Happy :)

Just to share some random events that have made me smile this week:

- Erin was appointed an assistant student councillor (this is an unashamed mummy brag moment).
- Misty is now housed in what we like to call "Rabbit Castle". Her old hutch just made me sad. I am so, so happy to see her in a three-story home. It was also made for her out of old shelves we had so a great example of recycling too.
- Reanna commenting on her facebook page that she doesn't like spiders, but she likes flies even less so "go spiders". That is my baby-girl with the glass-half-full attitude!
- Reanna taking responsibility for sewing on her own ribbons etc on her pointe shoes and understanding why it is important for her to do it instead of just complaining.
- Weather that has been cool enough for doonas and cuddles and night.
- The girls' Grandad not only picked them up from school today he also cooked us all dinner! So lucky to have amazing in-laws who still help me out.
- Breakfast out with the ex and after 10 years he still sulks because the waitstaff always assumes our meals are the other way round (ie I got a big breakfast and a cappicino and he got a eggs hollandaise and peppermint tea. I would also like to point out he ate half my breakfast). He used to always make me order the latte because it is "girly" (even though I don't really like them) and sulks because they always put a straw in his bourban because they assume it is for me and the beer is his! It just makes me laugh. Mostly at him.
- We have new goldfish.
- It is not only the National Year of Reading (in Australis), the official launch is also on my birthady!

What has made you happy this week?!

Sunday randomness

One of my facebook things that I like to do is post in a 'Thankful' group. Friends of mine got sick of the constant complaining and negativity and created a place for people to remember to be thankful for things, both big and little.

For me it has been great! There is nothing like the challenge of thinking of something everyday and the mindset of finding things to be thankful for can only be a good one. A bit modern-day Pollyanna of course, but really I think we could have worse role models.

This morning I woke up incredibly stiff. I went to a polefitness (aka pole dancing for exercise) class yesterday for the first time in about two years. Then, those of you who read my post from yesterday will remember, I walked to the baseball last night. Not far, but I don't think sitting in the cold helped (and it was very cold considering we are in the middle of summer).

But back to me being thankful. We went to church this morning. My poor sore thighs were not dealing well with having to sit then stand then sit then stand (you know how it goes), and all I could think of was that I was thankful we don't kneel! If that had been part of the agenda for the day I don't think I could have made it.

What are you thankful for this week?!

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 :)

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!

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?

And the week is over! Pretty much exactly as I am writing.

As I was still up studying (aka cramming. Yes I know I should have done more earlier and got a few good night's sleep before the exam, but you know how it is ....)

Note to self: Crying at the girls' school is on the list of things I have been banned from doing as a parent. * I am much, much better at tipping when I listen to the girls! Although it does concern me a little how good Reanna and Erin are. We will not be doing a family footy tipping competition any time soon! * Judging from the number of text messages I have received this morning, I think Reanna is worried I am going to miss her - or forget about her. * Today I am thankful for cold and flu tablets, a quiet day at work, back-up plans and text messages. * I am still Thankful for cold and flu tablets, a quiet day at work, back-up plans and text messages ... but now I am also thankful for Penny for starting a new Thankful group and for realising there was a bug in my drink before I started drinking it! * I ♥ rainbows, cushions, on-line shopping, super patient friends, my bed, creating happy childhood memories, my stripy purple witch socks, boots, wishing on stars, my bug mug and M&Ms. * This morning's wake-up greeting: "Mummy, will Reanna be on her morning walk now?". * The not-being-able-to-string-a-sentence-together effect may have an impact on numerous parts of my life. * Today I am Thankful for a job I love, the ability to be happy, microwaves, mobile phones, Daddy-dinners, friends who cook for me and long over due visits. * Argh! Enrolled for next semester. Still not exactly sure how I am going to work this one. * Curiouser and curiouser. * I am a little annoyed at Justin Beiber for tainting the phrase "never say never". * I am pretty sure if you catch a cold from a man that it makes it a man-cold. The whinging seems to be catching too. * Some things are nice ways to wake up, no matter what time of day or night. Some things are not nice ways to wake up, no matter what time of day or night. Some things it depends on the time. * I am hoping Reanna is having a fantabulous birthday even though she is spending it so, so far away from me! It is hard to believe this time 12 years ago I spent the day in labour ... today I am spending the day curled up in bed being sick and feeling sorry for myself. For some reason it just all feels a little ironic. * Aimee quote of the week: "It's Reanna's birthday today. This means we can get icecream without her!!!". * Today I am Thankful for cold and flu tablets, wonderful teachers, my beautiful daughters, clean drinking water, my couch and mobile phones. * There is nothing like long, drawn-out methods of torture. * I either just made a very, very good decision or a very, very bad one. * Reanna home from camp. Exhausted, but very happy!! She had a wonderful time and says thank you to everyone who sent her birthday messages. Currently she on the phone to someone she just spent a whole week with! It doesn't take long for things to return to normal :) * Apparently early mornings on weekends are all Aimee's fault. * ‎*sings* Freo, way to go (then mumbles the rest) * The girls' highlights of the day: icecream, a phone call from Daddy and the train ride home. Erin did also point out going to the football is fun regardless. My highlight: Erin in the second saying "I am not tipping Fremantle next week" in a "I am not angry, I am just very disappointed in you tone". Lesson of the day: How to be a gracious loser. And supporting your team regardless of the performance! * Fabulous 24 hours or so! So much fun, but now so very much tiredness. * Just to prove me wrong .... we all slept for 10.5 hours last night and Aimee was the last one awake this morning. * I think that I am going to spend all day (between studying obviously) facebook stalking Lela and liking all the pages she likes. Just a feeling I am getting based on the last hour ....... * Exam time (definition) when you realise you have somehow managed to not learn anything in the last three months. Although,in my case, I did learn that spies in the UK have their own union, the Ombudsman is a person and that the back of the chairs in the lecture theatre are really, really hard. * Today I am Thankful for getting a good night's sleep, a (comparatively) free and accessible education, Chef Reanna, post it notes, computers, cold and flu tablets, open book exams, children who can entertain themselves and the ability to multitask. * I am excited my next pyjama day will be for dvd watching and lounging on the couch purposes not for study purposes. * Changing my profile picture because Aimee was a little insulted that I had a picture of me and Reanna up rather then a picture of me and her. Diva baby much? * I probably should be Thankful that Boris is keeping me company while I am up studying, but funnily enough I am not! :oP

I am very much loving my picture of the week this week!



That is my darling baby asleep in a costume (made out of a box) at the end of a party. One of the things I will blog more about later!

I am sure I have said this before, but I update my status a lot! And sadly I am deliberately doing it less now I know I am uploading them here. It makes me smile though, and allegedly other people enjoy reading them. I can't see myself stopping any time soon ;)

PS So excited! Despite the time it says on the blog, I pushed the publish button at exactly midnight according to my computer clock. This wasn't actually deliberate but it made me happy. You know what they say .... small things amuse small minds :)

My name is Catherine and I am a facebook addict

I admit it! I am a facebook addict. I update my status at least two or three times a day. Sometimes more. Even more scarily, I don't access the internet on my phone so all my updates are actually from a computer. I do have an office job though and I am studying at night at home so a lot of my time is legitimately spent sitting at a computer. The computer does sit on the table on in case I have sudden inspiration when I am at home though in what I like to call the "Mummy hours" (i.e. the time after I leave the office to pick the girls up from school to when they are in bed asleep. The time I spend driving them around, chatting about the day, watching dance classes, cooking dinner, helping with homework ... you know the sort of thing I mean).

But going back to facebook. I genuinely enjoy trying to think of status updates that are interesting, update and amusing yet still reflect me and my life. So I thought it would be fun to record and them on here as well in a weekly post .... so here goes ..... My week in status updates - 1 May 2011 to 8 May 2011 (this week has an 'extra day' the Saturday was 1 May so it seemed silly not to include it).

* Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! * Brunch with Rob and Tania (but no Chad!) .... now off to Brookton for the afternoon! * Baby lambs feeding are the cutest things ever! Their tails spin round in circles!!! And before anyone says anything I don't ever remember seeing a lamb feed when they still had a tail * Pot-luck dinner finished off a day which involved a lot of eating! * I can't believe there is only three days of school holidays left :( .... I could do with another week at least!! * Today was definitely a constructive day! So many little bits and pieces done! And finally sent the bags and bags of stuff off to the second-hand shop!! * *sings* Roller-skating, hide-and-seek, craft stuff and board games.These are a few of the girls' favourite things! (Well these have been the favourite activities when we have been at home these holidays anyway!) * I *love* lecturers who give good information about what to expect in exams!!!! * Today I am Thankful for flexible friends and for an increased sense of security thanks to the new lock on my fridge and being able to actually park my car in the carport! * Waking up in the middle of the night and being wide awake, but when the alarm goes off always still being super sleep. One of life's great mysteries. * Today I have lost one (at least for part of the day) .... but gained two .... baby-sitting my cousins :) Thanks to all my super understanding friends (and Reanna's)for changing our plans. Allegedly last minute baby-sitting duties earns me Platinum legend status and this can only be a good thing! * "I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." --Martin Luther King, Jr.* After serious consideration on the matter, I have come to the conclusion 'A' names may be a jinx. Final reason for this conclusion? Little Miss Naughty A1 and Little Miss Naughty A2. * The girls might be giving Joel the 'Hair-Puller of the Day' award, but from me he is getting 'Cuddler of the Day'. * Off to training .... five kids in tow .... wish everyone luck!! :) * I never thought I would be so excited about a door!!! But I am :) * Last day of school holidays today :( .... back to reality tomorrow! * I would love a delayed send for text messages. For those times you think of something you just *have* to tell someone at a time when it is really not a good idea to text! * I am adding super cool stationary that aids procrastination to my list-of-things-that-just-makes-me-happy! * Lovely day to finish great holidays .... back to real life tomorrow!!! * I want minions!!! * Today I am Thankful for being able to spend school holidays at home with the girls, pain-killers* and friends who know me so well! * I just participated in an automated telephone survey that had the fastest talking voice imaginable! It made me sound like I speak slowly. * I ♥ Autumn, holidays, chick lit, sleeping children, surprises, purple toe-nails, fairy magic, crossing things off my to-do list, making pictures in the clouds and fun stationary * Back to real life and work .... and a wonderfully organised desk thanks to the lovely Tanya. And to my colleagues who are placing bets on how long this will last, the insder tip is Tuesday :oP * Dear Chaos,We meet again! Did you miss me? Apparently I missed you. Looking forward to a long and prosperous association. Let's treat each other nicely! Thanks heaps, Cath xxx * Today I am Thankful for the wonderful members of the school community who facilitate the Mothers' Day stall. The girls all came home super excited about the presents they had bought. Adding to the excitement is that they earned from Daddy so it makes it a Mummy-free process! Lots of smiles all round and I am anticipating lots more on Sunday!!!! * Parenting moment of the day: Trying to explain to Aimee why it is not a good idea for her to correct her teacher's punctuation (or spelling or grammar for that matter) on her assignment sheet. Even if the teacher was wrong. And even if she is right. The comments "no-one is perfect" and "everyone makes mistakes" earned me blank looks from the little one! * Having school, work and uni all start again on the same day feels a little mean! Or badly organised ......... Note to self: Think of this next semester! * Coffee machine is back! Hot chocolate is making me very happy :) * Today is Friday :) .... I feel this says it all! * The list of things to do this afternoon is getting longer by the second! I am determined not to forget anything this time. * I did not think the hairdressers would take so long! I have three very gorgeous (and much neater) girls now :) * I ♥ Autumn, rain, slushies, choc orange stuff, board games, champagne, surprises, wearing jeans to work, my beautiful babies, cushions, wishing on stars and crossing things off my to-do list * "If you think my hands are full then you should see my heart". * Find of the morning: "Land and Sea Tales for Scouts and Guides" by Rudyard Kipling, Commissioner, Boy Scouts. 1923 edition means Scouts were still using the (left-facing) swastika as a symbol. Massively excited about this (even if no-one else gets it) and the book makes the trip a success even if we didn't get what we actually wanted!!! * Enterprising daughters + Mothers' Day + craft stuff = surprises + (relatively) peaceful coffee catch-up time * When did Doritos get so yummy?! * I really want donkey-dragon baby pets! Dronkies? So cute! The minions could look after them. * Bacon and scrambled eggs by Chef Reanna, French toast by Chef Erin and beautiful serving by Miss Aimee. Showered in presents and set to bed to read for the morning. Perfect day so far! Happy Mothers' Day to all the mums out there. Hope you are having a lovely day! * I know it is really predictable but this doesn't stop it from being true so I am going to say it anyway! .... Today I am Thankful for my mother, my daughters, Terri-Anne, Jeanne and Nanna Jan. Also, for all my friends who are sharing the parenting journey with me! * The rest of Perth may be still in the grip of Beiber fever (well a certain demographic anyway), but this household* is concentrating on Miley Cyrus!


Wow! I didn't think that would be so long. I have also come to the conclusion I need to tone down on the exclamation marks.