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!

Today

FOR TODAY
June 30th, 2009
Outside my window...Sydney skyline! Literally outside my window is the Entertainment Centre roof. Then looking past that to Darling Harbour and the SkyView

I am thinking...Noooooo, I need a couple more days ~L~

I am thankful for...this time away - and being ale to hear some wonderful performers and entertainers

From the kitchen...Hmmm Just about to head down for breakfast - love hotel breakfasts. They have yummy muesli and fresh fruit and over the other side is eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms. YUM

I am wearing...Jeans, Black shirt, joggers (and loose bits of ksin on my feet where blisters used to be!

I am creating... Not much...good memories maybe?!?

I am going...home today. Can't wait to see my kids again but really need a couple more days away!

I am reading...A book called remembering the bones

I am hoping...that our car will be there when we get back to the train station

I am hearing...The shower running, traffic (only very faintly - love this hotel)

Around the house... ??? Good question - lets hope that is still there too!

One of my favorite things...My camera! My family. My friends

A few plans for the rest of the week...get back to Nowra today - pick up Tasha and straight back into the fray. Unpacking tonight and back to work tomorrow!

Can't add a pic at the moment - will get onto that when I get home.

Pink

Amazing. Wow. Spectacular. Mind blowing. Excellent.

Back to normal

Had another "touristy" day. We caught the monorail - have done harbourside and QVB.

Miss Jane - all has been redeemed....... I am coming home heavy one bag!! Phew seriously starting to worry I had lost my touch there.

Had a lovely meal at Cockle Bay last night - going to IMAX this afternoon and Pink tonight!!!!!! YYYYAYAAYAAY. (Can you tell I'm excited?).

Oh and went to Pancakes on The Rocks for lunch!! - got pics to show you when I get home! YUM.

Exhausted

Had a good nights sleep last night. Tony and I both slept well.

Have walked and walked today - think I have worn about 1/2 and inch of my legs. We wandered around Paddy's Markets (Jane he wouldn't let me buy a bag so I am getting very seriously worried now). Then we wandered around Darling Harbour before strolling down to the Rocks to check out the markets and ......go to Pancakes on the Rocks!!! Have heard so much about this place and wanted to go there for ages. However, today was not the day! Everyone else in Sydney had the same idea! The line to get in was sooooooo long that we gave up on that.

went round to Circular Quay - did some amazingly touristy things like had pics in front of the opera house etc. Normally if I come to Sydney we have something planned. do that. head home. So was nice to just wander around and look. We were going to head to Luna Park as I have never been there but I have been feeling so funny the last few days - think my sinus infection has somehow affected my balance. Got terribly carsick yesterday, just looking at the water makes me feel queezy so didnt think a ferry trip would be a good ides. Maybe tomorrow

Came back to Darling Harbour and sat by the water to have a late fish and chips lunch. now back at the motel for a bit of rest. Just got a call from my boy who is missing us badly. Hope he is doing okay. Tash rang earlier she got a 3rd and a highly commended at her studio comp for dancing. Well done sweetheart - very proud of you!

We had plans to go out for dinner tonight but the rain has just hit Sydney so will wait and see what happens.

Amazing show

ooopss didn't bring the camera cord with me so can't show pics till we get home but just have to share how absolutely mindblowing the concert tonight was.

We went to the aus Post 200 birthday celebrations. Must admit it started very slowly. the warm up band was supposed to be doing a tribute to Aussie Rock. Hhhhhmmm maybe a tribute to every dingy really, really bad pub band ever. I have seen some average pub cover bands in my time and they were up there with the average! Actually thats not true, the band were really really good. just think they picked up their 2 singers from a karaoke bar somewhere and one of them was trying to dance but had no rhythm whatsoever - looked like a cross between Peter Garrett and that girl on the dance floor who looks like she has had too much to drink and dances by herself.

Anyway after getting our ears bashed and listening to them destroy some aussie Crawl, Divinyls, dragon etc the fun started.

Jessica Mauboy came out and sang about 5 songs. she was very good and crowd loved her but very short set. (and whose idea was it to put the stage on a floating pontoon so that people who get seasick like me have a lot of trouble watching the show!)

Anyway after that David Campbell came out with a 12 piece band and he was totally amazing. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Starting with a set of swing songs. then went into a set of rock stuff. He is such a wonderful performer and had the audience totally involved. He sang all my favourite songs and (after me dreading he may not sing it) finished with the song Shout - with a totally choreographed fireworks show. SOOOOOOOO COOOOOOLLLL. He was not only a great singer but he is an entertainer. He was very funny and boy does he do a good Jimmy Barnes impersonation. ~L~ So missed you Miss Jane - no fun sitting there bopping along by myself!!!!!! Tony was there but he didn't bop once! Hmmm got to work on that!

Time to pack!

Well I am getting everyone ready for the next few days. Packing x 4 - yuck!

Catch up with everyone sometime mid week next week

Have a good weekend

TODAY

Have noticed this popping up on peoples blogs and thought it was a good way to update so here we go.....

FOR TODAY
June 25th, 2009

Outside my window...lots of darkness (night time) and an annoying little dog next door which has yapped in a horrid high pitch since 9am this morning - all day!

I am thinking...I wish the dog would be quiet and I need to sort things out for this weekend

I am thankful for...Soothers and sinus tablets!

From the kitchen...BBQ Chicken - head pounding , sinus ready to explode - didn't feel like cooking

I am wearing...Jeans, sharkies shirt, jumper and white fluffy slippers

I am creating... Actually completed a layout this week - will have to take a pic! i know I've said this before but I really need to find time for regular scrapping

I am going...to Sydney for the weekend! seeing David Campbell courtesy of Aus Post and also seeing Pink! Woo hoo can't wait!

I am reading...Actually just finished my last series of books..... hmmm anyone got any suggestions

I am hoping...that my sinuses settle down and my head stops pounding

I am hearing...Tasha singing (No surprises there) and Kyle's music in his bedroom (It would be so nice if he found a new CD he liked - I like Petra but I have heard that CD soooooo many times - its the only thing he will listen to)

Around the house...there is mess everywhere. I either need to drop back on work so I can clean or find someone to clean my house. it is getting so out of hand.

One of my favorite things...The special emails I get from my little girl telling me about her day. Yes I know she is here in the house but sometimes you get so much more detail in emails than she says out loud.

A few plans for the rest of the week...ironing tonight, working tomorrow, packing tomorrow night and then off to Sydney. Still stressing a little. Feeling a bit better. Will be good to have time to actually speak to my husband.

A picture to share...

New health warning!

NEW HEALTH WARNING - WINE FLU

A friend of mine went to a dinner party last night, where she and other guests enjoyed copious amounts of alcohol.

She awoke this morning not feeling well, with what could be described as flu-like symptoms;headache, nausea, chills, sore eyes etc.

From the results of some initial testing, she has unfortunately tested positive for what experts are now calling Wine Flu.

This debilitating condition is very serious and it appears this is not an isolated case.Reports are flooding in from all around the neighbourhood of others diagnosed with Wine Flu.

To anyone that starts to exhibit the aforementioned tell-tale signs, experts are recommending a cup of tea and a bit of a lie down.However, should your condition worsen, you should immediately hire a DVD and take some Nurofen [Nurofen seems to be the only drug available that has been proven to help combat this unusual type of flu]. Others are reporting a McDonald's Happy Meal can also help in some cases.

Wine Flu does not need to be life threatening, and if treated early can be eradicated within a 24-48 hour period. If not, then further application of the original liquid in similar quantities to the original dose has been shown to do the trick.

Its the weekend again

Yep a new weekend and this one is definately a weird one around here! You see we have actually lost both kids! Instead of having extras here Tasha has gone To Kaysha's for a sleep over and Kyle has gone to Shawn's for the afternoon.

So at the moment things here are very quiet. We have to go pick up the kids and then we are going over to see Davina for her birthday. Hope to have some nice family time tomorrow as Tony and I are away next weekend. We are having a long weekend away which is way overdue and will give us an opportunity to sit down and actually talk to each other. We have never been away just the two of us for more than a night and I have to admit I am kind of freaking out about leaving the kids for three nights. I am stressing now so I hate to see what I am going to be like by the end of the week. I am sure they will be okay and I have been away from them for 3 nights before but then they were with Tony. This time it is both of us away! But having said that we really do need this time together.

Oh and I forgot to mention....Tasha has seen the dentist - did NOT need a needle. She now has a new front tooth - yes she does have to be very careful of it being a weak spot but at least she now has two front teeth again (and she doesnt whistle when she talks - she was so worried about her singing as she developed a very strong lisp and whistle). Must say thanks to Sandra for her support and messages......sure helps to know someone who works in the dental industry.

My poor little girl

Was sitting at my desk at this afternoon when in walk Tasha and Tony. I looked at the time on the clock and my little girls tears tained face and knew something was wrong. Poor Tash had a fall at school at lunch time. She tripped over a ball and landed face first on the concrete. OUCH. There goes half a tooth. You can't really see in the photos but she has a slightly fat lip and cuts inside her mouth. She has an emergency appointment with the dentist tomorrow which has her absolutely terrified. She is sure he is going to attack her with drills and needles etc. Apparently she has seen it on TV! Never mind the normal dentist visit - that one is forgotten amid the drama!
So right now I really do not want the powers that be turning up at our place right now. Between my little girl witha fat lip and my boy looking like this......... Sure does look like a war zone around here.

A tale of two cities

A tale of two cities - the story of our weekend. (and almost as long as the book).
After getting up at some early hour of the morning we headed off to Sydney via a short stop in wollongong. Dropped the car off at the hotel and headed off to the Craft Show (with both of us automatically turning into Gloria Jeans with no discussion or organisation needed).
We walked and shopped. ran into people from home. Ran into my mother (sad when you have to go so far to see my mum). Caught up with Dorothy and Belinda. Sadly didn't get to catch up with Heidi (found out afterwards she is on swine flu quarantine) and also found out later that Pam was there somewhere - wish I'd have known!
Anyway pic no 1 - just to prove we went to craft show. Of course after craft show you MUST go back to motel room and lay shopping out on bed to go "oooh" and "aahhh". Here is my stash:

And here is Janes stash. We did well. Stuck well to budget and behaved!

Just have to share this was the view from our motel room. Gorgeous!

This picture has to be included for humour sake....... I guess you had to be there! By the way - that is a champagne bottle in her hand! Honestly!

And this is the ingredients for a proper girls weekend......champagne and Tim Tams. Doesn't take much to make us happy.

From there we headed up to Star City and went to a gorgeous Thai restaurant for dinner. Dinner came out on fire...thats okay it was supposed to! We got through another bottle of bubbly! Ooopss got talking a bit too much. the meal was beautiful and I would definately go back there...just at the stairs to the casino.

We raced into the theatre cutting it fine.....slightly too fine as we missed the final call and were locked out! We got to watch the opening number on a little TV screen before being ushered into our seats which really were some of the worst seats I have ever purchased. We could only see half the stage. Oh forgot to mention this is where the tale of two cities comes in....We were in Sydney watching Chicago! the show really was amazing. those dancers and singers are so talented.

Intermission hits and (of course - after 2 bottles of bubbly) Jane HAS TO HAVE ice cream. so we race downstairs - Jane gets icecream (gets in trouble off me who was trying to be good and avoid 2 lots of desserts). she looks like a little kid - so excited with her 2nd ice cream cone (after getting so excited with the first one she totally squashed the cone and had to go back!)
We raced back to theatre in time to find we had been in wrong seats (obviously they plonked us in the naughty seats for being late) and our real seats were great! Straight on in front of the stage - great view - amazing. If you get the chance this really is a show worth seeing - mainly for the dancing and the gymnastics. Boy those girls can stretch and bend!

After the show we walked down across pyrmont bridge.... look me taking a "pap snap" how unusual ~L~ Had to include a pic of me to prove i was there.

Then we headed here

to go to the Lindt Chocolate Cafe for dessert. This has become our after show tradition.

We then wandered around Darling Harbour - lots of people, lots of music! then back to the hotel.

Now I am not sure if the alcohol contributed to this or the fun of having a new camera.....but for a girl who lives at Orient Point to stop and take photos of a seagull! I mean she obviously doesn't see them much!?!?!?! Although this did then disintegrate into some bad accents, lots of laughing and discussion about how when we were warned about "them baaaad noorty polegulls in the city" this wasn't what we expected. Another of those had to be there moments I think but rather hilarious for us (again alcohol may have been contributory)

Sunday morning we got up - way too early due to the fact that our room did not have a curtain that covered the entire window. So we had breakfast at the hotel which was an experience all of its own before heading to Paddys Markets.

Had to share this pic and alcohol can not be blamed for this one! Here is Jane taking shots of water features ( which I mst admit look really good and i was impressed with). the funniest thing was this worker who was amazingly fascinated by the strange lady taking pictures.

And the major news of the weekend. Terribly upsetting. Hope you are sitting down. I came home with the same amount of bags I had when I got there! Yes that is right NO NEW BAG. How scary is that. The sad thing is that I saw one I loved and put in the "I will come back and get that" box and then forgot to go back. May never get over going to Sydney and not getting a bag.

Catching up

Yeah I know this is an old post but with all our internet troubles I am a couple of weeks behind and as I want this for my records......sorry but you have to put up with it too.
Hmmmm......lets see, where are we......oh yeah thats right June long weekend. Another weekend with extras in the house! Kyle had his friend Gavin over on Saturday. As soon as they saw the camera the glasses flew onto their faces and the poses started. When did my little boy become Mr Cool Dude???? So scary
And on Saturday Tasha had Kyah over to play (She had been to bunnings first- we did not paint her!)
Then Sunday it was Bethany's turn to come over! Tash and Bethany have been friends since Kindergarten but seemed to drift apart for a year or so. However lately they have become very close again. It is lovely to see the two of them sitting and giggling together.
Then sunday night the kids hit the octo-builder set. This is just a couple of the masterpieces that were created. They each would make something that then had to be judged by Tony and I on aesthetic quality, stability, usefullness, originality etc etc. This was a very serious competition that we found out later the kids had done a deal with each other that whoever won got the others punishment (ie Tasha was grounded, Kyle was banned from electronics) Unfortunately they had not run that one by the mummy who handed down the punishment in the first place so all punishments stood.....and were owned by the person who earned them!!

Monday was MY day. A day for scrapping with Gail, Haylee and Cass. Good theory - turned out to be a day scrapping with Gail and Haylee with poor Cass being violently ill. After spending time lying down and being ill at Gail's, Cass had a horrid trip home. Not something you do for fun!

Wisdom

This was written by a 90 year old woman - just had to share:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5.. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
.32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

I love no 21 and 15 but of course totally agree with no 10! How about you?
Have lots of updates - will get to them later today. Got some fun pics from the weekend to share!

lots of news

Hi guys,

got lots to update but having heaps of internet problem at home. Hope to have it sorted out within the next day or so and then I can post properly

And we're back here again.....

Yep..... it's monday again and we're off into another week. This is feeling kind of like groundhog day. I am working every day this week again (and worked over the weekend). Oh well, it pays the bills I guess.

We had another typical Lucas household weekend. This weekend we added Tegan to the mix overnight Saturday night. Poor Tash - even though her and Tegan are the same age, ever since we have known her Tegan has always been taller but when you add Kyle to the mix she looks tiny! It's okay Tash- good things come in little packages. And here is the two girls. I love the friendship these two have. They go to different schools but still have a really close bond and love spending time together.

I woke up sunday morning and snuck in to check on the girls to find Tegan still asleep and this gorgeous photo op of my two kids. It's lovely to see the two of them still getting on so well.

Ouch!

There is only one title for this post and that is simply....OUCH.

When I picked Kyle up from youth group last night he had his hand covered in a bizarrely placed dressing. His youth leader came racing over to tell me Kyle had a graze on his hand from a carpet burn.

Knowing Kyle he does tend to make a fuss of little cuts and grazes - thus the bandage .......... or so I thought! We got him home and took off their dressing and OUCH. How's that for a carpet burn He has taken off quite a few layers of skin - not only from the top of his hand but also from his knuckle (which this photo doesn't really show). It is weeping quite badly and (not surprisingly) rather painful. Tell you what - when he gets a carpet burn he really does a good job of it.

Our work

I know I am slack getting pics up! If I must be honest I had forgotten about these until I uploaded pics from camera *insert blushing face here*. Ooops

Anyway just to prove that Cass and I did some work in amongst all our chatting etc - here is Cass' finished work from our retreat And here is mine - mot quite as impressive as Cass' - but yes there is some fussy cutting and buttons! Who'd have thunk it?!?

My spoilt daughter

Tony comes in with a package for Miss Tasha this morning and I am sure it was meant for her mummy not for her! But she won't share!

These choccies are favourites in our house - not easy to find here in Australia (in fact I know of only one place that routinely stocks them) and Tash got 2 of them! Not just the ones pictured here but MIGHTY perky nanas. Thank you Cass you put a massive smile on a little girls face. (and a somewhat smug look at the fact that she has some and we don't!)

Just doing as I'm told!

How is that Miss Jane?

Now as for 6 things to buy in Sydney

- Do I even need to say no 1? Seriously? Of course its a bag!
- Pritt (its an adhesive)
- Papers
- something from Lindt chocolate shop at some ridiculous hour of the night (another no brainer)
- Thickers
- Ribbons

Another great weekend

Well its Sunday evening again. How did that happen?!?

Have had another nice refreshing weekend. Spent Saturday listening to Hamish and Andy podcasts and doing a big spring clean in my bedroom! Tell you what I am getting ruthless. No such thing as sentiment here! As usual we had a house full - seems to be our thing lately. Must say it is great to see the kids happy to have their friends here. Tasha had her friend Kyah here and Kyle had 2 mates over for the afternoon.

Then Sunday I slept in till 8:30!! before getting up and doing some housework. Then we had Tracy and Jacob over for a few hours. What a great time we had - Tony went off to bed so Tracy and I had a great chat. It was lovely to catch up on her life and to just sit, relax and share. Oh and eat the beautiful chocolate cake Tasha made - thanks Tash.

Mmmm good thing this weekend was refreshing as this week looks to be absolutely insanely busy.

Just for fun

6 Things I Am Looking Forward To:-
- Going to Sydney with Miss Jane
- Catching up with SJ ...am missing you so much sweetie
- Seeing Pink... we bought the tickets so long ago and it is now coming up fast
- Catching up Tracy and Jacob this weekend
- The weekend! No work for 2 whole days
- My wonderful spoil me session.... the kids got me a massage/facial/foot rub for mothers day - just got to find a day to have it.

6 Things I Did Yesterday:-
- worked with Sally
- laughed so much that my face hurt
- picked Tasha and Kaysha up from their school disco
- Got coffee from Socrates.... yeah I know that one was a shock! ~L~
- Read blogs
- Spent too much time on the computer

6 Things I Wish I Could do:-
- See where my Mum grew up
- Sing in tune and in pitch
- Stand up for myself more
- Not let other people get to me
- beat my kids at a computer game
- find time for a craft day/hour/session each week


6 Shows I Watch:-
- spicks and Specks
- NCIS
- lie to me
- bones
- house
- my family

6 Favorite Fruits:-
-strawberries
- bananas
- kiwifruit
- raspberries
- blueberries...hehe notice the theme here!
- blackberries

6 Places I’d Like to Travel To:-
- England...as above see where Mum grew up
- Egypt...have always been fascinated by Egypt
- Tasmania... loved it and would love to go back
- New Zealand... as above
- Melbourne...Doh! for some reason this seems to be my favourite destination. Hmm what is the drawcard?!?
- Venice.. another place I have always dreamt of visiting

My budding artist

Each year Illaroo Road has its own version of the Archibald called the Irpsibald Awards. This involves each child making a portrait. This can be through any art medium eg painting, collage, sketching etc. Tasha did her portrait through a collage format this year and today was presented with FIRST PRIZE! The competition was judged by the curator of the local art gallery so this was a great achievement for her. She has her portrait on display in the school office. She was also presented today with a special laminted poster with a print of her portrait and First Prize on it. She also got an art pack which includes a large canvas, set of paintbrushes and acrylic paints. Tasha now has the opportunit to use this art pack to paint her canvas and then this can be handed over to the local art gallery for entry in a district school competition.

Very proud mum and dad here!

What a weekend!

I have had the best weekend in such a long time.

Cass arrived about 10am Saturday bearing slice and cakes! YUM. We sat down for morning tea and then we went off on our retreat! All the way to my scrap room where we retreated for the weekend. Okay we did come out for lunch, afternoon tea and a lovely dinner of home made pizzas but other than that I was "away"" at retreat.

We chatted, scrapped, laughed, listened to music (and expanded Cass' musical knowledge hehehe), chatted, laughed and had a wonderful time. We finally went to bed about 3am.

Then we woke up (eventually) on Sunday and after breakfast went back on retreat where we chatted and laughed some more. Anyway when Cass finally packed up to go home we looked at what we had done and were totally amazed. With all the chatting and laughing that went on we also scrapped - a lot! More than I think either of us have acheived at a retreat before. Cass did 9 single pages, 1 double and 3 cards. I got 8 pages done!

It was the best weekend and I now feel so much more refreshed, revitalised, rejuvenised and so many more other re- words. It was a great weekend, and the price was wonderful. NOTHING! Thank you so much Cass- you have no idea how much I needed this weekend and just how much I appreciate your friendship. The only thing that could have improved it would be to have SJ join us - although I don't know if my scrap room could handle that much laughter!

The last week

Ooops sorry - been a busy week so this is long post *insert blushing face here* Should update more often.

I mentioned in my last post that we had Tasha's friend Kaysha here for the weekend. Thought I would share a pic of the girls taken at Nana and Papa John's farm "Georgia". And here is a pic of Maggie in her new winter coat which Nana bought her. She is sooooo cute. I wasn't sure how she would cope but it didn't bother her at all.

Wednesday I drove up north to have lunch with this gorgeous little girl (and her mum). She has grown up so much since I last saw her - Annabelle that is - don't know that there is much chance of her mummy growing up, or at least I hope not we like her just the way she is.

And i got some kisses. She is such a cutie

She is so grown up - walking and talking and with such a personality. Cass and I have commented so many times how much her two remind us of my two. Poor Cass and Dale!!

The second half of the week was very heavy workwise and emotionally. Nothing I am at liberty to share yet but I may be working more than ever before (so much for working part time and taking it easier). and also have been thinking of my dad a lot over the last week. If you have the chance don't forget to let your Dad know you love him because once he's gone you find yourself wanting to share lots of things!
Workwise - have things coming in from everywhere. It's nice to feel wanted and to know that people approach me to ask me to work for them is a nice feeling. However, don't know how much more I can fit in! Oh well, will be good to know I can pay the bills.

CRAZY HAIR DAY

On Friday Tasha's school had their crazy hair day. This was Tasha before school all ready to go. Her hair was so well teased etc that it actually stayed like this until she got home. (then she was sent straight to the shower with lots of shampoo/conditioner and lots of "ouches" as she brushed it out!)

And finally..... Mothers day! I was presented with a menu for options for breakfast in bed .... Hmm maybe they should have checked the cupboards first as I hadn't done any grocery shopping so we didn't have most of the things on the list! but it was lovely. Got some gorgeous cards the kids had made me and some little gifts they have got for me and one BIG pressie! My pamper session. I have a facial/foot treatment and massage afternoon coming up! Last time
I had anything like this was when my work sent me to a health retreat for Christmas one year. Apart from that a massage was something I heard about and vaguely remember so I can't wait. Then we went up to Georgia to see my mum for Mothers Day. We had a lovely afternoon tea and got lots of Nana cuddles

Just as we were leaving the farm this glorious rainbow came out. It was so bright and clear and you could see it going right down into the valley.

Another full house weekend!

This seems to be our "thing" lately. It is great to see the kids making good friends and feeling happy to invite them home. Once again we had a house full. Kyle had Gavin over for the day on Saturday and Tasha's friend Kaysha came for an overnight stay and even joined us for a trip up the mountain to Nana and Papa John's! Whilst Kaysha was here she taught us to play Spoons - which is one of the maddest, most fun family card games! I am sure it is something we will be doing much more of. Don't know if I would try it with the entire Lucas family - could get terribly dangerous!

Kyle had school camp last week which he thoroughly enjoyed. He had a ball and even the rain didn't dampen his enthiasm. They did canoeing, orienteering, archery and heaps of other activities. It sounds like a massive undertaking - it was the entire secondary school camp. Thats yr 7 -12! WOW.

Anyway the next few weekends look to be just as busy. Kyle is already lining up someone to come over this weekend and then the weekend after is my turn!! I am unable to attend the scrapping weekend this year so to distract me and keep me from feeling too left out I am having my own "sleepover"! ~L~ Wonder if we will get up to as much mischief as the kids when they have a friend over......hmmmm maybe a bit more trouble! hehe.