Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Oh what a week!
Already struggling to remember all of the events of this week. I guess it is best to just recall the highlights anyway :)
Our very precious friends visited from Canberra!!! Flynn had to have some follow up surgery- minor we are glad to say. But stressful for him non the less. It is always good to see my dear friend Lisa too- we know each other so well. We have so little time together these days but nothing will ever change the fact that we have faced the same fears, joys and triumphs, and will face and share the same issues in the future. Lisa was terribly naughty and sneaky though and managed to pay for our dinner. I am still reeling from the fact that I ate PORK!! Ewwwwww still squeamish thinking about it. It's not that I can't, but I just don't like the idea. Yuck!!! It certainly didn't kill me, although poor Eric was up through the night vomiting. He swears that he will never eat Chinese food or drink Baileys again- how sad...tragic even!!! He is still struggling to overcome aching limbs and a sore head. The fabulous Chinese food is not to blame- the rest of us are perfectly fine. Thank goodness! All I could think about at 1am, while poor Eric chucked his guts up, was that we all had food poisoning and that Flynn would miss surgery! I missed sleep over it...but also comforted my poor, sickly husband too ;) I had even decided that the evil pork was to blame :)
What a lovely distraction in our busy week. I obviously could not even consider writing reports while we had fabulous house guests! This week has been no different from any other, but listing the things I do in a day may have been a bad idea. It has just drawn attention to the fact that I am a poor manager of time and I am clearly no good at organising myself. It's silly that I try to fit so much into one day, week, month...why do I do that??
I shall ponder that when I have bit more time ;)
So our weekend...
Campbell wanted to give respite another try. Despite our reluctance at him going in the first place- he hassled. He liked the first visit with his school mates, but the second one was less successful. This time, however, he was blissfully oblivious to how lost we feel without him, and how guilty we feel about sending him off to something called respite! We have decided, as a family, to call it CAMP instead. Respite sounds like somebody wants to get away from somebody else. None of us actually feel that way, but we do all enjoy an opportunity to enjoy our own interests.
That means that Campbell go to watch Pay TV as much as he likes, go shopping to buy new books, to go to the arcade to play 'Deal or no Deal' (without me over his shoulder telling him that he shouldn't take the first deal) and most importantly time with his school friends.
The rest of the family do the stuff that Cams really dislikes...visiting Museums, going to the movies (too loud and boring apparently) and staying up late. So we tried to fit in as much as we could.
We watched Drew play soccer - he played well! We then drove into the city to see the Narnia Exhibition at the Powerhouse- I bought us a family membership so that we could visit as much as we like. This also means that we have free entry to lots of other great venues- particularly in Canberra- watch out Robbo's!!!
From there we made a mad dash to see 'The Avenger's' in 3D in George St. Drew and Joe have been desperate to see it, but Campbell couldn't think of anything worse. In fact, I was a bit reluctant too, but it was fun after all. I like Hulk best :)
Next we walked down to Circular Quay for 'Vivid'. It was fantastic! Loved it all and there was a fun vibe in the air. The screaming wall should be something we remember for many years to come! After soaking up the Opera House awesomeness we found a water taxi back to Darling Harbour. Yes this day did cost us a bomb! Despite free entry to the Powerhouse, the parking, movies and water taxi was a small fortune!
We got back to Darling Harbour in time for a Lindt hot chocolate before the 8.30pm fireworks. What an amazing finale!
We packed heaps into one day and it was such a great day. The best of it was that Cams was having a ball with his mates. He was so sweet and charming on the phone, thanking me for the treats I hid in his bag. He is so grown up now with his deep voice (although the deep bit is a little unpredictable at the moment). He loved his time away and can't wait to go back- even though Eric was quick to suggest that one night away is enough, and I was quick to agree. We were mean enough to not let him go to year 7 camp this year, so we should probably try to relax about his Northcott 'camps'...we are working on it!!
Today was more soccer, and then a trip to the shops for essentials like bread, milk........ Clarins moisturisers and European pillow covers to match our quilt cover (they were on sale and I didn't buy them in the first place because it felt a bit indulgent) Although it was a bit early, we all agreed that we should go and get Campbell. He was a bit disappointed that we were so early and that he was the first to go home....but he will just have to be flexible while we all get used to this whole CAMP thing.
The afternoon was ours to enjoy home before the start of an inevitably busy week. That meant Pumpkin soup, time on the wii, 'On the buses' and catching up on 'Offspring'. Ahhh lovely to have time to breathe, but that just means more to face tomorrow! Looking forward to 'Eurovision' tonight- wow another obstacle in my reports path. I should probably just surrender...reports WILL get done like they always do and I will be cursing 'weekend me' during the week..
Thankyou for reading my blog! I only have a few followers but the statistics show that many more are reading...for whatever reason. My Adelaide blog seems to get a huge number of hits??? I love writing and find it very cathartic at the end of each busy week. I am pleased that somebody reads it, even if they don't officially follow. I appreciate your interest.
Our very precious friends visited from Canberra!!! Flynn had to have some follow up surgery- minor we are glad to say. But stressful for him non the less. It is always good to see my dear friend Lisa too- we know each other so well. We have so little time together these days but nothing will ever change the fact that we have faced the same fears, joys and triumphs, and will face and share the same issues in the future. Lisa was terribly naughty and sneaky though and managed to pay for our dinner. I am still reeling from the fact that I ate PORK!! Ewwwwww still squeamish thinking about it. It's not that I can't, but I just don't like the idea. Yuck!!! It certainly didn't kill me, although poor Eric was up through the night vomiting. He swears that he will never eat Chinese food or drink Baileys again- how sad...tragic even!!! He is still struggling to overcome aching limbs and a sore head. The fabulous Chinese food is not to blame- the rest of us are perfectly fine. Thank goodness! All I could think about at 1am, while poor Eric chucked his guts up, was that we all had food poisoning and that Flynn would miss surgery! I missed sleep over it...but also comforted my poor, sickly husband too ;) I had even decided that the evil pork was to blame :)
What a lovely distraction in our busy week. I obviously could not even consider writing reports while we had fabulous house guests! This week has been no different from any other, but listing the things I do in a day may have been a bad idea. It has just drawn attention to the fact that I am a poor manager of time and I am clearly no good at organising myself. It's silly that I try to fit so much into one day, week, month...why do I do that??
I shall ponder that when I have bit more time ;)
So our weekend...
Campbell wanted to give respite another try. Despite our reluctance at him going in the first place- he hassled. He liked the first visit with his school mates, but the second one was less successful. This time, however, he was blissfully oblivious to how lost we feel without him, and how guilty we feel about sending him off to something called respite! We have decided, as a family, to call it CAMP instead. Respite sounds like somebody wants to get away from somebody else. None of us actually feel that way, but we do all enjoy an opportunity to enjoy our own interests.
That means that Campbell go to watch Pay TV as much as he likes, go shopping to buy new books, to go to the arcade to play 'Deal or no Deal' (without me over his shoulder telling him that he shouldn't take the first deal) and most importantly time with his school friends.
The rest of the family do the stuff that Cams really dislikes...visiting Museums, going to the movies (too loud and boring apparently) and staying up late. So we tried to fit in as much as we could.
We watched Drew play soccer - he played well! We then drove into the city to see the Narnia Exhibition at the Powerhouse- I bought us a family membership so that we could visit as much as we like. This also means that we have free entry to lots of other great venues- particularly in Canberra- watch out Robbo's!!!
From there we made a mad dash to see 'The Avenger's' in 3D in George St. Drew and Joe have been desperate to see it, but Campbell couldn't think of anything worse. In fact, I was a bit reluctant too, but it was fun after all. I like Hulk best :)
Next we walked down to Circular Quay for 'Vivid'. It was fantastic! Loved it all and there was a fun vibe in the air. The screaming wall should be something we remember for many years to come! After soaking up the Opera House awesomeness we found a water taxi back to Darling Harbour. Yes this day did cost us a bomb! Despite free entry to the Powerhouse, the parking, movies and water taxi was a small fortune!
We got back to Darling Harbour in time for a Lindt hot chocolate before the 8.30pm fireworks. What an amazing finale!
We packed heaps into one day and it was such a great day. The best of it was that Cams was having a ball with his mates. He was so sweet and charming on the phone, thanking me for the treats I hid in his bag. He is so grown up now with his deep voice (although the deep bit is a little unpredictable at the moment). He loved his time away and can't wait to go back- even though Eric was quick to suggest that one night away is enough, and I was quick to agree. We were mean enough to not let him go to year 7 camp this year, so we should probably try to relax about his Northcott 'camps'...we are working on it!!The afternoon was ours to enjoy home before the start of an inevitably busy week. That meant Pumpkin soup, time on the wii, 'On the buses' and catching up on 'Offspring'. Ahhh lovely to have time to breathe, but that just means more to face tomorrow! Looking forward to 'Eurovision' tonight- wow another obstacle in my reports path. I should probably just surrender...reports WILL get done like they always do and I will be cursing 'weekend me' during the week..
Thankyou for reading my blog! I only have a few followers but the statistics show that many more are reading...for whatever reason. My Adelaide blog seems to get a huge number of hits??? I love writing and find it very cathartic at the end of each busy week. I am pleased that somebody reads it, even if they don't officially follow. I appreciate your interest.
Drew taking time to enjoy his Bass this afternoon :)Saturday, 19 May 2012
Be Present!
It has been a tough week. I have felt completely overwhelmed since Monday and I am so relieved to say that the week is now over. Will I ever learn that I simply cannot do everything perfectly? Probably not. Anyway I survived the week and thoroughly enjoyed being present when I could this week. At swimming lessons this week I made sure that I caught the boys eyes when they finished their laps and gave them a thumbs up and a smile. It really was so lovely today to soak up the sunshine while watching Drew play soccer. I also got to watch some of my school kids play and chat with them after their game. I loved the cute little tug on my leg and beautiful smile from little Sienna- that smile can brighten up the darkest night! We made friends with a little sweetie who wanted to hang out with us and chat- what a funny little character she was. All this and Drew won his game and more importantly played well and with integrity.
After sunning ourselves all morning we set out to finally find the solution to our freezing cold house. I have refused to add to our electricity usage for the past 4 years. Insulating the house did help a bit but we still needed many layers and blankets to keep the icicles at bay. After much deliberation, questioning and research we made a decision! That holiday to Katoomba played an important role in our research ;) We decided on a metho heater!
I looks sleek and neat but casts that sweet, warm glow. Ahhhh can't wait to sit down with a glass of wine, some fancy cheese and my gorgeous husband to enjoy the glow when the boys are in bed.
Happy days! Stress levels set aside for Monday and the weekend is mine to enjoy.
My Nanna is on the mend and is getting back into being herself. Such a big relief to know that she has maintained that determination that has always kept her going through the tough times.
I have been very spoilt this week with lots of love and kind words from dear friends who could see me struggling to keep on top of my crazy, busy week. Thankyou so much for the chocolate (kept me going until Friday afternoon) the divine flowers and the heartfelt words and cards. My goodness you have all been so precious and supportive and I was only tired and worn out- what a wonderful help you would all be if there was something seriously wrong!!
I was just interrupted by a skype call which has widened my smile tonight. What a lovely day all round. I can't wait to get my hands on the beautiful beflowered tea cozy for our Sunday morning tea and papers. Ohhh what a gorgeous addition to a winter morning.
I wonder what tomorrow will bring :) Now I am off to bask in the flickering glow of my new heater....
After sunning ourselves all morning we set out to finally find the solution to our freezing cold house. I have refused to add to our electricity usage for the past 4 years. Insulating the house did help a bit but we still needed many layers and blankets to keep the icicles at bay. After much deliberation, questioning and research we made a decision! That holiday to Katoomba played an important role in our research ;) We decided on a metho heater!
I looks sleek and neat but casts that sweet, warm glow. Ahhhh can't wait to sit down with a glass of wine, some fancy cheese and my gorgeous husband to enjoy the glow when the boys are in bed.
Happy days! Stress levels set aside for Monday and the weekend is mine to enjoy.
My Nanna is on the mend and is getting back into being herself. Such a big relief to know that she has maintained that determination that has always kept her going through the tough times.
I have been very spoilt this week with lots of love and kind words from dear friends who could see me struggling to keep on top of my crazy, busy week. Thankyou so much for the chocolate (kept me going until Friday afternoon) the divine flowers and the heartfelt words and cards. My goodness you have all been so precious and supportive and I was only tired and worn out- what a wonderful help you would all be if there was something seriously wrong!!
I was just interrupted by a skype call which has widened my smile tonight. What a lovely day all round. I can't wait to get my hands on the beautiful beflowered tea cozy for our Sunday morning tea and papers. Ohhh what a gorgeous addition to a winter morning.
I wonder what tomorrow will bring :) Now I am off to bask in the flickering glow of my new heater....
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Mother's Day
A lovely Mother's Day.
My gorgeous Mum gave ME flowers. They are the most perfect roses. The card that came with them made me cry xxx
I pottered around to make our cute $10 desk ready for writing, drawing and crafting.
We made Mum a present in a bottle. I was a bit ambitious about how much I would actually fit in there... so she had to have a gift bag too :)
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Positive thinking :)
This weekend has been full of socialising and creativity- perfect!
I am over being a big, fat whinger and decided that it is just not worth letting the crazy, busy life we live get me down. I am going to make the most of it and recognise that I do actually like to keep busy- so moving on and getting over myself.
It was lovely to see very special friends this weekend and visiting a favourite place- Warragamba. Funny old Warra- it changes, but not really. Some of the shops have changed hands or moved up the road (same shop different address) but it is still the same old friendly little town. Even after moving away 4 years ago we saw familiar cars and familiar faces driving them- I recognised the number plates as they drove by. I miss that. It was a bit sad to realise that our old house is back on the market. I checked it out online and our renos are still looking very current and haven't dated at all (and advertised as new!!!) We did the kitchen and bathroom 5 years ago ;) How proud we felt...but mostly sad. Our beloved first house that we bought so that Campbell had a real home to welcome him from his long stay in hospital.
I had some fun with the sewing machine again yesterday and had a go at not only a zipper but also a press stud! Yay me :) Very basic I know but I was excited and pleased that I had fun while sitting at a sewing machine- who'd have thought....
Just look at the treasures I found in Nanna's sewing box when I finally got to sorting it out.
We had a wonderful day in the sun today to celebrate a 1st Birthday- I always feel very special to be included in big events like that. Campbell was his very charming self, chatting up lovely ladies and kissing babies. A career in politics may on the cards for our boy!! I had to try to keep the brakes locked on that wheelchair or he'd have happily done the rounds at the whole Ettamogah! Thankyou to our lovely friends for a wonderful day.
On top of this lovely weekend of rest and relaxation, I yet again realise that am blessed with some very special friends. Friends who constantly remind me of the wonderful things I have to be grateful for. Friends who allow me to lean on their shoulder when I need to. Friends who sweep me up in exciting news and wonderful events. Friends who love me for all my faults, insecurities and bad days. Friends who send me the most divine flowers unexpectedly, just to remind me of the things I should be grateful for. I know how lucky and I am, but thank you friends for reminding of the many, many reasons I have to feel lucky.
Lucky me :)
I am over being a big, fat whinger and decided that it is just not worth letting the crazy, busy life we live get me down. I am going to make the most of it and recognise that I do actually like to keep busy- so moving on and getting over myself.
It was lovely to see very special friends this weekend and visiting a favourite place- Warragamba. Funny old Warra- it changes, but not really. Some of the shops have changed hands or moved up the road (same shop different address) but it is still the same old friendly little town. Even after moving away 4 years ago we saw familiar cars and familiar faces driving them- I recognised the number plates as they drove by. I miss that. It was a bit sad to realise that our old house is back on the market. I checked it out online and our renos are still looking very current and haven't dated at all (and advertised as new!!!) We did the kitchen and bathroom 5 years ago ;) How proud we felt...but mostly sad. Our beloved first house that we bought so that Campbell had a real home to welcome him from his long stay in hospital.
I had some fun with the sewing machine again yesterday and had a go at not only a zipper but also a press stud! Yay me :) Very basic I know but I was excited and pleased that I had fun while sitting at a sewing machine- who'd have thought....
Just look at the treasures I found in Nanna's sewing box when I finally got to sorting it out.
We had a wonderful day in the sun today to celebrate a 1st Birthday- I always feel very special to be included in big events like that. Campbell was his very charming self, chatting up lovely ladies and kissing babies. A career in politics may on the cards for our boy!! I had to try to keep the brakes locked on that wheelchair or he'd have happily done the rounds at the whole Ettamogah! Thankyou to our lovely friends for a wonderful day.
On top of this lovely weekend of rest and relaxation, I yet again realise that am blessed with some very special friends. Friends who constantly remind me of the wonderful things I have to be grateful for. Friends who allow me to lean on their shoulder when I need to. Friends who sweep me up in exciting news and wonderful events. Friends who love me for all my faults, insecurities and bad days. Friends who send me the most divine flowers unexpectedly, just to remind me of the things I should be grateful for. I know how lucky and I am, but thank you friends for reminding of the many, many reasons I have to feel lucky.
Lucky me :)
Thursday, 3 May 2012
How does she do it?
I don't know!!! How am I supposed to do it?
I have had so much come up this week and I am really starting to wonder how I AM supposed to do it. I wonder how badly I am doing it and how I am supposed to do it any better. Talking to amazing women who do so much and admit how hard it is makes me wonder if we set expectations way too high. Some people are very critical of everything we do and then comes a shining light- HURRAY! I am so grateful for those special stars that come along to celebrate the effort and the honesty.
I have to be honest and admit that some days my smile is not totally honest. Some days I am trying really, really hard to simple make it through the day.
Thankyou to the positive friends who are true and make it all worth while.
I have had so much come up this week and I am really starting to wonder how I AM supposed to do it. I wonder how badly I am doing it and how I am supposed to do it any better. Talking to amazing women who do so much and admit how hard it is makes me wonder if we set expectations way too high. Some people are very critical of everything we do and then comes a shining light- HURRAY! I am so grateful for those special stars that come along to celebrate the effort and the honesty.
I have to be honest and admit that some days my smile is not totally honest. Some days I am trying really, really hard to simple make it through the day.
Thankyou to the positive friends who are true and make it all worth while.
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