A busy week

It's been a lovely week, in sharp contrast to the quiet and slow pace of last week. The contrast has shown in the weather too. Lovely last week, crappy this week.

On Saturday I was quite tired. I 'shopsat' for Barbi while she was away at her niece's 21st for the weekend. The night was travelling along nicely until the lowlife living next door came to give us grief. Apparently he'd approached Barbi one Saturday morning about the late hour that all the ladies were leaving and that it was quite noisy. Fair call! Some ladies start their 4WD and don't get in straight away, some stand out there chatting and then yell out 'bye' whether it's 10pm or after midnight that's not acceptable. Barbi apologized and every Friday night she makes an announcement asking people to be considerate of them. Barbi even offered to buy them blinds so that the car lights don't shine into the house. He has young kids and was saying they wake up with the noise. He declined the offer of blinds and seemed mollified when he could see that Barbi was genuinely concerned. No issues since. Until last Friday night. He came over (drunk) and started abusing the other girl who looks after the store with me. He was swearing and carrying on. We had to escort ladies to the toilet and then locked up the shop with the roller door down. We ended up calling the police as he even got right up into the face of one of the husbands who was coming to collect his pregnant wife!!! My friends, drove past the police station, which was unmanned but the guy from next door followed them (on his pushbike) and saw them......and came back and gave Shelly some more lip!! I told her to call the police. They came and were fabulous. They had a word to the guy next door, and his wife, who had also come out to put her two bobs worth in. Apparently he was concillatory and the police were happy that he wouldnt' bother us again. I'm glad I didn't shut up the store, even though it was suggested. I wasnt going to let him 'win'. It put a dampener on our night,but I'm glad we kept on going. I was sorry that this happened while Barbi was away, but in hindsight, at least she didn't have to deal with it, or cop the earful from the neighbour............

I digress, so I was tired from a late night on Friday night and I had things to cook for Mickey's birthday. His birthday was good fun. See my previous post.

On Monday we headed out to Wappa Dam to have a BBQ. I'm so glad we chose that day, because the weather has been pretty cruddy ever since. We had a great day. The boys had a ball playing in the park, playing footy and they went for a walk too. I just sat around all day. We had sausages, chops, salad and coffee and cake for later on. The next day I caught up on my jobs and just chilled out with my MacBook in the afternoon. That night I went and saw The Hangover with my girlfriend, her daughter and her friends. It was a bit rushed, with getting something to eat and organizing tickets which wasn't straight forward, and we had to sit in the first row. My neck has been really playing up, so this was extremely uncomfortable. Fortunately Lis found some seats further up, so we moved and that was soooo much better. The film was hilarious. Very rude and crude, but a good laugh. I wish I could afford to go to the movies all the time. I could easily go every week. I love it. I think I'll stay away in the school holidays though.

Wednesday I had organized to meet Laureen and Geoff at a park in Caloundra. Unfortunately the weather was blowy and cold. We spent three and a half hours sitting in McDonalds instead. Not ideal, but the only place where we could sit for that long with my kids being happy. On the way home I bought soup vegies and put on a big pot of chicken soup for dinner that night. It was lovely catching up with Laureen and Geoff. Hard to believe we've been friends for nearly 30 years!!!! Even though we've not seen much of each other in the last 22 years or so, we just pick up where we've left off and the time just melts away. I think I've changed much more in personality than she has. She's still exactly the same. Same likes and dislikes with food even.

Today I got up late, and tidied the house and did some washing. Those fairies never do it for me when I'm out for the day...... I had to go out and get a few groceries and then go to the fruit market. I dropped in to see Barbi and am now home relaxing for the afternoon.

I'm very excited, because last night I watched the first episode of True Blood!! I love it. Can't wait to watch more. What's more decadent is that I took my MacBook and watched it in bed!!!! It was fabulous and so comfortable and snug. I felt very decandent. I'm just rapt that Karen gave them to me to watch!! Can't wait to see the other episodes. I love it when I've read a series of books and then I get to see it IRL.

Happy Days

grrrrrrr...........I just lost my entire post..........

I'll start again. I've had a lovely few days. They've been quite busy after the quiet start to our holidays. I've had a great time.

On Friday I picked up the girls and they came for a while. They had morning tea and hung out with the boys for a bit. I love how they can still spend time with my kids, even though they are just so much more grown up now. The age difference is going to be quite evident now for a few years. Julia will be sixteen in a few weeks. I can still feel her lying in my arms. I so badly wished she'd been mine when she was born. I craved for a daughter as beautiful as her for many years. And then I had three boys lol........ On Friday, Suzy came for a visit. We spent the hours with our MacBooks. She taught me some stuff, which I was very excited about. I can now bluetooth songs from my MB to my phone. It's so cool. We also looked at these markets in Brisbane, and I'm so excited because we'll go next Sunday. They have a coffee and chocolate expo thingy too......

Yesterday I spent the morning cooking yummy treats for Mickey's birthday today. I can't believe my baby is 8!!! And as he leaves babyhood, he becomes a more and more beautiful boy who's growing up so very quickly. I'm so proud of you Mickey! I love your passion for your friends and family and for your golf. You are a daily delight.

Both sets of grandparents came for lunch. We had homemade sausage rolls, spinach and ricotta pastries, egg and lettuce sandwiches, caramel slice, pear and sour cream slice and a delicious chocolate cake which I thought I'd stuffed up. It was mainly chocolate, it is absolutely divine!! It only has 3/4 of a cup of flour and I put plain flour in, instead of SR flour, but I don't think it made any difference, actually I think the extra weight made a richer cake!!

Mickey got lovely presents. We bought him an Indiana Jones Lego set, Mum and Dad got him an infra red Meccanno set, and Nanny and Darby gave him $50 which he thought was rather exciting. We had a lovely afternoon. The kids and Bunny went to golf in the late afternoon, and I had some time to chill......

Looking forward to tomorrow as we go out to Wappa Dam with my parents.

A digi layout

I've spent some time on http://jessicasprague.com today and I did this layout. 

 

I’m a sourpuss today.

I’m tired, I’m bored and I’m cranky.

I did lots of chores and dinner is ready. The kids are playing and are happy. The holidays are near. And I’m feeling crappy.

I don’t know if it’s a side effect from my anaesethic yesterday. I’m feeling like I’m getting thrush today, why do my darned nether regions have to be so bloody sensitive. It shits me to tears. I hate feeling like this. I hate being bored and grumpy. It’s such a useless feeling and such a waste of precious time.

I rang my Mum today. That cheered me up. Then the kids started fighting and I was sour again......

Dinner is now done, kitchen is clean. Kids are quiet. I’m feeling better. Tomorrow is a new day.

Looking forward to holidays

I'm sitting down and relaxing now. The kids are at school, the house is tidy, washing is on the line, some more is washing and the ironing is done. I'm glad I'm not working today. I feel really flat, and am happy to be at home. Yesterday I had my IUD replaced so I think I'm still washed out from that. This time I wasn't going to be brave and I opted to have an anaesethic - probably overkill, but it was really nice to wake up and have it all done. It hurt like crazy last time and seemed to go on forever. They couldn't even get me up afterwards, because my blood pressure was not good. Yesterday, my BP was up before the procedure which is understandable and then when I woke up, they got me straight up off the bed. I felt a bit unsteady but them went and got dressed and sat and had a cup of tea and a sandwich. I'd fasted and missed my cup of tea that morning, so that was just bliss. My gf picked me up and I was hoping I'd be okay and not wanting to sleep straight away the afternoon. I get to see Karen so rarely outside of our irregular Friday nights, so when she suggested we meet for a cuppa after her class I jumped at the idea to have her come and get me and spend some time with her. I went and picked up the kids from school and then went to sleep for a good hour afterwards. Darling Bunny brought home fish and chips for dinner so that was good. I'm glad now that's over, probably won't need this renewed seeing as my girlie bits are all shutting down, if they've not shut down completely already.

The last weekend went by so quickly. Friday night was scrapping as usual and then on Saturday night we had dinner at Lisa's place. She cooked us a lovely meal and we enjoyed being together and oohing and aahing over her beautiful house. It's so spacious and just gorgeous. I can only dream of ever living in a house like that. We watched a movie later, which was a good movie although it changed the tone of the gathering from fun, laughter and silliness, to a more serious note. Probably my fault because I chose the movie, we probably would have kept the laughter going had we not watched a movie..... I even dressed up in some of Lisa's clothes that she was giving away....hilarious as the photos will show. My days of wearing clothing like that have long gone lol..... We watched 'Walk the Line' which I really enjoyed. It was a lovely night, and really special to have us together and not at Daisy's. Lisa loved the idea of waiting on dear Barbi, who is normally always looking after us. Food was yummy and the company was great, a perfect combination for a lovely evening.

Laughing but trying hard for a sexy pout.

Suzy and Barbi

Lisa, Suzy and Barbi

The Lovely Lisa and I

Carrin and Lisa

Suzy, Barbi, Carrin and Lisa

Me taking the outfit off, while the girls convince me to take them home for Peter!!

Too long between posts.

My Dad alerted me to the fact that my last blog post was weeks ago. I've been slack at blogging, so here I am with an update.

Life is busy, but just normal day to day stuff. Nothing out of the ordinary, I've not even had any work. I enjoy the day to day routine. My life is without stress as far as day to day stuff goes. The kids are all well and happy, and we're all looking forward to the school holidays which start in two weeks. Last week was a short week, due to the Queen's Birthday and Show holiday. It was nice having Peter able to spend more time with the kids.

The boys have been enjoying their golf. Billy-Joe played in his first tournament last Saturday. He was very excited and played reasonably well. Last Saturday he and Mickey both played a game after their practice and he won! He was very very excited and came away with a few golf balls. Mickey also did very well. My Dear Sammy doesn't want to play after practice. He prefers to come home and we're not pushing him. We pushed him to go to practice and to focus. It will be a year or two before he'll feel comfortable enough to stay and play with his brothers. He goes out willingly now with Daddy and his brothers on a Sunday which is fabulous. I love seeing them go out together and enjoy being together. I see many many years of my boys playing together. What an awesome legacy for Peter to give his kids. Father - Son time, so special!

On a personal front I haven't been as good as I would like. My HRT levels are great though, so I'm sleeeping really well again. I had another cortisone injection in my shoulder, this time guided by ultrasound. I have bad days and I have better days. I'm not sure what my next step is. I will go back to my physiotherapist. Sometimes I get so down by the level of pain I'm in. Then on a day like today where it feels a bit better and I've just watched Michael J Fox on Oprah, and I realize that I have much to be grateful for. Unfortunately thinking of those worse off than myself often doesn't help on a bad day. Let's face it, we are immersed in our own reality,not in someone else's. So while I have a great understanding and empathy of the pain and grief that others suffer, really when it's all said and done that doesn't change anything for me. I have just come to the realization that my body produces abnormal levels of inflammtory responses and I just have to cope with that. Pain killers are my friend, and thankfully I don't take very strong ones too often, and panadol and ibuprofen gives me a lot of relief. Two of my closest friends also suffer, caused by trauma within the body and the body's responses to other conditions. We are all on our own paths searching for relief and answers. My new year's resolution was no doctors.......and I've stuffed that big time. Now I'm concentrating on getting better, and managing the pain I live with, whether it's my shoulder, or upper back or hip........I'll manage it, on a day to day basis. I’ve bought emu oil, which I think is happening, I use it twice a day.

Winter is here. I love the cooler weather. The oil heater keeps our little house cosy at night time. The days are clear and glorious as only they can be in a sub tropical climate. A couple of nights last week it got down to around 4 degrees celsius (39 Fahrenheit). Last week I decided to sew the kids a dressing gown each. I didn't want to buy one, as I felt they were too expensive and always plastered with some kid design, many of them quite ugly and which seriously limits their life span, so I decided to make some myself. I bought them beautiful warm polar fleece, and they turned out great. All three boys can grow into their dressing gowns and have them for a years, as they won't grow out of the style or design. I haven't sewn in years, and feel really proud of myself that I attempted to do this. The boys are so rapt. Mickey was disappointed that I hadn't finished his on the weekend. He'll be excited to come home and finding it hanging up.

I enjoying my new MacBook. Two of my friends have them now, we're like a secret Geek Society lol. I can't wait for us all be together at Daisy's one night. Suzy is unfortunately having lots of drama setting up her wireless network with her MacBook and PC. I think she's close to having it all resolved, but not after spending many hours back and forth to the store, and also to Apple Support and also Optus Support. Even through it all I feel like she's very happy with her decision to 'cross over'. Yesterday Mickey had a birthday party in the same town where Suzy lives, and I visited Suzy. She had a power board set up and we sat side by side at the dining table and had a MacBook date. It was so much fun. We worked things out together and actually solved a couple of problems. The three hours just flew. Actually the entire weeekend flew and it was three days.

We’re heading into ‘birthday season’. Mickey turns 8 and Billy-Joe will turn 13 next month. I have decided that I’ll get Billy-Joe a prepaid mobile phone. I’ll give him my old flip phone and then when I get my iphone, he can have my current phone. The flip phone has a few glitches but will work fine for a few months.

A full week

This week has been a full one, but a good one. I had a guided cortisone injection yesterday. I had a radiographer inject right into the calcification on my shoulder. My Dad and I planned to go shopping for his new computer which we did afterwards. My shoulder ached badly yesterday at the injection site. Funnily enough though, when I blow waved my hair in the afternoon it felt a little better, and today it feels even better. Unfortunately I had the crappiest night sleep last night. Getting to bed and listening to my audiobook until 2am means I desperately need a good night's sleep. I'm wondering whether cortisone in your body can cause the same reaction as prednisone for example. It's also a steriod and can really hype you up. I felt wired last night, like I'd drunk coffee all night. I should have stayed up. I don't feel too bad today though which is good.

Dad and I had a great time yesterday. We ended up buying him a machine from the second store we went to, we got a fantastic deal and he was just rapt. I'm so excited for him. I'm going to ring shortly and see how it all went. He took me out to lunch afterwards to an Indian restaurant. The food was divine. I can't wait to go back there, and it was reasonably priced too. Thanks Dad, I had a ball, and look forward to maybe all of us going there together. We would all enjoy it.

We got home in the afternoon and it was almost time to pick up the kids. I sat for a bit after I took some pain killers as my arm was quite achy. I even laid down for 45 minutes before I headed off to Daisy's. I didn't take my stuff, it was so nice just to carry my MacBook. We had dinner late, seeing as I wasn't hungry from having had a lovely lunch. So it was well after 9pm before we returned to the table to actually do something. I played on Facebook, on my farm, and then started a class on learning how to use Picasa. We also watched Twilight on DVD. I had a grea time, but missed Karen. Lisa and Karen K were there which was lovely. Karen K is starting to get a tiny tiny belly, she's almost 18 weeks pregnant so we are all thinking it's about time she starts getting a bump. She's so slim and will carry this baby really well,there's no fat on her. She'll go back to normal quick smart after her baby is born..........not like me lol. Eight years after baby #3 and I'm so far from pre pregnancy body it's not funny [sigh].............

Today I fully intended to stay home and do not much. I've been out the last two Saturdays and I wanted no commitments. I really wanted to go to a cooking demo today, by Laurent who did my birthday dinner, with Karen. Karen and Geoff have gone to see Angels and Demons and she had her hair done, so it wasn't meant to be anyway. Billy-Joe needed a costume done for a play he's doing in English. As much as I hate dressing up, I hate making a costume more. I just don't have any imagination. I was so cranky, and had to explain to my darling boy that I wasn't cranky at him, but just cranky at my own lack of confidence, plus the fact I had to go out trawling through Spotlight on a day I wanted to stay in........... We got the stuff organized and I made it. We are both quite excited with the result. I'll post an image when we get his staff all made up. I whinged and moaned, and it all turned out really well. I hate doubting myself all the time. Some mothers just whip up things all the time, I wonder if they whine and moan too........ Once upon a time I wouldn't have had the money to spend on buying stuff either, thankfully that's not such a drama now.

Tonight's dinner will be simple, t bone and vegies. Yummo and wholesome......

Just spoke to Dad and the computer is all up and running.......Awesome stuff Dad.

Update from Geeksville

My day started well, as I walked out the door this morning, I noticed that DB had cut out an article from the newspaper. I only had time to glance at the headline, but I made sure I read it later, after my shopping and before going to yet another doctor. I enjoyed my morning tea muffin all the more, because the news article claimed that Apple were opening another store - this time on the northside of Brisbane. Mmmmm, what else could I add to the Apple family lol?? One of my besties Karen, also thought this was dangerous knowledge lol....... wait till her dh finds out. These stores are geared towards assistance and tuition not sales. I knew that having another computer in the household would be practical, I just didn't realize how much. I can still have access to a computer while Billy-Joe does his research and types up an assignment. We even play together, with our farms on Facebook. So cool, and so much fun. I always vowed and declared I wanted to stay up to date with technology, for my own sake and for my kids. I listen to Billy-Joe and he is so much a chip off the old block that it's uncanny how much he resembles me. He appreciates the fact that I'm interested and up to date. My Mum and Dad dropped in this afternoon, which was a nice surprise. My Dad is excited as he is buying a new computer. For years he's had ones which my brother has thrown together from spare parts. He's never actually had a new computer. He won't know himself. And I get to go and shop with him. I'm so excited for him, and rapt that he wants me to go with him. I know we'll get an awesome machine for under $1000. He doesn't want it for gaming or photo editing, just browsing, emails and itunes.

Tomorrow will be a nice day, and going shopping for geek materials, but beforehand I'll be going to the X-Ray clinic to have a guided cortisone injection. I went and saw another doctor today, who was recommended by my physiotherapist. He decided that rather than give me another unguided injection, this was the best way to go. I'm actually excited. I have forgotten what it's like to live without daily pain.......between my hip last year and my shoulder this year, it hasn't stopped. I've had a lot of pain this week and that prompted me to take further action. It wasn't until I gathered my films to take today, that I realized that it was two months since my last injection which was borderline useless............two months. I've wasted two months!!!!!

My DB is ordering wine on the phone, the kids aren't far out of bed, and I'm enjoying a glass of wine and blogging. Dinner is steak burgers with pommes noisettes while watching MasterChef.......

Until next time.

My Day

I feel like I've just run around all day. After yesterday's debacle with school being closed and me having to send the kids home not long after they got there, the craziness just continued. I did my Coles online shopping but always get a few things from Woolies and the fruit market. I also had to get a cartridge for my printer and buy a gift for my MIL who is 75 today. I got her a beautiful mauve fresh water pearl with a diamond. We have never spent much on her gifts before and wanted to get her something special. I think she will really like it.

I headed home and then had some time before I had to head out again for my physio appointment. I wanted to transfer funds onto my credit card after buying the groceries etc, only to discover that my groceries aren't coming today!! I'd made a change to my order, but hadn't 'checked out' the modified order!!! Thankfully I was able to organize a delivery for tomorrow afternoon, but it meant I needed to get a couple of things to tide us over..... I'm just so relieved that I actually had to look up my order. Normally I don't pay my CC until the next week!!

I went to my appointment, my arm and shoulder is having really bad spasms and I've been needing to go since the weekend. I hope I get some relief. It looks like I'll need another cortisone injection. After the appt I bought some milk and bacon and then headed home. I made a slice for the weekend, one less thing for Barbi to worry about. I wanted to make two, but ran out of time.

I've had some lunch and sat down for 40 minutes. The dishwasher is emptied and the washing is up to date. I need to do some ironing but will do that tomorrow. Pizza for dinner tonight and I'll use the bread machine for he kneading as I still can't knead dough with my arm.

I'm off to pick up my eldest.

Update

I'm really happy to be home today. It's raining and miserable. Just wish my family were home too. I always love it when everyone's home snug after the end of a miserable day. I've done two loads of washing, and put them all in the dryer, no point stuffing around with washing that won't dry on the line, even when it's undercover like mine.

The weekend has gone by quickly, and was a good one. On Saturday everyone was busy and running in different directions. A sign of things to come as the kids grow up. I had my camera class, which have five participants and went very well. I finished the class on such a high as my students left happy and armed with new knowledge. It's exciting seeing the light bulbs go on in their heads, and hearing the enthusiastic and excited chatter as they left Daisy's. I stayed back for a bit, had a cuppa and then headed home. It had been a busy morning before I left as I got three kids organized. In the afternoon Billy-Joe and Mickey went out with my parents for the afternoon. They had a ball on a boat, and enjoyed a picnic. Plus they got to spend time with their cousins too, as Ricky and Dee were down visiting the girls. It's a shame we couldn't have all been there together, but it worked out well. Sammy didn't go as he went to a birthday party and his first sleep over. It wasn't until the middle of that night that I could believe he'd actually be able to stay away. He had wonderful time and coped very well being in a different environment.

We went to pick him up on Sunday at lunch time and then headed down to Coolum. I hadn't been there in years, and I wanted to see if it had changed, and maybe look inside some shops and have lunch. Well it was still as daggy as ever, not much had changed. The entire corner was demolished and lots of building is taking place. That will bring with it some new shops and food places. We had lunch at the bowls club, a simple meal,but it was nice. In the afternoon Peter took Billy-Joe and Mickey to golf and Sammy stayed home with me. He was very tired and was happy just watching TV.

This week, I want to get organized for the retreat. I mean I've only had three months to do it in!!! I have no idea what I'll do yet. I still don't want to spend much on supplies. Karen B and I are taking our MacBooks and I know Alaine will bring her laptop and Sheree has a new netbook. So all us geeks will be sitting together having a ball. In between catching up, laughing chatting, eating, surfing, checking facebook, we may actually scrap lol........ Karen K is coming, it's her first retreat and Lisa W is coming on the Saturday night. The theme is Happy Days, but I'm not interested in getting dressed up. Unless someone holds my hand and tells me what to do, my imagination is sadly lacking when it comes to fancy dress. I had a ball getting dressed as a fairy last year, but haven't dressed up since. Oh no I fib, I did wear a pirate costume at the pirate themed retreat, but that was only because someone brought me in an outfit to wear.....

I went on the treadmill today. I need to try and get on it everyday this week. With the retreat coming up, I need to bank up sone exercise points. I have to leave the retreat early on much to Karen's and my disappointment. MIL is having a 75th birthday party put on by her daughters and it's this Sunday. It's not that I mind going to celebrate MIL's milestone, but Karen's and my time together is so limited and we don't get together at every retreat, so we guard that time. I have decided that I'll probably go home on Saturday night and not go in at all on Sunday. That way I can sleep in and then we can go out.

I've had to make a physio appointment. My arm's worsened again, possibly due to the extra time I've been spending on the computer. At least with the trackpad I can use my left hand more.
Thanks Sheree for the award. I'm often lax at posting that I have received these, so have made a special effort to remember to post it on my blog. Thanks for thinking of me. I can't wait to catch up with you and Alaine on the weekend.

Blogging in the kitchen

This is just so decadent. I'm standing in the kitchen in between cooking and making salad etc for dinner, and blogging - oh and I have a nice glass of chardy.

It's about three hours later. I never did finish my post. Dinner was divine - Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni. Sammy ate it like it was cement, but everyone else hooked in. The salad w as a simple green salad with tomato, onion, balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

I can't believe that it's Thursday tomorrow. The weeks just fly by. I'm working again tomorrow, so with two days this week, that's fabulous. On Saturday I teach my camera class, so the bank account will look healthy and pay ahead the bills for the next month or so. I always like it when I'm in the black with everything, which I do with most bills. I just wish my work was a little more consistent. Even one day per week would be great.

I have had a really good week. On Monday I went back to the jeweller's to make sure that my bracelet was the right size. It fit really well, but I was worried that when it had lots of beads on it, it would be too tight. I was pleased, as the size was perfect. The sales woman filled the bracelet with beads and it looked and felt great - and not too tight. I was very surprised to feel how heavy it was! I wore it that day, and I just love it. I'd love to wear it all the time, but the instructions say not to wear it in the shower, so I'll keep it for when I go out.

Last week, I was sitting on the fence about getting the MacBook. I knew I wanted it, but I continued to question myself as to when and how it was going to be used. Each time in the last couple of weeks, I'd make a note of a time when I thought it would be handy to have another computer with internet access and when portability was handy. Even though I'd worked out how I was paying for it, I still wasn't going to rush in and buy it. I was so excited when Karen got her MacBook, and the emotion I felt for her, cemented the decision for me. I rang Peter and checked that even though it wasn't quite the end of the financial year I was okay to go.........and I rang Myer to make sure they had one in stock.

It's very very different to a desktop machine in many ways. The trackpad took some getting used to, but I love how sensitive it is. The great thing about Karen having one too, is that we can compare notes and ideas.

I love sitting on the lounge and tap tap tapping on my MacBook. I've installed some programs but want to keep it fairly light. I'll try not to fill it up with apps. I've attempted to edit one photo today, and, even though it looks okay, I'm going to experiment again, and try to do both a photo from the imac and MacBook with the exact same settings. I'd love to be a lazy editor lol........

When I have some more time, I'll do a better review of my MacBook. I'm excited about taking it to scrapping on Friday night to work through things with Karen. I'll also take it to the next retreat.

On another note - my youngest boy has sucked his fingers since he was a few months old. He has two fingers from his right hand in his mouth as comfort. He hasn't done it at school for ages of course, but at home, especially when he's tired, or snuggling into Bunny or I, or watching TV and of course in bed, he sucks on his fingers. I have never discouraged it. I figure he'll grow out of it anyway. He's had many people over the years try to discourage him, but it's never been a battle I've wanted to wage.

I'd noticed of late that his smile was changing. I couldn't figure out if his face was changing because he was growing up and I struggled to see who it resembled. On Sunday, he was sitting at the table, and he had his fingers in his mouth and I could a glimpse of him side on and it hit me like a tonne of bricks. His front teeth had moved!! His top lip protrudes slightly from the teeth, and his mouth has actually changed from sucking his fingers. So.......with a heavy heart I sat him down and told him he couldn't do it anymore. I explained that his mouth was still soft and it would move back to where it should be, but that sucking would make it worse. He cried! I cried! I held him as we cried together. I saw how much sadness I'd brought him, but to his credit he could see that what I said was right. I take my hat off to him. For his not yet 8 years, he's handled this with a maturity that is beyond his years. I haven't once had to say anything to him. He's allowed to suck them briefly as he falls to sleep, but that's it. Then I'll discourage that too in a few weeks time. I am so proud of him.

Where's my baby gone?

Happy Mothers' Day

I have just had the best day. I love Mothers' Day. It's right up there with Christmas and even better than my birthday I think, seeing as my birthday is so close to Christmas. I started the morning with a delicious cooked break - my favourite, french toast, maple syrup, bacon, coffee and orange juice.

It was the first Mothers' Day breakfast I'd ever had cooked for me.Normally we head out to see Peter's Mum in the morning and then rush home to have lunch at our house with my parents. Now that Peter's folks live half an hour away, it takes a huge hunk out of the morning, so I suggested we go yesterday. I'm so pleased Peter thougth it was a good idea. We got to have a really nice visit yesterday, and I had a relaxed morning today. Because Mum and I had decided to have cooked chickens and salad for lunch with bake @ home rolls, I could take the time to make an appetiser and dessert. Yesterday I made a pate and tiramisu. Both were just divine!!!

The kids bought me lovely gifts from the stall at school. A coffee mug, washers, a shower fuffy, and a sponge, with shower gel and shampoo. The piece de resistance was my Pandora Bracelet. I was overwhelmed. Especially as Peter made out that I wasn't getting much. Plus, like I mentioned in a previous post, the jeweller's which specialize in this, are not in our town, so for him to go outside the Bunny Zone was pretty cool.

Just before midday though, I got a text to check my ichat messages. Mmm, I was surprised that I'd missed them but I went over to the computer and sure enough there were quite a few messages. Karen was excited that I'd received my Pandora Bracelet, but I nearly fell off my chair with excitement when she told me she had got a MacBook!!!

I rang her up, I couldn't ichat her back because my hands were shaking. I squealed and was so loud with excitement for her that the kids came running out to see what the fuss was about. Geoff had thought that I hadn't responded to the messages because I didn't have mine yet lol.......... She had spent the morning totally overwhelmed, and in tears and just delighted to have her own computer. Like mine will be it's all on the wireless network and she is so excited. Now she can bookmark, and save and download to her heart's content and I can show her stuff and we know that Geoff won't get peeved at us lol........

I might go to Myer this week, next Friday night we'll both sit there.......

I have to go and maybe swap my bracelet as it's quite small.

I had a fabulous day. Hope all my friends had an awesome day too.

Bunny, Billy-Joe, my Mum and Dad, while Mum opens her gift.

My Pandora Bracelet

Saying Thank you for my lovely gift.

My Week Thus Far

I've had a really nice week. My arm is about 60% better, so I'm doing things that I've left undone. Over two mornings I cleaned my entire kitchen, stove top and inside and outside of my fridge. Everything looks lovely again. Makes me feel good inside when I open the fridge and the glass shelves are spotless again. I was going to exercise every day this week, but have only managed one hour on the treadmill so far this week. Slack! My Levis got pulled out of the depths of my wardrobe today, and, while they still fit and look okay, I can feel I've put weight back on. I'll need to do something about it before I put it all back on again. I still feel fit enough on the treadmill, although I'm walking rather than jogging at the moment. I'm concentrating on extending time per session rather than intensity. It burns a good lot of calories and I can maintain it, so I'll keep along that track for a while.

I've pretty much been home all week. Scrapping last Friday night of course, home the entire weekend, and it was a long weekend too. I enjoyed myself by looking after my family and cooking heaps. On Sunday, Peter went and played golf and the kids and I enjoyed a relaxed day at home together. Billy-Joe was keen to cook again, and as my arm is still giving me trouble, and I wanted muffins baked, it achieved two goals in one. He loved making them and is gaining a little extra confidence. He's shit scared of the oven, but is getting there and listens well to my guidance, which is just an awesome role for me. I just love to teach! After we'd made the muffins, I asked if he wanted to make lunch too, so he made egg and bacon baskets in bread in the muffin pan. They were delicous, with spring onions and grated cheese on top. Mickey, Billy-Joe and I ate them for lunch, Sammy turned his nose up at them and had a Cucumber Sandwich. (Sammy's name for a salad sandwich. Often I don't even have cucumber, so then it becomes a cucumber sandwich without the cucumber lol......)

On Monday Peter took the kids fishing and I stayed home. I listened to my audio book and decided that I wanted to get stuck into making my rug in earnest. I am so pleased with it, I finished it yesterday. Sewing in all the ends took me over an hour. I finished it last night and actually sat rolled up like in a sausage roll in front of the TV. Bliss! When Bunny kissed me good night, I put my glasses half down my nose and told him good night and God Bless you with a quivery voice...... as I'm sitting there like an Oma. I loved making it and am sad that it's finished. I'm on the lookout for my next project. It's nice making something while I'm doing something else. I don't feel like the time in front of the TV is wasted.

Today I've been and done some shopping. I added a nightie for Peter's Mum's present for Mothers' Day. I've made my Mum and MIL and iphoto book, and I wanted to add something else. I've organized my Mum's other gift too. I'm hope she'll like them. I'm not sure what I'm getting for Mothers' Day, but DB did go into a jewellery store today and look at a pandora bracelet. Unfortunately the guy only had a gold one which cost nearly $7000!!! He would have to go to another jeweller - not quite down the coast, but definitley out of the Bunny Zone. (The Bunny Zone, is anywhere from home, to work, to the golf course, which fortunately encompasses town as well - anywhere beyond that he generally doesn't go, or he's with me, and I drive too). So I'm not sure what Mothers' Day will bring. I know for one thing though, that it will be a great day. It's always an exciting day. I always feel cherished, which is an awesome feeling. The kids and Bunny are wonderful to me. This year I get to spend Mothers' Day with my parents, which makes it doubly special. Last year my parents were away, and while I still had a lovely day, it's just not the same. I need my Mum with me on Mothers' Day - simple as that.

I went and visited my parents one day this week and had lunch with them. Something I really enjoyed. My Mum cooks very differently to me, but I love her food. We had a yummy beef soup and then some Reis Auf Lauf. Lord only knows how that translates, and I'm thinking the Australian version is a rice pudding type thing, although rice pudding is runny - not sure since I didn't grow up with Australian cuisine. This is made with rice (of course), milk, sultanas, sliced apples, cinammon and vanilla sugar I think. There must be eggs in it for it all to hang together, but it's not runny. It's quite firm and you dish it up in a large slice. Mmmmmmm, delish, and so reminiscent of my childhood. Apparently in Austria (not sure about Germany) Mehlspeise (Sweet dish) were commonly eaten for a main meal. I'm guessing this was due to the fact that food was scarce during the war years, and that flour and eggs were more readily available. I'll have to check on that. So many times during my childhood, we'd have a Mehlspeise for dinner, usually after a hearty soup entree. Sometimes it was pancakes (which I later found out were actually crepes, when much to my chagrin I was served gigantic pikelets the first time I ate at the Pancake Parlour), Reis Auf Lauf, Kaiserschmarn, (thick pancakes with sultantas and apples, cooked and then chopped up, served with sugar and cinammon. Apfel Strudel (can you imagine eating apple strudel as a main meal??? Delicous. There were some others that we had, but these were the most commonly in my home. There was no complaints in the house when this was dished up! This week, I took a leaf out of my Mum's book. I'd eaten enough chicken for the week, and there was only more chicken in the freezer, so I made pancakes (crepes) for dinner. The kids thought I was joking lol........ They loved it. I made dear Bunny something a little more wholesome, but the kids and I loved it. I could have made more. My Mum and Aunty used to make this filling called 'Dopfen' and it was to die for. It was made with some kind of cheese, like a baker's cheese (no lumps!) and then cream, sugar and sultanas were added. Absolutely to die for, and soooooo filling. I wonder if I'd still like them now....... Let me think for a second. Yes!! I think I would.

I have to go out shortly, but will hopefully get back later or tomorrow to add a badge I was given for my blog.

Off to pick up my kids and await my grocery delivery.