April 2019

Autumn is my favourite of all the months! 

Such a true quote! As much as this decluttering/cleaning frenzy of mine has been overwhelming, it feels so amazing to be letting go of stuff! My internal reflects the external so in letting go of old junk (albeit treasures at one stage), I am letting go of the old parts of me that have been weighed down, making room for more happiness of the immaterial kind (okay and maybe the rare material one too).

Monday 1st

Starting a new month on a Monday seems so fitting don't you think?

I made a start to spare room today...slowly but surely!

Tuesday 2nd

Today my boy came home beaming with pride...it was definitely contagious...he has such an infectious smile and a winning attitude thats for sure!

Certificate of Achievement for demonstrating the values of respect, responsibility and effort as a student! I am not at all surprised by this, or by his bright beaming smile, as they are constants day in and out!

AND...I finally finished the spare room.

From THIS...

To This...

To This...

To This...

Thursday 4th

I finally got my arse into gear and got some study done, although my origingal thought of "500 words being able to be easily pumped out" was completely inaccurate LOL! 

The house is still a bit of a shambles and is messing with my head but I will get there. It's hard when juggling work and study. I am stressing that I won't finish it all by the garage sale next Saturday, I know it doesn't matter if I don't BUT I've set myself a goal and I want to achieve it...I know, I know! 

But, its April again, which means I am treading like a crazy woman just to keep my head above the water. There are moments when I am floating and all is calm (my sweet man and I have an awesome reason to celebrate in April), but sure enough a wave of emotion tumbles me all over again! It is okay though, I'm okay, albeit in an odd kind of way...so this cleaning frenzy and the fact that I cry at the drop of a hat (like helllooo I cried because Mike said 'stay' on MAFS tonight) may prove otherwise but even if I'm not, thats okay too. Life goes on for those of us still here, even with the scarred hearts that never truly heal.

Friday 5th 

Today there was sunshine and warm breeze, which was nice. 

Today was also the day that Jodie was laid to rest, which was not so nice. I had contemplated flying to QLD for the service, but I couldn't do it. I mean, I didn't go and see her when she was here so it kind of feels a little redundant going when she's no longer there. Fuck I miss her like crazy, which sounds so ridiculous considering we hadn't been in contact for a while. Love is love fullstop!

Saturday 6th

Today we caught up with our dear friends Nicole and Anthony. It is always such a pleasure to see them.

How awsome are these works of art created by our beautiful friend Nicole in celebration of our upcoming 1 year anniversary! They are proudly hanging on our wall next to our wedding sign...the perfect addition to our bridal suite.

Thank you again Nicole for such a beautiful gift xo 

Sunday 7th

Today I did nothing but work on my 2000 word essay for Behavioural Change, which I am happy to say is now done one week ahead of the due date! How I am managing to work and study with the house the way it is is beyond me considering my head is as much of a jumbled mess as the house is. Fingers cross its not reflected in my grade.

I painted up signs for the garage sale today...reminded me of when I painted our wedding signs a year ago!

Thursday 11th

I am so close to the decluttering being done. Tonight we even sorted through all our beads...a very long arduous task indeed. Speaking of such, did I happen to mention that I pulled the boys lego apart and sorted it into colours...so rewarding but totally insane! Oh and pencils, textas, pens too!

Beads... 

Lego... 

Pencils... 

Mark hung out all the signs for the garage sale today...shits getting real!

Friday 12th

Decluttering is done BUT I still have sorting and cleaning to go! Tonight Mum came over and helped us set up ready for the garage sale in the morning. Oh gosh it felt so good to get all the boxes out of our entry/hallway.

All this has finally been cleared! 

Oh we also made a change to the spare room, which involved moving my piano from one end of the house to the other. It is so completely out of tune...sigh, one day it will be playable again.

My Dad made this toy box when my sister and I were little! 

Saturday 13th

Today is Garage Sale Day!

We were up, ready and setting up before daylight. Good thing too as despite the 'No early bird' sign people were here just after sunrise...we hadn't even put everything out yet! Totally insane!

Only a snippit of what was put out for sale! 

It was such a full on day, but a good little profit maker at that. The money is going towards the boys car fund. So far they have $600 all from our old treasures.

At the end of the day, Mum and I went through everything and made a keep and donate pile. Mark took 3 car loads to the opshop and I packed the rest away in boxes ready for the next garage sale in spring...yes we are going to have another one. This time I doubt I will need to do a big declutter first, lets hope not anyway. 

I managed to pack everything back into the garage with room to spare (which will be filled with chairs and an old desk...Marks project pieces). 

But I am happy to say that the kids hang out zone is completely clear! 

Sunday 14th

Today while Mark did a tip run and a million odd jobs that I delegated, I finished the lounge and music room. 

From this... 

To this...Music Room 

To this...Lounge Room 

Which means, every nook and cranny of our inside home has been decluttered and cleaned. What a relief....such an awesome feeling of accomplishment! 

I also did Gym/Massage Room although I am thinking I may reconfigure the bike situation hmmm.

Monday 15th

The fog I have been living in (aka a messy home due to my mad declutter) has 'almost' lifted!

The 'almost' there refers to the back patio, which WILL be done by the end of today!

Eeekkkk!!! 

And then, the list of stuff I have for the outside area can begin *insert evil laugh, while Mark cowers in corner*.

Tuesday 16th

Another essay behind me (so happy I got it done early again)...oh gosh, I knew this year would be full on! 3 essays in 3 weeks!

Ace got nits again WTF! 

And so it was another treatment, washing, cleaning frenzy followed by a mad dash around town to see if anyone was open and 5pm to cut his gorgeous thick locks, which he doesn't want to part with but knows its the best solution.

It has been two years today since my beloved fur baby went to the rainbow bridge and I still miss his snuggles and attitude...and boy what an attitude! 

I didn't throw away his little ball toy during my clean up, as I just couldn't let it go just yet...besides, some days it just randomly takes off up the hallway and then rolls back down again so I figure its being used, and it brings us joy to watch, albeit with the 'WTF Shivers'. 

Wednesday 17th

We were so blessed that Amanda could come and do Aces hair this morning. It looks good even though he is clearly unhappy. I've made up an essential oil 'no nits' spray so hopefully that will help too.

After work today Mark and I did a mad dash to the shops for easter gifts, I am so far behind the 8 ball this year...

I know that we should be anchored enough to weather any storm, and for the most part we are. But, when it comes to our 'home' being turned upside down, inside out and strewn from a***hole to breakfast, we all start to capsize. In saying that however, despite the upheaval of my mad autumn declutter we survived! There is only a small handful of things left to achieve before we can officially call it done and dusted, but already the shift can be felt and we are all loving our home again!

On a personal note, through all the self induced chaos, I managed to continue working, and even got 3 essays submitted ahead of time...I'm pretty bloody impressed with myself I must say! 

Thursday 18th 

This is my the house is spotless, study is up-to-date, I've finished work and I am now officially on holidays for the next 10 days face!

And yes I know, my thumb looks funny - thats what happens after a full week of massages (especially when you've been doing it for over 15 years). 

Friday 19th 

Today we headed into the city for the Royal Childrens Hospital Kids Day Out event! Whilst I'm not a big fan of the city, or big crowds, it was nice getting out and about as a family AND also supporting a very worthwhile cause. 

Bunny ears LOL - It is Easter Weekend afterall! 

It was kinda cool to watch the telecast live and not on TV! 

Poor Ace was looking forward to it so much but he was disappointed that it wasnt as good as the year before (he went with his mates family). The fact that he was suffering from growing pains probably didn't help. And, that meant that Mum didn't get to have as good a look at everything that she would of liked too as we rushed through. I think it is more suited to younger kids though, but still something we can say we've done.

We also made it back in time to be able to have a walk around our local easter festival, which I think was the perfect way to end our day out.

Before the boys left for their Dads on Friday they got a carrot and water ready for the bunnies visit. 

Saturday 20th 

Today (after a trip to bunnings) we did a little gardening, which is something that makes my heart smile as it is a plan for our future!

Lettuce (cos and mix), Leek, Celery, Spinach, Silverbeet, Cauilflower, Broccoli, Carrot, Snowpeas, Cabbage (mini), Bok Choy, Spring onions and Strawberries!

Earlier in the week I also sowed some seeds into my vertical garden and the wine barrel!

Cress, Rocket, Corriander, Peppermint, Chives, Sage, Sweet Basil, Thyme and Oregano.

And our chilli plant, parsley, and wild mint is going well too. Oh and we harvested our beetroot!

Then it was time to get spruced up and head out on a date to celebrate our very first wedding anniversary (tomorrow). Mark booked us into the Thai resturant where he proposed, very special indeed.

We wore our wedding clothes!

Sunday 21st 

Married for 1 whole year!

It is so hard to believe that it is already one whole year since we said I do, one whole year of a love that has only grown stronger over time, one whole year of a lifetime ahead.

To EVERYONE who helped to make our wedding day magical - THANK YOU, we love you all! 

Our Breakfast Club pose LOL! 

Photo by JJ Photography

To my sweet man

One whole year, a milestone to be treasured

In celebration of a love that cannot be measured 

One whole year of married life

Of you as my husband and me as your wife 

One whole year of wedded bliss 

Since that perfect moment we sealed with a kiss 

One whole year of once upon a time 

When each of our hearts became intertwined 

One whole year and not once did we falter 

On the things that we promised that day at the alter 

One whole year since we stood on the shore 

Each of us hoping for 49 more 

One whole year, thats 365 days 

Of proving our love in numerous ways 

One whole year thats 52 Weeks 

Of moments containing both valleys and peaks 

One whole year, 8760 hours 

Of all that we own being called ours 

One whole year, 525600 minutes 

Of sharing a life of love with no limits 

One whole year, 3153600 seconds 

And time it continues with no ending that beckons 

One whole year, hence the paper and pen 

To tell you that I would do it all over again 

One whole year, the first of many many more 

Because you my darling husband I truly adore! 

ILYSSMYTAF

With Love from YOUR wife Natasha Hurst-Shilling 

Mark also wrote me a poem. He also gave me a gift of a wax heart on the paper from the restuarant last night.

For my wife, 

Why yes, it's true, my Deni dear.

Today we celebrate one year

Of wedded bliss, of tying the knot.

Did you really think that I forgot? 

Today's a day of bi-celebration. 

Our wedding and Easter...what jubilation! 

It truly is a most wonderful way 

To reflect and to ponder our most treasured day. 

So I thank God today for my best treasures times two. 

I thank Him for Jesus and I thank Him for you! 

Happy Easter!

Our Easter morning was spent pottering around the back garden. It felt so odd not having the boys home on easter morning.

When the Boys came home in the afternoon they discovered that the Easter Bunny had left lots of little surprises...and not just his choc sultana poops!

Happy Easter every bunny from our crazy family to you and yours. 

The rest of the day while the boys played on their xbox, Mark and I did more gardening.

Until...we got a surprise visit from friends with a bottle of wine in tow. So we all sat and chatted and had a drink together in celebration of our 1st wedding anniversary which was the perfect end to our day...sure beat finishing off our gardening! 

Thank you Neen, Lovey and Arya, seriously so bloody precious xo

Wedesday 24th 

Grade released for my first Public Health essay - I got 29/30! Such a shock considering the haze I was in when writing it.

Thursday 25th

In honour of the Anzacs - Original Photo by JJ Photography

It has been 28 years today since my Dad passed away and still my heart aches.

Every year I flood my facebook page with videos and photos of my Dad, so I thought I would share them here too.

Time...such a fleeting thing...IF ONLY!

I used to love this one! 

You can move to anywhere in the world and there will always a be a piece of 'home' in your heart! 

Despite the years turning over as quickly as they do, tears are still inevitable! 

CLICK LINK TO WATCH

This one is my fav...me singing with my Dad. If only we had the technology we do now back then so I could have more memories to share...mind you, if that was the case we wouldn't have needed to record everything because chances are he would still be here #fuck_cancer

Todays weather didnt match the dark gloomy emotions I felt, so we decided to take advantage of the sunshine and spent time working on the front garden.

Friday 26th

Today was so cold and wet, such a stark contrast to yesterday, but we still got stuff done despite being ultra sore from yesterday.

It feels so good to have had the time to get things ticked off our to do list. 

*Front yard weeded and paths cleared 

*Ivy on side of house thinned out so we can actually have natural light in the kitchen 

*Curtains made for the back doors so I don't have to hang towels (huge thank you to my lovely friend Heather) 

*Inside clothes line hung to reduce usage of clothes dryer (An amazingly nifty gift from Nicole and Anthony). 

Plus a heap more little bits and pieces too. Doesn't seem like much but they are jobs that have been needing doing for ages and we just never got around to. Maybe I should take time off more often. Mind you, I do have a list of jobs for my dear husband to get done when I head back to work/study next week. 

Saturday 27th

Today was another productive day!

Whilst not a top notch professional job, I fixed up three of our chairs which have needed some TLC. 

I also worked out our menu for the next two weeks and restocked the fridge, freezer and pantry with good nutritious food. 

We hung new block out curtains in our bedroom and moved the ones we had out into the gym, hung some lace curtains up in the kitchen to give a little more privacy now that the ivy vine is gone and also did a little bit of other odds and sods which were on the to do list. 

Tomorrow I plan to have a day of rest before starting back at work Monday but who are we kidding LOL! 

Sunday 28th

Another day of getting stuff done, although I have called 'tools down' early today. 

While I have been meal prepping for the busy week ahead (Asian Mince Noodles, Chicken Parma Casserole, Mexican Rice, Mince and Bean mix AND Beef and sweet potatoe curry), my sweet man has been organising the garden shed and changing smoke detector batteries. 

To do list is slowly but surely reducing, although there is ALWAYS something to be done! 

Tuesday 30th

Ace is really struggling at school at the moment and I'm finding it hard to help him catch up. I'm going to call the school and.see.how they can help.

This arvo we were gifted with an amazing cake, just the pick me up Ace needed. Not to mention a nice little coffee/cake/chat break for me.

Then, despite not really wanting to leave the house I.went out to dinner and caught up with Peta and Rita. I am so glad I went as it was a perfect little break away from.the house, and from study, which I got straight back into when I got home. I have another assessment due in two weeks...eeekkk! 

And thats that, April behind me! Thanks heaps for reading, it means heaps.