The story of us.....2010

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-07-25T21:37:00.002+10:00

I got this idea of Larissa....hope you don't mind Riss but its great.

FOR TODAY

outside my window.... the sun is shining and there is a breeze blowing, not to hard. Just enough to open up the windows to air the house out and to dry the washing

I am thinking .....that I really do neglect my blog and its about time it is cared for again

I am thankful for....my family and that we are happy and healthy

From the learning rooms.......Talia has been accepted into a Baptist College we had her name down at that we never thought she would get into...she will start in a week or so but that also means 4 kids in 4 different schools!

From the kitchen.....Megan has now started a gluten free diet so that is changing the way we eat slightly, though there are quite a few gluten free substitutes which is great.

I am wearing......my house trakkies.....its Sunday and I cant be bothered

I am creating.....nothing much at the moment, I have almost finished my second last assignment, I have a scarf on the go and I am itching to get back into scrap booking once we get the games room reorganised....

I am reading..... The smart step-family

I am hoping....that Talia's transition to her new school goes smoothly

I am hearing.....too much noise, we have 2 TV's going at the moment and Joel is banging a t-spoon on the coffee table

Around the house.....I have finished the washing for today, the last load is in the machine now. We are meant to have rain this coming week. I would love to de clutter my bedroom and I really need to get into the games room and sort that out...

One of my favourite things....is the kids laughing together,which the 12 years olds hormones influencing the house makes laughter rare these days...oh the joys of puberty

A few plans for the rest of the week..... Tuesday Matthew is off to the pediatrician to make sure that his medication levels are right, and just to see how things are going....

After that Talia and I are off to her new school to get some new uniforms and for her first look around.

We have Megan from Tuesday to so that means school drops off and pick ups....

Happy 6th Birthday Matthew

2010-07-06T17:11:00.000+10:00

Today is Matthews 6th Birthday.....

I made him a chocolate cake and was going to put a toy story cake topper on it but that broke so the cake ended up like this

The family gave him his birthday present which is a remote control buggy that lights up....he absolutely loves it...

Then after this he opened Gran and Georges present which was a little computer....another BIG hit..

We then sang happy birthday and blew out the candles

I think he had a nice day....

Bali Day 4

2010-04-23T18:02:00.000+10:00

Today was a rest day, no sightseeing but a pamper day for me..

I had booked in at the local Melasti Spa a full body massage, a pedicure and a set of nails...I was going to spoil myself...

It was heaven...

Each treatment cost 95 000 rupiah or about $14....and each lasted an hour.....

After my indulgence we went shopping and bought a few more gifts ...and a few more.....

I love Bali...we want to come back and bring the kids....

Bali Day 3

2010-04-22T17:49:00.000+10:00

Why is it in every day life you would give anything for a sleep in...so of course on holidays its on the top of the list of things to do... but we were up at sparrows....6.30 on the dot.....so we had breakfast early and decided to take a quiet walk down the beach...

We had organised for our driver to pick us up and he would take us for a bit of a sightseeing day

We started off at the Barong Dance, which is a traditional Balinese dance....half way through our camera died so we only got a few photos....

The costumes and dance were amazing

Once this was over, our driver kindly took us back to the hotel so we could get the video camera, and then we were on our way again

We went up through Ubud to see the Batur Volcano...sorry about the horrible photos, these were taken on my mobile and still shots on the video camera....we had lunch here...the resturant sat on the edge of the mountain and there was a drop straight down.....

you can see the latest lava flow which was in 1994, the locals use the volcanic rock to do sculptures...

We left here and started to head back down the mountains when it started to rain, we stopped in at a coffee plantation and had some of the best hot cocoa (I bought some to bring home ...and some chocolate)....

We also went to the sacred baths and temple...we had to wear a sarong each to get in but it was raining so hard that when I video taped it instead of pushing pause to stop recording I was doing the opposite....so on the video there are lots of shoes and rain...

We then went to the Monkey Forest in Ubud.....This place was amazing...it was late and we were running out of time but the forest was so beautiful and the monkeys didn't hassle us at all (I had heard some bad stories)

Some stone statues that were overlooking a steam

We then drove home, very tired and very wet...we had a great day and saw heaps

Bali Day 2

2010-04-21T17:16:00.000+10:00

Woke up nice and early to discover it raining....but at least it was warm rain...

we then walked down to breakfast

Breakfast was included and we had a choise of, cereal, youghurt, toast, croisaunts, bacon, sausage, and eggs made to order. Either fried, scambled, omlet, hard boiloed or poached...there was also tea coffee and a fruit juice and fresh fruits....

we ate until we could eat no more :)

We decided today to get a driver and have a look around. So we went out to the front and got our selves a driver. His name is Gusman.

Fist he took us to some shops to do some shopping, we bought a few shirts and some jewerly for the girls and a few small handbags for them too.

we then went to the bali bombing site to pay our respects, you can see the star they have paved into the road where the car bomb exploded....they have not built on the site of the Sari Club.

We then went to the Matahari, which is a large department store where we bought more shirts for the boys and a few other things....

By this time we were shopped out...we were still not used to the amout of peopkle and traffic on the roads

We came back to the hotel room and ordered some room service

The beer was 27000 or about $3.40 ...I started off with a fruit mocktail and then hit the beers...this became our afternoon routine, sitting on our balcany over looking the pool.

We then went down to the restaurant for dinner and I started to work my way through the cocktail menu

Arriving at our hotel

2010-04-20T18:54:00.000+10:00

The trip from the airport to the hotel took about 20 min, luckily the bus was airconditioned as it had stopped raining and the air was humid. We had our first taste of Bali traffic...lots and lots of scooters, horns being blown but it all seemed to run smoothly...our hearts were in our throats the whole time...didn't help that we had no idea where we were going. Finally we got to our hotel...The Melasti at Legian

We were greeted and given a fruit drink on arrival and was given our room key and our bags were taken there for us...The first thing we did was put the aircon on.

Our bed, which had the best mattress...I slept soo well

The foyer, the two wooden back boards fold down to 2 single beds if needed and the T.V and wardrobe....the bathroom was off to the left...we didn't get a photo of that.

Bali....here we come

2010-04-20T14:50:00.000+10:00

Darian and I have been planning this trip for a while, originally we were going to take both boys with us, but Matthew wanted to stay home. So we booked the flights for us and Joel...

Then mum (thanks mum) suggested that we should leave Joel at home too...we ummed and ahhhed for a while and thought well why not.

So I have spent the last few weeks getting the kids organised and what seemed of hundreds of lists of routines, phone numbers, what to do when and why....

But at last we were ready to go. Mum and George came up a few days early so that Joel could get used to being put to bed by someone else....no problem there :)

So the day has come for our holiday

We were up at 4am and left the house as silent as possible at 5 only to get to the freeway and discover that I forgot my other suit case key (just incase I needed to unlock the stupid pouches that they put on the outside of the suitcase) so I had to wake the house to get back in...

But we were off again...good thing that time of morning there is no traffic...we got to the airport with time to spare, dropped our car off at the secure airport parking and went to check in...

hmmmm we were flying Garuda and we must of got the only person there that didn't know what she was doing.....first Joel hadn't been taken off the ticket so she had to do that and then she checked me in...all done and then tried to check in Darian, only to be told that as a South African he may need a visa to go to Indonesia.....Flight centre didn't tell us this....and no visa means no go.......so after a wait and a few discussions with others she discovered that NO visa was needed......ahhhhhhhhh. She then tried to book him in and his passport wouldn't swipe and that she had to manually process his passport. She didn't know how to do this so had to ask someone else how to do it....and then of course his resident visa is in his old passport.....we were there for a good half hour sorting this out....

So finally we had our boarding passes and it was time to go and do some duty free shopping....

I bought myself 2 bottles of Amarula and Darian bought 2 bottles of Brandy...and then to wait for boarding. By this time the sun was rising and we could see fog out side on the runways....our flight was due to take off at 7.30 am...

We boarded the flight and sat down, we were right behind business and we had 3 seats...a spare for Joel :)

the engines started and then the captain spoke and told us that the flight was delayed for an hour due to the fog...we had to sit and do nothing for an hour...I am so glad that we didn't bring Joel...the other parents were having such a hard time....

eventually we took off at 8.45am and the flight was a dream...I even got to watch a movie (race to witch mountain) brekkie was delightful....Couldn't fault the cabin crew or Garuda itself....

We landed at Bali and it was raining...Hard....we got through immigration and collected our baggage with no fuss....we went out side and waited for our hotel transport...

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T14:14:00.000+10:00

School holidays are here again, it has been a short term, only 9 weeks. Talia and Eloise have gone to Karatha to visit their dad so its very quiet here.

We even had a very quiet Easter Sunday

The Easter bunny came and dropped off a few eggs during the night

3 happy kids

Look what I have :)

Megan and Joel. Poor Megan had sore eyes..

After dad got home from work we went out the back yard and had a small egg hunt....

Face painting

2010-03-28T14:56:00.000+11:00

Talia and Gabby took the girls and Matthew up to the local shopping centre for a fete/ one year anniversary for the shopping centre. They all walked up and came home a few hours later all very tired but happy

Matthew had a spider painted on his cheek

Eloise had a green butterfly painted on her

Megan had a mask painted on her face

Happy 8th Birthday Megan

2010-03-27T14:49:00.000+11:00

Today Megan turned 8.....

She had 2 of her friends stay over for the night, Abby and Lily-Rose. The girls had planned to stay out in the tent but ended up coming in

All went well and she had a great time...

My big girl is bigger....

2010-03-13T14:15:00.000+11:00

Happy Birthday to my princess Talia....

She turned 12 today.....she is no longer a little girl.....

From us she got a new MP3 player and a CD case to put all her CD's in. From her Dad and Sue she got a skate board.

She invited Gaby, Lia and Amy over for a BBQ/ sleep over and I was nervous about having four 12 year olds plus the other 4 in the house but it all ran smoothly...they spent most of the time in the pool and giggling in the bed room...

Talia wanted a cheesecake for her birthday cake and she helped me make it that afternoon...

Gaby bought her an artist pad and markers, Lia bought her a blue eagle glass sculpture and Amy bought her a large packet of pens. We also invited Eric and Diane over for the BBQ and they bought her a beautiful silver heart necklace.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

2010-03-12T13:58:00.000+11:00

This is Joel favourite song at the moment. He cant say the words but he makes up his own babble to the tune and does all the motions.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

How I wonder what you are

Up above the world so high

Like a diamond in the sky

My little man is so cute

The kids in Feb....

2010-02-26T13:19:00.000+11:00

Just some random photos of the kids in Feb...

My two favourite photos of Eloise taken this month...

I didnt get a chance to Take any of Talia, she has turned into a tween and doesnt like her photo taken...hopefully next month.

Megan....

Matthew has hit the age of pulling funny faces every time the camera is out....funny boy

Joel is now walking more than he is crawling, he is getting more and more confident every day...clever boy

Eye tests

2010-02-18T13:06:00.000+11:00

Eloise has been moaning for a while about sore eyes and I have been meaning to book all the kids in for eye tests before school started but the girls were up in Kununurra and only got home just before school started. However I did book both myself and Matthew in. I went first to show Matthew was was going to happen and as suspected my eyes are fine.

However Matthews test showed that he has a problem in his right eye. A slight stigmatism and he is slightly short sighted. He is to go back in six months for a check. There is nothing they can do at the moment.

I managed to get the girls eyes checked and Talia has perfect vision much to her relief. Eloise also has perfect vision however her eyes are having problems focusing (causing the sore eyes) so glasses were ordered.....

Today we went and picked them up.

She only needs them for reading and in class...she looks so cute. We go back in six months for a check up as well.

Here comes the school bus

2010-02-08T13:43:00.000+11:00

Matthew now takes the school bus to and from school. He gets picked up from out house at 7.34 am and dropped off again at 4.14pm. He is one of the first to get on and one of the last to get off.

It becomes quite a long day for him. In the morning he is given a small snack before going to class and in the afternoon he comes inside and the first thing he says is "mum I am hungry" He just loves it....

He races out side every morning to wait on the drive way and quivers when he sees it driving down the road...

Joel is a big boy now....

2010-02-04T12:52:00.000+11:00

Joel is now 21 months old and its time for him to get out into the big wide world and start to socialise with other kids...to learn those very important social skills.

Now that I am studying, I need time to do my assignments and to study..

Its time for Joel to go to daycare. All the kids at one stage or another have been and its good for them. So Joel is booked in for Thursdays...

He had his orientation yesterday, he got to stay for an hour and played and I got to stay....he thought it was the greatest....

This morning I dropped him for his first day.....and he cried....and cried....but mummy didn't....

I only left him for a few hours and yes he cried when I picked him up....other than those few emotional moments he had a great time....he loved the play dough.

What do I want to be when I grow up ?????

2010-02-04T12:42:00.000+11:00

In the last few weeks a few big decisions have been made. One of those I have been contemplating for a while and mulling over my options.....going back to work and how to do this while keeping balance with the family.

Most of you know that I am a trained dental assistant, and even though I have been out of the scene for a while its the kind of job you can jump back into. How ever its not family friendly as its a 9-5 job and putting 4 kids into daycare/after school care is not an option....and I really really don't want to go back to dental...

So my other option that we came up with was to study ....and if I was to study ......what to study...

I need something that I can be home for the kids when they come home from school....I need to be home for school holidays. I need a job that is flexible...

So I have decided to do an correspondence course and become a Teacher Assistant.....Perfect solution....I could become a teacher but I really don't want to study for 4 years...I am after all getting long in the tooth now...so this way I get to have all the fun.

So I signed up and have started back studying...scary but fun...

After 18 units and 3 weeks of practical I will be going back to work...but only part time....

A new school year.....already

2010-02-01T18:40:00.000+11:00

The girls flew back from Kununurra on Friday and we had the weekend to get ready for school....

I cant believe Talia is in year 7 already....my baby is growing up

Eloise a big year 4 girl....

Everybody was excited and I dropped off the girls at school, walking them each to class before driving Matthew to Pre-primary..he will start taking the bus next week.

To the beach..

2010-01-21T13:34:00.000+11:00

Today was Darian's day off and since the weather has cooled off...we have had 2 days of 30 degrees which have been bliss after the stint of over 40...

Anyway we decided to take the kids out for a few hours and what better place than Hillarys Boat Harbour....

We sat and had calamari and chips at Sharkies, the kids had a strawberry milkshake each and then we had a quick walk around. We bought Megan her first pair of sunglasses

We then headed down to the beach for a swim...

Joel loved the water, he wanted to get down and crawl and when he did he just kept going.

I am sure if we hadn't of got him he would have just kept going to Africa...

Matthew was having a great time in the water, I must do this more often....

More random snaps at the beach

After drying off we headed up to have an ice cream at Cold Rock. Megan had cookies and cream with gummy bears

Matthew had Strawberry with boysenberries and Darian had Mango....yummy

Joel had a bit of everyone's...

It was such a nice day...

The Joys of being a Toddler

2010-01-19T20:09:00.001+11:00

It has been so hot here over the last few days..all over 42 degrees Celsius...

In the evenings after Darian gets home from work we sit out side have a drink and catch up while watching the kids swim. Joel just toddles around getting into all sorts of mischief

Standing at his walker

The bear crawl to the fence as he doesn't like the feel of the grass on his knees

Laughing at his brother and sister in the pool....

In his little red wagon that he got as an early Xmas present

Daddy and Joel

2009-12-30T17:34:00.000+11:00

Just love this photo :)

Joel at 20 Months

2009-12-29T17:17:00.001+11:00

More photos of our cute little boy who loves to get out in the back yard with the big kids, his favorite spot is behind the shed....only because he knows he is not allowed there....

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T20:02:00.000+11:00

We invited Mum and George to spend Christmas with us and they arrived Christmas eve. We also had a BBQ so we invited some friends around to celebrate. We had all 5 kids Christmas eve so it was really nice to be surrounded by family.

The kids didn't have a late night...about 9.30pm and they were sooo excited. We on the other hand didn't get to bed until 2 am and only then did Santa get to visit our house..

5.30am Christmas morning there was a very excited knock on our bed room door "SANTAS BEEN"...yep we were awake....just...

We managed to keep the kids calm until 8 am then we told them yes you can go wake Gran and George...

Then the present opening started...love this bit....the girls all got a R4 chip for their DS....each has over 80 games and you can delete and add. They also got a fluffy pillow each and some new clothes...

Matthew got a worm farm and from Gran and George the kids got a crazy crab each....happy kids

At about 10.30 Megan went home to her Mum and the girls were picked up shortly later....the house was a lot quieter...

The afternoon was quiet, we had a bbq and I made my first Christmas pudding which turned out yummy...

The boys were tired and went to bed very early...but very happy

Lots and lots of bubbles....

2009-12-23T17:41:00.000+11:00

Talia being her beautiful self and thinking of others bought a bubble machine for the little kids.

Joel was fascinated by the amount of bubbles that were coming out, we often blow bubbles but this machine filled the room up.

Look mum trying to catch them

Watching the bubbles come out of the machine

Joel at 19 Months

2009-12-19T19:45:00.001+11:00

Time is flying by and our baby isn't a baby anymore...he is growing up fast...even though he is not walking yet he is extremely fast at crawling...he is also pulling himself up to stand and pulling himself up onto the coffee table and lounge...

His favourite song is catch a falling star and loves to play open, shut them...

The end of the school year

2009-12-17T19:32:00.000+11:00

Matthew finished school on Wednesday but the girls finished today. They have slowly been bringing home work books, art and all the various projects they have done during the term. I love sitting down and looking though all of it. I always keep some and the rest goes into recycling or rubbish..

They also bought their reports home...Talia has done extremely well this year and we were blessed to have such a great teacher for her, with all the trouble Talia has gone through this year with one particular girl I am grateful she has made it through. There is also news that that girl wont be going back to our school next year. Talia has learnt many lessons this year and not all of them were academic...I am so proud of her. Year 7 here we come

Eloise's report was surprising, she is a bright girl however she has struggled with her reading and because of this Maths. This year things have slowly started to come together for her. Her reading is 100% better now we just need to work on fluency. I am just hoping that she gets a teacher next that she gels with as this will make all the difference in year 4 for her.

Matthews Kindy Concert

2009-12-16T19:38:00.000+11:00

The Kindy kids have been practicing their Christmas songs so that they could perform for us parents.

They sung the ABC, and sung Rudolf the red nose reindeer...I video taped the whole thing. Each child was also presented a Kindergarten diploma....

After the concert the kids sat down and had a small party to say good bye to Kindy and their friends for the holidays.

Matthew can't wait for Pre-primary...

November 2009

2009-11-19T17:08:00.000+11:00

I had my case conference with Matthews Kindy Teacher, speech therapist and head master today about where to place Matthew next year...if he should stay at the language centre or go to main stream school.

I was really hoping that he would stay at the LDC...and yes he will be...he is doing really well apart from his attention or lack of...we will speak to the pediatrician about this before next year...

So he will be going to pre-primary at the LDC and be reassessed at the end of next year again..he will also be taking the bus to school...they pick up and drop off at our house. No more driving ...YAY

I also applied for passports for both Matthew and Joel...they arrived and we have booked a holiday to Bali for next April....just before Joel turns 2...saves us paying for him...I am so looking forward to it....

Joel is starting to cruise the furniture now..the physio wants his hips and knees to get a bit stronger before he walks ...so lots and lots of cruising

Joel is now 18months old..he is 10kg and 81cm long.....

Halloween

2009-10-31T16:34:00.000+11:00

For the first time ever we let Talia go out trick or treating with some friends...she decided to go as a dead cow...

She came home with quiet a stash and very happy...there were quiet a few groups of kids out and we even had a few witches and vampires at our door...

Aladdin

2009-10-28T16:40:00.000+11:00

This year at Talia's school the year 6 and 7's did a stage show of Aladdin..after 6 months the night was finally here...

Each of the cast was given their own T-shirt.

The show was fantastic..Talia was one of the harem girls and over the 2 nights it was a sell out show...

I wasn't able to take any photos of the performance but took these before she left home

She wanted her hair straight...and it took me hours...

October 2009...

2009-10-18T16:29:00.000+11:00

Summer is coming...the warm weather is here. We managed to get outside and enjoy some of the warmth...

Joel is finally pulling to stand...though on very wobbly legs...

He loves to be outside with the kids and chucks minor wobblies if he is stuck inside.

Daddy got him a small paddling pool to enjoy

he is just sooooo cute....17 months have gone really really fast

September 2009

2009-09-29T15:21:00.000+10:00

I keep looking at my blog and saying that I must update it and then another week goes past and it still sits there neglected.

No more......

I used my blog as a family journal, when I get around to scrapping my photos I look to my blog for the relevant story around the photos...my memory is useless....

So I need to get back into the habit of blogging again

September 2009....

The only thing that has happened this month is that I got another basal cell carcinoma removed from my forehead...by golly did it hurt...

here are some photos

I still have 2 more to be removed but will have to wait a while for this to heal...

So please please please cover up in the sun...remember to slip, slop and slap....

A change is in the air...

2009-08-24T15:25:00.001+10:00

There have been a few changes in the house hold, I am not sure how they will affect things I guess only time will tell.

I went and saw the girls dad on Thursday, he is only home 2 days during the week and they girls miss him on their weekends with him.

I wanted to discuss the options for High School for Talia and a few other things. Together we came to the agreement that we are going to try and put Talia into a Private High School, there are 3 possibilities and we will have to apply to each of them and then go onto a wait list. $55 for each application and if we are successful a down payment, usually equivalent of one term fees to secure a place. I think we are too late but we can apply and cross our fingers. One of the schools you had to apply before year 4 for a year 8 intake....So if and once we get Talia into a school we can put Eloise's name down and not have to worry about the stress of if she can get in.

The other thing is that Eloise is no longer going to go to her dads, she really does not like going and her dad and Sue understand, though a bit hurt. I am sure over time she will go back. Talia on the other hand loves going there and from the end of this month will be spending one week here with us and then the next week at her dads. I am going to miss her like crazy.

Matthew has been going to Private speech once a fortnight for a while now, I have decided to stop, not only will it save us $90 a fortnight but It doesn't seem to be making any difference to his sounds. We are seeing his gov speech therapist in Oct so will see if she notices a difference.

Joel is doing well with his physio, he is finally pulling himself up to stand, with my assistance though he has done it once by himself. His physio wants lots more crawling as he is quite weak in his upper arms and shoulders...

And lastly me, I went and had my hair cut the other day, it was way too long so I told the hairdresser to cut it so it just sits on my shoulders and only just long enough to put up....I had about 25cm cut off. I didn't realise that it was almost to my waist....

I am still struggling with my weight, though I have managed to lose a few kgs over the last few weeks, I need to get back into exercise now that this rotten cold has gone.

Well that's a wrap up. Off to try and tidy the house...

Today....

2009-08-19T13:18:00.001+10:00

I have been neglecting my blog again, not because I want to but because nothing has been happening, we are all sick again. So I have borrowed this from a friends blog, thanks Riss

Outside my window…
Rain, rain and more rain....I am trying to get the washing dry without using the dryer, no luck.

I am thinking…
That I really need to reorganise my life to be more productive, I say this all the time and I know inside what it is I want to do but I never seem to quite get there...

I am thankful for…
The roof over our heads and the food on the table

From the kitchen…
I am trying to live more simply, cooking from scratch and sticking to a menu plan. All has been going really well until the bowl broke on my mix master, not happy.

I am wearing…
jeans, jumper and runners, only because I have to take Joel to the physio, pick up Matthew from Kindy and take and fetch Talia from Aikido other wise it would be trackkies....

I am creating…
A number of scarves...one for each child, not getting far....and I have tried to get back to scrapping. I did a few pages last week.

I am reading…
Chosen, a house of night novel by P.C and Kristen Cast

I am hoping (praying)…
That we don't have to move again this October, all depends on if they put the rent up again.

Joel gets over his cold real soon, I need some sleep

That the 3 skin lesions the dermatologist found yesterday come out easily and are only Basal Cell Carcinomas....

I am hearing…
The washing machine on spin, another load done. The radio on and Joel coughing in his sleep, I really wish there was something I could give him...

One of my favourite things…
A clean house.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Tomorrow I need to go and talk to the girls dad, Eloise doesn't want to go and stay with him anymore and Talia wants to start staying one week here and one week there. Not sure how all of this is going to go down, Its going to be interesting.

Friday is swimming lessons in the morning for Matthew and Maths in the afternoon for Eloise and then the girls are going to their dads for the weekend....

Were going to the Zoo...

2009-07-17T16:02:00.000+10:00

School holidays are here and the girls bought home fantastic mid year reports...

We drove down with Aunty Jenni and Talia bought her friend Lia along for the day

Eloise and kathryn

Matthew and Eloise

The not so small tiger cub

Tricia the elephant taking a walk, Matthew thought that this was the best thing....

Happy 9th Birthday Eloise...

2009-07-15T15:52:00.000+10:00

Ok so when did she go from this

to this

My baby girl is 9....sigh

I made her a chocolate cake and we sang happy birthday. The family bought her a new radio and 2 ds games...

Gran sent a butterfly t-shirt and some goodies all the way from Queensland.

More the merrier....

2009-07-12T15:34:00.000+10:00

Jenni has come over from Melbourne for a visit and it is great having her here...and she looks bloody fantastic with all the weight she has lost..

While she was here we organised for Dad, Allison, Miss, Al, Jacquie and the kids to all get together for a birthday come any excuse bash

Dad and all the grand kids - minus Bec

Eloise and Matthew blowing out the candles on the birthday cake

Aunty Jenni- told you she looked good

Grand dad and Joel

Dad and his 3 girls....

Joel in July...

2009-07-07T15:16:00.000+10:00

Joel is now 14 months old.....

He has just hit the 10kg mark and is only just started to commando crawl....off to physio we go.

He like Matthew has poor muscle tone and flexible joints but thankfully not as bad as Matthew. A physio session every 3 weeks and he will be caught up in no time....well that is the plan.

Cheeky Monkey

With my dad....

Happy 5th Birthday Matthew

2009-07-06T14:48:00.000+10:00

Its hard to believe but Matthew is 5, this years seems to be flying by.

We organised a small get together with all the kids and had a cake and sang happy birthday

The birthday cake, I didnt mean for it to look sooooo pink but hey, pink is his favorite colour.

blowing out the candles

cheeky face

opening some pressies

He got a parking garage from the family which he loves....

Time to say goodbye...

2009-06-13T14:39:00.000+10:00

Six weeks has gone too fast and it is time for Darian's Mom and Dad to fly back to South Africa..

The house is empty and there is a hole in my heart.

Matthew Kindy Photo

2009-06-10T14:13:00.000+10:00

Trip to Perth City

2009-06-09T13:51:00.000+10:00

We dropped Matthew at Kindy and headed into Perth on the train, the last time Darian's parents were here the underground stations were not running so it was all new to them. It was a beautiful sunny day so we took a slow walk through the city and then hopped on a cat bus to take us down to the foreshore

Murray St Mall

Commonwealth Bank building

Forest Chase

Down at the foreshore we walked around the Swan Bells, I had never been this close, only ever seen it from the car and the bells tolled while we where there

We didnt go inside as it was $14 per person...

We then went and had a look at the Perth Wheel, it looks very small but we thought why not have a go, we would do it again.

It may look small from the ground but by the time you get to the top it seems huge....the views are very pretty, this is looking towards the city

Looking out towards the Barrack St Jetty

The ferry returning from South Perth....

Looking down at the Swan Bells

Once our ride was over we jumped back on the train and headed home....

Day 5 Heading Home...

2009-06-05T16:39:00.000+10:00

We were up nice and early and went and grabbed some pies from the Dunsborough Bakery, we had seen them on the great outdoors one night and yes they are very very yummy....

We then packed the car and headed North Via Busselton where we stopped and had a quick peek at the Jetty

We finally got out of Busselton, they were doing road works. We headed north again through Bunbury, Mandurah and then up the freeway home. We got home about 2pm and we had enough time to unpack the car and get it back to the rental mob, though I really really wanted to keep it...

Day 4 - Heading to Dunsborough

2009-06-04T15:42:00.000+10:00

Time has gone quick but its time for us to say goodbye to dad and head to Dunsborough.

We had to go via Denmark again and then headed up through Pemberton where we had lunch and then through to Margaret River. We stopped at the tourist centre and got a map. We went to the candy cow and then on the the

Margaret River Chocolate Factory....

yes be bought a few nibbles. We then went on to the hotel in Dunsborough. We had dinner at the local tavern and an early night.

Day 3 Albany

2009-06-03T15:24:00.000+10:00

Another early morning due to storms and kids.....Matthew was sleeping in dads swag down in the study until the storm hit, he then spent the rest of the night with us.....

We got up and had breakfast, it was chilly but the sun was shining

We then decided to head towards Denmark way,

This is the road from dads place to the main road, it is truly stunning the photo doesn't do it justice. We had plans on going to the cheese farm, where we bought some fudge, the toffee factory and yes we bought some toffee and then it really started to rain so we didn't go to the alpaca farm but we headed into Denmark and had lunch at the local pub

It then really started to bucket down so we were glad for the open fire...

The rain eased a bit so we made a mad dash for the car and back to dads, thank goodness he also had the fire going.

The Gap and Natural Bridge

2009-06-02T14:47:00.000+10:00

After leaving the Wind farm we decided to have some lunch in Albany and hope that the rain would go away long enough for some more sightseeing...

Good news was that we had a break in the weather and we went out and had a look at the gap

The scenery in this area is stunning

We then went and had a look at the Natural Bridge

We then headed back into Albany to look at Mt Clarence

and then we headed down to Middleton beach before heading back to dads...

Day 2 - exploring Albany

2009-06-02T14:35:00.000+10:00

We got up bright and early thanks to Joel and the days plans were to have a look around Albany. Darian couldn't wait to show his parents some of the stunning scenery..

Down at Frenchman's bay...

We then went out to the Wind Farm, it had started to rain so it was a quick visit...only a few of the turbines were moving as though it was raining there wasn't much wind

Our Trip to Albany...Day 1

2009-06-01T14:28:00.001+10:00

The girls are at their dads for the next 2 weeks and we have hired a 8 seater car to take down to Albany. Darian picked up the car last night we got a Kia grand carnival...I am in love...so much room.

We packed the car and started our trip. We went from the top of the freeway to almost the bottom just to show how big Perth is. It started to drizzle on the way down. We stopped in Kojonup for lunch and had a yummy pie.

We got to dads at about 4.30pm ...It was freezing cold

Perth at night

2009-05-17T16:14:00.000+10:00

Darian has been here in Australia for almost 9 years and hasn't seen our beautiful city at night, so while his parents are here I said It was on the list of things we must do...

We first went to the South Perth foreshore and looked back over to the city...we didn't have a tripod for the camera so the photos aren't flash but its still pretty....

and then we headed up to kings park for a different angle...it was quite late, about 9pm and there were heaps of people out sight seeing...

we didn't get any photos of the city but this one of the war memorial did turn out....

More Family Photos

2009-05-17T16:07:00.000+10:00

Time is going quick and the weather has been very nice for us, we decided to make the most of the sunshine and have a bbq and some more family photos

Joel's new haircut.....

2009-05-10T16:52:00.000+10:00

I got out the hair clippers as Matthew needed a hair cut...it only takes a few minutes to run the clippers over and its heaps cheaper than the $25 a hair dresser charges.

Darian was moaning that Joel was looking a little fluffy around the ears and to cut it...I didn't want to lose the curls.

So I took a deep breath and started...

Before his hair cut...I didn't think it looked that bad, apart from the runny nose and dirty bib..

clippers at the ready...

Mum what are you doing????

How about a Mohawk mum?

All done....

Now just to get used to it....

Photos of the kids

2009-05-10T12:34:00.000+10:00

I keep forgetting to take photos of the kids together so today after taking these cute photos of Joel....poor baby has a cold I got the 5 kids together and took some happy snaps..

no he is still not crawling, however he is getting up on his hands and knees now and rocking..

Mum I'm sick

But I can still give you a gorgeous smile

Megan and Joel

All the kids

By golly they are all smiling...

A Saturday Potjie

2009-05-09T12:24:00.000+10:00

The weather here in Perth has been perfect...mid to late 20s during the day and low teens at night. We are taking advantage of this perfect weather by spending lots of time out side and using the BBQ. Today we are making a beef potjie...

Nana and Gompa enjoying the afternoon

The potjie pot on the BBQ

Nana and Joel

The end result.....yummy even the kids thought so....

Joel's 1st Birthday Party

2009-05-03T12:15:00.000+10:00

Today Darian's parents arrived from South Africa, so this afternoon we are having a few friends over for a BBQ to celebrate both Darian's and Joel Birthday..

It was a great night that ended in the wee small hours...

Birthday boy

opening pressies with aunty Jo

Joels cake...mummy made it..

Birthday boys

singing happy birthday

yummy cake...

My baby is ONE....

2009-04-29T15:00:00.000+10:00

Joel turned one today...where has the time gone????

Unfortunately he is feeling a little under the weather with a fever and just feeling blah.

Darian bought Megan over after work so she could say happy birthday, she stayed for dinner and he took her back home.

we didn't have cake or anything, we are however going to have a small BBQ come cake, presents thing on Sunday afternoon...

I had him weighed and his length taken

So at 12 months he is 76 cm long and weighs 8.7 kg

the nurse also took a print of his feet for mothers day and they turned out really nice

To the park again....

2009-04-24T14:50:00.000+10:00

School holidays are almost over, they have gone to quick. The weather has been kind to us and today we went to the park again. Jacquie and the kids met us there and we had a picnic, play and cake. The kids fed the birds, played heaps and even caught some frogs. They had a lovely day apart from an incident with a child that Talia is having problems at school with...but I wont go into it.

Here are some great photos from today

Ashley and Joel on the see saw...

Joel playing with the grass and blanket

A happy Talia before trouble came

Eloise not really wanting her photo taken...but tough

Matthew going down the slide, he is even strong enough to climb back up

Ashley and Matthew feeding the birds.

It was such a nice afternoon which ended quickly. We went home and the father of the child who caused problems at the park came to my door and started to become quite aggressive...Lets say if he steps on my property again, the police will be rung...I will not put up with bullies....children or adults.

At the park

2009-04-21T17:23:00.001+10:00

Eloise had her cast taken off this morning and apart from the arm looking thin and white all is good, once the muscle goes back to normal and she grows a bit it will look normal again. While we were there I had my flu shot and I also got Matthew done as well, he needs to go back in a month to have another.

Talia had to walk out of the room as she couldn't bare to watch...I spoke to the doctor about Joel and it looks like he cant have the flu vaccine as he had a reaction to egg white, I made a pav the other night and gave him some, he came out with red dots around his eyes and mouth, I gave him some more the next morning to see if it was the pav and it happened again.

So after the doctor I took the kids to the park to run off some energy, we are supposed to have thunderstorms tonight and rain...

We badly need some rain.....

Once we left the park we went and got Eloise's hair cut. It needed a good wash and trim.

...she looks cute

Daddy and Joel

2009-04-20T16:38:00.000+10:00

here are some photos of daddy and Joel

The kids in April

2009-04-19T16:32:00.000+10:00

I try and take a photo of the kids every month. Sometimes I can remember and other times the month goes by quickly and I forget...

I made a conscious effort today to take photos of the kids

So here is Talia

Eloise

and Matthew

My goodness you can half tell they are related...LOL

I have some of Joel that I have to blog and I also need to get some of Megan....

My head is spinning and I am sick to the stomach......

2009-04-18T14:54:00.001+10:00

and it is still well over a year and a half away....I am talking about High School.

Talia is only in year 6 so she still has this year and next before going into high school. I never really thought about it before, yeah sure it was in the back of my mind but I didn't have to sit down and really think about it.

I am not scared about her growing up or any of that is bigger...which school to put her in.

It wouldn't be a problem if we had a good public high school near us to put her in

Its the good ol public v's private debate.....I never really planned for my kids to go to private school, the public schools here are pretty good...depending on where you live and the catchment areas...

We moved out of our old suburb as I didn't want Talia going to Clarkson High which is the only High school north of Ocean Reef and South of Butler.....so we moved and the Public High School here is Wanneroo.....over crowded, under resourced and just plain bad news....There are plans of building another Public High School near us in the next suburb but that's not due to open for year 8 until 2013....Fine for Eloise but not for Talia...so the only other option is private which is what everyone else is doing...St Stephens has a wait list and year 8 is full for 2011... and we are talking $5500 a year just for fees....

The other option is Lake Joondalup Baptist.....fees aren't much cheaper at $4800 a year and letters are going out now for placement for 2011....

Realistically this is way out of our budget....

There is also Quinns Baptist College and they are charging $3800

or Peter Moynes Anglican School and they charge $4200

So I really don't know what we are going to do...I feel sick and I am constantly worrying about it.

Do we just send her to Wanneroo and hope for the best.....

Big Boy Bath

2009-04-15T18:42:00.001+10:00

I have been bathing Joel on his own in the big bath but it was doing my back in leaning over. Now that he is sitting up on his own the girls can now bath with him.....I can stay and supervise but I don't have to bend over all the time...

He loves being in the bath with Talia, Eloise isn't strong enough to hold him plus she has her cast on...

Here are some photos from tonight

Fun 8 things Meme

2009-04-14T15:24:00.001+10:00

8 Things I am Looking Forward To:

Darian's parents coming to visit in 3 weeks
Getting my house decluttered - I live in hope!
Taking Joel to South Africa to meet his family there
Seeing my kids growing up before my eyes, they are extraordinary
Finishing a crochet blanket I started for Matthew 4 years ago
Sitting down and scrapping
Getting out into the garden
Growing old and happy with my hubby

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Started to read Twilight again after seeing the movie....trying to decide which is better

2. Watching the one day game between Australia and South Africa then allowing Darian to gloat cause South Africa won

3. Caught up with my blog reading and did a couple of entries

4. Played on face book for way too long

5. read the sat paper for the first time in months

6. did 5 loads of washing, folded and put away

7. Had a bath......me time

8. Watched the biggest loser elimination......not happy Jan

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

keep my house uncluttered with stuff
take Darian on a trip to all my favourite places in Australia
Fly / Drive holiday of New Zealand with Darian
read more books
Buy our own house
stop eating chocolate
keep up with the house work.....
Sit down and have a conversation with Matthew and find out what he is thinking...I know this is a few years away but he is improving

8 Shows I Watch:

Well I watch too much and I know it is brain dead stuff but here goes

The biggest loser....as long as Sam or Cameron don't win
Criminal Minds
Dexter - waiting for series 3.....
Lie to me
CSI and CSI Miami
One day cricket.....
Life on Mars
The Mentalist

8 People I Tag:

I don't know 8 people in blog world so feel free to consider yourself tagged and just pop a note in the comments .

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T13:15:00.000+10:00

We had a few friends over for a BBQ last night and the kids didn't get to bed until quite late so I was hoping that they would have a bit of a sleep in...ha ha ha

Joel was up at 6 am and the rest of the kids came in at 7 saying that the Easter bunny had bought them each an egg....the 3 little ones got a Humpty Dumpty egg and Talia got an elegant rabbit as she wrote a note to the Easter bunny saying that she does not like smarties and could she please have something else....

Joel got a large green egg

Later in the morning the kids had a egg hunt, Matthew thought it was the funniest thing..he kept giggling every time he found an egg...

Then this afternoon while the kids we playing out side and we were enjoying the afternoon Miss and Al made a surprise visit with more eggs....

Everyone had an early night.

Joel 11 months

2009-04-11T12:56:00.000+10:00

Here are some photos of Joel at 11 months

He is sooooo cute, still not crawling yet but is such a character.

He loves watching the kids play, here he was watching his brother and sisters in the jumping castle

Aikido Grading

2009-04-06T13:30:00.000+10:00

Talia had her Aikido grading tonight and she passed, it wasn't a hard grading, just covering the basics. Forward rolls, backward rolls, knee walking and a few basic steps.

So she is now a 7th Kyu and her belt is red.

Eloise cant wait to get back into it, she still has 2 more weeks to wait until her cast is off and I must ask the doctor when she can go back to training...

I am scrapping again...

2009-04-02T16:55:00.001+11:00

After a very long dry spell I sat down the other day and scrapped...see what happens when I stay off face book...

here are 2 LO's that I did

This is from 2006 when Matthew had his first assessment for his delays...one of the reasons I moved back to Perth..

And this is of our car being loaded on the car carrier, we flew out the next day...

I have done more but have not scanned them, I am so behind with my photos. I am one of those strange people that has to scrap chronologically ...I cant pick up any old photo and scrap it...though I do have heaps of OLD photos that need to be done but I wont do those until I have caught up to the present...lets see I am doing May 2006 so I am only 3 years behind....sigh....

Megan's 7th Birthday

2009-03-29T16:47:00.000+11:00

Megan had her birthday party at our house, originally she was having her party at her mums. Reni had organised a stamping up party but Megan also wanted a pool party so we had it here.

She invited some friends from school plus her brothers and sisters here.

She also had a chocolate fountain...

Her mum made a peppermint crisp slice which is her favourite

We gave her a karoke CD player as hers had broke....

She had a wonderful time and went home to her mums a tired but happy girl...here are some more photos

where does the time go....hmmmm

2009-03-26T14:06:00.001+11:00

My mum dropped yesterday afternoon to drop over some wool. Winter is coming and I was thinking about carrying on with my crochet items. I am wanting to make a blanket for each of the kids beds...well that is the plan...

I was asking mum about the different patterns of blankets, She made one for Matthew and I want to do one similar. I got out a unfinished blanket I started for Matthew and continued on it last night while watching Criminal minds. Darian asked me when did I start it as he hadn't seen it before....then I realised 4 years...I haven't done anything in 4 years.....

Now that got me thinking.....where does my time go....I think back to when I was living in Kununurra , I had time to scrapbook (something else I haven't done in over 2 years) and I spent most of my afternoons in the garden with the girls.

When I was living in Victoria was when I started to crochet and knit, it was cold enough and it kept me warm in winter, plus I still had time to scrapbook and garden...

So what is so different now....

Then it came to me ... I have a husband, well I could blame it on him but reality is that he is at work all day and he doesn't stop me from doing these things....what does...what takes up most of my time....

The Internet....but mostly facebook....that thing is a time warp....so I am going to have to make some changes in my life.

I love routines, I thrive on them.

I have a routine in place for my house cleaning, I have taken bits from flylady and others from other web sites and even though I have these routines in place I find myself not doing them any more and I have gotten behind, like today I have done 5 loads of washing and there are still 4 load to fold and put away. I normally wash, hang and then fold as I take of the line and then put the clothing away (well the girls get theirs put on their beds and its for them to put away). I have piles of clothes on my bedroom floor from the weekend wash that have still to be put away...

Its time for some tough love and get back to my routines and maybe I will be able to limit my time on Facebook and I will have time for the more important things in my life.....

Talia's Birthday Bash

2009-03-13T21:59:00.000+11:00

Talia invited 7 of her school friends over for a pizza and pool party, added with Eloise, Megan and Matthew it added up to quiet a bash.

Everyone started arriving at 4 and then she opened pressies, Gran and George made a surprise appearance as well. Talia got some really nice pressies which included 2 really cute beanie bears and a huge green gorilla.

She also got a CD player and the new Lady Ga Ga CD from the family.

Once all the presents were opened they girls jumped in the pool for a swim, it was supposed to be 27 but we had quite a sea breeze in.

The girls then did some dancing and then it was time for pizza, I ordered 10 pizzas....they went down a treat...

It was then time for cake.....

8 pm came around really quick and it was time fore everyone to go home, it was a really nice party with a nice bunch of girls...

here are some family photos

Happy 11th Birthday Talia

2009-03-13T17:30:00.001+11:00

Happy Birthday big girl...cant believe you are 11...where has the time gone, you are no longer my little girl

OUCH!!!!!!!

2009-03-03T12:11:00.000+11:00

I was on my way to pick Matthew up from Kindy today when the phone rang...It was the girls school letting me know that Eloise had fell over and hurt her right arm, they have an ice pack on it and she is crying. Could I come and pick her up as they didn't want her to walk home. I said no worries, but after I had got Matthew from Kindy.

We arrived at the school at 3pm, Talia was sitting next to Eloise who was really crying...I mean really crying. I asked if she had only started this since she saw me but was told that no she has been crying like this the whole time...

So I gave her a big cuddle and said "All right honey lets take you home" the reply was "aren't you going to take her to the doctor"....ummm no....shell be right. There was a little lump and a bit of bruising...nothing some TLC and Panadol wont fix.

As we got in the car, Talia was insistent that I take Eloise to the doctor as Eloise doesn't normally cry this much when she is hurt..which is true....she's seems to have a high pain tolerance.

So I rang Darian and let him know we were off to Emergency and a long wait.

We got there and lucky for us she was given pain stop and was fast tracked, I really thought she had badly bruised it. We had her weighed and she is now 22kg.

We were called in and the doctor had a look and sent her off for an X-ray...she was very brave as she had to go alone as I had the other 3 kids with me.. while she was in X-ray they moved us to another room, which happened to be the room where they put the plaster casts on....I was explaining to Talia what they do and she asked if Eloise would need one, I said I hope not just as the doctor walked back in and he then said she probably would as it looked suspicious and was waiting for the X-ray...

Eloise walked back in and I could tell she had been crying again...they would have had to move the arm about to get different views of the arm...

The X-ray came back and it was confirmed that yes she had fractured the Ulna, a nice neat fracture. So she was given a small cast and then bandaged...she was so brave

Didn't I feel awful...I was going to take her straight home...

She is to go to the fracture clinic next wed and I think the cast says on for 6 weeks, she is going to miss out on Talia's Pool party and school swimming lessons...

She is right handed and is finding it very difficult, though secretly I know she loves being the centre of attention.

Here are some photos...

Aikido

2009-02-23T11:26:00.000+11:00

I always like the girls - and the boys when they are older - to be involved with after school activities. Last year Eloise was doing horse riding (she has since stopped) and Talia has been doing Gymnastics. Matthew has swimming lessons.

The problem with this is that it is so darn expensive....Horse riding was $45 for half hour and Gymnastics is $205 a term and Matthews swimming lessons are $125 a term....I guess it comes with the territory with having more than one child.

I wanted Eloise to start something again, looking for something closer to home and needed to work in with everyone else's schedules.

I read in the school newsletter that Aikido was starting back at the school this term, so I rang up for some information.

We went and had a look, it is $100 a year which includes a free ghi and then $10 per lesson which is 3 times a week (but you can go once a week) which we will.

The girls (both) had a go and want to come back again....this is great as its only at the end of our street...the girls can take themselves....

I like this as it is purely defence only.....

Update.....Don't fall over!

2009-02-22T14:29:00.001+11:00

Ok so I admit I LOVE facebook and I spend way too much time on there, so much so that I have been neglecting my poor blog :(

I add new photos to my facebook page all the time and then I go and check my blog roll and every time I pass through my blog I say I must update it...another day goes past and so on...

So today I was twiddling my thumbs ignoring the washing machine beeping at me and the dishwasher that needs to be emptied and the bed that can't be made due to the HUGE pile of clothes that need to be put away before I can....I was bored so I made the over due decision to up date the blog

Now what to say, what has been happening that I need to up date....ummmm, ahhhhhhh

I took Joel in to pixie photo and had some photos taken, he wasn't being co-operative and didn't smile. I couldn't decide what photos to order so both Darian and I went back on his day off and ordered some....ahhh hemm...$240 later I nearly choked...OMG I am so glad we don't do this very often....though I would dearly love one of all 5 kids....who am I kidding...that will never happen.

So after coming home from Pixie photo I got the camera out and I took these

I love this photo, you can see his toothy pegs

And I love this even more, its not often that we get a face like this, or the chance to capture it on film. Which reminds me of getting the video camera out again...

I am going to pin the girls down and take some updated photos of them and write a post about them.....

So there I have done it....updated.

Phantom of the Opera....

2009-02-10T15:35:00.000+11:00

Only about 2 days after we purchased tickets for Cirque Du Soleil that I found out that Phantom of the Opera was coming to Perth....I saw it back in 1998 but had really bad seats way at the back of the Perth entertainment centre so this time I managed not only to get tickets but to get them in the Chandelier reserve....Cirque and Phantom were less than a week apart...

This time mum had all 4 kids to look after but I knew she would be alright. We even managed a quick photo before we left....

We got to Burswood with time enough to spare and have a drink in the lounge. We then went in and were shown to our seats....6 rows back from the stage...

It was amazing...except the smoke machine made my nose run. Anthony Warlow is the BEST phantom....

At then end he came to the front of the stage and asked for donations for the Vic bush fire appeal....I am not going to blog about the tragic event...if you would like some more information go here....It is very sad...

Cirque Du Soleil.....Dralion

2009-02-06T15:13:00.000+11:00

After going to Varekai last year and loving it Darian and I decided that next time Cirque Du Soleil came to Perth we would go again...

As soon as tickets to Dralion were released we booked and managed this time to get pretty good seats.

My mum came up and babysat the boys for us, it was the girls weekend with their dad so it worked out well. Its the first time we have left Joel for any length of time since he was really little and now that he is older and more aware of everything I hoped he would be ok for my mum...

We arrived early and parked where we parked last year but the Grand Chapiteau had moved ....to the other end of langley plaza so we had quite a walk...nice though.

The show was great, personally I didn't think it was as good as Varekai as Dralion didn't seem to have a story line....the humour was very well done though. The individual acts were amazing...loved the trampoline....

The costumes and make up were amazing, the attention to detail.

By the time we walked back to the car (we weren't alone, seems like many people made the same parking choice) and we got home it was midnight. Joel was very good for mum and went down without any problems....

Matthews first day of Kindy

2009-02-03T11:55:00.000+11:00

I still cant believe Matthew is a kindy kid....and that he is going to the L.D.C (language development centre) is the best thing.

This was going to be his first morning at Kindy, more like an orientation. We didn't have to be there until 9.30. So I had time to take some photos....

He was so proud and if you ask him he will now tell you that he goes to Kindy.

We went to the kindy and met his teacher...he has 2 teachers and an aid. There is only about 12 kids in his class....a mixture of girls and boys, some can speak better but there are some that are worse...

We only stayed and played for 45 min and when I asked him if he would like to come again he said yes....this is a good thing....

First day of School...

2009-02-02T11:25:00.000+11:00

The girls were up and ready nice and early, pretending not to be nervous but were...we were sent a letter saying what room they would be in during the holidays but neither knew if they would have friends in the same class. Talia had found out that her two closest friends would be in a different class.

of course much to the girls disgust I had to take the dreaded first day of school photos...

Talia is now in year 6 and Eloise in year 3

I drove them to school, just so I could help them settle in.

Talia is in the same class room as last year but Eloise is in a different room. I said goodbye to Talia (she is a big year 6 and doesn't need her mum to baby sit) and I went with Eloise to her room. On the window was a sign saying that school books are still delayed and that they would be delivered to the home address before Wednesday.....poor kids, they had NOTHING with them. I met Eloise's teacher and explained this and she said that they would supply the kids with what ever they needed. She seems very nice and Eloise was happy to be left. Much better than last year where she was sobbing and in turn I was sobbing....

So I left 2 very nervous but happy kids.

The school holidays...

2009-02-01T11:07:00.000+11:00

These Christmas holidays have flown, it just seems like a few weeks ago that school broke up and we had Christmas. Yet again I had plans of heaps of things to do with the kids to keep them amused but we didn't get to do any of them!

It seemed like the girls were never here, they spent a lot of time with their grandparents....4 days here and 3 days there, they went to the zoo and Giselle (the ballet) and then with every second weekend with their dad the weeks flew.

We received Matthews booklist before Christmas and I had it all labelled and packed ready to go for him, we were just waiting on the girls which was being supplied by a different company.

The booklist were paid for and they were supposed to be delivered to our house a week before school started....well Thursday before school I rang and they made all sorts of excuses. Basically they were disorganised and the book lists would be delivered to the school on the first day back...

Joel's 8 Month Check Up

2009-01-23T21:54:00.001+11:00

Today Joel had his 8 month check up with the child health nurse, this was the first available appointment after Christmas.

he will be 9 months in 6 days and he weighs 8170 gms and is 71.5cm long. So he is now down to the 10% with his weight. The CHN is a little concerned about this so we need to fatten him up or at least get to the stage he has a steady increase in weight gain instead of a plateau.

He is doing all the right things though, getting ready to crawl (I don't think he is any hurry) and chatting away.

I'm not that concerned, look at all the grief I went through with Eloise and he lack of weight gain and she is just a healthy skinny mini...

I'm OK ......really

2009-01-20T16:26:00.001+11:00

I have had quite a few phone calls in response to my last post and my tummy ache....

To put everyone's minds at ease, its almost gone. I really think it was a weird tummy bug and yes if I had carried on I was going to make an appointment at the doctor...

Thank you to all that rang, emailed, messaged and SMS :)

On a more exciting note, I had my first official weigh in yesterday morning....

I lost 600gms.....Yay....the day before and today I had lost more but as Monday is the day...Mondays results are it...

Slowly and steady won the race anyway....

Oh and the pip squeak pool guy came and installed the cell and chlorinator yesterday....and the leads DID need replacing...so now we have a pool that works.

The girls will be home tomorrow afternoon so I am looking forward to some time with them before school starts in..................12 days....where have the holidays gone.

Its Hot and I hurt

2009-01-16T15:55:00.001+11:00

Wow its hot...

According to the Weather Channel is only 37.4 degrees out there but I know its going to get hotter. The kids and I ducked to Coles early this morning before it got too hot.

The pool guy came out yesterday to collect everything up to fix the pool, obnoxious little tit...He wanted to only take the cell not the whole chlorinator unit. I told him that the reason for the cell failure was due to the wires getting so hot (turning light blue to black) that the plastic around the cell melted causing the leak. He then told me that they are meant to get hot and did I try and "toggle" the leads so that they work. Oh hello the wires are that hot you cant touch them.....

So after a phone call to his boss he took the chlorinator (to be checked out) and will bring them back when every things is ok....

So its the middle of summer, we have a pool but cant swim. The kids are taking it pretty well considering.

For the last few days I have had really bad belly ache and I don't know why. Its not a stretched muscle kind of ache its more of a deep ache inside....its been 24 hours now and no relief....

So anyway I got on the Wii fit this morning for a weigh in, and according to it I have lost 4.8kg since Monday.....not possible so I waited until Darian had finished getting ready for work and weighed my self on our ensuite scales...according to them I am 87.2kg so only a loss of 400gms......I tend to believe the bathroom scales more than the Wii...

So today I have eaten well, I also hopped on the Wii fit and did 20 min of free step....managed 2200 steps and then I did 25 min yoga....

My tummy still hurts but I feel so much better for doing some exercise....

A sitting Duck

2009-01-15T14:47:00.001+11:00

I managed to get a photo of Joel sitting yesterday...he will sit up for a good while now before over balancing and toppling over...

Other than that nothing much is happening, we are still waiting on the real estate agents to come and fix the salt cell on the pool. It was been 2 weeks now and no swimming :(

I have been keeping up with the exercise, at least 30 min to an hour a day on the Wii fit...so we will see what happens on my weigh in day on Tuesday.....fingers crossed..

Oh and I forgot to mention, my niece Melissa who is travelling around Europe with her boyfriend Al announced the other day that Al proposed to her at Trevi fountain in Rome....I mean how romantic....I am soooooo excited for them both...

Freecycle...

2009-01-11T11:41:00.001+11:00

I just love it, I mainly joined the group to get rid of clutter that has been hanging around our house. You know the stuff that you don't really need, too good to throw away but cant be bothered to sell...

For those who don't know about it, it is part of the yahoo groups network. You join and post to the group something you want to freecycle or something that you want. This then gets sent to everyone on the group and if anyone wants the item or can help you they can email you directly...

Some of the stuff people are giving away is amazing, beds, lounges, fridges, even a spa....

So Darian saw an email regarding someone giving away some playdough toys here in our suburb, I went and picked it up last night and this is what we ended up with

How cool is this....did I mention I LOVE freecycle!

More Cute Photos

2009-01-06T13:58:00.001+11:00

Just cant help it, well I was trying different settings on the camera....still not happy.

Joel's new haircut

2009-01-05T18:12:00.001+11:00

Its not a very good photo, in fact I am thinking of getting a new camera. The camera we have takes TERRIBLE photos inside. I have read the instructions and doesn't matter what I do the photo still comes out average.

Anyway back to the gorgeous boy who sat up on his own last night, only for about 10 sec before he toppled but he is getting there...

So for the records Joel officially sat at 8 months and one week...

As for me and the weight loss...well ahem, um...I did nothing all weekend. Darian was watching the cricket so I didn't get on the Wii fit, however he is back at work today so I did an hour...and it did say I had lost 400gms since the last I was on....so better down than up :)

Oh and the girls are back tonight, they have been at their dads since the 27th.....I have missed them so much.

Joel 8 months.

2009-01-03T13:58:00.001+11:00

Joel is now 8 months. He has cut the two front teeth on the top and the two front teeth on the bottom.

Nothing else to report because he is still not sitting up, or crawling or anything really.

Though he now says mum, dad and bub.

I gave him a haircut yesterday as his hair was getting so long....he has now lost all his curls :( I will have to take some photos of his new hair cut.

Happy New Years....2009....

2009-01-01T10:36:00.002+11:00

We had a quiet night, the kids went to bed a 8pm and then Darian and I played bowling on the Wii until it was almost 12. I had a headache so didnt even have a drink....

At Midnight Darian rang his parents in South Africa and then we went to sleep.

The kids slept until 7am and Darian rang his parents again for their New Years...

A nice but quiet New Years....

Hope everyone else has a good one.....

update :

Food - was going good this morn but fell off the wagon this afternoon, ended up eating rubbish during the afternoon. We had a BBQ and salad for dinner.

Exercise - 20 min this morning on Wii Fit (before being kicked off)

Wii fit and confession time...hanging my head in shame :(

2008-12-31T15:14:00.002+11:00

I rang around this morning and found what seems like the last Wii fit in the Northern Suburbs. I found it in Toys Us, they have totally sold out in Target, Kmart and EB Games.

But all is good that I now have one, Darian and I have been saying that we must get active and loose this weight that has been creeping up on us...yes I admit our diet has been shocking and the lack of exercise has a lot to do with it...I take fully responsibility for the .....wait for it.......10kg weight gain since Joel was born...I am now 10kg heavy now than I was at 39 weeks pregnant, this is so shameful.

But its out there now...no going back.

Another confession....I am 86 kg.....hanging my head in shame...

Yes I know I said I would never get this heavy again but I have and now its time to do something about it...the longer I leave it the more weight I have to shift and the harder its going to get...

So I am going to track everything here on my blog. Hopefully this will help me.

I booted up the Wii fit and had a bit of fun for 30 min....they even got me to jog for 3 min....ha ha ha....

So day one

eating - yes I ate everything in sight including a chicken sandwich, some coloured pop corn.

exercise - 1 hour 20 min on Wii fit and playing gold and bowling on the Wii...

Wii......

2008-12-30T16:55:00.001+11:00

Yesterday we went out and scoured the shops for a Wii....We have been considering it for a while and thought why not. I was going to buy one for Darian's Birthday.

Everywhere we went had sold out, so we went to Harvey Norman for odd chance they had one left. They did and it was actually cheaper than the other shops. Unfortunately they had sold out of the Wii fit so we will have to wait for that.

So yesterday afternoon we played and played until our arms got sore....just loving it.

Then today I did some boxing, boy did I sweat....my arms are sore, not looking forward to tomorrow. I might actually loose some of this weight that has been piling on....but that is another post.....

More Christmas Photos

2008-12-25T23:50:00.000+11:00

Just some random photos from today

Its Christmas Time....

2008-12-25T23:02:00.001+11:00

Well what a day. Darian was up before anyone. I remember him getting Joel up and voices somewhere in my pretending to be asleep slumber. He couldn't wait anymore so he went and woke Matthew and told him that Santa had been

The kids came in and dragged me out of bed at a hideous 6.10am...come on.....

At 7am Darian went and fetched Megan from her Mums and bought her back home to open presents.

Matthew wore his spider Man suit all day

Once the present frenzy was over we dressed Joel and gave him some brekkie

The morning was quickly over, it was time for Megan to be taken back to her mum and Joel to go down for a nap.

Then the 5 of us went swimming for the afternoon...Christmas lunch was a BBQ at 4.30pm.....

A nice relaxed Christmas....

Getting to know me....Christmas Edition

2008-12-24T15:02:00.001+11:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, all different types and colours

2. Real tree or Artificial? Fake tree, would like to try a real one but cant justify cutting a tree down

3. When do you put up the tree? 1^st December

4. When do you take the tree down? when ever I get sick of it, but it has to be before 1st Jan

5. Do you like egg nog? no thank you

6. Favourite gift received as a child? I loved getting jig saws

7. Do you have a nativity scene? No but is always on my to get list and I never end up getting one...next year

8. Hardest person to buy for? Matthew, because of his delays

9. Easiest person to buy for? Darian

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? This year I actually sent Christmas cards....

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't remember

12. Favourite Christmas movie(s)? I actually don't have one

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I normally start during the year and put things away, but this year due to the move I had to do it all in November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favourite thing to eat at Christmas? Asparagus and Clinkers always remind me of Christmas, I love plum pudding but we are not having one this year. No one but me eats it :(

16. Clear or coloured Christmas lights? Both, we have coloured on our tree this year. We normally do up the house but didn't this year due to no power points out side of the house

17. Favourite Christmas song(s)? Silent night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We stay at home, very quiet, just immediate family. We have to pick up or drop kids to other parents during the day

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? No.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The commercialisation and materialism. How people go totally over board on food....

23. Favourite ornament theme or colour? I change it every year...this year its red, silver and blue...thinking of going green and silver next year

24. Favourite dinner for Christmas? We are having a BBQ this year

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? everyone to get along

26. Do you bake lots of goodies during the holidays? No its too hot. The kids made reindeer biscuits yesterday

27. Do you decorate different rooms of your home? no just the tree in the family room.

28. What decorations do you put outside? just lights

29. How do you spend Christmas Eve? just winding down with the kids...

30. Is Christmas your favourite holiday? yeah i love the magic

I tag whoever wants to participate! You can leave me a comment to let me know that you have answered the questions on your blog then I can read yours and get to know you!

Merry Christmas

2008....A year in review

2008-12-17T13:05:00.003+11:00

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Been a mum to 5 kids.....some time its good and other times I want to be an ostrich and bury my head in the sand...
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I plan to make some plans for next year
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
I had Joel.....lucky last
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No
5. What countries did you visit?
We didn't go anywhere this year :(
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
motivation
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 29th I had Joel by elective C- section
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Lets see, gave birth, moved house and Darian changed jobs....how much more stress can one person take and still stay sane....now that's an achievement
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not that it was my fault but not being able to breast feed Joel longer than a week due to an infection in my uterus and being on bad ass antibiotics
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just a really bad post surgery infection...took months to clear
11. What was the best thing you bought?
not bought but we paid for a removalist to move us....the best money spent
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
human nature I guess, people can do some horrible things to each other
14. Where did most of your money go?
the cost of living.....
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Moving into a great house and Matthew being accepted into the Language Development Centre for next year
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Sweet about me
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Defiantly fatter.....I am half a heffalump
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Sat down and played with the kids more
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
wasting precious time
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
very quietly...just us and the kids
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
every morning when I wake up next to my hubby, and I fell instantly in love with Joel when I saw him....he still makes me cry when I look at him....
22. How many one-night stands?
NONE, Never
23. What was your favorite TV program?
The mentalist and Blood Ties oh and I am ADDICTED to Dexter....f
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don't think I actually Hate anyone ... dislike what some people do .. yes ... but don't hate anyone
25. What was the best book you read?
reading Twilight by Stepenie Meyer....half way through the first book and loving it
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
My husband bought me an ipod.....a green one :)
27. What did you want and get?
a house with a dishwasher
28. What did you want and not get?
a birthday cake and present......i know there could be worse things
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
don't get a chance to go to the cinema....
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
did the same ol.....Darian took me to dinner a few days later when we could organise a baby sitter and I turned 35.....
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If we finally became debt free....now that would be nice
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
EKKKK horrible....
33. What kept you sane?
coffee....lots of coffee
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
can't think of any.....
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
The US election.....
36. Who did you miss?
My new family in South Africa....they are so far away
37. Who was the best new person you met?
nope, didn't meet anyone new
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I can cope with almost anything
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"theres nothing sweet about me"

Visitors coming out of the wood work.....

2008-12-08T14:36:00.000+11:00

My niece Melissa and her boyfriend Al are off to Europe for 6 weeks on Saturday. They flew down from Karatha yesterday and Jenni decided to surprise them and fly over from Melbourne. Miss didn't know her mum was coming and she thought that I was picking her up from the airport. She was very surprised to see her mum and many tears were shed.

Jen bought Miss and Al around to see the kids, Miss hadn't seen Joel yet.

Miss and Al fly back at the end of Jan and then back up to Karatha.

Miss and Al run a printing business Coral Coast Print and also run the local Newspaper Pilbra Echo. I was going to hyper link to the coral coast website but it seems to be down....

How do you know summer is here?????

2008-12-07T14:04:00.000+11:00

Well lets see I seem to be washing about 4 towels EVERY day due to the kids being in the pool as much as possible......

I really didn't want the pool when we were looking for a house, I don't swim and the whole looking after it and the extra expense to me isn't worth the hassle....but my darling husband thought it would be great and since he works in the industry I wouldn't have to worry about it ....don't tell him but it was the best thing we did....the kids love it (well apart from Matthew)

Darian took Joel for his first swim today and even he loved it....

After a while it got a bit cold for him so dad had fun with the girls...

and Joel and I sat back and watched

Christmas Photo Time

2008-12-06T13:46:00.001+11:00

We bought a new camera about 18 months ago to take with us to South Africa and it takes beautiful photos out side but I haven't figured out what setting to put it on for inside...so I put up with average inside photos....
It is that time of year to take photos of the kids at Christmas....so one at a time they sat for me....

A very serious Talia

Eloise.....

Megan

Matthew

and Joel

I did try and get one of all of them together and after 30 or so shots this was the best one....I have also used it for my new updated header....

Joel is 7 Months old

2008-12-05T18:18:00.001+11:00

Joel at 7 months

Tucker Time

2008-12-04T18:27:00.000+11:00

Matthew's Physio recommended a "Bumbo" seat for Joel to sit in as he isnt ready to sit yet, so I went onto eBay and got one cheap. Joel now sits safely up on the bench to eat dinner...

I blame it on Face Book....

2008-11-12T16:07:00.000+11:00

I have been slack and not updated here for a while, I blame Face Book. So anyway Joel is now 6 and half months old and we have settled into our new house. The all the kids have their own room and personal space.

I Have Been Tagged

2008-11-10T17:17:00.002+11:00

Thanks to Jen who has tagged me...

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car), Campbell Nubira

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie), Coffee Chocolate

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name), E Tay

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal), Green Cat

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born), Jane Derby

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 3 letters of your first), TayEli

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink), The Blue Coffee

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers), Frank Eric

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy), Joop Banana

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ), Bernadette Stanley

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city/town that starts with the same letter), Lee Laverton

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower). Spring Gerbera

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Mango Sneakie

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree), Muffin Liquid Amber

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”), The Scrapbooking Warm Tour

Ok its my turn to tag Jenni, and Riss