Wednesday, August 31, 2011

A.W.O.L.

I don't know why I haven't blogged for a month! It has been busy. Uni is back and I am doing two units this semster. My sister and nephew have visted from interstate. I have painted part of Aimee's room. I have sorted and cleaned and thrown out and put away (and it isn't even spring yet!) We helped the ex move back home (this took a whole weekend!). We have gone out. We have stayed home.

We have dressed up. Book week = Reanna as Dumblore, Erin as Mr Galliano (from Enid Blyton's circus books. Her father was excited it was like the alcohol *sigh* - from me and Erin!), Aimee as a book (personally I thought this was a particularly brilliant idea). I am still refusing to make Aimee a Voldemort costume for next year. I think it is creepy! We also went to a first birthday party as the Queen of Hearts (me), the Ace of Hearts (Aimee, I wanted the others to go as cards too but they wouldn't ... mean children!), the Mad Hatter (Erin) and the March Hare (Reanna).

I have read so much I think I have had a brain meltdown with new book overload. This is saying something!!! I have had friends go through some dramas. I have planned and hoped and dreamed. I think I might have finally had a story idea I can commit to catching and putting on paper ... just maybe mind you!

Busyness (business? Hmm neither looks right but nevermind) aside, this isn't the reason why I haven't blogged. I have just been tired and drained and a little flat. This partly meant I haven't had the the motivation, but also I don't want to post sad, flat posts. I have thought about it though, but I just haven't put metaphorical pen to paper. I also have read any blogs in the last month so I am very much looking forward to catching up on everyone's happenings! And hopefully, catching you all up with some of mine!!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Grumpy

I was going to write a really bubbly enthusiastic post about all the cool stuff I have started for 1001 challenge. I started it and everything! Then I worked out I am too grumpy :( You think I would have known this before I started but apparently I didn't! So there you go. You will just have to wait. Maybe it will work for me tomorrow.
Random side note. I have recently worked out that having a vegetarian child means I put more vegies in stuff. I know, I know - I am a genius. Before you think I am a total ditz, what I actually mean is that I mix more vegies into stuff then I would otherwise, serve Aimee's then add meat for the rest of us. Tonight's example: The sauce etc for tuna mornae added lots of corn, served Aimee's, then added tuna for the rest of us. Considering my dislike of vegies this is probably working well for me!

Monday, July 25, 2011

The day after Sunday ... and our holidays

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Click the button to join in with blogs tea & me for 'The day after Sunday' linky. If you don't like Mondays what better way to start then by sharing the special moments from your weekend? And if you do like Mondays this can only make them better!

I feel like a bit of a fraud joining in this week. The weekend just gone was the end of my holidays, so it has felt like 10 days of weekend! I do love this linky though, so I am going to join in regardless.

We started the weekend with Elmo cupcakes on Friday night for my cousin's birthday. Followed by a cousin sleepover. Saturday was some cruisey shopping and then the girls slept over at Daddy's Saturday night. Mummy's night out! Christmas in July with a few good friends (*disclaimer* I don't like shops using Christmas in July as a way of selling things, but I do think it is fun as a social thing or a fundraiser). Sunday morning we went out for the biggest brunch ever followed by a loooooong nap. We watched the Western Derby even though sadly I do not feel it was worth the effort. Not because our team lost, but just because I don't think either team deserved to win! (I don't follow the football. The girls do though so I try and watch if it is a Derby or a Grand Final. Only one Grand Final per year though. I don't believe in repeats! So if the game is disappointing I do seem to take it personally. When I have made such an effort. Yes, I might be a little egocentric). Finally, we finished our holidays with Harry Potter at the drive in. (And yes I know I said no more Harry Potter, but we did go! The girls were so excited!!! It was definitely a good compromise on the should they be allowed to see it at the movies issue).

So lovely, lovely weekend with family, friends and way, way, way too much food!!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

I love staycations!

Yes, this is my weekly facebook "status" update, but re-reading they are all so nice and cruisy and happy. You can definitely tell it is school holidays and I had a week off work. Here goes ....

Two new Madeleine Wickham (aka Sohpie Kinsella) books and a new one by Monica McInerney. So much happiness. I ♥ the internet, online super cheap book sales and Australia Post! * Cupcakes AND clown fish. Feeling domesticated today ;) * Fabulous afternoon visiting. Think the girls might have been a little too excited about the Ikea trip though. Hmmmm ......... this might be my fault! * Sooooo stiff! Next time I will listen more carefully to David when he reminds us to stretch! * I really need to stop getting so easily distracted (reprised). * So very much excitement and planning in this house! * I ♥ picnics, The Maze, not (really) getting lost, new books, awesome home made presents, sleeping-in, Harry Potter, staycations, cupcakes and Ikea. I don't ♥ driving behind trucks and children being sick. * I may have eaten way too much and I may have got ice-cream on my top and in my hair ... Movie was fabulous .... almost as good as the company ;) * A couple of days of getting-away-from-it-all holidays! So much to read and so much napping to be done. See you on the flip-side peoples!! * North, south, east, west. Home is always best. Complete with my very loud daughters, housework to catch up on .... you know all the usual stuff :oP * "But I am the dad. I am in charge *pause*. When you are not around". * I ♥ cupcakes, birthday parties, the beach in winter, markets, new books, sleeping-in, holidays, garden ornaments, my (extended) family and board games * Christmas in July buffet for dinner last night (with fabulous company! Thanks peoples). Massive brunch today. The girls are all complaining of sore full tummies and we didn't even finish our meals ..... I don't think it we will be eating again today!!! * Still super full but much better after a decent nap. Now off to brave the enemy lair for a derby party :oP

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Kids say the cutest things

The girls came home and had a fabulous time! Aimee in particular was very glad to see me. When she came to give me a cuddle last night she whispered to me that she always gets a little bit homesick when she sleeps away from me, not for home but for Mummy. We came to the conclusion that this was Mummy-sick and that it was ok, but that going away was still fun.

Erin came home and informed me in all seriousness that they had done things like brush their teeth, go to bed on time and remembered to say thank you to Nanna and Grandad. The first thing she did was tell me that they had said to say hello to me.

Reanna made me laugh though! Their Dad told me this one. She informed him that her sunglasses were better then his. He was highly indignant (he didn't tell me this, but I know what he is like) and pointed out his were real raybands and that hers were only copies. Reanna pointed out that hers were only $5 and his were over $100 and that hers looked just as good. Therefore the natural conclusion was that hers were better. Daddy was speechless. One day he will learn ;) And long may Reanna continue to think this way! At least until she is buying her own stuff!

I missed my babies and I am glad they are home :)

Friday, July 22, 2011

Loving It!

I am joining in the link up from Paisley Jade again. Remembering that no matter how bad things are there is always something in life to be thankful for. If you want to join in just click here or the button below!


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This week I am loving ....

Baking with my girls cupcakes with bright yellow icing and clown (aka Nemo) fish with apricots and white chocolate.

Painting my house. It is amazing how much better it all looks every time I paint another little bit. The passage is now the sandy yellow of the main living area. It makes me smile every time I work through there.

The bright yellow wattle always reminds me of the station and my childhood and 'home'.

Our frangipani and banana trees growing so bravely. I am so excited they are still alive (all credit goes to the children, but I am still excited).

And finally my beautiful Erin! Who I think of every time I see something yellow :) (and of course my other beautiful babies ... but today's post is dedicated especially to Erin).

Thursday, July 21, 2011

PS I love you

My children like to write me notes. Sometimes it is because I have gone out and they want to tell me something. Sometimes it is because they are supposed to be sleeping. Aimee in particular likes to leave me notes on top of a book asking me to please read it by the morning, because clearly that is what I want to do when I finally tumble into bed! Read yes, but not necessarily something picked by the 8-year-old. I made the mistake of letting them realise how quickly I can read their books and they are soooo disappointed if I don't!

But I digress. Next to my bed on top of my books is a favourite place for all of them to leave me notes. The other most favourite place in on top of my keyboard (I think they might be trying to tell me something). Or more conventionally, and for things not urgent, on the front of the fridge.

I am particularly proud of Reanna at the moment. She has done some stuff recently I am not too happy about (I may blog about this another time, but for the moment let's just say teenage years are rapidly approaching! Please wish me luck!). But she was grown up enough to leave me a note saying she was sorry and what she was going to do about it. So very, very, very proud of her for taking responsibility for her actions. I left her a note in return (I was out when she left me the first note). I could have just spoken to her, I do realise this, but I wanted her to have it in writing. A physical reminder telling her how proud I am of her and reminding her how much I love her even when she does do the wrong thing.

The girls have gone away with their dad for a couple of nights. This involves lots of note writing. I have been finding them all over the place. Ones asking me to call people or washing certain items, you know the types of things. Ones reminding me to look after the pets. Apparently it is the rabbit's day to have fresh hay and carrots and the bird needs fresh water every day. Who knew?! (I am ignoring the fact that my darling children have NO faith in my ability and focusing on the cuteness of them wanting to take care of their pets. Humour me on this one!). However what concerns me the most is the location of the pet note. It was in the fridge ... on top of a block of chocolate .... hmmmmm ... just hmmm ....... horrible children!

PS I love them!!!!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Day Zero

Sooo ... I thought it was about time to add some more challenge to my life, to expand my horizons and to add some more focus to my blog.

No, the real reasons are (a) I have always thought this would be cool to do and so I am jumping on the bandwagon - even if it is ages after anyone else; (b) I am more likely to do things if someone out there knows I am actually intending on doing it; and (c) I did actually think it was a good way to do some things I have been wanting to do and/or do some things that are a bit out of my comfort zone.

Plus as everyone knows - a goal is a dream with a date!

Oh yes, what I am actually doing?! 101 things in 1001 day challenge. If you look above I now have two pages! One is the challenge itself and one is part of the challenge (I will write about that later, but for those of you who just want to know now I think if you look at it, it is pretty self-explanatory).

There is a variety of stuff. Some things I have been talking about for a while. Some things I thought of (or had suggested) just for this. Some I should do. Some that are just for fun.

Wish me luck! And stay tuned for more updates. The challenge starts .... now! ( No real reason, it is just as good as day as any. And I haven't worked out yet when it actually finishes! I will get back to you).

PS If you read yesterday's post about my excitement over my 60th post it was also 30 at Two Mummy Ducks and 20 at Confessions of a Bookaholic so maybe it is just the week for exciting numbers. 101 in 1001 sounds like an exciting number to me! So maybe there is a reason for today after all ;)

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Some announcements

1. I now have 10 followers! Thank you all for joining my journey. I am massively excited to have each and every one of you. Ask my poor friends who get a text every time I get a new one ;)

2. This is my 60th post! Some are just meaningless waffle, I do realise this, but I think a few of them might actually be amusing enough to read (please do not feel like you have to disillusion me on this one. Or if you do, and this may not be a bad thing, please be gentle!).

3. My cupcakes sucked. My thoughts after evaluating the process. Make sure you get the right about of milk and it may not have been the best idea to leave them in the oven all night. They were rock hard. The girls very kindly told me the icing was awesome though and suggested we give them to Daddy because he will eat anything. At least they are supportive! The batch I made earlier in the day (ie pre-11pm) were much, much better. I feel there is a lesson here.

4. I am going to Harry Potter 7(2) tonight! So after this I will go back to normal and I doubt Harry Potter will mentioned again for ages.

Hope all is well in your worlds and there is stuff happening that is making you happy :)

Monday, July 18, 2011

And the clock strikes 11

So for those of you who are wondering why I am still up, the story goes something like this ....

A (planned) late afternoon visit led to a (planned) evening visit to Ikea for dinner and browsing. Ikea is not particularly close to us so we use any excuse to go to that part of the universe to sneak in a visit. We do love Ikea! So we get home latish, but no dinner or anything needs to be cooked (yes again for those of you who read my post from Saturday)

The girls go to bed. I check facebook, play some facebook Scrabble, chat to some people on the phone and on facebook, catch up on some blogs (reading and writing) and do some pottering. I cuddled Aimee when she woke up with a sore tummy and googled some places to get my car fixed. Then suddenly, it is 10:30! Bed you might be thinking except I hadn't exactly finished (you could read this as started) baking the promised cupcakes or boiling the eggs needed for tomorrow's picnic. Or washing a promised jumper either I may add.

And the lessons of distractions don't end here! I have a horrible feeling I put too much milk into the cupcake mix so I am hoping they turn out ok! If not, we will be going cupcakeless tomorrow. At least I tried.

So the moral of the story is: Multi-tasking is great, as long as you remember all the tasks that need doing!

And the final thought(s) (1) be impressed I am a baking again! Second batch today (the first ones were great); (2) how many posts is too many for one day?; and (3) yes we do have a grandfather clock so I really did hear it strike 11!

The Day after Sunday .... and our Harry Potter weekend

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Click the button to join in with blogs tea & me for 'The day after Sunday' linky. If you don't like Mondays what better way to start then by sharing the special moments from your weekend? And if you do like Mondays this can only make them better!

I have to admit that on this 'day after Sunday' I am on holidays so I definitely have all sorts of rose-coloured glasses on at the moment! Even more then normal ;)

So our weekend consisted of:

Friday: getting all my children back under one roof, nacho picnic in the lounge and Harry Potter 1.


Saturday:Sleep in followed by Saturday morning "cartoons" (what is with there being real life things on these days instead of cartoons?) Harry Potter 2, making the clown fish out of dried apricots and white chocolate that we saw on Saturday Disney (totally awesome by the way) Harry Potter 3. Breakfast-for-dinner with a couple of friends. Harry Potter 4 (are you sensing a theme). Emergency trip to pick up my nephew! It was great to have him, but the reason for the surprise visit was my niece breaking her wrist quite badly and needing to stay in hospital over night which was less good :(

Sunday: I dragged myself out of bed early to go to the park for a circuit class. Harry Potter 5. The kids played schools and my sister came to collect her son and so my niece could show off her cast. Harry Potter 6. I ordered "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" in Latin for a different sister's 30th and Jo returned for Harry Potter 7!

Weekend over!!! Soooooo lazy, but just exactly what I needed. I read and napped through lots of the movies. I cuddled my babies and chatted with friends. Other then the broken niece it was a fabulous weekend. Although my final day-after-Sunday comment .... I should have stretched last night .... I am soooooo stiff today!

Driving and Harry Pottering mostly

The background to my week of status updates is that the girls were on school holidays last week but sadly I had to work. I had a whole heap of amazing people volunteer to look after them, but it did mean I was all over the place (and so were the entourage) literally! Other then that the title of today's blog pretty much sums it up! Here goes .....


I would just like to announce I (we) got 7 on the footy tipping this week *without* Reanna!!! This makes it twice as impressive! * I ♥ maxi dresses, fun new stationary, "camping" (esp when it includes toasting marshmellows, s'mores, choc bananas and potatoes baked in the fire), winter snuggles, drive-in movies, coffee catch-ups, inspirational people, playing dress-ups, suprises and yummy meals cooked by other people. I don't ♥ working during the school holidays, being supportive of dry July (even though I am!), car problems or waiting. * Trip to the art gallery. Erin's most used phrase: What is that? What does it mean?. My most used phrase: Ask Daddy, this is his area not mine. I like the art gallery but yay for delegation!!!! :) Also v useful for the ACDC section of the museum! * Harry Potter tickets booked! So excited!! Now to join in with everyone else on the book re-reading and movie re-watching over the next week :) * Today I am Thankful for people with positive status updates, for the wonderful people who have volunteered to have my girls while I am at work this week and for chocolate because chocolate makes everything better. * Hmmm ... at home .... no children (very strange feeling) ... think I might move furniture :) * I need to stop being so easily distracted! * Apparently not having the girls does not make getting out of bed any easier, but I can be ready to leave the house in 15 minutes! * Today I am Thankful that you can reprint receipts for things you buy online, for the end of the saga of the dress (for those of you following the saga I got credit voucher for the amount I originally paid), for being smart enough to read things before I sign them, for being brave enough to insist on things and for lovely, patient sales assistants. * Helped feed the horses for the first time (I have only been going to Byford for 9 years) - cuddles with my baby niece - watched my nephew play with his cousins (aka my daughters!) - yummy roast dinner - super cute girls in their new tops from Paris - now very tired mama. Must be almost bedtime. * Two days to go .......... * Today I am Thankful for a car park spot at the train station and a seat on the train when I wasn't expecting either! No long story this time ... even though I was at a different train station to normal * I am still pretty sure I need a croissant to celebrate Bastille Day. * Fabulous girls night out last night with the Aimee-fuzz! Dinner with Emma, Katie and Sarah (the last one for a while with all four of us together). Then shopping and then a "just us" trip to the movies to see 'Kung Fu Panda 2' complete with icecream and peanut M&Ms!! Followed by our very own sleepover on the couch. Now only one more day of work ...... and then holidays!!!! * Enjoying my chocolate croissant as my belated Bastille Day celebration and my last day of work celebration and my just-because-it-is-Friday celebration! Hmmm ... maybe I should have got two * Today I am Thankful the girls have had a great week (without me), for all the wonderful people who have babysat the girls for me and for staycations * I am so happy to have all my girls at home ready to start my holidays! Erin is over the moon with her mani-pedi. Aimee is hilariously funny complaining about "the little girls" and I came home to find Reanna fast asleep on the couch "watching" Misty. Week one of the girls' school holidays has been a massive hit! Thanks again everyone. I think the next week with me and/or Adam is going to be a bit of a let down * Aimee quote of the day: The bit when he goes "my dad's a muggle and my mum's a witch" is like us going "our mum's a Guide leader and our dad's a Scout". * I ♥ pyjama days, fun cooking, Harry Potter books/movies/marathons, staycations, not having to set my alarm, awesome costumes, people who understand me, happy status updates and my girls. * Harry Potter 1 last night with nachos, pyjamas and Starburst rattlesnakes. HP2 this morning with chicken chips, pepsi max and clothes folding (I know sad, but it still needs doing!) * 15 minutes until we push play on HP3!!! And while we are on the HP theme I have just ordered my sister's 30th birthday present :) * Cooked dinner tonight for the first time in over a week!! * Breakfast-for-dinner with Steve & Jo AND HP4 briefly interupted by an emergency run to pick up my nephew) AND wine AND Violet Crumble overload icecream AND Steve fixed my computer! * Sleeping, Harry Potter, eating, sleeping, Harry Potter (repeat). * Making clown fish(as demonstrated on Saturday Disney) with my clown babies x4. Who said TV doesn't teach you anything?! * Fifty-one hours and seven movies. Now only two sleeps to go.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Achieved an Impossible Dream ....

Well I would have thought it was an impossible dream if I'd actually ever thought about it!! I managed to not cook dinner for 9 nights in a row AND no it wasn't take-out every night! I don't hate cooking, but I don't love it. It is a just something that needs doing so it gets done. So how did I managed this .....

Day 1 (Friday): Reanna was at a sleepover and the little two were at Guides. They got to go Sizzlers for an end of term party and Erin suggested it would be a good idea for me to get takeaway - I agreed!

Day 2 (Saturday): We went to the drive in and had a picnic dinner of cheese and bacon rolls (and movie snacks).

Days 3 & 4 (Sunday & Monday): The girls' dad was home so he cooked (he also cooked 9 nights out of ten when we were together. He is much better at it then I am and he enjoys it. Especially now he works away and lives by himself when he is at home).

Day 5 (Tuesday): The girls slept at my sister's and I got takeaway.

Day 6 (Wednesday): We went to the girls' grandparents' house for dinner (my in-laws).

Day 7 (Thursday): Reanna and Erin were at sleepovers and Aimee and I went out to dinner with a few of my friends.

Day 8 (Friday): We began our Harry Potter movie marathon weekend with nachos for dinner in the lounge room (ok I did sort of cook, but I don't think putting corn chips, sauce and grated cheese in the microwave counts).

Well, I may have had takeaway two nights, but I don't think this counts when it was just me at home. The girls were eating properly! I doubt this will happen again in a hurry ... and I have very much enjoyed it! Although with all the driving I did this week I think it was a fair balance ;)

And just in case anyone is concerned, proper menu planning is at the top of my list of things to do at the moment!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Loving it! HP style ....

I am joining in the link up from Paisley Jade again. Remembering that no matter how bad things are there is always something in life to be thankful for. If you want to join in just click here or the button below!

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This week I am loving ....

Harry Potter books, Harry Potter movies, my Harry Potter wand .... and just generally all things Harry Potter. Re-reading and re-watching in progress as we speak.

$1 coins well a few in particular. The Scouts turned 100 in 2008 and the Girl Guides in 2010. To celebrate the Australian government declared 2008 to be the Year of the Scout and 2010 to be the Year of the Girl Guide and released commemorative coins for each association in the respective years. (I hope I have the years right now!) I have been a Guide for 23 years and counting and have been involved with Scouts on and off for 16 years. Getting a Guide or Scout dollar (or a William and Catherine 20c coin) in my change always makes my day!

Mummy-Daughter Date Nights It doesn't happen very often I get a one-on-one night with just one of my gorgeous girls, but when I do they are awesome!

Rain I grew up in the middle of the desert, need I say more?! Plus with rain ... comes Rainbows

Dreaming and putting the steps in place to make my dreams a reality.

Family the ones I am related to blood, by marriage and the ones who are my family just by choice. "Friends are the family you chose for yourself". I love this quote.

Staycation I looooove this phrase! I read it on a blog recently and it is my new favourite! Most of my holidays are simply spending time at home, and they totally rock!

What are you loving this week?! Join in and tell the world!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Home Alone

It is a strange feeling! Not that I am not home alone ever, but usually it is because I have a day off work for some reason or for an hour when they are all at Guides or when I have come home after being out when they are sleeping somewhere else. I was 29 (or it might have been 30) before I'd ever slept in a house by myself. I was 21 (almost 22) before I'd ever slept in a house without another adult! I think being the oldest of seven may have had some impact on this. Empty houses still always feel strange to me!

Anyway, the entourage are having a sleepover at my sister's tonight because I am working tomorrow. So you may ask what I am doing tonight:

(a) I had crab sticks and chips with extra chicken salt. (So excited! I have randomly saw a fish and chip shops that does this in a pack like a meal. I LOVE crab sticks. Sometimes we get chips to go with dinner just so I can get them. I really need to stop this) AND I had it with salad so I am feeling very grown up, because the girls aren't even here to set a good example for;

(b) I have been in my pyjamas since 5:30pm;

(c) '27 Dresses' is on in the background; and

(d) now I am thinking about moving some furniture around. You know, as you do.

I could just curl up and get a super early night (except I want to watch a tv show later) or actually do some cleaning that needs doing or keep re-reading Harry Potter or catch up on some posts at Confessions of a Bookaholic, but I have a feeling moving furniture is going to be way to go. I am working on the theory, but when the urge hits you should go with it ... I will let you what (if anything!) I achieve later!

Oh and I should mention I will shower and change into a clean pair of pyjamas before bed! Just in case you were worried ;)

Monday, July 11, 2011

The day after Sunday

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Click the button to join in with blogs tea & me for the very first 'The day after Sunday' linky. If you don't like Mondays what better way to start then by sharing the special moments from your weekend? And if you do like Mondays this can only make them better! I am excited about it anyway :)

Friday night: No Reanna, so takeaway and a couple of hours quiet reading for Mama, while the little two were at (Girl) Guides .... home and snuggles on the couch in front of a new dvd (Aimee got a new one at the Christmas in July they had at Guides that night) ... we slept all curled up on the couch. This is something I can't do when they are all home. Naps yes, all night sleeping no. They are just too big now!

Saturday morning: ... sleeping in ... stopped past Bunnings for a sausage sizzle (fundraiser for an awesome cause) on the way to the city ... I had to go into the office for a few hours (long story, doesn't happy very often). The girls were legends! Hot milo and Saturday morning cartoons for them. Zipping around the office like a maniac photocopying for me. Picture this: kitchen one corner (where the children were located), my desk opposite corner, two photocopiers in the remaining two corners. Now picture me running around madly between all four! Yes we were the only people there!! I am also pretty sure this classifies as exercise. We were there for almost two hours! Aimee dressed in "work" clothes (pictures to come) and very kindly tested all the stamps in sight. You will be pleased to know they all worked. And, this morning, I found a lovely note on my computer screen from Erin. She'd left it there on the weekend to give me a perfect start to the week!

Saturday night: Drive in. Bit spur of the moment, which is always exciting, and definitely inspired by how good the girls had been in the morning. Clinker game (are we the only people who play this?!) and then hangman while we waited for the movie to start. Plus the ever favourite "I am thinking of an animal". Picnic dinner in the car. TWO movies plus I got to catch up with a friend who came with us! Awesome night out and sooooo cheap! Especially compared to going to the cinemas.

Sunday: I got my Reanna home:) We had every intention of going to church until we found out there was no Sunday school and no pastor. Instead we had the perfect morning catching up with my co-Two Mummy Duck-er including getting some amazing snuggles from my (very tired) 5-year-old God-daughter. We had all seven kids there and they were all so good! Must have been the weekend for well behaved children. Maybe because it was so cold and their blood all slowed down. Like lizards ... or something ....

Sunday night: "Camping". Toasted marshmellows. Potatoes in jackets cooked in the fire. Chocolate bananas. S'mores. A shared beer (clearly not with the children). Wood smoke .... mmmmm ....soooo many memories!

Written down it sounds busy! But in reality, it was lovely and relaxed. We started the weekend with literally no plans and this is what it ended up like. Full of cuddles and coffee catch ups and shared times and creating happy memories.

If it isn't on facebook it didn't happen ....

... allegedly! Although considering I am writing heaps less on facebook, perhaps this means I am doing less? Or perhaps I am just ceasing to exist? Or I am just not thinking I am as clever/funny/interesting as I do some weeks?! (Thinking option three is probably the most likely) ... but anyway ... here goes!

Today I am Thankful for rain picking the appropriate time to fall, the girls being excited to do stuff with me, spending time with my (extended) family, everything working out according to plan and for finding time to cross things off my to-do list however small the "thing" is! * That strange moment when you have to text your mother to warn her that one of her granddaughters wants to learn algebra. * Waiting for the icecream to soften so I can go to bed and defrost my feet. I realise this is ironic. * I am pretty sure the animal I feel the most affinity with today is a penguin. * Lemon and lime tart! Yay for birthdays and cake days! Good pick Lisa! * Today I am Thankful for my mum, heaters and chocolate. * I love dinners that (with minor alterations) the entire household loves! I think mashed potato is the secret. * I am constantly amazed by daughters' dedication to sport! Go Reanna and Erin and the rest of the school teams!!! * I am soooooooooo looking forward to holidays :) * I still do not get why teeny-tiny chocolates are called 'fun-size'. * Today I am Thankful for a short wait at the train station, that it was just light enough to read and for a seat on the train. * Not only hump day but National Hump Day. So much cause for celebration :D * All this neon is hurting my eyes! * I am disproportionally proud of myself for *not* having caramel slice for breakfast. * Aimee walls and my walls are both colour splotched now. I don't know who is more excited! * ‎(a) Sent my rainbow fluro babies off to school. They should come with a warning for people who are sensitive to light and/or people with hang-overs! (b) I am also super proud of them for wanting to do their bit to support their school's commitment to the program they are fundraising for in Cambodia. (c) I now have green fingers. I need to learn how to use coloured hair-spray better. * Borders last day today. It looks like a ghost shop :( * All three girls got icecream vouchers for their rainbow costumes :) * Being the first person awake feels like an awful waste. * Today I am Thankful for (a) amazing girls who are transportable; (b) work places with two photocopiers, milo and coloured paper; (c) exercise from running to all four corners of the office for 1.5 hours*; (d) Erin not telling me off for the state of my desk; (e) Aimee being super good** and testing all my stamps; and (f) wonderful people who volunteer for all sorts of organisations. * Aimee quote of the day (while driving past units in the CBD): "Those people should hang their washing inside. Or at least their knickers. No-one wants to see big Grandma undies". Her response when I asked her where she heard that term: "The school photographer and SpongeBob". Hmmm. * Pretty sure I have worked way too hard for a Saturday .... but definitely sure I deserve this night out!!! * Spent so much of the day feeling like a naughty school girl!

And that is it! I am still have camera dramas on three counts! Part of it is real dramas, part of it is me being technologically challenged! I have some good ones for you though so stay tuned. I am determined to get them up in the next week. Or next week at the latest.

Keep smiling and have a fabulous week :)

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

I am turning into my mother

And not in a bad way. I just had one of those moments when I ate my lunch (at my desk!) yesterday, when part of my lunch was cold mashed potato.

Not that my mum has a fondness for cold mashed potatoes but, let me tell you a story ..... I was about 15 (I think) when I went in the kitchen and saw the toast had popped. When I called out to mum to tell her, her reply was she new but she was waiting for it to get cold before she buttered it and ate it. I was (I still think understandably) confused. Waiting for the toast to get cold??? This does not sound like something people plan to do! Mum shrugged and just said she got used to it when we were little and now she just likes it like that.**

Fast forward about 7 years and me studying full time with two babies, nannying for two of my little sisters, volunteering etc. I "got" it. And worked out why she enjoyed cold toast! It might be an acquired taste but if it is your best chance of getting to eat you might as well acquire it. It's not bad :)

Fast forward another nineish year and you get me today! Really getting it! I looove leftovers and I very often just eat them cold. But hey, you do what you need to do to survive and you might as well enjoy it while you are there!

But anyway ... I now get it Mum! I really do!!!

[**Family background: four of us in five years. Lived on remotish sheep station so she was our home tutor from when I was 5 until when I was 9. I am the oldest. Then she went back to full time study, while still having us at home with a governess and cooking for anywhere between 6 and 12 people, etc, etc}

Monday, July 4, 2011

F is for facebook

Today I am Thankful for super supportive and helpful people, for an afternoon at home and for things working out :) * Baking cupcakes twice in three days?! I am not sure what is wrong with me :oP * I am pretty sure that I need to refine my cupcake making skills. I am also pretty sure the *only* way to do this is by making more cupcakes. * If the "red sky in the morning, shepherds' warning" thing is true, today is going to be a massive storm!!! It is glowing red outside. (Oh and I do realise storms are predicted!). * I ♥ birthdays, cupcakes, new books, finding bargains, rain, lazy nights on the couch, winter snuggles, hot chocolate, afternoons at home, surprise presents, family dinners, having someone else cook, crossing things off my to-do list, positive people and hour long phone conversations. I don't ♥ the girls being sick, crickets, driving during storms or text messages not working. * While we are on the topic of cupcakes, apparently Aimee's class declared my cupcakes some of the best ones ever!! Go the 85c homebrand packet mix. I do think I make great icing though so maybe that was it. Either that or they just say it about all cupcakes. * Aimee quote of the day: "Mummy you are pretty enough to be a waitress". Apparently only pretty people are waitresses. * Soup + hot crusty rolls + real butter = perfect winter dinner * My aim for the day, since Reanna was home sick, was to clean out and re-organise the kitchen cupboards. I didn't set foot in the kitchen all day. I haven't even done the dishes yet. I did however get halfway through organising the study. Does this mean I am rebelling against myself? * What?! Only Wednesday?! * So, just like that, apparently I am out of retirement. And, for anyone who had any doubts, Erin is going to be a fabulous leader one day! A scary one perhaps but definitely fabulous! * Wicked! Wicked! Wicked! Wicked! Wicked!!!!! * Lesson of the day: do not volunteer to cover reception on the busiest day of the year. But I would just like to say again, that I hold receptionists in the highest esteem. Their job is *really* hard. * Yay! And that is the girls sorted for the holidays :) * I ♥ choc mint stuff, V, green traffic lights, chicken twisties, the smell of newly cut grass, freshly washed leaves and musicals (anyone noticing the green theme?). * A green Reanna is *not* on my list of green things that I love. (I love Reanna just not the fact she is green). Thanks ladies for a lovely evening and to the wonderful Elisca for babysitting! Wicked was great and now I have two green flashing martini glasses :) * Reanna is still green :( .... and we spent the night on the couch with "Tinkerbell" on. Coincidental, but thematically appropriate. * And second year complete! Eight units to go!!!! * Quiet non-pizza Friday night with Gabby and David to start the weekend! * Now "we" are counting down the hours .... * Colouring in. Service and therapy all at the same time :) * The house is amazingly calm considering there are four girls between the ages of 8 and 12 of varying levels of (over) excitement getting ready! * And we are off .... layered .... glittered ... and Hannah Montana'd to the eyeballs!!!! * Think we can declare our first concert experience a success!!! A fabulous time was had by all. Only a few minor mishaps :)* Aimee made me a thank you card. Erin declared it the best night ever. Reanna danced the night away :) * I know baked beans are good for the vegetarian baby and luckily she loves them. However, I think they are super gross. Surely buying them earns me points in the good mother stakes? * I am contemplating kicking the washing machine, but in the spirit of being calm and serene I am refraining from actually doing it (plus I am sort of scared I will either break my toe or the washing machine).

And that is it. Another glimpse into our lives during the week that was. My camera is doing strange things so no picture this time. And I am too tired to waffle anymore .... so this is it for now!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Loving .... green stuff

Hello peoples. This is another link up from Paisley Jade. If you want to join in just click here or the button below!

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I just couldn't help with the theme today! I saw "Wicked" last night and I am currently having a massive loving green things moment.

So ... today I am loving:

1. Musicals! Especially when going to them involves a great girls' night out with two of my good friends, one of my baby sisters, all you can eat scrummy buffet, to-die-for chocolate desserts, flashing green cocktail glasses and green slushy drinks! Yes that is all one thing ;)

2. Peppermint chocolate. My all time favourite.

3. Chicken twisties. I love them! During semester they are my once a week uni treat :)You need this!

4. Four leaf clovers. Or ones that might be a four leaf clover with one of the leaves missing (this kept Aimee amused for ages last week! She is absolutely convinced about this one). I am loving the idea of them, the optimism that one day I will find one and the lovely time Aimee had looking.

5. Green traffic lights. Have I mentioned I am impatient?

6. Freshly washed leaves. It all looks so fresh and clean after the rain!

7. V energy drinks. I know they are awful for me and I am really trying to give up ... but it has been a very busy week ....and I do love them (addiction counts right?) Although I am not sure about the fact they use cockroaches as part of their advertising.

8. The fabulous Miss Reanna. She gets a special mention because green is her favourite colour ... and she always gets the green stuff when she has an option!

What are you loving today?

PS I did have pictures all taken to go with this post! But now my camera does not seem to be working. So... my post about green things is minus colour. Ironic really!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Today I was happy when ...

... I saw an awesome picture scene. Sun, clouds and everything was just in the right spot (no picture unfortunately because (a) I am a sucky photographer; and (b) I was driving so it probably wouldn't have been a good idea anyway.)

... the girls at least humoured me in being excited about the picture scene.

... I saw a rainbow!

... we left the house on time with no dramas.

... I remember I am going to see 'Wicked' tonight! So pretty much I have been happy all day.

... the coffee shop had double chocolate muffins. (I only get coffee and a muffin once a week so I am always a little sad when the muffin of the day isn't awesome! Today it was!)

... I remembered today is Friday Eve.

... I got an unexpected and nice sms.

It doesn't take much to make me happy

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Rebellion?

Reanna was home sick yesterday with an earache. She has had reoccurring ear problems since she was 4 months old (this is a whole other story) and she'd already spent a couple of days at home in the last week. Luckily her dad was home then and it was some nice bonding time for the two of them.

As a "good" multi-tasker/glass is half full/super motivated (haha) type person I decided I was going to take advantage of a day at home (remembering I felt fine!) and clean out the kitchen cupboards. They really need doing and I have just got rid of a mouse in the house (also another whole story), but I haven't had the time to do it even though it is my 8-weeks-to-catch-up-on-three months-of-housework stage of the year.

I did not set foot into the kitchen all day (except to go to the fridge). I didn't even do the dishes. I did on the other hand cuddle Reanna and nap on the couch for two hours in the morning. I feel this was very important. Bonding, she was sick so it was important mummy time and also one thing I have learned is to take advantage of any extra napping time, extra sleep is always needed. More importantly (for the purposes of this story) I got half way through cleaning out (up!) the study. I can't really do anymore now until the playroom is done (part of the moving stuff around like one of of those annoying games things where everything has to be moved in the right order before the picture "works"). This has been a big, big job I have been procrastinating over doing but really, really needed to be done before uni goes back next semester and I am doing two units (this semester I only did one so could manage on the kitchen table). THEN later that night I went through a few of the drawers in my room while I was watching tv. So part of me was super motivated, just not to do what I was "supposed" to be doing.

But anyway .... Self set task, to the point I had messaged a friend in the morning (sort of) excited I was going to get to do my kitchen cupboards, and I didn't even attempt it! I am a little concerned I am showing signs of extreme rebellion, since I seem to be rebelling against my own orders. One facebook friend suggested it just meant I am super awesome at procrastinating. I like this better. Thoughts anyone?

Monday, June 27, 2011

"What's on your mind?"

Here we go again ;)

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. * I came home expecting to surprise the girls with ice-cream for dessert and instead got a massive surprise! Reanna and Tineka had totally reorganised Reanna's room. It looks great :) * So .... last night didn't exactly go as planned! All good, but I am surprised my hair didn't turn grey!!! * After considerable research I have decided ice-cream tastes even better when you eat it straight from the container. * Package of books + helpful Centrelink person* + "good" Tuesday + cupcakes = one very happy me * Hump Day!!!! (Sounds so much better then Wednesday :oP) * When all those things that people assure you will never happen do happen ....... :oP * According to my beautiful, intelligent, eldest niece I make the best French toast. And I wasn't the person she was telling so it must be true! * I ♥ lunch dates, BLT burgers (minus tomato), surprise presents, fabulous shoes, girls' nights out, afternoons in bed, crossing things off my to-do list and my gorgeous nieces and nephews. * Possible fire in the building is always a good start to the working day. And a good excuse to buy coffee! * I would like to apologise to you all. Kate has pointed out that after much deliberation I decided to go with hot chocolate rather then coffee. It was yummy. Other then that, previous status is valid :oP * I ♥ winter, morning snuggles, hot chocolate, new books, crossing things off my to-do list, birthdays, making plans, blogs, rainbows and cushions. * Lesson of the day: Be nice to IT people. They are awesome and they can fix all sorts of stuff. * T.G.I.F. * Late night shopping tonight with the fabulous Miss Reanna :) * Wishing my beautiful Aimee-fuzz a wonderful 8th birthday!!! * For those of you who missed me .... Friday night's shopping trip was wetter then anticipated. Borders is almost all sold out and is closing 8 July. After shopping was baking. Saturday - cleaning and cooking ready for Reanna's party Saturday night. Girls all seemed to have fun AND I got to do one of the girls' cakes for the first time in nine years! It looked awesome. Saturday night's wine and dvds were well deserved. * Aimee was awake at the crack of dawn for her presents this morning! Although it was worth it to get to go back to sleep uninterrupted until 10:30. Fabulous birthday lunch at the Bentley (I love nice places that are so kid friendly!) and then family bbqing and games and stuff. Awesome weekend but very, very, very glad to be home!!!



Picture of the week. Reanna's birthday cake! And the first one I have been "allowed" to make in 9 years!!! (It is snakes and ladders just in case you can't tell).

I may have stopped breathing ....

I just went for 48 hours without reading a single page of a single book. I do not remember the last time this happened. You will be pleased to know I have checked. I am still alive. I am happy about this!! I read. A lot. Every day (well usually). I read so much I have a whole separate blog about reading which you can find here if you are interested.

The weekend was busy though! Very busy, but so much fun. I love birthdays :) My (I mean Reanna's) cake look fabulous and her party went well (check out my photo of the week in yesterday's post). The adults may have ended up emotionally traumatised, but that is normal with 12 and 13 year olds right? The girls all had a good time and this is the main thing! Aimee loved her little presents and literally bounced all day. Count down is now on for Miley Cyrus next Saturday. This long awaited event is her "party" and her "big" present all in one.

AND to top it all off, I realised this morning that I had contact with all five of my nieces and nephews in one day! I saw four of them and spoke to the fifth one on the phone (he lives in a different state).

Hope your weekends were all as fabulous as mine, and I hope everyone has a super awesome week.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Birthday bits

I had started a post earlier about my beautiful, amazing eldest daughter. She turned 12 a month ago. I didn't end up publishing the post because (a) I ran out of time; and (b) she came home from camp and I remembered what she is really like! No, seriously I didn't end up finishing it because it was just a bit too OTT and gushy and I just didn't like the post. I do love Reanna though. This is important to note! At some point I will do a "page" at the top and introduce you all properly to the entourage, but for now you will just have to make the most of the snippets you get from my blog.

Reanna was away for her birthday on school camp. Which was very mean. She was a little concerned that she shouldn't go in case I missed her too much (have I mentioned how well they look after me?!) but I assured her I would be ok. Yes I cried on the day and the little two and I went out and got icecream and celebrated without her!

I did plan this suprise though ...


Layer 1 - wow Mummy surprised me!


Layer 2 - And Daddy!

Layer 3 - Hmmm

Layer 4 - not funny Mummy!

I think she liked the presents enough to forgive me :)




... if she is going to abandon me at least I will make it fun for her! Thanks to a wonderful teacher who smuggled the package and organised a muffin cake on the day. Reanna's reaction was "I was getting a little annoyed with you by the end". Better then crying though .... my work here is done.

How cute are the cards the little two made?




We are finally having her long awaited party this week. First weekend we were able to do it when her dad was home. So excited! Me not her. Well she is excited too. I have just bought awesome stuff for the "lolly" bags AND I get to make her cake this year for the first time in 9 years! She requested Daddy do the rest of the cooking though - a definite win-win for Mummy ;)

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

De-Pea-ing

I don't know if anyone remembered I posted a few weeks ago that I hated vegies. I thought of this today as I ate my lunch at my desk. Yummy chicken satay rice thing. I was actually the person who made it, but I used a packet of rice stuff in it. I didn't buy the brand I usually get this time (I can't remember why) and this particular packet had peas in it. Peas are THE vegetable I refuse to eat unless I have to (having dinner with the Queen would classify as have to) and even then I just can't chew them. I can only swallow them. Anyway ... I am at work and before I ate my lunch I scooped any of the peas out, put them in my bin and proceeded to continue working and happily eating my lunch. Sad, but true. At least I am a non-whingy fussy person? Give me that much.

Ok, ok. I really do realise how sad this is.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

I sa-aid it on faaaacebook!

Please note. The title of this post should be sung to the tune of "I found it on ebay". If you haven't seen this clip, you should! And that note (like the pun?) ... here goes another week in our insane lives .....

What an amazing weekend!!! Saturday: Morning doing nails and stuff with the girls. They looked so cute and so very grown up all at the same time. Wedding was absolutely beautiful. The reception was lots fun. I had to be sewn into my dress though (Thank you M.I.L). Someone set a menu on fire. Accidentally but v dramatic. I have lots of photos :) Not of the menu fire but of the wedding in general. * Sunday: Out for breakfast, lunch and dinner in between naps and dvd watching. I may never have another hot chocolate without a chocolate spoon for stirring and I will say again how much I love places with live music, kids eating free and colouring in packs! That is it in a nutshell for those of you who missed me ;) I so do not feel prepared for it to be Monday! * Today I am Thankful for people who can make yummy meals out of random leftovers, for not having to cook and for being able to all sit down to dinner at the same time even when it is at strange times. * The girls are on number plate watch! Let me know if you see one beginning with 1E (of the "new" WA ones). We are pretty sure we have only seen as far as 1D. * Today I am Thankful for knee-high boots, hot drinks, having a heater at work and rain. * Who knew Shakespeare could be so funny? I now feel much more educated about the finer points :oP * Cold and sleepy. I wonder if I can fit a nap in between school and dance ..... * My knitting and I are are slowly taking over the world. Or the dance studio at least! * ‎"The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn - and how to change" Carl Rogers (and taken from the girls' school's newsletter). * Aimee: If there was a flood would we just hop in the boat. Me: Yes, this is why we keep it! Erin: Really? Aimee: That is a good idea. Reanna *rolls her eyes*. Welcome to a normal morning in our lives ;) * Today I am Thankful for strangers and their random acts of kindness. Especially the very nice man who told me when it was safe to reverse after I parked in a stupid spot. * Going a-Guiding tonight with my Aimee-fuzz! And I get to wear pyjamas. Definitely picked the good nights to go parent roster this year :) * I am pretty sure I would be an awesome bingo caller. * I ♥ rainbows, my stripy purple witch socks, wearing jeans to work, sleeping-in, organising stuff in boxes, Guide biscuits, facebook Scrabble, picture messages and quiet nights at home. * Pizza with Lee and the babies + DVD with my baby girls (Aimee's choice) + remembering I have chocolate + crossing a big job off my to-do list = perfect start to the weekend * Is it bad Aimee appears to have outgrown Saturday morning cartoons before me? Or is it just a reflection on the quality of the cartoons? * Finally got to take Reanna and Erin out for sushi!! * Think that is our social butterflying done for the day! Not exactly the quiet weekend at home I had originally planned :oP * Apparently you can fix itching with talcum powder. Or Mummy magic ;) * So much motivation for this time of the morning. * Got to catch up with Big M, JJ and 'Lil Em this morning! Have I mentioned recently I have the cutest nieces and nephews?! * Good friends, great music and yummy food. What else could you need in an afternoon? Oh. An Aimee quote. "Mummy, lots of old people know the words. Does that mean it is an old song?". I am so glad she has finally learned how to whisper. * Would you like some pasta with that cheese? * Aimee quote of the week (she gets two today). Via facebook chat to her dad: "btw you are moltitasking". Shouts to me "Daddy is multi-tasking! He is talking to you on the phone and it says he is typing. And he is breathing".*

No picture of the week this week. I already used it in my last post. The one of the girls all standing on their heads watching hockey. And for those of you can't be bothered reading my status updates, the stripey socks do get a mention! And if you read nothing else, read the last one if you like Aimee stories.

Hope you all had a fabulous week, an even better weekend and that the coming week is wonderful!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

My children are officially nuts

So ... as I may have mentioned this was supposed to be a quiet weekend. Nothing really on. Remember as well, this is supposed to be my two months on catching up on some very overdue housework. This was a fail, although I have managed to cross two jobs of my to-do list! We managed to be out pretty much all day today.

But anyway, one of my friends who lives in a country town was in the city today playing hockey and asked if we would like to go watch. Of course we did! "Big deal" I hear you say. Or perhaps "That is nice".

Normal family outing until my daughter decided it would be a good idea to watch upside down. Naturally the others followed in suit. Funnily enough it was Reanna's idea this time.


Erin doing some weird standing on her head yoga type pose.



Aimee doing a bendback. She does this a lot. She is super bendy.



Reanna doing a headstand starting the craze.


I was supposed to get a picture of them all at the same time, but we couldn't quite manage it.

I am still not sure why they thought this was a good idea. I was a little afraid to ask. I know I have said it before .... but I blame the parents ;)

Loving It!

Hello peoples. This is another link up from Paisley Jade. If you want to join in just click here or the button below!

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So many great link-ups are making not knowing what to write about impossible.

So things I am loving today ....

1. My stripey purple witch socks. They make me smile every time I wear them. Whether it is under boots when I am out trying to look pretty or at work trying to look grown up or when I am at home just being comfy. I originally bought them for part of a witch costume for a show I was in and that makes me smile too! (Please ignore my rolled up jeans, funny looking knees and the mess on the bookshelf in the background!)





2. My couch. I love my couch. It was the first thing for our new home when be signed up to build the house. You have to take your shoes up and curl up on it. It is pretty much compulsory. Now it is winter it is perfect snuggle weather complete with cushions and a our "furry" blanket. We all fit on there and can nap and watch dvds. Bliss.




3. Girl-time. Now Reanna has just turned 12 I am valuing even more the time I get to spend just hanging out with the girls. It won't be long before their lives are too busy to want to include much us time for a while. (Picture is of us getting ready for the wedding we went to last weekend).



4. My fridge. I love my fridge. It was the first time I have ever had a fridge that has looked brand new (even though I bought it from ebay it was only a few months old). It was also the first ever big thing I bought on my own. I love that it is stainless steel. I had wanted one for ages and I was so excited that I was able to get one when my old fridge died. I keep the front of the fridge for special things and it makes me smile every time I look at baby announcements, engagement/wedding/21st/18th invitations and magnets showing my favourite quotes. And inside is white and clean and shiny and I have it beautifully organised in tupperware (that I got free from hosting a party last year!). Can you tell my last one was old? (over 25 years old by the time it died!)and it is one of the few places in my house that is organised. Although I am working very hard on changing this!




5. The Entourage. Always. Forever. Even when they are driving me nuts!




What are you loving today?! The link is open until Sunday :)

Friday, June 17, 2011

Fill the blank Friday!

I am joining in this link by Lauren at the little things we do.

I think I am getting the hang of this blogging and linking stuff now ;)

1. The last movie I saw was 'Hall Pass' at the movies (and I had a free ticket! Yay!) and 'The Bounty Hunter' on dvd. I hadn't seen it before.


2. I want to hurry up and finish work so I can go home to my babies! We have a rare evening with nothing planned. So I have a possibility of something we have been wanting to do forever but haven't got around to doing it yet.


3. Surprises are awesome! Especially when they are for no reason.


4. The best accessory is fun shoes or fun jewellery. Especially when it means I can get away with wearing jeans and basic top.



5. My favorite warm drink is choc-mint hot chocolate stirred with a dark chocolate spoon. I discovered these last weekend. My life will never be the same.

6. My favorite cold drink is sort of hard to pick. I drink way, way too many V's (although I am cutting back). I love chamapange (or sparkling wine to be technically correct) and coke and cider ... and clearly it depends on where I am and what I am doing.


7. Currently loving blogging! Bet you didn't guess ;) and I am loving feeling I am getting the hang of it and I am loving that I have real followers now! (hello!)

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

What I love about me!

Welcome to Week 2 of "What I Love About Me!" hosted by Twins Plus One, Three Times the Fun and Twingle Mommy!

Here's how it works -

Write a post about what you love about yourself this week and then add it to the linky list below. This is intended to be a time and place for each of us to stop criticizing ourselves for a few minutes and actually remind ourselves of the characteristics we are proud to own. So go ahead, look in the mirror, and see yourself through your loved one's eyes. Notice the beauty first. Here's your place to shine!

A few simple guidelines -
•Please follow the two hostesses. If you are a new follower, please comment so we can follow you too! :)
•We'd love it if you posted the button and the linky list, but it is not mandatory.
•Feel free to link to your homepage or your specific "What I Love About Me!" post. We want this to be a fun, relaxing hop so we'll accept all links as long as they are family-friendly. Thanks!
•The linky will be open all week so feel free to link-up on your own time.


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Ok clearly the above bit is cut and posted from the blogs of the lovely hostesses. I really am working very hard on learning the 'tricks' of making the technical bits of blogging work! I managed the button and have finally worked out how to post a link (I think), but the list down the bottom was a bit too hard for me. I am very proud of myself for getting this far though! Check out Twins Plus One, Three Times the Fun and Twingle Mommy for more blogland people who have joined in.

What I love about me!

1. I love that I love my life. I may not have always made the right choices and there are things I wish I had done differently/could do differently now, but over all I love my life. I am slowly learning not to beat myself up over things I have done that I now regret.

2. I love that I can nap pretty much anywhere anytime. This is very useful. Especially when I am so super busy that the only thing that gets me from 5:30am to 11pm is the 10 minute power nap. It is slightly less useful if it makes me snoozey somewhere important like in a meeting. It is also slightly less useful if I nap for too long and then can't sleep at night. But over all it is a fabulous habit and one I have spent many years perfecting ;)

3. I love that I am never bored. Except in times I have totally no control over the situation but this pretty much never happens. I can usually find something to do or someone to talk to or something to think about .... or I nap. I do love to nap. My mum told me when I was about 8 only boring people get bored. I believed her. Going by this theory I might be the most exciting person in the world! Sadly, when I used this same expression on the girls, Aimee cried for 20 minutes that I said she was boring. This wasn't actually what I meant. I don't think she ever quite believed me. The girls are amazingly good at entertaining themselves though so maybe it did work.

Hmmm ... that was a lot harder then I thought! Definitely worth giving a go though :) And can I mention again I am very proud of myself for working out how to put links in at last?!

Monday, June 13, 2011

My week according to facebook

Today I am Thankful for fabulous friends, long weekends, my sisters and that my children have learned to sleep in! * Reanna and Erin are cooking. R & E: "Ooooh .... ummm". Me (calls from other room): "Are you ok?" R & E (in perfect unison): "Yes!!" Not very convinced. * It is the little things that make all the difference. Sometimes this is all you need to focus on! :) * Apparently thinking of random passwords is my thing for the day. * Avoid Monday-itis. Don't start your working week until Tuesday :) * I now have possession of a super cool purple clutch! And I am very excited about it! Shoes next :) * Today I am Thankful that I get home early enough most days to take the washing off the line before it gets damp. * Sick and tantrumy baby + early start + school photos = not the best start to the day * All day breakfast for lunch + coke in a glass bottle + shoe shopping with a connoisseur = a much improved day! Plus as an added extra it is hump day :) * Aimee quote of the day: "I have created a new [vegetarian] burger. It should be called 'The Awesome Aimee'. You know, like Aimee Jones". * Crazy hair day is so much more fun to get ready for then school photo day. I now have multi-coloured hands (which I need to get rid of by lunch) and a splattered dressing gown (which I am glad I thought of). Everyone keep your fingers crossed that Boris copes ok with the fumes! * Today I am Thankful for things working out ok, radio stations that make me laugh out loud, ballet flats and sales. * I ♥ muffins with white chocolate, late night shopping, new shoes, things that sparkle, cushions, my pyjamas, champagne, Fridays, my girls and cuddles. * I am proud of Reanna for not being distracted by the boys during the football match. Tactic foiled boys! * Just in case we haven't done enough shopping in the last thirty-six hours ......

Crazy hair day at the girls' school.



I am pleased to say they take dressing up 'seriously'!

Apparently I wasn't very chatty on facebook this week! This could be due to my new found love of blogging ;)

I know it is Monday

Really I do, but it just doesn't feel like one! I will do my weekly facebook thing later at home. Mostly because I am really busy at the moment, but also because I wasn't organised enough to have a photo ready for photo of the week. (Like how I am assuming people care?!).

I just had to do a quick post though. For reasons I am not going into, I am not dressed today in my normal professional attire and I have even slipped my shoes off. Only in my actual area! So no-one can see me other then me. I am dressed appropriately before I come across as being totally unprofessional, but it still isn't how I would normally dress for work. I feel like a naughty kid! Having bare feet really does make me so very happy. Now if only I could sneak in wearing pyjamas to work.

So anyway, as I walked barefoot over to the window I remembered your solidarity in my earlier post about loving to be barefoot. So I just thought I would post and let my fellow bloggers know I thought about them today. It is also freezing. I am thankful for my heater! Today was not the day for bare legs, but I am still smiling!

Friday, June 10, 2011

McAwesome

My girls make me laugh so very, very much. Especially the little one.

Things you need to know:

1.a. Aimee is a vegetarian and has been for almost four years now. She doesn't think it is fair on the animals to eat them. This is reasonable.

1.b. Not relevent to the story, but by choice, I would be a carnivore. I am the person in the world least likely to have a vegetarian child.

2. Wednesday night is takeaway night in our house. Don't judge me. Aimee has dance from 4:30 to 5:30. Reanna has dance from 5:30 to 6:30 and then Guides from 7 to 9. Sometimes you just need to do these things.

3. McDonald's is often our poison of choice. Here in WA, they do dinner boxes and we can usually mix and match what is in them until everyone is happy and it is cheap. eg. Aimee gives me her meat (or chicken) patty, and she usually gets my chips.

4. McDonald's also has a burger they have advertised as the "Angry Angus".

On the particular night in question, I gave Aimee one of the buns from my burger and she decided to make a multi-level burger with chips between each layer. I think she also took some of Erin's lettuce but I was driving and not really paying attention until I heard this:

"Mummy, I have made a new burger! I think it should be called the 'Awesome Aimee'". Pause. "You know, like Aimee Jones".

I had thought she was going to say like "the Angry Angus". I laughed .... a lot. Aimee did not understand why.

I blame the parents ;)

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Just in case you were wondering ....

... I had a fantabulous weekend! Thought I would update you all since you all got to hear how excited I was last Friday. I was waiting until I had photos sorted but that hasn't happened yet and if I don't do it now I will forget!

Hanging out with my sisters was great. No fights! And yes I know I am way too old, especially since I am 20 years older then the youngest, but we are sisters. We do squabble! Highlights included Aimee being highly indignant that Reanna and my youngest sister called me (she went as my messenger, she was excited about this) to turn the lights off. I quote: "They were just being lazy!!" and no she didn't turn it off. Sister #4 (aged 14) being very surprised that I thought she might talk to her nieces after I was asleep (I had said no more dvds in case I fell asleep first and they asked her. I did). It also made me laugh because she does like hanging out with them and she is dying to baby-sit. Aimee again in the morning saying very sadly she had been talking to sister #4 but she didn't answer until she asked Aimee to get her the laptop and cable. In her defence she was asleep and someone sleeping doesn't usually distract Aimee from talking. Trust me, I know!

Saturday morning was fun playing grown-ups at the kitchen tea (I am sure at some point it will stop feeling like I am playing. Maybe when I am 40).

Hen's night was soooooo fabulous!! Seven of us had a hotel room booked so we had champagne and got ready together. Costumes are so much fun!!! Dinner and more champagne and cocktails. Pub, cider and dancing until we were "sober"! Followed by pyjamas and giggling. This is all you get to hear ;) What happens on hen's night ... stays on hen's night!**

Sunday I felt great and even made it to church with the girls and training in the afternoon. The rest of the day was a dvd day on the couch in my pyjamas with my baby girls though. Twenty-four hours is definitely long enough to be away from them.

Long weekends rock!!! Monday, we ALL slept in. Then we spent the day doing some "spring" cleaning (I am catching up on stuff I haven't been able to fit in during semester) and Aimee and I are cleaning out her room ready to paint!

I think that is it! You know, just in case you were wondering!!!

** So ... is it hen's night? Hens' night? or Hens night???? I get the grammatical difference ... but I can never work this one out! If anyone has any opinion I would love to hear! Sad, but true. It is driving me nuts!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Blogetiquette ...... and Rainbows.

Part A: So, in case you have just joined me and missed my earlier post about "coming out of the cupboard" and also missed my post about paranoia. This post is a brief update. You may have noticed I have not only started publically following blogs, but I have also started commenting. Is there rules about this? Do I introduce myself? Is it just assumed I have been following (so much nicer then stalking I think) for a while before making myself known? And most importantly will anyone be offended if I say/do the wrong thing? (this is where the paranoia fits in!) If you have found me because of a random comment ... Hi!!



Part B: I love rain and I love winter and I love rainbows. I think it is safe to say that in my opinion rainbows rock. In addition to the fact they are just awesome and the sign of a never-to-be-broken promise, I have heard there is a pot of gold at the end of them. Aimee is looking for corroboration that this is in fact true. So if you happen to come across some conclusive proof … please let me know!

Monday, June 6, 2011

A glimpse into the week that was.

Today I am Thankful for rain, for not having any storm damage and for the rain considerately pausing at appropriate times so I got to work dry. * Work mode complete. Now for Mummy mode for a few hours until it is time for student mode again. * I love getting packages in the mail!!! * That awkward moment when you tell someone you are studying law ...... * The household is excited that the Big W ladies on 'The Amazing Race' are from Riverton :) * Argh!!!!!! It's E-day!!!!!! * Study tip of the day: Don't get locked out of the house the morning of an exam. It just doesn't add to overall confidence! * A few of the right words at the right time from the right person can really make your day! Give it a go .... you never know when this person is you! * Two packages in two days! I need to shop online more often :) * Today I am Thankful for two months of uni holidays, open book exams, getting good luck messages from wonderful friends, not getting hit by a truck and modern technology. * I have a feeling Aimee is going to grow up to be a spelling and grammar nazi. Who ever would have thought! * The clouds looked funny this morning. More like volcanic cloud or smoke or something then rain clouds. (Not that I know what volcanic cloud looks like, but it looked like how I would imagine volcanic cloud looking). * I have a new phone which is making me very happy. I will be even happier when I can work out how to use it! If you get a strange or v abrupt text message from me you now know why :) * Apparently changing my name to "Cat McKitten" is a bad idea :oP * I ♥ uni holidays, rainbows, humpday, lazy afternoons in bed, my stripey purple witch socks, quotes, blogs, cuddles, cupcakes, dress-ups and books. I don't ♥ exams, crickets or dodgy mobile reception. * The "snooze" button and the "off" button are not the same thing. Getting them confused has consequences. * I wonder if it is a bad thing that Aimee identifies twisties as study food? * Forgetting a password is never a good idea. So many lessons today :oP * My observation at dancing: Reanna is getting really tall. Aimee's observation (with no irony): Erin is really loud. * Major trauma this week with the footy tipping. Opinion was divided over whether to listen to Pop for the Hawthorn v Fremantle game. * So much randomness. * Today I am Thankful for technology. Which isn't new! But today it is especially because it meant I could go shopping with the fabulous Vanessa while she is on the other side of the country :) * And it is the looooooooooong weekend! * Off to spend the evening with three fifths of my sisters and a full compliment of daughters. * Aimee waking up in the morning and realising she can't talk she can only squeak is VERY funny. * I just need to say ... Hen's night!!!!!!! And if I get to check a cloak into a cloak room I am going to be so beyond excited!!! * Most fabulous 24 hours!!! Thanks for a wonderful day/night ladies!!!!!! And thank you to my wonderful peoples who babysat for me :) I am pretty sure I can hear the couch calling my name now though.


My "I got through the semester" present to myself! It felt appropriate ;)

And that is the week that was! These posts might not be the most exciting to read, but they make me smile. I guess I remember why I posted each of them. I am now laughing at the difference in my pre-and-post-exam status updates. How was your week?

Friday, June 3, 2011

Can I just say I am excited?

*Warning* this is a long post!! (But if you can bother sticking with it it is a nice snapshot to our life and the way my brain works. And possibly the reason why I should blog quickly and on the run instead of via edit and with masses amount of thought).

Once you get to know me a bit better you will find out I get excited easily and some would say excited over not very much. Personally I am ok with this. I would rather be the person who is happy and excited rather then the person who does nothing but complain and never, ever seems to be happy (I didn't realise how many people lived like this pre-facebook. It is really sad).

Anyway. Today I am excited about lots of things:

1. It is Friday And I love Fridays. I love the anticipation that it is almost the weekend. I also love that it is casual dress day at work and it means I can wear jeans. I love my jeans. I did mention I work better in pyjamas (I love pyjamas even more then I love jeans) but apparently even for casual dress this is not acceptable.

2. The weekend and this weekend it is not just any weekend here in Western Australia. It is a long weekend for Foundation day. This means that unlike other long weekends where there are things we specifically do to celebrate/commemerate events this weekend is just extra long!

3. Pyjama party The girls and I are sleeping over at my parents' place tonight with two (or three) of my (lots younger then me) sisters. Mum & Dad are away. I am not baby-sitting. Just hanging out. It should be fun! We live 45 minutes away from my family (not counting my sister and nephew who live in the Northern Territory) which is close enough to see them at least every two weeks or so, but I miss being a part of their everyday lives. Now just to see if we make it through the evening fight-free!

4. Hens' Night!!!! It is a close friend's hens' night tomorrow day/night. We get to dress up for the evening in fancy dress which I love. I am going as a girl from Gryffindor (my girls are in discussion over which one I am) and if I get to put my cloak into a cloak-room I am going to be doubly as excited as I am now!!!! Plus it has been a looooong time since I have been out on a girls' night out. Plus we have a hotel room booked so we are staying the night AND, just to top it all off I have 24 hours of childfree time thanks to a wonderful friend. I love my children! But I don't remember the last time I had 24 hours of me time**.

5.New information I have just worked out that blogger has a spell check. This is going to quite useful in my attempt to write good blog posts and sound semi-educated.

6. Dreaming v Goal Setting My first direct debit came out today which is another step to a BIG goal I am working towards (check out my other blog at Two Mummy Ducks).

7.Soup Croissant Express (a coffee shop chain) is selling soup again. I didn't bring lunch to work today in the hope that the soup of the day would be one I like (see previous post about me being a fussy eater). They are :)

8. Coffee I am not actually that excited by the coffee, but I think it might be the coffee that is making even more excited about stuff then usual. I had a jumbo capp this morning and my boss has just bought us a coffee. Hmmm. Despite my comments about caffeine addiction in my profile I have been working very hard at cutting back. This now means it seems to be having a fairly significant effect on me! (It has just occurred to me it means I have been to the coffee shop three times today when I would normally only go once or twice a fortnight! Never mind).

9. New stuff I have a bit of a splurge this week. I have been saving for a new dress, shoes, (play) jewellery etc for the upcoming wedding. And a fabulous friend is sending me a new bag to match the new dress! I also love surprises.

If you have managed to read to the end of this post ... thank you! Hope you enjoyed the insight into me :)

**Their dad works away and his roster isn't terribly consistent. When he is back he spends lots of time with them and has them sleepover and stuff, but we work more on flexible co-parenting at the moment rather then set 'visit' times. Even before he worked away they tended to go and stay once or twice a week rather then every second weekend. We felt it meant they get a better and on-going relationship with both of us. Plus I hate being away from them for more then a day so the every second weekend thing didn't really work for any of us. This changes as life changes but at the moment it works for us and the girls are happy. However, the times they have slept there recently have been uni nights for me which great is not quite the same as getting to go out. Not that I do badly in the going out stakes! I do actually have a fairly active social life. The girls are massive social butterflies. *Sigh* Now I have forgotten the point of all this. I think originally it was to make it clear the girls see their dad!! And that I am not complaining. Just excited. *end of waffle* (Although I am leaving this in as in a rambly way I think it is a nice little insight to our lifestyle ... and to my lack of abililty to stay on track!