The Meanest Mother in the World....

My children are in punishment. We've had a lot of 'treat' food stolen of late and this morning was the straw that broke the camels back - a whole cheese cake and chocolate Bavarian went missing from the freezer!!! So in punishment they go - yes all 3 of the older children, they all point fingers at each other and no one takes responsibility so we have the motto here "one in all in" if they are going to act like this. It's obviously one, two or all of them.. but to have them all blame each other **sigh** makes our job rather tough to be judge and jury and I can't continue to cast a blind eye to this kind of behaviour... So they don't get to watch their TV shows for the rest of the week, no computer and no little extras (such as treats etc)

In the midst of the initial grumbles I sent them to their rooms to clean and vacuum them. Kahli came out with a Christmas present from last year that she keeps bringing out when she is meant to be in "punishment" It's like a little bribe "mummy can you help me do this" and the unsaid meaning is "mummy, please help me do this so I can stay out of my room and pretend that I'm not in punishment" So, she tried it again. I once again reminded hr that she was being punished so no fun things at the moment, and to bring it out next week once she has served her punishment (or the perpetrator admits their crime/s) She storms off to her bedroom and throws back at me one of the best compliments I've ever received from anyone. Do you want to know what it was???

It was:

"I've got the meanest mother in the world"

I love that line!! The fact she says it means so much to me!! It's means I'm doing my job, she knows she is being punished for a wrong doing, it means I have respect from my kid in the long run and that she loves me - I know some might find that hard to believe from that line... but in all honesty she wouldn't have said that unless all the above was true!! Especially as she came out 5 minutes later and gave me a hug and apologised for her behaviour.

Anyways it reminds me of this poem that gets sent around in chain-mail...

MEAN MUM

Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them, as my Mean Mum told me:

I loved you enough . . to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.

I loved you enough to make you go pay for the bubble gum you had taken and tell the clerk, "I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it."

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect.

I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.

But most of all, I loved you enough . . . to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.

Those were the most difficult battles of all. I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too. And someday when your children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them.

Was your Mum mean?

I know mine was. We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too.

Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said, we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.

We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labour Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, empty the trash and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.

She always insisted on us telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds and had eyes in the back of her head. Then, life was really tough!

Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them.

Because of our mother, we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's property or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault.

Now that we have left home, we are all educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mum was.

I think that is what's wrong with the world today. It just doesn't have enough mean mums!

Another Week Begins...

**yawn** Sunday, a day of relaxation and reflection.. Hmmm not quite here LOL

The day started at 8am with the kids all excited because they had extra 10 pin bowling practise at gambier Bowl at 9am **yawn** Augh!! What have I got myself into?!?!? They had a blast though... It seems that Aleks in particular takes after his daddy and has some ability. After 4 games in total he's edging towards an average of around 80 already - considering Nathan scored 120's in his games today that means Aleks isn't that far behind!!! Oh and in case junior league for the kids isn't enough Nathan's looking at joining a league as well **sigh** oh well - could be worse.. better to bowl and work some energy off than to be down at the pub excercising his elbow and stretching the belt ;)

So early start (well for a Sunday it was) we got home at 1pm in the end - lunch time... Since then we watched a movie (Hellboy) and now it's time to be getting dinner ready (slow cooker chicken and roast veggies) then hopefully a continuance of relaxing (although looking at the housework around me I seriously doubt it) until bed time - here's hoping ;)

So pretty much I guess an OK start to the week... here's hoping the rest of the weekdays roll around with little stress and we hit another weekend bright, happy and with a twinkle in ones eye (yes rose coloured glasses will be put away one day ;))

Ooooh and we're almost into June already!! Half the year almost gone - where has it disappeared to!?!?!?

Another Scrappy Post...

Yeah well you might already be sick of seeing layouts - but tough hahaha... Here are two more I knocked over today and I have another two challenges to try and complete tomorrow to finish up the monthly challenges over at Scrapbooking Top 50 Australia.

First one is a LO (layout) from this sketch...


And my interpretation is....

By The Seaside

I did have a intricate hand cut flower embellishment from a matching paper to go on the bottom left hand corner, but once it was stuck down I realised I should have raised it, but it was too late. It had to come off and was ruined. I couldn't face all the cutting again so went with the sea grass instead ;)

The second one, well the photo isn't that crash hot as it was taken with a flash, I'll get a better one in daylight tomorrow and update. This one was Judith's challenge. We were set the challenge to include a penant/banner, at least 2 chipboard elements and a multi-alpha title. I've covered both the alpha's and chipboards in my title and taken a bit of a risk with my pennant being the heart pennant - hoping it will qualify - it fits the description of a pennant ;)

I love my Family

Sooo that's it for tonight. Bed is calling and I would dearly love a sleep in in the morning - although highly doubt it will come as the older 3 children have all just joined the junior 10 pin bowling league here in the Mount and Sunday mornings they have $2 games so they are on the hunt for a cheap excursion (well cheap on the surface... start multiplying $2 by 3 then by however many games they can fit in before 10am **yawn** and **hip pocket ouchies** Ahh well.. if it keeps them off the streets and in a hobby (never mind the fact they may actually be good at it - their dad was a junior state rep) I can't complain much about that eh ;)

Night all!!!

Know Your Worth....

I found this when searching for a quote to put on a LO today, it made me think that we really don't know our worth in today's world - especially us stay at home parents... the job we do is so important, yet under-acknowledged and under-respected... I hope you draw as much from this poem as I did....

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have the compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

I Just Don't Understand...

What is going on right now in the world... kids in prams rolling onto train tracks (why was the brake and wrist strap not on?!?!?!) toddlers addicted to cigarettes (OMG - what idiot parents!!! Can't afford Doctors etc, but can afford to keep him in a 40-a-day habit Pffft), Letting toddlers wander out of houses and into streets of a night (why is the house not locked secure?!?!), leaving a baby in the sun until it gets burns over 60% of its body (slip slop slap and shade people!!), let alone people still leaving babies sleeping in cars and letting them die!!!!

Don't people realise that children are not just accessories, they are precious little beings.. they are people themselves!! Why are they not caring for them, respecting them, THINKING!!!! It's so simple to put a brake on a pram (or to have the wrist strap on - that's what it's designed for) To ensure you house is child proof and locked up, to learn to say "no" and to take the baby from their car seat and place in a pram to take with you ro put in their bed - I mean THINK people THINK!!! What the heck is going through their brains to even think that they can let go of a pram when a train (or car, truck, bike, lake etc etc) is close by... To start their child off on cigarettes, to leave a sleeping child unattended - I jsut can't fathom it!!!

It just doesn't make sense to me... but then having lost children (even though unborn) probably makes me more passionate... No, I think not - I think it comes down to being responsible and actually CARING for the child in question. yeah we all have lapses and brain farts, but get real people, these are little human beings. They are in our care for a reason - mostly because they are too little to care for themselves.. If you would want the same thought of you if you were in that pram/bed/car/wheelchair even... Then think of your children!!!

Put the wrist strap on, take them from the car with you, don't let them do something that is dangerous... It's really simple.. it's called being an adult, thinking and being responsible!!!

Augh!! I simply can not fathom what or how these tragedies have happened...

Oh and yes, My house is secure so a toddler can't escape, I do put my prams wrist strap on (and am pedantic about others doing the same), My child is not left in the car when asleep or un-supervised, I do say 'no' to my children and I am a strong supporter of slip slop slap and shade...

I take the responsibilities of being a parent super seriously - and if others see it as overprotective at times let them... I've lost too much and had the risk of losing my earth children several times from different things that I wont even bear to think about what could happen if I would not take this responsibility so seriously...

It's a sad, sad world when children are losing their lives because of silly things like an adults irresponsibility... Very sad...

Let these little souls heal well, not remember the pains they have endured and those that have passed on rest in peace in Gods garden of angels...

xxx

hmmmm

it's been a Hmmm kind of day. Not much happening, but a lot at the same time if that makes sense... I sit here and think where has the time gone, what have I achieved and all my addled brain can come up with is "hmmm" Maybe it's too tired, or totally stifled with thoughts entering and leaving all the time... I hope it's the latter because that would mean I have something ticking over at the moment... But honestly all I can hear is it going "hmmmm"

So with that I think it should get some rest and sleep.... Maybe then I'll get a little more than "hmmm"


Oooook, just noticed something - the time thingy on my post here is really out of whack - hey I had a decent thought LOL Maybe I do have something going on other than "hmmm" after all!!! LOL

Okies, I've obviously not got much happening at the moment to be writing such a stupid blog entry - bet you're glad you wandered in and read this too - not hahaha

Ok, that's it... definitely bed time for this little ooompa loompa!!!!

Putting Things in Order...

That's been my day today. Mostly scrapping bits and pieces, but hey, it's a start :P Well to be honest the house is pretty sorted due to us just moving so doesn't need that much sorting... there's the occasional shuffle when I decide I want something in a slightly different place, but hey, just another joy of moving thing ;)

Soooo today I decided I need another tower of scrapbooking drawers or the like for my papers. that way I'll have one for tools, one for papers and one for embellishments... I was thinking I might have needed a 4th, but I can't remember why - I'm sure it'll come to me eventually LOL

I'm setting myself a scrapping challenge too - I've some gosh awful sequins that have been tossing around with my scrapping stuff the last decade or so and I'm challenging myself to use them. I don't know what I'll do but I'm determined to use some!!! No idea why, but I was thinking I should use them as I sorted them for the umpteenth time (Domenik thinks it's great fun upending them and having it rain sequins **sigh**) Soooo just something to look out for ;)

Anyhoos, I've still not set my menu plan and tomorrow is grocery day - Think I'd better get to work ;)

Until tomorrow - take care all!!!

xxx

Menu Plan Monday :)

And I'm not organised!! Augh!!!!

No excuse really, I've been slack today - however lots of excitement when we checked the post office box....

Firstly - my first scrappy mail for - well.. ages!!! I got some great papers (nice and cheap too) from My2Angels (BTW if you go there and purchase say you were referred by me (Katrina Bricknell) in the commetns box ;) I can highly recommend this scrapboking store - such prompt service and a delightfully generous number of extra's in my parcel - I'm in scrapbook heaven - so much so I've already put in another order **blush** LOL


But secondly and most importantly there was another parcel there... It was a suprise Nathan organised for me... Since we've reconciled I've not had my engagement ring. The stone fell out and it was put away for safe keeping and, well... it was put in a really safe place ;) LOL So I've got my wedding ring, but not it's mate... He'd organised to get a new engagement ring for me!!! I mean there's no real way we can afford it at the moment, but he's put aside money the last few pays without me knowing to replace it for me... He can be a real sweetie at times :) I've got a photo I'll upload soon... But for now he wants to spend time together this evening :) He's not usually this romantic, but little suprises like this show me how much he cares and he wants things to work for us over here :)




OK "awwww" moment over... back to menu planning for a bit whilst he finishes what he is doing on the puter.. then he has my undivided attention for the rest of the evening :)


Oh and now I'm adding photo's I want to add one of Dommy lat night - fast asleep... he really is my gorgeous baby boy, awake or asleep he knows how to melt hearts xxxx

Scrappin' Sunday

Well not much has happened or been achieved really in this household today. I spent the morning feeling hung over, well what I assume feeling hung over must feel like as I've never been drunk to know the real thing LOL. Yesterdays/last nights headache/migraine really bit down and hung on hard - it took some panadeine forte today to finally shake it - well kinda, it's still lurking and I can feel it when my stress levels rise (what would one expect but stress with 3 pre-teens and a mischevious toddler LOL) but we're muddling through ;)

Soo what have I done all day??? Worked on some scrapping :) in between kids stuff, arguments, playing, nappying, feeding, cleaning, refereeing, placating, soothing and general mummying that is - ahhhh what a day!!!

Anyways, here's what I've finished today... I've now completed all 4 cyber crop challenges for Scrapbooking Top 50 Australia, now to get working on the monthly challenges :)

BTW - anyone wanting to get in on scrapbooking again (Kakka, not looking at you in particular - oh wait, yes I am ROFL) go check it out - great friendly and laid back bunch of girls - and soooo helpful!!! Loving them already :)

"Dreamer"

Challenge details - inspiration from the below poster from "Up" movie.

It must include a minimalist/white space approach, bright colours, and a one word title. Sooo My inspiration for this one was the sky and cloud background. I've had the quilted cloud paper laying around since I started scrapping over 10 years ago - it's about time I used it LOL I decided on turning the journeling box into a kite, kind of like the house became during times in the movie.... It also allowed me to add some bright colour which was one of the challenge elements.

The second layout for today is....

"Brothers"

Challenge details - inspiration from the below poster from the "Twilight" movie.

It must be done with Black and White with 1 other colour (I used shades of green), Diecut base and strip journelling. As soon as I saw the poster I knew the photo I was going to use. I've used the poster as a kind of sketch - the photo and title in similar places to the poster.

So voila... work for the day done... off to serve up slow cooked corned beef cooked in ginger beer - very yummy and sooo tender **drool**

More Pondering - oh and a Competition!!!

Alas I'm not in the position to offer a competition myself but on my journeys finding some inspiration and tips from other scrapbooking blogs I've found several that offer competitions and as I've had some comments from some of my followers who scrapbook as well I thought I'd probably start listing some as I stumble upon them :)

Soooo... Competition link for today is to Sweet About Me. She is listing a collection of Kaisercraft "Hey Birdie" stock.. It is divine!!! Lots of bright colours, birdies and trees.. gorgeous for scrapping little girl layouts or your special little bubba's as well ;) You can find out more details via her blog or the direct link to her entry is here - oh and if you happen to be her 200th blog follower she is also offering a special little something ;) I was number 184 so she's getting close to that elusive 200!!!

And yes, I've done some more pondering about looking forward etc today... to the point I've worked myself to a headache, but it was necessary. I'm not disappointed with some of the hard decisions I've had to make in the past 24-48 hours.. in face I feel confident they are the right ones. As I mentioned yesterday, weights have been lifted from off my shoulders so I know they are the right decisions. If I'm to try and build my family into a tight unit that can stand the test of time these things needed to happen, I needed to open my eyes and see things for what they are. I'm over negative influences, victim statuses and the immaturity that seems to have been around me of late... time to shrug it all off and learn to be the bigger person and move forwards - life is for living, not coasting... My new motto I think hahaha

Honestly - it's time I and those around me took stock and started to realise just how much they really do have (and have to look forward to), not dwell on what they have lost or don't have... the past is the past - that is why we put it behind us... Looking forward to the future, head held high is where I want to be and will be!!!

Looking Forward...

As this month has trundled on I find myself looking forward (or up for following the nablopomo theme for may) I'm finding my feet not only in a new town but as a whole person again. Lots of things have happened since we moved a short 5-6 weeks ago...

I'm finding that I still love a lot of old hobbies that have been stashed away for ages because the friends I had around me (not that there were many) weren't interested in the same things. I'm re-finding myself. I'm discovering the more I look inwards that I allowed others to stifle me and tell me how to lead my life - that's not going to happen any more!!! I am going to allow me to be myself - if people don't like that then they don't deserve to have a part in my future... This is how I promise to myself to continue to look forward...

I look forward to breaking out of the coffin I found myself in... It's a coffin as slowly bit by bit I was being stifled, suffocated and I was losing me - I want to find me again, I want to be happy with myself, not because I have a friend or someone with me or because someone liked something I did - I want to actually find me and be content with me being be, no matter what others think!!!

So from here on I promise to myself to continue to find me. I promise to try new things. I promise that I can do things without needing someone else's permission. I promise that I for sure can stand on my own two feet, I can raise my children and be a good partner and generally be happy...

I ultimately promise myself to look forward, to look up and to find myself.. I promise to keep chip[ping away at this depression and to release myself from the suffocating coffin I was finding myself in...

I have a reason to look forward and up.. and I will fight for that reason - and that reason is ME!! I deserve to be happy.. not just to help others find happiness... I'm doing this for me... Because ultimately if I find myself and am happy I will be the best person for my family, my friends and will have a future to enjoy :)

Where that all came from I'm not sure, I guess you can say I've had an epiphany in the last 48 or so hours.... I'm finally standing up for myself and will not be too scared to be there for me, even if it means a good firm look at the people I surround myself with... Sometimes to grow you need to remove the weights around ones neck....

Another Layout Completed....

And it was for a challenge on Scrapbooking Top 50 Australia :)

I'm really happy to have a photo for a girly layout for Kahli - she's such a tom boy!!!

Inspiration has been drawn from this Alice in Wonderland poster:

I drew inspiration from the garden flowers (there's a few crochet flowers dotted throughout) especially using the colours of the mushrooms and blooms for my colour selections. The black flourishes came from the brambles around the poster.

Kahli & Lacy

As for the required challenge elements, there's 3 pages of layering (all hand cut), several handmade crochet flowers and paper flowers also coloured by me and 2 handmade velum butterflies.

It's probably a bit more fussy than I usually do, but was fun to do - Kahli loves it, what more can I ask for?

waiting waiting...

I'm hoping writing here will get the delivery guys who were meant to have been here 20 minutes ago with the final piece of our new lounges to actually arrive... They called me and said they would be 30 mins away **hmph**

Yeps I'm impatient, these are the first bits of furniture we've ever purchased new and I'm really excited to have a nice lounge!!!

Waiting....


Waiting...

Waiting....

hmmmm.. Stinky nappy, guess that will take a few minutes of my time and stop my jumping at every vehicle that drives past ;)






But still waiting.....



...

...And it arrived - 1 hour late... but it's here :)

Slowly Climbing Back Up...

And beating this flu - yaayy!!! However I've been getting headaches in the arvo's - not good timing as it usually coincides with picking the kids up from school.. I wonder if it's a coincidence ROFL

Anyhoos not much happening at the moment besides the usual - Dommy is now back in his cot, but we need to acquire a second cot to join with his to make it bigger. He's beating the bars really badly with his ponsetti brace so obviously needs more room to roll already, so on the search for another wooden cot to bolt to his - thankfully he has a big enough room to put it in!!! He'll be in it until the brace comes off at around 4-5 years of age, things are slightly different when you have children with special needs.. Things like beds and accommodating braces etc are not what regular families have top deal with like this - we never expected to be ion this situation, so are still learning and adjusting.. one step at a time but there is light at the end of the tunnel :)

Nathan has started playing squash tonight. He's not played for a while so could be interesting to see if he can walk in the morning LOL. I'm not sure how all his sport will fit in over here with a family life, but we'll once again grow and learn and adjust as necessary ;)

Head jackhammer has started up again so will leave things at this for now - Until tomorrow...

xxx

The Lucky Country

Ok, enough of the woe is me posts (for now LOL) On Blog This! they are giving people the opportunity to jump on their soapboxes about something they are passionate about for

Challege #45 - On The Soapbox

So I thought long and hard about this... There is so much that I could write about - MCN, miscarriage, being green, domestic abuse, stalking, children, scrapbooking, photography - oh the list could go on and on, but then I stopped and though.. Of the things there there happens to be one link with them all... That is that because of the country we live in we actually have the opportunity to get on our soap boxes and actually have a say!!!

So for my soapbox I wish to wax lyrical about the country we live in and just how lucky we are to be here!!!

And that country is Australia!! I know, I know, she has her faults.. she has a lot of galahs in politics at the moment but hey - we have the freedom to say that - Is anyone watching the news and seeing what is happening in Thailand because they dared to stand up and say something wasn't right about their government?? Imagine if we were over there - we would have no opportunity to speak out about things that concern us like we can here!!! We are oh so lucky and blessed to have a true freedom of speech like we do here in Australia!!



Oh and dare I say it but it may have been a mistake - time will only tell but we have avoided a great recession due to our government taking chances with their "handouts" I was watching Oprah today (I don't usually watch daytime TV, but was resting and snuggling and trying not to fall asleep LOL) and the effects of this global recession on the USA and everyday people and even celebrities is devastating!!! To think that someone who is a local celebrity on a $250k/PA US income can go from one day having a job and contract to the next walking out of the office with nothing because the company went bust is scary!!! We have had job losses here in Aust, we have and do have tough times, but we are so lucky that we had some kind of intervention that has stopped things getting so bad as they could have become!!! We really do live in a very lucky country and have a great opportunity to do things with our lives!!!

I mean, even getting an education, having a family, having a say, escaping abusive relationships, - in some countries these things are almost impossible to do...

We're currently having an over-exposure of Jessica Watson, but you know what, if she wasn't living in Australia her feat of sailing around the world solo at the age of 16 would have been nigh on impossible!!! There have been other children wanting to do the same and the courts of the country have stopped them - mind you she took off on her adventure with people saying it was foolhardy - but that's just it - we had the opportunity to actually say that - because we live in Australia!!!

So many things we take for granted.. So many things that we have day in and day out that are not available in other countries or to the same quality in other parts of the world.. the fact we can walk down the street wearing what we want, saying what we want (well within reason lol - no abusing police now guys!!!) We can even visit a Dr if we feel sick, we have hospitals, medicines, technology, we have a future, and we have a voice...

I think we should be saying "thankyou" so much more.. "Thankyou" to those who walked before us and broke the glass ceilings that allowed females in Australia to climb even higher, "thankyou" to those who gave their lives so we can live in freedom and "thankyou" to the many people who have fought hard in our courts and parliaments to in their own way make Australia the country it is today!!

Ok, stepping off the soapbox before the tomatoes are tossed LOL I know it's contentious to mention politics etc.. but as with freedom of speech - let your comments flow, be they good or bad.. the fact you can have your say is just another thing to be thankful for - we do live in a "lucky Country" :)

She's Back...

Not necessarily a positive post - warning you now...

My endometriosis is back, I'm certain of it Grrr. I've had the worst day in ages pain wise, and am simply exhausted with fighting it trying to maintain the house and kids etc... Luckily Nathan has been home to help a little, but right now all I want to do is crawl into bed and cry, but I can't. I have to finish dinner and try to function until the kids go to bed...

Some good happened today, we got 2 of our 3 lounges delivered. The 2 two seaters arrived and already make the house feel very homey - it'll be brilliant when the 3 seater arrives later in the week :) Now I have top make some cushion covers and matching throws - wont be too much of a stretch, just something else to do when I'm "relaxing" LOL

Anyhoos, off to grab some panadol and try to relax.. After a great week last week this one has started a little sour - can only get better eh ;)

Blah...

Yeah another sickie day here... I've tried to take it easy because my endo also seems to be playing up of late (yucko) So I let Nathan take over the kids as much as I could stand today - not used to him taking over!! LOL I finished a layout in between naps and have started another challenge...

Smile

Challenge was to have LO inspired by an Avatar (movie) poster. Also to be at least 50% blue, use a head shot photo, and dots/spots - All covered ;) I'm pretty pleased with it but know that it's going to be outshone by some of the other girls work - they are just brilliant!! A lot has changed in scrapbooking in the past 10 years since I stopped doing it!!

Oh and still no sign of my disks in any boxes - I'm not impressed Grrr. These are the blank disks I need to burn clients photo's onto Grrr Guess it's a trip to KMart this week to buy some more **sigh**

Anyhoos.. off to snuggle in front of the fire.. Hoping that we get our furniture tomorrow!!! **fingers crossed**

Cosy...

and warm... We got some decent wood delivered today - Yaayy!! Our fire is happily roaring away and warming the house from one end to the other :) Ahhh bliss... Now to rid the rest of this flu and all will be right with the world ;)

And yes - Another short and Sweet whilst in recovery mode

**huggles**

Ahhh Ahhh Ahhhhh Chooooo!!!!

Yeps still buggy here :( So another short and sweet. I've been making good friends with my tissue box this morning, feeling a little better this afternoon but soooo tired!!! Hopefully there will be more improvements tomorrow **fingers crossed**

Until then, loving you and leaving you before I share too many germies
xxx

Sniffle Season has Hit!!!

With a big blow too Grrrrr.

Dommy has been a little on the miserable and clingy side the last couple of days - I've been putting it down to teething as he seems to be cutting his top eye teeth... However this morning I wake up achy, headachy, stuffy and miserable... I had a few sneezle episodes yesterday and thought nothing of it, but it's multiplied exponentially overnight much to my dismay :( So short and sweet today - I'm off making chicken soup and trying to give myself some TLC in the hopes of recovering swiftly...

Even More Good News.....

This week gets better and better :) Dad got the all clear from his cancer surgery!!!! They did it just in time though as it was threatening to break into other areas which would have resulted in a bit of panic and drastic measures to fight the disease, but just in time is great news!!!

Sooo no radiation, no chemo.. just routine checks for the next few years to make sure the cancer doesn't come back :) Yaaayyyy!!!!

Maybe it's time to buy a lotto ticket LOL :)

Anyhoos, grocery day so off to make lists for my menu plan.... I love lists to another good thing to put a smile on my face ;)

Again my week and month continues to look Up!!!

First Challenge done!!

Even if it is a Mini one :) I just hope it's what is wanted....

Here is the challenge "Your challenge is to create a card or layout - must be smaller than a 12x12 - using the poster of one of your all time favourite movies for inspiration!!"

Sooooo I went through a heap of different movie posters to find one that would suit some piccies I have already printed (not as easy as I thought!!) and settled on this poster for Disney Pixars "A Bugs Life"

My mini layout has turned out nothing like what I was setting out to do. I thought I had some green vellum I could rip to resemble the leaf and lay over a pic of one of the kids peeking around a toy or bar kind of thing (heaps of those piccies) But no green vellum and the papers I had just didn't do the same job... This is what I ended up with instead...

The colours are a lot more vibrant and the gold is metallic so pops a bit more... then again maybe being half asleep makes it look better hahaha We'll see what I think of it in the morning before I submit. I'm not convinced it's close enough or draws enough from the movie poster... Guess I'll decide that in the morning ;)


Oh good thing happened today (besides me finding my scrapping papers LOL) We ordered furniture for the house!! It should be here next Monday or Wed.... I can't believe I will after 14.5 years of life on this earth have brand new furniture!!! Wahoo!! So excited LOL - as I've said many times berfore... Ahh the little things in life :)

Ooooh better yet - we have met some adults in real life in Mount Gambier.. That sounds really silly I know, but almost 5 weeks without real adult company it's nice to have met some lovely people :) Hopefully it's a start of some great friendships and futures :)

Woohoo - lots of good stuff happening today hehehe... Hope things continue to look Up!!! Ahh see this months blogging theme of Up is a good thing ;) Things really are starting to look up!!!!

The Bug has Bit!!!

again....

The scrapbooking bug that is. I've so many photo's to fix up and put in albums I guess not knowing anyone and going out can be used as a positive in getting these photo's done :) It also allows me to unleash some of the creative energy I have itching to get out ;)

Sooooo I found a wonderful scrapbooking group called Scrapbooking Top 50 Australia and can't wait to meet some of the girls there and get moving on these photo's. Having challenges and someone who can share my passion really helps with getting things done and keeping the creative juices flowing ;)

Sooo be prepared to be inundated with crafty posts and layouts etc hehehe I love to share ;) I'll still be taking photo's and working on getting Katami Photography launched over here in Mt Gambier, but going to have some fun on the side (and possibly introduce another branch on the Katami Tree if it works out ;))

Happy Mothers Day!!!

I received an unexpected suprise this morning when logging on to my computer. A couple of days ago I got a last minute email to enter a piccie of Domenik into a competition to be the face of Nurture Nappies in a Mothers Day photo competition (one of my favourite nappy sites) We were literally within hours of the final cut off deadline so I pulled out any decent photo's I could find of him in a nappy brand that this store stocked - thank goodness they ahve Itti Bitti's (our workhorse nappy)

Domenik in a Gold Itti Bitti

I found out this morning he didn't win - but got a special mention!!!! As a result he's on their websites front page at the moment and will be on their facebook page and will receive a $10 voucher to spend at the Tribe store :) Looking through the store I know $10 wont go far.. but there's such goooorgeous things there we can spend it on LOL

So I had a good start to my mothers day. Firstly Kahli, Aleks and William all made cards for me... Aleks and Kahli both included vouchers for free hugs, kisses and babysitting ;) No expiry and no limits too.. Hmmm I wonder if the babysitting voucher will still be redeemable when they're 16 and I want to go out... LOL Then Domenik has been super smoochie today too.. Lots of laughs and cuddles :) Even though I had to cook my own breakfast (slow cooker porridge), lunch (Pancakes with lemon and sugar) and dinner (slow cooked roast chicken with baked veggies) it was a great day (ignoring the kids arguments and tantrums LOL)

Mothers day isn't about gifts and physical things, it's about love and knowing that despite it all being a mother is the most rewarding things anyone can do!!! I love it, even when I'm pulling my hair out, searching for greys or refereeing pre-teen arguments; it's all soooo much worth it all <3>

Lazy Days....

Are a thing of the past once your a mum I'm sure of that... For the kids, that's another matter LOL

For them, any day that mum isn't on to them to clean their room is a lazy day ;) Well I do forget to get on them from time to time, sometimes because I'm busy doing other things, or days like today where I think they've had enough changes and stresses of late that they can have a literal 'lazy day'. I'm certain I read somewhere that psychologists or mental health professionals recommend lazy, or pyjama days every now and then for mental health reasons - I like that though... but not possible if you have a toddler, unless you also have a full time cleaner, nanny, cook and cauffeur!!!

One day I'll probably have lazy days again... then again I can't remember the last lazy day I ever had!?!?!? I can't count on one even for mothers day as Nathan's working **sigh**

So I guess whilst my dream of a lazy day remains just that - a dream, I wish all mothers, grandmothers, mothers to be and mothers with empty arms (bless your little angels xxx) a lazy day for tomorrow, upgraded to a happy, relaxing and memorable Mothers Day 2010 xxxxx

He said "ta ta"!!!

I've been a little concerned about Domeniks speech since his 18 month check... I hadn't worried at all up until then! Those child health nurses really know how to make a mum panic LOL Even a 4 time mum!!!

Apparently he wasn't defining his words or saying enough... Sure, he has older siblings who jump the minute he makes a noise, he jsut needs to point and grunt and they're getting him waht he wants etc... I've tried to teach them to wait until he says what he wants or tries to indicate with some kind of verbal communication other than a squeal, but alas, they just run and jump as soon as Dom indicates them to do something for him (he really has them wrapped around his little finger!!!)

I guess in the mind of an active, waited on, spoiled and pampered 19 month old, why should he open his mouth and bother talking? Everyone does what he wants already - his world runs perfectly smoothly without talking hey.... ;)

Well... I've been trying not to worry but working hard on getting him to talk more than oooh. ahh, dad, mum, bub, baa etc etc... And one sound he's refused to do so far was "t" but today as Nathan walked away from us Domenik waved and instead of saying "ahhh" he said "ta ta"!!! I was soooo excited LOL I know it's a really daggy mummy moment, but it made me so relieved just to hear those two sounds!!!

He has come a long way this last week with his sounds, he say's "beep beep" a lot... It seems t be his favourite words at the moment - it can mean, "I'm coming through" or "get out of my way" or can be a car horn... he even sings "beep beep" to songs LOL It's definitely the word of the moment for my Dommy, but to hear him say "ta ta" was great - even cuter than him going "beep beep" when being pushed around in the toy wheelie bin by Aleks this morning LOL

Yes, I know in a few short years I'll more than likely be saying "who taught him to say that word" or "why wont he every stop talking" but for now I'm happy to hear progress :) Next I'm expecting "don't touch" or "no!" LOL I'll be really happy if we can avoid speech therapy with just one child!! :)

Menu Planning...

Something I've been meaning to do properly again for a while... Now we're on fortnightly pay cycles (well I am) it's a necessity to keep on top of things and make sure we have foods in the house that are safe for my allergic boys especially...

So I've spent most of the morning planning the rest of this weeks (to next Wed) menu's and then the following fortnights menu plan... I've added a couple of "extra" meals for the shopping list in case we change our mind or have an extra cooked meal during the day for some reason...

This week:

Thurs: Saucy Sausages
Fri: Moroccan Chicken Pieces with Potato Bake
Sat: Sweet and Sour Chicken with Couscous
Sun: Slow cooked Roast Chicken with Baked Veggies (Mothers day - the less work the better)
Mon: Beef Casserole with Couscous
Tues: Shepherds Pie
Wed: Chicken Mignon with Steamed Veggies

Next Fortnight:

Thurs: Apricot Chicken with Basmati Rice
Fri: Sweet Beef Curry with Couscous
Sat: Veggie and Hock Soup
Sun: Roast Leg of Lamb with Baked Veggies
Mon: Honey Soy Lamb Chops
Tues: Marinated Chicken Pieces with vegetable Bake
Wed: French Onion Lamb Chops with Mashed sour cream potato's
Thur: Spaghetti/Pasta Bolognase
Fri: Moroccan Beef with Basmati Rice
Sat: Chicken, Corn and Noodle Soup
Sun: Slow Cooked Moroccan Chicken with Vegies
Mon: Lamb Chop Casserole
Tues: Saucy Sausages
Wed: Fried Rice

Extras: Lasagne and Honey Baked Sausages with Mashed Veggies

School lunches: Salad sandwiches with ham or left over meats, Fresh Fruit (mandarin, apples, banana's and pears), yoghurt, Banana Chips or Sultana's.

Baking/Treats: Cupcakes, Little BT's Cookies (cookies in a flash) and Anzac Biscuits

There, I think that's everything... Breakfast is usual cereal or toast... Now to try and work out my shopping list and finalise it and we're ready for next weeks big shop LOL

In the meantime I might resurrect my cooking blog and add some of the new recipe's I'm trying with some piccies :)

Homesick...

home·sick (hōm′sik′) adjective

unhappy or depressed at being away from home and family; longing for home

I'm waiting for it to hit... it hasn't reared it's ugly head as yet, but I know it will sneak up on me anytime soon...

That's not to say that I'm not missing friends and family that we've left behind, but I've not had that 'pang' that you hear renders others blubbering messes in a fetal position in the corner. It'll probably hit me come June if I'm completely honest. Lisa is looking at coming over to visit as are my parents. It'll be seeing them off that it'll probably hit me... Actually I know it will...

In the meantime I guess we prepare for our visitors, knowing that we'll have a touch of Tasmania soon... Keeping busy probably keeps the 'pangs' away - so busy I will continue to be... In amongst Dr appointments, specialist appointments for Dommy, kids routines, school sports, juggling work rosters and general household duties I think I have enough to keep me busy ;)

Homesickness stay away - I don't need any more complications!!!!

Rain on a Tin Roof...

Yes I'm an old James Blundell fan... This song just popped into my head today when sitting back in the quiet of Kids at school, Nathan at work and Dom asleep and hearing the rain pound down on our roof... It was sooooo nice to have the quiet and the rain while sitting in front of the wood heater....

There's something soothing about a warm, flickering wood heater with the cold patter of rain on the roof... Maybe it's the Tasmanian girl in me coming out - being taken back to my childhood , sitting in front of the heater in winter watching "Hey Hey" on a Saturday night - or being taken back even further to when as a 5-6 year old, jumping out of the cooling bath and drying off in front of the wood heater and watching "the Muppets" on the old TV (got to love Kermit LOL)

Maybe it's just every day comfort of a friendly flame and the enveloping warmth with hint of woodsmoke that does me in... Rain in autumn just means fire - electric heating doesn't have the same effect - it's the wood heater and rain that gets me sentimental each and every time :)

Guess who's curling up with a good book this evening in a comfy beanbag right in front of the fire ;)

BTW LuLu, piccie of our cats will come soon, I need room on my computer to upload them off my camera ;)

Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat....

We missed you both!!! Our kitties have re-joined our family. They are skittish as all else but look healthy and sound healthy LOL

Domenik is having a wow of a time chasing them around - poor kitties... Portia is already making herself at home, Lacy is hiding in a corner as we speak. Apparently Portia has been very friendly whilst in boarding, Lacy a bit more aloof "hardly seen her" was the quote from the boarding host master LOL. I kinda expected this a s Lacy was our RSPCA rescue puddy cat so has always been more timid.. she'll come around in time though - Kahli will no doubt spoil her and get her out of her shell again ;)

So for now I'm off to help settle our kitties in and enjoy our family being all back together :)

Blog This! Challenge #43 - Seasons

A Photographic Challenge awaits us this week :) We are to find a photo that depicts a season, be it a sport, time, breeding season etc... Me being the boring person I am am just choosing the season that we are in at the moment - Autumn.

My photo was taken back in the beginning of the Tassie autumn this year. The leaves started turning in late January after a reasonably cool summer. This is a gorgeously perfect leaf that fell in the stormy weather that we had been experiencing - a certain start to autumn in Tasmania... It's the most windiest season out!!! I LOVE Tassie autumns and springs, so much colour and they just remind you so vividly about the circle of life... the trees appear to die off in the cool weather only to lay dormant in winter to burst full of colour and life in spring - it's such a gorgeous world we live in!!! We truly are blessed to be able to watch the miracle of seasons and not have to fear about what the next day, week, month etc may bring.

Ok, I know the challenge only asked for 1 photo, but I just had to include this one from our last evening at Somerset beach taken 5 weeks ago - a Gorgeous Tasmanian Autumn sunset :)

Up!!

This months theme for 'National Blog Posting Month - NaBloPoMo) is Up.

I guess it can mean a whole lot of different things to different people. It had me thinking about what is "up" to me. At the moment it's a case of looking up and seeing how things are picking up in our lives. We're trying to move up the ladder I guess with work and moving, it's all hopefully meaning things will pick up and get better and easier for us. Isn't that really what we are all here for? To improve and be the best that we really are - to be the best and improve we look up and see what we can do to better ourselves, our children, our future... it's all a case of looking up and looking forward....

That being said my aim is to not coast through life. I want to make things happen. I firmly believe all things happen with a reason - and as I've said before the reason may not be for us to know, but it happens to help or grow someone in this big web of our lives... I don't want to sit back and see where life will take me, I want to start being pro-active again and making sure that we can and do provide the best of what we can do to our children, ensure that things are improving and not sliding... coasting to me is sliding.. if you're not looking up and forward the only thing you can do is stagnate and move back... I don't want that to be me, I've seen too much of that of late that I know I don't want that to be me!!! I know setbacks will and do happen, but they are all the more reason to push onward and upward.. work through the set backs and take some positives from them.. Only that way will we be strong enough to stand up, move up and be who we want to be :)

Pinch and a Punch....

No Return!!!!

Well I've finally got the internet up and running again - Yaayy!! I was getting withdrawals from not having ready access to it for so long!!! It really screwed with my aim to do a post a day in April - guess my first month for a post a day will have to be May ;) LOL

Well, day 2 in the new house... We're still surrounded by many boxes but getting through them quite ok. A few things are missing (my mop and bucket the most annoying so far!!!) and I'm sure there will be a few casualties more, but hey, thems the breaks (literally) LOL

The kids have settled really well into their new school. William has joined the local football team. The funny thing about that is back in Burnie the school played football there too. With the Australian Football Association - also called Soccer. When he came home with the notice last week saying he wanted to play football I thought 'great' He will make friends and be playing a sport he loves and is good at... Only thing is football over here isn't soccer - it's AFL!!!! A sport I said my kids would never play because of the roughness... I know it's not as bad as that but **sigh** let me say, even little 8/9 year olds on the paddock kick that ball darn hard and push darn hard and tackle darn hard an being an over protective mumma gave me a few 'look away' moments!!!! I'll adjust - I hope!!! LOL But he had the time of his life (and his new white footy boots are now quite brown LOL) He scored 1 goal and 2 points, pretty good for a boy who has only had one practice session and then whammo - into the game!!! Proud mumma moment (even though it is footy **shakes head**)

Right now I'm off to go grab some pantry staples to get us through this next fortnight. I'm trying to adjust to this monthly for him and fortnightly for me pay scheme... it's taking a bit LOL weekly was soooo much easier (ahh the complaints eh LOL) I need to re-stock everything as most of our staples were either running out or close to use by or handed on when we moved. I couldn't stand the though of it all being in storage for 3-4 weeks after being opened.. I don't know why but it gave my tummy butterflies thinking what could get into it in storage!!! Maybe I'm a bit of a food snob, dunno but we're starting afresh regardless cos it all ain't here LOL One way to force myself into purging it all LOL

So off I go with shopping list in hand - this one is for baking. Yesterday I did the meat and veggies... I just hope my menu plan will work and we wont run short or need emergency trips to the supermarket!!!

BTW - so far I love SA... it kinda feels weird when I think we're not in Tassie anymore.. It's like next week we will be home or I'll snap back to reality and be back in Tas... I wonder when this feeling will end and I feel at home properly over here???