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!

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.