Prep Eve

It's the night before Grace's big debut at Prep, and the whole house is excited!  Grace, even though she was totally exhausted from celebrating all day, was too excited to go to sleep.  As I was laying beside her at bedtime, she confided that her tummy feels "just like it did on the night of her dance concert".  It took her forever to drift off, finally succumbing to sleep at 8pm.  She is going to be exhausted tomorrow!

Everything is ready to go.  The iron and board were dusted off and I reacquainted myself with the art of ironing, so all her tops are nicely pressed.  Tomorrow is purple day, so her purple top and navy skirt are hanging ready for the morning.  I went nuts with the sharpie pen and everything is labelled and packed into her new purple bag, including her cute slippers for inside time.  I've got the stainless steel lunch tin and drink bottle chilling in the fridge, ready to be filled in the morning with the menu she has selected.  She had a big long soak in the bath tonight and her hair was scrubbed and conditioned after not having been washed for a month very long time. 

Now all that is left, is for me to ponder how in the blinking way MY little baby girl is ready to head off to Prep tomorrow.  It's seems like only last week I was worrying about teeny-tiny clothes and muslin wraps, and now it's all about school uniforms and bags.  They told me it'd go quick, but it's gone faster than I ever could imagine.

14th January

Most morning, I wake to this beautiful site. My 2 gorgeous kiddies, tucked up in bed right beside me.  The times they come in overnight are random, and lately Xav has been wanting to stay in his bed all night, but then he always comes in for a morning cuddle.  I adore it!  Nothing better than cuddling up to my dearest children, then having chats and giggles once the sun comes up.

Today was an extra special Mummy & Daughter day.  I'd booked tickets for Grace and I to go see the summer youth production at the Arts centre.  The play was Beauty and the Beast, and having never watched or known anything about it, we were both very excited! 

It was also the perfect opportunity for Grace to get all dressed up in the special outfit the Pengs had bought her for her birthday.  Complete with sparkly-diamond shoes, flashy headpiece and jewel bracelet - she looked absolutely gorgeous!  

We went early and enjoyed a babycino (for Grace) and Chai Latte (for me) beforehand.  We chatted about her starting school soon, and she revealed that although she was so very excited, she was a little nervous too.  



~~Grace 5yrs~~

The play was fantastic and we both loved it!  Some bits I had to explain to Grace as a lot was conveyed through singing, but mostly she got it.  She especially loved that there were lots of French words spoken, she has a little love affair with the French language partly because of the Truets and also from her most loved Fancy Nancy books.  So lots of "Oh laa laa's"  and "Voila's"  kept her enthralled and smiling.  She was also mesmerised by the beautiful Bella and all her wonderful Princess dresses, and especially by the turning of the beast into a Prince.  The kissing scene turned her into a giggling mess, hands clasped over face and little eyes peeking through.

I was very impressed with how professional the production was and will definitely be keeping an eye out for any others.

13th January

Xav found a stash of foil wrapped chocolate soccer balls that we must have had for his party last year.  He, of course, wanted one right away.  This is him sulking off after I'd told him no, he wasn't having a chocolate at 9am in the morning.  Although he was being whiny, I find this picture utterly adorable.

Finally some clear weather, which is not just a relief for us but for those affected by the big floods.  The kids spent the afternoon having running races on the freshly mowed lawn (BTW, Duane won the "mowing championship!)

Then tonight was a candle-lit dinner for 2.  The kids love eating by the soft glow of the candle light, so every night we do it.  The highlight is blowing it out, which can only be done once dinner is finished - makes eating the meal generally fuss free too!

Such sweet sibling love xx

12th January

The rain was still bucketing down last night and today, which meant that the bridge to Duane's work went under water - Yay!  Daddy has the day off!!!

We spent the morning at Robina mall, escaping the rain and buying the last few school supplies for Grace (Eeek - only 3 and a bit weeks to go!)  Whilst we were there I ran into a playgroup Mum who is an optometrist, and she just happened to also have an opening within the hour.  I'd been wanting to get Grace's eyes tested before school, so this was a perfect opportunity.

Grace has a few friends now that have glasses, so she was actually hoping that she could get some too.  She was a bit shy with Kate at first, but did all the tests wonderfully (Kate even commented that she was doing things that most 5 y/o's can't normally do).  She is mostly fine, but is a bit long-sighted (like me), but it could just be something that she grows out of or she will need glasses for in the future.  We are just going to keep an eye on her, watching our for eye strain headaches or bringing things very close to read, then reassess.

We made it home in just in time for Malia to come over for a play.  Chelsea and Noah were off to get a haircut, and my 2 love playing with Malia, so it made sense to drop her over.  The kids played dress-ups, games, chased each other, played in the sand and pretty much went from room to room wreaking havoc!  Here they are having a picnic and watching "The great lawnmower race", with the only participant being Duane.  

Another sleeping child photo, but I just adore blissed out sleepy photos of my kids.  Xav doesn't generally sleep during the day, but if he is really tired he will just lay on the lounge room floor and have a nap.  The thing I love most about this photo, are his little fingernails full of boy-dirt.  The thing I dislike the most, is the lack of toddler chubb - he's thinning out and growing up way too fast.

11th January

Cassie came over for a play date today.  She doesn't start school until next week, so Jen needed somewhere for her to hang out whilst she worked.  The 3 kids played well together, leaving me to watch the flood disaster unfold on a Tv in the bedroom.  I was so drawn to watching it, and although I didn't let the kids see anything - I spent nearly all day glued to the screen. 

It's always fine by me to have Cass, she's such a wonderful friend to both Grace and Xav.  Grace and Cass are born a day apart and have known each other since they were a few months old.  They have very similar personalities, and were always drawn to each other when we met for Mothers Group.  As they have grown, their friendship has blossomed beautifully.  They both went to the same pre-school together, which was the security blanket they both needed as they gained confidence.  They have spent lots of time with each other over the last 5 years - playgroup, dancing, mothers group, camping, picnics and playing.  I doubt there has been a few days passed that they haven't seen each other.  Grace is sad that they are not going to the same school now, but she knows that we will still catch up.

Cass and Xav have a special relationship too, just like he does with all Grace's friends.  They all seem to accept him as one of the group, the only 3 y/o always hanging out and getting birthday invites from the 5 y.o girls.  Xav loves Cass, and is tossing up whether to marry her, Leah or Saraiyah. 

I hope that they all can continue their beautiful friendships for a long time yet, even with all the changes about to happen, and different friends that will be made.



10th January

This has been the colour of our skies for the last month or so.  We are the lucky ones though, rain that's drained away fine is nothing compared to what's happening to 75% of the state - with more to come.

The photos above are taken from our back yard, looking back to Mt Tamborine.  It is normally blocked by an extra tall money tree and palm fronds, however my husband decided to hack it all down on the weekend.  I quite enjoyed the shade the foliage brought, he apparently likes the view.  I suggested that the view, although nice, was predominately house roof tops.  He replied with "You just don't get it"  I still don't.

I'm guessing it was just to back up his argument, but my darling husband apparently enjoys watching the view whilst sitting out under the patio enjoying an afternoon beer shandy. 

He loves quiche too.

9th January

Today was a lazy day at home, mostly pottering around the garden.  Duane used the fairly clear weather to mow the long lawn, something that we haven't been able to do for a while with all the rain.  We then did some weeding and cleared out all the dead palms in the front yard.  In the front garden, nestled under some lomandra plants the kids and I came across these unusually shaped mushrooms.  Xavier thought they looked like little flowers and Grace was just excited that there might be a fairy family living underneath.

The kids decided to have a "frond" fight, using the dead palm fronds that were piled up on the lawn.

First, you shake hands with your opponent.

Then you pretty much just whack each other. 

Which, apparently is a lot of fun, according to my 2.

After lunch and a midday nap for Duane and Xavier, the rest of the day was spent playing games and trains inside, as the rain (once again) came down outside.

The heavy downpour meant the sandpit was like a make-shift pool, perfect for an afternoon splash!



8th January

A very busy day today, with barely a rest in between exciting adventures!

The morning started off with adding our new worms to the worm farm.  A lot of our worms died off last summer in the heat, so this year we have put them in more shade and will keep an extra eye on them.  The kids love playing in the worm farm, naming them all and working out who is the "Mum" worm and then finding babies for her.

Next up, was our first family walk/ride leaving from our house.  The kids have been nagging to take their bikes for a ride from our house ever since they got them.  Now, considering we live on a hill, it's not the easiest of things to be doing.  We decided to give it a go, and take the dogs, cause we like the challenge!  The kids walked their bikes up the hill, and we had a few wobbly incidences when they got speed up going  down the hill, but for the most part they were perfect and loved it.  We went for about an hour, and we all came home covered in sweat.

We came home, had a shower and then headed of the the next activity.  I met up with some of my friends and their kids, and we took them all to see Tangled, the Rapunzel movie.  The 5 kids were lined up in their seats, my kids enjoying their home-cooked popcorn (to avoid both the crap in movie popcorn and the $$).  They were all wonderful and barely took their eyes of the screen for a second.  Xav was getting a bit tired towards the end and asked a few times when it would be over.  It was a really good movie though, plenty of excitement for the kids, yet still entertaining for the parents.

Then tonight, the kids were exhausted and in bed at 6pm, so Duane and I decided to call up our babysitter (the wonderful Mil) and see if she'd come watch them.  Lucky us then got to double date (and crash their anniversary date!) with The Dews.  We headed to Anand Sagar first, which is our absolute favourite Indian restaurant, then we had a little hiccup before heading to see the new Fockers movie.  The hiccup was that we had Duane's parents car (Wendy didn't want to leave it out the front of our house, so said we should take it), and when we parked for Indian, Duane decided to put the steering lock on.  So, then when we tried to leave, we couldn't get it off.  Anyway, after a very funny and frustrating half hour it was finally worked out that we were using the wrong key and then it came off.  All the non-drivers had enjoyed a few beverages over dinner and so some smart alec comments were being made, which combined with the a frustrated "driver" made him mention some "F" words, something that very rarely comes out of my husbands mouth.  This just made us laugh and giggle even more.

All was good though, we made it to the movie with plenty of time to spare.  Could have quite easily missed it though, it certainly wasn't anything to rave about.  I think all the laughs had been used up in the first movie.  It was still a good night out with great friends though!

I just want to end on this photo I took of Xav today.  I was trying very hard to get his profile in focus, but being the non-cooperative child that he his, wouldn't stand still. I really love it though, not because of anything technically "correct", just because it captures his sweet little profile.  Ski-jump nose, lovely lashes and he has yet to loose his toddler cheeks.  But, the thing I love the most is his little half-smile/smirk - it's just so him.

7th January

Today was another stay at home day.  The weather has been terrible, and normally my kids go crazy being cooped up for so long, but they are having so much fun!  I'm on an organising bender, so I'm happy to potter about.  The kids are just happy to play with all their new Christmas stuff and are being ridiculously well behaved with each other - I'm hoping that keeps up!  They've always played well together, but nothing like now.  Sometimes, I barely interact with them for hours.  Ok, I know that kinda sounds neglectful, but what I mean is they are so engrossed with each other and their games - I'm left out.  I'm just the one they come to with that wonderfully whiny voice saying "I'm hungry, what can we eat"  But after loading them up with picnic plates for their latest camping/birthday party/sleepover game, I'm redundant again.  Suits me though, means I'm getting lots of organising done and catching up on whatever I want. 

It's kind of sad now though, knowing that this incredible little twosome is about to be split 5 days a week. 

This afternoon the kids and Duane had a hair appointment, mainly to de-shag Xav and Duane and just to give Grace a "heading to school" trim up.  Man, I can't believe how much the boys have to get their hair cut, they  easily spend more money/time getting their locks tidied than Grace and I.  Xav's hair seems to grow in time with the grass, and with all the rain we've had lately both are growing rapidly!

It's a fight between the kids who gets to go first.  Xav absolutely loves someone playing with his hair, it sends him into a trance and he nearly falls asleep.  I usually place myself within catching distance, as there have been a few time's he's nodded off and slipped.   Back when he had his first hair cut, I was all for keeping "length" and his curls, but now I just tell her to go short as she can without looking prison-like. 

Gracie on the other hand, has only had 3 haircuts in her life.  It's something she's a but bummed about, being the girly-girl that she is, getting your "hair done" is a necessity.  She just had a little trim, getting rid of the fine, wispy ends.  Grace has the most gorgeous coloured hair, it's the exact colour I'd love my hair if I could be bothered keeping up with the maintenance of dyeing.

 

Our hairdressers cat had kittens 5 weeks ago, which could quite possible be some of the cutest things I've ever seen.  Xav took a real liking to one little kitten, and judging by the way he sat with Xav the whole time, the feeling was mutual! I don't think the kids have patted or played with little kittens before, so there was lots of begging and pleading to take 1 home.  Duane's not a cat person at all, so that is never going to happen.  We do have chickens and dogs, so I guess he has a point.

Speaking of chickens.  Ours have been very sporadic with their laying over the last week or so.  Last Monday I spent the morning pacing up and down out side the laying boxes, waiting for another 2  eggs to add to the pavlova I was making.  Not one came through with the goods.  Then today, we saw a random egg up the side of the chook-house.  After closer inspection, we stumbled across a muddy pile of stashed eggs - 19 all up!   Damn chooks had found a preferable place to lay.   On the upside, I've got a ton of eggs to make yummy omeletes and maybe even a big pavlova!

And, just another cute photo to end on.  Xav has become a big lover of mango sorbet.  I bought a tub the other day, but he couldn't eat any as it stung his mouth.  So now he is catching up on all the sorbet he missed out on!  Lucky the tubs only small and won't be replaced for a while.

6th January

Thursday's are fun days!  It's the day that Duane gets to come home from work still in the morning time - 11am!  It's probably not that fun a day for him, considering he's left the house at 4am and probably would prefer to come home and rest.  Sometimes we do this, or we make the most of family time and head out.  Today, with Xav still suspiciously contagious after his mouth ulcer incident, we stayed home!

Thursday's are also fantastic as it's the day we pick up our wonderful fruit and vegetable box from Food connect.  The kids and I always have a fabulous time unpacking this weeks produce, of course taste testing a bit on the way is mandatory!  We chat about what each fruit/vegie is and how we use it.  There's always something unusual in the box that requires a little extra researching, but it's great for the kids to be introduced to such variety.  They were a bit upset that this week there were no apples, but that took us on to the topic of "seasonal" produce and how some things don't grow in certain weather.  We always get a newsletter in our box, all about the different farms that the produce come from and any problems they've had this week.  This week the farmers were all badly affected by the torrential rain and flooding we have had around this area.  A lot of crops were damaged, with produce not fairing very well at all.  Some of ours stuff had a bit of water damage, but nothing bad - plus, it's nice to know that the farmers are still getting paid for their crops.  Unlike the hoops the farmers have to jump through for the major supermarkets to take slightly blemished stock. 

Anyway, as were were unpacking the corn a little caterpillar crawled out from inside.  Grace and Xav were over the moon and immediately set up a plastic container house for their new pet, which they had lovingly named "Marco."  I've got absolutely no idea where that came from.

So Marco spent a few hours being traumatised cared for, by 2 eager little pre-schoolers.  He was fed blades of grass and they got some leaves to make a toilet and kitchen in his house.  Xav told us all about caterpillars turning into cock-oons (that sounded slightly hilarious!), then turning into butterfly's, and he was eager to get the show on the road.  So, Marco was set free in the fairy garden, where he crawled off into the basil bush, under watchful little eyes who were expecting something more exciting to happen.  After barely saying his goodbyes, Xav started screaming that "He didn't turn into a cock-oon, why didn't he Mum"  The child was mightily annoyed that he didn't get to witness the dramatic transformation immediately!  Lots of discussions later and he settled, and was happy that it would happen eventually - just not whilst we were watching!

 

It was a rainy old day, the only kind we have here at the moment, so perfect for a movie and rest.  Both kids fell asleep on the lounge room floor, cuddled up under Grace's blanket.  Gosh, my kids are so adorable xx

*I just want to point out that yes my kids do have clothes!  It's just we have had a few "home" days over the last week, mainly because Xav may have been contagious, but also because we haven't been able to have "Pj" days for ages - so I'm getting out quota in! 

**Also, how cute is Xav's singlet!  It's one he tye-dyed himself at pre-school!  Yay for Hippy schooling!

4th January

~~Summery, water fun!~~

Today was a lazy day at home, except with an extra little person joining us.  Jasper was hanging out with us for the day, however he wasn't his usual cruisy self.  Trude said when she dropped him off that he had a bit of nappy rash, I then checked his hands and feet (as I had my suspicions about a rash on Ruby the night before) and was 99% sure that he had hand, foot and mouth.  His little hands and feet were beginning to develop the tell tale blisters.  I figured my kids had already been exposed over the last week (it's mostly contagious before the blisters appear) so didn't mind looking after him still.  Trude had insisted that I call her if he was too upset and she'd take the day off, but I remembered from Xav's first day of having the spots that he'd slept a fair bit so was hoping Jasper would do the same.  He did end up sleeping for a good while, but the times he was up were a little "challenging".  He constantly wanted to be on my hip, and if he wasn't he was very grizzly.  He also struggled to eat anything, which is understandable considering he would of had a mouth full of ulcers, but enjoyed some ice and banana smoothies that we made. 

My kids were fantastic and helped out so much with Jasper.  They spent the whole day playing together and not getting up to too much mischief.  There was a fair bit of body painting happening though when they were left unsupervised with the paints whilst I was attending to a sad little baby.  After the main heat of the day had left, I set up their outdoor sink and lots of water fun was had.  There was also sprinkler play as well as a hose/dish washing liquid set-up on the slide, which proved to be a hit although it did turn the grass at the bottom into a giant mud puddle!

3rd January

Long, hot summer afternoons and water fun in the backyard with friends  - could it get any better for the kids?

Apparently yes.  Slurping on delicious rainbow Paddle Pops, makes the day practically perfect.

Today we had a pot luck patio party at the Dews, first just for the sake of it and secondly to celebrate and ohh and ahh over their newly built patio.  The kids had so much fun frolicking in the backyard, taking turns being squirted and the squirtee with a squeezey bottle.  They played tag (tiggy?), kicked balls, dressed up and did parades (Malia & Grace) and then all took turns in the bath.  I got a bit of time to take some gorgeous pics of the youngest member of the clan, Miss Ruby. This little sweetheart has the most stunning blue, sapphire eyes that are such a pleasure to photograph.  They look so amazing from any angle, very photogenic little girl.  It was a little hard getting a smile out of her though, which the reason became obvious the following day when she came down with Hand, foot and Mouth disease - poor little thing.  Jasper also came down with it, and Xav got ulcers in his mouth which I don't doubt is related.  Now just the wait to see if any of the other kids succumb.

I also managed to snap a nice shot of this cheeky little boy - Noah.  He's a very hard little person to take a photo of as he barely stops still for more than a second.  This is such a "typical" Noey look, so I'm rather pleased I managed to capture it.