What a week!

Sometimes it feels like everything is crashing down around you. This was one of those weeks ....

Peter saw the specialist (finally) about his hip (it took 6 months from referral to get the appointment). It is getting worse and really affecting work and what he can do so it is really timely. Thinking it took 6 months to get an appointment the chances of surgery would take as long. Guess what! it didnt and on 7 May Peter goes off for a hip resurfacing - thank goodness for private health insurance as it really costs a gzilion $$.

Of course that has set me off in a spin as we are off on holidays in mid April, all paid for - oh yeah and as an aside the flights have been changed and that has meant a bit of re-jigging of plans and the cost of the hire car went up a bit more - so typical of the week. Anyway back to the story - with Peter off work for maybe 6 weeks a holiday is the last thing we really needed at this time but I am sure it will be fun. No, thats wrong I know it will be fun as there are so many things we want to do especially out on the barrier reef. Mario is sure he will see Nemo.

Then on Thursday night dear little Charlie was nipped by the dog next door while we were all outside talking and playing (they never see each other but argue or bark through the fence, a face to face meeting has nver been good in the 8years we have been neighbours) resulting in a trip to the vet, surgery for a tear to the intestine, an overnight stay, a sad and sorry dog and a slightly poorer bank account.

Not sure too much else could go wrong but that is 3 things and enough to handle. Nothing is unmanageable and there is always someone worse off and you always gets by but sometimes it all gets the better of you.

It is a gloriously warm autimn day and time to go and enjoy the sunshine and have a picnic in the park!

Another milestone

Today was the 1st full day of pre school ... another step in the life and times of Mario. The ACT government provides for 12 hours of pre school for 4 year olds either over 2 or 3 days. We elected 2 days, Thursdays and Fridays. I know it is going to be tough with work and making sure I am on time but Mario is number 1 in all this and you do what you know you need to.

Mario had a 1/2 day yesterday followed by a full day today. He loved it!! He did some drawings and plenty of playing and I hear he gave his new teacher plenty of cuddles. He also learnt about morning tea and lunch and how you dont eat everything all at once. Note to mum ... pack an extra 1/2 sandwich for morning tea with honey or vegemite on it. A banana and a fruit bar just wasnt enough!

It was a great day and he was very tired when he got home - no more days sleeps or rests! He is ready for next week!

Happy Family Day ... and more

Last Saturday was our Happy Family Day. It was celebrated in unprecedented heat that took your breath away. I am sure we were living in a desert at the time and we managed to top over 40 degrees celcius around 4 days in a row. As we are on water restrictions due to the dryness there was relief provided which meant we could play under sprinklers and let the kids cool down.

Mario had a fantastic day and received presents .... 3 years ago we became a happy family. This year it was books - Dougal the garbage dump bear and Dougal and Bumble and the long walk home. They are such Aussie books and ones Mario can recite and we have so much fun with the characters. The books talk about "how bad things sometimes happen so good things can happen" and "just keep on trying, you can do it" and "how wonderful friends are".

We celebrated with chicken and pork adobo and sticky rice. I had planned on making halo halo but decided a good chocolate cheesecake with dollops of cream was the way to go. Yummo.

Of course this day was marred by the most horrific of days for residents of Victoria who were utterly devasted by the worst fires imaginable. So many lives lost, so many stories of despair and so many tears shed until you could shed no more. Although these fires are around 8 hours from us and we are not impacted on directly by smoke or anything you feel like part of you was affected. As usual in times like this Aussies have rallied together in typical Aussie spirit and support. It just must have been the scariest time for everyone involved. Seeing your home, your family, your community destroyed in minutes. Our hearts are with those affected.

Holidays

Its HOT HOT HOT and it was so nice to be away at the coast with the sea breeze and surrounded by water. It made it all the more pleasurable.

We celebrated Australia Day in typical style - water skiing, swimming and a delicious BBQ. All very relaxed and wonderful.

The rest of our week was spent quietly as a family. Well ... maybe not quietly .... maybe .... busily ....

while the time was laid back and relaxed we were always doing something ... expecially Mario ... so it is no wonder he slept so well.

If Mario wasnt skiing or on the jet ski he was in the water or in the pool or riding round and around and around on his bike. It was all physical activity and playing games and being a kid (yep even for Mum and Dad). We just had the best time and the best family time.

The unfortunate part now is we are home and preparing to go back to workand wishing it wasnt quite so hot. Mario starts pre school soon and so we start another chapter in his life. It is also time to think and plan the next holiday ......

With thanks

With thanks to another friends blog I am following her simple womans day book (thanks Tiffany). Just the idea makes me feel relaxed and calm and in some semblance of control as I now know what needs to be done and what is important to me.

For Today...January 18, 2009

Outside My Window...the sun is shining, the sky is blue , the birds and cicadas are singing and all is calm.

I am thinking...about how on earth I will get everything done that I feel needs to get done especially since I have a weeks holiday coming up?

I am thankful for...my life and my beautiful family and I don’t think I need to say any more.

From the learning rooms...Mario has his childcare but not today. Today is about learning about life and playing and feeling and touching and causing mischief. It started with playing with his trucks to drawing a picture for his friend to going to a birthday party that was all about under the sea and now a Thomas DVD lulls him (I hope) off to sleep or at least a rest. Who knows what will happen next

From the kitchen ...comes meals and food and the things that are important in Marios life. It is the place where everything happens. It is the hub of the home. I am wearing...comfy summer clothes, pretty much my summer staple – ¾ pants, flat sandles and a sleeveless top. I did get a little too much sun out this morning at the party.

I am creating...food … the way to Marios heart is always through food – nothing like a banana cake for afternoon tea for us all to enjoy.

I am going... to prepare for the week ahead and get very excited about a weeks holiday down the coast … just the 3 of us.

I am reading...a house and garden magazine .. isn’t that sad … I need to grab a few books for my week away. Don’t know if you have every read Love Our Way by Julia Rollings about adoption but it is a beautiful read and I like to go back and revisit it as it makes you laugh, cry and turn the page. Plus there is nothing like catching up on some Matthew Riley books.

I am hoping...that I can get all my jobs done and we can get away for our holiday in a calm and relaxed state of mind.

I am hearing...Marios Thomas DVD and some snoring coming from Peter. It is a relaxing Sunday afternoon after a hectic few days.

Around the house... a million jobs that need to get done so we can get away, washing waiting to be ironed, dishes to be put away and toys in some form of order in the corner slowly taking over the house.

One of my favourite things.. “me” time to do whatever takes my fancy. Also a snuggle goes a long way.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...work, do the business books, cook, clean, wash, iron, pack, play games, jump on the trampoline, go for a bike ride, have snuggles and … sleep!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

Holiday catch up

What a wonderful family Christmas! It was chaos! It was mayhem! There was so much going on that days and time flowed together but it was all about being together and having just a great time. The cousins were fantastic together and played so wonderfully. It was just great to watch and enjoy.

It was also very special as my Nanna came from Adelaide to have Christmas with us all and to meet all her great grand children. Her time with us came and went all too fast but was made up of many wonderful and lasting memories.

The family time ended all too soon and we were off in the caravan for our week in Jindabyne. A wonderful time - even if the weather was a tad dodgy at times. It was time to relax and not have to think about work or the day to day jobs that need to be done but enjoy our company and that of our friends. This year Mum and Dad were able to join us and I think they had a great time as they have booked in to join us again next year. Of course we did our traditional happy new year photo to add to our memories.

We spent as much time as the weather allowed on the water. The end result is that Mario learnt to water ski which is totally awesome. He looks so cool standing there behind thejet ski going from side to side. Won't be long and he will be jumping the wake...... leaving his parents in his wake.

When we weren't in the water Mario was on his bike making friends with the other little boys in the caravan park. He may have been the youngest but he was a little leader and even I had to remind myself that he is only 4 and there is a need for quiet time and early nights and there is nothing like a good nights sleep so you can go back and do it all again.

Gotta love this time of the year!! May you all have a wonderful 2009!!!

Fun on the water

Its been a while since I have posted. Somehow I just don't know where the time has gone. I guess it is all that getting ready for Christmas and all the social events that are on.

Last weekend (yes it has taken a week to get to this!) Mario and Peter went down toBatemans Bay to pick up our new toy - a Sea Doo - a jet ski or wave runner or personal water craft or something that is going to be a lot of fun. The following day it was out to Burrinjuck to give it a run. Oh..... my .... goodness ..... it is amazing - and fast. I don't think anything wiped the smile off Marios or Peters faces.

It is fast and you have to hang on esp if someone decides to do some crazy driving. It came with a 3 seater tube so Mario and a few other kids in the back zipped around in the water getting wet and having fun (no photos as I was on the back observing). I had a ski and then Mario had a try - 5 tries as that was the deal (also came with a lolly option .... Mario drives a hard bargain). Out of that 5 there were 3 successes and Mario was a skiing champion!!! Even when he came off he was still smiling and bobbing in the water. It was so much fun to watch - I am waiting on some photos of the event as I was in the water helping Mario get up and going.
This new toy is bound to bring hours of enjoyment and entertainment over summer.

Girls (and kids) weekend

Last weekend was the annual girls catch up - three friends who met on day 1 studying occupational therapy some 23 (nearly 24) years ago.

We may be a little scattered but we plan and make a date and get together for some important catch ups. We aim to solve our own problems and the worlds while having a good laugh and lots of fun. We rented a house for the weekend on the central coast and except for some internal steps (and the BBQ being out of gas) it suited the weekend.

Normally our partners join us too but for various reasons they didnt make it this year. The 5 kids did come along and had a wonderful time. The big kids look after the little kids and the little kids play with the big kids and you couldnt ask for better.

We all arrive feeling a little worse for wear and leave feeling happy and back in control. It is so wonderful to have friends like these to share special times and who know when to call a spade a spade and just lay it on the table.

So until next year, thanks for the fun.

Concretor extra-ordinaire

Mario joined Daddy on a concreting job. He was sooo excited and was dressed for the occasion.

The first question on arrival ... can I stand in the concrete ... the next thing you know .... there he is with concrete tool in hand "helping Daddy.

Somehow the job got done and Mario had lots of fun. Fortunately Daddy cleaned the gumboots before he walked back in the door at the end of their working morning.

Maybe we will be P&K Concreting and Son .....

Look .... no training wheels!

Another momentus occasion
the training wheels were removed -
Mummy shut here eyes -
Daddy pushed along -
and next thing you know Daddy had let go and Mario was riding on 2 wheels!!
Mario was however more concerned that Daddy wasn't hanging on and was looking over his shoulder the whole time.

There were no serious crashes, just minor tumbles that resulted in no tears and some minor scratches worn as badges of honour. The first aid kit I had with me wasn't needed.

Day 2 had Mario following Daddy on his bike that included paths and slopes and ... would you believe it .... stairs ..... OK it was only 2 but ..... Mario was pretty game.

I was with them on Day 3 when both Mario and Daddy tried to ride me off the basketball court and show me their tricks.

I have a feeling my little boy is gamer than Ned Kelly. I can see jumps and crazy stuff in our future. I might find I have my eyes shut a lot.......

Happy Birthday!!

Where does the time go? Just 2 1/2 years ago we picked up a little 17mth old boy who was around 11Kg and 85cm tall. Now he is almost 18Kg and 104cm tall.

Mario seems to be a happy settled boy with a cheeky smile, an infectious giggle and a love of anything with wheels (and preferably those with 22). Of course there is the other ratty side that goes along with it but a smile and a laugh makes all that fade into insignificance.

What a birthday celebration it has been. It started with cupcakes with his friends at gymbaroo followed by Fathers Day celebrations combining with birthday celebrations. That all included presents and cake (a bear one this time). That then turned into his "real" birthday on monday with cupcakes at childcare (all in all I made 50 or so cupcakes) and party food and burritos followed by another cake - this time chocolate covered in mini teddy bear biscuits. Yes ... we had a bear theme this year.

Of course there were presents and if it had wheels it was a huge hit. Must say the games, books and toys have been keeping us busy in the evenings and before we know it bed time has arrived. Check out the look of concentration!!

It has been a wonderful celebration and another magnificent milestone in Mario's life. I wonder what lies ahead in the next 12 months .......

Surprise!

We just had a wonderful weekend in Sydney with family. It have Mario special time with his cousins and me time with my sisters and Peter time with his brothers in law. We all get along great.

The plan was us to all get together and just celebrate as our last get together was at Easter and with Matts family about 12 months or so. My sister wanted to cater and just do something special. Boy did it turn out to be special .....



All of a suddent a celebrant was there and we were celebrating Ange and Matts marriage. It was beautiful and casual and just so Ange and Matt. Even though Matt has been in the family for about 5 years now, and there are 2 beautiful children, they made it official and we are all so happy and excited for them.

Definitely a day to remember.

A winters tale

Well today we had snow!! It doesnt normally snow here. Our house sits at 617m above sea level so sometimes we get a bit of sleet. Today it decided to snow down. Not a huge amount but it lasted for at least 15min on the ground. It send us running for our coats and shoes and into the backyard to make snowballs and to run around.

For Mario it meant jumping on the trampoline making footprints (and making sure he didnt do any bottom jumps or fall over!). It was beautiful and fun and made the day so exciting.

The day has warmed slightly. Any snow now melts as it hits the ground. We can look out to the Brindabellas and see them covered in snow with more on the way. So pretty ......

Mario is ready for more! I am quite happy now sitting in front of the fire with a cup of coffee curled on the lounge (and watching the Olympics).

Fun with Friends

What a lovely weekend!
A quick visit from some very dear friends meant a catch up, a drink or 2, a lot of chatter and laughter and time for children to play together and just have fun. There were no tears, no fights, just kids revelling in the fun of playing and being together. Therewasn't much sleep had by anyone and today we are suffering the effects but hey!... there are always other days to catch up.

Loved it!

Humpty Dumpty Men

We have just had one of those moments ..... It wasn't huge or earth shattering but it was one of those moments when I saw my little man growing up ........... and......... what was that magical moment ........... Mario's first people drawing

(and according to my sister they look like humpty dumpty men hence the name of the post). It also contains snakes, rainbows and an M.

The artwork now hangs proudly on the "Mario Wall" for all to see - and it is thewallpaper on my mobile. Yes I am a very proud Mum as I see Mario learning and growing and loving life.

Hello

I can't believe 2 months have flown by since I last updated this blog. What has been happening since Easter ......
the seasons are changing and with shorter days and colder weather we do hibernate a little work for us all is busy (and that includes Marios fun days at childcare - oh he has his first school disco next week (known to him as dancing in the night) and when we are at home it is all about being a family and spending time together

spending time together includes our precious weekends when we light the fire and grab a drink and catch up on what has been happening

we had to update our computer after it died another dramatic death on us and so we decided to change emails and just take a few leaps with our technology and just getting our heads around that has been tricky

when I have my time out I love to get out and go to the gym or take Charlie (the dog) for a walk or on weekends curl up near the fire with a magazine or watch a bit of telly (unless Peter is watching the footy and then I find something else to do)

on weekends Peter has had his football umpiring and sometimes Mario and I join him (plus it is usually located near some great markets and Mario and I love to pick up some fresh produce and taste the honey and the fudge and whatever else might be on offer)

and finally there is lots of time spent jumping on the trampoline - one of the best things you can do I reckon to clear your head after a busy day - or playing with trucks and trains or when we need some quiet time doing drawing, playing with play dough or doing jigsaw puzzles.

So I hope that everyone is well and that with whatever you are doing there is some down time to smell the roses or at least play with the roses.

Happy Easter

This Easter was a wonderful family Easter. With Mum and Dad now in Canberra my sisters and their families came down to Canberra to celebrate. It was hectic and crazy as we were always out and about and it felt like we were always eating and talking.

I know all the cousins had a ball together as they would come home in the afternoon and instead of quiet time they all had a few hours nap. Relief for parents but with the late nights and bouncing and playing from morning til night they needed it. The time together resulted in no fights, lots of sharing and those family moments that you hope that they will remember all their lives.

Of course no Easter is complete without the egg hunt and Easter bunny and chocolate. It is also one of those special days in the year when chocolate for breakfast is OK. Even for us big kids it is still a special treat.

I loved watching Marios face as he found his eggs hiding on the trampoline and then laughing and playing with his cousins as they found theirs.

I hope everyone had a special moment this Easter.

Where did the time go?

I cannot believe that we have just hit autumn! What happened to summer? What happened to our time? And just how fast is 2008 flying!! In the last month we have all been kept busy with our day to day busy lives - work, childcare, running a business, swimming lessons, gymbaroo, golf, gym, playing, bouncing, weekends away down the coast and the everyday house jobs. One moment it is Monday and the next thing we know we are tucked up in bed again on a Sunday evening ready to go again.
I think the big news of the last month is that Mum and Dad sold their house, have purchased one in Canberra and as of this Thursday will be living less than 30min drive from our place. It is a big move after 30years. I hope it is one they don't regret. I think Canberra is a great place with lots of opportunities and a good way of life. Mario will get to have lots of time with his NannaRose and Griffy and that is something I am looking forward to. I know how close I was to my Dads parents and how much time we spent with them and it will be great for Mario to have that too. A 30min drive is so much better than a 4hr 30min drive. It is also closer for my sisters who will only have to travel 3hrs rather than 8hrs give or take a bit. Looks like everyone will be down for Easter.

Of course can't let today go by without mentioning that today is Peters birthday. He is off playing golf as I write, we have had morning tea out and tonight he gets his favourite dinner - BBQ T bone steak and salad and a delicious chocolate mud cake that Mario and me made yesterday. Mario has had a lovely time licking the bowl and getting covered in chocolate. Happy Birthday!!