The answer to the meaning of life is 42

that is according to Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy!



If you listen to Monty Python the meaning of life is: "Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations."



As for me... hmm still working on that one! Had one of "those" days today. - JANE if you are at work you may want to stop reading or "that" pesky woman may turn up!



Today I went to the funeral of an amazing lady. I met Rhonda when I started working on Medical Ward. She was a lovely person with a great smile and loved by all (except when she was pulling them into line!) Rhonda had breast cancer about the same time as my mum and we joined Rhonda's team for Relay for Life. Last week - 2 days before Christmas - Rhonda lost her fight with cancer. She has left behind her parents, husband David, teenage son michael (who is in a wheelchair) and a teenage daughter Kate. She also leaves behind a large number of colleagues and friends who adored her.



Rhonda had the strength to organise her own service a few weeks ago so the service today was put together by her with songs of her choice. It really was a lovely service. Reggie got up and spoke so well and when they payed In the Arms of the Angels I don't think there was a dry eye.



Rhonda you will be sorely missed. The ward will not be the same without you and you have left a large gaping hole in many lives.

Monday = Funday

Today was a nice casual relaxed day. Mark and Mel had friends they wanted to catch up with so Declan came here for the day to play with Kyle and Tasha. Kyle and Declan had a ball playing on their DS's and on the Wii.
Tasha filled up the inflatable pool and they all jumped in but it didn't last long. Declan is used to temperatures in the middle east so our 25 degrees here with water out of the hose was waaayy too cold for him.

Then we went back up to Georgia for a baked dinner and a last chance to catch up with Mark, Mel and Declan before they headed back overseas. We wont see them for some time now. they won't be home for christmas next year. They are planning on going to Italy for a white christmas. How cool would that be! Don't I wish I could join them!

It has been great spending time with them and just sitting chatting as we used to.

Day trip to Goulburn

Today we drove to Goulburn and met up with more family members who drove from Cowra. David, Henry, Rowan, amelia and Uncle Les. Unfortunately Amanda and Taylor didn't make it and (as usual) Michael was elsewhere but we still had a great day. Kyle and Declan are like shadows and seem to go EVERYWHERE together and Tasha had fun playing with Rowan and Amelia.
We went across to the Workers Club for lunch which was very yummy and then back to the park to play. All in all another great day with family. Very relaxed and lots of chatting and just a very pleasant day.
This pic was taken in the fountain in the park in the main street of Goulburn. With the drought the fountain has no water so the kids went straight in (somehow don't think the water would have stopped them if it was there!) Kyle, Tasha and Declan playing on the play equipment. it is a great park for families - heaps of things for the kids to play on.

Three generations. My Uncle Les (mum's brother), his son David (my cousin) and David's son Henry. You can tell they are from the same family.

Mark, Mel and Declan

Mum and John

David

a collection of pics showing the kids having a ball playing on the train.

l -r Amelia (Milly), Tasha and Rowan

Stedfut Family Re-union

Today we got to catch up with the Stedfut clan. Have really been looking forward to this. Mark, Mel and Declan went to dubai about 16 months ago so it was great to catch up and find out what life is like over there (and to do the christmas thing)

The kids got waaaayyy spoilt by Uncle Mark and Aunty Melissa with Kyle getting a Nintendo DS with a couple of games and Tasha getting an ipod nano - 16gb! Tried to swap her for my 8gb but she wouldn't be in it1 ~L~ Tony got a Coles Myer Vcouher so I can see a shopping spree coming up! As far my gift. WOW. I got the most beautiful hand made necklace and earring set - made by Mel with antique silver and in purples!

It was just a great day with heaps of chatting, laughing and catching up

Oh and celebrating in style!!!!!
Thanks Mark and Mel (I stole the empty bottle - it now sits on my buffet in pride of place!)

Boxing Day

Today we had a nice quiet day. We spent most of the day at home resting, the kids played with their new games etc and I read one of my new books! All in all a nice quiet peaceful day.

Then in the afternoon we went down to see Mone, Greg and family as we hadn't been able to catch up with them on Christmas day.

Then we went out to Greenwell Point to buy some fish and chips for dinner and sat and ate by the waterfront.

Looking forward to catching up with Mark, Mel and Declan tomorrow. We haven't seen them since Sept last year before they moved to Dubai so I can't wait to see them and find out how they are going. Then Sunday we are going to Goulburn to see my uncle and cousins. It's been about 18 months since we saw them as well so this weekend will be a busy one but I can't wait.

Christmas Day

After our search for christmas lights last night ending about 11pm we actually had a sleep in this morning (well Tasha did) so we didn't open pressies until about 9am. I must say we all got very spoilt.Then about 10.30 (after a brekky of Smoked Salmon - yum) we headed off to Georgia for lunch with Nana and Papa John. We had sooooo much food but it was all lovely.I had to give this its very own picture. This was our new favourite christmas pudding. It is an icecream pudding filled with "fruit". The kids have now decided they want Nana to pack their lunches as her fruit was actually crumbled up Mars Bar, Crunchie, Turkish Delight, Peppermint Crisp and I can't remember the other one! Then it has Ice Magic drizzled over the top - VERY YUMMY!!!Then we came home for an hour or so. I cooked up the ham while Tony went and had a "nana nap" and then off to Davinas.
Tasha and Haylee found time to have a dance (or 2 or 3) - how unusual for those 2 to be drawn to the music! Kyle roped Royce into a game of Pokemon with his new cards that he got for Christmas. The rules seemed to change depending on whose hand was being played.

We did Secret Santa again this year and I think everyone seemed very happy with their gifts.

Oh and I am not sure how this works but we somehow ended up having a balloon fight. No not a water fight but a balloon fight. Not really sure how that works but they all had fun!

'Twas the night before Christmas

Christmas Eve was a nice quiet one for us...... Resting up for the madness to come!

We had some additions to the household for a couple of hours and Kyle studiously displayed the use of the Wii to them! Not sure how much they took in though! They really are great kids. Jhorjie in particular seems much more relaxed here and was chatting away most of the time - last time she was here she even gave Uncle Tony a hug!All the presents were wrapped and under the tree ready for Christmas morning. We waited until it was almost dark and headed off Christmas light hunting. We walked around delivering the last of our Christmas wishes and looking at the lights. Then over in Rayleigh Gardens we lost one child who went wandering off by himself! So I went off looking for him. Found him and then couldn't find Tasha and Tony so we ended up doing our Christmas light walk in 2 separate pairs. Then we met up again and jumped in the car and went for a drive where we found some of the most amazing, elaborate lights displays! Wish I had a tripod so I could take decent night pictures because most of mine didn't turn out at all.

Wayne Brady hits Australia!

Well all I can say is WOW! (Mainly because my cheeks still hurt so much from laughing!) Wayne Brady was soooooo funny!

Show Details:
Kitty Flanagan was the support act and she was hilarious - although the language was extreme! Definately not a family show. Really not needed. The humour was so relevant and funny but the swear words were all through it.

Wayne Brady is the cleverest improv guy I have seen. At the start of the show they took random words from the audience and when Wayne hit the stage he had to make up a rap song with those words. It was so funny. He did alot of the WLIIA stuff - started with getting a girl out the audience (and getting way more than he bargained for including requests for a baby!) and making up a song about her. He had another guy with him who was very clever too. They played the sound effects game. Did the game where people have to move them as they make up the scene. So much more! He really was hilarious and everything had audience interaction which was great. Oh and he didn't use the bad language we had seen from Kitty Flanagan.
He did a whole section of made up songs with titles suggested by the audience. He also did some of his songs of his album which I love. He didn't play my fave but he did do ORDINARY and BACK IN THE DAY. Oooh and dance!!!!
Tony and I both came out of the show with an aching head from laughing so much. I am so glad we went. Pity he did so few shows in Australia.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I think I could sleep for a week!

After a madly busy and insane week with so much happening this weekend was another big one! Had a loooong day at work Friday (normally my half day)

Saturday we dropped the kids off to Haylee and then I drove up to Sutherland where we parked the car and caught a train into the city. We wandered around the city for a couple of hours checking out shops and christmas displays. Then went for a small stroll (well not quite!). we walked from Centrepoint down to Circular Quay, wandered around the Rocks, woollomooloo and then all the way around to Darling Harbour! Talk about walking your legs off!

We went to Baia for dinner (where else!) and had the most amazing meal. Tony and I really loved the meals they were great. then we wandered down to the Lindt shop for dessert.
Then (because we hadn't walked enough) we walked up to the state Theatre! Saw the show - AMAZING and then caught the train back to Sutherland and drove home. got home about 2am then up early this morning - had a nice bath and then picked up the kids before I went to my work Christmas lunch which was great.

Now sitting on the lounge half asleep and exhausted. Will update with show details when I am slightly more awake

Here you go- photos from Kyle's Year 6 formal. This first photo is of my spiffy looking boy outside the school. Getting his graduation certificate and class photo from the principal Mr Lavendar. Mr Lavendar has been the principal there for 10 years and has a great affinity with the students but sadly this was his last official function as he has now retired. :(

The boys - whilst Kyle is bit of a loner this is the small group of boys he calls his friends. He doesn't make friends easily but when he does he is extremely loyal.

Kyle and Nathan having fun posing and being "cool" together

Kyle with his teacher from the last 2 years Mrs Wade. I have loved having her as Kyle's teacher. She is a person who loves her job and cares for each and every one of her students. She takes the time to get to know them and what they like. She was discussing memories of Kyle dating back to Year 1 when she met him whilst she was doing playground duty.

After the formal part of the evening the parents left and the kids went into the hall for their meal (served by Year 5 students) and some dancing. The hall was decorated in an alien theme which Kyle loved. The parents were invited to join them at about 8:45. Tasha and I got back to the hall a little bit early and found Kyle having a blast!

Doing the Macarena

And the hustle

And then the parents were invited to join in. Kyle came over and asked me for a dance and we did the Barn dance and Pride of Heron. Then he had a dance with his sister Tasha.

He had a great night and ended the night giving his mates a hug goodbye - they are all off to different schools next year! so next year is going to be a big one - new school - new friends - new school system (no more 1 classroom).

MY day

Today was a good day!

Think thats all I need to say!
Hmmm more details ?!?

After the crappy sorts of days I have been having lately when I just feel like running back to bed and hiding there till everyone goes away I had a really good day today. It wasn't a special day - just an ordinary one but it started with me looking through a parcel sent to me from Melbourne with chocolate (of course) and a gorgeous foot pamper pack which I can't wait to use and my advent gift was a plaque that simply said "Pals".

Then I had to work all day which wasn't a bad thing - you see I love this job! Working all day includes lots of work but also lots of laughs, coffee, more laughs (and a bit more work).

Then tonight I went to my boy's year 6 presentation and formal. I am so proud of him (he looked very spiffy too). His teacher had some wonderful things to say about him and she was very appreciative of a present I had made her that I had spent hours on. (Not that I made it for the appreciation but it nice to know when you have spent so long on something that it is loved). And then at the formal I got to watch my boy, who is usually so shy and overshadowed by his sister, dance his little heart out and have an absolute ball! He has grown up into such an amazing young man and it was mind blowing to think of the difference from Kindergarten to now! And what a charmer - he came up to me and asked "Could I have the pleasure of a dance".

Now if I can just manage to get to bed before midnight it will be a great day! Got 3 baskets of ironing and a messy kitchen though so don't like my chances!

So much for planning

GGGggrrrrrrrr

Don't you hate when you think everything is planned? Got the christmas shopping done - stocked up the freezer (like really stocked up) and just home from Davinas to find our freezer has packed it in and we now have all the meat and frozen goods for the next few weeks in a soggy defrosted mess.
Just don't know how we are going to re-stock (or come to think of it buy a new freezer!). Had no grocery money this week already and now no frozen goods.
GGGrrrrr just had to vent

Oh what a night!

Last night we went to Hogs Breath in Shellharbour for dinner. I have to say I have some great friends. To drive all that way in this horrid wind (and especially Lou coming down the mountain!) for dinner was amazing of them.
It was probably the first time we have been somewhere with all the "other half's" and it was good to finally meet Lou's John.
So I am now 36..... Who'd have thought I'd make it this far ?!? 20 years ago if you have told me I would be married with a couple of kids you'd have been told to wake up!
I got sooooo spoilt by these people. I was just hoping for some fun times at dinner, a catch up and some laughs (which I got) but I got pressies as well. It's amazing how well these people know me.
MWAH Love you guys. Thanks for making the trip. Thanks to all the DH's for coming along. Thanks for not walking out in that heat (apparently the air con was not working - but they were working on it!). But most of all thanks for being there for me during the year!

Tis the happy season!

No not christmas! It's the happy birthday season!
This is our mega mad birthday period over the next 6 or so weeks. Lets see:
We started with Tracy's birthday yesterday (HB Trace!)
Then the 14th is my birthday. It is also Rachel's b'day - she was my partner in crime during school holidays as she lived next to my nana. And the 14th is also my best friend at high school Shell's b'day.
Then we have Annabelle's b'day
Then Mick's (hey I may be 5 days older than you but it is a recorded fact that women live longer!)
Then my friend Gail is on Dec 25
1st of Jan is the wonderful SJ. Wish I could be there to celebrate your public holiday birthday with you sweetie :(
January is the Lucas family month lets see:
Mark, Philip, Erin, Dominic, Tony, Gail.

I am sure I forgot someone - if its you I'm sorry.

Le pointe goes to the movies

Tasha started hip hop lessons at the beginning of this term and her teacher Miss Nicki felt she was doing well enough to participate in the end of year concert. This was a very exciting time for Tasha as she loves performing and had never danced in anything like this before. Her class did a hip hop routine to the Alvin and the Chipmunks song "witch doctor". We were a bit concerned about whether she would make the concert as she had been doing swimming school and (as for the past 2 years) she got sick. That pool always makes her sick. She had Friday off school and seemed to pick right back up.
Here is Tasha in her costume, make up and hair ready to go. Scary - so did not look like her she looks so grown up!

And here she is showing of one of her dance moves. the pics aren't the best but they had loose hip hop black pants with their hooded tops. Can't wait to get the photo taken of her group at rehearsals.

Anyway the concert went well. Tash's dance was the last of the night so we knew we had a long wait but the standard of dancing was absolutely amazing - tony and I were both blown away by the level of the dancers.

Tasha danced so well. She had a few troubles in rehearsal but she danced the best I had seen her do the routine. I was a very proud mother.

The evening was badly marred for Tasha in the finale. As she came onto stage for her big finale the girl in front of her fell and as she had hold of Tash she went down too - and hard! She got up clutching her stomach and crying and left the stage. It is so hard as a parent sitting there not knowing how badly hurt she was. The finale went on and then the teachers came out for the end of year celebrations. Tash came back on stage then but very quiet and still holding her stomach.

I raced around to the stage door to get her and she was so upset. She has a big bruise right on the hip where she hit the floor and was so mortified and still in tears. She screamed when I touched her hip but her stomach didnt seem to be tender so I decided a trip to hospital was not needed and brought her home. A very subdued girl went off to bed last night but she has decided today that she wants to do dance lessons again next year - shes just not sure about the concert!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Christmas!

It definately is. The kids are getting excited as they see the lights come on the house up and down the street and are already spotting places they want to see when we go for our annual "christmas light hunt". We go for a walk (well we have the last 3 years) all around our area for a couple of hours checking out lights etc.
We finally got our tree down and decorated. The kids add a new ornament with their name and year on it each year so it is getting a bit full now but it is lovely to see the history (including the names of family members who were with us different years and their ornaments as well!)

And the wish boxes are getting culled and re-filled! We have these boxes sitting out all year round and if you see something in a magazine etc you like it goes in your wish box.

And my amazing advent box! My gorgeous friend Sandra (who seems to appear on these pages at regular intervals!) and I do our own advent swap and I am having a ball unwrapping my little gift each day in December. The presents each day show me that this is a girl who knows me so well and so much thought has gone into each and every one of them. Love ya so much MWAH.

I have told Tony the only present I want this year is a trip to Melbourne ~ after all got to check out the new lounge covers!

November update

November seems to have flown by so quickly. Have so much news!

New Car

Yes we finally (about 12 months overdue but hey!) updated the Suzuki to a car that goes and doesn't chew petrol! YAY US! We went up to Sydney to check out a Toyota Paseo that Tony had seen on the internet and it was horrid! Door handle broken, cracks in the bumper, dint in the front panel, hole in the floor etc etc. So we went for a wander along Parramatta Road where i kept falling in love with cars waaayyy out of our price range. Then we walked into a car yard and I was immediately drawn to a little turqoise 2 door hatch, sporty looking thing which Tony then laughed at when I pointed out to him because it was a TOYOTA PASEO ~ yes thats right the same as the one we had come up to look at!
First car we have both agreed on so we came away with a new car
(BTW tried to take pics but they didn't work out so will edit later with pics)

Girl time

Jhorjie has spent a lot of time with us lately and she has been an absolute pleasure to have. Her and Tash have such an amazing relationship I love watching them together. I took this pic of the two of them out the front - just love it!
Girls Brigade

Tasha had her end of year display night for Girls Brigade. They showed off their marching skills, led by one of the cadets who did a great job. Then Tasha's group showed us the exercising they had learnt. thanks to Aunty Gail and Aunty Davina for again supporting Tash. She loves seeing her family there!

Please come home...

All is forgiven so please come home!!

Have spent the day today in my scrap room making christmas cards. Had to do something crafty or i may have gone insane (no comments from the cheap seats please}. The major problem I had today was making my cards with no pastels - they have run away from home!

I know I had them at the last card making day and I don't think I had them at the scrap day cause I couldn't find them then. Have been through all my bags and searched my room and can't find them :( So if anyone sees them please let them know that all is forgiven and they will not be in trouble if they just come home - or out from where they are hiding!

got heaps more updates re the new car, annoying teachers, dance concerts, my advent parcel (love ya sweetie) etc but am off to go searching again. will update later.

BTW with the cards made at the card making classes and todays I think I am almost finished my christmas cards, now just got to write in them and send them

Today's quote of the day

“Respect everyone: each person you meet is better than you at something and has a lesson to teach you.”