My lovely friend Joyce made a comment on Facebook this morning that my Blog needed updating. Yes, it does. BADLY!
All good intentions seem to go to the wayside these days.
Too much to do, and not enough hours. Before I know it, Christmas will be here.......oh wait! It's only a little over a week away!!
Things sneak up on you, don't they?
First day of holidays today. My 'Big Girl' graduated Kindergarten yesterday (Prep equivalent for those interstaters reading). I can't believe how fast the year has gone!
Ardyn has had a very busy end to the year. She has recently got through not only the end of her first year of school, but she had an amazingly fun birthday party at the starts of the month, a couple of dance concerts and photo day and all the fun and excitement that comes with the lead up to Christmas. It's been busy, but fun, for all of us.
Bailey participated in her first dance concert this year, and did a stellar job!!! She is still attending daycare for a little while longer, but starts at Preschool in February.
They are both getting so big!!
And of course in there Cal and I have been working (Cal), shopping (me), keeping busy, and having a great time with our adorable little girls. Cal has started to compete in regular Triathlons, trying to get his body ready for a Half Ironman that he has entered in May. So he spends a lot of time training for that. I'm really proud of him, and am looking forward to seeing him complete the 'Half'. Can't see me doing this type of thing, but good on him for doing it. Did I say I was proud? I am. Really, really.
The next couple of months will be busy ones, getting ready for an exciting 2011.
First and foremost, Cal and I are off to see Bon Jovi on Friday night!!! Woot woot!!!! I have never seen them in concert, and although I would never have considered going in the past, I really want to see the spectacular (or at least I hope) that is Bon Jovi live. And of course it will be nice to have a night out!
As Cal started a new job this year, he has to work the work days during the Christmas period. This means that we are spending our first Christmas with the kids at home. EVER!!! It's very exciting, but a bit sad at the same time as we won't see our families who live south of the border. We are planning a very laid back approach to the season, just the way Christmas in Australia can be enjoyed. Lots of outdoor eating and playing, the BBQ supplying us with great food, kids in the pool, lots of good wine. Should be fun.
We are spending Christmas Day and the days around and after it with various friends. We have been blessed to have made some really great friends since living in Sydney. They are my substitute family members, and I know that I can call on them for anything, just as family would do. I am looking forward to being able to share this time of year with them. There will be lots of holiday fun at the beach, in the pool, a possible camping trip, and hopefully some time to just relax and chill.
Not long after Christmas we will jump on a plane for a bit of a change of scenery and head from 30oC-odd to about -15oC!!! We are off to Whistler to enjoy a spot of skiing and partying and general fun before we get back into the the 2011 school year. Yippee!! Can't wait! Hopefully this time I won't need the services of the Ski Patrol and local Ambulance like I did last time we were there. Fun experience. Painful, but fun to be skiied down the mountain in a 'pod'.
And when we get back, life won't slow down - oh no. The kids go back to School/Preschool the day after we land, Cal is entered in a few Tris, it sounds like he will be doing an "Asia Trip" for work, we have some plans to get up to the Central Coast for a weekend or two as a family before the weather goes bad, I would like to get away with my girlfriend for a couple of days, Ardyn's dance teacher is talking about her taking her ballet exams this year (so that means extra time in the studio).........and then it's the end of Term 1. Easter.
Bugger me!!!! It's not even Christmas and it looks like we're booked up until Easter!
Well that's what life with kids is like isn't it? But it's good. So good. Wouldn't change it for anything.
There you go Joyce. Happy????
Blog updated.
I hope that you are all enjoying the start to your holidays and this lead up to Christmas.
K xx
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Silhouette
There are other things I should be doing right now (like showering), but I was having my morning coffee and catching up on my FB gossip when I came across a Silhouette giveaway on The TomKat Studio page/blog.
I have always wanted a Silhouette. I was just telling Lisa the other day that it is the only cutting machine I would ever contemplate, but that I just can't afford one.
Maybe Kim over at TomKat will see it in her heart to make my wish come true.
Now, speaking of TomKat, wait until next week and I will post photos of Ardyn's birthday party, including lots of yummy TomKat ladybug goodness.
K xx
I have always wanted a Silhouette. I was just telling Lisa the other day that it is the only cutting machine I would ever contemplate, but that I just can't afford one.
Maybe Kim over at TomKat will see it in her heart to make my wish come true.
Now, speaking of TomKat, wait until next week and I will post photos of Ardyn's birthday party, including lots of yummy TomKat ladybug goodness.
K xx
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Labybugs
My world is currently ruled by ladybugs.
I find myself Googling all sorts of ladybugs products whenever I get a chance.
Not much of what I want in Australia, so much in the US, but can I get it here in time?
My time is also being spent MAKING ladybugs.
I need to get them done and out of my house by Friday.
And then I can get on with the stuff that I REALLY want and need to do.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
I am officially hopless
Not with everything, just this Blogging thing. How the hell do people make a living doing it?
I keep coming up with these insightful and (I think) interesting things to write - usually while I'm in the shower or vacuuming - and I create the post in my head. I edit it, get it all the way that I want it....all I have to do is sit at the computer and type it.
As you can see by the lack of Blog posts, I never actually get to that last bit. Perhaps I spend so much time forming it in my head that my conscious thinks that it's 'done'. NOT SO CONSCIOUS!!!
I think that I may have just had an 'ah-ha moment'. Maybe this is why I have so many unfinished projects. In my head I complete them, I just never get around to actually doing them.
Procrastinator? No. Cerebral Creator.
K xx
I keep coming up with these insightful and (I think) interesting things to write - usually while I'm in the shower or vacuuming - and I create the post in my head. I edit it, get it all the way that I want it....all I have to do is sit at the computer and type it.
As you can see by the lack of Blog posts, I never actually get to that last bit. Perhaps I spend so much time forming it in my head that my conscious thinks that it's 'done'. NOT SO CONSCIOUS!!!
I think that I may have just had an 'ah-ha moment'. Maybe this is why I have so many unfinished projects. In my head I complete them, I just never get around to actually doing them.
Procrastinator? No. Cerebral Creator.
K xx
Monday, August 30, 2010
Did nothing
How the hell is it possible to be tired when I did nothing today? Maybe that's it. I did nothing. But I'm tired when I actually do stuff too - so how does one actually win the battle?
Had a weekend that went all too fast (but don't they all?). Going backwards, I had a stall at this market yesterday. It was fun. I got rid of a few things for me and some girlfriends, I got to spend the morning chatting with my girlfriend who I haven't seen for a while, and just did something....if you know what I mean. I may get the bug for this market thing. It was quite enjoyable.
Yesterday afternoon I just played with the family, and had a great time hanging out. The kids had been on the go so much for the few days leading up to the weekend, that they needed a day of just doing not much.
Saturday afternoon we headed to the Newport Arms to help my lovely friend Sarah celebrate her 40th birthday. It was an afternoon of lots of food, wine, sunshine and fun, and was very enjoyable.
Friday night Ardyn had a movie night at school. Basically that involved the kids coming back the the school hall at 7pm with pillows and blankies and watching a movie - although from what I've heard not much watching was done, but a good time was had by all. "Loud" would be the work for the night. Ardyn was picked up by the lovely Emma and went for a sleepover at their place. She must be a glutton for punishment. After a week of school, swimming, ballet, netball and an extra night out, she was happy to deal with two 6 year olds giggling and talking and doing anything but sleeping.
And now it's Monday, and I did NOTHING today. Well I did really. I played personal assistant to the family. a lot of what I call 'office work'. That involves getting quotes to work out how much it would cost to travel to the Sunshine Coast for a wedding, getting quotes to get the car serviced (and then booked in), organising plumbers, paying bills............so it looks like I did actually do something. Ha!
Now off to do some more, but domestic stuff this time. Dishes, dinner, kids......with a coffee thrown into the mix.
Does it ever stop? And I don't think that this is a 'stay at home mum' thing, I think it's a 'mum' thing.....do you agree?
K xx
Had a weekend that went all too fast (but don't they all?). Going backwards, I had a stall at this market yesterday. It was fun. I got rid of a few things for me and some girlfriends, I got to spend the morning chatting with my girlfriend who I haven't seen for a while, and just did something....if you know what I mean. I may get the bug for this market thing. It was quite enjoyable.
Yesterday afternoon I just played with the family, and had a great time hanging out. The kids had been on the go so much for the few days leading up to the weekend, that they needed a day of just doing not much.
Saturday afternoon we headed to the Newport Arms to help my lovely friend Sarah celebrate her 40th birthday. It was an afternoon of lots of food, wine, sunshine and fun, and was very enjoyable.
Friday night Ardyn had a movie night at school. Basically that involved the kids coming back the the school hall at 7pm with pillows and blankies and watching a movie - although from what I've heard not much watching was done, but a good time was had by all. "Loud" would be the work for the night. Ardyn was picked up by the lovely Emma and went for a sleepover at their place. She must be a glutton for punishment. After a week of school, swimming, ballet, netball and an extra night out, she was happy to deal with two 6 year olds giggling and talking and doing anything but sleeping.
And now it's Monday, and I did NOTHING today. Well I did really. I played personal assistant to the family. a lot of what I call 'office work'. That involves getting quotes to work out how much it would cost to travel to the Sunshine Coast for a wedding, getting quotes to get the car serviced (and then booked in), organising plumbers, paying bills............so it looks like I did actually do something. Ha!
Now off to do some more, but domestic stuff this time. Dishes, dinner, kids......with a coffee thrown into the mix.
Does it ever stop? And I don't think that this is a 'stay at home mum' thing, I think it's a 'mum' thing.....do you agree?
K xx
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
It's the little things
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Chang of Plans.....
In a whole(what's it been?)........half an hour or so, I've changed my mind. I remembered that I have a copy of Bob Harper's book "Are You Ready?", and I thought that it I am going to motivate myself by reading and acting on them, I can do it with Bob.
His book provides as much as Michelle's program in so much as you pretty much have to motivate yourself through reading and doing, so here I go.......
The last 18 months or so have taken it's toll on me. I don't feel like 'me'. And since Cal went back to work in May, I haven't had the chance to get into a routine that included me. This is my time.
I am starting to feel a bit more balanced in so far as our family routines and now I need to inject some time for me. And I am going to. I am determined to.
I plan on keeping a journal of the changes that I make, how I feel and such, but I"m not sure whether to create a Blog or write it down. I may create a Blog, but keep it Private. This is not a journey that I am brave enough to share with everyone. I may in the future, or to a select few (I think that I may need some support) but not everyone.
So off I go. First baby steps - less coffee, more water, more sleep. I can start there.
Wish me luck.
K xx
His book provides as much as Michelle's program in so much as you pretty much have to motivate yourself through reading and doing, so here I go.......
The last 18 months or so have taken it's toll on me. I don't feel like 'me'. And since Cal went back to work in May, I haven't had the chance to get into a routine that included me. This is my time.
I am starting to feel a bit more balanced in so far as our family routines and now I need to inject some time for me. And I am going to. I am determined to.
I plan on keeping a journal of the changes that I make, how I feel and such, but I"m not sure whether to create a Blog or write it down. I may create a Blog, but keep it Private. This is not a journey that I am brave enough to share with everyone. I may in the future, or to a select few (I think that I may need some support) but not everyone.
So off I go. First baby steps - less coffee, more water, more sleep. I can start there.
Wish me luck.
K xx
Considering.....
....this.
I need something to help me right now. I need something to motivate me. Perhaps this is it? My gym membership certainly isn't doing it.
Considering my options. Need to make some serious changes.
I need something to help me right now. I need something to motivate me. Perhaps this is it? My gym membership certainly isn't doing it.
Considering my options. Need to make some serious changes.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
LML
I was thinking today that after a crapola few days, I should really be thankful. I have so much good stuff in my life, but we only ever Blog/Tweet/FB about the bad stuff.
I started thinking about how thankful I am that my beautiful, healthy, spunky girls are growing up and trying to make decisions for themselves (albeit not great ones, but pushing some boundaries nonetheless), I am thankful for a husband to loves me and is patient with me even though I can get all psycho bitch at times, and even though he doesn't agree with everything that I do, he supports me to the best of his abilities, I am thankful for the gorgeous weather that we are having, I am thankful for my friends who I know will be here for me in whatever capacity they can, I am thankful for........so much. And I refuse to be the 'glass half empty' girl today.
Then at 10:10am this post landed in my inbox.
How bizarre. It was meant to be. Fate. Kismet.
This is what I needed to hear (or read as the case may be) today.
I do Love My Life, and right now I am going to go and wake up the smallest Love of My Life and pick up the middle one. And tonight I will tell the biggest one how much I love him. Bugger that, I'm gong to do it right now.
How about you go and tell someone you love them too.
K xx
I started thinking about how thankful I am that my beautiful, healthy, spunky girls are growing up and trying to make decisions for themselves (albeit not great ones, but pushing some boundaries nonetheless), I am thankful for a husband to loves me and is patient with me even though I can get all psycho bitch at times, and even though he doesn't agree with everything that I do, he supports me to the best of his abilities, I am thankful for the gorgeous weather that we are having, I am thankful for my friends who I know will be here for me in whatever capacity they can, I am thankful for........so much. And I refuse to be the 'glass half empty' girl today.
Then at 10:10am this post landed in my inbox.
How bizarre. It was meant to be. Fate. Kismet.
This is what I needed to hear (or read as the case may be) today.
I do Love My Life, and right now I am going to go and wake up the smallest Love of My Life and pick up the middle one. And tonight I will tell the biggest one how much I love him. Bugger that, I'm gong to do it right now.
How about you go and tell someone you love them too.
K xx
Monday, August 16, 2010
What the....?????
Does it stop? Ever?!?!?!
Today was just ANOTHER of 'those' days.
In the bliss of the girls playing outside yesterday, they decided to take a 'trip' in my car. That involves playing in my car which is parked in the garage and pretending that they are on a journey. They take books and 'treasures' out there and play. It keeps them happy, and if they are happily playing, I am happy too.
Until this morning.
With all of last night's grief behind us, we had a great morning. The girls got up and ready for school without issues, ate breakfast, packed bags, played quietly. Awesome.
Into the car at the exact time that I wanted to get away, and when I tried to put my seat in the correct position (as it had been moved in yesterday's journey), it wouldn't move. Electric seats. I turned the ignition. Nothing. Looked around the interior of the car, and I saw the interior lights were turned on, but not actually on.
BUGGER!!!!! The anger rose in my so quickly that I think that I scared the girls. I was LIVID!
First thought was to walk up to where Cal's car is parked to catch the bus and just use that. Then I remembered that he had driven to the airport yesterday to go to a funeral in Melbourne today. And what else was in Cal's car? The jump leads.
Didn't have time to call the NRMA and wait for them to make an appearance.
Called my girlfriend who I KNEW had jumpers and she didn't answer.
BUGGER!!!
Called another family from school, who I knew the dad was on a day off, asking for help. They didn't have any jumper cables either....but then......... N0t only did they come over and pick Ardyn up to take her to school with their daughter (and they were both subsequently late), but they bought over their second car, gave me the key and told me to relax, take Bailey to daycare and get done whatever I needed to get done. We will worry about my car and returning theirs later.
OMG!!! There are actually people like this in the world, and I am blessed to be able to call them my friends. Words cannot express my gratitude and love for this family. And I have only known them since February when our kids started in the same class together. Actually, the mum I've only really known since April, and the dad I ran in to at a few parties in March and April. And they do this for me.
After I had run my morning errands (with a few shuffled into tomorrow's schedule) I came home and called the NRMA to get them to jump me and check that the battery hadn't been damaged. All good there, took the car for a spin to get it charged up, but the CD player seems to have been fried. :( Still hoping that it's just that there's not enough juice getting to it. The car is currently on the charger. Will wait and see what the morning brings.
But then, while i was out driving/charging they called to say that they were at my place . They came to not only get their car, but to make sure that I was okay, stayed to make sure that I was okay, he checked my CD player to see if he could make it work, and even played around with the pump in our pond to try to get that going (all without being asked).
Can you say BLESSED?!?!?! Can you say AWESOME!!!
I am still in shock that a day that started out so bad, could turn out so positive. I'm still not happy that today was a write-off and that my busy week has just been made busier, but there is a warm, fuzzy glow associated with today. I have found a couple who are the real deal. They are loving, generous and kind. Rare traits found in today's society.
How lucky do I feel that they are a part of our lives??
I am looking forward to the rest of the week. It can't get any worse, and if it does, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel.
K xx
Oh, and there's now a ban on the computer too.
Today was just ANOTHER of 'those' days.
In the bliss of the girls playing outside yesterday, they decided to take a 'trip' in my car. That involves playing in my car which is parked in the garage and pretending that they are on a journey. They take books and 'treasures' out there and play. It keeps them happy, and if they are happily playing, I am happy too.
Until this morning.
With all of last night's grief behind us, we had a great morning. The girls got up and ready for school without issues, ate breakfast, packed bags, played quietly. Awesome.
Into the car at the exact time that I wanted to get away, and when I tried to put my seat in the correct position (as it had been moved in yesterday's journey), it wouldn't move. Electric seats. I turned the ignition. Nothing. Looked around the interior of the car, and I saw the interior lights were turned on, but not actually on.
BUGGER!!!!! The anger rose in my so quickly that I think that I scared the girls. I was LIVID!
First thought was to walk up to where Cal's car is parked to catch the bus and just use that. Then I remembered that he had driven to the airport yesterday to go to a funeral in Melbourne today. And what else was in Cal's car? The jump leads.
Didn't have time to call the NRMA and wait for them to make an appearance.
Called my girlfriend who I KNEW had jumpers and she didn't answer.
BUGGER!!!
Called another family from school, who I knew the dad was on a day off, asking for help. They didn't have any jumper cables either....but then......... N0t only did they come over and pick Ardyn up to take her to school with their daughter (and they were both subsequently late), but they bought over their second car, gave me the key and told me to relax, take Bailey to daycare and get done whatever I needed to get done. We will worry about my car and returning theirs later.
OMG!!! There are actually people like this in the world, and I am blessed to be able to call them my friends. Words cannot express my gratitude and love for this family. And I have only known them since February when our kids started in the same class together. Actually, the mum I've only really known since April, and the dad I ran in to at a few parties in March and April. And they do this for me.
After I had run my morning errands (with a few shuffled into tomorrow's schedule) I came home and called the NRMA to get them to jump me and check that the battery hadn't been damaged. All good there, took the car for a spin to get it charged up, but the CD player seems to have been fried. :( Still hoping that it's just that there's not enough juice getting to it. The car is currently on the charger. Will wait and see what the morning brings.
But then, while i was out driving/charging they called to say that they were at my place . They came to not only get their car, but to make sure that I was okay, stayed to make sure that I was okay, he checked my CD player to see if he could make it work, and even played around with the pump in our pond to try to get that going (all without being asked).
Can you say BLESSED?!?!?! Can you say AWESOME!!!
I am still in shock that a day that started out so bad, could turn out so positive. I'm still not happy that today was a write-off and that my busy week has just been made busier, but there is a warm, fuzzy glow associated with today. I have found a couple who are the real deal. They are loving, generous and kind. Rare traits found in today's society.
How lucky do I feel that they are a part of our lives??
I am looking forward to the rest of the week. It can't get any worse, and if it does, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel.
K xx
Oh, and there's now a ban on the computer too.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Sounds so sweet - never lasts
On Friday we had a real Friday 13th type of day. It was just EVIL. It culminated in the kids being banned form TV for 2 days, and if during the 2 days they ask to turn the TV on, another day was added on. Sounds extreme, but my God, they deserved it. For two generally well-behaved kids (I mean, kids will be kids) they were just utterly disobedient. Time for a lesson.
As we stand at this moment, they don't get any TV until Wednesday. They'll learn.
In the last couple of days, we have had good and bad moments, but the good have been oh-so sweet!
Yesterday I was sitting in the study doing....I can't even remember, and then I heard it. The giggling, the glee. It was the girls playing out in the driveway on their scooters. Zooming down the hill at (what seems like to them) break-neck speeds, and just generally having fun out in the sun together. I love those moments.
Yesterday they rediscovered their friendship.
Yesterday they enjoyed the sun.
Yesterday they didn't watch TV.
Yesterday they were so sweet.
It was the sweetest of sweet.
Today was actually a good day too - until the end of it. But it was explainable.
I took the girls and a friend of Ardyn's out to see the new Tinkerbell movie. It was only playing at one (relatively close) cinema for a short time. It was today or never - or at least until it came out on DVD.
So off to a strange Shopping Centre, stuck in roadworks, not sure if we'll make it, got there, no idea where to park, then no idea where the cinema is......place so bloody big, wandering around in circles...........then we find it. Get our tickets and popcorn and find the cinema. The girls were so excited. We were the first in the cinema and they were running up and down the aisles, giggling and playing and putting the BIGGEST smile on my place.
It was a great movie too.
Then 90 minutes later we wandered around the strange shopping centre trying to find a craft store coz the kids wanted some stuff to play with, then more wandering and going up and down various escalators to find the car, found the car....off to Maccas!!!!
Of course no one ate anything because they had too much popcorn and lollies, but they enjoyed having a play...........as kids do.
Back to Charlotte's house, crafting, playing rock band, coffee for me, relax........
When we got home, there was some more happy playing, but before too long the nightmare began. Fueled by exhaustion we all started attacking each other. The kids were crying at anything, I couldn't handle them. Cal's not here to offer any relief (he's in Melbourne as a dear, dear friend's father passed away during the week, and the funeral is tomorrow). I feel so bad with how the day ended. How the weekend ended. We had had such a lovely time and it just feels like I destroyed it. I hope that by the morning they have had a good night's sleep, and have forgotten all about it. I hope that by the morning I have had a good night's sleep and have forgotten all about it.
Just going to watch Offspring and then head off to nigh nighs. Busy week ahead. Lots of baking to be done. Lots of cleaning to be done. And a very special third birthday to enjoy at the end of it. Something to look forward to. And I am really looking forward to it.
K xx
As we stand at this moment, they don't get any TV until Wednesday. They'll learn.
In the last couple of days, we have had good and bad moments, but the good have been oh-so sweet!
Yesterday I was sitting in the study doing....I can't even remember, and then I heard it. The giggling, the glee. It was the girls playing out in the driveway on their scooters. Zooming down the hill at (what seems like to them) break-neck speeds, and just generally having fun out in the sun together. I love those moments.
Yesterday they rediscovered their friendship.
Yesterday they enjoyed the sun.
Yesterday they didn't watch TV.
Yesterday they were so sweet.
It was the sweetest of sweet.
Today was actually a good day too - until the end of it. But it was explainable.
I took the girls and a friend of Ardyn's out to see the new Tinkerbell movie. It was only playing at one (relatively close) cinema for a short time. It was today or never - or at least until it came out on DVD.
So off to a strange Shopping Centre, stuck in roadworks, not sure if we'll make it, got there, no idea where to park, then no idea where the cinema is......place so bloody big, wandering around in circles...........then we find it. Get our tickets and popcorn and find the cinema. The girls were so excited. We were the first in the cinema and they were running up and down the aisles, giggling and playing and putting the BIGGEST smile on my place.
It was a great movie too.
Then 90 minutes later we wandered around the strange shopping centre trying to find a craft store coz the kids wanted some stuff to play with, then more wandering and going up and down various escalators to find the car, found the car....off to Maccas!!!!
Of course no one ate anything because they had too much popcorn and lollies, but they enjoyed having a play...........as kids do.
Back to Charlotte's house, crafting, playing rock band, coffee for me, relax........
When we got home, there was some more happy playing, but before too long the nightmare began. Fueled by exhaustion we all started attacking each other. The kids were crying at anything, I couldn't handle them. Cal's not here to offer any relief (he's in Melbourne as a dear, dear friend's father passed away during the week, and the funeral is tomorrow). I feel so bad with how the day ended. How the weekend ended. We had had such a lovely time and it just feels like I destroyed it. I hope that by the morning they have had a good night's sleep, and have forgotten all about it. I hope that by the morning I have had a good night's sleep and have forgotten all about it.
Just going to watch Offspring and then head off to nigh nighs. Busy week ahead. Lots of baking to be done. Lots of cleaning to be done. And a very special third birthday to enjoy at the end of it. Something to look forward to. And I am really looking forward to it.
K xx
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Retreat Weekend
I had a FANTASTIC time at the Forever Always Retreat this weekend. It was the first time that I have been to their retreat, but the 14th that Sonia has hosted. I highly recommend it to any crafters out there. It wasn't just about scrapbooking, there was sewing as well, but you could pretty much come along and do anything. And 'anything' doesn't just mean craft-related activities. You can craft, bush walk, take photos, whatever. I even debated taking a book and a bottle of wine and just relaxing, but of course I filled my boot full of scrapping supplies and made my way to Glengarry to spend a few days attempting to find my creative self.
This is a fantastic property for a craft retreat. Even though the accommodations are basic, you have run of house, the conference room stays open 24 hours for those late night bursts of inspiration, and it's in a beautiful setting close to home - well my home anyway.
Sonia holds a true 'family' retreat. The FA Design Team are tight knit, a lot of the women attending have been to all 14 retreats and know each other quite well, and Sonia's family are there to pitch in to set up and pack up, cook us the most fabulous meals all weekend, and just be friendly and supportive. Even though I knew only a couple of people before I went, I was made to feel at home and a member of the family.
Relax. I did.
I spent a wonderful time scrapping and sewing and chatting and eating and drinking and talking and just hanging out.
Did I say that I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a relaxing weekend away?
I have found the urge to create again.....and I need to use up some of this stash that I have been "collecting". So I have signed up to join in the Blue Bazaar Scrap Bootcamp on their forum to get through it all so that I can condone spending money on more product - hehe.
I also logged into my Big Picture account to see what workshops I can do from there, and ended up signing in to participate in their Big Idea Festival. More chance for creativity.
Basically, I am determined to get through my stash, contribute to a community and chisel sometime for me out of my crazy schedule to get a little bit creative. Can you tell?
Wish me luck....even better, who's joining me?????
K xx
This is a fantastic property for a craft retreat. Even though the accommodations are basic, you have run of house, the conference room stays open 24 hours for those late night bursts of inspiration, and it's in a beautiful setting close to home - well my home anyway.
Sonia holds a true 'family' retreat. The FA Design Team are tight knit, a lot of the women attending have been to all 14 retreats and know each other quite well, and Sonia's family are there to pitch in to set up and pack up, cook us the most fabulous meals all weekend, and just be friendly and supportive. Even though I knew only a couple of people before I went, I was made to feel at home and a member of the family.
Relax. I did.
I spent a wonderful time scrapping and sewing and chatting and eating and drinking and talking and just hanging out.
Did I say that I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a relaxing weekend away?
I have found the urge to create again.....and I need to use up some of this stash that I have been "collecting". So I have signed up to join in the Blue Bazaar Scrap Bootcamp on their forum to get through it all so that I can condone spending money on more product - hehe.
I also logged into my Big Picture account to see what workshops I can do from there, and ended up signing in to participate in their Big Idea Festival. More chance for creativity.
Basically, I am determined to get through my stash, contribute to a community and chisel sometime for me out of my crazy schedule to get a little bit creative. Can you tell?
Wish me luck....even better, who's joining me?????
K xx
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Scrap Bootcamp
Okay, so my Scrap Stash is out of control. And to make things worse, there are so many yummy yummy products on the market at the moment.
As much as I would love to spend Cal's hard-earned, I can't bring myself to do it when I haven't scrapbooked for MONTHS.
I am off to the Forever Always Retreat next week, and hoping that I will get organised enough to use some stuff up. And then from September 1 I am joining he crew over at Blue Bazaar for their Bootcamp. I hope to get rid of 50 photos and 50 sheets of paper in 50 days.
Considering I haven't done anything creatively for myself in the last 50 days, I don't know what makes me think that I will ever get through this.
Wish me luck.
Come and join me if you want. The thread in the forum is here.
K xx
As much as I would love to spend Cal's hard-earned, I can't bring myself to do it when I haven't scrapbooked for MONTHS.
I am off to the Forever Always Retreat next week, and hoping that I will get organised enough to use some stuff up. And then from September 1 I am joining he crew over at Blue Bazaar for their Bootcamp. I hope to get rid of 50 photos and 50 sheets of paper in 50 days.
Considering I haven't done anything creatively for myself in the last 50 days, I don't know what makes me think that I will ever get through this.
Wish me luck.
Come and join me if you want. The thread in the forum is here.
K xx
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
New Books
Becasue Ardyn has this fascination with how everything works, I got these two books for her today.
They have transparent pages in them to show (as an example) how the ribs sit over the muscles and lungs. I am in LUURRVVEE with them, and I KNOW that she will be too.
They have transparent pages in them to show (as an example) how the ribs sit over the muscles and lungs. I am in LUURRVVEE with them, and I KNOW that she will be too.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
All Grand Plans go to waste, don't they?
Well mine do, so it seems.
I had plans today, I would call them Grand Plans, and I just didn't pull them off. They were plans just for me (hence I think they're Grand). I was going to enjoy my time alone today.
I have no kids in the house today. For the WHOLE day. I haven't had this for WEEKS! And the very few days that I have had without kids in the last 8 weeks or so, we have had visitors. And if there were no visitors I was 'turning the place over' for the next lot of visitors. Then it was school holidays........so I haven't managed to have very much 'me' time lately. And anyone who knows me knows that I need that alone time to regroup and refresh (but then again, who doesn't need it).
So the Plan was to drop the kids, go to gym and then come home and do some painting. I have some furniture items that I have 'acquired' in the last few months that I have been meaning to repaint before bringing them into the house. They have been living out in the garage waiting for their new finish. It has even got to the point that Cal has moved them 'out of the way' - he doesn't think that it's going to get done.
But I am determined to get these things DONE!! I have given myself a 4 week time frame to prime and paint a wardrobe, mirror, buffet (and possibly another small cupboard). I HAVE to prove Cal wrong now. :) And they need a few little changes done to them like new handles and closures.
BUT, my day didn't go as planned. I even contemplated coming home after dropping the kids off and just cleaning the squalor that is my house.....then Ardyn reminded me that we didn't have presents for the parties that the girls are going to on the weekend. Oh dear! That meant going to the Mall right when the Target Toy Sale had started. I was trying to avoid that.
Last night a friend txt'd me asking if I was going at midnight, and my response was "Hell No!". And then when she told me today that she had gone at 5:30am, I called her "Crazy!". She said that there was only about 10 people there at 5:30 though....even so, I was home in bed toasty warm.
Anyway, I digress.......
So now, after dropping the kids off, I had to get to the Mall to get presents. The new Plan was to get in and out as quickly as possible to get home to paint. The gym can wait until later/tomorrow/some other time.
After a coffee and perusal of a mag, I braced myself and headed in for my 2-3 items. Next thing you know, I had a trolley, and was piling it full with toys. Bugger me! It's just so easy to give in. And with Miss B's birthday around the corner, it was even easier.
So a quick visit to the Mall turned into a 2 hour visit, and I then thought that while I was in the area, I would pop into the local Vinnies to see what they had on offer. And I was glad that I did.
For AGES I have been looking for a large ornate frame to paint and use as a mood/notice board. But EVERYONE wants them for the same purpose these days, so they were always too expensive. Well, I managed to pick one up today, with a PERFECT mirror inside (God it's heavy) for the bargain price of $20!!!! It's 34" x 24" in total, and the frame is about 2.5" wide. Now to decide whether to convert it a cork board or keep it as a mirror!?!? Either way it's getting painted.....another thing to add to the list. Now to choose a colour?? High gloss black? Aqua??? Hmm - so many choices!
Along with that, I grabbed some cute little mugs for the kids to have their hot chocolates in for 50c each, about 3m of good quality denim for $3, a couple of little silver trays for a buck each, a small hinged wooden file box for $2 and a couple of knitting and sewing patterns for $1.
So by the time I got home and responded to some emails, checked FB (the necessities) it's 2pm - and I still haven't had lunch. The idea of painting has gone out the window. I have an hour before I have to go and get Ardyn, and I don't want to get started just to have to stop. So my Grand Plans have been moved to Monday. But I had a very productive shopping day!
Now to eat and relax, and enjoy the quiet, as it will be shattered before too long.
Hope you're day has (in some way) been productive.
K xx
I had plans today, I would call them Grand Plans, and I just didn't pull them off. They were plans just for me (hence I think they're Grand). I was going to enjoy my time alone today.
I have no kids in the house today. For the WHOLE day. I haven't had this for WEEKS! And the very few days that I have had without kids in the last 8 weeks or so, we have had visitors. And if there were no visitors I was 'turning the place over' for the next lot of visitors. Then it was school holidays........so I haven't managed to have very much 'me' time lately. And anyone who knows me knows that I need that alone time to regroup and refresh (but then again, who doesn't need it).
So the Plan was to drop the kids, go to gym and then come home and do some painting. I have some furniture items that I have 'acquired' in the last few months that I have been meaning to repaint before bringing them into the house. They have been living out in the garage waiting for their new finish. It has even got to the point that Cal has moved them 'out of the way' - he doesn't think that it's going to get done.
But I am determined to get these things DONE!! I have given myself a 4 week time frame to prime and paint a wardrobe, mirror, buffet (and possibly another small cupboard). I HAVE to prove Cal wrong now. :) And they need a few little changes done to them like new handles and closures.
BUT, my day didn't go as planned. I even contemplated coming home after dropping the kids off and just cleaning the squalor that is my house.....then Ardyn reminded me that we didn't have presents for the parties that the girls are going to on the weekend. Oh dear! That meant going to the Mall right when the Target Toy Sale had started. I was trying to avoid that.
Last night a friend txt'd me asking if I was going at midnight, and my response was "Hell No!". And then when she told me today that she had gone at 5:30am, I called her "Crazy!". She said that there was only about 10 people there at 5:30 though....even so, I was home in bed toasty warm.
Anyway, I digress.......
So now, after dropping the kids off, I had to get to the Mall to get presents. The new Plan was to get in and out as quickly as possible to get home to paint. The gym can wait until later/tomorrow/some other time.
After a coffee and perusal of a mag, I braced myself and headed in for my 2-3 items. Next thing you know, I had a trolley, and was piling it full with toys. Bugger me! It's just so easy to give in. And with Miss B's birthday around the corner, it was even easier.
So a quick visit to the Mall turned into a 2 hour visit, and I then thought that while I was in the area, I would pop into the local Vinnies to see what they had on offer. And I was glad that I did.
For AGES I have been looking for a large ornate frame to paint and use as a mood/notice board. But EVERYONE wants them for the same purpose these days, so they were always too expensive. Well, I managed to pick one up today, with a PERFECT mirror inside (God it's heavy) for the bargain price of $20!!!! It's 34" x 24" in total, and the frame is about 2.5" wide. Now to decide whether to convert it a cork board or keep it as a mirror!?!? Either way it's getting painted.....another thing to add to the list. Now to choose a colour?? High gloss black? Aqua??? Hmm - so many choices!
Along with that, I grabbed some cute little mugs for the kids to have their hot chocolates in for 50c each, about 3m of good quality denim for $3, a couple of little silver trays for a buck each, a small hinged wooden file box for $2 and a couple of knitting and sewing patterns for $1.
So by the time I got home and responded to some emails, checked FB (the necessities) it's 2pm - and I still haven't had lunch. The idea of painting has gone out the window. I have an hour before I have to go and get Ardyn, and I don't want to get started just to have to stop. So my Grand Plans have been moved to Monday. But I had a very productive shopping day!
Now to eat and relax, and enjoy the quiet, as it will be shattered before too long.
Hope you're day has (in some way) been productive.
K xx
Saturday, July 17, 2010
What a week!
Am I crazy? I think I might be. But I survived.
Last Sunday I decided to pile the girls in the car (sans Cal) and travel over 1000kms south to Ararat.
For those of you who don't know where Ararat is, here is a map of my trip.
We left at around 9am and were aiming to make Albury for dinner. The plan was to stop wherever we wanted, and collect postcards along the way that Ardyn was going to make into an album of our trip.
We stopped at Goulburn and spent quite some time there, playing, drinking hot chocolate and shopping - and of course getting a postcard. Next stop was Gundagai. I don't know Gundagai too well, so it was straight to the Visitor Centre as I thought that would be the easiest place to find a postcard. It was, and the girls had a run around the park that was there, happily playing tag before we popped over the Maccas for a coffee and a shake. Last stop was Albury where we stayed here which is where we always stay if we stop over in Albury for anything (well, it's actually Lavington, but close enough I say).
After a very chilly night in Albury, and a cold cold morning, we headed off on the second leg of our journey - after getting our morning coffee and postcard that is. The girls had been very well behaved up until this point, but I could see it going downhill at some stage.
We battled the fog out of Albury and made it to Seymour for lunch. Off to the Visitor Centre again, and from there we were directed to a lovely little coffee shop for lunch. Then off again - next stop was to be Kryal Castle just outside of Ballarat. I had been wording the girls up for weeks about visiting the castle. You see, every time we drive out to Ararat, Cal is in such a hurry to get there, he only ever points out the castle, but we never stop. So I had planned to stop. Then we got there.........they had no power and were closed for the day. BUGGER!!!
I tell you, I felt like Chevy Chase in National Lampoons Vacation ("I'm on a pilgrimage to see a moose! Praise Marty Moose!!!") I wanted to punch that moose in the nose just like he did. But I did not succumb to holding a fat security guard hostage at gun point so that the girls could experience the castle.
That was the beginning of the end to a joyous trip. They were both so upset. But I think that the biggest thing was that we couldn't get a postcard of the castle. We took some pictures of the girls out the front, and ventured into Ballarat thinking that the Visitor Centre there is sure to have a Kryal Castle postcard......you'd think!!!
There are two Visitor Centres in Ballarat - one at Eureka Stockade and one at the Art Gallery. The one at Eureka only stocks Eureka Postcards, and the one at the Art Gallery only stocks fine art postcards. Not one of them stocks standard old "Ballarat" postcards. So we found a newsagent hoping that they would and when they didn't they directed us to the Visitor Centre. OMG!!!! The girls were upset, I was angry that I had wasted an hour in Ballarat for nothing, and we still had an hour to drive.
We arrived in Ararat at about 5pm on Monday, and boy was I glad that my brother was there like 5 minutes later. Good ol' Uncle Mal played with the girls and allowed me to have a little bit of 'quiet time'. Then Aunty Nik arrived with the purpose of our trip - beautiful Baby Willow. All bad thoughts go out the window when you get to hold a new baby. I loved my time holding this precious bundle who slept in my arms and made me forget all the torment of Ballarat.
So, a few days in Ararat, with plans to visit Sovereign Hill on the way home. But then the rains hit, and knowing that Sovereign Hill would be a big pool of mud, we decided to head straight home to Sydney.
So on Thursday we packed the car and made our way back to Ballarat - the plan was to grab some rolls for lunch and attempt to find a damn postcard. We got lunch and petrol okay, but then the hunt for a postcard drove me nutty again. I have decided that I now HATE Ballarat, which is unfortunate, as I have some lovely memories of that place and its people. Anyway.......
I told the girls that we were going to have a long drive, and weren't stopping until Glenrowan - Ned Kelly's last stand. This leg went okay, and we spent a good amount of time in Glenrowan learning about Ned and taking photos of the giant Ned statue. From there it was only a short trip to Albury. But by this time Ardyn had the most terrible cough that I have ever heard. One of those that doesn't stop, and then she can't breathe in between. I honestly thought that I'd end up at the hospital that night. Straight to the chemist when we got to Albury for stuff to allow her to sleep soundly. It worked. She slept really well, but went back to coughing all day yesterday.
Yesterday was pretty easy. We stopped in Gundagai again, but this time outside of Gundagai (five miles to be exact) and had an early lunch at The Dog on the Tuckerbox. We had planned to stop at Hollbrook earlier, but it was 3 degrees and foggy when we got there, so we stayed inthe car. So we had brunch in Gundagai instead of lunch. I wasn't complaining being ahead of our very loose schedule. From there all Ardyn wanted was a photo with the 'really big sheep' in Goulburn, so we did that, and then were back in Sydney, in our own home by about 4:15pm. Yay!!!!!
It was a great adventure for the girls (and me really), but I was so glad to get home and see Cal. I was getting a little homesick and sooky by Thursday night, which is not unusual for me.
Right now, I am sitting in my PJs, coffee beside me, listening to the girls quietly playing (and loudly coughing) while Cal hangs out the washing. Ahhhh..........what a relaxing Saturday morning. I know that I should hit the gym, but it feels so nice to just potter around. Maybe later.
I hope that you are enjoying your Saturday morning.
K xx
Last Sunday I decided to pile the girls in the car (sans Cal) and travel over 1000kms south to Ararat.
For those of you who don't know where Ararat is, here is a map of my trip.
We left at around 9am and were aiming to make Albury for dinner. The plan was to stop wherever we wanted, and collect postcards along the way that Ardyn was going to make into an album of our trip.
We stopped at Goulburn and spent quite some time there, playing, drinking hot chocolate and shopping - and of course getting a postcard. Next stop was Gundagai. I don't know Gundagai too well, so it was straight to the Visitor Centre as I thought that would be the easiest place to find a postcard. It was, and the girls had a run around the park that was there, happily playing tag before we popped over the Maccas for a coffee and a shake. Last stop was Albury where we stayed here which is where we always stay if we stop over in Albury for anything (well, it's actually Lavington, but close enough I say).
After a very chilly night in Albury, and a cold cold morning, we headed off on the second leg of our journey - after getting our morning coffee and postcard that is. The girls had been very well behaved up until this point, but I could see it going downhill at some stage.
We battled the fog out of Albury and made it to Seymour for lunch. Off to the Visitor Centre again, and from there we were directed to a lovely little coffee shop for lunch. Then off again - next stop was to be Kryal Castle just outside of Ballarat. I had been wording the girls up for weeks about visiting the castle. You see, every time we drive out to Ararat, Cal is in such a hurry to get there, he only ever points out the castle, but we never stop. So I had planned to stop. Then we got there.........they had no power and were closed for the day. BUGGER!!!
I tell you, I felt like Chevy Chase in National Lampoons Vacation ("I'm on a pilgrimage to see a moose! Praise Marty Moose!!!") I wanted to punch that moose in the nose just like he did. But I did not succumb to holding a fat security guard hostage at gun point so that the girls could experience the castle.
That was the beginning of the end to a joyous trip. They were both so upset. But I think that the biggest thing was that we couldn't get a postcard of the castle. We took some pictures of the girls out the front, and ventured into Ballarat thinking that the Visitor Centre there is sure to have a Kryal Castle postcard......you'd think!!!
There are two Visitor Centres in Ballarat - one at Eureka Stockade and one at the Art Gallery. The one at Eureka only stocks Eureka Postcards, and the one at the Art Gallery only stocks fine art postcards. Not one of them stocks standard old "Ballarat" postcards. So we found a newsagent hoping that they would and when they didn't they directed us to the Visitor Centre. OMG!!!! The girls were upset, I was angry that I had wasted an hour in Ballarat for nothing, and we still had an hour to drive.
We arrived in Ararat at about 5pm on Monday, and boy was I glad that my brother was there like 5 minutes later. Good ol' Uncle Mal played with the girls and allowed me to have a little bit of 'quiet time'. Then Aunty Nik arrived with the purpose of our trip - beautiful Baby Willow. All bad thoughts go out the window when you get to hold a new baby. I loved my time holding this precious bundle who slept in my arms and made me forget all the torment of Ballarat.
So, a few days in Ararat, with plans to visit Sovereign Hill on the way home. But then the rains hit, and knowing that Sovereign Hill would be a big pool of mud, we decided to head straight home to Sydney.
So on Thursday we packed the car and made our way back to Ballarat - the plan was to grab some rolls for lunch and attempt to find a damn postcard. We got lunch and petrol okay, but then the hunt for a postcard drove me nutty again. I have decided that I now HATE Ballarat, which is unfortunate, as I have some lovely memories of that place and its people. Anyway.......
I told the girls that we were going to have a long drive, and weren't stopping until Glenrowan - Ned Kelly's last stand. This leg went okay, and we spent a good amount of time in Glenrowan learning about Ned and taking photos of the giant Ned statue. From there it was only a short trip to Albury. But by this time Ardyn had the most terrible cough that I have ever heard. One of those that doesn't stop, and then she can't breathe in between. I honestly thought that I'd end up at the hospital that night. Straight to the chemist when we got to Albury for stuff to allow her to sleep soundly. It worked. She slept really well, but went back to coughing all day yesterday.
Yesterday was pretty easy. We stopped in Gundagai again, but this time outside of Gundagai (five miles to be exact) and had an early lunch at The Dog on the Tuckerbox. We had planned to stop at Hollbrook earlier, but it was 3 degrees and foggy when we got there, so we stayed inthe car. So we had brunch in Gundagai instead of lunch. I wasn't complaining being ahead of our very loose schedule. From there all Ardyn wanted was a photo with the 'really big sheep' in Goulburn, so we did that, and then were back in Sydney, in our own home by about 4:15pm. Yay!!!!!
It was a great adventure for the girls (and me really), but I was so glad to get home and see Cal. I was getting a little homesick and sooky by Thursday night, which is not unusual for me.
Right now, I am sitting in my PJs, coffee beside me, listening to the girls quietly playing (and loudly coughing) while Cal hangs out the washing. Ahhhh..........what a relaxing Saturday morning. I know that I should hit the gym, but it feels so nice to just potter around. Maybe later.
I hope that you are enjoying your Saturday morning.
K xx
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Oh my!! What a month!
I can't believe that it's July! And thank God it's July. We have had such a busy month, and I'm kind of happy to say goodbye to June 2010.
In the last 4 weeks, we have had about 8 days without extra bodies in the house. And those days were spent washing bed linen and towels, cleaning and turning the house over to get it ready for the next lot of guests. Don't get me wrong, I love the guests who came and visited, but I was EXHAUSTED by the end of it. And within that 4 weeks we had Ardyn and Bailey's dance concert and the associated rehearsals, 5 birthday parties and a chest infection - I was very very sick. We were all extremely tired.
I have had a few days to try and get myself together and get my house back to normality, and we are now faced with school holidays. And we are going ot be just as busy I think. Playdates at the park, bowling, movies, ballet and sleepovers are all being packed into the first week, as in one week the girls and I are jumping in the car and heading south.
ROAD TRIP!!!!!
We are leaving Cal at home to work (so we can pay for our trip) and we are off to visit wintry Ararat and see my beautiful niece Willow for the first time. I am so excited!!!! My baby brother's baby!!!! The girls are beside themselves at the opportunity to see their 10th cousin. We are going to take it easy on the trip down and do it in 2 days and then hang out for a few to make it back to Sydney a week later for ........ another birthday party!
Then back to school. Geez, a few moments ago I was looking forward to school holidays, now I'm over them, exhausted and looking forward to school going back. Hehe.
So that's what's going on in our neck of the woods. Nothing really exciting, but very very busy.
I'm being summoned. There's sticker books to be done, and my assistance is required.
Back soon.
K xx
In the last 4 weeks, we have had about 8 days without extra bodies in the house. And those days were spent washing bed linen and towels, cleaning and turning the house over to get it ready for the next lot of guests. Don't get me wrong, I love the guests who came and visited, but I was EXHAUSTED by the end of it. And within that 4 weeks we had Ardyn and Bailey's dance concert and the associated rehearsals, 5 birthday parties and a chest infection - I was very very sick. We were all extremely tired.
I have had a few days to try and get myself together and get my house back to normality, and we are now faced with school holidays. And we are going ot be just as busy I think. Playdates at the park, bowling, movies, ballet and sleepovers are all being packed into the first week, as in one week the girls and I are jumping in the car and heading south.
ROAD TRIP!!!!!
We are leaving Cal at home to work (so we can pay for our trip) and we are off to visit wintry Ararat and see my beautiful niece Willow for the first time. I am so excited!!!! My baby brother's baby!!!! The girls are beside themselves at the opportunity to see their 10th cousin. We are going to take it easy on the trip down and do it in 2 days and then hang out for a few to make it back to Sydney a week later for ........ another birthday party!
Then back to school. Geez, a few moments ago I was looking forward to school holidays, now I'm over them, exhausted and looking forward to school going back. Hehe.
So that's what's going on in our neck of the woods. Nothing really exciting, but very very busy.
I'm being summoned. There's sticker books to be done, and my assistance is required.
Back soon.
K xx
Sunday, May 30, 2010
What is normal?
Over the last 12 months or so I've been questioning what 'normal' is. I was having trouble accepting the fact that what our family had become was our new 'normal'.
Well Cal went back to work, I came back home full-time, and it hasn't felt right. I just felt out of control, and couldn't work out why. I used to keep this house and family so well-organised, and I really felt like I was letting the team down.
Well FINALLY I am feeling like life has returned to normal. Cal has been back at work for a few weeks, and I have been back into the usual running around like a mad-woman. I didn't think that I was going to be able to adjust back. Mums always talk about keeping all of their balls in the air (life really is a juggling act), and over the last year, I have been able to throw a few balls over to Cal to look after. Well when he went back to work, he threw those balls right back.
I have to admit that in the first few weeks I dropped a few. I used to be so proud of myself being able to keep them all in the air, and have felt really bad that I was dropping some. And I was chirping before Cal went to work about how this place was going to be running like a well-oiled machine again. Oops! Bad move. Not so well-oiled. We've been chugging along.
Well I'm finally feeling a bit more in control. I'm tired, and have to get my sleep patterns back into line, but I'm feeling a little bit more 'normal'. And this is a 'normal' that I can accept. To be honest, I think that it's a 'normal' that Cal can accept too. But I know he misses the kids. He's working quite long hours (as you do when you start a new job), and he's off to Hong Kong this week too, but we're adjusting.
So for now, I'm accepting that this is our 'normal', and it makes me smile, as it's the "normal" that we've known for so long, it's nice to welcome it back.
I love being here for my family. I love being the one they turn to. I love being able to do things for them. Basically, I just love them.
(Big smile on my face right now)
:)
K xx
Well Cal went back to work, I came back home full-time, and it hasn't felt right. I just felt out of control, and couldn't work out why. I used to keep this house and family so well-organised, and I really felt like I was letting the team down.
Well FINALLY I am feeling like life has returned to normal. Cal has been back at work for a few weeks, and I have been back into the usual running around like a mad-woman. I didn't think that I was going to be able to adjust back. Mums always talk about keeping all of their balls in the air (life really is a juggling act), and over the last year, I have been able to throw a few balls over to Cal to look after. Well when he went back to work, he threw those balls right back.
I have to admit that in the first few weeks I dropped a few. I used to be so proud of myself being able to keep them all in the air, and have felt really bad that I was dropping some. And I was chirping before Cal went to work about how this place was going to be running like a well-oiled machine again. Oops! Bad move. Not so well-oiled. We've been chugging along.
Well I'm finally feeling a bit more in control. I'm tired, and have to get my sleep patterns back into line, but I'm feeling a little bit more 'normal'. And this is a 'normal' that I can accept. To be honest, I think that it's a 'normal' that Cal can accept too. But I know he misses the kids. He's working quite long hours (as you do when you start a new job), and he's off to Hong Kong this week too, but we're adjusting.
So for now, I'm accepting that this is our 'normal', and it makes me smile, as it's the "normal" that we've known for so long, it's nice to welcome it back.
I love being here for my family. I love being the one they turn to. I love being able to do things for them. Basically, I just love them.
(Big smile on my face right now)
:)
K xx
Monday, April 26, 2010
Shadows
I've often thought on the quiet days and nights sitting in the house alone that I see movement out of the corner of my eye. Something in the shadows.
All adult logic puts it down to the shadow of a tree outside blowing in the wind, or anything else that could be plausible.
The other day, I was sitting in the study, and Ardyn came in and we were talking. As she was walking out of the study, she stopped, then turned back to me and said "Who was that mum?". I asked who, and she replied "That lady that just walked by".
I was stunned. I kept asking her what she was talking about, and she kept saying that a lady walked past and went out the front door.
Spooky.
Maybe there's more in the shadows than I realise.
K xx
All adult logic puts it down to the shadow of a tree outside blowing in the wind, or anything else that could be plausible.
The other day, I was sitting in the study, and Ardyn came in and we were talking. As she was walking out of the study, she stopped, then turned back to me and said "Who was that mum?". I asked who, and she replied "That lady that just walked by".
I was stunned. I kept asking her what she was talking about, and she kept saying that a lady walked past and went out the front door.
Spooky.
Maybe there's more in the shadows than I realise.
K xx
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Oh well
So life gets in the way.
I have a few minutes to myself, and I thought that I'd just come and type a few sentences. It's something.
I think that I need to take a leaf out of Joyce's book, and just Blog a paragraph when it comes to me.
I find that there is something that I intend to Blog about and I sort out in my head what I want to say......and then I don't say it. I guess my head thinks that it's already down.
I may just do the last couple of months as an update with pictures and start from scratch. I was talking to Sonia, Michelle and Paula about it on the weekend, and sometimes you just need to forget about what you've missed and start from NOW.
From NOW on, I plan to juggle my life better.
I hope.
K xx
I have a few minutes to myself, and I thought that I'd just come and type a few sentences. It's something.
I think that I need to take a leaf out of Joyce's book, and just Blog a paragraph when it comes to me.
I find that there is something that I intend to Blog about and I sort out in my head what I want to say......and then I don't say it. I guess my head thinks that it's already down.
I may just do the last couple of months as an update with pictures and start from scratch. I was talking to Sonia, Michelle and Paula about it on the weekend, and sometimes you just need to forget about what you've missed and start from NOW.
From NOW on, I plan to juggle my life better.
I hope.
K xx
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I'm not sure I like this....................
.........but I have to get used to it.
When I was young, I was determined to not be a stay at home mum like my mum. I was going to do it all....work as a professional woman, have kids and keep an immaculate house. I was going to have it all together and love doing it.
Fast forward 15 years, and I give birth to who (I believe) is the most beautiful baby girl in the world. I began to understand the value of a stay at home mum, and was determined to devote my life to making sure that my kids are happy, confident and respectful members of society. The last 5 years have been spent helping Ardyn grow. Making decisions that may not have always been 100% right, but learning from my mistakes, and learning from the mistakes of my friends and family. Making sure that when the day came that she would attend school for the first time that she would be confident, friendly and most of all respectful and happy.
I worked damn hard over the last 5 years, and I think that I did what I set out to achieve. That girl amazes me every day. She is a delight to have as a daughter.
But.........
The plan was to be here to help her get ready in the morning, and be here when she gets home at night. To spend the time in between making my house a home that the kids and Cal love coming home to.
It's killing me knowing that I won't be there every day to do that. Not the way things are right now.
I have to suck it up. I have to take the 'provider' role for a while. I can't let them know that it's killing me inside.
Cal is doing a great job, don't get me wrong, and I should be happy that my kids have a parent to come home to and don't spend every day in daycare so that we can both work. I should feel happy for Cal that he gtes to spend this magical time at home with them, that I was so blessed to for so long.
But I can't help but feel a little robbed.
Things change. Life changes and we have to adapt. I have to adapt.
I now have to teach my kids that it's okay to have a role reversal, that adaptation is good, and even if I'm not here, I love them very much. People do it every day (I just never thought that it would be me).
I'm fine. I'll get there. Just needed to vent.
K xx
When I was young, I was determined to not be a stay at home mum like my mum. I was going to do it all....work as a professional woman, have kids and keep an immaculate house. I was going to have it all together and love doing it.
Fast forward 15 years, and I give birth to who (I believe) is the most beautiful baby girl in the world. I began to understand the value of a stay at home mum, and was determined to devote my life to making sure that my kids are happy, confident and respectful members of society. The last 5 years have been spent helping Ardyn grow. Making decisions that may not have always been 100% right, but learning from my mistakes, and learning from the mistakes of my friends and family. Making sure that when the day came that she would attend school for the first time that she would be confident, friendly and most of all respectful and happy.
I worked damn hard over the last 5 years, and I think that I did what I set out to achieve. That girl amazes me every day. She is a delight to have as a daughter.
But.........
The plan was to be here to help her get ready in the morning, and be here when she gets home at night. To spend the time in between making my house a home that the kids and Cal love coming home to.
It's killing me knowing that I won't be there every day to do that. Not the way things are right now.
I have to suck it up. I have to take the 'provider' role for a while. I can't let them know that it's killing me inside.
Cal is doing a great job, don't get me wrong, and I should be happy that my kids have a parent to come home to and don't spend every day in daycare so that we can both work. I should feel happy for Cal that he gtes to spend this magical time at home with them, that I was so blessed to for so long.
But I can't help but feel a little robbed.
Things change. Life changes and we have to adapt. I have to adapt.
I now have to teach my kids that it's okay to have a role reversal, that adaptation is good, and even if I'm not here, I love them very much. People do it every day (I just never thought that it would be me).
I'm fine. I'll get there. Just needed to vent.
K xx
Big Kid's School - Day 2
Ha! I'm going to go backwards. Day 2 now, Day 1 later. Typical of me to be atypical.
It is currently about 8:15am, and the girls are fed ready to go and upstairs having a dance waiting for me to tell them to get n the car. She is quick to finish her breakfast and brush her teeth so that she can put the magical blue dress on. She gets dressed after all that so that she doesn't get her dress dirty.
Ardyn loves the thought of school. She would sleep in that dress and attend on weekends if we'd let her. We're not having any issues in the morning getting her ready as yet, she is so keen.........but it's Day 2......lets wait and see how it is in about a week.
It is currently about 8:15am, and the girls are fed ready to go and upstairs having a dance waiting for me to tell them to get n the car. She is quick to finish her breakfast and brush her teeth so that she can put the magical blue dress on. She gets dressed after all that so that she doesn't get her dress dirty.
Ardyn loves the thought of school. She would sleep in that dress and attend on weekends if we'd let her. We're not having any issues in the morning getting her ready as yet, she is so keen.........but it's Day 2......lets wait and see how it is in about a week.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!!!!
I love Australia Day. I am pretty patriotic - I love my country. We are so lucky to live in the BEST country in the world. I shed a tear whenever I hear our National Anthem - which was a bit of a problem when I was reffing. Not a great look to wipe a tear away while you blow your whistle to start eh game - so professional. But I know I wasn't the only one.
What I do miss though is spending the day with friends, hanging around the barbie, downing a few beers. The last couple of years we have spent it driving 8 hours back from Bundalong, which isn't nice - although spending the whole weekend with friends is better than one day.
I missed Bundalong this year, as I had to work yesterday. Cal went with the girls, so while they are driving home today, I have spent the day making the house a beautiful clean and organised home.
I'm almost done. So proud of myself.
I can't wait for them to be back. Only a few hours to go.
Hopefully back later with some photos. (I told you I'm getting organised)
K xx
What I do miss though is spending the day with friends, hanging around the barbie, downing a few beers. The last couple of years we have spent it driving 8 hours back from Bundalong, which isn't nice - although spending the whole weekend with friends is better than one day.
I missed Bundalong this year, as I had to work yesterday. Cal went with the girls, so while they are driving home today, I have spent the day making the house a beautiful clean and organised home.
I'm almost done. So proud of myself.
I can't wait for them to be back. Only a few hours to go.
Hopefully back later with some photos. (I told you I'm getting organised)
K xx
Saturday, January 23, 2010
I suck!!!
My promises are apparently worth nothing. I have been so busy, that I haven't had much of a chance to even scratch myself. And the time that I do have I spend not updating my Blog. :( That has to change.
I haven't updated with the big stuff for ages, so I'll start with the little recent stuff, and hopefully I'll get to the big stuff down the track - but not too soon down the track.
I saw Avatar today. What a movie!!!! I can understand what all the fuss is about now. It's amazing. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. Remember to go to the loo before hand, as it is very long, but well worth it. If they edited it down, or made it into two movies, it just wouldn't be the same movie.
It was lovely to spend some time today just shopping and going to the movies. Cal and the kids have gone to Bundalong for the usual Australia Day waterskiing weekend, but I couldn't go as I have to work on Monday, and they aren't coming back until Tuesday. Work......have I Blogged about that yet? Later for that one.
So they left this morning and even though the house needed a good clean, I decided to put that off until tomorrow as the tempertaure was due to get to 40 degrees. I feel for the folks out in the West. (How did you go Lis??) So I decided to cruise down to Rhodes and make a visit to Ikea. Airconditioning and Scandanavian design. A sure winner.
I also did a little bit of 'little girl' shopping for my girls and upcoming birthdays, and a couple of basic tops for me. Then it was on to the shoes..........yay for shoe shopping!!!! My work shoes died yesterday, so I need to get myself a pair of practical flats (preferably cute Mary Janes).
I headed over the Chatswood for these, and found out that Myer were having 25% off most of the footwear department. I found the PERFECT pair that fell into the 25% off sale, and wouldn't you know it, they didn't have them in my size. Typical. But what they DID have in my size were the cutest pair of Mary Jane court shoes that were very reasonably priced (verging on cheap), so they came home with me instead. I will have to pop over to the Mall tomorrow to see if Myer there has my shoes, and if not, up to Hornsby (with a visit to Catchy Crafts - hehe).
Then Avatar. What a nice day to just do what I want when I wanted.
I came home for a nice dinner and a couple of glasses of wine, and now I'm updating here, and then going to start a little clean out. While I'm home by myself I plan on getting done all those crappy little jobs that you never get around to doing, like cleaning out the filing cabinet and pantry, and sorting through the kids toys and books. It's a plan, but like a lot of my plans lately, I don't know how much of it will get done.
Well I can hope.
So yay! I updated. I will do more soon. I'm determined to get myself organised. Lots of changes have been going on around here, and there are more to come.
For now, enjoy your Saturday night. I'm off to pour myself another wine, put on a movie and sort through the filing cabinet.
K xx
I haven't updated with the big stuff for ages, so I'll start with the little recent stuff, and hopefully I'll get to the big stuff down the track - but not too soon down the track.
I saw Avatar today. What a movie!!!! I can understand what all the fuss is about now. It's amazing. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. Remember to go to the loo before hand, as it is very long, but well worth it. If they edited it down, or made it into two movies, it just wouldn't be the same movie.
It was lovely to spend some time today just shopping and going to the movies. Cal and the kids have gone to Bundalong for the usual Australia Day waterskiing weekend, but I couldn't go as I have to work on Monday, and they aren't coming back until Tuesday. Work......have I Blogged about that yet? Later for that one.
So they left this morning and even though the house needed a good clean, I decided to put that off until tomorrow as the tempertaure was due to get to 40 degrees. I feel for the folks out in the West. (How did you go Lis??) So I decided to cruise down to Rhodes and make a visit to Ikea. Airconditioning and Scandanavian design. A sure winner.
I also did a little bit of 'little girl' shopping for my girls and upcoming birthdays, and a couple of basic tops for me. Then it was on to the shoes..........yay for shoe shopping!!!! My work shoes died yesterday, so I need to get myself a pair of practical flats (preferably cute Mary Janes).
I headed over the Chatswood for these, and found out that Myer were having 25% off most of the footwear department. I found the PERFECT pair that fell into the 25% off sale, and wouldn't you know it, they didn't have them in my size. Typical. But what they DID have in my size were the cutest pair of Mary Jane court shoes that were very reasonably priced (verging on cheap), so they came home with me instead. I will have to pop over to the Mall tomorrow to see if Myer there has my shoes, and if not, up to Hornsby (with a visit to Catchy Crafts - hehe).
Then Avatar. What a nice day to just do what I want when I wanted.
I came home for a nice dinner and a couple of glasses of wine, and now I'm updating here, and then going to start a little clean out. While I'm home by myself I plan on getting done all those crappy little jobs that you never get around to doing, like cleaning out the filing cabinet and pantry, and sorting through the kids toys and books. It's a plan, but like a lot of my plans lately, I don't know how much of it will get done.
Well I can hope.
So yay! I updated. I will do more soon. I'm determined to get myself organised. Lots of changes have been going on around here, and there are more to come.
For now, enjoy your Saturday night. I'm off to pour myself another wine, put on a movie and sort through the filing cabinet.
K xx
Friday, January 8, 2010
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