Family Dramas

After watching very minimal TV over the last few years, I was out of the loop on all the drama's.  Trude suggested that I'd probably like Brothers & Sisters, so I figured with my few months off I'd watch the series from start to finish.  3 1/2 weeks ago I started series 1, and yesterday I finished the last episode of series 4.   There are 24 episodes per season, and I've watched all 4 - do the math.  That's a lot of hours.  I've gobbled up every episode decadently, and greedily wanted more.  I'm actually quite happy it's all over now though, you know you've become a little too addicted when you start dreaming about the characters.

I've spent many a night, curled up on the couch once the kids are in bed watching back-to back episodes about the Walker family - and loved it!  There is something very satisfying about watching an episode and knowing that the next one is right there waiting for you.  I have had some very late nights, forcing myself to go to bed around midnight, knowing that the kids (read: Xav!) will be up raring to go at 5.30am.  Duane's happy I've finished, as finally he can watch something else of a night.

I love the family dynamics of the show, and although I come from a family of 5 siblings and now it's not all like the "Walker's", I would still love a big, close family to banter with over the dinner table.  I want to be Nora and have all my grown up children around (including the husband, but minus his mistress!), guzzling wine and sharing secrets.  I know it's not real life, but how cool would it be!

So that's what I've been spending my spare time doing lately.  Now that's over, I've got a stack of books that I'm going to delve into and get back into some craft projects.

Anyway, tomorrow is the day I've been holding out for the "big talk."  After approaching the idea of throwing number 3 in the mix back here, Duane told me to just wait till the end of the year and we'd work it out then.  So, I've waited patiently and not mentioned it since, biding my time for the end of the year - and it's here tomorrow!  I've got it all worked out in my head, with reasons and comebacks for any of his questions.  I highly doubt he has changed his mind though, still happy and content with just the 2, but I'm ready to put my proposal forward and hope he says yes.  Wish me luck........

Christmas Eve 2010

The kids are tucked up in bed after a busy day of preparing for the big event tomorrow.  All the shopping was finished on Wednesday after a mammoth 9am-7.30pm (with a couple of hours break at home) shopping trip.  The morning was just me, tidying up the loose ends and grabbing some extra stocking stuffers.  The kids joined me in the afternoon so they could purchase their presents for each other and also for a present to put under the K-mart wishing tree.  The night ended with yummy burgers at Grill'd after a play in the park.

Today we baked, cooked and prepared all the food for our "cold meat & salad" picnic that we were planning tomorrow, weather pending.  We roasted chickens, cooked roast beef, made trifle, chocolate log, coleslaw, potato salad and real mayonnaise.  The kids were busy with zip lock bags of milk arrowroot biscuits and mallets.  Then they got all sticky and gooey as they made copious amounts of mis shappen truffles.

The last of our advent calender notes were opened tonight, with instructions to open 1 present each from under the tree - carefully chosen by me.  Surprise, surprise - everyone got a new pair of Pj's!  The kids were in matching Christmas patterned boxers and singlet, whilst Daddy got a stunning pair of red boxers and I got some spotty Pj pants and singlet.  After a bath we headed out in the rain to view Christmas lights from the shelter of the car, however one house was way too magical to miss and so we braved the rain to see it.  The kids were enthralled with all the trinkets and the amazing train set set up in the garage. 

Grace was upset as she wasn't sure how she was going to be able to fall asleep once she got home, she was too excited about tomorrow.  The

excitement must of made her sleepy though, as she fell asleep in the car on the way home.  Which left Xav all alone to ponder the big questions.  Duane and I were a little taken back when we heard "So, is Santa real or 'tend (his way of saying pretend)"  coming from our alert little 3 y/o.  Hoping that he won't need therapy for his parents lying to him, we answered "Of course He is real sweetie"

Once home, Grace was carried to bed and it was up to Xav to get everything ready for the special visitor.  The reindeer food that they had prepared at school was scattered throughout the front yard and a plate of truffles and biscuits was left out for the fat guy.

I love Christmas with the children.  It is so much more exciting and magical sharing with such innocence and belief. 

Merry Christmas xx

~~Santa has been!~~

The Wiggles

I've never really been into the 4 old skivvy wearing entertainers.  I mean, they've obviously got a knack with the kids, and seem to be making a squillon dollars out of dancing and singing their way around the world - but I guess I was turned off by the over saturation and excess merchandising that also comes along with the hype.  I'm not really into young kids/toddlers being head to toe billboards for their latest obsession and also the ethics of marketing to such a young age groups.  Anyway.

 We have an old Cd of theirs floating around the Ipod, and the kids often want it on for outside dancing concerts.  It's not bad and I may or may not have been caught singing about hot potatoes once or twice.  The kids do know who the wiggles are, thanks to being plastered all through the children's area of Dreamworld and I also did take them a few years back to a free concert they were doing at the theme park, which Grace enjoyed.  Xav however wanting to be fed the whole time, which was difficult in a "standing room only, squashed in like sardines" environment and also having to watch a barely 2 y/o. 

So, when Duane called me up to say that one of his work mates had won 4 tickets to the Wiggles and we were all going, there was apprehension mixed in with excitement.

I could think of a million reasons to pass on the tickets.  The Entertainment centre.  LOTS of children, possible screaming ones.  Driving to Brisbane in potentially bad weather. Watching a bunch of old men dancing around on stage whilst singing about their "Big ref car".  Not really my idea of fun.

But, I sucked it up cause the kids were excited and had concert fever after their own little foray into the world of drama last week.  I think they actually thought they would be one stage too.

We got the kids a Dvd out last week, so they could brush up on words and actions to all the songs.  They spent the week getting their "Hot Potato" and "Dr Knickerbocker's" down pat. 

Sunday came and as predicted the trip up was wet and somehow in the bags packing efforts, the critical element that would keep us dry for the long walk from the car to the entertainment centre was left on the kitchen bench.   So, it was a wet whinging run (me, whingeing), as we tried to dodge all the other smart people, who came prepared for the weather. 

Once inside I was overwhelmed with the amount of crap merchandise that was being spruiked.  It looked like the Wiggles had thrown up all through the lobby, with hoards of parents and kids pushing and jostling for the best chunks.  Finally, after getting through the crowds, we did a quick toilet stop (funny there wasn't a big line up for the toilets, but then I guess most of the ticket holders were still in nappies!) then found our seats. 

I sat there waiting for it to start, cause that would mean it would be closer to ending.  The kids were a little in awe of the amount of people pouring in and asking "When are they starting?"

Finally, after a big lead up and introduction to everyone else, the 4 skivvied dudes came out.  The kids & parents went wild and I have to admit I may have been caught up in the hype by now.

They really seem to be nice people, who genuinely connected with the audience.  The kids love them, and the Mums all seemed to have a special spot for Sam.  At one stage, all the Wiggles main people (the 4 guys, the dog, the dinosaur, the captain etc) went through the audience shaking hands and talking to the kids.  We were lucky enough to have Jeff (apparently the kids favourite now) and Sam (I may or may not think he is mildly attractive) come visit our aisle.

The rest of the concert was pretty good.  I couldn't believe how into it my kids were and they danced, sung, screamed and laughed the whole way. Watching them have so much fun and absolutely LOVE the experience, was worth it all.  Xav was so disappointed when it ended, he had is groove on and was ready to keep on partying.  They spent the car ride home talking about their favourite bits and asking "When can we go back?  It was so much fun" 

I'm inspired now to amp up the live theatre/concert visits and expose them to a wider variety.  There are some great kid friendly productions on at the GC arts centre over summer, this year it's Beauty & the Beast.  Grace will enjoy that, so I'll take her along.   Xav might not be as excited over that, so I'll find something equalling enthralling for him. 

Blog Housekeeping

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am changing to private over the next couple of days.  It's something that I meant to do ages ago, then I thought I had but once I checked I hadn't.  So, I think I have everyone that e-mailed me then, and they should have already received invites.  If you haven't, and still are interested in reading my boring, sporadic dribble, email me at dpenney@virginbroadband.com.au

Kirsten xx

Grace's 5th Birthday Party

Grace's 5th birthday party was always going to be big and hectic.  Being that next year she is starting Prep, I was encouraging of her inviting along her kindy friends that will be in her class next year.  She also had all her mothers group kids that she wanted to come along, plus all the family friends.  Add on to that siblings and it wasn't long before the amount of kids invited was 26!  Jen and I decided that seen as how they were inviting the same people (bar a few), and Grace and Cass's actual birthdays are a day apart, we'd kill 2 birthdays with 1 party - so to speak.

With this amount of people, there was no way I was having it at my house.  Jen and I spent one day a few weeks ago park hopping, trying to find the best location suitable for a variety of ages.  We found some nice ones near the beach, but they were either too close to the road or too big, which would have made it difficult for those with younger ones.  We did want to be close to water though, as typically on the girls birthdays it's hot, however this year has been unseasonally cold.  After much toing and froing, we decided on a lovely park and swimming area behind the Arts Centre. 

The day before the party was spent baking, preparing and organising.  We kept it quite simple, but knowing that we had 26 hungry kids and about 20 parents coming along, there needed to be plenty.  Grace had already decided on the menu, and we stuck fairly close to her requests.  There were egg and mayo sandwiches, cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, vegetarian sausage rolls, plain chips, carrot and celery, lots of dips, all different cheeses, fruit sticks, crackers and the favourite - scones with jam and cream, all 150 of them!  Not one of the scones were left over either, a particular favourite of the fathers that brought their kids along!

We set the kids up making "bliss ball's" for the party bags, and they all had fun mixing, stirring and rolling.   The bags were made up with the bliss balls, stickers and some gold chocolate coins - very simple!

Grace and Cass had wanted some party games, but they were all forgotten about on the day.  The kids were all too busy swimming in the lake and playing at the park.  It was hectic, but all the kids were perfect and had a wonderful time.  Grace was a little upset in the car on the way home, as she had been practicing skipping and was looking forward to doing it with her friends.

A few months ago, Grace had asked for a Wizard of Oz party.  I couldn't work out how to do that, but I did keep the rainbow theme in the cake.  I'd spent the day before the party baking all 6 layers, the oven was going non-stop for 6 hours!!!  Each layer was coloured naturally, as I was trying to avoid the dreaded artificial food dye.  Red was done with raspberries, orange was turmeric and orange peel/juice, yellow was lemon peel and juice, green was kiwi fruit, blue was blueberries and purple was beetroot.  The outside was iced with cream cheese, lemon juice and pureed raspberries.  It was initially double this height, but that was a bit ridiculous, so I cut each layer in half and that is in my freezer for another occasion.  Grace was so happy with how it turned out, and told me it was delicious! 

Grace was spoilt completely with lots of beautiful, thoughtful presents.  She has lots of new summer clothes, some fantastic stories to read, lots of crafty activities and many more wonderful gifts. 

After most people had left, I set my good camera up and let the kids take some pics.  I was so amazed that they actually could get the shot in frame and focus (something their father still struggles with!)  Finally, I have some nice photos of me and the kids.

I don't normally like doing the kids parties on their actual birthday, it can make the day seem so hurried and too busy.  However, this year her birthday fell on a Saturday, so it turned out that way.  We had the party late in the afternoon so that we could spend some time together in the morning and to not rush the present handovers.  Grace woke up at 4am and asked if she could get up yet, she was so excited about turning 5!  She was a little disappointed that she still couldn't whistle though, she was under the impression that as soon as you turned 5 you could magically do it as her good friend Sairayah learnt to whistle the day she turned 5!  When we eventually got up, at a much decent hour, I gave her the present Nanny  had sent up.  She got a beautiful white and coral peasant top, some lip glosses and a hair brush and comb set.  She loved them all.  Grandma and Poppy came up later and gave her their present, which was a dress-up felt set and a hand-bag money box - both things that Grace had seen and loved on shopping trips.

 She had asked me a year or so ago for a dolly like the one she has up at her pre-school, she loved her long hair and dressing her up.  So, I borrowed her for a week and went to work making one similar.  It took a week of late nights and lots of re-doing, but eventually she was created.  I wanted to give her similar colours to Grace, so she has blue eyes, different shades of blonde hair and creamy skin tones.  The excited smile on her face as she unwrapped her was worth every stitch.  She loved her instantly.  A few hours later she whispered to me that she loves playing with the dolly like her at pre-school, but never gets a turn as there are so many other people that want to play with her.  She has named her "Marabella Lavinia Chandelier", after the doll in her favourite Fancy Nancy books.  Marabella has been beside her ever since, and often accompanies us to outings!

We all had a wonderful day celebrating 5 years of having the gorgeous Grace in our lives. 

Happy Birthday Grace!

Results are in....

Well, official results for this semester have been released and I'm pleasantly surprised!  I was fairly confidant after both exams that I'd managed a distinction, but imagine my shock when I instead got 2 whopping, big fat High Distinctions!!  Of all the marks I have received so far, I am by far most proud of the HD for A&P.  It's a very challenging subject with a 30% failure rate, and HD's are scored rarely.  The science subjects are the ones I feared the most when I started, considering my last attempt at anything sciencey was back in year 8.  I'm just so thrilled that I managed to understand it all and pleased that all my hard work has paid off. 

So with these new marks, my GPA is 6.83 - Woohoo!!  I've done my absolute best, so now it's just up to the Midwifery decision makers as to whether I get a place or not.

Once the results had been posted, I've become mildly addicted to looking and admiring my academic transcript.  From the beginning of this year, my motivation was just to pass, but now I'm determined to never just pass - even that lonely distinction bugs me! 

So, Taa-daa.....My transcript so far:

Unofficial Transcript

ACADEMIC RECORD

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Nursing

Semester 1 - 2010

Bachelor of Nursing

Academic Load : Full-Time

1971NRS Commun & Assessment in Nursing 10CP      High Distinction

1972NRS Perspect Nurs, Hlth, Cult, Soc 10CP            High Distinction

1973NRS Psychosocial Health Lifespan 10CP              High Distinction

1974MSC Anatomy and Physiology 1 10CP                 Distinction

Semester 2 - 2010

Bachelor of Nursing

Academic Load : Part-Time

1506NRS Life Science 1 for Midwives 10CP               High Distinction

1975MSC Anatomy and Physiology 2 10CP                High Distinction

Total Credit 60CP

Cumulative GPA 6.83

End of Transcript

Shakespeare to Schoolies - a clash of culture.

Yesterday I had a catch up at a wonderful park with 3 of my study friends from Uni.  These 3 women have definitely been the highlight of Uni for me and I really value their blossoming friendships.  Even though I've only known them for not even a year, it feels longer than that.  I think growing the friendship under the stress of assignments and exams has put our closeness at a deeper level. 

So, yesterday was spent with the children running around the park playing whilst we chatted and reminisced over the year that was.  We munched on fresh cherries and macadamia's, under much less intense circumstances than our recent study sessions.  It was lovely to talk about more than study, and really get to know how wonderful all these women are.  I'm so fortunate that I landed with such and awesome, strong and different group - and I'm actually really sad that I probably won't be joining them next year.

Margo, who undoubtedly is the most complex and awe-inspiring person I have ever met, invited us along to her Nieces play that night.  She warned us it was Shakespeare, and Tanya and I admitted we'd never been to a see any "Thou for art" plays before.  We were willing to give it a go though, with the promise that our 2 cultured friends would translate and fill in the gaps.

After arriving late and missing the start, the first half of the play was very confusing.  I'd missed vital information, added to that was all the elaborate language and my head was beginning to hurt.  Intermission I was filled in on what I'd missed, and then the second half made a lot more sense!  I was a bit nervous at the start, but in then end I really enjoyed it.  I'm even inspired to attempt to read some Shakespeare and acquaint myself with the beautiful language he used.  They have been having the plays in the park for the last few years, so I'll be definitely going along next year - but taking a rug, cheese platter and a few bottles of wine to really embrace the experience.

It finished about 10pm, so we figured we'd head out for coffee afterwards.  Problem was nothing close was open, so we all piled into the torago and headed into Broadbeach with the plan of stopping at Starbucks for an hour or so.

Well, the lure of a nice glass of wine trampled all over the coffee option, so we walked straight past Starbucks and into a restaurant with a comfortable couch, cushions and wine list.  2 bottles of Rose later, and conversations flowed.  Margo revealed a little more about herself, and gave us all a deeper look into her life.  She is amazing.  Karen (the young gorgeous one of the bunch!) was approached by a nice young fellow, so she spent the rest of the time getting to know him....really well.

The restaurant closed up, the nice young fellow was ditched, Margo and Tanya decided to take up smoking and we all declared the night was not ready to be over.  So, our next stop was Surfers.  This time of the year, is Schoolies up here, so probably not the best idea for us more "mature" women to head into the heart of teenager craziness.  The last time I was in the middle of that, was my Hen's night 10 years ago. That in itself is a story that I should tell...later.

I wasn't dressed or prepared to be bracing the Surfers nightclub - but none of us were, so we decided to not give a shit and just have a great time.  It was a lot of fun.  Karen the 23 y/o party animal was having a rip roaring time busting her moves on the dance floor.  Margo, who has only this past year come out of recluse and had NEVER been to Surfers was loving it. She has this amazing ability to just be who she is, and not care one little bit about what anyone thinks - such an admirable and wise trait. 

We stayed there till 2am, us oldies relatively sober and having a wonderful time in the midst of all the schoolies, who were obvious in there attempts at making fun of us.  We didn't care though, having to much fun to let it bother us.

On the walk back to the car, we all eagerly booked in another night.  I'm not sure if our spontaneous one will ever be matched though, but we will give it a go.  It was just one of those rare and special moments, with no expectations and no plans - just FUN.