Life is a Journey not a Destination

Thought I’d share some photos from our holiday so far. We’re having a great time. The weather has been wonderful. We’ve been going to the beach, Amy has been swimming and both girls have had a ball collecting shells; swimming in the pool and they have been off making friends, riding their bikes and playing on the jumping pillow. I’ve been relaxing, reading, reading and more reading. Kevin joined us on Saturday and stayed the night.

Since we’re away this week we did our Muffin Tin Monday all about SHAPES last week. Amy has posted about in on her blog.

but someone has to do it. Isn’t that the saying? I couldn’t help but think of that as I sit here in the van with my laptop and cup of tea. The girls are off playing, the sun is thinking about setting and I can see the river flowing out our window. I can tell it’s going to be a hard week :-).

The view from our van.

Not much to report this week. I’ve been busy with the normal household jobs plus getting organised for our vacation. We leave tomorrow straight after school. We’ll be staying in my parents van down the coast at Gerroa. It’s only a 40min drive so very close to home.

So today I just wanted to share some recents layouts. The first one is Christy’s birthday, the other two are Easter layouts for the girls albums - trying to get them a bit more up-to-date. I am SOOOO enjoying my new photo printer.

Ooops, I forgot all about it being a family favourite editions for the menu plan this week. Since I’ve already done my plan I’ll just share a couple of favs here.

Zucchini Slice

Pumpkin Cannelloni

Sweet Potato Rissoto

If you haven’t already done so it would be a great week to check out the other menus at the organising junkie

Last week I ended up making two new recipes on Sat and Sun night. I had a TVP chow mein (from a packet mix), which we didn’t enjoy, and vegetarian potato kugal which was absolutely delicious. We leave on Friday for vacation so I need to do a bit of planning for that as well.

MONDAY: Homemade Pizza (Amy’s request)

TUESDAY: Vegetable & Ricotta Cannelloni (new recipe)

WEDNESDAY: Veggies with cheese sauce

THURSDAY: Vegetable Pie

From Friday : On vacation . I  have quite a few meals in the freezer to take with us, the others will be quick, easy to make meals like nachos, wraps, salads, etc.

For more great menu ideas visit the Organizing Junkie.

I had a really great Sunday. We started off the morning with a family walk down to the lake. I was inspired by Gretchen’s putt putt layout and started to make when we got back. It’s the first time EVER I have scrapbooked photos taken on the same day. Annie you are right - it was so fun!!

Kevin was wanting to do something today. That was fine with me but it was too nice a day to spend indoors either shopping or going to the movies. I suggested we go to Kiama - a seaside town about 30mins away. Then I remembered it was market day so that’s what we did. We packed some lunch which we enjoyed sitting on the grass. The girls went on some rides and visited the petting zoo and we wandered through the stalls buying a few bits and pieces. I was rather pleased to be able to buy some more seedlings for the veggie garden. Such a good idea - you buy a punnet and can fill it with whatever seedlings you like. So much better than better 6 of one plant. It was such a beautiful day to spend outdoors. And funnily enough we realized we last went to the markets here in Sept last year. When we came home the girls had a swim, I planted my seedling and finished off the scrapbook page. We then watched Camp Rock. Kinda cute but I don’t think quite the league of High School Musical.

Aren’t those cupcakes the cutest? Almost too nice to eat. Lucky they tasted as good as they looked.

Isn’t this chook beautiful? I think I might get some of those next time.

I’m VERY excited about my weight loss this week. After losing NOTHING last week, this week I was down 2kg (4.4lbs). I’m so happy and excited. We leave on Friday for our vacation so I’ll weigh in again then. But already knowing the scales are reflecting what I know is happening will be a real motivation while I’m away.

I reached another milestone - when converting my weight into pounds I’m now under 200lbs!!!! 198.7 to be exact.

It’s finally happening. The scales have finally been moving downwards. I think every day this week they have moved a little. I’ve been getting in all my workouts and eating pretty clean. I have so much more energy which is great. And after my clothes shopping success yesterday I’m feeling pretty good about myself. With the weather finally warming up I know Summer is on the way (not the mention we’re off to the beach for a weeks holiday next Friday) and I’m pleased to know I’ll be looking and feeling my best this year.

Well, it’s been a LONG time since I was able to shop in Sussan’s and that used to be their advertising jingle. Actually I don’t think I’ve shopped there since maybe Uni - they only go up to 16s. In desperation, after exhausting Target and my 2 other usual shops for clothes (and finding only ONE top) I thought maybe I might be able to fit into something at Sussan’s. Really not sure what to expect and I was pleasantly suprised at the range - young and fresh without being too teenagery - just what I was looking for. And best of the size 16’s fitted - YEAH!!! I tried on a heap of clothes (luckily was Mum was hand to help) and came home with 4 tops and two shrugs. I got some brown pants from Myers and am all set. Thank goodness. With the weather finally having turned warm for more than one day at a time I was pretty much out of clothes to wear.

Oh, and I had to get two pair of summer shoes as I’ve gone down a half a size with my weight loss and last years shoes are too big. This pair is my favourite.