Just a Minute

Wandering

2011-06-13T18:47:00.004+09:30

Today we stayed in our pyjamas until 3pm, and when we did all wake from our afternoon naps we got active. We went for a drive to the Anstey Hill Recreation Park. Today I looked for a different entrance and as you can see (click on the picture for a clearer image) we were rewarded with spectacular views. The whole of Adelaide spread before us. Next time we will go when the weather is fairer. We'll take a picnic rug and some company to share the view.

Attitude

2011-05-21T09:21:00.002+09:30

Zac usually thinks about a complex task or tricky situation and gives up before he has begun. This week Zac has not done this in two situations when a drama is most likely to have developed in the past. One of these instances is pictured above. He made a complete train track with multiple lanes all by hisself. And to make the train track game less dramatic he has gone back every day and quietly repaired any track damage before playing some more.
The other instance of damn this week has occurred during homework time when Zac has to read his reader. Usually this part of the night starts with a while lot of drama. This week he has just knuckled down and read. No excuses. I don't want to jinx it, but I hope this is the beginning of a new attitude. A new Zac.

Language Warning

2011-02-22T20:34:00.003+10:30

Zac spent tonight washing walls. He had been busted for scratching graffiti into our kitchen table. The positioning of said graffiti was most unfortunate as it sits just above the dinner plate position at the head of the able. Through a stroke of luck, however, Mick was not sitting in his usual position at the dinner table this evening. I was. My first reaction upon seeing the offending indentation was to draw in breath sharply. Zac's knee jerk reaction to my uncharacteristic dinnertime behaviour was to announce "I didn't do it." How could he know what he hadn't done if he had in fact not done it. Clue number one. Clue number two was the repetition of the phase "I didn't do it." I didn't need any micro expressions to tell he was lying to me. Clue three came by way of a spelling test. I asked Gus to spell the offending word and he had to ask if it had a big 'c' or little 'c'. (It's not that word) Gus was exonerated. Zac made an attempt to cover his tracks by writing a lower case where the graffiti had an uppercase, but his 'k' gave him away. His handwriting was a match. Now to the punishment. This was no ordinary misdeed and so needed a less than ordinary consequence. So I gave Zac the Enyo washer and told him to wash walls until bed time. With a minimal amount of posturing he did and in the process confessed his crime and entered into a productive discussion about restitution. An hour later and many walls washed he went to bed and I avoided a dramatic meltdown, his and mine. Some time today I was asked to ponder the question 'What have you done today to make you feel proud?' I can now say that I feel proud that I handled a stressful family situation without threats or raised voices (screaming) or smacking. So that when my Visiting Teachers came over (I had forgotten they were coming) as the children were all going to bed I did not have to explain the tension in the house. Instead they were surprised that I was already laughing about the matter.

Exhibit A:
Do not scroll down if you are easily offended or if me posting this will change your opinion of me for worse.

Lost

2011-02-13T20:04:00.003+10:30

this is a picture of me 60cm (2feet) from the computer screen

I am blind.
It's official (self diagnosis).
I need my glasses to get me through the day.
I've been without my glasses for two weeks now as I wait for them to be repaired. I broke the arm while trying to clean them.
In the last two weeks I have been managing with a distinct squint. (Is it noticeable?)
This post is decidedly snappy as my attention span is significantly decreased because of the energy required to edit text.
Now for the viewer survey:
Do you think the squint will leave me with any lasting facial creasing?

Birthday Girl

2011-01-26T10:01:00.007+10:30

Poppy had her 3rd birthday on Saturday with fairy cakes and princess dresses. She was definitely princess for a day (or two). She loves her 'Punzel dress all the way from 'Mareica from Ailish and Aunty 'Wistie'.

Having Poppy in our family has been such a joy and a surprising blessing.

I have been watching her closely these last few weeks that I have been at home on holidays and seen her mature from toddler to preschooler. She dances and sings her way through every day. Her repertoire of songs has increased from Twinkle Twinkle and Baa Baa to self composed pieces about love.

I was not allowed on her party boat last week coz I made her super mad but after I made her awesome birthday cake (see Kristie never too poor for birthday cake) I'm certain I'm back on the party boat.

Seriously thanks to family and friends who helped make Poppy's picnic a fun affair. Poppy got a present from her friend Mia and she insists on carrying it with her every where. The horse, Maximus, comes in the car just about everywhere. Sadly he has suffered a sex change and is now an unnamed girl horse. However seeing Poppy play and sing and laugh has made me grateful for the good memories I have of my childhood and made me remeber how great it is to be a child. I hope to be able to preserve her innocence and childhood for a good while longer. Tough to do, I'm sure, but well worth the effort.

New rules

2011-01-11T20:05:00.002+10:30

For 4 years I've been feeding Gus what ever he wants for dinner. Nuggets, frankfurters, plain pasta, with a small piece of broccoli or cucumber to appease the veg gods. This has been working for him. Of late it has been working for me less. Gus' iron levels are sickeningly low and lets face it he's 5 now and can do with a little more variety in his diet.

So Sunday night the new regime was brought in.

No yelling - Children or Parents

No smacking.

Mum will serve everyone a reasonable portion of the same meal.

Everyone will eat a reasonable portion of said meal.

Bread and butter are the alternative when a reasonable portion is less than sufficiently satisfying.

Not eating a reasonable portion will result in 'bed time'.

Four days in and we are experiencing a level of success that, quite frankly, I thought was not going to be possible in such a short time.

Tonight Gus ate 1 whole ladelful of vegetable soup. I wont kid you there was much discussion about how he didn't like the look of it and how he wasn't hungry and how he was going to go to bed if he had made no effort to eat/taste the soup before everyone else was finished their meal. About 2 3rd's of the way through the meal Gus broke and tasted the soup. Hallelujah. One small bite deserves another and before too long the meal was finished.

Gus is stubborn but most of it's for show. While he was eating he would make faces to show his apparent discomfort in eating the soup but there was a definate twinkle in his eye that told me it was just for show. Cheeky.

Summer Fruits

2011-01-11T10:52:00.006+10:30

The holidaze have been a real treat.

I have had time to regenerate and reflect. The regeneration part has worked so well that I am fealing more energetic and more positive about me in my body. Feeling positive has definately been aided by a successful first week on the scales. I lost 2.2 kg this week. And thankfully birthdays have never bothered me so turning 34 last Sunday was nothing but a reason to get together with family and celebrate. Good times.

The time for reflection has been positive too. I've been inspired by a friend who writes at 7 cherubs to be more conscious of my relationship with my children. I've been making some plans (nothing concrete yet) to make time for relationship/family building activites. I'll let you know how it goes.

Now we are on the count down to the school term and I'm beginning to panic that there are so many things that I haven't made time for and now have to find a way to fit them into the last two weeks of the holidays. It's a good thing I have a new found energy. Mutiple play dates and morning teas are on the agenda.

I'll be in touch.

Cheeky Chops

2011-01-06T20:59:00.003+10:30

A couple months ago Zac was interested in taking some picture. This is not the amazing thing because he often enjoys photo journaling his life. What made this photo session memorable was that Gus and Poppy were so amenable to being models. Gus became especially creative with his posses. I've made some of the better pictures from this day into a collage.

Watching my weight

2011-01-03T23:33:00.004+10:30

I (Mick and I) got an awesome treadmill for Christmas. I've totally been working it but maybe I've also been working the Christmas cheer just little bit harder.

So now I'm watching my weight with the help of the inter-web-thingy.

I signed up for Weight Watchers and now we can all watch my weight together.

Go team Dee!

Women of letters

2010-12-14T20:18:00.003+10:30

Graphic Art by Tara Nielsen

Women of letters is an inspiring forum that is bringing the art of letter writing to a new audience.

There is something intimate about letter writing. Somehow it is easier to convey tone in a letter than an e-mail/SMS/update/twitter. Maybe it's because the medium is different and the sense of personal sacrifice is inscribed in each word that is painstakingly placed with the pen. Then there is the commitment to fold, seal, address and post the letter that says "My thoughts on this matter are valuable and should be given due consideration."

When was the last time you thought enough to write a letter and post it?

I once wrote one to my father. I knew not where he was and I had come to a point in my life where I was more than a little bit tired of carrying baggage that I had been constantly repacking 'just in case'. So I wrote to him and put a stamp on it no address, return or otherwise, and posted it. Cathartic!!

I like to think of blogging as a sister to letter writing for the time and consideration spent in editing topic and content are genetically similar. Posting may not be as time consuming to the blogger but it is as equally deliberted as that moment when you let go of the letter at the post box. You know, just before you let go and send it on it's way you think "Is this right?"

sick

2010-12-11T18:43:00.003+10:30

I have a pet peeve.

I can't stand it when people say they have the flu when clearly they have a mild to moderate cold or sinus trouble.

I have another pet peeve.

It bugs me that I can get through a whole year of work with minor illnesses that don't justify days let alone a day in bed but on the first night/day of holidays I'm so sick I just want to lie in bed all day.

I think I might have a severe cold or maybe even the flu.

two

2010-10-29T07:04:00.002+10:30

Two months until Christmas. I'm looking forward to School holidays, beach days and balmy nights.

three

2010-10-27T21:00:00.003+10:30

Gus has been at school for three weeks now and he couldn't be happier. Before he got there I admit that I was worried. At home he would do just about anything to get out of storytime or any reading activity so you'll understand my surprise to find that he has soaked in an amzing amount of information. He's definately a kinesthetic learner who learns on the move and boy has he been moving. Everyday he's got something new and different to tell me about what happened while he was away. My heart is full to the brim.

iv

2010-10-27T00:14:00.003+10:30

I nearly didn't make it to work today because I think I broke my toe last night and could barely walk this morning. Thankfully year 2 mainstream students don't need me to chase them or carry them or generally keep up with them in the same way as Special Ed students do. In my (soon to be) old job I would have had to have a day off. Today when I couldn't keep up with a particularly spirited student she kept skipping back to me like a little yo-yo. In class I just had to hang about at the front of the class and all of my subjects came to pay respect to Queen Dee of the Hop-a-long's.
We had a great science lesson. We made cornflour gloop because our subject this term is matter so the lesson was about how combining matter can lead to some very interesting results. We made so much mess I am very glad we experimented outside on the cement.
It's going to be good to be a teacher.

5

2010-10-25T20:14:00.004+10:30

I've been living in two worlds. For one week each fortnight I am a pauper and I travel to and from work on the express to city bus. I get on at the Modbury interchange after lining up with all the other meercats. Then bury my nose in the flesh of my fellow sardine (thankfully a fresh bunch, not stinky). I briskly travel to the school from the bus stop in my 4 year old deadly treadlies (sneakers) and trade them for a small heel a little closer to my destination.

Then the next week I go from dog house to penthouse.

For one week every fortnight I get to drive to work in a little piecce of heaven. Let this picture speak a thousand words.

The school holidays are over

2010-10-10T14:14:00.005+10:30

These holidays the cousins spent a lot of time together. Play days and sleepovers were the order of each day. There was even one day when I was in charge of every single child while their beautiful mothers were working hard. What made this day so memorable to me is that my Zac didn't injure, beat up or generally lose 'it' at the expense of the safety of any child in our home. Yay Zac.

This is a photo of them all together on that day. A commemoration of Zac's triumphant day. Xander was in the photo until he scream and cried and bucked himself off the couch.

Every other day of these holidays this:

is where I have spent a couple hours each night.

Reading and typing have been the only items on my holiday 'to do list'. With 4000 words due in the last two weeks and an exam in three weeks with my final piece of evidence of learning (a 50 page powerpoint) due at the same time I have had a fair amout of work to do.

But the end is in sight. If only I didn't have to worry about one minor detail...getting a job.

Have a great 4th term everyone.

Gus had a birthday

2010-10-05T16:16:00.003+10:30

Gus is pretty cool. He was born with all the patience God was going to give him and he used it all up in the first thee years of being here. I have to admit that I helped to run his resources low. Like when he would wake up from a sleep 4 hours after his last feed and wimper as if to say 'I'm here, please don't forget to nourish me.' I would be busy dealing with Zac's latest drama and would say to Gus 'Just a minute.' A minute would turn into and hour and I would hear Gus wimper again as if to say 'No really, don't worry about me. I'll wait here until you have time to feed me.' I would feel so bad when I realised that it had been 5 hours since his last feed that I would nuzzle him and let him suckle til he was full to the brim. I would sit with him a devote my whole being to him and completely ignore the little 2 year old using my shoulders and head as a climbing gym. So now he is five he is quick to anger, yet as equally quick he will turn to show me affection.

For example I'll stub my toe in the kitchen and cry out in pain. Gus will leave his 'time-out' spot and walk into the kitchen having heard my cry and ask me "Do you want a kiss Mum?" How can I refuse him.

He's funny too. He was telling knock knock jokes at three and at five he still loves a good joke telling session. He'll hide something before I walk into a room and as he looks at he his eyes will dart to the hidden item. He can't help it. He gives it away everytime. But he laughs and thinks it's all great fun.

I hope he remains as loving and tender as he is today and I hope he gets a refill on the patience soon.

Too Chicken to Post

2010-08-29T21:48:00.002+09:30

Hello Neighbour

I'm really sorry to bother you but I feel impressed to let you know that either yourself or someone of your acquaintance performed an impressive burn out at the corner of *****St and *****Gr last night. I do not wish to quash the youthfulness of the driver of the vehicle but I ask that this person be mindful that my husband is a shift worker and as a parent of three young children he seriously covets what little sleep he can catch. The antics of the driver last night disturbed his sleep and I ask that you or your acquiantance please refrain from this type of behaviour in the future.

Thank you for your consideration.

Just because you asked so nicely L-J

2010-08-26T20:11:00.002+09:30

I'm getting much better at this teaching gig. Since I last posted I have done another 25 days of teaching practice and I have learnt so many lessons. I have a new mentor teacher and a new classroom. This time I am teaching the year 4 girls. They are beyond gorgeous and every morning when they say prayer (Catholic school) at least one of them prays that Miss Vojnovic (me) will have a nice day. They also pray for the dead loved ones of friend's families. Like one girl's mum and the teacher's cousin every week if not evey day. They have not a single deceitful bone in their bodies combined. For example today I took in money for the introduction to this topic for maths and when they had finished handling the $100. $50, $20, $10, and $5 bills and discussing then I moved onto a different subject and left the money sitting in plain site at the front of the class (I know , stupid) but when I realized my mistake I went to get the money and it was still there (all of it!) (I know, unbelievable). Hearts of gold. These pictures are of the display we made today to mark the beginning of our space project. I'd like to thank Corrie for looking out for some science stuff for me eventhough she has been super busy summer studying and getting her class ready for the new school year. And thanks to mum for fielding all my phone calls of late about resource stuff.

'Our Solar System' title is all glitter.

We added some whimsy to our solar system with martians and various other fantastical space objects.

The planets are to scale (sort of) as though the sun were 4meters in diameter.

Reflect, reflect, reflect.

2010-05-10T20:45:00.004+09:30

I learnt my first two big lessons in teaching last week.

don't try to fit a whole unit of work into one 45 min lesson

don't do a really cool activity with 1/4 of the students and not think the other 3/4 will really want to do it too.

Other than these two biggies I'm learning a lot from my two mentor teachers. Today Amanda taught me that not every moment needs to be a teaching moment. Some task are for discovery. I have been watching two very good teachers over the last three weeks and my stress pendulum is starting to shift. I don't spend so much time in panic mode anymore. I'm beginning to spend more time in 'I could probably do this' mode with short burst in panic mode before I put on my teacher inner voice and say 'I can do this. I don't have to be all knowing and all wonderful. These girls have been doing this job for a very long time. I'll get there too.' And most times I believe it and when I don't I fake it.

I got my ass back

2010-05-01T09:27:00.002+09:30

Ass = Uni Assignment

I haven't written a uni essay in 10 years and this assignment is the infamous last minute one. Before I got my assignment back the lecturer posted some general comments for all the sudents. The basic gist of the lecturer announcement was that there are some people who did well and others who did not. Because of the speed with which I produced mine I was certain that I would be in the later category. Turns out I wasn't. I got a credit which is better than a pass. I was so pleased, it gives me just enough boost to think that I could possibly do alright in my studies this year. To top it off I have done two quizes and in both I got 29/30.

Yay Me!

It starts with a 'c'

2010-04-20T20:09:00.003+09:30

It was my first day of school today.

I learnt about a type of poem. I forget what it's called but it starts with a 'c'.
It has five lines
First line is one words about the item (Noun)
Second line is two words to describe it (Adjective)
Third line is three action words (Verb)
Fourth line is a four word sentence about the object (sentence)
Fifth line is one word giving another name to the object (Noun)

School

Big, busy

Sitting, writting, counting

79 days to go

College

Give it a go.

Year 1's can do it.

2010-04-16T16:04:00.003+09:30

Don't you just love the way

a new haircut can make

you feel.

I'm going to start teacher prac placement

on Tuesday and I desperately needed

to have a look that said

"professional",

"practical"

and

"a little bit glamorous".

Do I look a little bit like Katie Holmes?

Competition

2010-04-14T18:42:00.002+09:30

Kristie is giving away a special edition copy of the Delicious magazine at our kitchen comfort blog. No tricks, no extra posting, just make a comment and you could get it. Check it out. Click on the Kitchen Comfort button on the side -->

Hansels and Gretel

2010-04-12T17:48:00.002+09:30

Nearly didn't come out of the bush for being too goofy.

Got to come home for being so cute.

I'm so glad that is over!

2010-04-06T19:57:00.004+09:30

48 hours ago I didn't look like this. 48 hours ago I realized I had an assignment due in ... what for it ... 48 hours. I had done nothing. Oh sure I had given it some thought a few weeks ago and I had familiarised myself with the general premise of the assignment but I had not jotted down a single note or random thought. I had mistakenly recorded this assignment as being extended by lecturer decree. However on Sunday night at about bed time I thought I'd give the old laptop a bit of a workout, maybe check out the next weeks worth of lecture materials before I really get back into the study thing AFTER Easter.
There on the uni announcement page was the assignment reminder. I freaked out. Not on the outside of course there were children still to put to bed and 1 husband to tell. I thought about not telling him for about 10 mins but that would be lying, (tsk, tsk). This was a car wreck and I was not going to be able to hide it for 48 hours. I calmly put the children to bed and then sat down to tell Mick of my huge mistake. Sure there were some tears but once he calmed down we figured I was going to get through this just fine. (Okay honestly Mick didn't cry, I did, but only because I was a little bit stressed.)

We worked out a plan for me to be able to study, eat and sleep for the next 48 hour and not worry about anything else. Thank you Mum for looking after my children last night. Poppy told me how much fun ("Crying Granny bed eva hunh.") she had sleeping in your bed and Zac told me about watching Night at the Museum at 6 o'clock and Gus told me about doing a flip. I apologise to my family for not showing up to the Easter Monday picnic. Thank you for looking after my family in my absence. And a big huge virtual hug and kiss for you Mum for proof reading my essay. Most of all thank you Mick for not freaking out, for making a plan and for telling the kids to not bother me.

I submitted my teaching materials and materials design guide PDF's about an hour ago. I was surprised by how nervous I was to press the send button. In the last hour I have been able to reflect on how it's possible that I had thought to just check the uni site on Easter Sunday night. Of all nights this is one that I should not have been thinking about study stuff. I know that it was the Holy Ghost who quietly prompted me to just check. I hate to think what would have happened if I had not listened to the still small voice. I am grateful most of all for the Gift of the Holy Ghost that is a constant force in my life that reminds me of the love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for me.

Damn stress gave me a pimple. See?

Good Looking

2010-04-02T09:12:00.005+10:30

I know that these guys are half me and half Mick

but somehow they got lucky and all ended up with

the good looking half.

Poppy is such a poser. She is keen to be in front and behind the camera.

Gus is loving and generous and swears like a sailor. I'm not proud just intrigued by the 'butter wouldn't melt' way he talks and the language he uses in the heat of the moment.

Zac's pictures speak a thousand words.

capital r and capital r

2010-03-22T22:16:00.004+10:30

Ladies who lunch

2010-03-12T18:58:00.006+10:30

You know that feeling, when you hope you're making friends and not just embarrasing yourself. Forcing your interests and opinions on others.

Well I think I'm in. I was casually invited to lunch with some school mum's. Yay! Our kids go to school together and since I'm not working 9-5 I'm able to hang around and chat a bit in the school yard. It totally reminds me of being in school. All those insecurities come flooding back.

'Am I pretty enough?'

'Am I interesting enough?'

'Do they really want to hang out with me or are they plotting to run away from me?' (That really happened to me in year 8. Thank you Natalie and Ruth for letting me hang out with you guys when it did.)

These girls are all so pretty and all so interesting and all so not running away.

I had a great lunch today. Thanks girls. We'll discuss BFF momentos next time. (too soon?)

We went back to school

2010-02-24T22:58:00.003+10:30

Come follow me

2010-02-24T22:50:00.002+10:30

Kristie is an ideas woman. In January Kristie asked Ing and I to help her start a food blog. It's an excellent idea because of late I had become VERY bored with cooking same old, same old. So come and check out some of the stuff we've been cooking in the kitchen. Just click on the button to the side.

My baby girl

2010-01-24T22:17:00.004+10:30

She's just so pretty. I look at her and think "We did this" She is of me and I still can't believe it. I am suprised by her gentleness. She is my girl and my heart. She is a nuturer with a tough heart and amazingly so sensible and practical. Those curls, those curls, those curls, those incredible curls. And yes what they say about curls and little girls is proven in mine.

Not my baby anymore.

Miss me much ?

2010-01-18T16:18:00.007+10:30

I've missed you too.

I think about you all the time. I can't explain why I have been away for so long. You have'nt done anything wrong. You have been there for me and I know it was wrong of me to treat you so badly. I've been so busy and the longer I stayed away the harder it was to tell you that I still care.

I thought about you when Zac learnt to ride a skateboard and insisted that he get 'skate shoes' for the occassion.

I thought about you on Christmas day when the weather was great and the company was perfect

I thought about you when the boys played together and also when they fought.

I thought about you most when the days were long

and the sun went down.

I want to make it up to you somehow. What can I do to make it up to you? How can I show you that I still care very much for you?

This one for my brothers

2009-12-01T20:38:00.005+10:30

I love you and miss you guys.

Mortified

2009-11-24T20:21:00.003+10:30

I was out shopping for chocolate this afternoon and heard my name called. "Nadine?" I turned to see Darren (Ahhh). You know Darren he's the tall, blond and handsome guy that lived down the road in your middle teens and you talked to him sometimes but not in a flirty way. Just friends. But if....Ahhh.

He works at the chocolate factory, has a couple of kids and he's still so nice (read tall,blond and handsome). We talked but not in a flirty way and he really is still nice. He donated some chocolates to my sunday school class. They are going to LOVE my lesson on Sunday.

I made my purchases and walked to the car. As I walked across the carpark my brain started working again and I nearly died. I had no makeup on and my pony tail was not the flattering type, Urgh. As I drove away I took care of my misery

with a little bit of chocolate

Yay Me!!!!

2009-11-18T21:58:00.004+10:30

I AM ACCEPTABLE

I AM GOING TO BE A TEACHER

I AM GOING TO WORK VERY HARD

I AM GOING TO BE VERY POOR

THEN I AM GOING TO BE NOT SO POOR

and best of all

I AM GOING TO BE HAPPY

I had it together

2009-11-13T19:40:00.005+10:30

for all of 5 minutes this morning. Then the black hole of forgetfulness decended on our hearth and home. Somehow we forgot - Zac had a student free day - To drop Poppy off for a play day with Olivia - To get suitable clothing for a funeral - To call kindy to say Gus wouldn't be there today - To tell wife about the funeral.

To this end we would like to thank everyone who helped to salvage our day of forgetfulness.

THANK YOU

Extra, extra! Blog all about it!

2009-10-31T20:53:00.002+10:30

Last days

2009-10-15T21:17:00.003+10:30

The last days of winter have passed

Now we lie in wait of heady summer days

A real date

2009-10-10T21:52:00.004+10:30

I went on a date with the kind of guy that every woman swears she wants to date. We is funny, and not just a little bit younger than I.

dinner and a movie

He's so progressive he didn't even mind that I payed for the whole shebang.

I rekon I'll ask him out again. His kisses are to die for.

A real baby

2009-10-10T15:28:00.005+10:30

Poppy has a new pram and as we are want to do we (the adults) were playing and we thought that putting the real baby in the toy pram would be hilarious. We were so right

Xander was very quickly over the game and returned to Ingrid. This was not okay with Poppy. She threw her dolly which we had tried to replace in the dolls pram and further indicated that it would only be Xander who would be invited to stroll with her this day. Nothing but the real deal would do.

So Nifty

2009-10-06T19:48:00.004+10:30

"I want that one."
-Little Britain-

The wind in my hair the road at my feet, for the love of the ride. I talk about getting a motorbike/scooter yet must confess to having never driven one until just now. The other day I succumbed to the will of the mob and took my first baby steps on this scooter. It was too good of an opportunity miss and so I took my first drive of a 50cc bike while the crowd cheered me on.

Craig instructed. I nodded. Then jumped on and prayed.

"Seriously Dee you can ride a bike. You will not just tip over. Okay? You can do this."

Slow acceleration down the long driveway. I feel each 360 degrees of the turning circle tick past as I go for the return trip.It's the longest 100 metres in history. Time slows. I'm outside looking on myself. "You're doing it. See? Don't hunch. They're all watching you. That's right sit up straight. You're nearly there." I'm back with myself and I feel the biggest grin creep and spread across my face. I could ride all day.

10 things I love about Gus

2009-10-01T20:07:00.005+09:30

The way he talks.

How much he loves me,

Then how much he doesn't.

His enthusiasm for simple things.

His love of the outdoors.

The way he plays imaginary games.

How much he loves my cooking,

Then how much he doesn't.

His enthusiasm for new things.

His love for chocolate.

What makes you

2009-09-29T22:01:00.001+09:30

the meanest Mum?

I am the meanest Mum because I have decreed that ice cream will not be included on the breakfast menu.

TWO WHOLE WEEKS!!!

2009-09-27T21:15:00.004+09:30

Hang up your uniform

Time to go out and play

You know you're tired

2009-09-22T20:41:00.002+09:30

When you tell Master 5 to go get his pyjamas on and he says he would rather wear his school clothes to bed. You question why and he says it wont take so long to get ready for school the when he wakes up. Hence (not his word) there will be more time for playing cars.

You know it must be 3/4 through the school year and close to the end of term because you can see his logic and you agreee.

Good night.

Cheeky Chops

2009-09-15T19:31:00.002+09:30

I could play 'NO' with you all day. Your promise of affection exquisitly with drawn at the last second 'NO'.

You know you love me. I know you love me.

Like a TIGERRRRR

2009-09-13T21:20:00.005+09:30

It's a jungle out there and these guys are ready to face it head on. I am impressed daily by their fierceness.

And I often feel so overcome with their tenacity that I laugh. I smother fits of giggles when Gus uses his hurt and angry voice to tell me that he loves me "this much" as he holds up two fist, no fingers, because it was only ten minutes earlier and will be ten minutes until he tells me he loves me "this much" as he holds up two fists, ten fingers. All I can do is tell him that my love for him does not waver. It is given to him with all of my heart and with all of my soul.

Words and pictures

2009-08-12T22:51:00.002+09:30

I am often close to tears of late and many times these gems tumble onto my cheek to be gathered up as quietly as they fell. My hormones have been paroled. After being told what to do and when to do it for over two years, effectively incarcerated, they have been given the keys to my body and told the boss wont be coming back.
The following are three examples of my feelings all vying for my attention. So desperate to show me how INTENSELY they feel.
The other night I watched a regular beach life saving show and was pretty confident in passing the evening blithely observing life saving techniques maybe even a near death experience mixed with some tourist who just didn't appreciate the dangers lurking in the shallows. Instead I was sobbing by the first ad break over children and a pregnant woman who had been stung by Blue Bottle jelly fish. I pulled myself together during the break and when they returned so did the tears because NOW a father and son were caught in a rip and the father was holding the child up (just wait I've got to get the tissues) at his own risk. They were saved but not until AFTER the next ad break. I cheered as the stepfather held his sons hand safely on the beach.
Today I caught a tear as it fell over the precipice while I read a lovingly compiled record of my Nana and Papa's early history. I saw a picture of my Nana (hold on more tissues please) as I remember her, beautiful, modern and gentle. I was sad that she has passed but so happy that records had been gathered many years before. I don't know how to express appreciation to Rita for the manuscript.
This evening I read of a reunion between mother and son that was so unique it moved me to tears (again). The mother waited months patiently and devotedly for her young son to recognise her as she had been in a horrible accident. The moment came and she has been rewarded for her efforts.
In all of these moments I thought of my relationships with my family. I thought of the love and determination it would take to save the lives of my children. I thought of how I want to live an honourable life so that some one will want to read about me with pride to have me as their Nana. I thought of the mini reunion I have with my children each day as I return home from work and how happy I am that they are so happy to see me (damn ran out of tissues. Now using pyjama sleeve.).
I'm so glad that I have free and unshackled hormones once again. These feelings are HUGE and WONDERFUL. Birth control be damned I don't think you and I should meet again. I love being free at last.
The final tear should actually be shed for the fact that I didn't even know I didn't feel this way for two years.

Something I like to do

2009-06-23T22:25:00.000+09:30

Thanks to Createwings and Holliwood found at Oscraps.com

In this moment

2009-06-22T20:12:00.004+09:30

My life is perfect. I have a great sense of peace and well being that is contrary to any financial or image related issues that may be circulating my consciousness. They are mere annoyances that cast no shadow over my plain of contentment. My children are well. Big Daddy and I are gainfully employed and I have hope for further study that will improve our financial constrains. My blessings are abundant. I can not conceive words to express the magnitude of my gratitude. My inability to appropriately thank my Father in Heaven is formidable. I am free. I am in love. I am loved. I am love.

Other family members appear to be happy too. Kristie is getting a new lounge and Ewan is getting something really cool too. Ingrid and Neil are about to have a baby. Brenton has arrived safely in Darwin. Kent is to be married. Mum has finished class reports and Amy gets the T.V. remote just about every night.
I feel safe. I feel peace. My heart is full.

(Is that better girls?)

Funny bones

2009-06-21T23:07:00.003+09:30

I was just having a discussion with my Mum yesterday about how some things just aren't as funny as originally thought if you don't watch it with someone who also thinks it's funny. But then tonight I have discovered that somethings can be sooo funny even if you are by yourself. Wow, this site has had me laughing all night. Not exagerating. I've been there since 8pm this evening and I have been laughing so hard I've cried. The commentry is clever and the pictures...well it's too hard for me to describe such hilarity. Check it out. But be warned if you haven't been here before put the kids to bed and promise yourself you'll do the dishes first thing in the morning because noone can look away from a car wreck.

When Mum says "Maybe" does she mean yes, no or maybe?

2009-06-20T23:10:00.006+09:30

Thanks to Createwings on Oscraps for the digital scrap elements and papers.

Zac had another friend over on Friday night. Again the boys played with toys and Wii after dinner. Then in parting more plans were made for the school holidays and a "We'll see" with regards to sleep overs.

Do I ask too much?

2009-06-15T22:43:00.006+09:30

I miss my guys when I go to work. I don't admit it, ever. But now you know.

Today Zac stayed home because he had the sort of cough that teachers tut at and say to each other "He should be at home." He wasn't disappointed to hang out with The Sibs and play all day. But when Big Daddy came home this morning I could easily see he was going to need sleep so a plan was hatched to put Zac in charge.

Not in charge of everything. Just food, who gets it and when. I made everything up and put it all in individually named zip lock bags. Then drew signs to tell Zac what time he should feed himself and The Sibs.

He did pretty well. He assured me of the following, he only gave everyone their drinks early because they were all thirsty, next time I should not give him fruit because he only eats that at school and next time he needs Gus to help, "This job is too big for just one man."

He's probably right.

And next time I'll set an alarm because a little bit into the morning Mick asked Zac what the time was and Zac came back "the big hand is on the 6 and the little hand is on the 10". Mick asked him if he should get the sultanas his reply was in the negative, because it was obvious to him that the clock did not match the one on the sign.

Next time...

Is it incestuous if it's just pretend?

2009-06-09T20:07:00.004+09:30

You can't play mummy's and daddy's with your brothers but some how all that weirdness goes away when you are playing with your cousin. Then your cousin becomes your husband and your brothers become your sons and you can boss them all about till they realise your rules aren't all fun and games. It's starts to feel a lot more like work than play. Then you hear "Come on lets go play with the cars." Game over.

Cousins and sleep overs are just about the funnest things ever invented.

I was the lucky one who got to watch 5 glorious bodies tucked into 4 sleeping bags laying on 3 single beds cushioned on 2 pillows per bed together for just 1 night.

and sometimes we cook.

2009-05-26T20:21:00.001+09:30

THEY'LL DO ANYTHING

2009-05-24T11:44:00.003+09:30

to get out of work.

Even go to sleep in the middle of the day.

Mick and I asked them to each put ten toys away. They suddenly got a bad case of exhaustion. We called their bluff and told them if they were so tired they should go to bed. They meekly got up from the couch and went to their room were they turned on their night time music and fixed the blanket over them. I could hear them talking for a bit and I thought they would play in bed for a bit and then come out at which time I would reinforce the work rule. They never came out of their room. I checked on them 20 mins later and they had gone to sleep. I looked at Poppy and decided she looked a bit tired too. After a stern talking too she decided she was tired too and thus I had 2 hours of peace and quiet on a Saturday afternoon.

Bromance

2009-05-15T22:35:00.003+09:30

So Zac and James are the only LDS kids in their year at Modbury Nth. James just happens to be the son of a bishop. And the two boys haven't always seen eye to eye but this year James' Mum has been doing our family a great service and three days a week she comes to pick up Zac and so since they have been going to school together they have been going to school together. This has resulted in an arrangement of friendship that suits both Heather (James' Mum) and myself.
This week I embraced this arrangment and made an arrangment of my own. I invited James over for dinner and a play. This is the first time a friend has been invited to play at our house with out bringing back up from other family or friends. The best part of the two hour visit wasn't the bit where they sat at the table and used their hot dog buns for comic relief or even when they played Wii without tears or tantrums. I think the best bit was when James walked in the door and Zac ran up and hugged him.
They just might love each other yet.

We love

2009-05-04T18:10:00.004+09:30

to dance

till we

DROP

Take it or leave it

2009-04-22T18:09:00.003+09:30

This is me. I don't usually get in front of the camera these days. In 6 yrs I've put on 10kg. Yet incredibly in those years I have been pregnant 3 times and during each pregnancy I gained no weight nor lost any. Then during the short periods in which I breast fed I lost a couple of kilos.

So by my amateur calculations I had 36 months in which to gain weight. That is 10 kilos in 3 years.

Here's to losing 10 kilos in the next 3 years.

"Do you think anyone will recognise me?"

2009-04-17T20:15:00.000+09:30

Last FridayThe next day.

Mum posted on the Smylie site! Comment there.

2009-04-17T17:26:00.002+09:30

WEDDING BELLS ARE GOING TO CHIME

Welcome to the family Callie.

Kent and Callie have decided to get married everybody.

Hooray!!

They called the family during the week to let us all know the news. They don't know for sure when or where but possibly in July 2010 and could be in Darwin where her family are or in Queensland where they live themselves.

We reckon either place is a great holiday destination so roll on wedding. But do we drive or fly thats the question of the moment for us.
A baby for Ingrid and Neil in August and a wedding possibly in July 2010. What an exciting year this is going to be for the Grobins family.

Keep posted for future news love Shelley.

The best bits

2009-03-23T22:43:00.002+10:30

By the Grace of God

2009-03-11T22:07:00.003+10:30

How do I choose? How do I change?

At the dawn of day I look to my crystal ball I see that woman who gets angry. She smacks them all soundly then puts them to bed. I think she's a bit mean and I don't like her very much.

I want to see the pretty Mum. She's the one who tousels her son's hair as he does his homework while she watches the baby play. She makes a nutritious meal that will be eaten by all, happy to be together and sharing their feelings.

Nah, she looks a bit ridiculous besides her husband's probably having an affair.

I'll settle for family prayer.

You don't have to be kneeling, just there.

It's good to be a grown up

2009-03-07T23:40:00.002+10:30

I wrote a whole post just now and by the end of it realized that I had written a journal entry rather than a blog post. So I made it a journal entry and before I lost momentum I started the post all over again.

But I stand by my title.

I love that I'm not at school anymore. I think it's great that somewhere after I turned 18 I realised that I didn't have to be friends with other people my age. I found that I have things in common with people older or younger than me. I have equals who do not fit my demographic. I have respect from people who are both younger and older than me. This respect is based on their observations of and conversation with me. I don't feel constrained by a stereotype or image. I am a member of a massive club. We are The Grown Ups. We can do what ever we want to do. So if you are not a grown up yet hold on you will be one day soon. Then you too can stay up as late as you want to and eat a whole packet of lollies while you play on the computer because you bought them with your own money. Sure there are consequences but don't let them deter you from your chosen path. We can handle them because we are

The Grown Ups.

1001

2009-02-20T19:05:00.003+10:30

Poppy stuck her tongue out today. I came home and she was standing in the foyer looking adorable with her tongue deliberately protuding beyond her rose coloured lips. Mick hadn't seem her do it yet. She had saved this cool new trick for when I got home. Obviously assuaging her guilt from when she had learnt to blow rasberries while I was at work and by the time I got home had forgotten how to do it.

Today she was making ammends. Then I spent the next 3 hours poking my tongue out at her and laughing encourgingly when she did the same. I began to wonder if I was teaching her a useful life skill. I then began to ponder how long would it be until I tell her off for sticking her tongue out.

Has anybody done a study on when "it's" not cute anymore? Is there a number when the magic disappears or does it slowly fade until you can't remember when it was cute? In lue of answers I'll just enjoy the magic while it lasts. Maybe if I hold on tight enough the magic will never go away.

On the other hand...

2009-02-11T21:47:00.004+10:30

Left: I loved going to Uni. It took me a couple hours journey every day to learn amazing things. I could make my student pension go a mile. I loved buying new shoes I would wear them to go out clubbing. I loved the beat and trying out my newest moves. I loved to dress up and steal a sexy glance or two. I loved to flirt. Back then I would transform between the hours of 9pm and 10pm as I got ready to prowl. The girls and I would play hard and long and leave them dead in our wake. We'd go home, alone, recharge for another week learning and sleeping. Just to play again.

Right: I am never alone. I am completely responsible and I have more money than I have ever had before yet it has been a year since I have bought new shoes, for myself. I love that I have company and someone to share any variety of moment I could possibly come across. I love to be taught about learning everyday. I'm learning about cause and effect, good and bad, age of choice, questions and answers, coping mechanisms and most of all the limits of human endurance.

Zac asks questions that make me have to use all the knowledge I thought was useless. Gus...so funny. And Poppy is quick and smart and gets what she wants by any means necessary.

My relationships are more solid. Sure they don't glitter and sparkle and give you butterflies in your stomach. Now it's a feeling that is stuck like super glue. I nurture, I nourish and a lot of people need me.

Every now and then I lament my lost youth. I dance and I just don't move like I used to, and even if I did it would just look sad. I wish...

And then I know that I wouldn't trade what I have for any random pash or long distance relationship. Mick laughs when I try to have a make out session. He makes me come back into a room just to tell me he loves me, especially when I'm running late. I know what he's thinking, I know what he needs and I know that he wants me.

These things just happen

2009-01-30T17:09:00.006+10:30

I sent my son to school today,

He came home with a friend,

I can cross that off my worry list,

That puts nutrition at the top.

I sent my son to school today,

He came home without a note,

To tell me of some naughty prank,

He must have been real good.

I sent my son to school today,

I can't believe he's five,

He reads his book and ties his shoes,

And buttons up his shirts.

I sent my son to school today,

I'll send him back tomorrow,

They'll fill his head with useless stuff,

He'll never need to use.

I wanted to go to school today,

I wanted to make him safe,

I think that I have done my best,

I had to let him go.

Hottest 100(ish)

2009-01-26T20:06:00.006+10:30

Help me finish my Australia Day list I'm 20 shy of a full packet.

1 Tim Tams

2 Tim Tam slams
3 Cadbury Chocolate
4 Haighs Chocolate
5 Vegemite on toast
6 Magnums
7 Lamingtons
8 Darrell Lea Licorice
9 Bundaberg Ginger Beer
10 Roy and HG
11 The Umbilical Brothers
12 Adam Hills
13 Wil Anderson
14 Fiona O'Loughlin
15 Cate Blanchet
16 Geoffrey Rush
17 Anne Geddes
18 Megan Gale
19 Australian Tennis Open
20 Aussie Rules Football
21 The Wallabies
22 Adelaide United
23 Clipsal 500
24 Tour Down Under
25 Australia Day
26 ANZAC Day
27 Cup days
28 6 weeks school holiday at Christmas
29 Pool parties for Christmas
30 Mall's Balls
31 The Big Banana
32 Sydney Opera House
33 Harbour Bridge
34 Mt Lofty

35 Glenelg Beach

36 Bondi Beach
37 St Kilda Beach
38 Fanny Bay
39 Gold Coast
40 The Great Barrier Reef
41 The Blue Mountains
42 The Outback
43 The Bush
44 The Back of Beyond
45 The Great Ocean Road
46 Ayers Rock
47 Margaret River

48 The Barossa

49 The Coorong
50 The Great Australian Bight
51 Trackies
52 Battlers
53 Muffin Tops
54 Speedo
55 Sass & Bide
56 Thongs
57 Ugg Boots

58 Zinc Cream
59 Rove
60 Kath and Kim
61 Neighbours
62 Ned Kelly
63 Dawn Frasier
64 Allan Davis
65 Mem Fox
66 Princess Mary
67 Miles Franklin
68 Henry Lawson

69 Dame Edna
70 Wollemi Pine
71 Sturt Desert Pea
72 Yellow Wattle
73 Roos
74 Emus
75 Tasmanian Devil
76 Frilled Neck Lizard
77 Powder finger
78 Spiderbait
79 Sarah Blasko
80 The Herd
81 John Butler Trio
82 Kate Miller-Heidke
83 Casey Stoner
84 Matt Hayden
85 Simon Baker
FROM KRISTIE
86 V8 Commodore
87 The Wiggles
88 Paspaley Pearls
89 Qantas
90 Bonds
91 Triple J
92 Coopers
93 K-Rudd

FROM ARIANA
94 Ian Thorpe

FROM SHARON
95 Fairy Bread
96 Chico Rolls
97 Musk Lifesavers

FROM IRISH
98 Crocs
99 Classic Chocolate Milk
100 Fru Chocs

Thanks girls

Some thing nice

2009-01-25T21:24:00.005+10:30

I'm grateful for simple things and siblings.

My Baby's Birthday

2009-01-22T08:09:00.002+10:30

Happy birthday to you,Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Poppy
Happy birthday to you.

I love you baby girl. I can't believe all the things you have learnt to do in a year. You learnt three different ways to roam, crawl, walk and run. That is after you learnt to roll over and sit up. In the last couple of weeks you have graduated to climbing. Your rhythm is impeccable and you dance to anything that comes to your ears. Your specialty is TV ads with a funky beat.

You have learnt the names of all the people you love the most. And you love to play peekaboo. You pick up your dress and hide your eyes then say "Ba" when we say "Where's Poppy". You laugh all the time. You'll jump up out of the blue and run into the kitchen and back to the lounge room laughing the whole time. You have learnt to blow kisses and give your brothers big hugs. When you hug your baby doll you copy Mummy and say "Ah-ah".

You have learnt to be gentle, and sorry when you forget. You have learnt the signs for sorry, gentle, Goodbye, finished, more, drink, biscuit, eat, please and thank you.

When someone else is getting attention for crying you come close and copy with the most awesome replica of a cry. Very cheeky. Best of all you have learnt that you can have the most fun with Zac and Gus so you follow them when they leave the room just in case they are on the path to big adventure.

When I ask you to do something for me you lean on the nearest upright surface such as the couch and show me your 'I'm too cute to work, can't you see I'm a princess' pose. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

You have learnt that the best way to get some quality time is to find a book and give it to Garrett, Dad or Mum. Then we read and play with you until you get tired of us.

As well as all that you have grown 20cm, put on 6kg, grown 11 teeth and changed your hair colour from dark brown to blond.

Wow what a year.

It's not a lot but it is my life.

2009-01-21T10:19:00.002+10:30

I start work tomorrow. I leave my babies at home as I go to work to look after the educational and emotional welfare of other children. I won't watch Poppy do laps of the lounge. Every day with each step she grows. I won't be home to manage and mold brotherly 'love'. I won't be sitting on my couch, in the car with the kids or at my Mum's when it dawns on me that I must again feed the masses. "What should we have for dinner tonight?" There are a myriad of moment I won't be watching anymore.
Instead, from tomorrow, I will make a lunch time phone call, even though I'm worried that I will be waking Mick from a nap. I call to know they are all doing just as they would if I were home. I go to work because I love them. I endeavour to not have to work so hard in the near future. (I have a plan.)
All I will be left with are the mornings and evenings. We will start the day together right and every night I will nourish them and love them as much as I can before bed time. Then each night as I move from room to room I will perform my final acts of love. I'll check each door and lock them to ensure the security of my family. I'll look in on the boys to be reassured they are safe and at peace. Then I'll take my baby to bed and give her suckle as we both fade into the night.

2008-12-30T23:01:00.003+10:30

Last Sunday afternoon I was just settling in to enjoy my last Sunday afternoon of rest as we go to 1pm church next year. It was then that Garrett called from work to complain about how bored he was and a grand idea was hatched. "How about we go up to Strath for the night?" "Sure. We could be on the road in an hour." 2 secs later slap. slap, slap what was I thinking, 3 children, their clothes, their bedding, their food, their toys, their nappies, 1 husband, his clothes, his bedding, his food, his toys, his...Then "How about we stay two nights?" "Sure!" 2 secs later spare clothes, spare bedding, spare toys, spare nappies...

1hour 10mins later everyone is in the car and we are backing out the drive. I am so good.

Good thing we packed for two nights because on Monday we were so tired from our walk in Victor Harbor we never could have driven home safely.

We had a lovely couple of days away made even nicer for the fact that we brought the Xbox and the boys watched KungFu Panda twice everyday.

We are home now and back to reality with a massive thud when Zac threw up in the car, in the kitchen, in the lounge room and outside. I'm so glad I have such fond memories of our family holiday to get me through this tough time.

O Christmas Tree

2008-12-18T21:15:00.004+10:30

Do you think Santa will deliver presents under our Christmas tree?

While you were away

2008-12-16T18:11:00.006+10:30

We went bowling.

Amy vs Brenton

Zac doing it with style

I need sleep, oh I need sleep.

2008-12-09T22:21:00.001+10:30

Oh holy precious rest. May you not elude me as I seek your ample bosom. I search for peace from the constantness of existence. Freedom beconds. Oh sacred grail may I find you at the end of day.

But I can afford a birthday cake.

2008-12-05T22:17:00.003+10:30

Zac is 5 today. Five years ago he was born into this world with great spirit. My poor little drugged up fighter. He fought so hard to not come into the world that it's no suprise that he's so quick to be angry about anything this world might ask of him. His answer to just about everything is I didn't ask to be here, I don't have to like it.
He doesn't like any water in his eyes while bathing. He doesn't like people in his space if he didn't invite them. He doesn't like to be ignored even for a minute. He doesn't like to wait to tell me his newest awesome piece of knowledge. He hates being suprised and not knowing the out come before hand. He hates to be beaten in anything. He doesn't like to be confronted.
On the other hand he has found joy in many earthly pursuits since his birth. He loves his cousins and wants to go visit with family often. He loves to go to primary for all the right reasons (he doesn't have a good friend in his class). He loves to learn new things and since going to kindy and primary he is learning so many more things than I could teach him at home. He loves to cuddle me. He loves to wrestle with his Dad. He loves being in our family.
And we love having him in ours.

While exercising new sipirtual muscles

2008-11-24T20:04:00.003+10:30

"Thank you for our Father who twirls in Heaven above."
Zac 4 years 11 1/2 months
Not only did he say this in his prayer but he said it so deliberately that he pointed out the mention of the twirling Father after tonight's prayer, saying he had said it because he had learnt it in a song.
I know that music and dance are ways to praise God but until tonight I hadn't thought of Him singing or dancing. Maybe He does.

Smarter than my other average bears

2008-11-19T06:16:00.003+10:30

Too fast she has grown. Poppy is still much faster when she crawls but that isn't stopping her from trying to run away from me. In the evening when the boys have been put to bed I'll watch TV or surf and Poppy will cruise. She'll then get it into her head that she wants to visit the boys. Obviously she is delusional with tiredness and has forgotten how they torment her daily. What gives her away is that she stands in the doorway and hesitates. Right there she is making her decision. It goes something like this.

"Do I just play here on the floor OR make a run for the boys where they will laugh at me and encourage me to be deliciously naughty."..."Oh look Mum left the hallway door open. The Fates have spoken."..."Here I go. To the bedroom."...one step, two step, thr.."Oh no! Mum's coming. RUN!" ...Smack..."Scratch that. CRAWL!!!"..."Ha, ha, ha, she got me. Oh well better luck next time."

Buy Me a Pony

2008-11-17T06:48:00.007+10:30

I want to be a cow girl,

I'll need to have a horse,

My parents didn't get me one,

They cost too much of course.

My husband gave me kids,

I cannot ride them, yet,

I would get in trouble,

If on them I did get.

I'll have to get my own horse,

I'll save the money now,

To buy a Thoroughbred,

I wouldn't want a cow.

I wish I were these lucky girls,

But for now it seems,

A cow girl in my mind,

I only have my dreams.

Amy & Poppy

2008-11-12T07:24:00.002+10:30

September 2008
Papers and embellishments from Cottage Arts web site.

2008-11-10T18:56:00.003+10:30

"You know Mum, dinosaurs lived a very,very,very....long time ago. So did Jesus.
(pause) Jesus gave the Fossils the last supper. Then when Jesus died the Fossils became the missionaries. Mum we see the Fossils at Church."

Zac 4 years 11 months

I spy

2008-11-05T07:50:00.002+10:30

with my little eye something that

starts with G

Dear Sir

2008-10-29T23:28:00.002+10:30

I'm sorry to bother you but I would like to let you know that you are bothering me. It's possible you aren't aware that when you play your bass guitar at 11pm at night I can hear it and it disturbs my attempts to sleep. I'm sure you think you have turned the volume down on your amp but the funny thing about bass music and night air is that the low frequency sound waves of your private jam session carry further and stronger because of the lack of ambient city sounds. I'm suprised that your wife hasn't told you that it's not your best idea considering you have small children as well. I understand that a man has to have a hobby. Could you just do yours in a sound proof booth or at another time. Maybe wear some head phones, better yet, get another hobby, just don't join the turbo boosted drag racers on our street.
Thank you, good night.

Dear drag racing Sir's
I'm sorry to bother you but...

October Photos

2008-10-23T22:14:00.001+10:30

I climbed a mountain today

2008-10-18T13:25:00.006+10:30

It's insidious. Growing at such a deceptive rate that I didn't notice it until it was too late. When I did look back I was alarmed and then depressed. The mountain that had seemingly grown overnight looked insurmountable. Not knowing where to start I let it grow for a bit longer. Despite knowing that the longer I left it to grow the harder it would be to turn around. Growing and growing, I passed it several times a day turning my blind eye and hoping that the space time continuum would take care to reverse my misfortune. But alas and alack it was not to be. No kind stranger took pity on me to restore the order that was so badly missing. No friend visited, mystically knowing that I would accept a helping hand to quash the chaos. I spent longer than necessary at base camp.
Until this morning. I took a deep breath and dove in. I started with the spent items then moved on to the books. I put away boxes of things that didn't even belong in the room let alone on the desk. The rest I stacked in a pile to be sorted, later. The job was not as bad as I had made it out to be. I was impressed with how little time it took to reclaim my sacred space. Now I sit at the alter of modern life with a clear keyboard ready to do all the things I have been putting off because tomorrow finally came.

Tell me they look like me

2008-10-07T00:17:00.004+10:30

Because everyone says he looks like him.

together

2008-10-03T21:00:00.003+09:30

I've never scrapped with anyone else. I've usually scrapped at very unsociable hours of the day. Until Kristie got Adobe and started asking for some quick tips. We got together last Monday and spent a couple hours together. She on her laptop, I on mine. We discussed elements of the program periodically but mostly sat in companionable silence interjected with occasional "MUM!"'s and "STOP THAT"'s. I had a good time. I hope she did too.

I love him

2008-10-02T23:09:00.006+09:30

Tonight he said it doesn't matter where he is in 8 years, as long as he's with me.

I love him.

Happy 9th Anniversary!

Ramblings from my journal October 2005

2008-10-01T10:42:00.003+09:30

It’s been a while but I have been busy.

Angus George was born on Saturday 1st October 2005. it was 5pm and the student doctor who helped deliver you was the winner of the time bet. You weighed exactly the same as Zac but you were shorter with a bigger head.

I started having contractions on Friday evening and at 3 in the morning I went for a bath and slept in there for about an hour. I called mum who was in Pt Augusta at 5 in the morning that she might want to be here around 10am. Because I thought that might be a good time to go into hospital. I didn’t end up going until 2pm after taking Zac to Ingrid’s house. Granny came to get Amy earlier in the day. Once we got to the hospital I was very ready to have my new baby. The hospital was having renovations and we had to follow signs to find the admittance room. Thankfully it was quiet because I was looked after very efficiently. Next time I think I might go into hospital a bit earlier because I think I was very lucky to get an epidural almost as soon as I got to the room and asked for the needle. After that things slowed down a bit, for which I am very grateful. I didn’t get to move around after I got the epidural but I have to remember next time that I shouldn’t lie on my side just after they give the injection because only one side of my body got the fluid and my left leg went all numb and tingly and it was not a nice feeling. As the epidural wore off and the contractions came harder I needed the mask with mostly oxygen. Mick and Mum held me up to give birth and I held onto the mask. The next day I couldn’t figure out why the bridge of my nose was so sore until a bit later on when I realize it was because I had been pressing the mask to my face so hard. The epidural was wearing off in the late stages of labour and I certainly was grateful for the drug because it was very painful. However it was still awesome to have a midwife who let me tell her what I was feeling and when it was time to push. At one point though I remember telling everyone and anyone that I couldn’t push anymore because it hurt too much but that I knew I had to keep going. It was a wonderful powerful experience that I would not trade with anyone.

As soon as my beautiful baby was born the midwife placed him on my chest and I was able to confirm, what I strongly suspected, that this baby was indeed a healthy boy. Mick again didn’t rush to hold the new baby and I told him to just do it. Mum says that he was so overcome by everything that he was close to tears. He told me later how proud he was of me and how in awe he was of the strength I had to do this for him. After mum had a hold and we had pictures the student doctor was writing on the i.d. card and I asked him to write Gus instead of Baby Vojnovic because even though we didn’t have a name for the boy he had been referred to as Gus for at least 5 months. At that point the medical people left and we talked about whether we name the new baby Angus George or Padrig George. Angus meant ‘unique strength’ and the student doctor had commented on how strong the baby was with his grip so it just all made sense to name him Angus George . George is the name of Mick’s uncle who died while he was young and I always thought that it would be important to give this name to a strong son. I hope that Gus will live well for his name sake.

It’s a new year and hopefully we will have more to celebrate/announce this Christmas. (I was trying to go back to back with a new baby. No luck Poppy was born over two years later)

I'm "IT"

2008-09-28T11:55:00.002+09:30

Shelley tagged me so here I go.

I am always on the computer.
I am little bit overweight
I think that I should get in better shape
I know Christmas is in 12 1/2 weeks
I want a good idea for Ewan's christmas present
I have excema on the back of my neck
I wish my children didn't have excema as well
I hate
I miss Brenton and Kent
I fear that I will die before all my children are grown up
I feel a bit sick today
I hear my two boys playing very nicely together
I smell freshly cooked chocolate chip biscuits
I regret dating one or two individuals
I love food
I care about the kids I work with
I always put my makeup on in the car
I believe in God the Eternal Father and in his Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost
I dance in the car
I sing children's primary songs
I'm a bit cross with Mick
I write notes for everything
I win children's computer games
I lose my temper when I'm tired
I never worry about the dishes
I listen to BBC radio while I'm going to sleep
I'm scared of damaging my kids beyond repair
I read to my children every night
I'm happy about living in a country that has government healthcare and welfare

Look out you might be "IT" next.

ANY WOO

2008-09-25T19:45:00.003+09:30

Gus is keeping me company.
Gus says "Mum, our family is good. And Mum?"
"Yeah."
"Me are good. The monsters are in the house and just one got me. And one didn't get you."
"Really who did it get"
"Singie. He was this much my age. He was your age that is my friend."
"What's his name again?"
"No don't call me, silly you. And Mum?"
"Yeah?"
"The biggest means he's my age and he's Singie. He's my brother and he hugs me, they are monsters and they are monsters Singie got me and my brother and they ares monsters in my house."
"Any thing else?"
"Nooo, there's no monsters there's no monsters in our house. There no such thing as monsters there's no monster but there some in the play room on tuesday. Mum look at those things mum what are they called?"
(I'm busy typing everything verbatim so I don't look.)
"I don't know."
"If there are monsters we will have to get out of the house and on to the roof and aren't able to see us. We will need a ladder to get up on to the roof."
"Okay Gus time for bed."
"Mum can you come with me to Zac's bed? Cos I will be scared. Just right now."

Did I really choose this?

2008-09-20T17:14:00.007+09:30

Who am I?
I cart the washing basket around the house and I walk past a mirror. I glance in and see myself not as I do everyday but as though I were someone else. I then pose the question "How did you get here?"
How did I become a mother of three? When did I choose to be married to 'him'?
I have always known that I would bear many children and I knew on our first date that I would be sealed to Mick. But I had no idea that it would be like this. My life is no sitcom, no drama series, no soap opera. I don't get to call "cut" or take a break. I don't have nannies or chefs or personal trainers. I see myself as though I am looking at someone else and I think "You are the grown up. You get to tell people what to do."
"Go to bed. Eat your dinner. Say sorry."
Every now and then I mix it up, I let them have ice cream before dinner or I say they can stay up with me. I'm constantly training and rewarding all the while looking forward to the next time I'm not "on". I have to be responsible. I'm the one who remembers the sun screen. I make sure the packed lunch and nappy bag gets made when we go out for the day.
I have three children, maybe I'll have more, but even if I don't I'm still the boss.

I then realise, I've become my Mum and that's okay.

enriching

2008-09-18T22:43:00.005+09:30

I went to Relief Society Enrichment tonight. I have been neglectful of my duties as a Sister in my ward for some time now and for that I am sorry. It was a beautiful night. We practiced relaxation techniques, praised each others talents, listened to a beautiful musical number and were delighted by a ballet solo. I was moved to tears during the musical item and I was touched by the Spirit. I received confirmation that the path I have recently chosen is good.

I have recently chosen to invite God to be a part of my everyday through prayer and study. I endeavour to be more diligent in my efforts to raise my children in righteousness. As I do these things I know that I will be blessed. I know that God loves me and sent His son Jesus Christ to atone for my sins. I know that because of this great sacrifice and if I am found worthy I will be able to live with Him again.

10 things

2008-09-16T20:46:00.004+09:30

I can do with a baby on one arm.
* Blog
* Make a peanut butter sandwich and cut the crust off.
* Go to the toilet.
* Have a shower.
* Put my jeans on.
* Fold clean clothes.
* Clean the bathroom.
* Tidy up the lounge.
* Put tooth paste on everyone's tooth brush and brush their teeth.
* Make a cake.

So you think you can dance.

2008-09-12T21:24:00.004+09:30

Not so much dancing as running in time to the music. His moves were unique. Without hesitation Zac had walked ahead of his Mum, payed his money and proceeded to the dance floor. It was there that he danced like he had never danced before. Surrounded by his peers he was all alone. He had gone to a special place where his heart was full and his bliss complete. Needing noone else Zac danced and never stopped until the music did. "Mum I can dance!" "I know baby and you were awesome."

Will I get fired?

2008-09-10T21:45:00.002+09:30

I read an article today in a local paper about how the inter-web thingy has caused people to lose prospective employment due to the fact that the interviewee has Googled the name and come across unsavoury personal information that was intended as communication between friends. Maybe a little racist joke or a sexist remark is all it could take to turn someone away.

So I Googled my name and I only found my facebook page. Maybe I should change from being in an open relationship to a marriage relationship with my husband. And I've thought about my blog...

I think I'll keep my job today especially if I mention I think my new boss is pretty awesome (honestly).

Note to self - at work

2008-09-08T17:55:00.003+09:30

- Don't turn your back on a 6'2'' guy with autism who likes you and would rather hit you than hug you.

- Show less cleavage when working with 14 year old boys.

- Stand your ground when teenage boys are testing your resolve.

- Drink plenty of water on days when you have to do yard duty in the sun.

- Don't get sulky when a relief teacher tells you she knows what she's doing when you offer some friendly advice. She'll learn soon enough she really needs your help.

- Don't bend down to say hello to a kid with autism who likes to spit in your face.

- Don't assume that a child with autism is smelling the hair that you washed that morning. He is more likely to be wiping spit from his face or sniffing it up his nose.

- Be more grateful when someone else says they will do your duty.

- Be more active during morning health hustle. In this job you need to be fit.

- Wear a t shirt under your jumper on cool Spring days as you are bound to get too warm by the end of lunch.

- Don't scold a boy with autism unless you can handle the fact that he will spend the rest of the day coming to you to discuss his most recent poor choice.

- Don't injure a lover of Thomas the Tank Engine who also has autism as he will fall on the floor shouting, "Nobody was hurt, but Thomas and friends were badly bent."

- Don't waste your breath telling a teenager with Down Syndrome how to do something as they will patronizingly explain to you "I know Dee," and continue doing it perfectly wrong.

- Don't try to force anyone you work with to do anything as they are likely to hit you/themselves/others, run down the street, fall on the floor, break a window or throw bark chips at you. Just ask them nicely then do it yourself.

Roar

2008-09-07T16:43:00.002+09:30

Angus

2008-09-04T21:12:00.002+09:30