June 6th - From below

 

This beautiful hibiscus flower is on one of the trees up the side of the house, above the chook pen.  I had planned on taking some photos of the chooks from down low, but didn't realise how hard that would be to execute.  After unsuccessfully getting low enough to the ground  to get an "up" photo of Henny, whilst avoiding the chook poo, I gave up and went searching for pretties instead.  We have a very tropical garden with the only flowers around being these hibiscus and frangipanis.  When time and money permits, I'm actually planning on filling in all the empty pocket in the garden with colourful flowers.  Maybe then we won't have to raid the next door neighbours for fresh flowers for the table!

Pottering and the park

Today was a lovely, lazy Saturday - a perfect way to wind down after a very busy week.  I've been crazy busy this week, fitting in appointments all over town and trying to study for these damn exams I have coming up.  I'd decided to take today off school work, which was much needed.  Duane worked this morning, so unfortunately no sleep-ins for me, unless you consider the 6am wake-up that my little cherubs decided was wake time!

We spent the morning pottering around the house in our Pj's, something I relish now that our weekday mornings are so rushed and hurried.  I scrubbed out the oven with some Norwex cloths that I bought at a party-play thingy - I'm so in love with this product, they actually make cleaning fun!  The kids amused them self washing dolls in a plastic tub of water and then making playdough farm animals.

Then this afternoon we met up with the usual gang at the beautiful botanical gardens.  Trude wanted some photos of Jasper, so we spent quite a lot of time chasing the poor kid around poking a camera in his face!  He was the perfect little baby model though, although played very hard to get sometimes - such a quick little boy!
We got some very cute photos (not hard with such a cutie though!)

 

 ~~Cute Miss Lucie~~

June 3rd - Clouds

Today was a beautiful crisp Gold Coast day - absolutely perfect!  Too perfect in fact, as when I went out this morning to take cloud photo for today's challenge, there wasn't one to be seen anywhere!  Just a light blue sky.  It wasn't until this afternoon when I ventured out from under a stack of textbooks, that I saw the clouds starting to hover.  It was still a perfect afternoon, but a scattering of wisps clouds scattered around gave me some material.

The photo below is the view looking out from the side of our house, into the Hinterland and beautiful Mt Tamborine

And as I couldn't decide which photo, here is another.  Of a dying tree that's over our back fence.  I love how by changing the photo to black and white, it completely changes the feel of the sky - all stormy and broody.

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!



Travel

Duane won a carton of Corona through some sort of boy bet.  I'm not sure of specifics, but it had something to do with "my football team being better than your", a typical pissing contest between men/boys.

I've had my  years days of beer drinking and haven't had one for a long time, but decided it might be a nice complement to the seafood marinara pasta that I'd made for dinner.  Duane served it up with the obligatory wedge of lime shoved in the neck.  I took a sip........and that's when it hit me.

I NEED TO TRAVEL

One taste of that sweet cerveza and I was immediately reminiscent of my travelling days.  Sipping corona's on the beach of Mexico, walking through a late night summer thunderstorm after a night out at the nightclubs of Cabo San Lucas, jumping out of a plane in Canada, standing at the top of the Canadian Rockies, visiting a million temples in Japan, walking down the cobblestone street of Old Montreal, dancing in the street as I enjoyed my very first snow fall in Banff.  The world is such a wondrous and amazing place and I want to discover as much of it as I can.

I want to spend chunks of time really exploring a country/place, not just quick little touristy visits.  I'm also toying with the idea of spending a year in another country.  Once I'm a fully registered Midwife (OMG, I can't believe that I'm on the way to that!!!), there are many countries that I can work in.  Canada being one.  Duane and I have talked about spending a year there.  I spent a year back in my youth (gosh, now I feel old - I have youth), and have a wonderful friend living there.  It would be a great base for lots of travel, and would give the kids a taste of another country without the daunting task of learning another language. 

I love my life right now.  I just know that once the kids are older, I can't wait to take them around the world and open there eyes to the amazing planet we live on.  Money is the only thing that will stop us, but even for that we have a plan.  Duane and I have worked out that we can pay our home loan off in 5 years.   So, by the time Grace is 10, which we agree is a perfect age to travel, we should be mortgage free!  It means we have to somehow come up with an extra $300 per week to do it, which sounds doable - I think.  I know that we wont be able to start immediately, but I'm hoping that next year I can maybe get an assistant nursing position and maybe fit in a few shifts every week.  I'm also thinking maybe over the holidays I can pick up some work, then just dump all that on the mortgage. 

So, next year we have decided to start the project.  It will probably take longer, but that's our plan for now.  We want to be paying the last payment on our mortgage by the end of 2016.  I can't imagine how that will feel.  Imagine not having to pay a mortgage EVER AGAIN!!!  Being able to save all that money instead and use it on much better things than just interest!   The hardest bit in all this will be refraining from wanting to get a bigger and better house.  Duane and I often talk about our "dream" home, complete with acreage and ensuite.  However, we both have agreed that to be in our house and mortgage free would make us happier than extra land and a bigger/newer house.

One thing that may have to be sacrificed though is another baby.  Having a 3rd would mean me out of the workforce longer and not being able to pay the house off as fast as we want to.  I may be ok with it too.  Unless I think of tiny little wondersuits - then I'm a mess.  But right now, I'm thinking about making the best life for the family I have here.  If I am blessed with another, we'll work around it and everything will be fine too.

Weekend activities

I've had a wonderful weekend! A perfect one before life is just a blur of study and exams.

Saturday we made a last minute decision to do a cake smash for my lovely little God-daughter, Lucie. Only 2 months overdue, but still a perfect age to get some super cute photos. Lucie had a few diva moments, which can only be described as hilarious. Nicole keeps on saying how much of a handful she is, and talking about the tantrums she is throwing - I don't believe a word of it! Whenever I see her she is so sweet and adorable - full of cheek and cuteness, with a generous helping of fiestiness!

~~Adorable much?~~

Sunday, after a lazy family morning in bed, we headed to the nursery's to stock up on seedlings for the vegie patch. I'd cleared it out a few weeks ago and topped it up with new soil, ready for the next round of vegies to go in. We bought some strawberry plants, lettuce, spring onion, rocket, oregano, basil, cauliflower, broccoli, snow peas and zucchini. I'd already planted some seeds and had a few seedlings ready to go, so they filled in the gaps. We also bought Grace a passionfruit vine to grow in her fairy garden over the arch.

After stocking up on goodies for the garden, I decided to lead us up the garden path and suggested a drive to a playground in the hinterland that I'd heard people raving about. After about 30 mins of driving, and me insisting that it must be close, Duane realised that the fuel gauge was becoming scarily close to empty. We pulled over into a picnic area and interrupted a party to see if anyone knew where the closest petrol station was - Nerang! So we headed back home, with upset children as they didn't get to visit the "cool" playground as promised. Oh well, another time when we have both petrol and directions!

The afternoon was spent planting the crops. Xav and Grace diligently dug all the holes and delicately placed in the seedlings. The chooks paced up and down the fence line, no doubt planning their attack.

Speaking of chooks, I don't think that I've mentioned it before, but we have 2 new additions. After the passing of Dulcie, my clucky (if only it was for the baby variety!) was eagar to add to the flock. So we headed out to our chook lady to find out about introducing some newbies. Grace and Xav chose a chook each: Grace chose a Red Hampshire and called her "Sassy", whilst Xav picked out a gorgeous grey Leghorn and named her "Jet". We've had them for about 4 weeks now and they have both settled in nicely. They spent the first few weeks looked up in the chook house during the day, watching forlornly as Henny, Silkie and Bertha had free range of the front yard. Our chook lady had suggested keeping them separate to avoid any chicken territorial fighting. We let them out to join in on the weekend, and everyone has gotten along perfectly! Hopefully won't be too much longer and they'll both be contributing to our daily egg supply.

The other project we completed on the weekend was the paper mache volcano that has been on the "to do" list for a while now. The kids had a blast ripping up newspaper and getting messy with the glue. We all laughed and giggled whilst layering up the wet, pasty paper. Duane had the fantastic idea of using the left over black crepe paper from Xav's birthday party as the last layer - saved having to wait for it to dry and then paint! It took a few days to dry, so we haven't had a chance to make it explode - but Grace has asked to take it along as show and tell, so we'll save the explosion for then.

Actually, on the subject of school, there is something very exciting happening tomorrow. My little boy is having his very first day at Pre-school!!! I didn't want him to start childcare until he was three and could go along with Grace and low and behold that time is now! He's going to be going every Wednesday, and although I'm so excited for him to be joining in on the fun times that Grace has, I'm sad that my little baby boy is starting the journey to school. The last 3 years have gone so quickly, and now he's growing up and ready to be learning and playing in a structured environment. Xav's over the moon though, and so excited that finally he gets to stay. He loves it up there, and he is going to have a fantastic time. He told me today that "Grace is going to protect me, and if anyone hits me she is going to give me a cuddle" Awwww....sweet little children! I just hope that Grace isn't the one hitting him!! They have been a bit volatile with each other lately, so I hope that having them together will not create any problems. Xav loves playing with all Grace's friends, especially Cassie, so I hope that doesn't create dramas either.

He's been a bit fiesty this week and Duane and I have had many moments where we say to each other "Good luck to them on Wednesday!". He's such a sociable little boy and very confidant, so I'm not expecting too many adjustment issues on his part - not sure about the tranquil envinroment he invade though!!

Pictorial update

I've got a bunch of photo's to add, so this post is going to be very image heavy!

A few weeks ago we went along to the local councils Big Machinery day. I wasn't expecting anything too fantastic, but figured the kids would get a kick out of seeing all the equipment. Well, I was completely blown away by how well it was organised and how much fun we had! All the machinery was on display and kids were encouraged to hop in, climb around and blow the horns as often and as loud as they wanted! There were 4 wheelers, tractors, dump trucks, cement mixers and excavators - my children were in heaven. The council boat was even set up, and taking kids for a quick trip up the river. We will definintely be marking the date on next years calender, fantastic AND free!

~~What better way to end the day - Ice-cream!~~

On the 30th May was Wendy's birthday, so the kids and I spend the afternoon baking her a very special birthday cake. It was a banana, honey and walnut loaf and it was absolutely delicious.

~~spitting blowing the candles out~~

I've been inspired by fellow blogger Penny to dedicate 1 night a week to an extra special dinner. Our night is going to be Saturday night and our tradition was started last weekend. We debuted with a cross between sukiyaki and Chinese steamboat, and it was a huge hit. As a family we busily prepared the stock and then the kids helped chop up the meat and vegetables. The stock was made up of ginger, garlic, soy, spring onion and shitake mushrooms. Once it had been cooking for an hour or so, we transferred it to the table and onto our gas camper cooker so it would keep boiling. We each had a little wire basket and filled it with vegetables and either thinly sliced meat, chicken or salmon. The basket then goes into the boiling stock for a minute or so until it's cooked and then gobbled up. Hokkien noodles were also cooked in the stock, and were the kids favourite. It was so yummy and so much fun to do, so it'll definitely be on the menu again soon!

Catch up

Gosh, it's been a long time between posts! I miss having the luxury of time to sit and write, it's not only my time to mark memories but my outlet. My brain feels so jam packed lately and I worry that if all the special things don't get written down, they'll be forgotten.

Anyway, onto the past week.

I've gotten some exam and essay results back, which still have me shocked. For my anatomy exam I got a distinction in the exam, for Sociology exam I got a high distinction and the biggest shock came from my very first essay! We had the lecture for the subject on Friday, then the lecturer was going to hand out the essays. She gave us a quick breakdown, saying how about 50 failed, mostly there were passes and credits with a few distinctions and 7 high distinctions out of the 280+ essays. I wasn't feeling that confidant with my essay, and would have been happy with a credit but expected a high pass. Imagine my shock when I got it back and I actually got 47/50 possible marks, which is 94% and a whopping big high distinction!!! I was shocked and flabbergasted and was still unsure so double checked with the lecturer that the right mark had been written on. She confirmed it was right, and congratulated me on such a great essay!

I walked out of the room stunned and actually run into my other lecturer, and she asked how I went. She had a quick look over and said that the few things I had been marked down for were so minimal, and she suspected that they only picked up on them for something to mark me down for. Apparently they don't like giving full marks, especially in first year. I did then have to admit to her that the essay I have submitted for her subject had about a 10th of the effort put in, so not to expect anything too fantastic. That's the truth too, I really didn't put the work into my second essay. I've already passed the subject though as I went so well in the exam.

So, all those good results were great for the confidence but I am still finding it hard to be motivated to study for the end of semester exams. I only have 2 written and then a practical health assessment to do. I'm only really worried about the anatomy one, I've really slacked off studying that and I'm finding a lot of the new information hard to retain. I've got a week study break before the exams, so I'll be frantically studying and hoping that It'll all click then and come together.

Duane's sister has just been up for 10 days as a surprise for Wendy. I've spent the week at school, so Duane took the week off to be with the kids. They've had a great time with Auntie Debbie, who they both haven't seen for 2 years. She has been spoiling them though, and they have been decked out in new clothes and toys. The latest barbie addition is a nurses uniform, a very provocative one though.

I've been busy this week swapping between writing my latest essay and felting a crystal cave for Miss Lucie's first birthday present. I'm also making one for my kids, but that might have to be put aside until after exams. I forgot to take some pics of it finished though, so I'll get some next time I visit. I also had the impressions done for my fake front tooth, so in a few weeks I'll have a $500 smile. Also the prep work was done on the 2 teeth beside it that the bridge will be attached too. I'm still a bit sad about loosing my black, wonky capped tooth but kinda getting excited now about having the new one too. It does mean I'm on the slippery slope to old age though, false teeth are a sure sign of that. I'm happy as long as I can brush it inside my mouth, it's when you take them out to clean that the real worries start!

Now, my next object of excitement is slightly pathetic. My old dyson gave up after a 8 year continuous work out, and after getting a $250 quote to fix it I decided to treat myself to a brand spanking new one. So now I'm the proud and slightly infactuated owner of this little baby:

http://www.dyson.com.au/store/product.asp?product=DC23-TURBINE

We got it for an awesome price too, $650 - including a bonus hard floor tool and 6 years warranty! It wasn't because of my fabulous bargaining skills though, it helps to have someone on the inside. It's an absolute pleasure to use and I seriously had housework envy when I knew that Duane was home vacuuming, and I was stuck at school. My old purple faithful has been sent to Dyson to be recycled, and although it was sad to see her go, one go on the new one and I was over the sentimental feelings.

A weekend of food!

It's been a long weekend here, and I've spent it in denial that I'm a student who needs to study. I've thoroughly enjoyed not thinking about school though, but I know it's going to come back and haunt me. Probably when I'm sitting in my sociology exam next Saturday and wishing that I'd been concentrating more on my lecture notes than the kitchen!

Actually, I might just get brownie points from that lecturer. We have her lecture on Friday afternoon from 4pm-6pm. It'd be an easy one to miss, and many people do. I've never skipped it though and a few times have felt a little lonely in the vast lecture theatre, with there sometimes only being 6-10 students of the 300 that should be there. I love the lecturer though, she's a midwife and often lets it slip that she is a big water birth and home birth fan. Anyway, last Friday was a guest speaker, we didn't find out until the last minute who it was or what they were talking about. Turns out it was a nutritionist who was doing a 2 hour lecture on the merits of a preservative and organic diet. We already have minimal preservatives in the house, and limit what the kids consume in the way of numbers. I've dabbled with organic, but always get shunted back to regular because of the cost. I do try to buy as much organic fruit and veg from the market, but even then I'm tempted by the cheaper alternatives.

I loved the lecture and after hearing all the scientific reasons that organically grown food is better, I vowed that I'd try even harder to buy it. I was all motivated after the lecture, and ready to spend this weeks grocery money on as much certified organically grown produce as I could. Duane was spending the weekend playing golf, so the kids and I ventured out on Sunday to the organic market in Miami. It's only a small market, but we managed to fill a few green bags with what we wanted. The kids picked out some organic and preservative free apricots to consume in the car. They weren't even phased that they were a black colour, not the preserved orange colour they normally are.

Next we headed to the organic supermarket that our lecturer had talked up. The kids have been enjoying chia seeds on their breakfasts for a few months, so I was pleased to see a big bag of that on sale. I also got some cheap Miessence deodorant and lots of yummy organic fruit and veg. Just as I was filling up a brown paper bag with Tassie sebago potatoes, I looked up and realised my lecturer was walking in the door! She recognised me and was so excited that I had obviously taken enough interest in the lecture and was buying some organic products. We chatted for a bit and she talked to the kids, commenting on how well behaved they were.

After our purchases, the kids and I headed out to the mall playground. Grace and Xav had a blast running around, whilst I sat huddled in the corner eating a piece of yoghurt covered almond slice that I had smuggled into the shopping!

Next we headed over for a turn on the merry go round, which both kids were very excited about.

Monday was also spent revolved around food. Both kids and I have spent the majority of the day in the kitchen. First we made chicken stock from a left over roast chicken, which we later turned into vegie and noodle soup for dinner. We also made soy and linseed bread to go with it, which was just delicious freshly out of the oven in time for dinner. We also made a wholemeal date loaf for the Autumn festival up at Grace's pre-school tomorrow afternoon and a big batch of Anzac biscuits to last the week. I used a new recipe for the Anzac's, one that substituted the butter for olive oil and they are just beautiful! There were so many, so I've put some away in the freezer for lunch boxes when the others run out. I nearly almost forgot we also made a batch of mini choc chip muffins, which were yummy! Little mouth fulls of chocolate goodness, with a gooey centre!

We also had a go at making paper, which surprisingly is not that hard! Grace made some pink love heart paper and Xav made some white squares, all out of rough copies of my communication essay!

I also wanted to put some photos of my gorgeous daughter. She has been hassling me for some sticker earrings, so Thursday night I took her shopping and after 3 solid hours we finally found some she was happy with. She LOVES them and is constantly feeling and checking that they are still there. She wanted me to take some photos of her with them in, and of course I obliged. She is such a little poser and most of the time loves the camera.

Over this weekend, I'm sure she's matured again. I was told that the year from 4-5 was time for huge growth - both physically and emotionally. I just never thought I'd see it happen right before my eyes.

Now, I really should get back to study. I've got another essay to start, an exam next Saturday to study for, group presentation to finish and I really need to go back over all the notes for muscles. Gosh, I though bones were tough - Nothing on muscles!

Almost a millionaire

I was almost a millionaire.

Almost had to spend days searching for my dream house & furnishing it perfectly - complete with humungous vegie patch, horse and an orchard.

I nearly got to go to several banks and pay off the mortgage of all my closest friends and family, then present them with their deeds in a frame.

Hubby nearly got to call work and give his notice, then spend his days being a stay-at-home dad who volunteered and spent lazy days on the golf course.

I was > - < close to being able to travel the world as I pleased, taking the kids to winter in Canada, safari in South Africa and any where else that took my fancy.

BUT it all came down to 1 measly number. 1 number stopped all of those ^^^^ dreams.

My husband told me today that he always buys a powerball ticket when he goes on holidays, in the hope that he wins enough money and doesn't have to go back to work. He could just extend the holiday indefinitely. It's not like he doesn't enjoy his job, but it's physically tough and hey, who wouldn't want the option to not have to go to work.

Anyway, today he fronted up to the newsagent and presented his ticket. "Can you check my loosing ticket" He asked. "Sure, but I hope it's a winner for you" answered the friendly shop assistant. She scanned it then looked over at his and smiled "Well, I can't give you that much, you'll have to wait for the cheque", she then said very excitedly. "You've won about $4700, but the bad news is you were 1 number off winning about 8 million dollars" Doh!

I'm stoked about winning nearly 5 grand. Within 5 minutes of Duane telling me the good news, I had mentally done up a wish list, and there wasn't much change.

First thing on the agenda is a service and air-con for the car. Next is the study cupboards done exactly how I want, and also a new solar hot water service. Duane's asked for $500 play money, not sure what he wants it for, but he never spends money so I couldn't really say no hey! The rest (if there is any!!) will go in the kids school account. It's already looking healthy, but considering schooling is going to be a large on-going cost, it needs to be supersized.

Oh, and the number that he missed out. 35. It's his age.

Weekend projects

The sight of Christmas decorations in the shops has started to scare me a little. Not to mention that today is November, which means I have Grace's 4th birthday creeping up too fast and then to organise the loot for the big red guy in December. Gosh where do the months disappear too?

I've decided to try my hardest to have a mainly handmade Christmas. I've already got a few small things for my kids, but have a few ideas for other things I can make for them. I'm making some special little things for all the kids I normally buy for, which I excitedly got started on Saturday.

Making presents takes so much time and patience, much harder than just popping into a shop, grabbing something and wrapping it up, but I really love giving someone something that I have made especially for them. My main motivation though is trying to avoid the over-consumerism that often comes around this time of the year. It's so hard not to get caught up in the rush of it all, which for me just ends up buying for the sake of buying. I set out with all good intentions and short lists, but soon enough I spot things that would just be "perfect" for so and so, only to get home and realise that their present was already sitting in the cupboard. I also find that buying for kids tends to end up being plastic junk that gets played with a few times and then tossed to the side. So much waste and "stuff" filling up out houses, when it's not really needed.

Anyway, that's what I'm doing to ease my guilt. I figure if I start now and do a little every few days, I wont have to do crash the midnight sales for the presents I didn't get around to doing!

So Saturday was spent sewing and crafting. My Mil came up and the lovely women has cut a pattern of my favourite Maxi dress and has been busy sewing up another one out of some beautiful material I bought from spotlight. She's ironing out the kinks in the pattern, getting it perfect and then I'm going to do have a go at making a few by myself! So for $50 for material and a bit of time, I'm going to have 4 new dresses. I've also bought a bit extra material to make matching mini-me dresses for Grace. A little Naff, but I'm sure this is the only time in my life that I'll be able to pull off the same dress as my daughter!

Today we spent the day in the yard and also checking out some nurseries for 2 little projects we have going.

Firstly, we really want to screen off our back fence. It's ugly and if you catch it on the right angle, you can see through to the neighbours, which means that if they catch it at the right angle, they could potentially see me taking a nudie run to the clothesline. Not something I should be subjecting people too. We only want a plant or hedge that comes out about half a metre, but grows to about 2 mtrs. Seems bamboo might be the way to go, and very quick growing so that will appease the impatient side of me that needs things now, now, now!!

Our second project is part of Grace's birthday present. I've been waiting for years to build her a fairy garden, so we have allocated a section of the back yard that is going to be converted into a pretty little flowering garden for all the fairy's to congregate. She's going to have a Fairy Garden party for her 4th birthday coming up, so to avoid crazy amounts of presents we are asking everyone to buy a special plant or something for the garden. Grace is so excited about it being finished, even telling me tonight that's what she dreams about of a night - her special Fairy garden. I have big plans for it, so stay tuned for plenty of pics of the work in progress.

Well it's 9.30pm and my little Grace just stumbled out of bed all bleary eyed. She has asked me to come hop in bed with her for a cuddle and the lure of sleeping all snuggly with my little girl is enough to drag me away from the laptop.

Goodnight.

Home

Well the kids and I are all home, after a great holiday to Tas. Everything went brilliantly, and this was the first trip that I wasn't crying on the phone to Duane and wanting to come home early. I could easily have stayed another week and still not have had a scrap of homesickness.


The kids were perfect angels the whole time, I only wanted to donate the big one to charity for about 5 minutes. Peak time in Sydney airport with 2 energetic kids and lots of energetic is a recipe for disaster!

We got home to an immaculately clean house at about 10pm Sunday night. Only stayed clean enough for us all to dump our luggage and spread out the paraphernalia that comes with having kids. Soon enough the house had that "lived in" look again and poor Duane looked slightly peeved that all his hard work was being trashed. It was a quick change into Pj's and straight to bed for a very exhausted Mummy & 2 kiddies.

It's been a busy few days. I had a dentist appointment on Wednesday and am now the proud owner of a gigantic whole where my molar once was. I'd been having trouble with the gum getting infected all the time, but at my last trip to the dentist she thought that it was just an infection in the tooth and if that cleared up the molar could be saved. Well she did a temporary filling, but still the gum kept getting infected so there was no use even attempting the permanent filling, so out it came yesterday.

I was all brave going by myself, practicing my calm breathing as he approached with a gigantic needle. The needle stung a little, but it was the 10 minutes of dragging on the tooth to extract it that caused the most pain. He had the tooth by the pliers and was pulling it from side to side to loosen it, but the problem was the metal from the pliers was causing friction on my lips and burning them. Not a pleasant feeling, but one I just had to put up with until the tooth gave way and came out.

Finally after what seemed like forever, the huge molar came free. It was enormous, with such deep, long roots. The anaesthetic was kind to me for an hour or so, but then the aching started. I just came home, shoved my mouth full of gauze and went to sleep. The adrenaline in the needles leaves me shaky and exhausted and not capable of doing anything but lay around feeling sorry for myself. It ached all night and all the next day, not to mention the disgusting feeling of swallowing blood and having a gross infection taste permanently in my mouth. It was pulled on Wednesday, it's now Friday and still aching all day. The gaping big hole is just revolting, everything I eat gets stuck in it and I am constantly having to flush it out.

Another big thing happened this week that was very exciting. I got to listen to Sarah J Buckley speak at a Friends of The Birth Centre meeting. She came down to talk to us about birth, focusing mainly on the important roles that hormones play. She's amazing and so knowledgeable on birth, breastfeeding and babies, it was awesome listening to her. I was slightly tragic and got her to sign my copy of her book (Big W $18.43, BARGAIN!).

Oh, and I almost forgot THE MOST exciting thing that happened this week. My friend Trudy has asked me to be a support person at her birth at the end of July! Trude was at Xav's birth being my very own paparazzi and capturing every moment perfectly. She's also having her little boy at the BC, and with the same midwife that I had. I am just so thrilled that I get to share in the journey of birth again, the experience of welcoming a new baby is just the best.

I have 2 posts that I am frantically trying to finish - Lucienne's birth & our trip to Tas, so I best get back to them!

January 8th Photo

Frangipanis would have to be one of my favourite flowers, it's got the whole beautiful flower thing down pat - smells gorgeous and looks great.

So of course when we were doing up the front yard, I wanted plenty of frangipanis planted. Now this was ages ago, way before human children - when it was just Duane and I with our "fur" babies. Seems the dogs liked the look of the bare frangipani tree and most afternoons we would come home to a hole and 2 dogs playing tug-of-war with what looked like a stick. Everyday I would re-plant it again, only to find the same scene over and over again.

That got tiring, so we put up a side fence and kept the mutts out of the front area. Now my beautiful frangipani sticks could really flourish without the risk of being mauled every day, and they did. I have 3 that have grown into the most gorgeous trees, all flowering too. They look devine and I never tire of inhaling their beautiful scent.

The above pic was taking just after an afternoon shower. It's not as sharp as I would have liked, but I love the colour and the few droplets of rain on it.

Yipee! We have eggs!

The chicken above would have to be the skittiest around. She is so flighty - never wanting to be patted or picked up. Now this could have something to do with being chased around by an over excited toddler or boxed into corners by a very confident pre-schooler, but still with us big ones she has always been a bit of a worry wart.

So I had written her off as just the 3rd wheel in the hen house, not there for her personality, good looks or potential eeg laying abilities - maybe just to appease my desire for a chocolate animal, preferably a Labrador but I settled for the Silky.

Imagine my surprise when this crazy creature decided to bestow on us one of her beautifully fresh eggs. Would you believe that we found it right in the middle of Grace's birthday party - just as I was getting Bertha (the black one) out for a cuddle/maul from the kids I noticed a shiny white object glittering in the nesting box.


"It's an egg, Oh My and Egg, our very first one" I exclaimed excitedly before getting suspicious of everyone, for sure that someone had planted one in there. Nope, it seems that my little Silky is a clever little chook after all. She has since laid everyday since except for Tuesday. Not bad for a nervous thing, 5 eggs already!!!


I'm sure that she had performance anxiety on Tuesday. The poor thing didn't get a moments peace from me peering in on her ever second, wanting to witness the arrival of the egg. I have manage to catch her laying the last 2 days though. She just sits there, letting me pat her and no doubt wishing that I would rack off. Today I went out just as she was getting of the nest, I picked up the egg and it was still so warm. Nature is beautiful isn't it?


So we have 4 eggs in the fridge at the moment. I used one in the tuna patties the other night and it was so exciting to know that it came from our chook!


I just hope the others get a wriggle on so that we can start enjoying some free-range egg breakfasts or some homemade quiches!

Splish Splash

The day has been heavy and humid.

I have spent the afternoon in the kitchen busily finishing of the caousel cake for Grace's little party tomorrow, beads of sweat rolling down my legs. I watched out the window as a the sky got darker and the air grew still.

Then it came. Only a few claps of thunder, but enough to scare the wits out of the dogs. The rain was coming in sideways - in through the open toilet and bathroom windows. As quickly as it started it stopped, with no relief from the muggy, sticky air.

The kids and I went outside to check out any damage - it was there that I spotted a large puddle PERFECT for jumping in. The kids were stripped off and told to go for it.

I looked like so much fun that I had to refrain from scaring the neighbours and jumping in myself.

Baking and babysitting

I've had a very productive and busy day today!

We are having a party on Sunday for my little Princess who is turning the big 3 on Thursday. I've made 4 cakes (1 for playgroup, 1 for kindy and 2 for the "party cake"), 18 cupcakes, 24 egg and bacon pies, 24 mini meat pies, 48 mini quiches and organised a roast chicken dinner for tonight. PHEW!!

I am hot, sweaty and just trying to work up the motivation to clean up the huge mess that is stacked high in the kitchen. The dishwasher and oven are certainly getting a workout today, they have both been going flat out since about 9am.

I should also mention that I have 3 kidlets to amuse today. Miss Malia has joined us for an all-day play date as her Mummy has the horrible cold that is going around and welcomed the offer of a toddler free day. The kids have been fantastic, mostly playing outside in the sandpit or bouncing around on the trampoline. Malia and Grace call them self the "trampoline girls", yelling it out as they bounce around. I also got a second-hand cosy coupe yesterday so they have been zooming around the yard on that, turning the cubby house into a petrol station and filling the tank up with water. They are all on there best behaviour, AND no I am most definately not bribing them with cake-mix laden beaters!!!

I think I've also been duped into a false sense of life with 3 children. They have all been playing so well and can you believe that my house is silent. Yes, all 3 children easily went down for their afternoon naps at about 1.15pm. Xav didn't go until about 1.45pm, but I just set him up watching his beloved playschool whilst I put both girls to bed. I put them in my bed, read a few stories and then layed down with my hand on each one. Malia didn't have her dummy so I got a new one of Xav's out for her, she wasn't impressed - throwing it across the room in disgust, "No dummy". Grace asked me to sing one of her favourite songs for her, Beautiful Boy. I sung it over and over with my eyes closed, peeking out occasionally to check if eyelids where getting heavy. Malia dropped off, so I then rolled over to Grace. She drifted off after a little while longer, then I snuck out. Grace must have woke at some stage, cause the next time I checked she was curled up asleep in her bed.

I'm so happy that most of the party food is already done. Now I just have to decorate the cakes and make the rest of the morning tea food then it's all done!!!

I'm not sure who is the most exited about the up-coming birthday & party, Grace or me. I can't wait to see her reaction when she sets eyes on her new dolls house. It's every little girls dream and I'm sure (well I hope!) that she will spend lots of time playing with it.

Birthdays are so exciting for a 3 y/o, they really get the whole concept of it - not just interested in the paper and box. She's picked out her cake and helped decide on what games we are doing for her party. We have about 18 adults and 10 kids coming, which is just about as much as our little house could handle. I would have loved to invite all her little friends from playgroup and mothers group, but it just gets too many. I did let her choose 1 friend to invite and there was no hesitation, she immediately picked Cassie. Grace and Cass are great friends, seeing each other twice a week and Grace talks non-stop about Cassie when she is at home. Always wanting to know if she can go see her or pretending to be calling her on the phone. They were born a day apart and both very similar in their interests and mannerisms. It helps that Jen and I are so similar too and get on fantastically, so I highly approve of her choice of "first best friend".

Ok, I think my peace and quiet time is coming to an end. I can hear one of the children rise, so no doubt the other 2 are to follow. We have a jam packed and fun filled afternoon planned - making jelly, painting and making lady birds out of egg cartons.

Our Chickadees

Well after a few weeks of hammering, drilling, gluing, swearing and cursing the chook house is now complete. I am extremely happy with how it has turned out, and mighty proud of myself for doing most of it! It was actually quite therapeutic taking all my frustrations out on the nails as I bashed them in. It's 3 mtr long, 1 mtr high and 1 mtr wide. Big enough for the kids to go into and have a play with the chooks, and also roomy enough that the chooks could stay in there most of the time and be happy.

I had one end of the wood propped up on the saw horse and the other on the outdoor table! With a lot of moving and maneuvering I finally got it to this stage by myself. Wendy helped me by amusing the kids and holding the wood in place if it got a little tricky.

It was hilarious and no doubt a very unconventional way of building a chook house, but it all turned out AND it seems sturdy. I started off drilling, but the drill was a bit too powerful for me and kept kicking back and throwing itself around, so I packed away all the drill bits and screws and decided to try nails instead.

Using the nails was alot easier, except the stupid wood had so many knots in it, which made it difficult to belt the nails into some places. So each time I couldn't get a nail all the way in, I just bashed it onto it's side. Didn't look that great, but I have embraced it as the "features" of my chook house.
The kids each had a go hitting the nails in and loving every minute of it. When it was just a frame I threw a sheet over the top and made a cubby out of it for them to play in.

Duane helped me with getting the hinges on and hanging the doors, you know the easy stuff!!

~~The kids laying down the straw~~

And here it is all finished:

Next step was getting some lovely little girls to go in it. I called around yesterday to see which of the hatcheries had point of lays available. I was told to get Lowman Browns as they are good egg producers and great for the kids. Unfortunately they wouldn't be available for another week or so, and me being the impatient person that I am didn't want to have an empty chook house for that long. So I found a place that had black Australorps available and they would be ready to lay within the next month. Sounded perfect to me, so once Duane got home from golf we headed out to pick 2 up. The lady selling them had them all ready for us. however on the car ride over Duane and I had discussed (ok, maybe it was just me!) getting some younger hens, so that they would get used to the kids and hopefully be better pets. I mentioned this to the lady and she told us that she had some 6 weekers that would be fine to go straight outside, but they wouldn't be ready to lay for another 5 months or so.

We wandered around and had a look at them. So, so cute! I had made up my mind by then that I would like a hen that would lay soon and also one of the cute and cuddly babies. I then mentioned to her that I always have wanted a silkie hen, well 'lo and behold she had a gorgeous little black one right there to sell too. Duane was getting a little nervous at this stage, after reluctantly agreeing to chickens in the first place and now being faced with me requesting 3. The chook lady chatted a bit and convinced him that 3 was a good number, they are easy to care for and much better to put them all together at the start. So it was decided, we were taking 3 chickens.

Here are our 3 newest little babies:
I did ask Grace what she would like to call them, she first suggested "Allah", I really didn't think that was appropriate though. She then suggested "Ballerina" for the black one and "Silky Oak" for the little Silkie. We had already decided to call one "Henny Penney", so that name is going to the baby. Duane being oh so funny suggested Red Rooster and KFC. I don't think so.

So at this stage the baby has a name and the others are nameless until we all decide on something that doesn't use 11 special herbs and spices or is a religious leader.

And here is how they all slept last night. I know it's hard to make out but the silkie is on top of the food container and the baby is on top of her. The black one has it's bum sticking out of the nesting box. Later on though they changed over and the baby went into the nesting box with the black one and the silkie hoped on the roost.

They are all eating and behaving nicely. The black one has taken to mothering Henny, not letting the silkie go anywhere near her and keeping her close. Silkie is a bit skittish and randomly just runs up and down the cage, crazy thing. The chook lady did say that if the Silkie gets broody to go back and get some fertilised eggs for her to sit on, then when they hatch to take them back. I know Grace would love to see baby chicken hatch, so I'll definatley keep that in mind.

So far I'm loving the chooks. We have spent the afternoon and morning just watching them and their funny little antics. Grace and Xav have gone in their house a few times and sat down with them, its great cause the kids aren't scared of the chooks and the chooks so far seem ok with the kids. Grace loves picking up Henny and giving her a cuddle. Xav pats them all, and is trying to get the courage to pick them up - except he giggles too much to do it!