveable. She has great youtube videos with makeup advice, has gorgeous fashion sense and the love of her husband is just adorable. If I ever need inspiration for hair, makeup or what to wear, I know I can go straight to her blog and figure it out!

Love Taza - Naomi and her gorgeous family sharing their life with us from the famous New York City. She is currently pregnant with her third little bundle of joy and I can't wait to see pictures of the bubba come December. No doubt he/she will be just as gorgeous as the other two.

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Okay now I feel like a massive stalker talking and recommending blogs that I am constantly reading. But take my word for it, they are amazing!

Blogging Birthday.

Today marks the one year anniversary of "The Aussie Osborns". I have really enjoyed documenting our lives over the past 12 months, however, I must admit I have been much better about frequent about updating these past few months.

Here are some of my favourite posts from the past year, and if your new here, it might be a great place to start!

Wining a cooking competition

University for two!

One Year of Marriage 

Personal Raditation

Changing for the better

A new hobby

Storm

Personal Radiation

A stand out message that I really felt hit home with me from the General Women's meeting I recently went to was regarding our capacity to influence others.

A message from David O. McKay was shared relating to our personal radiation. It is just too good that I couldn't not share it with you all.

 "There is a responsibility that no man can evade. That is the responsibility of personal influence ... Every man (& woman) has an atmosphere or a radiation that is affecting every person in the world. You cannot escape it ... It is simply the constant radiation of what a man (or woman) really is. Every man (& woman) by his mere living is radiating positive or negative qualities. Life is a state of radiation. To exist is to be the radiation of our feelings, natures, doubts, schemes, or to be the recipient of those things from somebody else. You cannot escape it. Man (& woman) cannot escape for one moment the radiation of his (or her) character. You will select the qualities that you will permit to be radiated. That reminds me of the following poem, the author of which is unknown.

            You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,
            By the very manner in which you speak,
            By the way you employ your leisure time,
            By the use you make of dollar and dime.
            You tell what you are by the things you wear,
            And even by the way you wear your hair,
            By the kind of things at which you laugh,
            By the records you play on your phonograph.
            You tell what you are by the way you walk,
            By the things of which you delight to talk,
            By the manner in which you bury deceit,
            By so simple a thing as how you eat.
            By the books you choose from the well fitted shelf.
            In these ways and more you tell on yourself."

Your invited to GROW

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a Womens Conference held by the Stake of my church. It was such an uplifting and inspirational day, that I thought I would share some of the key messages and lessons that were taught.

The theme for the was for us to "Grow", with hands on work-shops and discussions for us to engage in. There were three main areas; relationships, identity and caring for ourselves.

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" Luke 2:52

Understanding our Identity;

This lesson/discussion was focused on learning to love ourselves. Not overly so that we become prideful or begin to think higher of ourselves then others. But understanding that we are here on this earth as "divine daughters of God" and we need to recognise this. To recognise that no matter how down on ourselves we may get, or how others may make us feel. We are always special. We need to take time-out for ourselves to recognise our worth and our individuality.

Caring for ourselves physically and emotionally;

Stress and Depression are too common factors that are so common, yet never spoken of and can greatly effect our physical and emotional health.
"The number 1 thing to counteract depression is exercise and number 2 is small acts of kindness from others".
" Smile more - it lifts you mood straight away!"
"Sugar greatly impacts your mood"

We were also given a "Problem Solving Loop for Stress":
1. Identify the problem - be honest with yourself
2. Explore information and create ideas - research the problem and study it in your mind and heart
3. Select the best idea
4. Build and test the idea
5. Evaluate results
(and repeat!!)

We were given skills and ideas of how to care for ourselves, physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally, in the hopes that we can grow into the best version of ourselves.

 

Our relationships;

Learning about ways to strengthen and grow your marriage is always a good lesson to learn. A large part of this lesson was focused on being compassionate, humble and putting yourself in the other persons shoes. Remembering to always be grateful.

"Even if someone is doing what they should be doing, thank them anyway!"
 "When someone matters in your life, find out what matters to them"
 "Respond with love and kindness even if your don't feel like it"

One of the best things I liked about this topic was "Laugh your way to a better marriage", which I feel is so true! To be happy together is the first place to start and who doesn't like to laugh right?? Below is a fantastic clip which we watched, and of course laughed the whole way through!

I hope you found some of these words uplifting and inspiring, like I did.

Creative Cooking | Banana Oat Cookies

I had a banana that needed to be used up and really didn't feel like cake or muffins (plus it was only the one banana). I am obsessed with cookies lately. I have been making a batch a week (at least). So I though I would mix it up a bit and try out some new type of recipe, using my one lonely banana.(I literally just remembered that I didn't take any photos of the cookies and they are now all gone - YUM - just an indication of how good they are). I will no doubt make this batch again, and will update this post with photos then. 

Until then, enjoy this scrumptious recipe.

This is another batch I made with 1 tablespoon of Cocoa.
Still just as good.

Banana Oat Cookies

Ingredients;

• 1 cup self-raising flour
• 1/2 cup plain flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 3 cups oats
• 1 cup coconut powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1 1/2 cup melted butter

Method;

• Mix dry ingredients together
• Mix wet ingredients together
• Combine wet and dry gradually
• Roll into balls
• Place on baking tray and cook for 15 minutes
• Allow to cool and ENJOY!!

One step at a time..

So, after making my post yesterday about my horrible walking habits I went for a walk today. Actually I went for TWO. I know right, I can almost not believe it myself. I took photos so I could prove to you all (and myself) that I DID IT. I EXERCISED. 

Now it's just a matter of keeping it up.. 

Benn came with me this morning and we took the dogs out too. The loved it of course. I will never get sick of watching them run through the grass and trees. They are in heaven.

I am thinking of taking 1 dog out each afternoon when I get home from uni. This is a good idea because a) one dog at a time is enough for me to handle b) not taking the other dogs will force me to go the other days because I will feel bad and have to "make it up to them". Monday that will begin. Sunday (thankfully) is a day of rest, so I don't have to feel guilty about not walking tomorrow (plus I will probably be sore from my double walk today). 

 

I may or may not have "rewarded" myself for finally going for a walk by buying a kitkat. Which obviously defeats the purpose of walking.
But let's just take this one step at a time shall we...

Grateful.

I find it so hard to find the words to write a post. 

I want to update this space with the happenings of our life, but I feel like there is nothing to say except; uni, eat, sleep - repeat. 

Apologies if our life is a little less then glamorous, but it's ours.


I am grateful for uni, for our house, for my little family, for having a car, for having good friends. There are so many things to be grateful for, so why not record just a few of them. 
 
No matter how "boring" my posts seem to be I must remember to write something, at least once a week. Just to update one what we have done, or want to do, or maybe what we wish we could do.  I know that in a few years I will look back and be grateful to read about the times when we had no money and only had to worry about when our next assignment was due (among other life issues, like bills - yuck).

***

We are currently 2 weeks into the uni semester and I already have 5 assignments due in the next 6 weeks (yay for me).
Plus the rest after that. 

Although I am loving my subjects for this semester; Early Childhood and Primary Numeracy, Integrated Curriculum, Aboriginal studies and Diversity and Inclusion. The last one there is super interesting, it's all about diversity (obviously) - race, language, disabilities, culture etc, and how to included that ethically within the classroom so all children are supported.

I am already finding it so eye opening and interesting. It really makes you re-think how you might look at or act in certain situations. 

***

Benn's subjects include; Science, K-6 Science (like how to teach science), Foundations of Child Development and Creative Arts. I can tell he is going to have a great semester (those subjects are all so fun).  He is loving uni, although finding it hard to get back into the "swing" of things. It happens to all of us when you have a 6-week break. 

During which time he enjoyed some 4WDing, tidying up downstairs, pulled cars apart for friends, put a new engine in our car and recently started a major service on a motor bike he acquired. He is seriously a man of many (many) trades. All self taught might I add.

 I don't know where he finds the energy or motivation, but he really does love it - so that helps.

***

Speaking of motivation, how do you do that "exercise" thing?
Like actually get out of the house and go for a walk/run.

I just can't manage it.
I told myself "I will go for a walk everyday this week".
Well that started and ended on Tuesday. 

My one walk. 

My Aunty would be horrified (sorry Ash).

The annoying thing is, I felt pretty good after it, but getting out there again to do it?
Nope. 

I am a women who will find any excuse; oh look it's so cold, but I should clean, I think I feel sick, I'm just so tired, If only I could afford a gym membership - then I would go... 

 But lets be realistic here.
Even if I had a gym membership I'm sure I could invent some type of other excuse.

However, each new day is a new one.
Maybe, just maybe, tomorrow will be different.

***

And look at that, I started this post saying I had nothing to say, and managed to write a nice long post about nothing. 

Good job on getting to the end. 

I made it.

I made it. Done. Prac is finished.

And Semester Two has started. Giving me only 2 days to breathe easy.

It may not seem like much to some, I mean it was only 4 weeks of teaching, with a 2-week "break" (consisting of more lesson planning) in between. But to me, it is a huge achievement. For those of you who may be teachers or completed a teaching degree, you would know what I am talking about. I was at school 8-4 everyday (minimum), teaching from 9-3, then once home writing lessons/plans/reflections for the following day from 5-8. Safe to say I was mentally, physically and emotionally drained by the end of it.

It saying all that, however, it was such a wonderful, fantastic, amazing experience and it really cemented to me that yes - this is where I am meant to be heading in life. I am still unsure if I will if I prefer Early Childhood (ages 0-5) or Primary School (ages 5-12), but at least I know that my career is set. Yes - it's tiring and full on, but it is what I want and what I can see myself doing for the rest of my life.

It's been one week since Semester Two of uni has started and somehow it already feels like prac was a lifetime ago. I am still tired from it, but it feels like I did it weeks ago, rather then just last Friday. Uni is back in full swing and I can already see this Semester shaping up to be a very busy one. There are so many things I wanted to do around the house before going back (like tidying up the study so I can see my desk for one). Readings, assignments, groups assignments, Presentations, Exams and another prac to be experienced come November 5th. I have one year to go now. Almost exactly. I have friends in the year above and they begin their 6-week and final prac (last ever component of the degree) on August 11th.  That will be me in one more year. I can do it. Bring it on.