Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year 2010


From my family to yours
We wish you a very Happy and Safe New Year!!
Look forward to chatting with you next year.

We are partying at home tonight with our family and friends. It is very warm here 35 degrees Celsius and I guess we are all hoping for the cool change to come through earlier rather than later. Food has been the major focus of today with Noel cooking a spaghetti bolognaise, I have made a beef curry, there are marinated lamb ribs cooking in the oven, chicken ribs marinating, others are bringing food. Mam has made a trifle and I have made a butternut snap ripple (a version of the chocolate ripple cake)....

I can't wait until the countdown and the beginning of what I hope is going to be a better year in sooooooo many ways!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Menu Plan Monday (26th Dec - 1st Jan)


I cannot believe it is now Tuesday and I totally missed posting yesterday. I love Christmas and the whole Festive Season but you totally lose track of time as there is always so much going on.

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 ~ Big Bucket in the Sky Chicken/Salt and Pepper Calamari
Sun ~ BBQ - lamb chops, sausages and hamburgers
Mon ~ Spaghetti with Meatballs and Pesto Pasta
Tue ~ Jamies 40th Birthday (out)
Wed ~ Ham Steaks with Pineapple
Thu ~ New Year's Eve Party at our house
Fri ~ Chicken 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,


Merry Christmas.. sorry I am late!

Although I am a little late - I just would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

We have had a great Christmas, Mam is here with us and we have had many celebrations with family and friends so far.

Santa definitely came to our house with children young and old being spoiled this year, especially me!! Noel brought me a new blender, mam brought me a slow cooker (an 8 litre), Noel and I brought each other a new Weber style bbq, which we are looking forward to using. With the exception of "Christmas" the black mini lop bunny and "Rocket" the guinea pig who are new additions to the family the list of what presents the kids got would go on forever!!


For the first time in a long long time Christmas Day wasn't being held here, we went off to Noel's parents and had lunch with all of Noel's family. It was a nice day and we stayed there overnight so we all relaxed and had a good time. Unfortunately Mam M didn't feel too good with a little stomach bug which put a little damper on the day.

For supper that evening we had a seafood platter, which we brought. Mam and Dad did Christmas day and we supplied the seafood for supper. It was full of prawns, trout, smoked salmon and oysters, a little salad, avocado and lemon wedges and home made cocktail sauce. Looks great hey?
Boxing Day we came home, Clare in tow also. She wanted to stay with us for a few days before returning to Sydney. She normally does and we all have a scream of a time. It's always great catching up with her. She did a jigsaw with Alex, which I know Alex enjoyed having all of Aunty Clare's attention for a little while.



Saturday, Jamie and the boys came over for a bbq lunch and we caught up with Christmas presents etc. It was good to see the boys over Christmas - to be perfectly honest I cannot remember when we saw them over Christmas last so it was great to see their faces as they unwrapped their presents.

Tonight we are off to Jamie's 40th birthday party. Strange really as this is the first time we have see Jamie's family since the separtion, so it could be a very interesting night especially as far as conversation goes!! I guess the strange thing is the we will all be there and my Claire won't!

Lastly it's New Year's Eve on Thursday night and we are having a party here at home. We did last year and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with our family and friends..... then I guess it's a new beginning on Friday with the start of 2010.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Menu Plan Monday (19th Dec - 25th Dec)


Can you believe it is that time of the week again? This last week has flown by and I am sure so will the week considering Christmas is just around the corner .....

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 ~ Charcoal Chicken (shop bought) and Salad/Sausages in Bread
Sun ~ Out for chinese dinner
Mon ~ Lasagne, salad and garlic breads
Tue ~ Fish with Pesto & Cheese Topping
Wed ~ Portuguese Split Chicken
Thu ~ Picnic at Carols by Candlelight
Fri ~ Christmas Day.....

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,

It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas....

Not too many days left now before the jolly fat man in the red suit comes to visit all the good little girls and boys..... and boy are my two kids getting excited.

Mam arrived safely on Friday afternoon and as usual it's great to see her! The kids came to the bus stop to pick her up and I love seeing her face when she gets of the bus and looks at the children, assessing how both of them have grown and changed since last time.

Saturday Mam came to work with me, yes she arrived just in time for my work breakup and as in Harkaway tradition we had a spit roast and some salads on site. Not an overly exciting breakup but hey, that's what was organised, it was free so no complaining should be done!

Jamie brought the boys over for dinner on Saturday night and for Grandma's all important catch up with the boys.... she was really pleased to see them. Although, in true kid fashion, they played together most of the night and didn't really bother with any of the adults, I am sure she had fun and was grateful to see them considering what has happened this year.
Yesterday, we went shopping and I can proudly say we are almost done with the Christmas shopping. Most presents are wrapped also which is a fantastic thing with only a few more that we brought on Sunday to go. So I have gone from being VERY disorganised to almost on top of it!! Woohoo!! We also went out for dinner to Quality Wok, in Frankston, Mam's treat - so once again no complaints!!

Noel took Mam to the doctors today as she needed to get a Victorian referal to MIA (Melbourne Imaging Association) as she needs to have an ultrasound on her liver. I am quite concerned with this and I am praying that it's nothing serious........ she is having the ultrasound in the morning and should be able to access the results on Thursday.

I am off to Weight Watchers tonight so it should be interesting what the recent food fest I attended shows up on the scales!!! Oh well it is the silly season..... lol!!!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Thursday - what happened to the days before?

Who ever called Christmas the "Silly Season" was spot on!! The whole place has gone mad!

Shopping centres are bursting at the seams, car parks are dreadful and full of irate drivers and to make things worse all my days are blurring into one and I don't know if I am coming or going at the moment.

Thursday night was the school Christmas concert. Only Alex performed this year as Oliver (and the grade 6's) didn't have to perform. Due to them having graduation on Tuesday they focused on preparing for that whilst the rest of the school were rehearsing for the carol singing. It was a good night but sadly only I went as Noel and Oliver were both sick.

We did get the Christmas tree up on Sunday (13th) after rearranging part of the loungeroom to fit it in! I looks nice although squished into the corner but I like it. Oliver put the angel on the tree this year.

I love having the Christmas tree up - if I wasn't such a traditionalist I am sure it would be up all year round.... the kids did a great job. The kids had fun decorating it as usual, not to mention their usual messing about!


Now this is better.......


Oliver had his Graduation on Tuesday night, a little sad to think that my "little boy" is growing up... this is his last year of primary (junior) school and he is venturing into the big wide world of secondary school next year! It was a good night. Great to see the girls and boys dressed up. All students did a reflective speech of their time at Kananook Primary and to thank their teachers. Oliver did really well with his speech.


Last night was the first time we sat down properly as a family for dinner as we have been so busy and all over the place. We had Veal Campagnola and it was delish.

Tonight we are off out for dinner with Sharon and Tom, which will be wonderful as we haven't really caught up with the two of them for awhile now and we do miss them. They are travelling overseas over Christmas and the New Year so this will be the first year in a quite a few that they haven't spent Christmas Day with us. We are going to the Frankston RSL so local and normally a good feed.

All happening tomorrow as my mam arrives from Queensland. I am really looking forward to seeing her as we haven't seen her since April this year. She arrives around 3pm and is catching the airport bus to Frankston so I will collect her from the bus stop at about 5.20pm.

The weekend is already shaping up to be busy - it's my last Saturday morning shift for the year, Jamie and the boys are coming for dinner on Saturday night, Sunday will have to take Mam shopping for Christmas presents and then it's back to work on Monday for 3 more days.

And the best bit my house is a MESS!!!!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Menu Plan Monday (12th Dec - 18th Dec)


Can you believe it is that time of the week again? This last week has flown by and I am sure so with the next two weeks considering it's the silly season once again.....

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 ~ Chicken curry with steamed rice/Spaghetti Bolognaise
Sun ~ Kabana and Broccolini Linguine
Mon ~ Lamb Racks with red currant jus and vegetables
Tue ~ Oliver Primary School Graduation Dinner
Wed ~ Veal Campagnola
Thu ~ Out for dinner - Frankston RSL
Fri ~ Chicken and Mushroom Scallopine

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,







Saturday, December 12, 2009

Still TOO much to do,.......

It's that time of the year when there is definitely TOO much to do and I honestly believe that the clock ticks faster! LOL if only we could slow down the ticking!

This morning brought another sickie in our house, Alex was sick from the early hours of this morning. She actually came home from school with a graze, bump and bruise next to her left ey from falling over at school (and no the school didn't inform us she had had an accident). It is rather large and of course, we were both concerned incase she infact may have a mild concusion. Whether it's from the bump or the bug that's going around at the moment hopefully this will pass quickly, like it did with the other two, mind you she was still reaching this morning as I abandoned her and left for work.... I left her with Noel but as a mam I felt awful leaving her!!

Alex and I had a great night together last night. She came with me to get my nails done and I thought she would of had her nails painted but wasn't interested. Then we went shopping for some Christmas presents (we managed to buy a few but there are still more to buy) and also bought this wees groceries to save us going today. Princess is turning into a real girl, wanting to look in clothes shops and try things on. It's quite eye opening watching the change in her, not to mention scary as I am definitely no girly girl myself!!

Once again, we couldn't walk past Santa. We had to stop and pay him a visit... seriously this girl is a Santa Stalker!!! I think every Santa in Frankston now knows she wants an ALIVE bunny rabbit for Christmas!!

(can you see the bump? My poor Princess!!)

Today Nazz and Steve move house. I don't envy the big job they have ahead but they have plenty of helpers, I have been assured. I popped into the new house last night and it's really nice (honestly I have a touch of the green eyed monster happening). It's around the corner so walking distance for wines and get togethers!! Love the fact that's what we thought of first!! Then how the kids can play together of course!! I felt bad that with working this morning I couldn't really do much to help so I offered (and Nazz accepted) to make a curry for the adults and a spaghetti bolognaise for the kids for dinner tonight to save her worrying about dinner. I am sure they will be exhausted and at least they can look forward to a good dinner after a huge day! Well I hope so anyways!!

I have to say I am getting a little excited about Sunday. Why? Sunday we put up our Christmas decorations, especially the Christmas Tree and hopefully the house will be filled with some Christmas spirit!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Friday, December 11, 2009

OH what a week!

What a week this has been.......

As you know we returned from our pre Christmas Stress Break on Monday. Bright was beautiful and I am sure we will definitely go back there at some stage... hopefully not when the "Tour de Bright" is on... too much lycra and bums in the way of the view for my liking!! LOL!!

Tuesday, Oliver had his Orientation Day at his new high school, McClelland College which he enjoyed thoroughly. Alex and Noel also went to investigate Ballam Park Primary school as an option for her next year. Alex loved the school and wants to go there next year. In fact she eagerly wants to so that's a good thing right? I hope this school isn't as clicky or bitchy as Kananook Primary School.

As for me, Tuesday brought another day of sickness. Not liking this and will probably require some tests as it cannot just be a 24 hour virus everytime. The worst part about it is that it is random - it's not daily or weekly or monthly. Just when ever it feels like it. I went to the doctors Tuesday after work, but it was just classed as a virus and to go back if it happens again soon.

Normality somewhat returned Wednesday. I felt better thankfully so work and school for us all. Wednesday night we all made Picau Ar Y Maen ~ Welsh Cakes for Oliver to take to school on Thursday for his World Tour Class Party. Must say it was fun doing some baking mid week as that normally doesn't happen at all.

Blogging about the Welsh Cakes on A Dash Of Flavour I realised that we had reached our 200th blog which was a surprise as I cannot believe we did but it was a great feeling of success and achievement. We are having a cookbook giveaway, so pop over and have a look, click here. Everyone is welcome to enter.

Last night was another night not only to remember but to put away in the archives not to be discussed again. Picking the kids up from school I was greeted with a boy, who apparently ate too much food and had been sick.... yuk!! I don't do my sick very well let alone anyone else's - yes I am a bad mam! We were just about home, front wheels in the driveway and he threw up again in my car!! Needless to say, after he finished reaching into the flower bed (of all places) I made him strip down in the driveway, get into a warm shower and stay there! In the meantime I cleaned out the car, bucketed the driveway down with disinfectant and hot water, locate a bucket for the boy, clear a space around his bed for towel and bucket all while dry reaching myself. Alex watched on in amazement or horror (which-ever) from her prime seat at the dining table.

Noel came home and he too was sick but unlike Oliver he had the 24 hour gastro bug for sure. He got out of his car and was sick all over the garden as well. The neighbours must have thought I had poisoned them all.... lol!! By this time I was running late to get Alex to the Christmas Concert at the school and was pulling out of the driveway with Noel still imitating the Exorsist in our front yard. Just at that time Sharon and Tom arrived, I felt bad but explained the happenings on the Murray household and hopefully she understood as I took off like a mad woman to get Princess to her concert in time.

As for today - well like I mentioned most of the day was spent anxiously awaiting the phonecall. I was so tempted to ring Noel every hour but firstly I knew he would not appreciate it at all and secondly he promised to ring as soon as something had happened. When he finally did call the news was mixed. Thankfully Noel has kept his job but for 4 of his mates they were not so lucky!!
What an end to a week.......

Redundacy.....

For the last couple of weeks Noel and I have known about the looming redundancies at his work. 25 people are to be made redundant and the company was accepting volunteer redundancy applications up until last week. The catch being that management had to power to accept or decline depending on the individual... so not really volunteer but it did give some people the option to take a package, I guess.

Today, however, is the day that the final decision will be made on just who those 25 people are, who knows Noel just may be one of the ones of the list. I hope not but I guess worse things could happen.

Nice action really on behalf of his company, one week before breaking up for Christmas and not really a great prosperous way to bring in the New Year! Strange as the company itself has got through the economic crisis here, production has increased and they have been working overtime for weeks now but I guess the upcoming work and their future outlook isn't that promising. Who know's the really reason - when it comes to business it's all about the dollars and bottom figure on the profit and loss statement - not the livlihood or the families of employees who are loyal to the company, those who have worked for the same company for years, those that make an effort. No that doesn't come into it for even one second!!

Needless to say I am sitting here eagerly waiting a phone call from Noel ~ whether it be good or bad news I just need to know! To be honest I am getting more anxious by the minute.

I really wish I was more patient......

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Menu Plan Monday (5th Dec - 11th Dec) - better late than never!!

I know it's officially Wednesday and although my week runs differently to many I will admit I am a little behind this week. We spent the weekend away so now we are getting back to the normality of our life - no longer pampered at a hotel, no longer not worrying about what's for dinner... oh the life some people lead! Personally I prefer my life...... but having a mini-break prior to the Silly Season was nice and relaxing.


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 ~ Holidays at Bright
· Sun ~ Holidays at Bright
· Mon ~ Herb and Chilli Roast Vegetables
· Tue ~ Pork Ragu with pasta
· Wed ~ Lamb skewers with satay sauce
· 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,

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

It's good to be home - but Bright was beautiful!

The holiday is over.... and although all good things come to an end this weekend wasn't about me or Noel is was about the kids and family time. I cannot honestly remember the last time the four of us were just the four of us. Sounds silly I know as everyday it is normally just the four of us but when you are away it's so very different.

We left on Saturday afternoon, with Noel and the kids picking me up from work. A long drive ahead, but we all survived it I think out of the pure excitement of actually going away. Stopping once in Kalkalo for Hungry Jacks as everyone was starving and then again in Wangaratta for petrol and to put tattslotto on (hoping that the change of lottery outlet would prove lucky but to now avail!!).

The drive up the Great Alpine Road was beautiful, surrounding landscape of lush green covered mountains. Lots of pine trees and rolling pastures of crops sadly still marred with the after effects of the bush fires last summer.

We arrived at the Bright Chalet around 5.30ish and we were all glad to see the hotel that's for sure. I honestly didn't think Bright was really that far away. I guess it's more the fact that you drive so far and then need to double back on yourselves to get to where this nice town is nestled in the valley of two mountains.

Needless to say after all the travel, we were looking forward to going to our room. Not overly impressed but it's not the worst place we have stayed. The hotel was accomodating, but not exactly as pictured on it's website.

The kids had a quick swim in the pool. We showered and went down to have dinner. The package deal I purchased for our trip away entitled us to dinner and breakfast while we were there. Saturday night was an all you can eat buffet dinner which was quite nice. Hot foods such as soups, lasagne, sheperd's pie, roast, pototoes etc along with salads and desserts. We definitely had our fill and then returned to our room where we all actually went to sleep early.

Sunday we were determined to make the most of the day and explore the surrounding area. Up early we went for a kid drive around Bright, then went back for breakfast. After breakfast, we went for a drive to Beechworth, which is a very historical old town and yes we had a pie from the famous Beechworth Bakery. On the way back to Bright we took the kids to Wandiligong Maze. The maze is a huge hedge maze and was quite complex. Lots of shortcuts, wooden doors and emergency exits were available but Alex and I decided that we were not going to cheat and find the two towers and two rose bushes and the exit but pure determination. Noel on the other hand, decided he was using the doors from the beginning. Oliver was the last out of the maze, and while we laughed at the fact of seeing his feet continuously circling the same part of the maze he was very frustrated by the time I had re-entered the maze to help him to the exit gate. But many laughs were had by all, which was the main thing.

Monday came around quickly and it was Monday we were due to return to home. But we had much to do before we saw our house. First stop was the Bright Berry Farm, where we tasted and bought lots of jams as well as a huge bunnet of freshly picked mixed berries. Next stop was the Red Stag Deer and Emu farm. The kids were looking forward to seeing the deers but I only had one thing in mind... buying some deer meat... yummo... venison. Now I must say the kids weren't overly happy with my motive but said that they would try the meat. Unfortunately they didn't have any venison for sale. However, I did not leave empty handed. I purchased 1kg of Ostrich meat...... now this should be interesting!!

Glenrowan was the next stop. We had a look around, read up on Australian history and Ned Kelly. Went to the official Ned Kelly museum and brought this fantastic print of Ned Kelly's suit of armour. Noel and I found this visit to Glenrowan more interesting. It's strange, really, we both took time to take in the history and the information, maybe we have grown up!

Winton Motor Raceway had to be visited, let's face it we couldn't just drive past, and when we got there we were surprised to see some cars doing laps. It wasn't a race meet, probably just a car club. But the boys thought it was great.

We stopped in Seymour for some lunch and to give Noel a break from driving. After lunch I decided I would drive for awhile and ended up driving all the way home. That to me was a highlight of the weekend as normally Noel drives EVERYWHERE. After being together for 20 years I have come to the conclusion that he doesn't like (trust) my driving and normally I don't drive with him. LOL!!

We got home late, but it was a great day. Infact overall, it was a great weekend.

Today Oliver had his orientation day up at high school. He is going to McClelland College next year. He came home really excited and is so looking forward to starting next year. He knows who is in his class and spent the day doing a "mock" school day, changing rooms for subjects and getting to know the school. Jai, our neighbour's grandson is in Oliver's class as is another child from the football club, so thankfully although Oliver is the only one from Kananook going to McClelland he knows quite a few other kids.

Alex and Noel had a look at another primary school, Ballam Park Primary School as we are thinking of changing her school for next year. It's next to the college and we are hoping that both Oliver and Alex can walk home together which will not only give them responsibility now they are getting older but get Alex to know other kids in the area, and kids that she would no doubt be going to high school with. Also it's local to where we live. Kananook is a great school but a little out of the way especially with having only one child going there next year. It's a huge decision for us with changing schools but honestly I don't think she will suffer with the decision. Infact she wants to change schools.

Enough for me today.... all of us will be in bed early again... we had a great weekend and the rest/relaxation just the four of us was just what we needed. It was great to spend quality time together.

Bring on the silly season...

Saturday, December 05, 2009

A mini break..... well deserved that's for sure. (2009 in review!!)

A few months ago we decided it was time that we, as a family, took a little break. Not from each other but with each other!!

So this afternoon we are off to Bright, a beautiful town in the Alpine Region of Victoria. Although it's only for two nights and we return on Monday afternoon, I am sure these few days are going to do ALL of us some good.

In fact we haven't had a proper holiday as a family for about 4 years now. Sad but true! The last few years we have planned to go camping but in 2008 Alex broke her foot, so plastercast and was on crutches. This year two weeks before we have planned to leave she broke her wrist. Once again plastercast and this time in a sling she was not fit to brave the elements of the bush!

We also moved house in 2008, which as many of you know, it doesn't help the finances. Not to mention the time it takes to pack and unpack. In fact we are still unpacking... lol!!

Many other incidents have marred us this year, some huge and some little, but these have dampened our spirits and have affected us all in various ways. Personally, I don't think I have cried as much as I have this year, I don't think I have ever felt this angry or upset either.

On an emotional level I have struggled dealing with the relationship I have with my sister and with her life choices.

I have mentioned she has a new life, one I cannot imagine how she is enjoying. However I haven't really at any point gone in detail as to what happened so here it is..... the final time I will discuss her.

In one foul swoop of what can only be described as a premeditated chain of events her family situation changed by her doing. We had an inkling that she was having troubles in her marriage but as to how deep those troubles were we did not know and still don't. I say premeditated as the way things were done during her seperation to Jamie and they way it was played out HAD to be planned. Her ferel partner in crime's wife, also Claire's best friend at the time, walked out on her doomed marriage to said ferel on the Tuesday and by Saturday Claire had asked Jamie to leave.
Needless to say by March the 1st the ferel had just about moved into to Claire and Jamies house. I chose this day to visit Claire, arms open, to make sure was alright and to offer my support only to be met with the ferel down in her bedroom and Claire wanting to know if we would like to have coffee with them both! When questioned by me about the situation she had the nerve to look me straight in the eye and deny that anything was going on, they were both watching movies, had too much to drink and the ferel slept on the couch! Denying any sexual involvement sighting they were just good friends!! Hang on - I watched him leave her bedroom, I watched her skip up the hallway with the content "young love" feeling, I saw the couch was covered in about 4 weeks' worth of clothes, Claire doesn't drink that much at all and the ferel still lived up the road!
That was the moment I lost all respect for my baby sister.

Her beautiful home, that her and Jamie worked so hard on has been sold, and now she is living in a rental with the man she obviously slept with prior to seperating from her husband, the man who was friends with her husband, the man that her husband accepted into his home and their family and obviously the man who has managed with Claire's blessing to rip a family apart. While I don't like nor agree with the situation as it stands, I have to accept that it is her life and up to her but I also have to accept that I am not part of it and in a way that makes me somewhat happy.

I am learning to move past the anger and hate every day and I know that it will not change unless she wants it to. Not only has the relationship between my sister and I been damaged to what I consider beyond repair but this situation has damaged the dynamics of our once close family. My mam has been hurt immensely, not only by Claire chosen actions but by the backlash that this situation has caused. The yelling between me and mam, the arguing and the crying. I wish I could have protected Mam from all the hurt, anger and dissappointment she has felt and still feels, but there is nothing either of us could or can do as ultimately this was all's Claire's decision. This Christmas will be very hard for Mam and for me as Claire will not be present nor be welcome in our festivities, unless of course she makes the first move but even if she does there is a long road to travel before any hint of normality will resume.

But believe it or not - good has actually come out of that bad situation though. Jamie, even though seperated from my sister, has become closer to us as a family and in doing so our children are getting to know their cousins again as we have spent a lot more time with the Kyle, Stuart, Wesley and Angus than we have in the last four years.



Speaking of seperations, another relationship was finalised this year with Clare's "D-I-V-O-R-C-E became final today" (sorry Dusty Springfield, you sing it so much better) on 10th February, 28 days after the papers were filed. I really hope that now anything to do with that past relationship is over and done with that Clare will find true happiness. She deserves it and the man she finally decides to settle with, maybe Grahame (her current man), I must say will be one very lucky man. Clare has a beautiful spirit and an intelligent mind, and as her "big" sister I believe she deserves the best!

My health has been a major issue this year, finding out that I have Type II Diabetes in July. So finger pricking, glucose tests, more frequent visits to the doctor. I think I have seen that poor man once a week for every week this year! My blood pressure finally got in control and a perfect level but this last couple of months has seen it elevate again.... reason - STRESS!

Noel too has been and is still suffering with heal spurs, and short of seeing a surgeon and going under the knife, he has tried various treatments even medication but to no avail. It's hard to watch him struggle to walk when he gets up. But like me, everyday he puts on a brave face and soldiers on. Long term, though we really need to get this sorted and will be broaching the subject during the summer holidays.

The financial crisis here in Australia didn't help us nor did it help many other Australian families. Overtime was cut back for us but many others lost their jobs - thankfully we didn't. But the reduction in the pay packet did stretch our resources a little and many Aussies, including us, had to tighten the purse strings.

Work, is playing mind games with both me and Noel. Noel's work has become ridiculously busy and he is working four nights overtime some weeks but yet the company announced that 25 people have to be made redundant within the company and the axe will be dropped next Friday the 11th December. I think he should be safe as he is a good worker but bottom line is he is just an employed number like me. My workplace (quarry) is closing soon and all the employees with be sent to other quarries to work. The only problem is they, at this point in time, have said to me I have a guaranteed job, but they are not certain where or doing what, worse case scenario is I take a huge step backwards, relinquish my duties, become a full time weighbridge operator "short term"!

Not to mention the little things (good and bad) like rocks being thrown through windows, football club responsibilities, the bushfires, a couple of minor earthquakes in Victoria, deaths of a few acquaintences, the highs and lows of our friends and their relationships, and even the fact Oliver is actually going to high school next year, just to name a few have all had different effects on me and the family.

The highlight of this year, however, was the birth of Daniel. His arrival has topped the year off nicely as there is nothing that can raise a family's spirits than the arrival of a baby. As I have mentioned recently it was great to all be together once we were told Daniel was born. Good to be a part of the first few days and weeks, not only getting to know him but to be there for both Sean and Vicky.

Needless to say that beside a few good things, this year has been a truely horrible year for me and my family, one I hope never gets repeated. But saying that, this year has brought lots of experiences. Experiences I can only draw from and learn from but pray to God I never have to face them again.

It's only 26 days until 2010 and I pray and hope and wish and dream that 2010 will be a better year.......





PS Hit me if I vent negativity anymore this year... please!!!

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

24 more sleeps.....


Well it's official - it's the first of December today which means that the "Jolly Fat Man in the Red Suit" is only 24 sleeps away...... and geez were my kids excited to see the advent calendar hanging in prime position in the kitchen this morning.

Although we are used to seeing Christmas decorations in the shops early every year.... I have to admit to being a true traditionalist when it comes to Christmas and decorating. In fact my mam is and so was her mam.... thankfully Noel is happy for me to carry on my family traditions.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is somewhat traditional is our family. Officially starting on Christmas Day through to the 5th January is known as "Christmastide" and the day after the 12th night is Epiphany on January 6th.

We put our Christmas Tree and decorations up on the 13th December - 12 days before Christmas. No other decorations are put up before hand except of course for the advent calendar and Noel does start putting up the outside Christmas lights early as this does take some time. Traditionally (in the United Kingdom), the Twelfth Day is the last day for decorations to be taken down. It is said to be bad luck to take decorations down after this date. Needless to say we have 12 days before and 12 days after Christmas and it's all over for another year.

Christmas Eve has always been special time in our family also. Besides normally organising what we can for Christmas dinner the next day we bake mince tarts and other Christmas treats. It's great since mam always comes and stays with us for Christmas there is 3 generations baking together on Christmas Eve... my mam, me and Alex. The children then have their baths/showers and get to take one present from under the tree. Not just any present - it's a special present which is always their Christmas pyjama's. A special brand new pair of pyjama's to wear on such a special night. We all have a seafood supper and watch Carols By Candlelight on the tv together as a family.

Before going off to bed, a platter is left for Santa and his reindeer. Santa normally is treated to a freshly baked mince pie and a nip of whiskey, a couple of carrots for the reindeer and of course a bucket of water is placed at the front door just in case they are thirsty also!! Now because we do not have a chimney in our house, we have a "magic key" that Santa uses to enter the house and of course we leave this hanging outside on the front door.

We have a nativity scene, very rustic looking complete with donkey and cow, the angel, Mary and Joseph. Jesus in the cradle is not put out on December 13th instead the baby in the cradle is place in the nativity scene on Christmas morning not before.

Christmas dinner is always a traditional affair. Entrees are changed to suit, but when it comes to the main fare there is always Roast Turkey and stuffing, Roast Pork, vegetables, cranberry sauce, apple sauce and gravy. And always way too much of it. The Christmas pudding is always eaten, complete with it's treasure of hidden coins (which of course are sterilised before placing inside the pudding). Served with brandy custard or brandy butter there is no better way than to push your already over-full belly to the limits.

So what are your Christmas traditions? What are the special things you do to make your Christmas magic? I would love to hear what happens in your household.

Now off to do some planning and preparation before all the days disappear and it's suddenly Christmas Day already....... alright then, where do I start??

Oh before I forget.... here are some snaps from last year's Christmas decorations if you fancy having a look!!

 

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