Love Archives - Page 2 of 6

FYBF – The BFF Edition

October 18, 2013 By: mamagrace7143 Comments

Once upon a bogan high school, a gappy toothed 15 year old joined a couple of her Music class mates to write a song and enter it in a national song competition.

A new school program called “Peer Support” was to be rolled out in all Australian public high schools. The objective was for the wise old owl Yr 10’s to offer advise and mentoring to the vulnerable Yr 7’s. Thus, the song competition was in aid of raising its awareness.

So this geeky girl and her friends happened to win it.

Despite the fact the song was AWESOME, accompanied with tinny keyboard drums, the much loved high school recorder and a tone deaf choir, it did NOT go on to making the Countdown Top 10.

Molly Meldrum just had no idea what he missed out on.

Especially when it had extremely profound lyrics like:

“Love can come and love can go,

But friends will always be.

What’s the meaning of togetherness?

It means friendship everywhere.

Life’s not hard when you’ve got friends around,

Because someone’s always there…”

Looking back, while the words this aspiring teenage pop star wrote were akin to her cheesy outlook on high school life, the sentiment has stayed.

In fact, it’s been constantly reaffirmed throughout her life.

What happens when life goes haywire?

Who do I turn to?

Where are we without our girlfriends?

Today’s FYBF is dedicated to all my awesome BFF’s. They’ve all come across in all different stages of my life and for that, I’m grateful.

We may not keep in touch as often as we like but there’s always honesty, loyalty and of course, laughs.

Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

And there are a few of my lovelies going through hardships at the moment. I just want to say I’m here for them.

And for all the girlfriends in the above collage, I’ll be sending all of them that old ladies photo because, heck. Doesn’t it just say everything about sisterhood?

Who are your BFF’s? Have you made a pact to grow old and senile together?

1. Follow With Some Grace.

2. Sign up to the awesome Digital Parents community ( if you haven’t already done so). DP was created by Brenda Gaddi who happens to be the creator of FYBF. She’s also created 4 gorgeous kidlets. In case you’d like to know. Or maybe not. But we’ll share that info just the same.

3. Add your post URL to the linky. Please only link up one post.

4. Grab the funky FYBF button and post it on your sidebar. Help spread the blogfloggin love.

5. Visit the blogs of your fellow FYBF’ers and share the comment love

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Are you happy?

October 3, 2013 By: mamagrace7126 Comments

Soft rays of daybreak gently touch the window frames casting subtle shadows on the bed.

Slowly the little lump of boy stirs from the covers but as his eyes eventually open, he affectionately nudges closer in. He reaches over to my shoulder beckoning me to lean in and hug him.

Obliged, I gaze into his tiny face.

In front of me is the magical transformation from new born baby innocence to feisty pre-schooler; all in a blink of an eye.

The days go slow but the years speed past.

And as his long lashes flutter and tickle my cheek, the saying couldn’t hold any more truth.

Early mornings used to carry so much anxiety and stress from the night before. Little sleep caused by the constant worry of work and the heavy burden of trying to be the best in whatever corporate game I was playing at the time.

Terrified that motherhood was possibly not part of the game plan, I wrote in my journal countless pleas to the Greater Universe to grant me one of life’s greatest wishes; I prayed earnestly to the God I believed in for my one final request.

Then the gift of parenting was finally bestowed but the tempestuous journey of trial and error began. Learning to heed to natural instincts while keeping the harsh external judgments at bay. There are days that barely touch the surface of survival but holds the desperate hope that your children don’t detect your weaknesses or your flaws.

Abiding the golden rule we’ve instilled when sleeping in “Mama and Papa’s big bed”, he gently whispers as his little hands hold my face.

“Mama, are you happy?”

Where did he learn to say this?

What makes him think that I’m not?

Have I been cross lately?

Is he still upset at me for scolding him at dinner last night?

After many mornings of being asked, I slowly realized that it wasn’t about emotional scarring or prolonged hurt feelings.

There was actually nothing to feel guilty about.

That’s the stuff us adults – within our tarnished, cynical personal lives – automatically assume because no one ever is genuinely concerned about the state of our disposition anymore. Unless it’s for their own benefit, right?

But his little boy of mine was asking because of his own innocent intentions.

In the midst of chaotic parental duties, ensuring that the children are fed and clothed; keeping up with the milestones and thriving as I unnecessarily compare them to others; there was something far more important my son wanted me to know.

So, I’ve learned.

I’ve learned to quietly whisper my reply, “Yes. Yes, my boy, I’m very happy”

Then, I prompt him, “Are you? Are you happy?”

“Yes, Mama. I’m happy too”

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Wordless Wednesday – Somewhere Beyond The Sea

October 2, 2013 By: mamagrace7112 Comments

Somewhere beyond the sea

Somewhere waiting for me

My little boys stand on golden sands

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

And watch as the ships go sailing…

Joining the lovely Trish at My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday

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Weddings and the spontaneous stuff

September 30, 2013 By: mamagrace718 Comments

***This is a sponsored post. As always, all opinions are my own and all wedding memories,including the flower girl toddler tantrums are genuine***

Barely getting any sleep the night before, the morning had finally arrived. I rolled over in the hotel bed to have a longing glance at Boyfriend Surfer.

Today was the day and I was full of beans.

Today was the day: I was getting married!

The morning of my wedding wasn’t what you would call the most conventional.

5 months pregnant, I woke up bright and early and trotted to my 6am personal training session.

Yes. I was exercising.

Then afterwards, I called up my friend who had come over from New York for the wedding.

“Mikey! Mikey! Wake up! Wake up! We’re going for a swim!! Let’s go!!!”

My energy levels were out of this world.

“Whaaaa? Grace, you do realize what today is? Do you have time for a swim?” he replied drowsily.

I could tell he was thrilled I had woken him up.

“Yeah, yeah! Plenty of time! But we gotta meet up NOW!” I excitedly screamed down the phone.

It took a little convincing but eventually he agreed to meet me at one of Sydney city’s most breathtaking outdoor swimming pools.

Even if Mike had chosen a sleep in over a swim, I would’ve gone by myself, anyway.

After all, I was getting married!

After a few laps, we decided to have a hearty breakfast together at the pool café.

When taking my order, I cheekily asked the waitress if she had a “Bridal Special”.

Mike almost died of embarrassment in his chair but luckily, the waitress was a good sport.

“No bridal specials,” she replied. “But I can make a special omelette ”

I’ll take it! I didn’t care!

I was getting married!

For the rest of the morning, I took it easy. Walking around the hotel room in my Japanese kimono dressing gown, my spirits soared sky high as I passed the time singing and dancing to Michael Jackson on my iPod.

Then, the preparations began.

The hairdresser was late.

My wedding bouquet arrived but wasn’t quite how I had pictured it to be.

My make up artist got lost on her way over. It also didn’t help that her Miss-Know-It-All attitude was annoying my maid of honour (as well as myself).

One of my little flower girls had a toddler meltdown and was sent to the naughty corner for an hour, ruining her perfectly made up hair.

But none of it mattered.

I didn’t care.

Because.

I was getting married.

Beyond the stuff that’s planned, it’s the spontaneous, candid moments that help make the memories of a wedding.

Bride.com.au is a resource website that lists suppliers and ideas set to inspire and encourage brides to be to get away from the stock standard of a wedding; to add those personal touches; to truly make the day uniquely their own.

Mr Surfer and I are coming up to our 5^th anniversary in a month’s time. He was telling me the other day how quickly the time’s flown.

Yup. It sure speeds by, which is why I’m even more grateful that our wedding day had so many fantastic moments that we can completely claim as our own.

That’s the stuff that takes you through a lifetime of marriage together.

What’s your most special yet spontaneous wedding day memory?

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Thoughts from PBEvent 2013: My Circle of Love

September 17, 2013 By: mamagrace7136 Comments

It’s 9:45am on a Tuesday. I’ve locked myself in this dark bedroom, trying to recover from this wretched virus. In an hour and a half we’re all due to see our GP because God help me if I have another sleepless night with asthmatic, spewy twins.

I have still yet to unpack my bags from PB Event 2013.

And here I am, blogging.

Priorities, right?

But as always, the Problogger keynote presentation was so inspirational, I was going to burst with so much emotion. Seriously. How can one’s words be so moving, you feel like a rocket ready to take off to the moon and beyond.

Trey Ratcliffe was one speaker who left that effect on me. In fact, I was sobbing like an idiot.

Among the many poignant points he made about blogging, it was his encouragement to face your fears and to never be afraid to break the mould in speaking your truth.

I know for myself, in the early days of blogging, I wrote very differently to how I do today.

I can’t say I never spoke my truth. But the depths of retrospect were definitely still at the skim of the surface.

And while I never consciously thought so back then, I’m sure I had a fear of what people would think of what I had to say.

But as Trey reminded me, this blogging gig – beyond anything – is a journey of self-discovery.

Your blog is like a shovel, you find yourself digging deeper and deeper into the search of your passions; finding how to perfectly articulate deep, complex emotions; figuring out who out there not only “gets you” but 100% truly has your back.

And yeah, sometimes people won’t like you’re truth. In fact, they may rob your words, even steal your entire blog away from you.

But don’t think for a minute, you won’t survive the hate, angst and vitriol.

“Don’t be concerned with what others think of you. People who want to be in your world will softly come in…create your own circle of love…”

For those against you, there will no doubt be double, triple fold who support you.

Having come home to a sickly family, with early morning trips to the children’s hospital and just dealing with a generally shitty time after an awesome 2 days at a conference, I’m overwhelmed by the sweet messages from all of you, telling me and my family to take care; that you’re all sending hugs and well wishes.

And I know, in fact I’m certain, I have my circle of love.

Sharing this on Essentially Jess’ IBOT and the ladies at The Lounge

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A Precious Heart Named Oscar

August 19, 2013 By: mamagrace7113 Comments

On Saturday night, my beautiful friend Daisy invited a bunch of us to join in a Trivia Night for an important charity, Precious Hearts.

If you aren’t familiar with Daisy and her gorgeous son, Oscar’s story regarding congenital heart disease, you need to know that Precious Hearts have been an absolute god-send to Daisy and her family.

On the night, Daisy was asked to speak about Oscar’s journey and she’s kindly given me permission to post the speech.

***************

Hi.

I’m Daisy.

I’m a blogger, a business owner, twin mum, mum of three, wife, cleaner, maid, personal chef and sometimes I even get to be me.

And I’m a heart mum.

It’s been three weeks since our last episode, and just over three years since our first diagnosis.

My husband Pal and I live in Young NSW – with our three children. Rory – a feisty, fiery, redheaded, stubborn 4 year old girl. I have no idea where she gets it from. Fraser and Oscar are three year old identical twin boys.

All you really need to know about them is that they are three year old twin boys. Enough said.

In June of 2010, an 11 days old Oscar was diagnosed with a coarcation of the aorta and transferred via helicopter from The Canberra Hospital to Westmead Children’s hospital.

He underwent a coarcation repair and was further diagnosed with a biscuspid aortic valve.

6 days later, he was transferred back to The Canberra Hospital via plane.

Funnily enough, at three years old, his list of favourite things consists of three items:

Ted.

Aeroplanes

And helicopters.

He should add “driving Mum crazy” to that list, but I’m pretty sure he thinks that activity is actually his goal in life, rather than a simple joy.

Three years ago, we weren’t sure he would survive – and if he survived, would he ever thrive.

Now we’re wondering why we were ever concerned. A more alive, healthy, thriving child you will not find.

He lives life like every moment matters. And I guess for him, it does.

Oscar has been dubbed by his doctors: “The Healthiest Sick Kid” they’ve ever seen.

In our family, he’s known as The Evil Twin.

Well, not really. But he may as well have.

Oscar is the kid you find standing on the mantel piece, next to the TV, with a trail of destruction below him and a look on his face that suggest he’s well within his rights to be standing over a metre above the world, perfectly poised to push the TV onto his minions standing below.

I often call him my Extremist.

Nothing by done by halves in Oscar’s world.

This is true for Oscar medically as well.

When he’s well, he’s very, very well. when he’s ill, he commits fully.

It was two years ago, after Oscar’s second procedure – a balloon angioplasty – that we found a calico bag hanging on the end of the cot.

I asked the nurse: “Um, excuse me, what’s this?”

“Oh, that’s just a little care package some of the mums put together for the heart ward.”

Precious Hearts is SO much more than that to our family.

I’m sure to many families.

I am in awe of the work Precious Hearts does. AMAZED by Traci’s commitment, and often comforted simply to know they are there.

On days when I am struggling to get dressed and make my own coffee, I’m pretty sure Traci has already changed somebody’s life. Probably twice over.

Let’s face it – when there is someone in the world who read s a blog post named: “An Open Letter to ABC Adventure Buggy Company, Phil and Ted Green, BrandStyle and anyone else that may be interested” and not only laughs when she reads:

“I wonder how good a WWF wrtestler I would be – if matched with an 8kg one year old in a caged event” but also takes the call to action seriously.

And figures out a way to provide a family with a pram that they would never have been able to afford – thanks to regular medical appointments for their child that require up to four hours travel each way.

Precious the Pram gave me freedom I hadn’t known since the twins had come home. It’s not easy getting around with three children born within 17 months, and by providing our family with something that might seem so simple – a pram – our lives were changed.

Not in the least for having our eyes opened to the love and generosity that people we had never met, but those paths had crossed ours at just the right moment.

What I never realized about congenital heart disease could fill a book.

What I know now, I’m sure, is not even the tip of the iceberg.

But here our family is, in this world of CHD – trying to make sense of who, what, when, where and how.

And standing firm and easy to find in this world of blood pressures and oxygen stats is Precious Hearts.

A rainbow beacon, a shelter from the storm, an organization run by amazing people, doing amazing things for amazing children – and families – every day.

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Better Man

July 23, 2013 By: mamagrace7140 Comments

The tragic story of Van Tuong Nguyen is something I remember like it was yesterday.

A young Melbourne man, convicted for drug trafficking through Changi Airport, Singapore became a significant part of Australian history and a huge impact for what it means when Australians go overseas smuggle drugs in unforgiving, deadliest of strict countries like Singapore and Indonesia.

There is no mercy. Only a death sentence.

And the thing is, the background of Nguyen goes far deeper than just a young punk trying to make a living from selling drugs.

Nguyen’s life was tough from the word go. Born as a twin in a Thai refugee camp , his biological father abandoned the family long before.

Even having migrated to Australia, life as a teenager wasn’t easy. Unable to afford university, Nguyen worked odd jobs. It was while he was a salesman when apparently, he decided to try and help his identical twin brother, Khoa out of financial debt by becoming a drug mule.

Despite pleas of clemency from the Australian Government and Amnesty International to the Singapore government, on December 2, 2005 at Changi Prison, Nguyen met his unfortunate fate.

In the lead up to his execution, I followed the story every day. Clicking on the news, agonising photos of his mum and his brother would appear and my heart would break.

I didn’t know them. I didn’t have to. Because seeing them fall apart was enough to remind me of the fragile connection between love, life, loss and family.

Whether or not you believe that justice was served by having Nguyen’s life taken away from him, it comes back to that poignant saying, “No parent should have to bury their children”

On the last day that Ms Kim Nguyen visited her son before his execution, her wan, distressed face and suddenly appearing grey hair was enough of an image to make you realize just how horribly wrong this world can be.

Wrong that a young man naively thought drug smuggling was the solution.

Wrong that parts of world remain resolutely unchanged with their laws in capital punishment and the death penalty.

Wrong that an innocent mother had to deal with the harshest and most devastating of circumstances.

This Thursday SBS will be running a 2 part series called “Better Man” based on the events leading up to Nguyen’s execution.

I read over the weekend some reviews. From what I could gather, it certainly has the potential to create controversy into the capital punishment debate.

In fact, I had just been thinking a couple of weeks ago about Nguyen’s case and wondered that the media hype it created 7 years ago was to be forever lost and forgotten.

While Nguyen has so far been the last Australian sentenced with the death penalty, there are no assurances that there won’t be others.

I was hoping the program would keep Nguyen’s story alive and to send a strong message that while our own judicial system no longer has the death penalty, we can’t control how young Australians are sentenced in others. Especially in South East Asian countries where there is zero tolerance for drug related offences.

But, Nguyen’s mother has written a letter to the director, Khoa Do demanding to stop its screening; that such a program is only reopening wounds that have barely healed – and most likely never will – for her and her family.

And you know what? I’m taking Ms Nguyen’s side.

I’ve decided. I won’t be watching the show.

After reading her words of pain and suffering and the heavy burden she still carries, there are sensitivities to the story that the rest of us just shouldn’t touch or entertain.

If it hurts her; if she doesn’t believe that it’s a program that will bring any kind of justice or light to her son’s trial, then let’s respect her wishes.

How many of us can say we’ve gone through the painful ordeal she has?

Let her remember her son as any mother should – with love and in peace.

Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT

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Leaving Behind a Legacy

July 9, 2013 By: mamagrace7125 Comments

For as long as I can remember, life for my parents has revolved around 3 fundamentals: family, church and work.

Oh, sorry…no, make that 4. I forgot about their fishing.

Simple, God-fearing, hard working Indonesian immigrants who came to Australia with not much more than their 3 young kids and the ambition to create a new life of opportunities.

But nothing makes them happier than to have hearty homemade meals together as a family, with an extra plate or two for guests.

It’s frustrating to find some random person in my lounge room, eating my mother’s cooking, making small talk like they’re long lost relatives. But the thing is – to mum and dad – EVERYONE is family.

After 37 years, my parents said goodbye to another family – their Australia Post colleagues.

On Saturday night, I went along to the farewell party at the Chinese Restaurant to fulfill daughter duties of obligatory attendance. Instead, I was completely blown away by the 5 full tables of friends who wanted to wish my parents a happy retirement.

After everyone else’s speeches, the intention was for me to say a few words on behalf of the family.

But I was caught off guard.

The heartfelt words that others had to say about my own parents – my own simple folk – left me in awe, hooking my emotions in a complicated twist.

“These people are the back bone of Australia Post”

“Between the two of them, they have more experience than all of us in this room”

They fondly spoke of my mum’s “glorious spring rolls”, how much they’ll miss the “plates and plates of food” she cooked and brought in to replace the usual drab in the canteen and her constant insistence to “Eat! Eat! Eat!”.

By the time it was my turn, I was a blubbering mess.

I understand how hardworking my parents are. I’m aware how generous they can be. It’s a revelation, though to hear it and have it appreciated by so many others. In fact, there was sense of pride for my parents I had never experienced before.

Anyone can work long hours, spend years and years dedicated to an organization.

But at the end of a career, it’s the spirit of generosity that people will remember most.

What you’re willing to do for others; To do beyond what’s asked with chivalry and poise; To create a positive environment for those around you.

Ma and Pap, you’ve left behind a legacy. I’m grateful and so proud to be a part of it.

Now it’s time to kick back and enjoy these Golden Years.

I don’t know two people who deserve it more.

Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT

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Insights into A Family Portrait

July 3, 2013 By: mamagrace718 Comments

Once in awhile, when retiring to bed, Mr Surfer and I optimise the peace and quiet and delve into a heart to heart conversation.

Another day over, bedtime seems to be most apt to assess the current household situation, iron out the bugbears but more importantly, start the groundwork conversation for future decisions.

Without the kids interrupting our train of thought or the pressures of getting through the day’s routine and errands, it’s a special opportunity to talk about our hopes, dreams and desires.

In the still of the night, speaking in gentle whispers, we discuss the twinlets’ education (private or public…I’m for public), our travel plans (an upcoming family holiday to Bali and Jakarta for the twinlets to finally meet their extended family) and our ultimate goal to spend substantial time living and working overseas (New York? Why not?).

All these talks are working towards the path of happiness for our little family.

Needless to say, I cherish these moments.

A Family Portrait is Macquarie Bank’s groundbreaking study into the attitudes and behaviours of Australian families, examining their values, hopes and dreams, big events and day-to-day challenges.

According to the research findings, “Those who discuss their hopes and dreams and financial goals are happier than those who don’t.”

And alongside politics (59%), the behavior of our relatives (56%) and the state of the world (55%), 54% of us talk about our hopes and dreams.

Nice to know we’re a nation of talkers but a happy one at that too.

Along with Nic (Planning With Kids), Maria (Mums Word) and Fi (My Mummy Daze) I was lucky enough to be invited by Macquarie Bank to a morning tea hosted by journalist, Angella Mollard to discuss the stats and what they mean to us as mothers, wives, professionals and females in general.

When it came to the topic of chores, 68% of men believe they do their fair share of the cleaning but when the women were asked, only 44% of their partners say they really do the cleaning. Hmmmm…When it came to cooking, women said they did the majority of it and funnily enough, men were in complete agreement. (Guys, listen up! We totes don’t mind if you make us some Man Spaghetti once in awhile!!!)

Because of the intimate setting and as each of us came from different backgrounds holding diverse experiences, the discussions were fluid, candid and full of perspective from all different angles.

Productive. Informative. Thought-provoking.

I actually went home and that night, made the conscious effort for Mr Surfer and I to have another heart to heart.

Because in life, having dreams and goals isn’t enough. Talking about them is taking accountability and responsibility for their fruition; it’s that one step closer to achieving them.

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Observations and Virginia Woolf

July 2, 2013 By: mamagrace7122 Comments

The endless twists and turns of Internet research can land you in the most precarious of places. Sometimes enlightening. Often thought provoking.

Probably like yours, my news feeds have recently been filled with sorrow and tragic stories of violence, abuse and unimaginable harm bestowed on innocent lives.

The horrific death of Kiesha Abrahams and the most recent sad story of a boy being sexually exploited by his own adopted parents solidifies that this is indeed a cruel, heartless and dangerous world we live in.

Taking the tram from Chinatown on Sunday, there was an elderly couple in front of us who were struggling to climb on board. No family around them, they slowly shuffled with their walking sticks, unable to help each other, just trying to focus on themselves. It was heartbreaking.

Then, as they disembarked at Central station, I noticed that a younger Chinese couple helped them. At first, I thought they may have been relatives but instead simply parted ways.

As brief as it was, in the fleeting frailty of the moment, I saw it.

Love and compassion: Two invaluable elements of life that gives it purpose.

I guess right then, my faith in people restored itself a little.

There was an article I stumbled on about an online fashion magazine, The Vibe that conducted a photo shoot depicting famous female authors who had committed suicide.

A model emulating Virginia Woolf in a river holding a huge rock; another kneeling in front of an oven, representing Sylvia Plath; the images were beyond insensitive to the deeper issues of mental illness.

After an instant backlash from the public, The Vibe took down the photos and made a public apology.

Yet, in the hype of it all, I decided I wanted to watch The Hours. For no other reason than the article left me curious about Virginia Woolf and her tormented life.

Luckily, the DVD is on a weekly rental, because I haven’t been able to stop watching it since Saturday night. Where was I when it won all those Academy Awards?

While there is much heartache, anguish and pain in the movie, I’m in awe of the female characters and their inner strength.

Again, human nature showed its delicate beauty.

Is it a case of trying to see the glass half full?

Is it about trying to stay optimistic?

I don’t know.

I don’t want the tragedies we’ve seen and read about these past weeks to be left unnoticed or without our deep sympathies. But I don’t think our own reactions of anger or hostility are productive either.

In all its deception and deceit in this mixed up world, we still have it in our power to create something that’s not only secure and safe for our families, particularly our children, but also for those who happen to cross our paths.

Humans are too complex to be superseded by hate, don’t you think?

Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT

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