My 2 Princesses

Jellfee's escapades to date...

2011-12-16T22:10:00.001+10:00

Jellfee is such fun. It's gorgeous to sed the girls rush around every morning to find Jellfee and find out what he's been up to overnight.

He is a cheeky elf that is for sure!!

Suz

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Funny things they say

2011-07-31T20:59:00.001+10:00

Tahlia: insisted on bringing her baby stroller, baby and handbags into Canelands (shopping centre) today. Lo and behold she lost her handbag. Isabella and I were madly rushing from shop to shop to find it. Tahlia's solution? Call the "prime minister!". Hahahahaha!! Yeah I think she's got a few more things to be worrying about than your lost handbag!

Isabella: reading Little Red Riding Hood to me tonight. Picture of wolf salivating and words describing the wolf questioning LRRH about her Grandma's whereabouts. Isabella tells me she wouldn't be telling the wolf anything about her Grandma because a dribbling wolf is a greedy wolf!! Hehehehe!!

Funny stuff!

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Happy 8th Birthday Bella

2011-07-13T20:50:00.001+10:00

So it appears I have an 8 year old!!!! How crazy is that???

Isabella was 8 on the 8th of July and Michael, Tahlia and I all had the day off with Bella for she birthday and added bonus Grandpa and Nonna came to visit from the Sunshine Coast!!

We hadn't seen each other in 6 months and had a great few days together.

We all travelled to Airlie Beach on Friday to stay overnight. We stopped at Cedar Creek Falls for lunch and birthday cake on the way up. What a gorgeous spot. A few crazy tourists were even swimming.

Michael and Bella walked the track up to the top of the falls.

We stayed at Peppers Resort which was quite flash with a beautiful view.

A lovely dinner in Airlie that evening and we headed to the beach front where some fire twirlers were practicing their craft - quite spectacular.

We did a bit of sight seeing on Sat and found an unbelievable block we wished we were millionaires so we could buy it!!

Home sweet home and the rest of the weekend was spent baking, playing Chinese checkers and building a vegetable garden - can't wait today some rocket fresh from the garden.

Such a lovely way to spend a few days!

A lady beetle cake for the birthday girl!

Cedar Creek Falls - great rocks for skipping across the water!

Grandpa, Nonna, Tahlia and Bella

The view from "our" block!

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Sick

2011-06-25T17:23:00.001+10:00

The old adage - it never rains it pours has never been truer than now for our family.

So much going on including two sick kids.

Took Tahlia to the doctor on Thursday after two days of high temps and waking up crying with a sore ear. Diagnosis was ear infection. Prescription of antibiotics given. Update: her ear is much better but she is still full of snots and is sneezing like a maniac.

Cue forward to this morning and I'm taking Isabella to the doctor after a week of high temps, loss of appetite, lethargy, snots and coughing. I'm glad my google diagnosis of whooping cough was incorrect. She was instead diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection and also prescribed antibiotics. She's currently asleep.......again and it's only 5pm. I hope the medicine works quickly for her she is just not herself.

Sucks to be a parent when your child is sick and there is really very little you can do for them other than cuggles and lots of them.

Michael is drowning in staffing issues at work and spent the majority of the day at work interviewing people even though it is Saturday.

It's end of financial year for me and all the craziness that goes along with that is certainly keeping me busy too.

On an exciting front Michael and I just got iPad's so I'm enjoying playing around on mine. It sure is much easier to write a blog post on the iPad keyboard than the iPhone. How did I ever manage with that small screen?

Til next time....

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Princesses

2011-03-22T22:11:00.001+10:00

Some days there are too many Princesses in this house.

Today has been one of those days.

Dramas and tears. I've given lots of cuggles but have no idea why the tears and dramas and that is the frustrating part!

It's been such a long time since I last posted.

Tahlia turned 4 in January and is in her final year of daycare - the Grizzly room.

Isabella is in year 2 and her reading and writing amaze me each day.

Both girls enjoy their weekly swimming lessons and Isabella has also started learning the violin this year. (think bleeding ears!)

Michael and I continue to be busy in our jobs (some things never change!).

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Proud

2010-09-08T20:59:00.000+10:00

A little bit of bragging.....

Michael and I went to Isabella's 3 way student, teacher, parent interview last night.

Isabella presented some of her digital portfolio to us (video footage of her doing a weather report and front row and centre in a class dance performance).

She did such a fantastic job!

Her teacher then told us how she is progressing and by all accounts she is doing great!!

Miss Carey said isabella's handwriting is neater than her own!

Isabella is very mature and helpful in the classroom. All in all a fantastic report.

I'm so proud of her!!

Love you Darling!

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Tahlia

2010-08-22T18:35:00.001+10:00

Tahlia is a card sometimes.

We went to church this morning. As a family. Before going to the church/school fair.

The girls went to Sunday school and came back after the homily.

Father Peter had a bandage on the side of his face. Tahlia looks at him and exclaims "what happened to Jesus' face?".

Hahahaha!!!!!

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Nearly August!

2010-07-28T21:58:00.000+10:00

Where has half the year gone?

We are all busy busy and the weeks fly past.

Isabella continues to enjoy playing hockey and Tahlia and I love to watch.

Tahlia and Bella are still swimming.

Michael had his final operation to remove a stent following surgery to remove a kidney stone. He seems to be making a full and speedy recovery - praise God.

Another financial year has begun and work for me is as busy as ever.

Here are some recent photos, including one of the girls taken on Bella's 7th birthday.

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Grandma

2010-06-29T21:22:00.001+10:00

My Grandma in Canada passed away recently. Although she was almost ninety it was still a shock to get that dreaded phone call.

Worse still was the fact that we were unable to make contact with my Dad and Step-mum and Aunty and Uncle who were traveling together in Alaska/BC at the time.

5 long days of praying.

My Grandpa passed away in 2008 shortly after my Dad and I made a trip over to see them.

I have such fond memories of that time; games of crib, cheesies and cinnamon hearts, lots of chatting and great stories of Grandma and Grandpa's early married life together.

I miss them both.

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Echidna in the bones

2010-06-11T22:07:00.001+10:00

Well what a week!

I took Michael to hospital last Friday morning with severe pain in his back and side.

He was admitted and an MRI confirmed kidney stones. Isabella was relaying the drama with her bestie on the phone when she came over to me saying Natalie's mum wanted to speak to me.

Natalie had told her mum that Michael had an echidna on his bone!!! HahahHaha think Chinese whispers gone wrong it was a kidney stone!!

Anyway back to Friday. Michael in excruiating pain and pumped full of pethadine and buscopan. He announced to me after 3 shots of pethadine when he finally found some relief that he felt "at peace"!! He was high as a kite!

Turned out he needed to have surgery to remove a blockage in his urethra and have a stent inserted. He also had a raving infection and so spent two nights in hospital following surgery being pumped full of antibiotics.

He came home on Sunday feeling much better although in some discomfort from the stent and I suspect the infection - we found out today it could have been quite serious had it gone on for too much longer as the infection was affecting his kidney badly.

He saw his doctor again today and has acheduled surgery for the 28th to remove the kidney stone and hopefully the stent. Until then the poor man is like a pregnant woman going to the toilet every hour!

I am so greatful that things have turned out ok!

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My new tattoo

2010-06-03T21:29:00.001+10:00

I had a love note from Isabella made into a tattoo last week.

She wrote it only a couple of months ago and when she saw it she said "they put the letters around the wrong way!".

I find it amazing how quickly they progress learning wise. A couple of months ago she got letters around the wrong way and now she's clever enough to know it's not quite right!!

In anycase I love my kids and i love my tattoo and it's a constant reminder that my kids love me!!

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Playing in the park

2010-05-23T20:48:00.001+10:00

I took Tahlia, Bella and Natalie (Bella's bestie) to the park yesterday.

The weather is starting to cool down now but it was still pleasant enough.

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Mummy's Day

2010-05-10T20:42:00.001+10:00

My haul of "made with love" gifts from Isabella and Tahlia.

We also had a lovely dinner with Michael's parents, his sister (her boyfriend and kids) and my mum.

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Bits and pieces

2010-04-27T20:50:00.001+10:00

Another long weekend come and gone and another coming up!

This weekend was ANZAC day and despite the threat of rain so many school children turned up. Isabella marched with her school for the second year. It was lovely to hear the bystanders clapping for the children as they marched past.

Tahlia had her first playdate at our house on Monday arve when her bestie Emmerson came over. Much fun was had until it wasn't fun anymore and it was time for her mummy to come.

Here are some photos and another love note by Isabella.

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Pray

2010-04-20T21:22:00.001+10:00

With Michael doing a lot of travelling with work I often pray with the girls for God to keep him safe and bring him home to us.

Michael went to Bowen today and we said a prayer this morning together.

This afternoon we are driving home and Tahlia says out of the blue "we say a prayer for Daddy?".

How sweet it is to be loved by you!

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Games

2010-04-18T17:59:00.001+10:00

I had a conversation with my dad last night about how I find it VERY boring playing games with my children and that I felt a bit of a failure because of it. He assured me that I wasn't but it got me thinking.

So this morning I dedicated myself to Bella especially and spent some quality uninterrupted time with both the girls.

We did beading, UNO, kerplunk, spider game, draughts, boggle jnr and trouble and all this by midday!

I actually had an alright time and I'm pretty sure Bella did too ;-). I plan on doing this again soon.

Then we made pizza dough and pizza for lunch.

Here is the end product.

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Day off

2010-04-16T14:03:00.000+10:00

Tahlia and I had s day off today.

We took the car in for a service and walked to the library where we met my mum. Had a lively chat while Tahlia played on the swings.

Then we stayed in the library for a while and Tahlia befriended a little girl.

Walked then to Canelands for lunch. Tahlia requested a honey sandwich! Better than the usual chicken nuggets and chips!

We walked back to get the car.

We are now killing 1/2 hour before we pick up Isabella and take her to hockey.

A lovely day!

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Pictures speak louder than words

2010-04-06T20:27:00.001+10:00

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I love ouy!

2010-03-29T20:54:00.001+10:00

This morning I was in my bathroom getting ready for work when I heard the sound of Isabella's remote control toy being driven in my bedroom.

The sliding door was opened and in came (remotely) Isabella's remote control toy which is like a three wheel bike that a My Little Pony sits on.

However there was no pony but a torn corner of a piece of paper......

How good is it to be me???

Isabella is always writing me love notes and I adore them.

I took this mornings offering and stuck it to my computer monitor at work - I can't tell you how many times it made me smile today!!

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Cyclone Ului

2010-03-22T22:19:00.001+10:00

We experienced our first cyclone this weekend.

First and last I hope.

The eye passed thru Airlie Beach about 1.5hrs north but I've heard winds here were up to 180km an hour.

Not fun.

The pounding rain I could handle, the howling raging wind however was something else.

We lost electricity between 10 and 11pm in Sat night (it was restored Mon about 5pm). Some people are still without :-(

The wind got wilder and wilder. By midnight all the girls were with us in our room but they were asleep.

I just couldn't sleep for the wind.

Then I heard the sound of tin and a l bit of a clunk and a few choice words later Michael and I were peering out our sliding glass doors with our torch.

The next door neighbour's shed roof had torn off and was dangling over our fence!

I was pretty scared by this so we relocated to our front room.

We all sat up for a bit (I was trying to keep it together because the girls certainly didn't seem as scared as I felt!).

Eventually we managed to get the girls back to sleep but I just couldn't sleep.

Whilst I had no electricity my iPhone still had Internet access so I checked out facebook to see how others were getting on and checked BOM website frequently.

An update told me the cyclone found land but still the wind roared!

I swore i could hear tin ripping again which further freaked me out (found out next morning across the road neighbours guttering ripped off).

Eventually fell to sleep sometime after 4am.

Neighbour woke us all up at 7am - he had come to fetch his shed roof which had made it's way half into our pool by now.

Quick survey revealed no damage (praise God) other than some broken plants.

We didn't have any mobile coverage at this point but the landline was working (it stopped working about 9am). Made a few calls to see how family had fared.

Michael's parents had some broken windows from lattice that lifted from their patio.

Amazingly my Mum's place was unscathed, although lots of plant damage and strewn about.

Driving around later that day revealed damage to fences, lots if uprooted trees and some trees on houses!

I've said to a few people now that I felt quite safe and secure in my house, I wasn't scared my house would rip apart, what I was scared of was something flying INTO my house - thank goodness nothing like that happened.

We are all so lucky. I'd be happy to never have to experience that again in my life.

Suz

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Final words on Melbourne

2010-03-16T20:59:00.001+10:00

Michael and I had a wonderful time in Melbourne. Many thanks to my Dad and Step Mum for making our kid free getaway possible!

The weather was perfect. The food amazing. Jamie Oliver inspiring.

We can't wait to go back - this time we'll take the girls too!

Here are some more pics.

Bathing boxes at Brighton.

City view over the Yarra River.

One of the amazing views from Eureka Tower - 360 degree views of Melbourne from the tallest residential building in the southern hemisphere from the 88 th floor.

Just to prove Mackay has some food style too - Isabella's chicken nuggets and chips from Satchmo's.

Enjoy!

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2nd place

2010-03-16T20:51:00.001+10:00

Isabella swam in her first school swimming carnival today and she came 2 nd in her race!

We were so proud and happy to be able to see her.

Here is her ribbon.

My dear friend Phyl passed away last Friday. I went to her funeral today. Rest in peace Phyl. I'm so blessed to have had you in my life.

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Lygon St

2010-03-11T21:29:00.001+10:00

Tonight we had dinner in Lygon St with my uncle (mum's brother) and aunt.

Had not seen them since I was 8 so some 26 years ago! We have a changed somewhat since then.

What is undeniable is the resemblence between my mum and her brother. And even mire strange was how much my uncle reminded me of my brother.

Michael and I had a great time catching up.

We also had our "first" tram ride (well first one on this visit)!

Here's some photos, although Dale was Aldo taking some photos and he's a professional photographer so no doubt his photos are way better!!

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Lunch

2010-03-11T14:29:00.001+10:00

We just spent the morning with Michael's cousin David, his wife Fiona and their baby Cooper.

What a fabulous time down St Kilda and another yummy meal ;-)

Tonight Lygon St with my Aunt and Uncle for dinner.

Can you spot the recurring theme?

Lunch

Luna Park

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15

2010-03-11T07:11:00.001+10:00

Last night we had dinner at 15.

It was great!

Krista our knowledgable waitress guided us in our selections.

We both decided to try things we wouldn't ordinarily go for.

I had duck with figs and rocket for entree while Michael chose kingfish with orange. Mmmmmm

For main I had pork belly confit and Michael had some Victorian lamb. It was fabulous.

Was very full but the experience wouldn't be complete without dessert!

I chose a pannacotta with grilled peaches and almond brittle and Muchael's involved some beautiful lemon sorbet.

Yummy!

Bonus was seeing Tobey in the kitchen and out front a while.

So much fun!

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My Kitchen Rules

2010-03-01T21:00:00.001+10:00

I've been so inspired in the kitchen lately.

I discovered Donna Hay last week (don't know how I didn't know about her sooner!).

Tonight I made basil, lemon and garlic roasted chicken which was not only scrumptious but so quick and easy!

Last night Tony, Jo, Declan and Nate came for dinner. I made my first attempt at Creme Caramel. The caramel was a little toffee-like but overall YUMMY!!!

For entree was my second go at bruschetta and it was mmmmmmmm!

I have lots of basil in the herb garden at the moment.

In other news Isabella is up to her third sight words level and her reading is just fantastic! I'm so proud and I hope she has a love of reading in her life I know how much i've enjoyed it.

Tahlia also surprised me this afternoon by showing me how she can swing herself on the swing! Very clever!

In sadder news a dear friend is in palliative care and we said goodbye to each other today :-(

Phyllis was my "adopted" grandmother growing up and we spent many many hours together. She is a wonderful cook, cake decorator, sewer, crocheter, rose, orchid and shell enthuist, listener and friend. I love you Phyl!

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School days

2010-02-24T20:34:00.001+10:00

Isabella is enjoying year 1 so far.

We are getting into our groove; swimming on Tuesdays, show and tell and library on Thursdays and homework and reading each night.

Isabella seems to be picking up so much so quickly although it is clear she us s perfectionist (no idea where she gets that from hehe!).

She is also easily frustrated and down on herself if she can't get something straight away. So lots and lots of encouraging/praise going on.

Here are some pics of her first student of the week for the year and one of the girls, Bella holding her flash cards.

Thanks also for the words of comfort on my last post xoxo

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It's a tough job

2010-02-22T21:46:00.001+10:00

Some days I do a terrible job at parenting. Today has been one of them.

I'm so ashamed at how little patience I have.

I see and hear all these terrible news stories of young lives gone too soon and think to myself I am so blessed, so lucky and almost the next breath or thought is one of frustration.

I pray tomorrow is a better day.

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Rainbow

2010-02-14T17:46:00.000+10:00

Tahlia has desperately been wanting to see a rainbow recently.

And there was one in our backyard this afternoon.

And this was Tahlia.....

Aaaaawwwww

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Getting organised

2010-02-07T21:02:00.001+10:00

I love to be organised. Today I made some inroads into that by preparing some meals for us for the working week to come. I've got spaghetti bolognaise (made with fresh herbs - see below) and sausage rolls. Isabella and Tahlia also helped me make cupcakes.

Michael planted me a herb garden this afternoon! I'm so excited. I've been inspired by Stephenie Alexander Kitchen Garden Companion and our upcoming trip to Melbourne to see Jamie Oliver live!

I've got; oregano, basil, chilli, parsley (flat leaf and curly), Rosemary, coriander, garlic chives and mint so far.

I've also been trying to lose weight and get fit so I tried Jillian Michaels 30 day shred workout this afternoon. Whoa!!! That is the hardest thing I've ever done. I don't think my face has ever seen that shade of purple before! It stayed that way for at least an hour! I have a sneaking suspicion I'm going to be VERY VERY sore tomorrow!

Here are some photos - cupcakes decorated by the girls, my new garden and Tahlia.

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Me and my girls

2010-01-31T14:39:00.000+10:00

Taken at Cairns Esplanade one evening during our holiday.

First day of school

2010-01-28T20:37:00.001+10:00

Bella's first day of Grade 1. She is sitting next to her best friend Natalie.

Bike ride after school down to the shop. We went again this afternoon - we are determined that Bella won't need training wheels all her life!

Michael and I had our first day back to work today. We made it through ok!

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On the eve of Grade 1

2010-01-26T22:03:00.001+10:00

Isabella starts grade 1 tomorrow.

Michael and I had fun (NOT) covering Bella's books in contact on Monday. Only to later be informed of plastic book covers!

Michael told Bella to check out all the other kids books to find the best covered so we can pay their mother to cover her books next year!

This morning I made a batch of mini quiches and some jelly/fruit cups in readiness for lunch boxes.

I also ironed Bella's uniforms. Gone are the 'prep' polo's she will now wear the school blouse.

She is so excited!

I asked her the other day "do you think you'll cry?" to which she responded "no - do you?".

Maybe a little...... Although I'm also excited for her and everything she will learn this year.

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The Raw Prawn/Paronella Park

2010-01-23T17:59:00.001+10:00

We are heading back to Townsville this morning after a great holiday in Cairns.

Yesterday was pretty miserable weather wise so we spent another day shopping! The back of our car is chock-a-block full of goodies!

Last night we dined at The Raw Prawn and I had the best meal of my life. Barramundi with kipfler potatoes, asparagus and avocado salsa mmmmmmmmm!!!!!

The girls had fun "drawing" on the tables too!

We have just passed Innisfail ( we are staying at Club Lenz tonight!) and we are going to stop at Paronella Park for lunch.

Paronella Park was amazing! We will return again (soon we hope) so we can explore for longer.

Here is a photo of my artwork from last night and the sign for the restaurant. I will post some pics from Paronella Park when we get home.

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Daintree, Port Douglas and visit with Gran

2010-01-21T19:51:00.001+10:00

Another early start and about 1.5 hrs drive to the Daintree.

A bit worried about the weather as a cyclone had formed up north and we did have some heavy rain before arriving at Daintree.

We decided to do a River Cruise on the Daintree. The weather was better by then.

It was great! We spotted a couple of tree snakes and a couple of crocodiles! The scenery was just gorgeous too!

We travelled back down to Port Douglas and had some lunch before going to visit my Gran and David and Ticky.

We hadn't seen Gran since Tahlia was born. She turned 92 last year so she isn't able to travel anymore.

It was lovely to catch up and do some reminiscing.

We decided to have an early dinner at Port Douglas so Michael and the girls could look around some more seeing as they hadn't been before.

It was over 20 years since my last visit and I was astounded with the changes.

Isabella has hit Michael fir a night swim bur I think I might stay in the room with Tahlia who is quite exhausted by all the travelling we have been doing.

Not sure of our plans for tomorrow at this stage.

Bye for now. The photo is from the lookout at Port Douglas looking onto Eight Mile Beach (??) need to check on that beach name though.

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Kuranda

2010-01-20T17:36:00.000+10:00

Today was amazing!

An early start to Freshwater Station fir a train ride up to Kuranda.

Some gorgeous scenery complete with waterfalls!

A visit to the Butterfly Sanctuary was probably the highlight alongside the candy shop demonstration!

Return trip was via Skyrail. I had to wipe from my mind the fact we were up sooooo high dangling nearly by a thread at one point!

Here are some photos. It was all too much fir some ;-)

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Dinner at Mondo's

2010-01-20T06:21:00.001+10:00

We had an excellant dinner last night with Tim, Lisa, Keeley and Mikaela at Mondo's.

Complete with face painting, karaoke for the girls and childrens entertainers (juggling, balloons and general craziness).

Tahlia performed a few numbers on the mic and literally didn't stop going all night.

We are up early thus morning for a day trip to Kuranda. Weather is quite ordinary (think tropical low) but we will make the most of it anyway.

Better get cracking!

PS please excuse any typo's!

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I love Mum

2010-01-19T16:06:00.000+10:00

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Shopping and movies

2010-01-19T13:42:00.001+10:00

So yesterday we spent many hours and many dollars at DFO.

The specials were amazing so we got lots for our dollars.

The girls changed into some of their new outfits shortly after buying them and I saw dome other kids who had done the same thing LOL!

Later we went swimming at our hotels pool which was nice and relaxing.

The girls bought themselves knock off Pandora bracelets after dinner.

Quite a late night by our girls standards. So it was great to have a sleep in til 8.15am!

We are now in Cairns Central and have bought me some legit charms for my Pandora. Just saw Princess and the Frog which was CUTE!!

About to have lunch and work out the plan for the next few days!

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Breakfast with the Lenz'

2010-01-17T08:35:00.001+10:00

We had a great night with the Lenz' and their friends last night celebrating Jo's birthday.

The kids have had gin pulling out every single toy in their toy room!

Today we travel to Cairns.

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Roadtrip

2010-01-16T09:42:00.001+10:00

We are travelling to Townsville today and then on to Cairns tomorrow for our holidays.

The girls are set.....

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The dishes

2010-01-14T19:45:00.001+10:00

I just left the girls at the table to finish their dinner. I went to the study and on the computer.

Tahlia soon came in and wanted me to put on a movie - which I did.

I heard some rattling around going on in the kitchen and then Isabella came in with the dishwasher tablet to tell me she'd done the dishes and just wanted me to unwrap the tablet and turn it on!

All unprompted!

How sweet is that???

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Mumma

2010-01-08T19:50:00.001+10:00

For some reason Tahlia has just started calling me "Mumma".

And I love it!!!!!!

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Nearly 3 and nearly 10

2010-01-06T21:06:00.001+10:00

Tahlia turns 3 next Friday. I can't believe my "baby" is going to be 3. But to all and sundry who have asked the question she has been 3 for a while now! Hehehe!

And on the same say Michael and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage. I don't know where that time has gone.

I am so blessed.

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Back to work tomorrow

2010-01-04T08:20:00.001+10:00

Isabella and I are having our last day together before I head back to work tomorrow. Have sent Tahlia to daycare today as I need some time out from her! She pushed every one of my buttons yesterday!

Isabella is sitting next to me painting her tea set - a gift from my mum for Christmas.

I have a few chores to do today but they are at home so not planning on venturing out today except to pick Tahlia up when I get some strength back to deal with her.

Michael and his dad were busy over the long weekend putting some more drainage in beside the pool. Water issues have added thousands to this pool project ugh!

Here is a photo of Bella painting.

So until next time!

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Getting together

2009-12-28T21:49:00.000+10:00

Wow what a busy couple of days!

Christmas day was wonderful. Isabella and Tahlia slept in. The girls loved their gifts and there wasn't any "is there any more?" for which I was greatful.

Michael and the girls spoiled me. I got a new camera and a Pandora bracelet with some charms. One of which was a rose charm picked out by Isabella because her middle name is Rose.

We got Michael an iPod Touch and Isabella made sure we bought him some Toblerone chocolate.

We had all of our Mackay family come to our house on Christmas day which was lovely. Lots of food but more importantly great company.

Mum took lots of great photos and I'll try and post some soon.

On Boxing Day we visited with some dear friends including the girls fairy Godmother Kia. We are having dinner again on Wednesday!

I also managed to Skype with my Grandma, aunty Eileen, uncle Ernie and uncle Charles in Canada which was amazing!

On Sunday we took the girls to Alvin and the Chipmunks Squeakwel which was very cute.

This afternoon we were visited by Belinda, Arran, Cooper, Layla and Tate. It was great to catch up and the kids had fun swimming.

Tomorrow Michael is back to work boohoo! But I have some girlfriends and their kids coming over for a visit and swim yay!

All in all this holiday has been fantastic!

Take care everyone and make sure you appreciate each and every moment with your loved ones!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T16:57:00.000+10:00

Wishing all my family and friends a very happy and holy Christmas.

2009-11-22T20:54:00.001+10:00

How many sleeps to Christmas?

2009-11-22T20:33:00.002+10:00

I can't believe that November is almost over! What an amazing year of firsts 2009 has been.

We've been busy since I last blogged too.

The landscaping is finished (yeehaa). We had turf laid on Friday and we have been frantically watering for the last 3 days.

A few days after the landscaping was finished we had some torrential rain that washed most of our top soil into our pool. Our oasis was turned into a swamp! It took 3 visits by the pool professionals for it to look right again.

We had a big swim this afternoon. The weather has really warmed up now so I'm sure we'll be in it heaps more.

So what's been happening?

Isabella lost her 2nd tooth and I'm happy to report the replacement teeth which had come up behind the wobbly ones have 'fallen' forward and are looking great. Isabella has only a week and a half left of Prep. Grade 1 next year....

Tahlia - well neve a dull moment is true - a few weeks back we had some real constipation problems with her which necessitated the use of enemas - which was just awful for her. She is all better now, she has even taken to using the toilet for her "number 2's" - which all parents will relate to this milestone!

Michael has been very busy with work and is right back to doing heaps of travel. He has a work car now so at least he can organise his trips around us and our needs rather than having to travel with his boss when it suited him.

I think Michael is getting pretty excited about being able to get stuck into the gardens soon. Now the grass is laid we only need to have the pool fence panels installed and some concreting off the patio done.

We have dreams of a bali hut off the side of the pool in the not too distant future and the "resort" will be complete!

Tahlia's kindy have professional photo's each year and it has been a few years since we had some done. The photos turned out lovely. Look out family you'll probably receive some in the mail in the near future!

Michael and I had a night out the other weekend for his work Christmas party. The theme was 'Pirates' and we ended up winning best dressed for the night. The party was on a boat that 'drove' around the islands off our marina. It was a great night!

Until next time....

Tooth fairy's first visit

2009-10-21T19:17:00.002+10:00

Well we are excited to announce that we are expecting our first visit from the tooth fairy!

Michael picked up Isabella today and she arrived home and I knew something was up.

She was acting coy and smiling (mouth closed).

After yabbering away at her (how was your day? etc) I noticed she was clutching a scrunched up bit of tissue.

It dawned on me....."Did you lose your tooth today?" I excitedly asked.

She proceeded to give me the details. I think I am more excited than she is.

Not sure what the going rate for the tooth fairy is these days.

Here are some photos!

her next two teeth are already almost right up...you can see them behind

2009-10-11T16:52:00.001+10:00

First Swim

2009-10-01T20:17:00.002+10:00

Not quite filled to the top yet. The hose has been going for nearly 36 hours now and still not full..............must hold ALOT of water.

Bits and pieces update

2009-09-29T14:34:00.001+10:00

“I’d love to”

I love hearing myself in my kids sometimes. I have a habit of saying ‘I’d love to’ (a little sarcastically) when my kids ask me to do something I don’t want to do.

The other day I asked Miss Tahlia to come to me so I could fix up her skirt and she replied ‘I’d love to’ and to me she came.

Very cute….

“Reading”

Isabella’s reading is coming along in leaps and bounds. We are making a conscious effort to read every night and she is playing heaps on ‘Reading Eggs’ website. She is just stoked she is able to read some of the basic books in the ‘Reading Eggs’ suite.

So am I!

“Pool”

Slowly but surely the pool is coming along. The coping tiles were laid last Thursday. The pebble insert is being done today and they will be back tomorrow to acid wash it and then I believe water can be filled on Thursday.

We have temporary fencing coming on Thursday and hopefully will be able to line up the landscaper for next week.

Unfortunately we are in a queue for the proper fencing – looks like it won’t be done for 4-6 weeks!

We signed the contract in May – you can get a house built faster!

“Holidays”

Michael and Isabella are into their second week of holidays. They have been spending time at the beach, going to the movies and other various activities together. Isabella has also spent 2 days at vacation care with her best friend Natalie.

“Water Park”

The girls and I went to the Water Park on the weekend with my sister Amanda and niece Alishia. It was FREEZING!! And yet Tahlia insisted that I take her down the slide (which meant I had to get wet more than just up to my knees!). The girls obviously didn’t feel it as much as us adults and spent a good amount of time swimming and splashing.

“Pregnant”

No I’m not but a near and dear friend is heavily pregnant and another announced her pregnancy news last week. Praying for safe (pain free – ha!) delivery for Kathy and a beautiful healthy baby and for an uneventful, joyous pregnancy for Nikki.

2009-09-21T20:11:00.001+10:00

visiting reading skyping

2009-09-17T21:36:00.002+10:00

Michael and the girls and I spent a long weekend on the Sunshine Coast this past weekend.

We stayed with my Dad (Cliff) and Step-Mum (Yvonne) and for most of Saturday and Sunday my 3 neices (Lily, Matilda and Hannah) and their mummies (Emma and Kylie) and daddies (David and Phil) were also there.

A wonderful time was had by all.

While we were all together we also celebrated Matilda's 5th birthday (which is actually in early October).

Here are some pics to prove it!

Isabella enjoying bubbles

Tahlia knackered out

The birthday girl - Matilda

The 'flowers'

We were all very impressed with Lily's ability to read (she is nearly finished first grade). So much so that Isabella and I have found some resources to make serious inroads into doing the same. Today I found some great books that have an online component which Isabella had loads of fun doing - by the end of the first 8 books she was able to read the first two readers! Exciting stuff.

My Dad has been on Skype for ages and after speaking with my Aunty Eileen in Canada on the weekend through Skype I finally got around to downloading it at home. I then proceeded to have an hour long video call with a girlfriend who lives nearby and an IM conversation with another girlfriend in the US. Tonight we 'called' Cliff and Yvonne and they were able to 'see' the girls and I on the webcam. What a great way to keep in touch!

And now it's nearly 10pm and time for this little black duck to call it a night!

Toodleloo for now Suz

2009-09-08T20:26:00.001+10:00

oh d EAR

2009-09-08T20:24:00.002+10:00

Poor Isabella has a perforated ear thanks to a rather sharp Yucca in our front yard!

The girls were playing in the front yard while Michael was busy cleaning the cars.

Isabella started screaming and ran inside, meanwhile Michael is outside berating Tahlia and telling her to go and apologise to her sister.

Unbeknownst to us all, Tahlia was completely innocent and the Yucca had attacked Isabella as she walked past.

She told me she was in quite a bit of pain so I dosed her up with medicine, but couldn't see anything that gave me cause for alarm.

She had an awful night on Sunday and by Monday morning there was dried blood in the ear. Doctors trip in the afternoon who advised she had perforated her ear. Poor thing.

Michael was sick on Monday too - I think there is some virus/bug going around which causes extreme dizziness.

We had parent/teacher interviews today. These were 3 way interviews with Isabella showing us through her digital portfolio. I'm amazed at how much she is learning each and every day.

She is constantly full of questions and talking about words and sounding them out.

We are trying to do lots of reading at nights too.

We are off to Brisbane (Sunshine Coast) on Friday to see family - Isabella and Tahlia have been on the count down for weeks. Michael will already be down there for work and so the girls and I are flying down together on the Friday.

Can't wait!!!

Isabella

2009-08-23T18:03:00.002+10:00

Not sure if I have mentioned before but Isabella is quite the artist.

She absolutely loves to draw and colour in and she is better than both her mother and father put together. Seriously stick men are my limits, oh and I can draw a pretty good tree - but who can't?!

Anyway, last night we were out to dinner (a family thing - plenty of big people and a handful of little people - boring!) and we brought some colouring for the girls.

Here are two drawings she did last night.

2009-08-22T22:06:00.001+10:00

Pool and shaving

2009-08-22T22:02:00.001+10:00

Our pool is close to being finished (or so we are told!). Our pool guy told us we should be able to swim in it next weekend.

Here is a photo of the shell and Michael's latest project (staining the fence).

Tahlia 'shaving' tonight (see video above)

I love you!

2009-08-19T20:03:00.001+10:00

So I was cuggling Tahlia on the couch tonight and we were just about to start the night-time bed routine (teeth, nursery rhyme book, bed) when Tahlia looks up at me and says:

“I love you!”

Totally unprompted!

It's moment's like these that makes it all worthwhile.

2009-08-16T18:36:00.001+10:00

Bits and pieces

2009-08-16T18:03:00.002+10:00

Here are some photos taken in July when my family visited.

Isabella and her cousin Lily

My Dad and Step-Mum and their 'flowers' (one flower is missing - Hannah who was unable to make this trip).

I'm also downloading a gorgeous video of Isabella and Tahlia dancing to Hannah Montana this afternoon - very cute.

No more news on the pool front - although hopefully by the end of the month I'll be able to show you photos of the finished product. The pool anyway, not the landscaping/fencing.

I've gotta go and finish dinner (roast pork MMMMM) and there is also ironing calling out to me - "BE QUIET". Hehehehehe don't think it heard me.

Take care my loved ones!

Bart

2009-08-07T17:28:00.003+10:00

Tahlia's kindy teacher bailed me up today as I was picking her up.

"Tahlia cracks me up!" she said.

Apparently all the children were sitting down (quietly) about ready to have morning tea.

Tahlia pipes up in a loud voice "I did a fart!"

Well thanks for sharing Tahlia.

All the ladies at kindy seem to find Tahlia eccentricities adorable - which is a good thing I guess.

We, her family, however, find her very trying at times.

Have lots to update but just wanted to quickly write this post.

PS the reason I called it 'bart' is because this is how Tahlia usually pronounces the word!

6 years ago

2009-07-07T15:00:00.004+10:00

Isabella was born a little after 5.30pm on July 8th. She weighed 5 pounds 14.5 ounces.

Isabella on her first birthday.

Isabella about 2 years old (who incidently in this photo is a dead ringer for Tahlia - or I should Tahlia is a dead ringer for her!)

Isabella riding her new bike at her 3rd birthday party at Harbour Park.

And at her 4th birthday party celebrated at our house with her kindy friends.

Last year when Isabella turned 5.

I will update with the latest photo soon!

I can't believe my 'baby' is 6 already. She is having a nice holiday so far. Last week she spent with Michael and they went to the movies, bowling and bike riding. This week has really only begun but we are going to the movies tonight with her friend from school and Bella is EXTRA excited because it's her first 'night' movie! Hehehe.

I have my Dad and step-Mum coming tomorrow and then my step sister and two neices coming on Saturday. Can't wait!

2009-06-22T21:13:00.001+10:00

Birthday Boy

2009-06-22T20:35:00.004+10:00

Happy 33rd birthday my darling husband!

Isabella and Tahlia were more than happy to 'help' unwrap presents and help with blowing out the candles on the cake!

In other breaking news....

We have a hole for our pool and tomorrow they will pour the concrete.

And Isabella had her first school disco - which was the cutest thing I ever did see. She excitedly told me that they were to stay at the disco 'until midnight' hehehe! In reality it was from 5.30pm to 7pm. The preps, grade 1 to 3 had a great time.

And I'm so HAPPY I have worked out that I can use Photobucket to upload photos/videos with a MUCH better result than the inbuilt upload feature of blogger - yeehaaa!!

A trip away

2009-06-10T21:54:00.003+10:00

We had a little holiday this long weekend and drove to Townsville (some 4 hours north) to watch the football and have some 'quality' family time together.

Truth be told I was a litte worried about how the girls would go on the long drive - we don't travel long distance by car very often.

I am happy to report they did GREAT!

We left Friday about 4pm. Made it to Bowen where we stopped for dinner. Pulled out the laptop and put on a movie and the girls were both asleep within the hour.

Arrived in Townsville just after 9pm.

We stayed in a hotel on The Strand which was lovely. Although we had a room right opposite the lifts so it was a bit noisy during the night when the drunken yahoo's were coming home from their night out.

The next day we spent some time at The Strand having lunch and letting the girls have a good play. Tahlia and I went back to the hotel for her nap - I watched 'Weekend at Bernies' on pay tv (remember that film? I loved it!).

That evening we went to Dairy Farmers and watched a football game (Cowboys vs Rabbitohs). Cowboys (home team/'our' team) flogged the 'bunnies'.

Isabella and Tahlia loved it! Tahlia had her clacker and clacked and cheered each time the Cowboys scored (which was often!) She loved the characters (bunny, lightbulb (?!), Blue Heeler and of course the cheerleaders as they did the rounds of the football field.

It was all too much for Bella though - she fell asleep before the end of the game.

The next morning we visited with old friends who have two boys around the same ages as ours (Hi to Tony, Jo, Declan and Nate!) in their new (ginormous) house and had a great catch up. They even fed us before we hit the road for the trip home.

Put a movie on straight away. Tahlia was asleep almost instantly and Bella was happy to watch her movie.

Tahlia slept 3/4 of the way home and Bella even had a little nap.

All in all a very successful trip! Will definately consider doing it again!

Michael and his dad spent Monday double paling the fence in our backyard. Big job but looks great! I did 500 loads of washing!

Spoke to our pool guy this week and we have had a little delay (due to our public holiday on the 18th). Things are all systems go for Sun 21st - Tue 23rd.

Incidently it is Michael's birthday on the 22nd - any ideas on what I can buy him?!?

Asleep

2009-06-04T19:24:00.003+10:00

Tahlia and I had our Thursday together today. We went and visited my Mum during her usual nap time and so she didn't get her nap today. She was pretty feral come 6pm, so I let her watch Wiggles while I made dinner.

By the time Michael got home she was asleep on the beanbag.

So we are about to sit down to dinner and she wakes up sooky. She wanders around, sits at the table, sooks, hops down, wanders around, sooks, gets back up on her seat at the table, half hops down so she is laying half on the seat with her legs dangling down.

I thought she was having another sook so we all kept eating our dinner.

Nope too quiet - she had fallen asleep!

Wish I had taken a photo - it was too cute!

Isabella has her first sports carnival tomorrow. She is in the 'green' team. This afternoon as I picked her up from school all the kids (except the Preps) were practicing their chants - should be nice and loud down at the oval tomorrow!

I think the Preps only go down for 2 hours to do a race and some ball games. Remember ball games??? I loved them. Already the pressure seems to be on though, Bella was saying her team is 'no good' and 'won't win a medal' - how sad! I tried to tell her it wasn't about winning but about having fun.

Long weekend - yay!!!!!!!!!!! Good on you Queen for having a birthday, even though it isn't this weekend! hehehehehe!

It's official

2009-05-31T20:38:00.003+10:00

No more babies in this household.

We converted Tahlia's cot into a toddler bed tonight.

"I'm a big girl now" she said.

Too right! I almost had a little tear in my eye as we pulled the cot apart. The last time there will be a cot in our house. My 'baby' really truly is 'grown' up.

Expecting the worst I have just read her a book in her room and given her a cuggle and kiss. Walked out and voila! I believe she is asleep! Yippee!

We have had a quiet weekend at home. Met with the pool concreter today who marked out the pool - that's official also - we are getting a pool. They are digging in about 2 weeks.

Tossing up taking a quick trip to Townsville next weekend to watch a Cowboy's game. Would have to come home Sunday night though (even though it is a long weekend next weekend) because Michael's dad is coming over to do the double paling fencing.

Isabella had a lovely play date today with a school friend who lives around the corner. Since coming home she has been playing on the computer!

We watched two movies this weekend. Marley and Me - my gosh what a tear jerker! The girls started watching that one but both fell asleep long before it ended. And today Michael and I watched Revolutionary Road - another confronting (not happy) movie.

Well I'm about to go and read Twilight for the 3rd time. Watched the movie on Friday night with Michael. I must admit the first time I watched it I was very disappointed - but it was better the second time around.

Good night!

Reminiscing

2009-05-22T19:00:00.009+10:00

It's been 1 year since I took a special trip with my Dad to his place of birth and:

* visited my Grandpa and Grandma, Aunty's, Uncles and cousins in Canada
* I saw and touched snow!
* I visited The Rockies (Banff especially)
* I ate Cheesies and Cinnamon Hearts and drank "Timmy's" coffee
* I experienced West Edmonton Mall
* we were introduced to 'Rita Roadgirl'
* I shopped in Walmart (hehehe)
* had my one and only helicopter ride (over the Rockies no less!)
* ate Aunty Eileen's homemade raspberry jam mmmm

Reminiscing................wish I was there right now. Eh!

Miss you guys! Miss you Grandpa xoxoxoxo

Too long....

2009-05-21T08:57:00.005+10:00

It's been way too long since I last updated.

I've have been crazy, hectic at work and the kids have been sick with one thing or another so computer time has been very limited.

I've attached a few (ok alot of) photos which I'll explain as I go along.

Mothers Day 2009 - was pretty special (aren't they all?). I took the girls to a Wiggles concert and even though we were in the very back row of the theatre we had a fantastic time. In fact, when the Wiggles did a lap of the theatre we were really up close and personal.

Michael and the girls had bought me some roses for Mothers Day so of course we had to take a couple for Dorothy. I must admit I was singing right along - it was a great show!

Michael was busy at home all the while and I came home to a fully cleaned house and all the ironing done too! Mwwwwaaaahhhh!!!

Isabella made me some beautiful things at school (I've attached a scan of one - isn't it a gorgeous photo of Bella?). Tahlia did too, although she was reluctant to give them to me!

Michael and the girls also bought me a dishwasher!!! What a great invention - this thing not only washes the dishes but also hides the dirty dishes from benchtops!

On Mothers Day evening we went out for dinner with my Mum, Michael's parents, sister, brother and nephew! We had a lovely meal.

Mothers Day night (10.30pm) I ended up having to take Tahlia to emergency after hours doctor! She had woken up coughing oddly and having difficulty breathing!

The doctor decided it was a viral infection - but by Wednesday it had developed into something else and back to another doctor to be diagnosed with bronchitis. Poor Tahlia was pretty sick for a while there. She is much better now though.

Today is my first Thursday off in a few weeks as it's been so busy at work I've been working on my days off - Saturday's included. It was worth it though because I finally feel on top of things workwise again.

Tahlia and I are going to have lunch with Michael today - that will be fun!

Until next time.....have a great day!

Some photos from our weekend

2009-04-26T20:49:00.004+10:00

Tahlia and Isabella 26/4/2009

It is rare to get these two in a photo together.

Even rarer to have them both with a smile!

Tahlia makes a mess in Bella's room.

Note the lump under the white and yellow blanket?

That's Tahlia's baby - asleep :-)

Tahlia enjoying a sausage on a stick and some red drink!!! Mmmmmmm!
Now that's some good parenting!

Isabella solemnly marching with her school at the local ANZAC Day parade.

Lest We Forget.

Toilet training

2009-04-25T09:27:00.003+10:00

You know I really can't remember much about toilet training with Bella. I do recall that I mostly gave thanks to Kindy for training her. I have absolutely no recall on how the "number 2" training progressed.

We are in the midst of toilet training Tahlia (as if you can't tell!).

She has been in knickers to Kindy every day this week (except Thursday when she was with me). The first two days weren't so hot but Wednesday and Friday she didn't have one accident!

Thursday (with me) she also did great. We were out and about with various things and I had her in pull-ups. No accidents (except for #2's).

Don't read if you are easily grossed out.....it's the #2 in the knickers that are doing me in. Seriously that is DISGUSTING! I have absolutely no memory of ever having to deal with them with Bella, but of course I would have.

Oh the joys of parenthood!
________________________________________________________________

Michael has taken Isabella to march in the ANZAC day parade with her school this morning. There seems to be some miscommunication as to which uniform she was to wear. Her teacher apparently told her to wear her sports uniform, but the news letter expressly states no sports uniform! So to cover all bases I have sent Michael a bag with her sports shirt and white shoes.

So if you are reading please take a moment to remember those Australians who have served (are serving) our country. Lest we forget.

________________________________________________________________

Wii Fit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Need I add any more exclamation points to express how much fun I'm having with this?

Last night after both girls had gone to bed and Michael had fallen asleep on the couch I 'played' it.

Today my body is aching! I really must remember to do some warm ups.

My favourites are: hula hoop, step, boxing can really get some frustrations out with this!) and this balancing bubble one.

I have learned that I am pretty good at yoga, not too bad with aerobics, ok with muscle workouts but TERRIBLE with the balancing games - TERRIBLE.

________________________________________________________________

Not much more to report for now.

School holidays are nearly over!

2009-04-19T19:52:00.004+10:00

Tomorrow is a pupil free day for Isabella.

Now tell me why is it they need so many pupil free days? In my day.......

Seriously I don't recall having one every single term! As a student it probably rocks - but as a parent it's just another day of juggling how on earth to combine work and a child who no longer attends daycare.

Michael's mum and dad were happy to help. We dropped Bella out there tonight and I will finish work early tomorrow to collect her.

Then back to school on Tuesday.

Unfortunately the weather was pretty awful for her week off with Michael. They did go and see Monsters vs Aliens at the movies and played many many games of Uno though!

Thursday (my day off) was the first sunny day in a week. So Tahlia played hookey from daycare and we all went to the Lagoon for a swim. Although the sun was shining and it was pretty hot, the water was a little chilly but the girls didn't seem to mind.

Yesterday was another hot(ish) day so we pulled out the shell pool and filled her up. The girls took their swimming babies in and had a ball. These are the photos I'm hopefully attaching to this post. We are seriously considering getting a pool at the moment so hopefully when summer comes again we'll be ditching the shell pool for something a little bigger. Stay tuned!

Tahlia spent the day in knickers (or knickies as she calls them) yesterday and not one accident! I've labelled her a few pairs to take to daycare tomorrow - so fingers crossed she'll be easy to train.

I've got to say it's pretty quiet with only 1 child in the house. Tahlia is behind me on the girls desk which is set up with the broken computer flat screen and old keyboard and mouse. She is tapping away earnestly. Of course the TV is going in the other room - Dorothy and the Wiggles and Tahlia is wearing her Dorothy tutu.

Well its just past 8pm - time to get this bedtime show on the road.

Until next time!

PS this formatting crap on this blog is FRUSTRATING! If anyone can point me in the direction of a html for dummies website that'd be great...

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T15:57:00.006+10:00

Well that about sums up Tahlia's Easter.

Within half an hour of waking Easter Sunday morning she had devoured more chocolate than in her entire life!

Her vocab has a new favourite word......................'chocolate'

Isabella and Tahlia 'hunted' for Easter eggs. Isabella was a little disappointed that there weren't many eggs to be found and none at all outside.

I explained to her that it was too wet for the bunny to leave any outside and furthermore, I had asked him (her?) not to leave too many because I knew that there would be plenty of chocolate.

And boy was I right!

Pity I've given up chocolate - I could be having a FEAST right now.

Michael suggested we just let them eat and eat and eat to a) get rid of the chocolate and b) let them get a belly ache so they may want to give up chocolate for good! Hehehe!

Kia: the photo shows the girls getting stuck into the Easter chicks you gave them. Thank you!

In other news:

I've set up our new laptop and we are all systems go! Just have to check/learn how to burn. How wonderful to have a working burner again!
I've got a new mobile ringtone "Blame it on the Boogie" - blue toothed from our laptop. Cool!
It has been raining pretty much non-stop the entire long weekend :-(
My baptism/confirmation/communion was great!
About to go make lamb roast for dinner - yummy!

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter.

Love Suz

PS GGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRR I can't get the spacing to work!

Poor Bella Bear

2009-04-08T19:35:00.002+10:00

Poor Isabella has been through enough in the last couple of weeks.

This week it is school sores :-(

I thought they were infected mosquito bites until the mother of her little school friend (who incidently is a doctor) told me she thought they were school sores.

Straight to the doctor (a Sunday of course - these things always seem to happen over the weekend) who prescribed antibiotics to be taken orally and an antibiotic cream for the sores.

They were, and still are, quite itchy.

It's Wednesday night and the sores still look quite bad - I hope to see some improvement soon.

On a brighter note we had our very first parent/teacher interview the other night with Mrs Rippingale. Apparently she is fitting in quite well. She interacts well in class but isn't a trouble maker. She has good gross and fine motor skills and enjoys the computer lessons and discussing the weather chart. Next term they will begin some homework activities.

Isabella has her last day of school tomorrow. A fun day with church in the morning and then a sausage sizzle for lunch and then to the park for the afternoon.

Michael is taking a week off with her for school holidays.

_______________________________________________________________

Tahlia continues to test our patience at every turn.

Her daycare teacher told me she had a run in with her today too!

Apparently Tahlia was playing with a doll. She lost interest and another child began to play with it. Of course Tahlia decided she wanted it back and her teacher told her she would need to wait for her turn.

Well....................her teacher told me Tahlia was VERY cranky with her for suggesting such a thing. There were tears and dirty looks involved.

Glad we're not the only ones witnessing this behaviour - I was beginning to think she saved it all up for home.

The other thing that drives me crazy about her (and alternately I find extremely adorable) is her repetitiveness.

"Carrots" each morning and evening to and from daycare in the hopes of stopping to feed the horses.

"Its a bit late" each evening closer to bedtime

"socks" each morning when Bella puts her socks on

"i do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/i help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" screeched when she wants to do something

"in there in there" as we pass the shopping centre/service station every day

"swimming..........aaaaaaaamber not abby!" whenever we discuss swimming because she goes to swimming with Amber not Abby

"tutu" which I sometimes confuse with "tissues" and start giving her a tissue when in fact she wants a tutu so she can dance to Hi 5 or The Wiggles.

____________________________________________________________

And finally for those who may not know, I am getting baptised/christened and taking communion and first eucharist on Easter Saturday - in the same church in which Isabella and Tahlia were christened.

I've chosen Saint Gemma Galgani as my "saint". Google her - she was pretty special!

So say a little prayer for me if you are that way inclined!

Well I better go Isabella is getting frustrated by something (for a change!)

Bye for now.

Patience

2009-04-02T20:18:00.002+10:00

I keep losing mine.

If you find it send it back ASAP.

Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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And now in an attempt to chill out and relax some diary extracts:

April 2nd, 2003 (25 weeks, 4 days pregnant with Isabella)

"Oh my goodness you are moving around heaps today. A website predicted you are a girl this morning based on nothing much more than mine and Daddy's date of birth."

April 2nd, 2004 (Isabella is nearly 9 months old)

"Sleep thru! MILESTONE: you've cut thru your 4th tooth up top on your right hand side. You know what I love? When I put you to bed at night. I rock you and you snuggle into my chest sucking your left thumb and your right hand is stroking my left arm - it is just too adorable. I love you my sweet girl!"

April 2nd, 2007 (Tahlia is 11 weeks old)

"Home day except for trip to servo to fill up. You were a bit unsettled/overtired at lunch, although you had a big sleep first up 7am to 9.30am. I worked in between naps. Made Golden Syrup Dumplings - yum yum. Bella had a late nap. I love you my darling."

March 31st, 2008 (Tahlia is 14.5 months old)

"Leaving kindy today was trying to get you to wave to Tracy so she could take a photo. You pulled your dummy out and said "buh-bye". Too cute!"

They grow up so quickly

2009-03-31T19:03:00.004+10:00

Our phone just rang.

I answered it and a small girly voice said:

"Hello this is Natalie. Is Bella there?"

Isabella just got her first real phone call from a friend!

They are chattering away as I type - what about I'm unsure as they have just spent the entire day together at school!

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Michael is away for 3 nights this week. This is our first night. So far, so good. Bath and dinner is now out of the way - teeth and bed to come!

Tahlia has been talking non-stop to all and sundry about "carrots!".

We have been taking some carrots with us in the morning and then stopping on the way home from work/school/daycare to feed two horses that live near Tahlia's kindy.

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I've been praying non-stop for Stellan - can you spare him a prayer, white light or special thought too? I've been following this 'story' since his mother was pregnant with him. I have been counting my blessings (Michael, Isabella and Tahlia especially) at the moment.

If I was technologically savvy enough I'd try and insert the button in this post or on my blog. Can anyone help?

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

2009-03-20T21:29:00.003+10:00

Isabella and I have just spent the last hour and a half playing Wii.

I love it!

We did have a PS3 - but we never really got into to it (except for me and Singstar! Karoake queen from waaaaaaaaaaay back). We sold our PS3 a couple of weekends ago and bought the Wii.

Tonight Isabella whipped my butt at ten pin bowling (which sux because in real life I'm the kick butt bowler). We also played tennis, baseball, golf (very very badly) and monopoly.

Isabella finally went to bed at 9pm quite a bit later than usual. Well it is a Friday night so it's alright.

I then decided to take the fitness test on the Wii Sports.

I turned 33 last weekend - guess what it calculated my age to be.............................

59!

Hehehehe - I'm almost at retiring age.

Now must go find an icepack for my sore arm - baseball and tennis really takes it out of you.

..............................................................................................................................................................

I have spent the majority of the day feeling so blessed, almost to the point of tears.

I had the most wonderful day yesterday.

I kept Tahlia at home with me because we had some tradespeople coming out (window tinter and electrician). I admit I was expecting the worst (she has been a terror lately) but she was an absolute delight!

Had a lovely chat with the window tinter (and the windows look GREAT!) - no more scorching hot sun blaring through the front of our house of an afternoon.

She did warn me not to clean/wash the windows for 3 weeks while the glue sets - I told her that wouldn't be a problem - those babies are lucky to be cleaned every 6 months!

Then around lunch time Toni, Sienna and Kia came to visit. What a LOVELY time chatting to dear friends and cuggling an adorable baby!

Kia also joined me in picking Bella up from school - much to Bella's surprise! They also managed to squeeze in a game of Uno before Kia had to go and we had to head to swimming lessons.

So thank you Tahlia, Kia, Toni and Sienna for making my Thursday so great!

Bye for now.

Hairdressers

2009-03-18T19:52:00.004+10:00

After I had a shower with Tahlia this afternoon, Isabella called her over to the couch to play hairdressers.

Tahlia is used to sitting in that position. Each morning that is where both girls sit while I do their hair. Tahlia and Bella are both excellant at sitting while I do their hair.

Tahlia had already had her hair washed (so it was wet) but Isabella still insisted on using the water spray.

I must admit she did quite a fine job. It is now that I write this that I realise I didn't take a photo of the finished 'do'.

Isabella has asked if she can do Tahlia's hair tomorrow.

Sure it'll save me a job!

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And in other news, Tahlia is still going to sleep perfectly and is now also sleeping right through. Well to 5.30am anyway. Normally I'd feel a bit ripped off about that - but I figure we usually get up at 6am anyway, what's a 1/2 hour earlier?

Besides I usually spend the time cuggling with her on the couch - so I kind of love it.

Isabella is going great with her swimming. This term she began learning to breathe with the arm action. I was a bit sceptical at first that she would ever be able to co-ordinate that all together but she has come A LONG way. I'm so proud of her!

I'm still unsure, however, how Isabella is getting on in school. She really doesn't say much about it and we usually have to play 20 questions to work out what she has done during the day. Michael and I are interested in speaking with her teacher during parent/teacher interviews in the next couple of weeks to get her take on it.

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18 March 2004 (5 years ago)

Isabella was 8 months old and I have written in my diary:

"Sleep thru - 6 nights in a row - a record!" "Milestone - you pulled up onto Lisa's couch."

18 March 2007 (2 years ago)

Tahlia was 8 weeks old and my diary says:

"Harbour park w/ Jen Mitchell and Hayden and for lunch. We all had naps. To Nana's - Bella played with Alishia. I have the sneezes. Aaachoo!"

Very descriptive, Suzanne! Actually it was a Sunday so there wasn't much room to write!

Well that's enough reminiscing for tonight!

Good night.

Hellalujah

2009-03-09T15:15:00.006+10:00

OMGosh!!!!

Bella got student of the week last week and this week Tahlia is getting the child of the week award!

I just put Tahlia in her cot, told her I loved her and I would be just outside.

Walked out the door and...........................SILENCE!! She went to sleep!!

This is from a child who has needed either Michael or myself standing next to her cot until she falls asleep and who has been waking each night as well. (I blame ourselves for this).

We started controlled crying on Thursday night - so it only took 4 nights. I'm so pleased and pray it continues.

On another note: we had a houseful of family (and their pets) on Saturday night just in case Cyclone Hamish decided to cross the coast where we live. 9 adults, 4 children, 3 dogs and 6 cats!! So this is the calm after the storm so to speak.

Student of the Week

2009-03-03T19:32:00.003+10:00

Isabella received her first Student of the Week award on Monday at school assembly! She was very excited and proud to tell Michael and I all about it.

The award is for "always trying your best to be ready for your teacher at the start of carpet time and after lunches. Keep it up!".

Congratulations my big girl!

Out of the mouth of Bella

2009-02-24T20:23:00.002+10:00

Isabella, after seeing the weather forecast for Queensland.

"I don't like the Sunshine Coast anymore!"

Me "Why not?"

"They get all the sun and we get all the rain. They get all the sun and we get the floods. They didn't get floods and we did. I know my friends live there and they are luckier than me because they get all the sun."

Pretties

2009-02-22T13:03:00.002+10:00

Yesterday I took Tahlia and had her ears pierced. They look absolutely adorable! She did great really. There was crying but she had stopped by the time I got to the front counter to pay. Now when you ask her to show you her "pretties" she swishes her hair back and cocks her head to one side to show them off!

Isabella was about 12 months older when we got hers done. That involved tears from her and from me! No tears from me yesterday though. Wonder what that says about me?

The bottom photo is of Isabella's latest creation made at school. I don't know whether I love it or I'm terrified of it! What you do think?

Isabella had free dress day on Friday (gold coin donation to the bushfire appeal). There were drama's of course! Found out Thursday she had to have closed in shoes. The only closed in shoes she has are her school joggers (one white pair and one black pair).

I thought on Thursday night we had decided that she would wear a pair of 3/4 denim pants and top with her white joggers.

Friday morning TEARS! No she wanted to wear a skirt and she had NO shoes that would go with them.

Silly daddy caved and took her to Big W on the way to school to buy her a pair of closed in shoes that weren't joggers. He claims he just couldn't face having this argument with her.

Michael has been busy all weekend helping his sister move into her new house. Isabella, Tahlia and I went over to her friend's house yesterday afternoon. Isabella, Jade and Kimberley went to daycare together, but now go to 3 different schools. The girls had a gret time catching up with each other. Jade has a little brother who is around Tahlia's age so they were able to 'play' (read fight) together as only 2 year olds can!

That's about it for now...

No bath

2009-02-17T21:39:00.002+10:00

I can't remember the last time my girls went to bed without a bath.

But tonight that's just what happened.

I worked today and Isabella was at after school care. It was pouring at 5 when I left work to pick her up - I was almost soaked by the time I reached my car. A big thank-you to Lisa for driving a few of us down the block to our cars!

By the time I got to Bella there was gushing water everwhere. I made Isabella take her shoes and socks off to run through the water to the car.

Went to pick up Tahlia from daycare and there was water about 5 centimetres above my feet in the daycare carpark!

Then attempted to drive my usual way home only to realise that the roads were closed due to flooding. So had to backtrack to Mount Pleasant to get home!

So a 15 minute journey turned into 45 minutes! By the time we got home and I made some dinner it was too late to bath the girls. If I don't have the energy or time to have a shower with them in the morning I'll just freshen them up with some perfume spray and no-one (but you!) will be any the wiser!

Michael left for a couple of nights away with work today so it's just me and the kids. Now that sounds like a great name for a book Mum!

It's now 9.45pm and both girls are sound asleep and have been for some time. I think I'll go and read my book in bed for a little while.

Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite!!

Praying

2009-02-13T19:22:00.003+10:00

Please spare a thought, prayer, whatever your 'thing' is for the victims of the Victorian bushfires.

Those who have died, their families, fiends, the wider community. Those who have lost houses, belongings, pets. Those people fighting the fires and other emergency services people. Doctors and nurses treating burns victims. People giving of themselves to help in any way they can. People who have donated to this cause.

And let's not forget those suffering up north with the floods.

Name that rash...

2009-02-08T21:01:00.004+10:00

This was Tahlia this morning :-(

I noticed she was itching the back of her legs last night and so I dosed her up on Polaramine and rubbed anti-itch cream all over her.

She had an awful night.

This morning Michael and I freaked out when we noticed little dots had spread all over and she was very itchy.

Michael took her to the after hours doctor who diagnosed her with having an allergic reaction to something. He has prescribed prednisone! So it must be a pretty bad reaction.

The welts are looking a little better this afternoon although I noticed she was still scratching when I put her to bed tonight.

As to what she had a reaction to? She was playing outside yesterday so I'm wondering if it was the grass or one of the weeds in our grass? In any case I hope it doesn't happen again, poor thing.

Now I'll have to try and convince daycare tomorrow she is not contagious!

P.S. the yellow water is from pinetarsol - it's not a big wee wee!

TAHLIA

2009-02-05T13:27:00.006+10:00

TearsTantrumTemerariousTenacious

TAHLIA

Scholastic Fantastic!

2009-02-03T21:18:00.003+10:00

Ok so 'fess up am I the only nerd who remembers the Scholastic book club from primary school days?

Guess what Bella brought home today? Not 1, not 2 but 4 Scholastic book club brochures! Yee haa I'm in heaven. Can't wait to place my first, erm. I mean Isabella's first order!

Michael is away with work for a couple of nights and tonight when he called Isabella excitedly told him about her day at school. "We played basketball at afterschool care!"

Tahlia's conversation consisted of "Elmo" - not sure what Michael was talking to her about but that is stock standard telephone conversation at the moment from Tarls, who incidently insists on a "hello" anytime we are on the phone.

On the subject of Tahlia - I'm very excited to announce she did 2 wee's on the toilet at kindy today. Still waiting for her to wee at home though. She is so cute, she'll strip off, pull the little step into the toilet, back herself onto the toilet and sit there with a grin on her face saying "Pshhh" (which is a wee wee noise in case you didn't know!). Then she'll get some toilet paper (that part requires supervision!) and go and wash her hands. Ah well she knows the actions I guess!

And finally a couple of princess photos. The first is Tahlia who was dancing to the Dorothy the Dinosaur DVD that Grandpa and Nonna gave her for Christmas in her pink Dorothy tutu. The second is Isabella in her 'sports' uniform.

Wet wet wet

2009-02-01T20:46:00.001+10:00

It's raining , it's pouring, the old man is snoring, and this old girl is OVER IT!

I can barely remember the last time I saw sunlight and today has been the worst of it.

I suppose the cyclone up north has a lot to do with it. And the winds!

Tahlia is obsessed with the rain. "Raining, pouring" she'll say over and over interspersed with "wet". An observer is our Tahlia!

We have been basically stuck at home the entire weekend due to the weather.

The girls have amused themselves by playing with their babies, dancing and watching DVDs.

Tahlia needs to be doing whatever it is that Isabella is doing and babies are a favourite. Isabella had her floor full of babies (and stuffed animals) on blankets this morning. Sitting in between two of them at a time and patting them to sleep. Tahlia was in on it too.

Isabella did some drawing, cutting and sticky taping whilst Tahlia was napping today. Naptime for Tahlia means Bella can play with things that are not usually brought out when Tahlia is awake. She really is quite talented artwise (not like her mother).

Isabella starts show and tell at school this week. Her first topic 'my favourite photo of me'. Well we have hundreds and hundreds of photos so I narrowed it down to about 10 she could choose from and this was her pick:

This was from a series of photos my Mum took in May 2007 for a uni subject. Isabella and her cousins, Alishia and Lakeda all dressed up as Princesses. Tahlia was not forgotten, here is her Princess photo:

Do I make 'em cute or what?

Ok sorry if the page previews a bit dodgily - I'm still working out the photo uploading thing.

Well it's getting late and Isabella is still awake. Not for long!

School days

2009-01-31T21:45:00.000+10:00

Well there is no time like the present to play around I guess! Michael is putting Isabella to sleep although I suspect he has actually fallen asleep in there himself!

So on Tuesday 27/1/2009 Isabella had her first day of Prep. Prep has replaced Preschool and is the non-compulsory full-time year of 'schooling' before Grade 1.

As many of you have heard me bitch and moan about - Isabella missed out going to Prep last year by 8 days. 8 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Needless to say she (and I) was more than ready to go this year.

In fact, on Monday (which was the Australia Day public holiday and the day before her first day) she told Michael that we could drop her off for her first day.

As if!!

No way, we proud parents had been waiting for this day for ever, well 5 years at least! We were going to make the most of it. So up nice and early we all were. Isabella dressed herself and I did her two plaits resplendent with green bow hairties. Unfortunately the photos we took were pretty crappy and do not do her any justice.

She looked totally cute and grown up!

There were no tears from Bella or us, although I do confess to having a bit of a lump in my throat.

Michael and I both picked her up from her first day and I was totally amazed when I caught sight of her that afternoon. I just could not believe how grown up she looked.

That night we pried out of her as much as we could about her day. I swear she seemed about 5 years older to me!

Second day of school was a totally dfferent story - she didn't even want me to walk her in to her classroom. Seriously! I had to drop her at the gate (which I might add - before you call child services - is right next to her classroom).

Thursday and Friday, however, I insisted on walking her in!

It's been a steep learning curve:

I learned how to hard boil an egg (for egg and lettuce sandwich). It takes 10 mins by the way!
I learned how to iron skorts (not much fun!)
I learned that the sticker dot next to Isabella's note thingy at school does not mean she is super special and fabulous - but that she is the oldest child of our family at the school
I have learned that Isabella will not eat a full orange or a tub of yoghurt - but has no problems with her 3 Anzac biscuits each day!
I have learned that most every day Isabella will come home with note that will require me to remember something new!
I haven't learned how to get myself (in my car) in the pickup lane of an afternoon (that is on my 'to do' list)

I am so excited for Isabella starting her schooling. I have such fond memories of my school years and I thoroughly enjoyed going to school and learning new things. I hope Isabella feels the same way too!

Bye for now!

First Post!

2009-01-31T21:22:00.000+10:00

Well it's high time I jumped on the bandwagon and started blogging.

My Mum gave me this idea - a blog for my girls - it is something one of her uni friends has started doing.

I have two adorable girls, Isabella who is 5 1/2 and Tahlia who has just turned 2.

I'm writing this first entry on the tail end of Isabella's first week at school. What a milestone!

My aim with this blog is to chatter about what we are doing on a day to day basis but to also reminisce about the past and fill in the blanks.

Hopefully I'll learn quickly how to add photo's so family and friends near and far can watch the girls grow.

But for now some diary entries from the past.

31/1/2007 (Tahlia is 2 weeks old)
Very unsettled day. Didn't want to sleep or be put down! I'm sure you had a pain. Ended up carrying you around in the Kapoochi pouch in the late arve - this seemed to help. Nonna made curtains for your rooms. They are gorgeous.

31/1/2008 (Tahlia is 1 year old)
Bella swimming lesson. Visit Aunty Amanda.

31/1/2004 (Isabella is 6 months old)
Milestone. You have definately cut your tooth! It is visible and sharp and pointy! I'm too excited! Called Nana, Nuna/Poppy and Grandpa and Nonna. I knew it!! Went for Paul's wedding to have Daddy fitted for a suit. Went to Canelands and saw Phyl and Dessie. Came home and you napped while I went grocery shopping. You're sooky so not sure if you're having teeth pain. Aunty Amanda looked after you this evening while Daddy and I went to dinner with Fiona and David. You wouldn't take your bottle for Amanda. You slept in our bed tonight.