Earth Walker family

Happy heart day

2012-02-14T21:58:00.001+11:00

It was a busy day today, McKenzie (she's back from London) and I spent the day delivering some of the many flower orders for Urban Flower. However I did manage to prepare a some surprises for my boys yesterday for them to wake up to today. Some pink heart shaped cookies with a centre of Rolo's (caramel chocolate) and some wax paper crayon hearts hanging in the window.

These were left on the dining table early this morning before I headed out in the dark to pick up McKenzie who was riding shotgun with me today.

The car was filled with flowers, bears, balloons and chocolates, none of which we could eat. With little vision out of the rear window and lots of interested looks on the road, we navigated our way with an old 2006 map book to 23 lucky Valentines recipients.

Miss McKenzie brought many a smile to faces as she delivered arm fulls of red roses and balloons in her highly appropriate and beautiful red dress.

We were both tired at the end of the day but nothing compared to everyone else at Urban Flower who has basically lived there night and day preparing for Valentines Day. Our minds boggled at the amount of flowers and deliveries that went through there, they run quite an amazing operation with over 1000 deliveries for V day. Unbelievable!!

At the moment we're listening to one of my Valentines presents from Donald, MC Hammer's 'U can't touch this'. I received three records, yes I did say records, from Donald as my gift to bring me new life and energy, Abba's Voulez Vous, MC Hammer, and Rolling Stones for a bit of nostalgia and a laugh. It was a good day, am very tired so am off to bed now.

I hope you all had a Happy Valentines Day and shared your love around!!

From Dublin to Istanbul

2012-02-12T18:05:00.001+11:00

It's all here, everything you want to know about cycling across Europe. My sister Gabby has completed her online cycling journal from Dublin to Istanbul. I'm still reading my way through Gabby and Neil's travels and have really been enjoying the escape. She even has beautiful pictures to accompany the journal.

'Blame Dervla Murphy' by Gabrielle Massey

Once on the link scroll down the page and start at: Neil and Gabby decide to go touring and follow the page links to continue their story. Happy reading!! Don't forget you can look at their blog, Cycles of Nature, in my side bar for more of their 'on the road' blogging and photo's.

A photo a day: Week 6

2012-02-12T08:15:00.000+11:00

February 5

Art homework on Sunday afternoon, Sam had to draw a 3D kitchen item, a saucepan. Donald was giving a few pointers (read: trying to impart every bit of drawing knowledge) to help Sam out.

February 6

Monday morning spills.

February 7

Raindrops on roses from my morning walk.

February 8

At my house cleaning job once again, my view whilst ironing. It's very peaceful hearing the Bell Birds in the bush and watching the low clouds drift through the trees. It was a very rainy day.

February 9

A spot of gardening after my walk this morning. I pruned the shrubs to allow a bit more light into the front porch and to stop the Wisteria from taking over the whole garden.

February 10

Bangers and mash for tea

February 11

Green smoothie for breakfast. Just trying to up my veggie intake in the mornings. The boys are grossed out.

Excuse me?!

2012-02-10T19:39:00.001+11:00

Raindrops on roses. . .

2012-02-07T11:30:00.000+11:00

That's where it all started this morning, just a few raindrops on a rose that inspired me whilst on my walk with Amelia.

When we got home I wrapped Amelia in a towel and we sat on the front porch looking out through the Camelia branches keeping each other warm. I started to spy some marvelous water droplets draped like precious jewels from a spider web.

As I sat there a little longer more and more jewels were revealed to me. Oh what wonderful treasures to contemplate!

The intricate web the spiders had woven were just the right support for the water droplet ornaments to suspend from. Wouldn't you just love a nature necklace with pearls of shiny water glistening held together by a fine thread of web?

I think I'd love a pair of natures earrings too, light and delicate.

A photo a day: Week 5

2012-02-04T09:24:00.001+11:00

January 29

Baby shower games, miniature dummies (pacifiers) to hang around our neck, if we said the word 'baby' it was taken away. The winner was the person who had the most around their necks, I lost mine at the very end :+(

January 30

Swimming carnival on the first day of school. It's an unusual time to have it, but it happens every year. It was a very hot and humid day, good for swimming, if only I brought my swimmers.

January 31

Mum and Dad and the kids came running around the corner, it was a lovely sight to see when I went to the egg farm today. The rooster was on guard keeping an eye out while mum and the chicks went searching for snacks.


February 1

Sun flowers in the rain, the day before they were standing to attention and facing the morning sun, they don't like the rain so much and look very sad now.

February 2

Sam and Amelia have a funny relationship, Sam chases, plays, wrestles and annoys Amelia and she puts up with it. The picture above is what I see and hear every day, Amelia is trying to play bite Sam's nose because he's blowing on her, meanwhile she makes a whiney yowl sound. It makes me laugh.

February 3

Folding the laundry with Amelia waiting to dive on and steal any socks when I'm not looking.

February 4

I sat down to breakfast this morning and my eyes were drawn to a lone Wisteria leaf spinning by a thread, it was beautiful.

When it rains it pours

2012-02-01T12:32:00.001+11:00

The cooler weather has come back at last. We've had a few very hot and humid days, but it's oh so lovely to have the temperature back down to a refreshing 20°C. We still walked to school this morning, gumboots and umbrella's and a wet, smelly Amelia, who very quickly was given a bath on our return home.

I slipped Sam's little Olympus camera into my back pocket so I could get some pictures of the lovely Sun flowers down on the corner. They were looking rather sad in the rain and kind of lost their enthusiasm for life.

The Dahlia's however were still rather robust under the sprinkling of rain. I do love the Dahlia's, it's always Autumn when I see them and you couldn't get a more Autumny day than today. I'm having a quiet day at home, tidying up bits and pieces, enjoying my camomile tea and am in the process of baking some cinnamon buns. The dough has risen so I'd better get rolling on them.

In your prayers today I'd like you to think about this family, the Kings, only 4 short months ago their son Noah passed away which has been heartbreaking for the family, but on Australia day this year Lisa's husband Aaron also passed away. I've been reading their blog for a few years as she's a cousin of my friend Carli. Lisa is truly an inspiring wife and mother of four boys and a great photographer, she tells of her daily life and trials with such an openness. My heart truly breaks for them.

Naomi from Seven Cherubs has set up a fundraising page to help out the family, it is truly inspiring how the blogging community can get together and help out one family in their time of need. It is a miracle the amount of money that has been raised in less than a week by friends, family and the blogging world who were touched by Lisa King and her beautiful family. Please keep them in your prayers.

Second day back at school

2012-01-31T20:39:00.000+11:00

All seems to be well at High School so far for Sam, he seems pretty happy, and Ethan and Toby are still awaiting teachers and class rooms to be assigned.

First day back at school

2012-01-30T18:02:00.000+11:00

Three crazy boys spells trouble for 6 weeks of the school holidays but the time has come . . .

First day back, Sam's off to High School quite happily so . . .

Ethan is off to the swimming carnival (yes on their first day back again!!)

Toby just gets to hang out with his Kindy friends for the next couple of days until they assign the classes and teachers. Lisha and Amelia get to go walking again.

A photo a day: Week 4

2012-01-29T07:00:00.000+11:00

January 22

I was going to post a photo of the beautiful Shepherds pie I made for dinner Sunday night, but I actually forgot to take the photo before it all got eaten. So the next best thing was a photo of my dish scrubber, she does such a good job on those baked on stains.

January 23

The 'orrible 'airy caterpillars are out and about again. Although I don't think this one was going to last much longer, it was very big and hadn't moved from his spot on the driveway all day, so I lifted him up to join our garden trimmings in the green bin. I just can't bring myself to kill them, they are just trying to get through their life cycle, I have a big heart for many creatures. Although I have been known to toss them over the fence (there are chooks next door).

January 24

It's been a shopping day today, picking up fruit and veggies, milk, the essentials as well as the last of the school supplies, new sand shoes for Sam and some new boots for Toby. I love walking into the saddlery where we buy the boys boots, it smells of oiled leather saddles and bridles, a wonderful smell that brings back lovely memories. I grew up with friends who had horses and I worked on properties with lots of horses. When you've been away from those familiar smells for so long they become quite vivid in your mind. I also love the box that Toby's boots came in, it's covered by the artwork of one of my favourite children's artist and author Alison Lester.

January 25

A rainy, stay at home, baking day.

January 26

Australia Day. Out and about today we noticed many cars with their Australian flags attached to their windows, aerials, rear view mirrors and we even saw a full sized flag draped off the back window of someones car.

January 27

It's a miracle! I've already brought the sewing machine out twice this year!! This time it was to create not mend. I made a baby flannel wrap blanket for my yoga teacher Jessie, she's having a baby shower this weekend and I'm very much looking forward to it.

January 28

Donald had to work this Saturday so we went in to visit him at work and have lunch. He works in at Fox Studio's for Animal Logic. This is Donald's desk covered in Lego toys as he is working on a new Lego movie.

Happy Australia Day

2012-01-26T16:22:00.004+11:00

It was a wet, drizzly morning that turned into a hot humid afternoon. Sam really wanted to go and play some tennis this morning but the sky really turned on the waterworks and so it wasn't ideal to be outside. So after a breakfast of crepes and fruit we spent some time on my bed reading some more 'Tunnels', I told you they were hooked.

A bit later I went to spotlight with Ethan and Sam as I needed to get some binding for a baby's flannel blanket that I am making for my yoga teacher whose baby is due next month. Taking the boys was not such a great idea, whinges and whines etc. Needless to say it was a quick trip. Donald stayed home painting miniatures with Toby.

While out we noticed lots of Australian flags being flown in all different ways.

Well the lamb is slow roasting in the oven, dessert is in the fridge, the boys are playing the Wii (again!!) and I am about to start my book again whilst sitting in the air conditioning.

I hope you all have a Happy Australia day!!

Baking days

2012-01-25T21:07:00.001+11:00

There is much to be said for baking on rainy days. They are just made for each other and so are little boys and cookies.

Sam has been in training these holidays, in training to make lunches. Today he made us all ham and salad sandwiches. He also realises that everybody likes their sandwiches in a certain way and is happy to comply.

I also made an oat and pecan slice with treacle and golden syrup, something a little different, but compares to very treacly ANZAC biscuits, the boys seemed to enjoy them.

I have been reading the Tunnels series by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams. I think Sam received the first book for his birthday some time ago, and yes they are aimed at about 11 year olds +. It's kind of like the Harry Potter series but is set in an underground world. I started with the first book just before Christmas and am now up to the fourth book 'Closer', I just can't put them down. I love them and have been trying to get Sam and Ethan to read them (they are still slowly ploughing through Lord of the Rings) and just haven't felt like reading Tunnels even though I keep telling them how much I am enjoying them.

So today I read the first few chapters to the boys off and on throughout the day. I think I've got them hooked, Sam and Ethan keep asking questions about it and I just won't tell them. We are now up to chapter 4.

A photo a day: Week 3

2012-01-21T09:25:00.001+11:00

January 15

A cosy, rainy day, a reading day underneath a new quilt made by Joan. It's beginning to feel a bit like Autumn and I don't mind one bit.

January 16

Another rainy day that calls for fresh pies from the bakery for lunch.

January 17

A sunny day, a morning at the dog park.

January 18

Ethan loves this hat. He wears it all day and it rests on the end of his bed at night, I even have to ask him to remove it at the table at dinner time. It's Donald's working hat, I think Donald is going to have to get a new one now.

January 19

The Rainbow Lorikeets are feeding on the Eucalyptus in our front garden. I love this Eucalyptus the flowers and gum nuts remind me of May Gibbs 'Snugglepot and Cuddlepie' stories. I always loved the little gum nut girls with their floral skirts and hats.

January 20

Donald is home from work today, I have been sick this morning not feeling great at all. Donald and Sam went off on a trial ride to High School, only one more week of holidays to go. :+(

January 21

The morning after the sick day before. Yesterday was a day of stomach cramps, nausea and headaches, today is just the headache, I think I have a virus as it's not even time for migraine week at the moment.

A sunny day

2012-01-17T21:24:00.000+11:00

The weather has been a bit unpredictable lately, pouring one minute, steaming hot and sunny the next. This morning the weather was a little more stable so we packed the light sabres, frisbee's, the boys and Amelia in the car and went to the dog park.

The wind was gently blowing through the leaves, the sky was so bright and open and the clouds drifted across just to remind us that they were still around and liable to release some drops any time they wanted to.

The boys threw frisbee's and hurt each other with their light sabres.

Meanwhile I photographed my surroundings and attempted some meditation in the shade listening to the swishing trees and feeling the breeze flowing around me . . . for about 5 minutes . . .

. . . until the boys came running over complaining that each of them hit the other too hard with the light sabres.

Then it was time to round up the battling boys and drag Amelia away from the puddles.

And then we went to see The Muppet Movie and it was good.

More recipes

2012-01-16T14:01:00.001+11:00

It's been a while since my last recipe posting but here are a few more just click here: "What's for Dinner Mum?".

Chicken Vegetable Potato Bake

Strawberry Jam

A photo a day: Week 2

2012-01-14T11:30:00.002+11:00

I've really been enjoying seeking out a photo a day, it adds quite the positive spin to the new year. I look forward to contributing to my project and so my mind starts ticking over looking for opportunities to document a little of my day.

January 8

A new year and new shoes for church. I love them so, green and crissed across my feet with a good sturdy heel.

January 9

Amelia, now 1 year old in human years, being her cheeky self on my bed

January 10

We went for a drive to Galston to pick up some fresh peaches, nectarines, strawberries and zucchini from the fruit and veggie stall. I saw the rhubarb and thought I might make some apple and rhubarb crumble for dessert some time this week.

January 11

I love the light and the shade, the ripples and the sparkles of the sun glistening through the glass.

January 12

A perfect sunshiny, cool, breezy day for working in the garden and lying in the shade watching the clouds float by.

January 13

Apple rhubarb hazelnut crumble for dessert, more crumble than apple and just a hint of rhubarb, best served warm with ice cream. Absolutely scrumptious!!

January 14

I finally got the sewing machine out to do some mending that has been waiting patiently for months.

Working in the garden

2012-01-12T21:23:00.000+11:00

I am instilling work ethics in my boys again these holidays. They must earn their Nintendo time. Whether it be folding the washing, vacuuming, cleaning out the garage, cleaning the car or today . . . gardening. I find many hands make my work much lighter. Although it can be a bit of a struggle at times to get them all working together, we still manage to accomplish a few things.

I pull out the weeds and trim branches off the trees and shrubs, Sam cuts them up, Toby and Ethan put them in the recycling bin, Toby stamps down the cuttings so we can fit more in, Ethan keeps working, Sam goes off and plays with Amelia and Toby asks me lots of questions.

We end up having lots of little breaks in the shade under the Ash tree, lunch of pretzels on the front porch, or a climb in the tree. It is such perfect weather for gardening. It's a lush 20°C day with a slight, cool breeze, my favourite kind of day that makes me feel good to be alive and be outside.

My aim today was to clear out the one part of our garden that isn't filled with shrubs or trees and try, yet again, to turn it into a veggie/herb patch. It's a good spot that gets the full morning sun in our front yard.

This week is our footpath garbage collection that comes around every 6 months and I found these wooden boards, possibly from a neighbours sand pit, so I picked them up to use them as upraised veggie beds. There are two short lengths and two long lengths, so all I need to do is get some more wood to put on the ends so I end up with two rectangular veggie beds.

We have finished for today, but hopefully we will continue and I will keep updates on the progress of the garden beds. I've been wanting to do this project for a long time, but I guess opportunities arise when the time is right and I guess that time is now. I'll use the boys muscles to help dig, plant etc before they go back to school at the end of the month. Until then we'll hopefully have more cool days so we can get outside and climb trees and lay in the shade.

Making soft pretzels

2012-01-12T07:30:00.011+11:00

Yesterday the boys and I made pretzels, lovely soft, warm pretzels sprinkled with melted butter and parmesan cheese. The recipe was inspired by Gina @ Home Joys.

Wholemeal Pretzels

5 cups wholemeal plain flour
1 cup warm water
1 cup warm milk
1 tbsp yeast
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soft butter
1 tsp salt

I put all of the ingredients in the breadmaker and set onto dough. When it was done I rolled it out and cut into strips like Gina suggests to make it easier to shape into your own pretzel or bun shapes.

I made some twisty rolls and, as the boys called them, piles of poo.

When shaped and on the oven tray we brushed them with extra melted butter and sprinkled with finely grated parmesan cheese and put them in the oven for 7-8 minutes at 230°C.

The boys shaped the letters of their first names and a few other shapes. Toby made an elephant, seen above left of Ethan's E and he also made a cross bow with an arrow, but that didn't make it to the photo's and was gobbled up too quickly.

Ethan made the only real pretzel shape in the first photo above, but it didn't matter what shape was baked they all tasted great.

Keeping it clean

2012-01-11T11:59:00.001+11:00

Our poor neglected Millenium (Horrendous) falcon has been sitting out the front, she gets the occasional use but come soccer season she will carry half of us to the games we need to get to. At the moment the boys are giving her a bit of a face lift, a well needed, well deserved face lift.

They are lifting off the old dried jacaranda flowers and leaves, moss and dust and helping her to shine again.

The boys are also getting a bit of a wash too!

Days of the New Year

2012-01-07T22:15:00.002+11:00

Happy New Year to you all. I have been mulling over an idea for the past few months of something that I would like to start in the new year. A project you might say. I was inspired by Kris at a quick succession of busy nothings, she takes beautiful photo's in a part of the world that I love, England, and she has completed 365 days of a photo a day project. I think I need a little project like this to keep me taking photo's every day and to keep me blogging at least once a week. I shall try not to cheat but will photograph little snippets of my every day and post them weekly . . . or whenever I get the chance.

Week 1 2012

January 1

New Years Day we left my mum's at Ormiston and drove to Laidley. The boys got to have their last rides on the mini bike before we had to pack it away in the trailer. This is Ethan, he loves burning up the driveway full throttle.

January 2

A dream house from my childhood (and adulthood), I have always loved the old Queenslander homes with their wide wrap around balconies sitting on a hill overlooking the surrounding rural landscape. This was just after we left Laidley on our drive back to Sydney.

January 3

Spider webs just off our front porch, I was attracted by the sun glistening off each strand.

January 4

This is what I see every morning on the bench after the boys have had their breakfast. I usually just sweep my arm across it onto the kitchen floor for Amelia to vacuum up.

January 5

A bag full of High School gear ready for naming and Amelia checking for any cats outside.

January 6

My new wind chime (a little present to myself) just unpacked and is now gently tinkling in the breeze on my front porch. I love the pearly shine on the shells.

January 7

Our first barbeque of the Summer.

Open spaces

2012-01-06T14:06:00.000+11:00

I love the open spaces at Laidley and how the cow and horse work their way around the paddock grazing the day away. The paddock that I wish was my own. With views that stretch from sunrise to sunset.

The cow with the longest tongue, the cow that Amelia thought was a monster and was freaked out every time it moved. I don't think my hound would be a very good cattle dog.

I love being able to see the sun rise and set amongst the hills surrounding us and to see the clear stars at night.

The open spaces that take my anxieties away, that let me breath how I'm supposed to breath and relax my body to happiness.

Gingerbread making

2012-01-05T17:33:00.001+11:00

I love gingerbread and have had a hankering for it since the Wise Men handed out gingerbread Christmas stars at our church Christmas gathering, but have had no time to make it before Christmas. So as soon as we got to my mum's house the most important thing to do was make gingerbread men and stars and decorate them with icing and m&m's.

They were just what I needed after a busy Christmas weekend, a quiet day baking and eating the baking. I tend to get a little overwhelmed at Christmas time with so much to see and do, lots of people and busy things happening that it was a lovely retreat at my mum's for a few days.

More Holidays

2012-01-04T16:29:00.000+11:00

When we arrived at Laidley in the wee hours of Christmas Eve, Joan opened the doors to the shed to show us the delightful Christmas wonderland she had created. There were the many Christmas quilts she had sewn, decorations, lights and wall hangings and the tree. It was such a lovely arrival and beginning to our holiday as we'd had another fun week with car troubles preventing us from leaving earlier for Queensland.

Christmas Eve was spent setting up our tents, putting presents under the tree and preparing food for our nibbling feast that afternoon and family arriving to share the day with. Presents were opened and played with and much trifle was eaten.

Pretty much the same thing happened on Christmas day too, although the feast was much bigger with turkey, ham, pork, duck and vegetables to be had. With Christmas pudding and pavlova to follow. Nerf wars ensued the feast.

A little relaxing and an attempt at reading followed the feast as well, whilst watching the sun set and taking a few photo's.

The rest of our days were spent relaxing, reading, riding the mini bike, playing with Christmas toys and working on Joan and Waynes house. The boys ended up earning a tidy sum each for their contributions to carrying bricks, drilling holes in bricks and sweeping as the inner walls were laid.

I really think Amelia had the best time with her new found freedom, stealing every sock she could get her teeth on, learning how to get through fences, escape out the closed gate and harass the chooks in their pen. She was a little freaked out at meeting the cow and the horse in the paddock next door and just wouldn't stop barking at them.

Holiday time

2011-12-28T18:10:00.000+11:00

Good Tidings of Great Joy

2011-12-23T07:45:00.000+11:00

Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in the stable in Bethlehem

The Angels visit the shepherd (and sheep)

May you feel loved and cherished this Christmas season

The shepherd and sheep on their way to visit Jesus

The Wise men travelled from afar to bring gifts to Jesus

May you remember to love and cherish those around you as well

Baby Jesus eats the gifts the Wise men brought

I have been watching some beautiful biblical videos surrounding Christ's birth with the boys of an evening. We read the scripture and then watch the video. They are simple, quiet, short and just beautiful to watch. They are made by our Church with the scriptural references from the Bible in Luke Chapter 2 written below the video. Click on the first video link below to view:

An Angel Foretells Christ's Birth to Mary

(you can also go on to the next video by clicking on 'next' above the video)

They will bring the Spirit of Christ into your lives, I know they have brought me joy and have prepared me for this Christmas Season to remember the blessings in my life.

xXx

Getting to the bottom of the bag

2011-12-22T09:50:00.001+11:00

She was so tempted

. . . but she didn't like the noise of the bag

She was a little timid at first

. . .and was inquiring if it was really ok

Then . . . she was hooked

Those crumbs were soooo worth it

December gone by...

2011-12-21T17:57:00.000+11:00

Well here we are only a few days from Christmas and so much has happened in the past three weeks. It has seriously got to be the busiest time of year. I'm a little overwhelmed with trying to keep up with our events and blog about them so I'll just give a few highlights about the most important ones.

Toby graduated from Kindergarten, Ethan won an Academic achievement award for his year and Sam has graduated from Primary school by finishing year 6. Sam performed his prefect duties beautifully at the school presentation day. We also attended High School orientation in the same week.

Kindergarten party at the park after seeing the movie "Arthur Christmas"

Ethan's Achievement Award received at Presentation day

The 2011 school leadership team receiving their certificates, Sam on far right

James Bond came back for another visit, this time down the red carpet for the year 6 farewell, themed "Hollywood".

The three Wise Men made an appearance that week as well for our Relief Society Christmas party. As we read the scriptures about the birth of Jesus Christ the children acted out the Nativity. I was left with a wonderful feeling of simplicity and joy to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

It was Sam's last day in Primary School on Friday. To send the year 6's off, the whole school forms an archway to the front gate and the school leavers have to run through. It's a rather emotional moment for kids and parents alike.

To begin our first day of the holidays we had a little Christmas get together with Gabby and Neil in their new apartment.

Gabby had baked some delicious Christmas star ornaments for their tree, which we picked off one by one.

After our Christmas treats with Gabby and Neil we started our jolly holiday by visiting "Mary".

I loved the umbrella's hanging on the ceiling, I was rather tempted to get myself a carpet bag and Mary Poppins umbrella (it was always something I'd dreamed about when I was a nanny in London many moons ago) but I managed to resist their hefty price tags.

It was the last day of their performance in Sydney and I have to shout out a very special thank you to Desley and John who made it happen for us. It was a wonderful way to treat the boys after their hard work at school all year and to begin our holidays. Thank you so much, we had a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious time!!

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season

Much Love the EarthWalkerfamily

xxx

Surprises

2011-12-13T21:00:00.003+11:00

Last Wednesday, in the middle of a really busy and crazy week, I had just come back from grocery shopping and was feeling a little low, maybe it was the constant grey skies or maybe my to do list that keeps getting longer and longer. When I came home there was a package on my front porch, I wasn't expecting anything, but when I picked up the parcel and felt the weight and shape of it I knew immediately what it was and who it was from. My heart felt so joyful and happy, tears came to my eyes knowing that someone would think of me. My lovely blogging friend Caroline from The Simple Things had been making use of the many horse shoes she had lying around her place and I just so happened to admire her creations. So she sent me an early Christmas present. I'm afraid I couldn't wait to open this one, I was too excited, just like a crazy kid hyped up on chocolate opening presents on Christmas Day (and I hadn't even gotten the groceries out of the car yet), I ripped it open and started taking photo's of my beautiful new boot pull.

Caroline we love your boot pull. It has been used every day, especially by the boys, they really love it too! School shoes, sand shoes, boots, you name it, the horseshoes are pulling them all off our feet. Thank you so much my blogging friend.

oOOOo

'twas a night in Bethlehem

2011-12-04T21:38:00.001+11:00

Friday evening began with Christmas Carols at the boys school and Saturday followed with our journey into Bethlehem at our church Christmas celebration.

We arrived at the gates to be greeted by a donkey and some baby chicks, plus many shepherds, angels and others travelling from Jerusalem.

We payed our taxes and entered Bethlehem, where we sat with our families and friends under the tented sky and listened to carols and the story of the Nativity.

It was a lovely way to begin the Christmas season and to bring the spirit.

A pink and grey day

2011-12-01T13:26:00.002+11:00

Have you ever dressed your children in a set of clothes in the morning and then gotten dressed yourself only to find out you are wearing the same colours, top and bottom as your child? I have done this many times, even when I was single and a nanny, the same would happen with the children I looked after.

As you can tell the title of todays post is pink and grey, and no, I didn't dress the boys in these colours. What I did notice as I walked out the door this morning, in my grey skirt and pink cardigan, that I seemed to match my garden and the sky.

It's a very cool grey day today, but my Cape Chestnut tree is in full bloom once again. Big bunches of spindly pink blossoms. The grass is covered with the long skinny petals and the sky is so dull and grey. I am so thankful for pink that can brighten up such a grey day.

I've noticed the Hoya's are flowering again in my back garden, another pink notch on my pink day belt.

I really do love sitting on my front porch and being able to spy on our neighbourhood goings on through the branches of pink and green without being seen. I think I just saw a spot of blue sky too! Is it time to change clothes again??

ooOoo

A gastronomic day

2011-11-25T22:33:00.000+11:00

Today I spent the day with Donald's mum Joan and brother Alister who are staying with us at the moment. Alister was desirous of visiting some rather exquisite foodie places in Sydney and had an itinerary and map all set out of places for us to explore. Our first stop was the Fine Family Butcher - Victor Churchill in Woollahra. Words cannot describe this place it is like no other butcher shop. I just loved the door handles when you first walk in. . . .

The array of fine meats and delicacies was mind blowing (so were the prices). Alister was like a little kid in a candy store.

He also managed to pick up an array of sausages for dinner tonight. . . just a few things.

After the smells of chicken on a rotisserie and samples of finely sliced meat our tummies started grumbling. Our next stop was the Boulangerie in Surrey Hills. We sampled delicious pies and pain au chocolate plus a few scrumptious tarts. Just around the corner was this fascinating mural, a mixed medium of paint and moss on a brick wall.

Lunch gave us the energy to keep on going to our final destination Adriano Zumbo Patisserie in Balmain to select some extraordinarily colourful deserts.

We pretty much tried one of everything above. My favourite was the middle dessert called grandma's soap, it was a blueberry tart with a marshmellowy coating and so much more in between, the Summer Sunday was just lovely and so was the passionfruit tart on the left that looks like an incredible sunset. We split the desserts between the 7 of us, we had bought a few each to sample, and they didn't disappoint. There were so many flavours to identify and savour.

It has been quite the week for eating. Not only was it Sam's birthday and we just had to eat a chocolate mud cake that I made for him. . .

. . . but on top of that Joan and Alister have baked two cherry pie crumbles which we also had to sample this week. I'm afraid I am looking like I'm 8 months pregnant. . . and no I'm not pregnant. . . so am going to have to do some serious walking next week after they leave to reduce the size of my jelly belly.

Clockwise from left: My two favourites Grandma's soap, Yuranuse (pronounced you're a noose and looks like a little turtle) and Caramel (a cube of various caramel flavours and textures).

xXx

Sam

2011-11-22T07:00:00.001+11:00

. . . is 12 today.

He has a beautiful heart

He makes me laugh

He makes me feel like a great parent

He is becoming a wonderful young man

Happy Birthday Sam

x x x

Spring...Summer...Autumn??

2011-11-17T16:58:00.000+11:00

I'm getting a bit confused lately. I'm getting confused by the weather. One day the air tells me that it's Summer, hot and humid, which I'm never ready for, or hot and dry which I can deal with. In fact I kind of enjoy the dry heat as it doesn't drain the life out of me like humidity does.

The next day, however, is sweet and light, the clouds are high and wispy, there's a gentle breeze with the scent of Spring flowers wafting by. The sun is welcoming and warming without scalding my fair skin. These kind of days I just love and it feels good to be alive. The temperature is just perfect.

Today is another story. Cool, rainy and very much cosy, soup weather. The rain decorates every spider web with minuscule droplets. I am baffled as I look for those orange and red Autumn leaves which I deceptively believe should be falling. Instead I find purple flowers tumbling with the rain from the jacaranda trees, leaving a wet purple carpet.

I am wearing jeans and a cardigan, will someone please tell me what season we are in. It feels like Autumn. This made me feel like getting out and exploring nature with my camera. Just as I was about to leave I heard a funny buzzing/beeping type sound outside, which was accompanied by a thump thump on metal. At first I thought it was strange heavy bird thumping on the roof. Yes, my imagination does go a little crazy at times, until I looked out the window. It was the meter man reading the electricity meters, but for some reason he kept thumping and buzzing/beeping. So I went out to investigate.

The meter man had a new safety tool which detected electricity currents when ever he put it on our meter box (it's a metal meter box), it looked like a really large thermometer with lights. Apparently we had a current running through our box and that we weren't to touch it until an electrician came to fix it. I am wondering if we had have touched it would we have been shocked!!

The electrician came from the electric company and figured that our meter box hadn't been earthed properly. How very strange. It seems that ours is the first meter box that this has occurred to. At least it's good to know that the meter readers are protected somewhat by this new safety device. They are to call the electric company immediately and stay put until someone comes if this occurs. It was a new experience for us all.

All was fixed and I was on my merry way in the drizzling rain. It's not so easy to take photo's while trying to carry an umbrella, mainly protection for the camera. My goodness!! I found so many purple coloured flowers everywhere. Jacarandas, Agapanthus, Scotch thistles, Purple Morning Glory and a few others. I never realised there could be so many purples flowering at once.

Aaah what a lovely day, who knows what tomorrow will bring. . . Winter perhaps.

o O o

Laptop update: Well the laptop started after 3 days of drying out with the dehumidifier on. Unfortunately the power cord doesn't charge any more as an after effect of the water spill, so it's only running on battery. We have managed to get all of my photo's and files onto an external drive, which is a blessing. Donald has taken it into the 'puter hospital today in the hope that it can be remedied. I miss my familiar little laptop.

The good...the good...and the not so good

2011-11-12T12:44:00.001+11:00

It has been one of those weeks, fortunately the good is outweighing the not so good at the moment.

The Good:

* a clean dining table with my favourite roses that smell so divine and light up my heart
* a vacuumed lounge that smells like geraniums and fresh roses

* the house is quiet with only two boys and two girls
* the older two boys are off searching for motorbike parts
* Donald is securing some more permanent work for the next 7 months
* my sister is now living and working in Sydney only half an hour away
* wonderful news for Ethan being voted student of the month at his school for the month of October
* Toby won a place in the Grand Final of the Kindergarten oratory competition and spoke so beautifully

* skyping with McKenzie and her beau
* a visit from Trouble the cat from next door

The Not So Good:

* spending over 2 hours last Friday driving home snail pace from the city while the Harbour Bridge was closed due to an accident
* having a migraine for 3 days
* Sam and I splashing the laptop with a cup of water (accidentally of course) and the screen flickered then died with a very sad beep
* getting the time wrong time on Sam's indoor soccer game and missing the game altogether. . . and I'm the coach :+/
* Amelia going ballistic because Trouble the cat visited (hence Trouble doesn't visit us often anymore)

~ ~ ~

7-Eleven

2011-11-07T17:23:00.001+11:00

Rumors circulated around the school today that there were free slurpee's at all 7-Eleven stores.

As it was, the rumors were true. It's 7-Eleven day and they are celebrating by giving away a free small slurpee to all those who say "Happy 7-Eleven day"!

It has been a stinking hot day, and me with a migraine thumping, have been wishing for a storm to cool us down. Just as the storm was breaking the boys and I hopped in the car and headed to the nearest 7-Eleven. With thunder booming and lightning flashing around us, we claimed our free slurpee's.

Sometimes it pays to listen to rumors. . . only sometimes though. . . and only if they're good rumors!

Funny loaves and fresh strawberry jam

2011-11-05T07:53:00.001+11:00

Some mornings we get to wake up to the smell of fresh bread baking in our breadmaker. The loaves come out an awkward shape and I still have trouble cutting a perfect slice.

My goodness soft, fresh bread for breakfast tastes so good though, no matter what shape it comes in. It's even more delectable with my new favourite jam, my own home made strawberry jam slathered over a slice (recipe to come soon). Breakfasts are so yummy we almost finish a whole jar of jam per loaf.

Does anybody have any hints on how you cut your fresh loaves, I need improving on mine!!

. . .

Gone a Haunting

2011-11-01T10:07:00.000+11:00

We found death in our pet cemetery

Dr Who trying to save the world, and maybe find his tardis. . .

. . and Tobyone Kanobi was there too to fight off any unwanted spooks!

The boys met up with our little witchy neighbour who was so excited to trick or treat with them. We spent the late afternoon trick or treating from door to door, miss a few doors and knock on another and catch up with the neighbours. A fun afternoon.

There was no trunk or treat this year, but I think we were just happy to trick or treat around our street.

Dragons Abreast Dragon Boat Races

2011-10-30T20:36:00.001+11:00

Today the boys and I caught the train into the city and walked down to Darling Harbour to watch the Dragon boat races. Each dragon boat is made up of breast cancer survivors or people who have been touched by breast cancer. For more information go to Dragons Abreast Festival.

My sister Gabby and her husband Neil were paddling in the races today, in support of Neil's mum who has survived breast cancer and their team the NAPT Dragons from Wagga Wagga. The races can get a little serious, but it's more about participation, fundraising and raising awareness for breast cancer.

There were lots of colourful costumes, outfits and many different teams competing from right across New South Wales and Australia.

Gabby and her spirit fingers

There were a few distractions in between dragon boat races. An amazing park to play on. . .

. . . a few dragons, acrobats and drummers, really loud drummers. . .

. . . a walk around Darling Harbour and watched lots of little jellyfish.

We even managed to find some puppies to play with . . .

. . . but mostly we were there to watch the dragon boat races and to support those participating.

The NAPT Dragons from Wagga Wagga, Lee (Neil's mum is 1st on the left, Gabby 3rd and Neil 6th on the left)

The Flowers on the Water ceremony is a special tribute and a moment to reflect about those who have survived breast cancer and especially for those who did not. The dragon boats are joined together in a row and petals are thrown into the air and onto the water after a moments silence and is a reminder of the battles with cancer that many women face every day.

Please remember to do your monthly breast check, it could save your life.

If caught early you have a much higher chance of being able to fight and win the battle with cancer.

oOo

A misty, wet morning...

2011-10-27T20:32:00.000+11:00

. . . and I can't resist getting out the camera, there are so many droplets of rain to capture.

Bits and Pieces

2011-10-24T11:35:00.000+11:00

It's only been two weeks. . . . or is that three now. . . since the holidays finished?? I just don't know I'm losing track of time. I feel a little lost about blog posting at the moment. Lots of things going on, so much to blog about but I just don't have that. . . . blogging feeling!! I've been taking photo's, going for lots of walks, have lots of fun things to share about the holidays and the first week back at school but just don't have that oomph needed to write about it all.

My sister Gabby and her husband Neil, from Cycles of Nature, are staying with us at the moment after their long cycling journey. We spent some time with them up in Queensland, so you can see on their blog a bit about our holidays as I'm too slack to blog about it. We've been doing lots of cooking and eating of feasts every night, it's a good thing I'm going walking nearly every day. It's lovely to have them here to spend a little time with.

Donald is away working with his dad up near Goondiwindi on the NSW side of the border. He rode his motorbike up there on Friday and arrived in the afternoon with a very sore bum.

I can't believe we're heading into the last few months of the year. Sam will be graduating from Primary School at the end of this year, in less than two months now, and in one month will be turning 12. It was only yesterday that he was starting in Kindy.

And now he's driving Grandad Wayne's old ute around the paddock in Laidley and appearing in a TV game show (unfortunately I can't tell you much about that as it hasn't aired yet). What a gorgeous boy he is and has always been.

A little crazy at times with the onset of hormones but he has such a wonderful heart and spirit of fun and love. Hopefully high school won't be too traumatic for him.

If I can get my act together and get some photo's organised I might just be able to do a blog post or two about our holidays. We made it over to Stradbroke Island, had a few nerf wars, ate lots of strawberries, had lots of family get-togethers as well as visited Laidley for more nerf wars.

Off to the Strawberry Farm

2011-10-10T07:00:00.001+11:00

The Drive. . .

2011-10-04T12:05:00.000+11:00

. . . was cold, wet and windy with a splash of sunshine for good measure!

My Strange Addictions

2011-09-29T07:34:00.001+10:00

Hello, my name is Amelia. . . .

. . . and I love nerf darts!!

I like to collect them.

...

A long time ago....

2011-09-25T11:43:00.000+10:00

. . . in a galaxy far far away there lived a family . . . The Earth Walker family.

. . . and soon a war began. . .

There was carnage . . .

. . and reloading. .

. . . . and an ambush!

. . . and the last man (woman) standing!

To be continued. . .

A Lovely Day

2011-09-24T10:03:00.001+10:00

. . . . . and yes that is my very own nerf gun!!

Vernal (Spring) Equinox

2011-09-23T07:00:00.002+10:00

I'm not sure what this day has in store for me but I am so grateful to be able to share my birthday with the Spring Equinox yet again. I love Spring almost as much as I love Autumn and I love my garden for providing wonderful Spring discoveries.

I have been finding some lovely little surprises in the garden once again. My tiny little orchid, that flowers only once every two or more years, has bestowed upon me it's delicate purple blooms this year. I had moved it onto the branches of the Tecoma Stans tree in our back yard several months ago as it's original place was falling apart. The tree seems to provide a wonderful surface for the orchid roots to grab hold of as well as provide a semi shaded spot to grow on. In fact I have about five orchids that have latched onto the branches of the tree and all seem to be thriving quite well there. It is the same tree that the Hoya grows on too!

Each tiny orchid flower is no bigger than the tip of my finger. Yet each flower has such intricate beauty that can flourish under the right conditions, in this case the very rough barked, shady Tecoma Stans tree.

There is only one offshoot with four petite flowers drooping down. It was a little awkward trying to take photo's of it, but I managed alright.

Also popping up in my garden right underneath my Lavender bushes (that received a severe hair cut this winter) are some strikingly pretty pink flowers. I think the only reason they've popped up is because of the Lavender's short hair cut letting in the light and the fact I've been watering them in the hope they'll flower this Spring.

Now it took me a fair bit of googling to figure out whether it was a Gladioli or a Watsonia. The flower limbs have the appearance of a Gladioli plant but the actual flowers are similar to a Watsonia. My sources tell me that it is a Gladiolus Carneus blandus. They are quite different from your standard Gladiolus flower and funnily enough there are usually a couple of them popping up in the same area in the garden during Spring, but I've never seen these ones before. There are about six of them flowering at the moment.

I find it amazing that we've lived in this home for six years and I'm still being surprised by new bulbs and flowers appearing in the garden. I guess it goes to show that every year is different and every plant is different and they need the right nurturing environment to grow and flower. If the right nurturing environment doesn't happen at the right time the flowers won't blossom. Similar to the Dandelion and Orchid theory. Our garden is certainly a haven for Dandelions.

It's a bit like us humans really. We are all a little bit different in how we cope with the world. Some people can thrive under harsh or not so ideal conditions, they can soldier on and prosper in their lives deflecting the many problems that come along, like dandelions, they can survive anywhere and just keep popping up. Where other people struggle to grow and cope with ordinary situations, like Orchids that need a specific environment. Given the right nurturing environment they can all thrive and blossom beautifully like Orchids.

For further information on the Spring Equinox go here. If you'd like a little more background information on the Dandelion and Orchid theory go here.

The Nerf Wars have begun

2011-09-22T16:31:00.000+10:00

Last weekend Ethan was invited to a birthday party, but not just any party, a Nerf party. The boys were asked to bring along a nerf gun if they had one, otherwise there would be spare ones at the party. The moment Donald heard this his mind started ticking over, so of course he had to go and buy a nerf gun for Ethan to take to the party. Mind you it was a rather modest sized nerf gun, compared to those at the party, but still big enough to have some fun with.

Oh my goodness, the frenzied activity to put it together after purchasing it and the decision as to who would get to fire the first shot. I think Donald made a bargain with the boys that the first person to kill the fly buzzing around the house would be the first one to fire it. Sam tried hard to catch the fly and when he did it was still alive and it flew away, so he lost out. Amelia seemed to be the only one who was able to catch a fly. . . . that is until I swatted one. Unfortunately by this time the first round had already been fired off. Donald ended up taking Ethan to the party and he (Donald that is ) got mighty jealous of all of the nerf guns he saw. His mind did not stop ticking over about getting another nerf gun and I guess the boys were dreaming of owning their own nerf gun someday too!

Tuesday afternoon after Donald came home from work he took the boys shopping. . . . you guessed it. . . . for nerf guns. We had a gift voucher from Christmas that needed to be used up and this was as good an opportunity as any. Well he managed to purchase the mother of all guns that was in fact a double nerf gun. Don't ask me what one it was, all I know is that it came with a magazine of nerf pellets and it's humongous, not only that Donald also bought a bandoleer to hold extra ammunition.

The last thing Donald said to me that night was, "How about we get up really early one morning and ambush the boys when they get out of bed". Little did he know that Ethan had exactly the same thought. Early Wednesday morning Ethan was up before everyone else, with the bandoleer strapped to his chest and nerf gun set up on the table he was in place to ambush everyone who came through the lounge/dining room door, as you can see by the series of photo's. I think poor old Toby who was very bleary eyed got the biggest shock.

And then it was Donald's turn.

I'm still an advocate for no guns in the house, but when you've got a house full of boys and that is all they dream about (especially the biggest boy. . . and I mean Donald) I kind of don't get much say in the matter anymore. At least I've managed to keep the weapons down to light sabers and water pistols for the last 12 years.

Say hello to the Bandito Brothers.

I am told that the nerf gun is great for swatting flies, turning off the tv, even starting the washing machine and getting boys to do their homework. . . I think these nerf guns are going to come in handy!!

16 years ago...

2011-09-17T13:37:00.000+10:00

Doesn't it just make your day...

2011-09-15T14:59:00.000+10:00

. . .when you get your hair done and it wasn't such a bad experience and you end up happy with your hair cut.

Then coming home to find the secret muffin fairy has been to your door and left you some love.

Doesn't it just make your day!! It certainly made mine.

xXx

I'm beginning to feel a little normal now.

But I'd better run and get the boys from school.

Just wanted to share my joys.

My strange addictions

2011-09-15T10:28:00.000+10:00

Hello, my name is Amelia. . .

. . . and I looooooove Cheezels.

Fairy bread, jelly oranges and balloons

2011-09-12T21:42:00.000+10:00

It was a sad day on Friday. It was the day that determined that there would be no more five year old's in our home. Toby turned six. It wasn't really that sad, but I did have a moment of reflection. My boys are growing up fast, and especially the littlest one.

Toby had a few friends over after school on his birthday and we played a few games. I'm afraid all they wanted to do was play and wrestle and jump on the trampoline. We were fortunate with the weather as the sun came out just before school pick up time, which meant we weren't going to be bringing five extra soggy boys home from school as it had been raining earlier in the day.

Toby's cake choice this year was Captain Rex from Star Wars Clone Wars, another of Donald's decorating masterpieces. It just so happened that Toby's birthday cake was just like his new watch that he loves!!

He was even given an an Assistant Principals award at assembly on his birthday too!! I kind of think he had a fantastic day. Now if only he would stay six forever....

ooOoo

Saturday was spent building the lego Star Wars and Ninjago toys that Toby got for his birthday, he was in heaven. Sunday was the boys soccer trophy presentation day. Fortunately for us the rain held off and it was a beautiful day. Last year it was canceled due to the rain. So the boys had a fun day with free sausages, lollies, ice blocks, jumping castle and slide and of course their well earned trophies.

...

Clover, Sun and Sandwiches

2011-09-07T15:53:00.000+10:00

I was up early this morning and out the door by 7.15am. I was off for another blood test, this time a fasting one, so no brekkie until I came home. I've been having all sorts of things going on with my body, most of which were headaches and high blood pressure amongst other things. I'm suspecting the very early stages of menopause. Aaaarrgh!! But I guess the blood test will tell (I'm hoping it will tell something otherwise I must be going crazy!). While I was away Donald got the boys ready for school and made lunches. He even made me one with a little note attached.

So after getting the boys off to school and taking Amelia for a walk I was contemplating what I was going to do today. The nurse at the blood draining place, (can't think of the name . . . Douglas, Hanly & Moir Pathology. . . . just looked it up) the nurse told me not to use my arm at all today especially seeing as they took 5 vials of my blood, it was my right arm too! Which meant no vacuuming, mopping, cleaning etc. What a Bummer!!! I really did actually plan to vacuum today as Amelia is starting to lose her Winter coat. So . . . what to do!! Donald's little note helped me to decide to go to a park with Amelia.

The sun was shining, the bees were humming and all was peaceful and quiet. I took a picnic blanket, my packed lunch, my camera, a magazine and a book and sat back while Amelia ran with the other dogs.

Fortunately it's a fully fenced dog park, one of the quiet ones so there are not so many dogs. Amelia made some new friends and ran herself ragged.

While I relaxed on the blanket in the warm sun watching the birds, the bees and tiny clouds float by.

Thank you my dear husband for helping me out today

xXx

Fathers Day

2011-09-07T10:51:00.001+10:00

I know I'm a little slow in posting about Father's Day, but better late than never. Donald came home on Friday afternoon from work to say that he'd agreed to go into work on the weekend. As we had a few things on on Saturday he'd decided that Sunday would be the day to go into work. He kind of forgot that there was something special happening on Sunday, so we adjusted our days to make Saturday night our Fathers Day dinner.

The boys and I set the table outside and I organised a green salad, potato salad and marinated the capsicum and zucchini and lovely round steaks I had bought while Donald tended to the BBQ. It was a lovely afternoon/evening, our first Spring BBQ.

After dinner we lit some sparklers and attempted to write DAD. I'm afraid we ran out of sparkle.

So we finished with some cheesecake for desert.

Donald did get a special cooked Fathers Day breakfast and some presents the boys made at school before we sent him off to work Sunday morning.

A Spring walk

2011-09-01T12:49:00.001+10:00

It's here at last, lovely Spring. I have not really felt the Winter too badly this year, particularly as there are so many colours around my garden through Winter. But it is wonderful that September is here. I took a long, leisurely walk with Amelia this morning after dropping the boys off at school. The air is warm and fragrant with blossoms. There were so many wonders to observe this lovely morning. Many shades of colour, different shapes and sizes of flowers, buds and leaves so forgive my overload of photo's yet again. I just see such perfection in every petal, leaf and natural arrangement and I can't help myself. I hope you all get out to enjoy what Spring has to offer, it's so good for the soul.

Winter's End

2011-08-31T20:29:00.000+10:00

Random photo's by Sam and Lisha

It's time to bring these babies out of their boots!!

2011-08-30T09:06:00.000+10:00

Grand Final day

2011-08-27T20:55:00.001+10:00

After the soccer grand final was postponed last week due to the heavy rains, today was the day medals were to be played for. The first game to start today was also the last to finish. Donald's team, the 35/7's, had already won the Premiership this year (medal no.1) and were playing for the Championship medal (medal no. 2).

On the field right beside Donald's game (very convenient) Ethan's team were playing for the Championship medal (medal no.3).

We set up camp at Donald's game for the most part as he was playing first.

His team drew 1 all, they went into 10 minutes overtime and were still 1 all, so it was decided they would be joint champions.

Meanwhile Ethan's team were playing their hearts out. I was hovering between the fields trying to watch two games at once. Sadly they went down 4 nil but still managed to score a silver runners up medal.

Medal presentations immediately after the games kept their spirits high!

Two very happy boys! Guess who's going to wear their medals to bed tonight!!

Darren Lockyer eat your heart out!!

PS. I have a sore nose from squishing it up against the camera :+/

The postman came today

2011-08-25T20:55:00.001+10:00

It has been such a lovely day today. With pain under control at the moment, I've been out walking with Amelia in this fine, sunny, early Spring weather. My mum and I went out to the egg farm today for some eggs and home made jam. After which we visited Pet Barn for some doggy treats and a visit to the Flower Power nursery for a few herbs to stimulate my sinuses. Some Rosemary, Thyme, Peppermint, Mint and a few African Violets for my front porch. Upon our arrival home I could see that a package had been delivered all the way from the USA.

In true blogging style I photographed every step of the parcel opening, it was such a treat to savour.

There was a little something for everyone. . . . but mostly for me. Joy!!

I felt very special receiving all of the little notes, cards and individual gifts that Laura had so lovingly wrapped. There were some lovely scarves, so soft and light, some chocolate and a few funny gifts. A very appropriate fridge magnet. . . .

. . . and some interesting. . . .aroma's. . . . read the label carefully, it's hilarious.

Oh thank you Laura, you made my week I feel so special and loved. Thank you Thank you xx

What a lovely day it's been.

My new Doctor

2011-08-24T14:56:00.002+10:00

I went for my one week check up yesterday with my ENT surgeon yesterday. It was not fun!! (see notes below). So I have decided to change my doctors. I found a new doctor who fits right into our family. He is a little young, very cute and has a gorgeous smile. I think I'm in love. Meet my new Doctor.

He's one of the friendliest Doctors I know and my kids all love him too!

It's book week at school and the Kindy to year 2's have a book character parade every year. It was Toby's first one and he really wanted to go as a dog. So we came up with Babette Cole's Dr. Dog. A very easy costume to prepare. Here's Dr. Dog with the Cat in the Hat, one of his wonderful teachers Mrs Stacey.

ooOoo

Update on progress Warning more gross bits!!: Well I didn't really change doctors, but the check up visit really wasn't fun. They first sprayed a nasal anesthesia up my nose which has the most horrible, horrible taste that drips down the back of your throat. At least the nurse gave me a couple of tic taks (orange ones, they taste the best) which I managed to chew up too quickly so I was still tasting the nasal spray for a while as well as my tongue getting numbed. Once the anesthesia numbed my nose the Dr looked up my nose with the endoscope (yes it was a bit gross) to see how I was healing, I could even see up my nose on a small screen on the wall. There was a bit of nose picking going on with the sinus nasal forceps and suction to help remove the "extra bits" that were still in there and it was worse than plucking a few hairs from your nose. As you can imagine I had my eyes closed for that and was rigidly sitting still in the chair to prevent any more movement, as my nose is still very painful even though anesthetized. I have been suffering from headaches all day and every day and the Dr said that was because my sinuses were still a little more inflamed than they should be, so I'm on a little Prednisone for a couple of days to bring the swelling down. So I'm dosed up on panadeine forte (codeine) to get me through the days and my mum is still here for another week to help out. I'm slowly getting there I keep reminding myself that two weeks out of my life is only a little time in the long run. Slowly but surely I will have benefited from this sinus surgery, I know they feel cleared already, I just have to get past the internal pressure and swelling.

My strange addictions

2011-08-23T14:34:00.000+10:00

Hello, my name is Amelia. . .

. . . and I love eating tissues . . .

. . . and possum poo!!

Weekend in pictures

2011-08-21T11:56:00.000+10:00

A floral moustache

2011-08-18T10:42:00.000+10:00

I think it looks better than the green one.

I'm up and about, albeit slowly, and have been picking some flowers to encourage my sinuses to open up again.

I'm not doing too badly, a little sore in the nose, rather tender in fact but I'm sure it will all settle down soon. Thanks to my mum all I have to do is eat, sleep and heal. She has the boys well under control.

Sinus surgery

2011-08-17T08:12:00.001+10:00

Well I'm back home and made it out the other side of the surgery. Man they really want to push you out the door in the afternoon. After sitting in the waiting room for nearly two hours listening to the poor children recover from surgery in the room next door, I finally went into the holding room at 11am. My arrival time at the Sydney ENT and Facial Day Surgery Centre was 9.30am.

I was taken into the smaller waiting room to get changed into my lovely tie up at the back gown and dressing gown to preserve my dignity. With Donald accompanying me and taking the requested photo's while my blood pressure was checked and allergies to antibiotics checked, we sat in the holding pattern with another fellow who was a little nervous tapping his feet.

The anesthetist came and discussed my allergies again and told me it would only be a few minutes while the surgeons and nurses had a lunch break. I could hear a bizzare noise in the background and joked that it might be part of the surgery noises. The anesthetist said it was only the coffee machine!! Phew!!

I walked into the operating room while talking to the anesthetist about motorbikes, he had seen Donald reading a motor bike magazine in the holding room. They told me to lay down on the warmed operating table and started to put the canula into my left wrist and told me how excited they were to find such lovely big veins (I get that all the time when I go for a blood test). The anesthetist then started injecting a white fluid into the canula which made me rather floaty then black out as they put the oxygen mask over my face. The next thing I knew I was in the recovery room feeling very drowsy and the clock on the wall told me it was just after 2pm.

Now the surgery that I was having done was a Bilateral Fess (Functional Endoscopic Sinus surgery), Bilateral Turbinoplasty (reduction of the turbinates in my sinuses) and Septoplasty (straightening of my deviated septum) all to allow proper drainage of mucus and flow of airways. Hopefully to prevent any more infections from occurring and lessening the need for antibiotics. All a bit gross I know but for those that are interested I thought I'd put in the details.

So after drowsing for a while after surgery they gave me a lemonade ice block, it felt so good munching on it with my blood stained lips. After another little while the nurses got me up and into the recovery recliner chair to keep me upright. I was offered some vegemite toast and some water, which went down pretty well too, seeing as I hadn't eaten or drunk anything since the night before. Then they made me get up to get dressed and go to the toilet (very much needed, the toilet bit) it was after I was dressed and in the bathroom the nausea and clamminess started. I managed to vomit into the nurses hands which were lined with a wet cloth for my forehead, fortunately she didn't put it back onto my forehead but into the bowl which magically appeared just in time for a little more. I think I managed an apology to the nurse in between vomits. Soon after Donald appeared to take me home. I can't say I was ready to go anywhere, I was clammy, nauseous and still soooo drowsy I could hardly keep my eyes open.

Post op...........it's not a pretty sight with my blood stained, green moustache that I have to wear for the next day or two!!

So I was the last patient out the door and they got me to the car and fell asleep as soon as we got going again. I think we made it home around 5pm and I just plonked myself in bed. The boys and Amelia popped into see me with my green moustache and gave me funny looks. Amelia really wants to chew it off and can't understand why I won't let her have the pleasure.

So here I am day two and I've been up bright and early at 2am getting some fruit to nibble on, a change of my moustache and then back to bed for some more sleep. I guess it's going to be like that for a few days. I have to sleep upright with a few extra pillows for support, it's not that comfortable but I manage to drowse off ok. I think it's time for a second breakfast now that I've finished this post. More fun is yet to come when I start flushing out my nose with saline, I think I'll spare you any photo's though.

Forgive any spelling mistakes, I'm not wearing my glasses as they fog up with the warm air coming out of my green moustache. Time for breakfast.

First and Last

2011-08-15T16:01:00.000+10:00

The first of the Freesias and the last of the Snowflakes have been picked today from my garden. They are for my mother who has come to stay and the sweet smell wafts down the hallway filling the house with a very welcome scent.

My Mum is going to be my stand in for the next week or so while I recover from some surgery done on my sinuses tomorrow. I'm going to be a little sore, snorty and sorry for myself tomorrow night, but it is a job that needs doing.

I am getting a few things sorted out in my sinuses to help prevent me from getting any more sinus infections. I'm allergic to many antibiotics now and my body does not seem to take too kindly to them anymore and has been telling me so. I will be looking forward to smelling those Freesias again with cleared out sinuses in the next few weeks. Let's hope the Freesias are still growing strong by then.

...

A loose tooth

2011-08-09T10:08:00.000+10:00

A very wiggly, wobbly tooth fell out yesterday

He didn't cry, but was very excited when it fell out at school

We found our tooth fairy pillow

And tucked that tooth away

He woke up this morning and found five bucks!!

...

Mystical Magnolias

2011-07-28T00:12:00.001+10:00

It was such a beautiful day today, after all of the rain we've had lately, it's lovely to be outside. I went for a big walk today. It's been a busy couple of weeks and my brain and body are in overload. I have been in need of fresh air, sunshine and nature to clear out the cobwebs and calm myself down.

There was a purpose in my step today, my aim was to capture as many Magnolias in my neighbourhood as I could find. Well. . . it wasn't particularly hard as there are lots of them around that are just bursting forth their colours.

After walking the boys to school of a morning I kept forgetting to take my camera, and so kept making mental notes to remember 'next time' to bring it as I really wanted some photo's of a particular Magnolia tree up the road from us.

I think I took about 90 or more photo's this morning, as I came across so many Magnolia trees on my walk with Amelia. So here's a little selection of my favourites. . . . there were so many!!

I did not want to return to the house, to the mountains of laundry, to the bathrooms that needed cleaning, to the pile of wisteria cuttings that needed to be attended to on the front ~~lawn~~ weeds and our front porch that has been accumulating clutter. It was such a beautiful morning that I extended my wander around a few more streets in search of more Magnolias.

The Magnolia

by Lisha

Mystical, magnificent Magnolias,

such strong sturdy flowers,

with gnarled and knotted branches.

A glimpse up through the limbs

reveals a zig zag effect,

with the tilt and bend of each twig and shoot

bulging with buds.

From white, pale pink to burgundy,

their petals point to the sky,

before they fall open

revealing what's inside.

The heart, such a soft heart,

in need of those firm petals to fortify.

I did however manage, with Donald's help, to sort the Wisteria cuttings, clean the front porch and fold the washing while watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Although the laundry is still folded neatly on the lounge room floor and we never got to finish Harry Potter as we had to pick the boys up from school, I still think the day was a success.

Of Royal blood

2011-07-25T21:15:00.000+10:00

Meet King Roland II and his son the Prince.

King Roland II can be a little obnoxious at times. . .

. . . and the Prince doesn't like his long pink sleeves. . .

. . . but he does like horses!! Unfortunately he forgets to feed his, so has to ask the King for another one!

Sam, Ethan and their drama class are entering the Arts North Festival of Drama again this year and they get to perform at the NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) Parade Theatre this week. Today was the dress rehearsal and I must say they were a very excited group, all crammed into one dressing room it was a little crazy!!

But definitely a fun experience for them all.

...

Breakfast

2011-07-14T08:58:00.000+10:00

...

Pretty things around the house

2011-07-13T16:02:00.001+10:00

These Snowflakes and Violets are popping up in my garden at the moment. . . .

they fit so beautifully in my little bottles . . . and the Camelia's are exceptionally large.

Before I raided the garden I found these lovely Tulips on sale in my colours and just had to have them. I really bought them for Donald as they are his favourite flowers that remind him of Canada, as everybody used to grow them in their gardens in Spring.

And then there's the not so pretty. . . . . .

Donald, Sam and Ethan have been spending a lot of time collecting and painting the Lord of the Rings miniatures. They may not look so pretty but they spend hours putting on the details of each figure.

Our dining room and window sills are taken over by the little scary fellows.

So now you see why I need to have my little pretty touches around the house, because the rest of the place looks like a workshop.

...

10am in the Holidays

2011-07-12T14:33:00.000+10:00

Searching on Ebay for more miniatures to paint

A 10 o'clock breakfast

Amelia savouring some possum poo for a mid morning snack

Me in my dressing gown and slippers searching for blossoms

Beautiful blossoms in the warming sunlight

...

For the tall, quiet, thin and most lovely thing...

2011-07-09T08:07:00.002+10:00

With much Love

From three little boys

xxx

Snuggle therapy

2011-07-07T12:41:00.001+10:00

The funny thing is, Amelia is not feeling that sad or sorry for herself. She just can't understand why she's picking up all sorts of radio signals!!

Oh Amelia...

2011-07-07T08:36:00.001+10:00

. . . . you're breaking my heart
You're shaking my confidence daily
Oh, Amelia, I'm down on my knees
I'm begging you please to come home

Amelia, you're breaking my heart
You're shaking my confidence daily
Oh, Amelia, I'm down on my knees
I'm begging you please to come home
Come on home...

Amelia is at the vets, where she spent the night after her operation. We don't want her to become an unwed mother, so she's had an ovariohysterectomy (just like my mum). She's going to be a little sore and sorry for herself, but at least we can bring her home this morning. We miss her soooooo much.

Running free

2011-07-04T21:55:00.000+10:00

Amelia couldn't wait to go to the off leash park today.

Toby thought she might go ballistic!!

We all agree she had lots of fun!!

My Happy Colours

2011-06-30T09:43:00.000+10:00

...

Goodness

2011-06-27T20:14:00.000+10:00

This boy has been doing lots of good things lately. He's been remembering to ask me politely, saying please and thank you for things that he might need help with. This afternoon while I was making dinner Toby washed the dishes. Sometimes when he's a little bored he asks me "Lisha....what can I do?", it can drive me up the wall. So today I told him that if he asked me that I would give him some work to do. He forgot, and asked me, so he got to put away the knives and forks.

About five minutes later he forgot again and asked me. . ."Lisha. . .what can I do?". I laughingly suggested that he help me with the rest of the dishes. Seriously he took me up on the offer and told me that he would wash the dishes while I cooked dinner. . . . . and so he did. It was very helpful.

Last Friday Toby came home from school with a merit certificate for "Being a Great Class Member". He was very excited to show us. Today he came home from school wanting to take care of the class fish in the school holidays. I'm quite sure he's up for the job seeing as he's such a great class member and great helper at home.

I love my little Toby who is growing so beautifully.

...

Supporting the team

2011-06-25T12:40:00.000+10:00

Amelia helped me make something last night. It was a very important job she had to do.

You see she has another very important job to do on Saturday mornings.

So it was imperative that the first job she did was a good one so that her Saturday morning job would be a success.

I think she's very good at her job. It's very important supporting her boys' teams.

It's good to know there are other working dogs out there doing their bit for the team.

'Shrooms

2011-06-24T13:41:00.001+10:00

Dear Mrs Mushroom Lady,

Tell me please, is my Amelia going to start hallucinating if she had a nibble at one of these?

I found them in the back garden mulch.

Or would they be Ok to sauté in a little butter and have on toast for breakfast?

Yours truly

Lisha the wannabe mushroom eater.

Tuesday Afternoon Sun

2011-06-21T13:29:00.000+10:00

I have Toby home from school today, with the beginnings of an ear and throat infection. There is no better place to be than in our back room sun on a cool and windy winters day.

Saturday Afternoon Sun

2011-06-18T14:51:00.001+10:00

After a big walk it was snooze time out in the back room sun and a little crochet. No soccer today, the grounds are still too wet, but boy is it a lovely sunny day. I've opened all of the windows in the house to let in the fresh warm air.

The boys have been working on their miniature models, the dining room table has been taken over by an army of Orks, Roman soldiers, Goblins and Elves.

My Boy's back!!

2011-06-17T16:35:00.001+10:00

Back to the usual

2011-06-16T17:59:00.000+10:00

Well here I am back home again and back into the usual routine. After two weeks of peace and calm, yes even though my mum was having major surgery there was lots of peace and calm, I am back in the thick of it again and it's exhausting me!! I can often be found dozing on the lounge (or floor) by 8pm each night.

My mum is doing very well and we thank you for all of your well wishes. She is recuperating and following my instructions to rest and take it easy. I have lots of spies keeping an eye on her and informing me of her well being.

We celebrated Kids Day on Monday, the long weekend holiday. The boys were well rewarded for being such good kids, especially while I was away. Two weeks is a long time to be away from their mum. They received a mix of New South Wales and Queensland colours, seeing as we are all a bit of a mix of Queenslanders and New South Welsh people. Even the big kid got his first Maroon jersey ever! We spent the morning at The Tin Soldier in Penrith choosing some miniature figures to put together and paint up.

I was the recipient of some beautiful roses from my sister which brightened my day with lovely smells and colours. Thanks Gabby and Neil!!

Amelia has been very helpful in the kitchen too! Sticking her nose in where it most pleases her.

I have a feeling she missed me lots while I was away, she is my constant shadow at the moment and there are a few signs and bits of evidence around the house (and in the camera) that she missed me!!

I started crocheting a simple blanket while I was up in Queensland with my mum. I am so glad I did, it is such an easy one, no pattern followed, just up and back with a 7mm hook, very therapeutic while sitting by the hospital bedside. I have been using Lindcraft's Zambezee yarn, the same yarn I crocheted my hat and Sam's hat and scarf out of. It's a lovely silky acrylic with tencel.

It has been raining lots in Sydney, but there is still a fair bit of colour in the garden. The Camelia Japonica's are flowering now with their lovley pinks and there are still some Autumn colours around. I can see the bulbs starting to shoot up from the ground too, a few Jonquils here and there and I know those Freesias are popping up too, no flowers on them yet a little bit too early.

No sooner do I get back from Queensland but my Sam has to be whisked away to camp this week. He was sort of excited and sort of anxious. They were going to the Great Aussie Bush Camp, but I don't think they will get to do as much of the outdoor activities as they'd like to with the weather being so wet.

I can only imagine the muddy, soggy and smelly laundry that will be coming home tomorrow. I can't wait to see Sam though.

I must mention the joy it is to have instant broadband again. To be able to upload multiple photo's in a couple of minutes instead of one photo taking 10 minutes to upload with mobile broadband. I am happy to have my camera again too!!

Room with a view

2011-06-05T23:31:00.001+10:00

Pre Op

Bowel prep, giggling silly playing eye spy in the waiting room, a very long few days.

Post Op

Crochet club in the penthouse balcony suite at Hotel Mater, a few more long days in recovery.

My Mum is doing very well now and we are hoping she will be home in the next day or two. The large lumps removed were benign tumors so we are celebrating and giving thanks. It took a good day to get through the nausea after the operation but she is up and running around the penthouse suite in Hotel Mater with views to the city and Mt Cootha.

PS. They serve good desserts there.