My Little Drummer Boys

Wordless Wednesday -Handful of happiness

2009-12-02T15:00:00.002+11:00

♥

Never miss a post

Stick 'em up

2009-12-01T21:47:00.004+11:00

Amidst a bit of blog hopping a found a new toy ...it's a hoot !

Like this, play along at
♥

Never miss a post

I ♥ Tooshies

2009-11-30T20:46:00.005+11:00

This week's photo challenge @ I ♥ faces is We ♥ Tooshies ...no bare ~~b ums~~ allowed

♥

Never miss a post

Weekly Winners 46 2009

2009-11-29T22:39:00.009+11:00

Nov 22nd - 28th
We have had a hot week and we stayed indoors a lot.

While the boys tipped out all the duplo (most of which we've had for 15yrs)

Tower competitions

Hmm what did I do wrong ...

Our favourite thing was going to see ...
The Man in red's Arrival at Mall via the Clydedales & Carriage

Free & Quick Santa Pic

Scottish Bagpipers & Drummers

The boys enjoyed a few hours at the beach and loved being little monkeys in our backyard.

Finally we got to take a dip

The boys made friends at the beach

they shared their boogie boards and the other kids the trucks & sand toys

The sky was hazy from a dust storm ? and maybe a little smoke

Finished the week being little monkeys

Weekly Winners is a meme to show off your favourite snaps of the week ,not a competition so anyone can join in the fun ...Please go see more Weekly Winners @ Lotus's Lotus always has some breathtaking images.

♥

Never miss a post

Boring

2009-11-28T21:56:00.004+11:00

I have the feeling that my boring posts have left me with only two or three readers.

You know I'm just curious whether it is true or not ?

Please raise your hand in comments if you still check my blog ...or don't bother if it is a bother. I am just writing this because ...

NaBloPoMo is almost over .

The holidays are coming so you can breathe a sigh of relief ...shh don't tell my DH I am taking my laptop and mobile broadband.

Even though I'm doing boring posts I have plenty to say just not sure how to articulate a few things...without revealing too much or being a whinger.

Some difficult days are upon us ...I don't mean that I have yet to write even one Christmas list or write the medical appointments, preschool concert, relatives visiting dates on my calendar.

By the way where is my diary ?

Seriously if I had more than 10 mins I would write up my Honest scrap post ...I've just been busy placating all the males in my household and ...oh it doesn't matter !

PS I googled boring ...thanks Wikipedia
~ the expression to be a bore had been used in the sense of "to be tiresome or dull" since 1768

♥

Never miss a post

50 Things everyone should know

2009-11-27T18:32:00.000+11:00

I saw this at Jenty's I know I’m not capable of some from a quick skim of the list but it’s a fun thing to test…

While not totally comprehensive , here is a list of 50 things everyone should know how to do:

1. Build a Fire (start one anyway)
2. Operate a Computer
3. Use Google Effectively
4. Perform CPR and the Heimlich maneuver
5. Drive a Manual Transmission Vehicle (into a ditch ...)
6. Do Basic Cooking
7. Tell a Story that Captivates People’s Attention – not sure about this one !
8. Win or Avoid a Fistfight
9. Deliver Bad News - (only if it comes with free tears & tissues !)
10. Change a Tyre
11. Handle a Job Interview (? three times)
12. Manage Time (Jury is out on this one)
13. Speed Read
14. Remember Names - (mostly)
15. Relocate Living Spaces
16. Travel Light (Shocking at this ...I pack everything)
17. Handle the Police (Depends what for)
18. Give Driving Directions (don't ask my DH to agree)
19. Perform Basic First Aid
20. Swim (slowly and not too far across )
21. Parallel Park (given time and lots of attempts on a clear approach)
22. Recognize Personal Alcohol Limits
23. Select Good Produce
24. Handle a Hammer, Axe or Handsaw (enough to do a simple hack job)
25. Make a Simple Budget
26. Speak at Least Two Common Languages (Does Pirate count?)
27. Do Push-Ups and Sit-Ups Properly (shocking at this)
28. Give a Compliment
29. Negotiate - (again so long as you agree with me)
30. Listen Carefully to Others
31. Recite Basic Geography
32. Paint a Room (streaks are in vogue)
33. Make a Short, Informative Public Speech (Nervously and hesistantly)
34. Smile for the Camera (rarely)
35. Flirt without Looking Ridiculous – doubt it
36. Take Useful Notes
37. Be a Respectful House Guest
38. Make a Good First Impression
39. Navigate with a Map and Compass (so long as I can turn it the right way)
40. Sew a Button onto Clothing
41. Hook up a Basic Home Theater System
42. Type (not fast and not properly)
43. Protect Personal Identity Information
44. Implement Basic Computer Security Best Practices (Does Parental Control count & hiding )
45. Detect a Lie – depends who you’re talking about here three yr olds & teens master at it !
46. End a Date Politely Without Making Promises (only had a few)
47. Remove a Stain depends ...
48. Keep a Clean House (no time limits apply here with twins & teenager)
49. Hold a Baby (two at once in fact)
50. Jump Start a Car ...(why I 'd call a man or NRMA)

As I initially thought ! Hopeless ....but I manage a pass.
♥

Never miss a post

Reasons to be grateful

2009-11-26T21:28:00.001+11:00

Every day I am reminded how lucky I am. I find it can be such a mood lifter to focus on the good things that you have in your life when you feel anything but ...

An attitude shift = mood lift.

Still, lately I just never feel as if I’m 'winning' and that everything is in chaos.

Reflecting, as 'you' do, on the bad things does nothing but make me melancholy. I want to look forward and live in moment enjoying every day I can .

Yes, things still go wrong and I feel like sometimes I could scream or cry ... and of course , I do , (the conjoined twins story made me tear up so much). I feel awful and regret it when I yell and get cross with my little boys though.

Stress builds up in me. I get all 'woe is me' , till I tell myself I am so lucky. I have all I need today (well I wouldn't mind a personal assistant chef & cleaner a few more 0o's) .

Yes, most of all , I wish I didn't have NF1. (no it's not no ef'n idea) I wish my sweet Sam didn't have it (and other family members) .That, I think, is what does it, makes me depressed and scared for my future.

As I spend my life rushing from one thing to the next, I know I am missing so much and yet it is hard to slow down and be grateful for the small things some days.

Days of Grace 26/365

Special friends and random acts of kindness (RAKs) or acts of random kindness (ARKs)
Books and a great local library (though been waiitng months for My Sister's Keeper)
The rain, ~ I hope it is filling the dams on my FIL's farm.
Kisses & hugs," I love you' from small boys and "I'm sorry" from a bigger boy.
It's Friday tomorrow and you know what follows...

♥

Never miss a post

Not so Wordless Wednesday - 29 days

2009-11-25T15:34:00.006+11:00

(2007)

Only 29 days to go

Santa Claus Has A New Truck ( Santa Claus Is Coming To Town)

You better take care

Cross at the lights
If Santa sees you coming
You can say goodnight
Santa Claus has got a new truck

He's hotted it up
Painted it red
And he's cruising round town
Like a petrol head
Santa Clause has got a new truck

His hands are getting shaky
His eyesight's up the creek
I saw him knock a reindeer over
Just the other week

It's all covered in lights
Presents in the back
But he got his license
In a Weetbix pack
Santa Claus has got a new truck

Called him at home
But he's never there
Spends the whole weekend
At Autocare
Santa Claus has got a new truck

He bought it at a caryard
He paid for it with cash
And everytime he takes it out
He has another almighty stack-up

Ya better watch out
Keep your eyes peeled
Santa's a menace
When he's at the wheel
Santa Claus has a new truck

For an Aussie Christmas medley including a bit of the above click here ...go on you know you want to

4 years ago one Wednesday (23rd) in November I got the news that would change our lives forever ...I just never thought a miracle would happen again.

♥

Never miss a post

Less is More

2009-11-24T23:01:00.004+11:00

It seems the less I write the more comments I get ...

It seems I have more followers but less commenters ...

It has been a long month of NaBloPoMo but I've enjoyed it so far ...

This is but a part of a very long poem by Robert Browning

Yet do much less, so much less, Someone says,
(I know his name, no matter)--so much less!
Well, less is more, Lucrezia: I am judged.

Life has been busy , some days it feels like everything is unraveling. The less I do the more I have to do ...eventually.

Anyway, welcome to ICLW visitors ...thnak you for starting at the bottom of the list . (I am # 188) you can read my long term infertility, adoption, pregnancy loss (stillbirth) and IVF (twin) journey ...if you like.

I’d like to invite any lurkers to reveal themselves, so please de'lurk (is this a word ?) and say 'Hi there' or maybe ask me a burning question.

PS Missyboo , I'm working on my honest scrap post I promise it is coming.

Never miss a post

I ♥ Sun flare

2009-11-23T16:31:00.002+11:00

“Life is like a rainbow. You need both the sun and the rain to make its colors appear.” ~unknown

This week's Challenge is Sun flare

“I've noticed that being with you, I smile more often, I anger a little less quickly, the sun shines a little brighter, and life is so much sweeter. For being with you takes me to a different place: a place called love.” ~unknown

♥

Never miss a post

Weekly Winners 45 2009

2009-11-22T20:31:00.004+11:00

Nov 15th - 21st

It is the get me to ~~Ball~~ formal edition this week. It was our Teen's Y10 formal this week. His highschool has about 228 y10 students and it was huge.
Many met before hand, in the local park, for photos and to show off their cars.There was another public highschool , whose formal was the same night, there too. OMG I have never seen so many vintage & classic cars and people in the park.

I am always telling him to pull up his dacks.
It was so hot 39 ° he ~~wouldn't~~ couldn't wear the black jacket even for a photo at home. I had rivers of sweat running down my back within minutes.
Parents were invited to attend the formal dinner dance , not the littles...we dropped them off on our way.

They came by ...

yes, it is was a hearse complete with a rear passenger

Chev Impala ( I love cars with chrome badges)

yes ...MR Toyota there is a drought but seriously ?

(I cropped the perv on the left)

I couldn't capture the sea of people ...most had started to leave.

I &hearts: the shiny blue Kenworth

Holden ute

56 Holden ...it's pink

Mustang (because I looked)

Antique Firetruck ,my favourite ...

Don't ask me what all the cars are ... this one it's just a shiny red car to me lol

It was hot all week but we still made these Christmas shortbread as a practice run ...how many are left ?

♥

Never miss a post

Melting into summer ~ don't be a victim

2009-11-21T20:42:00.009+11:00

Sydney and a few other states has had their hotest November ...since records began. Many people hit the beaches all week ~~dying to get a tan~~ to cool off.

The latest summer campaign from Cancer Council Australia is all about helping teens (well everyone) to understand the dangers of excessive sunbaking.

This year they decided on a new approach by engaging with teens with a snazzy web application.

It’s called ‘Sunsation’ and it works like this: teens upload a photo of themselves to the application, then sit back and watch as a ‘healthy glow’ develops. But at the same time as they are admiring the bronze glow, they start to notice a spot developing on their face. Within seconds it has turned into a large and nasty looking melanoma. Sunsation is part of this year’s National Skin Cancer Action Week campaign November 15-22.

Last weekend they ran a large scale crime scene at Bondi Beach ...

beachgoers arrived to see 1700 towels stretched across the iconic sands, each emblazoned with a ‘crime scene’ chalk outline of a ‘victim’. The towels represented, graphically, each of the approx. 1700 Australians who die each year from skin cancer. Somewhat preventable.

As a mother of a teenager I think it's so important to get the message across in a way that teens may listen to. Even if we have drummed in the message since they were toddlers to stay sun safe, once their peers become more important and they aren't under our direct supervision ... they put themselves at risk. Don't let them be a victim and don't be one yourself. Stay safe this summer.

Tomorrow is going to be a sorcher 41 ° , so please stay out of the sun ! Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.
♥

Never miss a post

Random Acts of Kindness

2009-11-20T21:20:00.006+11:00

No matter how hard you hug your money, it never hugs back.
~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Flickr

Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns. ~Author Unknown

It was in no way a theme or planned but 3 of my posts this week were about money.

It's quite freaky.

Monday, I wrote about a friend's lack thereof [money] due the greed of others and other injustices perpetrated. Greedy people who could have shared a substancial (well to me) sum of money but instead tried to deny others their rightful share. In doing also lost a lot more money ...the lawyers are happy.
(Dee* will still get nothing, her lawyer offered to knock 30% off her personal account due to her circumstances.
N's share is unknown , there's legal fees to be paid, taxes and other estate debts.)

Tuesday it was the money pig ...LOL Kids say the cutest things and boy do they learn quickly about money.

Thursday was a scheduled post I forgot about. It was about where do you hide your cash.Lucky because it was the day I was so busy working and then getting ready for the teen's year 10 formal (a very expensive milestone), I didn't have time to post.

Today, I received a parcel from the lovely Blossom . It was posted to me for N, the little girl I mentioned on Monday. It was some brand new, pretty clothes. I am overwhelmed by her generosity. Blossom's gorgeous daughters gave some of their own golden books and two small toys for N.

Louisa asked me if some bloggers couldn't do something. I've been so busy I didn't get to reply let alone think about it.

I was not particularly asking just her story was on my mind, and my heart. I cannot understand the difficulties Dee has faced . It's heartbreaking .Though most of us struggle to make ends met ourselves, there are some that do it with greater difficulty and without complaint.

So if anyone is interested ...maybe see the Operation Christmas Child post for small inexpenisve ideas and email me.

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. ~John Wooden

Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out. ~Frank A. Clark

Have you had a kindness shown?
Pass it on;
'Twas not given for thee alone,
Pass it on;
Let it travel down the years,
Let it wipe another's tears,
'Til in Heaven the deed appears -
Pass it on.
~Henry Burton, Pass It On

Tell me about some random kindness you have received ...

*Names have been changed because it could be googled.

♥

Never miss a post

Where do you hide

2009-11-19T11:14:00.000+11:00

...your cash ?

I read a while back about the lady looking for $1million hidden in a mattress she junked.
She bought her elderly mother a new mattress as a surprise and threw out the old one, only to discover that her mother had hidden her life savings inside.

OMG ... what about the bank !

I remember as teenager my Grandfather , an ex bank manager (...truth !), buried his cash under a lemon tree in his back yard among other places ;). Problem was he had three ...and they forgot . Well I just remember them(Uncles & Grandfather) digging up all three ..looking !

Once my hubby sold a car to an bricklayer .We delivered the car to him and went inside to count the cash (several thousand dollars) ...all of it hard, 'cold' cash that smelt of dirt , dank and damp, it was old but it wasn't actually dirty.

It was in all denominations some were thick bundles of $10 paper notes, around the time of the introduction of the plastic polymer notes.

I didn't have to wonder too hard what he might have been up too or maybe he didn't trust banks either.

We have a small safe ...not for cash just to stash our chocolate away from our teenager !
Frugal Dad has 7 secret places to hide cash.

♥

Never miss a post

Wordless Wednesday - A boy & his horse

2009-11-18T15:02:00.003+11:00

Visit 5 Minutes for Mom for more Wordless Wednesday's
or Wordless Wednesday
♥

Never miss a post

Money Pig

2009-11-17T21:29:00.006+11:00

on Tiny Talk Tuesday ...

J: "Where's the money pig ?"
Dh: "Oh' D (mr 16) - he's gone to school"
Me: LOL ...

(*teen thinks we have our own printing press)

One night we got home late from picnic and boys had been asleep in car. They were really grumpy and I was trying to make dinner so I offered them a kitkat (choc small ones) as a bribe.

Sam cried back ... "No, I don't want a pussy kat."

Hubby and I laughed so hard and poor kid just cried more.

I remember too my older son when little called tic tacs (the little white suckable lollies) kit-cats.
(backwards)

I wish I could remember more of the funny things my 3yrs old say ...apart from the usual

"he's touching me"
" x (insert brother's name) is not sharing"
"give it to me "
"I want it "
" x (insert brother's name) did it "
" x (insert brother's name) hit me "

Some days my PF gets a real hiding from all the laughing.
I just am not quick enough to write them down. Here are some funny things other kids said
and if you want to join in TTT.

Ps I must get myself a pocket notebook
♥

Never miss a post

Cruel Injustice

2009-11-16T17:06:00.006+11:00

I used to think I had problems . I'd whinge a little about small things , petty grievances and the like.

Then I met Dee. I met her through one of my childrens' activities . Dee has suffered the cruelest injustices imagineable or rather unimaginable.

Dee has been in court fighting for her 3yr old daughter, N's share of her father's estate. D won't get nothing because legal costs have eaten everything. N might get a small amount , held in trust.

2.5 yrs ago her partner of several years, died of cancer, a short battle he never had a hope of winning. Any treatment was always pallative. In his dying days, whilst in pallative care his adult spawn, (think devil) in their 20's, had him sign over guardianship. Dee wondered if Wes was even was aware of what he was signing. He was on strong medications for the pain.

They then denied Dee the right to visit her beloved partner in his last weeks of life. They wouldn't even let her see him once he slipped into a coma or even after he passed away. They initially refused to let her go to his funeral but the funeral Celebrant and social worker fought for her & her family to be there ...at the back of service. His wife had divorced him years ago, she got a front row seat. No matter that Dee had been his friend for 27yrs and in a relationship with him for over 5 yrs, they didn't give a damn.

They still wouldn't let her go to the crematorium service. The spawn held Wes's funeral 1.5 days after he died and many, many friends & former and current clients were not contacted, they didn't get to say their goodbyes.

Dee had their daughter in 2006, they were over the moon, N was not planned but was a welcome surprise. Six weeks later he found out about the cancer. 'Wes' died 8 months later. His will was changed again in his last days. 'Wes' had sizable assets at the time. He originally left generous provisions for his adult children , N (his infant daughter) to share & a small amount for Dee.

Wes's spawn have been receiving weekly payments, and got a couple hundred thousand days before he died from the executor.

His spawn tried to say she tricked him into a one night stand (WT ? she was 47 ) to get pregnant. They didn't give Dee anything or make provisions to look after N. Though Wes had arranged it. Dee was forced to leave the rented home she had shared with Wes , (the spawn took most of the furniture) and find cheap rent. She has had to battle to survive for 2.5yrs.

Combined legal costs have mounted to over $600,000 all dwindling the pie that was to divided.
His spawn tried to get her to accept that N (3) would get her share at 30yrs (oh that's only in 27 yrs) ...what are they meant to do to live until then. By then D will be 77yrs.

They sent fake emails (using hotmail versions of her name & derivatives) to her family attempting to cause strife and disharmony.Lies. They have continually delayed going to court and withheld documents until subpoenas were issued. All of it costing thousands extra.

The victory , if any, will be bittersweet. Hollow.

The spawn still have had the lion's share. Dee still doesn't know the value of his estate, it's been hidden from her or the debts they incurred trying to keep one of his businesses running to sell, at an inflated price, that they never achieved. Nor the true legal costs.The Barrister said it's one of the cruelest cases, a hate and smear campaign like he has never seen. Yet, no one can give any guarantees.

She has only enough money to met their basic needs, no luxuries. Their clothes are 2nd hand, her car is old and battered. Dee was asked to name a price for her living costs. She named what she felt was a modest amount .The solicitor showed the Barrister and he said to add a few more 0's to the end. It wasn't enough.

The cruelest blows were commited before Wes, her much loved partner, died. When Dee didn't get to comfort him as he lay dying or even say goodbye to the man she loved for a long time. I just cannot imagine it.

I am just in awe of her strength ..despite considerable ill health she keeps going.

♥

Never miss a post

Weekly Winners 44 2009

2009-11-15T23:01:00.008+11:00

Nov 8th - 14th

Another week has passed by. 2010 is nipping at our heels and dare I say it Christmas is less than 7 weeks away .
2010 is going to be a big year for us and I look forward to embracing all the changes and challenges it will bring.
Today , it's been 21yrs since my husband & I first decided enter into a relationship. We don't really celebrate this anniversary, there is so many other special days LOL.

Here are a few winners from my week. We laughed a lot but I didn't have my camera out often enough this week.

Can you guess ?

One last ride before we headed home last Sunday.
You can see more farm photos here.

Promises ...

(oops cut the weather rock off)

♥

Never miss a post

5 million

2009-11-14T21:56:00.004+11:00

The journey of a 1000 miles

begins with a single step ~ Lao Tzu

...not money (I wish) but steps.

The last year I have been walking 10,000 steps a day (or slightly more). Some time yesterday I hit the 5 million mark.

The '10,000 steps' goal puts a focus on the accumulation of activity across the whole day instead of the pressure to do it all in one burst.

I started my count 20th October 2008 ... I thought I was fairly active running around after twins, a recalcitrant teen and doing housework but I was wrong.

Some days , like my day at the office, I barely manage 3000 steps or even less by 5.30pm .So I come home and walk twice around the block ...then keep going.

This surprised me. Days I don't use the treadmill, at the gym , I walk to the park and the boys play while I do short circuits of the play equipment ... or if I sit at home and blog I barely get there . Other days I go shopping ...a good 3000 steps there.

I haven't lost any weight , I actually gained a few kgs but when I started I just through a rough patch and I'd lost weight. So I guess I am back where I started. It allows me to indulge in my favourite chocolate, cheese and a little wine :).

These are the National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults

1-3 recommend the minimum amount of physical activity you need to do to enhance your health. They are not intended for high-level fitness, sports training or weight loss. To achieve the best results, try to carry out all three guidelines and combine an active lifestyle with healthy eating.

Guideline 1
Think of movement as an opportunity, not an inconvenience.
Where any form of movement of the body is seen as an opportunity for improving health, not as a time-wasting inconvenience... so picking up after your children is good for you.

Guideline 2
Be active every day in as many ways as you can.
Make a habit of walking or cycling instead of using the car, or do things yourself instead of using labour-saving machines.

Guideline 3
Put together at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days.
You can accumulate your 30 minutes (or more) throughout the day by combining a few shorter sessions of activity of around 10 to 15 minutes each.

Guideline 4
If you can, also enjoy some regular, vigorous activity for extra health and fitness.

...okay I'm off to bed for #4. ;)

♥

Never miss a post

Are we there yet ?

2009-11-13T21:30:00.000+11:00

Next year we have a plan or maybe a dream to travel in a caravan for a few different trips across our vast continent. Most especially we want to see Western Australia . Did you see my post yesterday...well the penguins too (the little Drummer boys are in love with penguins)

We may also spend some time living (working) on a family owned small 2000 acre farm in Central West NSW.

It all depends to some extent on what our teen does with regards to his further education. He finishes formal schooling in 3 weeks. he has applied for positon at a TAFE course.

We haven't had a proper holiday in 15 years. Running our own business has kept us from doing so. The past seven months we have been winding down areas of our business to make life easier and less complicated. The stress has been debilitating and we want a change. To be able to enjoy life more and live simply.

The caravan will become our home away from home when in Sydney (our 'home' town) too as we plan to sell our current home, soon . Our twins won't go to school until 2012 so we have two years to get settled again.

The decision about selling our home hasn't come easily , I know it is just bricks & mortar but it holds so many memories good & bad.

Packing up the dreams (and Charlotte's roses) we have planted here will be incredibly hard and heart wrenching.

I am looking forward to the intrepid adventures both on the farm and in the caravan , the local interactions and character filled accommodation venues.

The caravan holiday will be a matter of careful planning with the seasons and choice of destinations. A week in some places is hardly enough to do justice in our scenically diverse country. Though the distance we have to travel from A to B is immense. Stretches of 1000's of kms of the dry dusty desert of Nullabor with nothing in between and up the West Coast of Australia.

Still, the best laid plans ...It all seems so far away at the moment. Beyond reach. Just a sweet dream of adventures and an escape.
♥

Never miss a post

Come to Australia !

2009-11-12T22:31:00.001+11:00

How Aussie are you ?
(compiled by Dee from Downunder)

1. Been dive bombed by a magpie on many occasions as a teenager !
2. Have seen a crocodile in real life in Northern territory on a tour and in the Australian Zoo (Steve Irwin's)
3. Have seen a snake in the wild - yes, black snakes, red bellies, and a few dead ones.
4. Been bitten by a snake or other aussie wildlife NO ...
5. Patted a koala at zoos /Koala Hospital/Featherdale
6. Seen a kangaroo in the wild - many times, dead and alive ...hundreds last weekend at the Farm.
7. Climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge - No, and not likely too.
8. Climbed the Story Bridge in Brisbane No desire to take the risk.
9. Visited the Sydney Opera House - yes even been to see Opera there when at school
10. Swum at the beach yep, but I don't go out far, big drowning phobia because I thought I was drowning once in the surf !
11. Had fish and chips on the beach many times - yes I love 'sand'wiches too
12. Been stung by a jellyfish no, but yes to Blue Bottles.
13. Had sunburn that peeled many times when younger, never again, I slip slop slap
14. Camped under the stars yes during Family/church camps - in tents or a camper trailer
15. Visited Uluru - yes even climbed it in 1992
16. Driven the Great Ocean Road in Victoria not yet but it is on my list
17. Seen the penguins on Phillip Island Victoria no see above (saw them at Featherdale ;).
18. Had an outdoor BBQ with Friends regularly event
19. Played backyard/beach Cricket played backyard cricket all the time with my siblings/neighbours as kids and even now we do ocassionally
20. Watched a real cricket match live only when my teenager played for 3 (yrs spring/summer seasons ... exciting ;)
21. Betted on the Melbourne Cup only in a sweep
22. Attended the Melbourne Cup Live from Flemington no have no desire t.o
23. Attended a live Aussie Rules or rugby football game can't remember ?
24. Ridden a Melbourne Tram yes, when we visited friends in Melbourne . DS chucked up in the aisle...he was about 2 1/2 and told us ( and the peak hour packed tram ...) Mummy I am going to 'bomit' loudly - and he did ! Imagine the stiffled giggles & ewwws
25. Snow Skied in the “high country” of NSW/Vic well I tried at My Selwyn ;)
26. Visited the Great Barrier Reef no, does the Whitsundays Islands count ?
27. Been to Kakadu - yes in 1992 , it was amazing.
28. Crossed the Nullabour by road - it is on my list of things to do in 2010
29. Gone down the Murray River on a paddle steamer we went on some paddle steamer ... not sure where but down that way!
30. Survived a cyclone No but my father's cousin did survive Cyclone Tracey - barely.
31. Survived a bushfire No, had ash flaking over the house but luckily have not experienced a real bushfire
32. Experienced a big flood No, though we live in area that has and our street gets cut off at a low point about 200m - when the creek floods.
33. Know who the Wiggles are. Of course! my eldest now 16yrs grew up on them and the twins love them now too ... Sam sings Wiggles songs all day and they are favourite licenced clothing.
34. Know who Humphrey the Bear is. "What a funny old fellow" - yes I grew up with him kind of and my 16yr loved him too as a toddler.
35. Watched Play School as a kid or mum of a kid "there's a bear in there"... Yes , see 34 - the twins aren't really that into play school yet we just aren't home.
36. Watched Skippy the Bush Kangaroo "whats that skip???" I loved Sonny & Skippy and the dashing pilot .
37. Own an Australia Flag - a plastic one, the last material one was a free one from Sydney Telegraph and the vacuum cleaner ate it
38. Know the words to Advance Australia Fair yes, - but don't ask me to sing
39. Eat Vegemite - on toast absolutely yum yum and my kids live on vegiemite sandwiches
40. Drink Milo double yum yum - love it in milkshakes too and on icecream ...teen eats it by itself.
41. Know what lamingtons are mmm mmm (coconut/choc covered sponge cake)
42. Know what Pavlova is mmm mmm with fruit & cream
43. Know what Tim Tams are yes - my favourite choky bic
44.Eaten a meat pie love any meat pie and sauce
45. Gave or received a “dead arm” my yes , my bro & sis and uncles were good at it
46. Have owned an Akubra hat yes my hubby has - he surprised me by wearing one on our wedding day , the grooms too.
47. Own/owned an Australia Cattle dog - yes, though he is a heinz version not pure bred - he is 13 years old
48. Been to a B& S ball - or know what one is - never been, but heard about them!

49. Drive a ute I have driven one, yes , Hubby has owned a few (5-6 )and still does - I can't drive a manual (well last time I drove it down the bank/gully)
50. Say G'day ocassionally ...
51. Can cook damper -yes! but prefer others cook it and smoothered in golden syrup.. mmmm
52. Can make billy tea -did this more than once camping and 4WD riving,!
53. Supported a sausage sizzle - couldn't count how many times - hundreds of soccer games/scout/cricket matches/twin club ...I love sausage sizzles but not the calories
54. Own John Williamson CD/Music -yes, we (DH) has almost a whole collection of him albums
55. Owned backyard chooks or know what chooks are - haven't myself but the neighbours do and I feed them scraps over the fence and I feed them every day and we got the eggs when neighbours went away.
56. Call the toilet "the dunny" - yes - many times LOL
57 . Wear thongs (on your feet...) - yes ...hot pink
58. Support Aussie music - Yes , Hubby is a great Country fanso we do buy aussie music
59. Enjoy a beer - yes, a sip of Dh's regular beer, not really into a schooner or stubby full.
60.Swallowed a fly - have done this more than once - ewww !

How Aussie are you ?

Ps ...if My Dad had survived his battle with Leukemia my parents would have celebrated 44th anniversary.Dad would have loved both the quiz and the video.

Never miss a post

Wordless Wednesday - boys n bikes

2009-11-11T16:57:00.003+11:00

...
♥

Never miss a post

Sticks and stones

2009-11-10T20:50:00.004+11:00

I had already planned to write on bullying sometime during November, tonight I realised I missed the SBS program on Bullying. It's been on my mind.

Tonight at Little athletics a 4 yr kid was calling Sam, who wears glasses , glasses boy ! I didn't worry too much and Sam didn't even notice, but I did ! I wanted to cry for him. It's starting. I can't bear the thought that he will be a victim of bullying ...not just because of his glasses.

As a consequence of having NF1 (neurofibromatosis) though I didn't know it was called NF then , I 'suffered' bullying all through my school life.

I learned to live and deal with it. I can't even tell you the names they called me, oh I remember a few of them, I just don't want to tell you.

The birthmarks known as Cafe au lait are flat milky coffee irregular shaped 'spots'.They were the main reason. I had a large one down my left arm and numerous other ones large than 50 c piece and spotty freckling.

In primary school it was mainly name calling and sometimes a little physical abuse, hair pulling, chasing (fearful not playful) and spitting and like Rudolph they never let me play their games. Exclusion from play didn't hurt me but it scarred me emotionally. I was smart and I relished working hard to gain the academic awards to soothe my self esteem.

When I was 10, I had to wear glasses and this gave them another reason to taunt me. I also had a turn in my eye, I was 'cross eyed'.

This was due to an accident at school when I was 8. I suffered a head injury , and a black eye when a bigger child knocked me over. This was an accident I remember it. Part of my retina detached and it wasn't detected.I am technically blind in my right eye with very slight peripheral vision. My eye still has a noticeable turn despite surgery to cosmetically 'straighten' it at 16 & 21.

I had a few friends over my primary years, the one main one lived across the road from school and she went home for lunch every day. We lost touch when we went to different high schools. We were both quite intelligent too.She had the additional trait of being 'bossy' so she had her own dramas with other kids. It wasn't an easy friendship ;).

I was always in the last couple of kids when it came to picking teams and I was just glad I had an excuse not to do school swimming...thank God for ear infections. Crazy but true!

In high school most of the same bullies went there too. The girls were bitches and merciless.So were the boys. I just had a thick 'ugly' skin.Thankfully, by the middle of yr7 I found a group of friends. There were 5 of us in our posse. I am still very good friends with 2 of them today; 30 years of wonderful friendship.

I still decided not to attend my yr 10 formal and my yr12.

My posse of friends all left school in yr10. We were all around 16yrs. It was a very lonely 2 yrs as I finished my HSC (higher school certificate). I was once again excluded and alone. I was laughed at behind my back, and I could tell they didn't like me in their 'group' projects etc. but it wasn't physical by my mid teens. I ignored it.

What else could I do, I was always on the fringes. I went home for lunch, often, though it took me 10 mins to run home, 5 mins to make & scoff a sandwich and then 10 mins to run back. Rather this, than be alone and seen to be alone.

I lived for the weekends when I had my old 'school' friends again and a new friend I made, L. I met L when we were both on our family holidays. We were both 16, she was turning 17 in 2 wks and got her drivers licence. She invited me to try a new church , I became a Christian and I saw things in a new light. I didn't feel so damaged. I made new friends outside school. So school , for me , was a place just for education.

L was my transport everywhere, youth groups, church and social outings. L is still a good friend but sadly she lives 2-3 hrs away and busy with her young family. Once we were housemates for a year and she was my bridesmaid.

L, K & W looked beyond my imperfections and I am so thankful for all my friends they saved from from despair. Still I wasn't diagnosed with neurofibromatosis till I was 22 . I just thought I had terrible excess of birthmarks.

I worry now for Sam and his cafe au lait spots. Will they both get taunted because of me and the way I look ? I have more bumps and lumps coming up everywhere. I hate it. I have always worked harder to fit into groups I still feel the stares.

I worry will Sam be strong enough to deal and cope with bullies ?

I am so thankful his twin will at least be by his side, so he won't be lonely in the playground, so he will have someone to back him up, maybe help him protect himself and to pick him for his team. They have each other. Already I can see Joel has a protective nature and is looking after Sam. I can only hope...

♥

Never miss a post

Making a list ...

2009-11-09T15:13:00.004+11:00

The Planning Queen just reminded me of a few Christmas gift ideas for children. That time of year is fast approaching.
I know I want to buy some Christmas Smiles (from World vision) top of my list but my little boys are going to need a few stocking stuffers.

Nicole has some great ideas.

A while back I joined a new forum and as a prize for submitting interviews with my boys I got to choose 2 gifts under $20 from Rudy & the Dodo range.
I must add I am not being paid to write this and apart from receiving my prize I haven't had anything to do with them . I love their website ...it starts with the greeting

Hello Gorgeous ! ...

well, you have found our site so you are clearly looking for something a little
out of the ordinary for the little individual in your life. welcome!

The best bit is Rudy & the Dodo have over 200 items under $20 , a lot of it is wooden, quirky & individual wooden products , cute as a button handcrafted and from across the globe.It's also arranged by ages to help out clueless relatives with age suitability. I am going to suggest my family members go shopping there...with a few hints.
Like ...

$6.95 for 160 funky stickers
wooden pirate fishing game $21.95 or
wooden pirate skittles $14.95

So what ideas are you tossing around for your children ? I need some more ideas .

P.S. They have gifts for mum's too ;).
PPS It's so much fun to shop without little ones in tow and battling the crowds.
PPPS I want to stay away from plastic & licenced items which seem to be invading our house piece by piece (mostly as hand me preloved toys/clothes for which I am grateful but i just don't want to add the collection)

♥

Never miss a post

Weekly Winners 43 2009

2009-11-08T23:56:00.008+11:00

;) Where have we been , can you guess ?

Nov 1st- 7th

Fallen tree monster

Erosion from once a creek ...
Joel is all ok, Dr glued his laceration without a hitch. He has a big egg on the back of his head and a very sticky bandaid .Country hospitals are quicker than suburban ones sometimes.

Moving cattle to new adjoining property ...drought
Dams are drying up.

We had a busy week ending with 3-4 days at the farm...I took hundreds of pictures here are but a few. We wanted to make the most of today so it was really late when we got home.
Weekly Winners is a meme to show off your favourite snaps of the week ,not a competition so anyone can join in the fun ...Please go see more Weekly Winners @ Lotus's Lotus always has some breathtaking images.

♥

Never miss a post