Crossing another off the list

I have this mad ambitious plan: to make, do, experience and try out 212 things this year - some as a family, some on my own, most with the kids, and a few random and slightly adventurous ones thrown in for good measure.

You know how much I love lists; but I have to admit, it wasn’t my idea at all. Our young cousin started it all when he began an ambitious bucket list; then Kim decided to make a list of things she wanted to do this year; and what else could I do? As if I’d ever pass up an opportunity to jump on the make-a-list bandwagon!

I’ve loved creating and crossing things off slowly as the weeks tumble on by; and it’s given us an opportunity to be very organised, sometimes quite spontaneous, and definitely more motivated to get more out of the time we spend together.

They’re not all complicated or expensive experiences – some are actually things that we should or would like to do, like give blood, or cull our un-played-with toys, or to bake delicious things for our neighbours.

Examples?

#24: Read the Magic Pudding to Judah every night before bed

#29: Send postcards, drawings, and letters to the people we love

#58: Make a loaf of bread and eat it straight from the oven

#79: Host a dinner party

#91: Brew our own beer

#97: Make a time capsule and bury it in the garden

#107: Make a collection of things every day for a week, and display them somewhere in the house

Today, we crossed another one off the list – #41 - taking the kids to Yum Cha for lunch. We stuffed ourselves with delicious pork buns, dumplings, moreish rice, and warm custard-y tarts, and drove home lazy and full-bellied, smiling at how good it is to (sometimes) be so indulgent.

I do love this list; and I love that it’s making us slightly more adventurous as a family.

What new things have you tried so far this year?

Nat

What are you thankful for today?

We have so much to be grateful for.

I’ve been following the lovely Maxabella for a little while now, and I love her Grateful Saturdays – it always makes me reflect on all the wonderful things in my own life, and helps me to see how I can be a greater blessing in the lives of others.

And because it’s always nicer to focus on the best and brightest bits of our lives, I thought we’d start playing along too.

So today, I’m grateful for:

1. Yellow Roses. They were my darling grandmothers’ favourite flower, and I can’t help but think and remember her whenever I see them. She was truly one of the most beautiful, kind-hearted, gentle-spirited people I’ve ever known, and seeing fresh cut yellow roses in my home reminds me of her, and the things she held dearest – faith, family and love.

2. Lists. I’m a compulsive list maker. I love the orderly-ness of a long list, and the feeling of accomplishment when lots of small things are consistently crossed off. Because I often agree to do too many things and love to procrastinate, lists help me stay organised, focused and on-task. And, if I manage to get through a whole list in one day, there’s always a delicious reward!

3.  A quiet cup of tea. With two very active, loud toddlers constantly on the go, I love the stillness of nap-time, a dainty cup of strong loose-leaf tea, and an opportunity to collect my thoughts.

What are you grateful for today?

Ps. Want to join in too? Grateful is being hosted today by the wonderful MultipleMum at And then there were four (Or you can leave your grateful list below in the comments section).



Nat