Way to go!

Woo hoo . Just have to say to a special gal who I am very, very priviledged to call my friend. To SJ, you started this journey what seems like a long time ago. I know you were worried about going back to school to do your nursing but I knew you had nothing to worry about and look at what you have acheived. You have blitzed this course. I know it wasn't always easy (and sometimes ridiculously hard with your computer swallowing up your assignments) and those of us who love you were totally sure that you would have no problem and you have proven us right. Your work ethic and compassion for your patients is as high a standard as I knew it would be.

So congrats - you have now officially graduated and are a fully qualified dental nurse. Very proud of you sweetie!

Oh and one last thing. ......

You said to me "Don't you dare put that pic on your blog". Hehe You should have known better!

Love you Dad

It's a bit of a trip down memory lane today but I don't have any recent photos. Been thinking of Dad heaps today. It's been 6 years since he died and for some reason today has been a really tough one.

So I thought I would share some pics from long ago....BTW that cute little blonde kid is me!! Hhhmmm wonder what happened.

What a view!

Just thought I would share a little pic of the view from our window of Mt Wellington. Isn't that a lovely view - just amazing. Could it get any better?Well this morning we woke up to this! There's the rest of that snowfall that started yesterday when we were up there. How beautiful

Wednesday = snow and chocolate!!

This morning we headed up Mount Wellington and as promised it was 10 degrees colder up there (and it was only 13 degrees when we left Hobart). Tasha was very excited to see snow - not much but enough for her to play with. The wind chill factor was amazing up there and then just before we left............. it snowed! Yes the temperature dropped that bit more and the snow they had been promising arrived with perfect timing. The kids were so excited as neither of them had actually seen snow falling before. Had played in snow but never actually seen it fall.

Verdict: Its cold and its wet and it hurts (the wind was pretty strong so the snow wasnt really falling it was being blasted around). Would they like to see snow again: Definately!!
We got back in the car - gave a backpacker a lift back down the mountain. Poor girl had hiked up (she said it took about 3 hours) and was planning on hiking back down when the snow hit. We dropped her off in Hobart and went here.............................. In the words of a very wise woman - my glass is now neither half empty or half full but rather a glass and a half full!! We got to learn more about chocolate (did you know there is more to it than just the fact that it tastes good and makes me feel happy?) and do some taste tests. YUM YUM

Port Arthur

Today we had our big day. When we mentioned coming back to Hobart both kids (especially Kyle) wanted to go back to Port Arthur. With the weather being so iffy we ummed and ahhed and decided to go anyway. Well God was amazingly good to us and we had a lovely day - slightly overcast but not too cold - and the big bit! It didnt start raining until we literally got into the car to go home - we pulled out of the driveway as the drops started. How amazing!

Whilst at Port Arthur the kids had a question booklet they had to work their way through and it was intersting to hear some of the answers they came up with. We had a great time exploring and learning more about life in the convict era. Tasha decided that it wasn't for her! ~L~As I mentioned we went to Port Arthur on our last visit here 4 years ago and I took some pics of the kids in the same places as we had been then - so here is our then and now section - compare the differences! (and some not so differences ~L~)

Monday - Richmond

We had planned to go to Cadburys today but seeing it was such a lovely day we decided to head to the historic town of Richmond instead. We drove around looking at the old buildings and stopped for a bit of a wander near the old Richmond Bridge Then we went to Richmond Maze. This is a great way to exercise without getting bored. I wandered round and round and round the maze. found lots of dead ends, kept going round in circles and had lots of fun. We all split up and went our own ways - in the first maze Tony found the middle first followed by Tasha, Kyle and I evnetually got there. In the second, bigger maze Kyle found the dragon first but Tasha was first to the centre of the maze. Then we had to find our way back through both mazes to get out again. The kids both love mazes and this was heaps of fun.

Next stop was Old Hobart Town. This is a model village made as an exact replica of Hobart in the 1820's. This was a fascinating walk through history and the detail was wonderful. The kids had fun looking for certain miniatures that they were told were hidden in the village and only had to go around 1 1/2 times to find them all. There was lots of historical facts and it was very interesting to see the difference between Hobart then and now.

Still in Richmond we then moved to the Richmond Gaol. The solitary cells freaked out both kids but Tasha was very intrigued by how everything worked and explored every nook and cranny of the gaol.

We were thinking of going to a wildlife park but it started to rain then so we headed back to the motel and had an afternoon of Uno and card games.

We then went out for dinner to Fish Frenzy on Elizabeth st Pier. We went there last time we were in Hobart and the food was lovely and they didn't let us down this time either. Yum yum.

Sunday

Finally got around to uploading the pics (and found the time to sit and do it!). Here is the kids at the airport checking out which gate to go to - see previous post to find out that we shouldn't have read the board anyway.Tasha all rugged up for the very cold Tassie weather (our first night it dropped down to 1 degree!)This is the view from our motel - we climbed up to the tower and you can see in all four directions. Wonderful viewPlaying putt putt - this was the first 18 holes at a course called the Mountain. It was an amazing course full of bunkers, rough, sand traps and water holes. Very challenging and it brought out the competitiveness between our kids. The course was quite wet and had lots of stairs and split level holes. Kyle decided to run along one set of stairs and slipped down two stairs landing on a wooden bridge very heavily on his coccyx. He took the rest of the course very carefully - even getting his sister to get his ball at the end of each hole as he couldn't bend down. In the end Tony and Kyle tied for first place.Then we moved to the Mill - the indoor putt putt course which had an intricate array of pipes and rails for the balls to move from level to level. Another very interesting course and lots of fun. Tasha played an absolutely amazing round of golf and after netting a hole in one on one hole ending up winning by about 5 strokes!! Well done TashHad to include this pic - saw this window at the putt putt course and had to take this picture. I love it!

We Made it.

Had a long day yesterday with the drive to Sydney, finding the car parking place and checking in etc. We got there early so went and sat in the gate lounge and relaxed. waited for flight to be called, and waited, and waited. to find out our flight had been moved to another gate!!! So we grabbed our stuff and raced down there to find out our flight was delayed.

So we stood around for some time as by then there were no seats left in the lounge. Finally got on board and on our way. Both kids had ear troubles on landing. Tasha was really bad. She was chewing and yawning like mad but just couldn't get her ears to pop. Kyle had trouble mainly in one ear but was fine once we landed.

Found the motel, at 9 o'clock at night its not easy to find your way around. Don't think any of us got a great sleep last night. It got down to 1 degree last night and with just a sheet and thin doona on the beds it was cold! Have all got extra blankets now so tonight should be better.

Been planning our week and investigating the motel. We climbed the hotel tower - very cool view over Hobart (Our motel is called tower hotel!). Heading off to an adventure putt putt course now. Looks very exciting - check it out http://www.putters.com.au/ . Plan to go to Cadburys tomorrow - YUM

Friday!

Yay it's friday and this week has been an amazingly hectic one. In the middle of the week I got a very interesting email from a wonderful friend who emails me quite regularly with just a thought or a spot of encouragement. I love getting her emails and love the friendship that we have. Anyway she popped up this week with a thought -

We were discussing the glass half empty/half full situation. It was decided that in her case - there is a glass there, it has water in it! She is a practical type person! In my case my glass is tidal! Yes it ebbs and flows quite like the tide. Some days I am fully aware of the amazing blessings that God has given me and other days, quite honestly, I fell quite empty and strung out. It was commented also that (like the whole tidal thing is affected by the moon and lunar objects) my glass tides also seem to be influenced a lot by outside things.

So there is my philosophy for the day. This is, really, a long a way of asking "Are you a glass half full or a glass half empty type person?" would love to hear your thoughts


Also this week I received a lovely parcel in the mail. I joined the friendship swap on Scrap of Faith. Everyone gets one person to either buy or make a little something for and I was lucky enough to get a gift from the lovely Lou, who I don't get to see anywhere near often enough but she always brings a smile to my face! She pegged me so well and I love my gifts. Firstly my hand made card. Love it - and with layering and fussy cuttting - gorgeous. I got an OTP kit to make my own handbag!!!! Gee wonder why she thought of me and handbags in the same sentence *giggle*. I got a pack of buttons and a lovely book that has been packed to take away with us. Thank you so much Lou. I love it all.

My oasis

Wow what a mad week. I am working heaps this week so I can have next week off. Was working at NAP mon, wed, thurs and fri and had planned to work from home Tuesday.

However Tash had a friend her overnight monday night so instead I took some time out on Tuesday to have some fun. Embarassed my daughter (mum don't dance!). Did some cooking (fudge brownies with marshmallows and white chocolate) and then we went Ten Pin Bowling. I got totally thrashed by the kids but hey we had fun! Would show you pics but my little girl has suddenly decided she is camera shy!!!!

So now working every day and night to get work done in time to go away. Looking forward to chilling out in Hobart (literally - have you seen how cold it is down there). Hope to catch up on some sleep. Can't wait to spend some fun time with the family. More than anything I am looking forward to getting to Melbourne.

Today

In the words of Dr Seuss:

Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.

Girls Weekend

This weekend was a fun mother/daughter weekend. Firstly Tasha and I went up to Shellharbour to do exactly what a girl needs to do to de-stress. We went shopping! We got Tasha some new jeans (black skinny jeans for the detail oriented) and a knitted top and a jumper. The count down is on for Tasmania!

After shopping we had lunch and sat and chatted then bought donuts and headed to see the King's.

Cass and I sat and chatted whilst Tasha went and played with the kids. She loves being with the younger kids and is so good and patient with them (and she isn't averse to changing dirty nappies) It was lovely to just sit and chat - not necessarily about anything major or life changing but just to sit and share life! Oh and drink amazing coffees!
Tasha thought she was very priviledged - she got a hot choccacino! A new experience for her and one she really enjoyed. thank you Cass.

All in all a great day for mum and daughter. We both came home feeling much happier and much more relaxed. Not only having a chance to have some good chats with Tash but just spending time with Cass makes me feel more relaxed and at ease. Love you sweetie

And then today - more girly stuff. Tasha pulled out her lip gloss kit she got from the Allan's for christmas and we spent some time together making her very own special lip gloss.

And now the real countdown is on. This time in a week we will be in hobart! Wow only 6 days to go till we fly out. And then so very exciting is the fact that this time in 2 weeks I will be sitting with the Allan's. Wooo hooo 13 days to go gorgeous girl. ZOOOM ZOOOM

Holiday time

Normally I don't say this but YAY it is school holidays! The past week or so have been shockers with school and I am so glad that we have a break from school and all that comes with it.

Firstly, must say I got a letter from Kyle's teacher admitting what she had said was incorrect. It was a lovely letter and I was extremely grateful to receive it.

But having sorted Kyle out poor Tasha coped it. She has had trouble with a couple of girls at school (you know what girls can be like) and then yesterday we get a call from a parent saying Tash had left a nasty message on their answering machine. We have since proven that this wasn't Tasha but you know that old saying mud sticks. This has angered me for 2 reasons. The first being that someone is impersonating my daughter - ringing people up and saying "this is tasha and ..........." The fact that this girl has apparently rung up and apparently left messages saying "Tasha wanted me to tell you..." but now she has progressed to just saying she is Tasha!
The other thing that angers me about this is the fact that the girl she rang has gone around the school telling everyone Tasha did it and now the girls have been told by the school not to talk about it anymore and therefore Tasha has no way of clearing her name. The girl that was rung has been very manipulative and bullying to Tasha in the past and I have told Tash on a few occasions that she is not welcome at our house. She would have had great pleasure telling everyone how mean Tasha was to her. GGGRRRRRR Have actually been considering going to the police and putting a complaint in about fraud.

So after all this I am glad we have no contact with schools for a couple of weeks.

School!

got a big day on the cards with the kids school today.

Firstly Tasha got her school report a week or so ago and we have parent teacher interviews with her teacher today. She is doing quite well at school although *surprise, surprise* apparently Tasha does like to talk! Oh and her favourite subject apparently is drama and music! Wonder what the teacher will have to say today. Tasha as a little concerned that it may not be too good.

As for the young man of the house - firstly Kyle gets his school reports today. This is his first high school report so it will be very interesting to see how things are going there. I have also sent a letter to school with him this morning for one of his teachers and the principal. I know teachers have a tough job and I wouldn't want it but I do believe they need to be aware of the words and labels they are using and also remember that what they put on a childs school record sticks. Was not happy with a note that came home regarding Kyle. It seems the teachers need to actually research the words they use and learn to use them appropriately. Gggrrr can you tell I was not very impressed.

18 days till I get to Melbourne!!!! Zoom, zoom

What a weekend

I am buzzing at the moment. So very excited. Where do I start.

Went to the scrap day yesterday with no energy and no inspiration. Packed at the last minute and didn't think I would get much done. However, I sat down and plowed through. I finished off a mini album and did 7 pages! Woo hooo a new record for me. (Sorry SJ haven't taken pics yet but I will).

Went to church tonight and we had an amazing band visiting called endless praise and they were amazing. They lead an awesome service and we had a great time singing and worshipping (and my daugghter even clapped and danced with me!).

But the most amazing news is sooooooo exciting. Actually it is sort of two-fold. Firstly there is one week in July that all four of us are off work, school etc. The one week this year. We had planned on going away but then with money being tight I had sort of given up on that. Anyway Tony has done it again - scrimped and saved and found some money from somewhere - we are off to Hobart for a week! Very exciting ........ but thats still not the best bit! *Can there be more you ask.... of course there can*.

Hmmm what would get me so excited that when Tony told me I burst into tears? Yep thats right. While Tony and the kids fly home from Hobart I get to detour via Melbourne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOHHHHOOOOOO. So so so so very excited. I had seriously given up on actually seeing Sandra and her family this year. I was waiting to see if the taxman was nice to me as my bank is empty. Doing the happy dance here.

Pics from the weekend

Okay - finally got around to uploading pics. Had so many I couldn't pick which ones to use. Here are a few anyway - thought this was the best way to show them.

First this is the Aus Post concert. Diva mania, Jessica Mauboy, David Campbell and fireworks. Hmmmm no wonder they have cut back on Tony's overtime! ~L~ Here are some pics from our touristy day. We walked and walked and walked and took photos of all the dorky touristy things.

The first of my Pink collages. This girl is simply amazing. I would definately go back again. Hehe just got to win Lotto! If you can get there you really need to see this concert! The sets and costume design are simply spectacular. see the picture in bottom right hand corner on the trapeze - that was just before she slipped! Well slip isn't the right word - the catcher missed one hand so she was swinging by one arm. Was wondering if she was singing live till that happened and from her "wwwhhhhhooooooaaaaaaa" you realise that was live!

more Pink shots. Some of them aren't focused the best but you get a general idea. This girl has so much energy and really seems to enjoy what she does. (and she has a very cheeky sense of humour)

Oh and of course - Pancakes on the Rocks! Yum

And one last one - the view from our apartment window. The limos were parked out the front of the entertainment centre on the night of the Pink concert. Check out the Hummer limo! i want one!