Menu Plan Monday (28th Nov to 4th Dec)

As you have probably gathered by now, I LIVE for menu planning! By menu planning it ensures that we have a weeks worth of meals organised which is especially useful Monday through Friday when there is not much of the day left after finishing work, picking up the kids from school and having to deal with the tasks of homework, clothes washing, showers, etc., and to do without the hassle of worrying WHAT we are cooking for dinner each night. Honestly if I left deciding what’s for dinner until I go home we wouldn’t eat until midnight!!

So here is our week’s worth of dinners… or at least what has been planned….

· Sat ~ Dum Ka Murgh (Chicken in Yoghurt) with steamed rice and naan

· Sun ~ went to cinemas - kids Hungry Jacks, adults left over Dum Ka Murgh
· Mon ~ Mexican Tortilla Stack
· Tue ~ Parmesan Crusted Pork Cutlets, Apple Gravy
· Wed ~ Maple Mustard Chicken

· Thu ~ Teriyaki Beef Skewers with Wasabi Butter

· Fri ~ Fish and Vegetable Parcels

I know that our week starts on a Saturday but that’s just for the ease of fitting in with my grocery shopping which is normally done on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon.

As usual more great menu ideas can be found at Menu Plan Monday over at I’m An Organising Junkie, don’t be shy pop over and have a look at other’s menu plans. You never know you may just find something different to have for dinner.

Some recipes for things we cook can be found over at our cooking blog, A Dash Of Flavour, normally posted after they have been cooked or just click on the links for each meal when they appear.

Happy cooking,

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

A weekend not to be repeated

Well if I couldn't think that anything could get worse after Friday night's rock through the window incident - it did!!

After cleaning up the loungeroom removing glass shards and vacuuming and vacuuming and vacuuming we finally went shopping. I was tired from the sleepless night and working in Saturday morning but was feeling sickly in the stomach. Walking around the supermarket I started dry reaching and to be honest had to get out of the shop as I couldn't face any more shopping. Needless to say only half the shopping got done, the kids went into stunned silence and Noel was left to get things organised including me who was getting worse by the second.

Before going any further I need to say I am the World's WORST patient as I just don't like being sick for one minute. I refuse to let myself relax unless I have no choice! I try and turn into superwoman so that I continue with what's needed to be done so nobody else has to do it. BUT this time my superhero costume just didn't want to fit (I think it's being hanging out with the skinny clothes in my cupboard) and what ever was making me sick hit me like a tonne of bricks very quickly! Within the hour I was in bed, armed with a bucket, towel and curious onlookers (Oliver and Alex) who I don't think have ever seen my head spin around and me turn into the devil! I spent all night like this finally drifted off to sleep in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Sunday was another wasted day, with me walking around like a zombie all weak and weary from an eventful night! My stomach at least was better but was not in the mood for bacon and eggs that's for sure!! In fact a couple of mouthfuls of water was the most it could handle for a few hours. As the day went on I did start to feel much better but was not about to start partying hard.

Noel and I decided to take the kids to the cinema as we all needed to get out of the house (but do something relaxing of course). We went and seen A Christmas Carol. We went to VMax, which is the larger screen at Village Cinema's and it was also in 3D. It was a brilliant movie, although Alex got scared as did several other kids in the cinema. One boy little boy was crying "I don't want to watch this anymore" at the top of his lungs.. thankfully his mother decided to remove the both of them from the cinema. At one point, Alex looked at me and said "this is going to give me nightmares" but then she fell asleep about 2/3rds of the way through the movie but she was still very tired from her school camp, which she enjoyed thoroughly!

Today back to routine, work and school and hopefully next weekend will be a little more upbeat and enjoyable as we are off to Bright for a little holiday before the silly season begins.

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

There is a rock in our loungeroom......

Now the best question.... who put it there?

Some dumb shit that decided to throw it through the window around 11.35pm last night!! That's who!!

I am so angry...... I had just got up to get some water so the kitchen light was on. Oliver was in the loungeroom watching tv so the loungeroom light was on as was the TV. As you can imagine it scared the begeezus out of the two of us, especially Oliver who was in the loungeroom thankfully sitting the opposite side of the room from the window.

The police came but there is not much that they can do. Obviously a pack of cowardly wayward offenders were roaming the streets last night as they had just attended another house in the next street with 3 beer bottles through the back window.

Poor Oliver was quite shaken and upset. He found it really hard to sleep last night and ended up in our bed with us... I must admit I was lying awake most of the night listening just incase the idiot came back to see his damage.

Needless to say we will all be very tired today but we must soldier on.... oh and fix the window of course at OUR cost!!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

One child is missing.....

I am really glad that I made the effort to spend Saturday afternoon with Alex. She went away to school camp yesterday and I really missed her last night. The house was quite quiet and I think we all felt the absense of our little princess.....

For the last 3 or 4 weeks all she has spoken about is camp and "at camp we are doing this...", "I wonder what the cabin's will be like?", "I wonder what we will eat?" (always a question asked by Alex), etc.... She has been excited about her first camp ever since we said that she could go. Day by day the excitement has grown.

So where has she gone? The Grade's 3 & 4 have gone to Phillip Island. They will return on Friday and more than likey will be exhausted. Oliver went on the same camp 2 years ago so filled Alex in on what to expect. They will go to a lot of the tourist attractions such as the Penguin Parade and see Seal Rock.

Needless to say she will be away for another night and the house will be quiet again tonight. I really hope she is having lots of fun but I can't wait to give her a cuddle tomorrow.

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

A Girly Afternoon

For a few weeks now I have been promising Alex that we will have a girly afternoon together. So Saturday afternoon was planned and executed with the help of Noel.

After finishing work, I book us both into the local Nail/Beauty Palour for what Alex thought was to get her nails painted but she was really surprised when we got there and she was ushered to the massage chair for her first ever pedicure!

I don't think she could believe this at first. Even other ladies having pedicures were laughing at her excited giggle.

Everytime they touched her feet she giggled and the fact that like her mother she has really ticklish feet made the whole thing funny even for the lady giving Alex the pedicure.

Needless to say the toenails were painted fluro orange and had patterns on each big toe. Mine were painted a sedate jade colour. We both had our nails done also.

It was absolutely fantastic to spend the afternoon with Alex... we often don't get much girl time and I do need to make more of an effort to do things like this with her.

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Menu Plan Monday

As you have probably gathered by now, I LIVE for menu planning! By menu planning it ensures that we have a weeks worth of meals organised which is especially useful Monday through Friday when there is not much of the day left after finishing work, picking up the kids from school and having to deal with the tasks of homework, clothes washing, showers, etc., and to do without the hassle of worrying WHAT we are cooking for dinner each night. Honestly if I left deciding what’s for dinner until I go home we wouldn’t eat until midnight!!

So here is our week’s worth of dinners… or at least what has been planned….

· Sat ~ Boiled Mud Crabs, Chilli, Ginger and Garlic Scallops, Marinated Beef Ribs and steamed rice
· Sun ~ Lunch at Mam and Dad’s - No Bake Chocolate Orange Tarts (very naughty)
· Mon ~ Pork and Fennel Sausage Rolls
· Tue ~ Fish and chips
· Wed ~ Ricotta and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms

· Thu ~ Chermoula Prawns

· Fri ~ Rack of lamb with rosemary and redcurrant glaze

I know that our week starts on a Saturday but that’s just for the ease of fitting in with my grocery shopping which is normally done on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon.

As usual more great menu ideas can be found at Menu Plan Monday over at I’m An Organising Junkie, don’t be shy pop over and have a look at other’s menu plans. You never know you may just find something different to have for dinner.

Some recipes for things we cook can be found over at our cooking blog, A Dash Of Flavour, normally posted after they have been cooked or just click on the links for each meal when they appear.

Happy cooking,

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

We've got CRABS!!

Don't be alarmed... nothing serious!! We have 2 live mud crabs which we will turn into our dinner tonight. It's the first time we have ever cooked crab so we are being quite adventurous.

Now I just have to work out how to cook them and with what??

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

The brothers.....

We got emailed this photo last night of Daniel and his big brother Christian.... and as a biased aunty I just have to say it's adorable.

Here is one of the whole family together also, with Vicky looking exhausted unfortunately.

All survived there first night at home together last and apparantly Daniel was well behaved. So that's good news......

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

I got my cuddle.....

Last night we went to visit Vicky and Daniel in hospital. As I mentioned we didn't want to overcrowd them both over the weekend but decided that we would have a quick visit last night.

Vicky looked really well but both her and Sean looked exhausted. Daniel was asleep and looked adorable. I am not quite sure who wanted him to wake up more - me or Oliver. Oliver loves children and just stood rubbing Daniel's head ever so gently, amazed at the softness. Alex went over for a look every now and then but was more interested in playing with Christian or jumping on the hospital bed.. thankfully Vicky was sitting in a chair!!

I couldn't believe the colour of his hair, very Strawberry Blonde but could still end up being a Red Head like his father and uncle!

They are both coming home today so this will be when all the fun begins and their lives change for the better forever!!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Menu Plan Monday

As you have probably gathered by now, I LIVE for menu planning! By menu planning it ensures that we have a weeks worth of meals organised which is especially useful Monday through Friday when there is not much of the day left after finishing work, picking up the kids from school and having to deal with the tasks of homework, clothes washing, showers, etc., and to do without the hassle of worrying WHAT we are cooking for dinner each night. Honestly if I left deciding what’s for dinner until I go home we wouldn’t eat until midnight!!

So here is our week’s worth of dinners… or at least what has been planned….

Sat ~ Homemade Pizza’s
Sun ~ Out for lunch… quick dinner
Mon ~ Spaghetti Bolognaise
Tue ~ Visiting hospital - leftover spaghetti bolognaise for the kids and we had Chicken and Prawn Mornay
Wed ~ Devilled Lamb Steaks

Thu ~ Beef Stir Fry with steamed rice
Fri ~ Fish of The Day with Basil Cream Sauce

I know that our week starts on a Saturday but that’s just for the ease of fitting in with my grocery shopping which is normally done on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon.

As usual more great menu ideas can be found at Menu Plan Monday over at I’m An Organising Junkie, don’t be shy pop over and have a look at other’s menu plans. You never know you may just find something different to have for dinner.

Some recipes for things we cook can be found over at our cooking blog, A Dash Of Flavour, normally posted after they have been cooked or just click on the links for each meal when they appear.

Happy cooking,

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Another busy yet eventful weekend.....

As mention on Friday, the arrival of Daniel was a fantastic way to start the weekend. We all went to see him. As it was late when we left the hospital, we stopped in Clayton and had an Indian feast for dinner. Everyone really enjoyed it but as usual we ordered too much and were very very full afterwards.

Saturday, while I worked, Noel and the kids went around to Ray's house where Noel worked on Ray's boat with him. The plan was to go fishing Saturday evening but this didn't happen as the wind picked up in the afternoon and became a little gusty! The guys didn't want to risk it so it was a quiet night in for us all. Well sort of - once again my emotions ran riot on Saturday and I am seriously considering seeking counsel elsewhere.

Sunday we had a great day. A real family day. An unplanned day turned good. Noel had planned to go out fishing but this didn't happen once again. So we went shopping into Frankston as we had to get some ideas for Christmas presents. In Toys-r-us the kids were very eager to show us suitable presents for themselves! The other reason for going to Frankston was for me to buy some Moo-Goo. I had read about Moo-Goo and it's healing properties especially with Exzema and Psoriasis, as if anyone knows me I will try anything to help with my Psoriasis which I have on my elbows, knees and scalp. So I bought Eczema & Psoriasis Balm, Shampoo and Conditioner.

Deciding not to have lunch in the foodcourt, which is normally overpriced, crap and normally not filling we headed to the Seaford Hotel. It was nice for the four of us just to relax and have a nice meal together. The kids find the Kids meals too small so they both order normal meals, which of course not only adds to the price of lunch but also reminds me that they are growing up. Alex order Fish and Rings (beer battered fish, calamari rings and chips), Oliver had a Carnivore Parmigiana (a chicken parma with bacon, sausage and meatballs under the cheese topping), Noel had a Rib Eye Steak with Peppercorn Sauce and I ordered the Seafood Platter. Everyone tried a bit of everyones... we may have well put all the meals in the middle of the table but hey that's part of being a family right?

We didn't go to see Vicky and Daniel again this weekend, we thought we would let her and the baby get to know each other and also allow time for other visitors etc. Daniel came out of the humidity crib on Saturday and is doing really well. I think Vicky is due to come out on Wednesday all being good. We may visit again on Tuesday night or next weekend when they get home. The worst thing I think people do when you have a baby is overcrowd you.... you know everyone gets them... the serial visitors that turn up everyday. They mean well and think they are doing the right thing but it's like you wake up and wow.. they are there again! With Oliver I was in hospital for 2 1/2 days before I discharged myself (even after an emergency caesarean) and with Alex I was home in 24 hrs. I am not a hospital lover at all! Nor can I sit around doing nothing. Nor do I like being fussed over.

Oh well, it's the start of a new week..... back to the routine of work and school. Thankfully the weather is a little cooler at the moment but they have forecast it to heat back up by the end of the week.

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Welcome baby Murray

With much anticipation just after 4pm this afternoon we all recieved the phone calls we had been waiting for.... the baby had been born, all went as planned and both mother and child were doing well.

So without further ado ~ here is our newest arrival .........

Daniel Murray

6lbs 11 1/2 oz (3.04kgs)

We didn't get a chance to have a cuddle with Daniel tonight as he is in a humidity crib due to having difficulty breathing, but otherwise all is great. Sean assured us that he should by out by the morning.

I think we will be visiting again on Sunday......

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

A new member of the Murray family is due today..

What an exciting day it is today... today the world will welcome another person into the Murray family!

Sean and Vicky will be getting ready to go off to the hospital at the moment and this afternoon their whole world will change with the birth of their second child.

We will more than likely be meeting the new baby this evening and we cannot wait. We don't know whether the baby will be a boy or a girl. Sean and Vicky chose not to tell anyone so it will definitely be a surprise. I think everyone is secretly hoping that Vicky will be blessed with a daughter but the most important thing is that the arrival is safe and healthy.

I remember the day when Alexandria was born, and yes it did change our little family (for the better of course). Although Oliver was 3 is was strange having another little baby in the house for us but of course it was stranger for Oliver. Thankfully he didn't resent Alexandria - if anything we had to ensure he didn't smother her with kindness!!

We are all anxiously awaiting the news of the new arrival....

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Isn't it meant to be spring?

We are experiencing unusually high temperatures here in Melbourne, in fact the whole southern part of Australia is feeling the heat at the moment as I mentioned the other day - in fact there is no change in sight until at least Monday!

Everywhere you go you hear the straining hum of air conditioning units working flat out to cool the occupants of the building, office or home. I know my work air conditioner has been on since 7 am this morning and Noel will be putting ours on in the house as soon as he walks through the door tonight.

Sleeping hasn't been an issue for me. In fact sleeping is never an issue for me ~ I could fall asleep standing up! In fact I think I have! The heat is taking it's toll on the kids with both of them tossing and turning in their sleeps and waking up incredibly tired. Noel is coping but woke in horror yesterday morning to find me completely wrapped up in our goose feather and down quilt!!!

Beaches are full and thankfully no-one has asked to go. I am not a beach lover neither is Noel. The kids like the water but I don't think are too impressed at getting covered in sand after a nice refreshing swim, strangely I think we all prefer chlorinated pools.

Needless to say if this is spring it makes me wonder what our summer this year will be like... I guessing it's going to be a long hot one!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Menu Plan Monday

As you have probably gathered I live for menu planning and ensure that we have a weeks worth of meals planned to get through the working week! I find doing this especially on a Monday through Friday when there is not much of the day left after I finish work, pick the kids up from school and have the tasks of homework, washing, showers, etc to do without the hassle of worrying what we are cooking. Honestly if I left it until I go home we wouldn't eat until midnight!
So here is our week's worth of dinners.... or at least what I have planned anyway...

Saturday ~ out for a 50th birthday party
Sunday ~ marinated lamb cutlets
Monday ~ echidna casserole
Tuesday ~ steak, baked potatoes, barbecued veg and low fat hollandaise sauce
Wednesday ~ spiced honey chicken stir fry with sesame noodles
Thursday ~ tropical pork with mustard
Friday ~ unsure.... another Murray being born today!!

As usual more great menu ideas can be found at Menu Plan Monday on I'm An Organising Junkie, don't be shy pop over and have a look at other's menu plans. You never know you may just find something different to have for dinner.

Some recipes for things we cook can be found over a A Dash Of Flavour, our cooking blog (normally after we have cooked them) or just click on the links for each meal when they appear.

Happy cooking,

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

It's gonna be a hot one..... the week that is.

Well after a huge and hot weekend here in Melbourne we now face the prospect of a whole week with temperatures in the high 20's and into the 30's on some days.

Melbourne's weather forecast looks like this....

Monday ~ 34 deg C

Tuesday ~ 32 deg C

Wednesday ~ 27 deg C

Thursday ~ 29 deg C

Friday ~ 31 deg C

Saturday ~ 35 deg C

Sunday ~ 34 deg C

As you can imagine we are approaching fire season here, and quite a lot of Victoria are paniced by last summer's fires especially on Black Saturday ~ a day a lot of us remember but would prefer to forget. The loss of lives, property, belongings, livestock and even pets is still so much in the forefront of everyone's memories that we are all reading and talking about this year's strategies for fighting and controlling any fires that will happen.

On a happier note "Baby Murray" is due to be born on Friday .... and I think the whole Murray family is excited and eagerly awaiting his or her arrival. I don't envy Vicky being pregnant in this heat though... poor thing!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

A new day.... a new focus!

So after another night, thinking about Christmas I have decided that all WILL be good and me moping about won't help the situation.

So what are my plans now?

Instead of focussing on all the Christmas food, decorations, etc I can now focus on the things that I have always wanted to do at Christmas. I always complain that there are so many other things I want to do at Christmas but always run out of time.

For example, Christmas Eve instead of rushing about getting things prepared for lunch the next day I can sit and watch the Carols by Candlelight with the kids instead of watching from the kitchen!

I can focus more on doing some baking and make some Christmas treats (cookies, candies, etc). Christmas morning I will be able to watch my kids open their presents without worry about if the table is set right or if we have everything covered.

So you see there are positives to the change in this situation and I think I am going to enjoy them....

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Change of Christmas Plans......

Usually around Sean's birthday, if not earlier, Noel and I try to get the family together to discuss Christmas. So with the fact of the whole family getting together for Sean's birthday we decided to wait until then. Last Sunday (while out for a family lunch and Sean's birthday) the subject of Christmas was brought up.. or should I say buying presents was discussed and hosting Christmas was (as usual) mentioned.

Firstly buying presents ONLY for the kids was agreed by all although some years this never gets adhered to!

Secondly, with regards to hosting the actual Christmas Luncheon no-one put their hand up for Christmas when Noel asked if anyone else wanted to do it... infact everyone laughed, comments were made about how good last year's turkey was and then there was a comment made that "we used to offer but you two (meaning Noel and I) always say you are doing it". So as the discussion pretty much finished there with no-one positively saying they were doing Christmas, Noel and I presumed it would be Christmas Day at our house as it has been for many years now.

Needless to say everything seemed organised last Sunday..... so in usual fashion, off I have gone and I have started planning my decorations, the menu and all the little touches that I add to make our Christmas Day special... in fact it has consumed most of my thoughts over the last week. I love Christmas and it's truly the one day I look forward to each year.

All was starting to look good (albeit on paper) ..... until I got a phone call last night!

Noel's mam rang. She said that her and Dad had been thinking about it all week and they would really want to do Christmas this year! I was a little in shock and during my silence, mam went on to explain she had already spoken to Vicky who thought it was a great idea and would be much easier for them especially as Vicky's parents live in the next street. I was a little upset and as I said silent for a while on the phone thinking of why people couldn't have just spoken up last week!

The next sentence floored me.... "you are quite welcome to come? Of course we would love you be here but it's up to you" which sounded like we are now hosting Christmas at our house whether you decide to come or not. To be honest it felt as if they weren't sure if we would attend as it's not at our house... and what's with that?

So not only had the topic now changed from nothing during last week's conversation to a complete change of plans without the normal group discussion but yet reassurance had already been received from Sean and Vicky about their attendence before even deciding to mention it to us!!

Mind you saying that, it probably wasn't meant to be as bad as I have portrayed it and if anything, it may have just been the way I interperated the situation last night more than likely due to the shock of recieving the phone call!

Before continuing here is some background into our family Christmases. The Murray's (Noel's family) and the Davies' (my family) have been having Christmas Day's together since Noel and I met and starting courting..... so for the last 20 years. Traditionally my mam and dad held Christmas every year. Everyone went to my parent's house - maybe the fact they lived on a golf course was the inviting factor. My dad passed away but mam kept up the tradition, even when she eventually remarried. Of course, that tradition finished when she moved to Bribie Island. Since then most years my mam flies to Melbourne for Christmas.

With the situation with my sister, I actually haven't seen her or her family on Christmas Day for the last few years and this year will be no exception.... so sadly the only one I have to factor in from my side of the family again this year is my mam.

I won't lie by saying I wasn't upset about the phone call or the change in plans... because I was last night. I think Noel was also upset. I am still a little concerned with the comment made about joining them for Christmas as what sort of people would we be if we chose to stay at out house for Christmas Day, especially after years of expecting people to come to ours. But I have thought about the whole situation since the phone call, in fact it's all I have thought about.

Please don't get me wrong, now that I have thought about it I am actually GLAD (sort of....) that someone else wants to do Christmas Day and although it is a day we love hosting we have always got the feeling no-one else has wanted to take the reigns anyhow. Mam and Dad hosted Christmas lunch many years ago and I can remember clear as day afterwards mam said that "they were getting too old to do this!" and to be honest the only time Sean and Vicky have ever offered was the year that we took our family to Brisbane for Christmas. Now I don't want to sound bitchy but as you can imagine, it's just become somewhat habit for us to host Christmas.

Now I actually do feel a little guitly. Maybe it's our fault and we have selfishly monopolised Christmas Day without realising. All these years believing that people have been happy to come and sit at our table to enjoy Christmas Day when maybe they have really been wanting to host Christmas themselves. Or maybe we, ourselves, caused this situation by wanting to host Christmas and some how made others feel that they didn't have any other choice.

Now after thinking about the situation and even though I would still love to be hosting Christmas this year and would happily host it every year without question, I DO actually feel this is a change that obviously needs to happen especially as the family grows, a change in routine and expectations will probably do us all good. Who knows what will happen from this year on, Noel and I hope that the load will now be shared with all families taking turns in holding the special day and putting their own twist on the day! Maybe we may only get to host it every 3rd year from here on in.

Needless to say Christmas will definitely be a change this year but the most important thing of all, especially with Clare coming down from Sydney and my mam from Queensland, the important people in our family will all sit down together and celebrate as a family no matter where we are......

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Melbourne Cup Day 2009

Well that time of year has come and gone again ~ the Race that stops the Nation ~ the Melbourne Cup, part of Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival.

For those living in Melbourne we are blessed with a public holiday to celebrate the day and also many people manage to get the Monday off from work ensuring that they had a long weekend. Noel and I both had the Monday off work and decided on Sunday that the kids could stay home from school also. Naughty of us but honestly we don't spend that much time with them at the best of time!

We had a great day yesterday, even though my emotions were all over the place due to what time of year it is. Although my dad passed away 16 years ago, I miss him so much and with all the family turmoil this year it was just harder than it has ever been. With the way I was feeling or should I say not coping very well we decided that we would just have a family day although we had been invited to several wonderful people's places to celebrate Melbourne Cup Day. I am glad that we made that decision as I wasn't really in a social mood and afterwards considering an intake of 3 bottles of champagne I still wasn't in a social mood!

Before the big race we popped into Anaconda for a look. Anaconda is a huge outdoor shop (camping, hiking, canoeing, etc). We didn't go in there to look at anything particular but we knew that we had some gift vouchers that needed using ($140 worth of vouchers). Browsing around we came accross a gazebo (3 x 3 metre shelter) that was reduced from $359 to $179 and we needed a new one for when we do go camping or to the Balnarring Picnic Races so we bought it. It was such a bargain - a saving of $180 plus using $140 in voucher we only paid $39 for our new gazebo!!! Tell me we weren't happy shoppers yesterday.

As for making a fortune on the nags..... it wasn't to be for me, Noel or Oliver. As usual Alex managed to pick the winner - just like she did last year. And yes we all heard about it! She went to the TAB to pick up her winnings with Noel. A $3 each way bet rewarded her with $40.50 and the beaming smile she had when they returned home was priceless but I could see the cogs turning in her head about what she was going to do with all "her" money until she was disappointed by being told she had to share it with her brother and us! I told Noel that Alex should put on all future horse racing bets for all of us!!!

This is 'Shocking' crossing the finishing line riden by Corey Brown
(photo courtesy of The Herald Sun)

Overall a good weekend was had by the Murray family but unfortunately it's all back to normality today - work, school and routine.

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Menu Plan Monday

WOW another quick week and I think I managed to stick to my menu for most of last week, which is always a good thing. So it's that time of the week again to put my menu out there for all to see (ooh it's exciting) ~ I do love reading other people's menu's from Menu Plan Monday over at I'm an Organising Junkie.... you all cook so many nice things too!! Go on, pop over and see if anything takes your fancy......

Saturday ~ We went out for a 30th birthday party - a bbq and we took Crunchy Asian Salad and Roast Pumpkin, Beetroot and Bocconcini Salad with Guiness Dressing

Sunday ~ kids - Cheesy Corn, Spinach, Mushroom and Bacon Risotto & adults - Pork Sheek Kebab meatballs

Monday ~ Char Sui Roast Pork Fillets and salad Rice Paper Rolls & Satay Sauce

Tuesday ~ Jamaican Barbeque Chicken

Wednesday ~ Sweet and Spicy Lamb with Vegetarian Fried Rice

Thursday ~ Ragu Bolagnaise

Friday ~ Home made pizzas?

For all recipes and other things that have been cooked in our kitchen please visit A Dash Of Flavour.

Have a wonderful week everyone and happy cooking........

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com