Why I don't understand my children (and vice versa).

People always stop me to tell me the girls look just like me. And I mean all the time, not just people I know or people standing next to me in the check-out queue, but random people will actually stop to tell me this. I mean they do look like me, but they are mine! But more to the point, I do find the concept of walking up to a stranger and stopping to tell them this is strange. I have decided to take it as a compliment though, because in my humble and highly biased opinion they are all very pretty. The girls I mean, not the strangers.
It is also funny, because despite their similarities, different people who actually know us will each have which one they insist looks the most like me. These opinions are pretty much equally divided up between the three girls. The consensus is agreed that they all look like me not their father though (with the exception of his step-mother which is understandable!). Funnily enough, the one strangers pick as looking the most like their dad is Erin, because they are both darker. However, she is not actually biologically his!

For all their similarities they are all quite different. I have always said the difference in their personalities showed most clearly in how they would react if they were upset or got into trouble as toddlers. Reanna used to just be devastated and would cry. Erin would sulk (and just for the record it is really hard to study with a two year old sitting behind you with her arms crossed and glaring at you). Aimee would have a massive tantrum. Her first through herself down and cry tantrum was the day she sat up.
Not that I ever expected them to be the same as each other or like me. However, I thought I had a few years left of understanding them (until we hit the teenage years). But they still continue to surprise me and the following are just a few reasons I don't think I will ever understand my children, and why I think they will never understand me:-

- Reanna refuses to write properly on facebook or in text messages. This drives me insane. And yet, she insists on writing "sad face" or "smiley face" rather then using symbols.

- That they all love sport and play voluntarily at school (and not just to get out of class) and they are all talented (not to mention co-ordinated) dancers.

-They can do cool things with their hair. My talents pretty much stopped at pony-tails and plaits. Yes, three girls were wasted on me!

-They don't love Enid Blyton - wasn't this what we all grew up reading? And Enid Blyton stuff was old when I was little. Admittedly they like her stuff, and they have more options these days, but still!

- Aimee doesn't eat meat. Enough said. Although I understand the ethical reasons.

- Erin has an amazing networking ability already. She can talk to anyone whether or not she has been introduced.

-Reanna wants to do a fun run. Really wants to do one. I have agreed but only under sufferance. When mu personal trainer was suggesting I start the C25K program he asked hadn't I always wanted to run a marathon. My answer was most definitely no. No urge whatsoever!

The big question is, if I don't understand them ... how is anyone else supposed to?

(This post is intended to balance out all my pround mama posts. I am a proud mama, but doesn't mean it is smooth sailing all the time! Admittedly this list isn't really life ruining, but it does make for fun conversations with lots of eyerolling).

Soccer Mum

Yes, I know it has been almost a week since I have posted. Mostly because for a good part of that we were at home watching dvds and reading books being isolated in our (what may have been but I really don't think it was) poxy-ness. It would have been very boring reading.

Then this week has been insane! For many reasons, not the least of being which have started my new 'career' as a soccer mum. Literally. Erin decided to play soccer this year and only do once dance class. And I know I have mentioned it before, but my daughter rocks (well clearly all three of them do, but this instance particularly Erin).

So it is her Erin's day of training and it is her first time playing soccer this year. Found out there turns out she is the only girl and the only new person today although they did say they are expecting some new boys next week. She was a bit nervous to start with, but there was an older sister watching who saw Erin was new and took her and introduced her to the boys. This girl totally made my day by the way.

Erin holds her own all session and they were worked hard. Sit-ups, running, squats, push ups (Erin asked if she could do push ups girl style. This was refused but you can't blame a girl for trying!).  Her hair is quite long and she had it in a pony-tail turned into a bun. It must have been a bit loose, because she fixed her hair back into a bun twice mid practice game (including pausing to take a kick and to call out).You just have to love it! I could hear the boys already call her name for passes and stuff. At the end I asked her if she was ok being the only girl she just shrugged and said it doesn't matter as long as she isn't ever on 'skins'. I wish I had even a fraction of her confidence and poise!

Just for the record. Erin is still all girl. Her happy moment of the day was when we found a mouth guard that matched her team colours!

 

On a random side note, Aimee has taken offence to the fact I call Erin 'Erin-my-Erin'. I have always called her that and it is her name just for her! Aimee's request to be called 'Aimee-my-Aimee' was firmly denied. She is 'Aimee-fuzz' or 'Aimee-baby' and that is that. Erin needs some stuff that is just for her and Aimee most definitely does not need anymore encouragement to make everything about her!

Poxy

Literally. Yes that is right, chicken pox. Well so far it is only Reanna, but Aimee is desperately searching for spots. I think she may have found one. Erin is petrified that she will have to miss more school.

They have all had chicken pox before. Badly. Reanna was absolutely covered (she was only about six months old and I was still breastfeeding) and had it so badly her spots got infected. The other two got it at the same time a few years later. They got it quite badly too. I know they say you can only get it once, but every second person seems to have had it twice or at least had a close family member who has!

Fingers crossed please everyone that it will be mild! And that the others either won't get it at all or if they have to catch it keep your fingers crossed they all get it at once.

In other news. Uni has started. It is my last "big" semester (two core units). I have been a bit worried, but I think I am going to like both classes. My attitude needs improvement though. The thing I am most excited about is the excuse for chicken twisties once a week and hot chocolate! Sad, but true. You think I would be more mature at my age. Mmmm ... I do love chicken twisties though! Not actually with the hot chocolate, but my Monday night class goes for four hours so there is plenty of time for both! (I also think I am in denial about being so close to finishing but that is a random muse for another day).

Just to finish a post about not very much at all ... an Aimee quote for the day:

Aimee: Daddy, Daddy look at my horse shoe! Can you put it on the gate for good luck?
Daddy: Ok. Don't turn it upside down though. All the luck will run out.
Aimee: I already turned it upside down to see if all the luck would run out.
Daddy: Do you really think you can see luck?
Aimee: Oh. I don't spose so.

The horse shoe is now on the gate! This is all this morning pre-chicken pox. I wonder if this means I can blame Aimee for the infection? As she let all the luck go ..... hehe.

Erin the practical

I know! Two posts in a day. There is a reason for this though. Please keep reading ...

We are going to Augusta (a town about 3.5 hours South of Perth) tonight to spend the weekend with the girls' great-grandparents. When we were talking about going Aimee asked if Daddy was coming too. I told her I didn't think so, but that I hadn't asked him so she could invite him if she wanted to (they are his grandparents after all!). I did also say she shouldn't be too disappointed if he couldn't make it.

Erin's contribution to the conversation was that inviting Daddy was a great idea, but that when we asked him it should include on the condition that he take his own car. She didn't feel they should be any more squished up then they normally are!

I love Erin. She was really born to have a super organised, ultra neat mother. I feel a little bad that she has to make do with me. However she does cope. Most of the time.

From an earlier trip to Augusta.

PS Reason for the double post is that I am not going to post for another few days at least now, so I don't feel like I am inundating you too much. Have a great weekend!

School Days!

Two more sleeps until the girls go back to school! I am very sad that it is the end of school holidays and very, very sad about how big the girls are getting! It is a big year for us this year. Reanna is starting high school (Year 8 here), Erin is going into 'senior school' (at their primary school years 6 & 7 are senior school and get to wear a different shirt) and Aimee is in the upper half of the school (Year 4).

Funnily enough I am not that freaked out over Reanna starting high school. I think I spent all last year and part of the year before having to think about it, because that is just how the process works so now we are finally here I have coped. That said, I was labelling their school stuff tonight and Reanna and I had lots of trouble trying to work out what she should take to school on her first day, because she can't take everything and won't know what she will need each day until she gets her timetable. I am assuring her though that everyone else will be in the same boat.

Aimee starting year 4 on the other hand has hit me hard! Not just because she is my baby, but because she is such an infant!! At my primary school, year 4 was a big deal because it meant you were old enough to go on a 12 day camp once a year that was offered to all five Schools of the Air in WA (I will blog more about my station childhood later as I have mentioned it a few times now!) I look at Aimee and just can't picture her being old enough for that! Even though I could imagine it for the other two at that age.

It is also a big year for Erin. She has decided to branch out this year. She is starting to play soccer this year rather then doing an extra dance class and is beginning to learn a musical instrument. The one dance class she is doing is musical theatre which is a new class for this year and one neither of the other two are doing. Creating her own pathway which is different to her sisters'. Very important!

Reanna and Erin are also going to catch the bus to school three mornings a week instead of going to childcare. So big changes in our house at the moment! I would like to say I am coping beautifully ... at the moment ... but we will see how I am on Wednesday.

Training

Sushi training that is! Friday night Aimee went on a much anticipated sleepover with her grandparents. Reanna, Erin and I took advantage of the fact Aimee was not with us and went on a long promised trip to the sushi train.

This was not done to exclude Aimee in a horrible way. Aimee just doesn't like sushi and I am not sure how her vegetarian sensibilities could cope with some of the more exotic (and possibly authentic) types of sushi eg the ones with baby octopus. I barely cope with them!

So proud of my big girls. They each tried something new. Neither of them freaked out when they realised that some of the things going around in front of them were things like fish eggs. They both used chopsticks very nicely to start with then, when they gave up, ate neatly using their fingers (after checking it was ok first).

A lovely evening just the three of us. It was only marred by our extreme exhaustion after the sleepless night for Erin's EEG (which I have already whinged about. This is not a complaint, just an observation) and the fact I stupidly forgot to take photos. Damn. We will have to go back now ;)

Words of .... wisdom?!

I would just like to say, I wish I had written down some of the stuff the girls had said when they were younger. Now to remember to pass this word of wisdom to my babies when they have babies of their own. I just had to share a few gems they gave me today though.

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


Scene: We were discussing whether to catch a bus into Fremantle while my car was being fixed or to walk to a nearby McDonald's and then kill some time at Bunnings.

Aimee: We should go to Bunnings. Then we can play on the playground and Mummy can look at gnomes.

(Um ... because I look at gnomes so often! Although this is what we did end up doing, not for this reason and I did end up buying a (ceramic) snail for the garden!)

Erin: We are going to go play on the playground, but you have to go and look at stuff Mummy* and not stand around and watch us play.
Me: Um ... sure, but why not?
Erin: Because it is embarrassing to just go in and use the playground.

*Possibly to look at the gnomes?!

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

Posted the above conversation on facebook and a friend asked about the "rules" of leaving your child in the creche at Ikea.

Me: Erin, can you leave your child in the creche in Ikea everyday?
Erin: (thinks for a minute) As long as you don't sit and watch them play. And as long as you buy something every week or so.

Information was duly passed on to the friend who was concerned about the social etiquette in the world according to Erin.


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

Scene: Later that day walking back to get the car.

Aimee: I am as hot as a sausage.
Me: I like that saying!
Aimee: Well you can't use it. And if you do use it you have to say that I thought of it.
Me: I don't think you can copyright a saying.
Aimee: I don't care about the copyright, but you can't say it unless you say I made it up.
*pause*
Aimee: How hot is a sausage?**
Me: It depends on how long you cook it for and how long since it has been taken off the stove.
Aimee: Is it hotter then a pie? I am as hot as a pie.
Me: It is the same for pies.
*longer pause*
Aimee: I am as hot as a pie that is burnt and has been in the oven for fifty years. That would be really hot wouldn't it Mummy?
Me: I liked the sausage saying better.

**particularly funny when you remember Aimee is a vegetarian and hasn't eaten a sausage for over four years.

Oh, and the girls are all planning on getting me garden gnomes for my birthday now!

Take me out to the ball game

This post is for all you American people out there! The girls and I went to our first baseball game tonight and had a great time. I am now feeling very multicultural. Sport in general isn't my thing, but I like supporting local events and watching anything live is more fun. Plus someone else organised it which is always a bonus!

Here is Australia, baseball isn't that big, but there is a .... um ... I am actually not sure of the word to use here? Stadium? (It doesn't look big enough to be a stadium). Field? Anyway you know what I mean, and there is one near us. Our state won! Which was very considerate of them for our first time.

We went with a few friends. One of whom had organised a barbeque beforehand and we all walked down together. I still have no idea what was going on though. Luckily a few of the people we went with did and answered all the girls' questions (mine too). Funny moment was when one of girls answered something I'd asked and when I was sitting there flabbergasted, she (I think it was Erin) calmly told me she'd learnt it from playing WiiSport! Apparently it is educational.

Things I have learnt tonight:
1. Always ask what the colours of the team you are supporting are prior to the match to avoid children having a panic attack. (In case you were wondering they ended up being red, black and white. This was lucky because Aimee had lots of red stuff. Otherwise there may have been tears).
2. Google basic rules in advance or take someone with you who knows what is going on.
3. Doesn't matter if it is the middle of summer, better to take a blanket with you then to not.
4. Things aren't always like they appear on tv (but they did sing 'Take me out to the ball game'. I was so, so excited).
5. Possibly actually something about baseball. We will have to wait for next time thogh to find that one out!

So that was the new thing we tried this weekend and I think we will go back :)

Tales from an absent blogger

31 August 2011 since my last post?! Wow. Really?! .... I am way too embarrassed to read the last blog I actually *did* post. I am sure it was full of promises I wasn't going to stop again. So if I repeat my excuses it will either sound very genuine or like I am totally waffling ;)

I have really missed blogging and I have missed reading blogs, but it did just fall off the radar. Uni got insane. I decided it was irresponsible to blog at work (how grown up am I getting?!) and my darling daughters' dancing schedule takes up so much time! [Side note, after swearing black and blue I was not goin to put up with the same dancing timetable as last year, this year has gone from 4 days to 5 days! Not sure how this has happened, but I actually think it will work better. Strange but true - I hope so anyway!].

My big thing was Erin getting sick. Quite sick. It has all been resolved now, but I seem to have spent months in doctors' surgeries, at the children's hospital, waiting for test results, organising baby-sitters and updating people whether it was by text message, phone or email. Some lovely people just got the "she is fine, but can I tell you in person? I am too tired to explain it all again!". Short version she is fine now and hopefully will stay this way. It was huge for us and our family, but through the whole process it all just made me feel so, so lucky that overall my babies have been happy and healthy. So many people are not this lucky.

We also had an idealic few days down South with one of my sisters and her family. Had a visit from another sister and my nephew who lived interstate for Christmas. Survived another semester of uni and I am now entering my final year! (Admittedly I will be completing it over 18 months, but this is not the point). Reanna graduated primary school (with much crying, mostly by me but she had her fair share of tears on her last day).

I am sure more has happened, but these have been the key points in a nutshell. There may be a few later posts with retrospective tales!

Happy New Year everyone and I am looking forward to much blog reading and writing in 2012.

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 :)

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!!!!

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.

The day after Sunday

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.

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!

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 ;)

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 ;)

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!

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!

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?

Eight Random Facts

Oops. If you happen to be reading this from 'Blogs Tea & Me' I have managed to stuff up setting the link. Well it does find me, but I messed up the titling. Never mind! I will know better for next time .... or not. I will get there eventually!

Anyway ... my random facts

Strange book habits Not only do I love to read. I especially love to re-read. The fact in the last two weeks I have read fourish new books rather then re-reading books I already have is quite strange. I still buy new books. Well usually new-to-me second hand books but it can take me a while to read them. I need to be in the "zone".

Book collections I collect early 20th Century girls' school stories. Probably not so odd if I was 50ish, but apparently very unusual for someone at 30. I have been collecting them since I was about 7, but have only gone public about it recently. In all fairness, no-one has really thought it was that odd, but everyone knows I love books. Anyone who has been surprised has been less surprised when I remind them I have a history degree.


(A pre-WWII Boy Scout book I was super excited to find)

I hate vegetables A lot. To the point where I sometimes pretend to eat them to set a good example to the girls. I do eat salad, but I just hate them cooked. I do eat cooked vegies sometimes, but not as often as I should. Example: Two of my daughters get super excited if I cook broccoli. Unintentional reverse psychology! I am also pretty fussy about other things. My 12 year old eats most things. My 10.5 year old is fairly fussy (but I make her eat things. So does her father). My 8 year old is a vegetarian. She eats pretty much all vegies and most other stuff but doesn't eat meat for ethical reasons. Her own decision when she was about 4.

Other food related habits I hate my food touching on my plate. Example: with a roast, my meat can't touch my potatoes and vegies and vice versa. I don't think this is that strange. My ex-husband disagrees. If they touch I don't eat them. I am mostly ok with foods that are supposed to be mixed.

Paranoia Apparently I come across as being super confident. This is apparently a good lie. I check with a million people over what to wear before I go places. I check on appropriate presents. I really struggle to make the first move to speak to people. I am constantly worried I have said or done something to upset someone. I just work on the assumption people don't like me. This does make it a pleasant surprise when they do!! I don't think I am this paranoid naturally. I think it is a learned behaviour in reaction to stuff that has happened. Or it could just be that I am egocentric. An overactive imagination also means I can only watch certain tv shows and movies on my own. It also means I am careful about what I read. The risk of nightmares for weeks is often not worth it! I also am constantly making up stuff in my head. I have always done this. One of these days I will write some of it down.


Shoes I would rather not wear shoes. In my ideal world I would be barefoot all the time. I always have painted toenails and I always wear a toe-ring. Since I do have to wear shoes most of the time I love high heels. Not that I wear them all the time, but I do love them. This is something which I appear to have discovered later then most people.



Hobbies It sort of worries me I don't really have any. I feel like I am the certain person who should have hobbies but I don't! I read and collect books, but I am not convinced this counts! I also knit teddies and sometimes do cross-stitch. This makes me feel boring, but I don't actually think I am.

Motherhood Most days I still don't really feel like I am a mum. Please don't tell the children this. I have a 12 year old so you think I would be used it by now. I adore my children and I always wanted kids and I always wanted them young, but I never thought I would find them as amusing as I do.

Phobia I have a phobia of dead things. A real phobia. To the point that if I have to set a mouse trap my wonderful daughter deals with it for me. Or my ex-husband will come around for a night and sorts it out. It isn't just like I dislike them, if I see something dead it totally freaks me out. I can't breathe and sometimes I can't move. I blame a cat I had when I was little that loved me just a little too much.

Wow! That was harder then I thought it would be. It is now really quite late here and I am sure I will think of hundreds of more interesting things I could have written about tomorrow! But never mind. It was fun! You should give it a go :)