Friends from our past...

Today we went out for lunch with old friends of ours, Kelee and Roger.

I cannot remember the last time that we saw them both properly. There have been fleeting moments were our paths crossed but nothing like all the times we spent together in the "good ol' days"!!

We went for lunch at the Chelsea Heights Hotel and chatted for ages, even before ordering. We got there at 1pm and left just before 5pm... it was great to catch up on what's happening in their lives now and what we have missed out on....

Roger is living in Perth - working but no partner as yet.

Kelee has two children, Kyhal and Gemma! Absolutely fantastic kids and a little older than our two but the four of them seemed to get along very well.

Roger was over for a wedding so it was the perfect opportunity to FINALLY catch up as we have been chatting of Facebook for some time and have mentioned catching up and I am so glad that we pulled our fingers out and organised it! Noel enjoyed himself also!!

Both Kelee and I have agreed that it was a shame to leave our friendship go for sooooo long and have promised not to let time get in our way from here on in.....

What a day today was.........

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

My last day at Harkaway Quarry

Today is my last day working at Harkaway Quarry - I finish my last shift here at 12pm. Infact most of the crew here finish their last shift also. Harkaway Quarry has ceased production of aggregates and once sales has taken the last of the stockpiles the gates will be locked forever.

Here are some images of the quarry and where I have called home for 8 years.... as you will see this is no place for princesses - hence I had to leave my tiara at the gate!

This is the weighbridge where trucks are ticketed as they leave the quarry....

The office....


The crushing plant...




The quarry hole....


I have to survive my emotions of saying goodbye today. We had a small site bbq last night and all was good until I had to say goodbye to my boss, Joe. I found this really hard but was brave only crying once I got into the car and was driving away. Joe and I have worked together off and on since I started 8 years ago. We have always got along well and during our working relationship he has always been very helpful, provided guidance and advice, supportive and more importantly was there for me when I just needed to be a girl (especially considering I, most times, was the only female on site)!! I would have to say over my whole working career, Joe is the best boss I have had. Joe is moving on to another quarry within the company.

Saying farewell to Rod was also hard. He too was like Joe but was somewhat of a father figure to me. Rod is going on long service leave as of February 1st which will lead into his retirement. Rod has a heart of gold and will be sadly missed from our day to day happenings, his jokes, his stories and his shoulders!! Yes he let me be a girl occasionally too!

Working with both these remarkable men was definitely a two way street and I really enjoyed it being so. I wish the two of them all the best as they deserve nothing less.

Don't panic I am still working with Hanson just in a different role and based in Clarinda (near Oakleigh). As of Monday my new title is Southern Region Trainer and Assessor - Concrete Division!! Crikey what a mouthful.

I know some of you know that I already hold a Cert IV in Training And Assessing, and have been conducting training/assessing for some years now but only on a part time basis and within the Quarry Division of Hanson. But now I get to do it full time!! And more importantly NO Saturday work so I get my weekends back!!

Southern Region means I get to look after the training needs within Victoria and Tasmania so I am pretty much in awe about that. There are quite a few more concrete plants than quarries in both states so I do have a huge job ahead of me. But a job that I am looking forward to sinking my teeth and brain into - a job that will give me the mental challenge that I have been yearning for this last 12 months or so.

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

The Balnarring Cup

WOW yesterday was a great day..... just the four of us went to the picnic races for the Balnarring Cup and also for Australia Day. It was planned so that we could spend a few more hours of quality time just the four of us considering next week school starts and routine returns!

Dressed suitably (well we thought so) we headed to the racecourse and set up camp for the day.

This year we took the weber and had a leg of lamb planned for lunch. Funnily enough we haven't been roasting in the weber recently (using the direct heat method to BBQ foods) and therefore actually left the lid at home... no fear though we managed to cook our leg of lamb even if the weber looked like a space ship!! LOL!! We ended up with roast lamb and gravy rolls. Didn't want to chance trying to cook vegetables as well but overall it was really good.

This year we were further down the fence line... I couldn't believe how many people were there before us and we got there at 9.30am. It worked out good though as for one of the races they started right in front of us and that was brilliant.

As far as become rich from the nags - well once again that didn't happen but we did catch up with friends, Jason and Nerida. I cannot remember the last time we saw them so that we great to see them again. Also saw Pete and Tanya from the football club as well as Michelle, another football mam.

We couldn't really complain about the weather yesterday. Really nice in the morning but then the wind picked up, and of course that coupled with the sun meant we all got a little burnt even though we had sunscreen on.

The Balnarring Cup Day is always such a busy day - a great atmosphere and well worth making the trip down the Penninsula if you want a great family day out.

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Menu Plan Monday (23rd Jan to 29th Jan)

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!!

With the exception of tonight's meal, a BBQ which Noel is in charge of cooking, and tomorrow our menu has been planned for us to get back on track and be healthy. Don't get me wrong BBQ's are good but they do turn somewhat into a meat fest and although a salad is made it rarely gets a look in once your plate is full of the barbecued meat. I like having one meat (ie steak or chicken) but that's just not the aussie way right?

Tuesday is a day at the Balnarring Picnic Races. We are taking the weber as we are having a roast leg of lamb. I love sitting there, sipping champas and smelling the roast cooking. Plus it puts cold picnics to shame.... and makes other's near us very jealous. After a big lunch it will be leftovers or "grab your own" if anyone is hungry later on tomorrow night.

The kids will be at Nana and Grandad's for a couple of nights this week as Noel is returning to work on Wednesday and school doesn't commence until Monday. I don't want them to stay home for 3 whole days just quite yet - I think they may end up killing one another! It will be safer for them to go to their grandparents. Needless to say we are having some meals they wouldn't eat on Wednesday and Thursday evenings - some nice spicy dishes.

Anyway so this is how our week is looking food wise....

Sat ~ Luna Park - McDonalds (I know - yuk!!)
Sun ~ Chinta Blues Malaysian Hawker Bar
Mon ~ BBQ Pork Steaks, sausages, rissoles and salad

Tue ~ Balnarring Races ~ leftover roast lamb/help yourself dinner
Wed ~ Prawn Laksa Stirfry with Rice
Thu ~ Black Bean and Chilli Lobster Tails
Fri ~ BBQ at mam and dad's

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

What a fun weekend we had.....

Well this would definitely go down as one of those weekends that was so much fun..... everyone enjoyed themselves and it was good to hear all of us laugh that's for sure.

Saturday afternoon we quickly went and organised Alex's uniform for school, so she is now sorted in that department. They didn't have all the stock so we will go and pick up the remainder Saturday coming. Unfortunately her school dress was one of those items... so she wasn't overly happy!

After a quick look around Frankston it was home to get ready for Luna Park. I cannot remember the last time we went to Luna Park. I know that we have been once with the kids when they were a lot smaller.


We arrived early before dinner, as I didn't want them to eat before going on the rides for the sake of them being sick.... so the place wasn't lit up but the atmosphere was there. Alex and Oliver tried out most of them... Alex surprising us with what she was game to go on even though she came off crying!

Alex loved this ride... it just drops, goes back up and drops again..... stomach churning if you ask me! I think Alex actually went on this 4 times....

Oliver thought "G Force" was the best.... he managed to go on it 3 times... once with Alex who didn't really like it at all. We could hear her yelling at Oliver when it was spinning around.

The Spider was pretty cool - Noel and Oliver went on this. Noel did the proper fatherly thing and ensured that he made the chair they were in spun heaps... we all went on this again later. Alex and I sat together, Oliver sat with Noel again. Alex didn't like this ride either.

This ride looks sedate when you start off with and as you can see Alex was happy enough getting on it with her dad.

It starts off spinning and as it builds up speed it tilts upwards on a 90 degree angle and you are basically spinning upside down for a few rotations... I have to say we are both proud of Alex getting on this one but I somehow don't think she will ever again. She came off this one in tears and white as a sheet!
Needless to say... she liked the carousel and went on this one several time HAPPILY!!

I must admit though I still really don't have the stomach for some rides but of course some one has to take the photo's, right?

Sunday was a trip to Collingwood Children's Farm and then a walk around Ikea in Richmond. Both filling up the afternoon more so at Ikea due to the size of the shop... my favourite shop of all times... I guess it's just like Bunnings but with furniture!! LOL!!

We stopped in St Kilda for dinner also. We don't go to St Kilda for what seems like forever and then end up there twice in one weekend... lol!!

We went to Chinta Blues Malaysian Hawker Bar and it was really nice. Started off with some Roti Bread and Peanut sauce, for mains Noel had Nyoinya Prawns, I had Ayam Ri (a really nice chicken stirfry), Oliver had Crispy Fried Beef Noodles and Alex had curry puffs and special fried rice. If you are in St Kilda and want a really nice feed this is the place to go. It's in Acland Street just around the corner from The Prince of Wales Hotel. Sitting out on the pavement watching the ever amazing sights of St Kilda!! Nice food, nice atmosphere and a good end to a great weekend...

I have to say I am rather tired today and at work, to make matters worse! Hoping for an early night as we are off to Balnarring Picnic Races tomorrow to celebrate Australia Day.... and I have just heard that a leg of lamb has been purchased for lunch!!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

What shall we do this weekend?

It's the 2nd last weekend of the school holidays, school resumes on February 1st and what a big year it is going to be for both Ollie, who is starting High School and Alex, who is now in Grade 4 but changing schools. They have both only known the one school so this will be a massive change for them.

Ollie got his uniform the other day, Noel took him shopping while I worked.

He looked very smart I must admit although it did bring a tear to my eye just thinking about hime growing up! In my heart he will always be my little boy but in my eyes he is turning into a hansome young man!! Infact I still can't really get used to the idea that he IS starting High School!!

We are going shopping for Alex's new uniform this afternoon. Unlike Oliver, who wasn't fussed who brought his uniform just as long as he got it, Alex wants me to go shopping with her. Afterall we are buying a dress. Yes a dress!! Since both Alex and Oliver first started school their uniform consisted of a polo shirt, bomber jacket and either shorts or track pants. This year is different. Alex can wear a dress as part of the uniform if she likes and of course she likes that idea!! I'll post some photo's of madame after the big purchase.

So what else is planned for the weekend???

Well actually not much at this stage except for the usual household chores and grocery shopping. I shall have to see what Noel wants to do but I kind of have it in my head that we need to have FUN as a family. Either tonight or Sunday, just spend some good and FUN family time together that doesn't involve the Wii, Playstation or watching a DVD. I know that the carnival/fair is at Frankston Foreshore and at Rosebud so that could be the go or then again there is Luna Park!!

Tuesday is Australia Day and most of Australia takes Monday as an annual leave day or a Rostered Day Off to have a long weekend but I am doing that next week when the kids start school.. I want to be there even though Oliver would be quite happy to go alone! So I am working and

Tuesday is also the Balnarring Cup, the biggest race meet of their 6 race season. It's only a small country race club nothing like Flemington or Caulfield which suits us just fine. We love the family atmosphere not the la-de-de-da's of the socialite scene associated with the suburban race meets. So, as proud members, we are off to the Balnarring Races again, which as usual should be fun. I actually think we will be the only ones going this year. We haven't invited anyone as yet and Noel's parents didn't renew their membership! But that's okay - the four of us will have fun not to mention a few bets on the horses, as usual!!

So let the weekend begin......

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

De-Clutter ~ 1 task complete!

I mentioned the other day that I have commenced a mammoth task of de-cluttering my LIFE, all inclusive! Everything must be sorted!!

And although I have a huge mission ahead of me I can already claim success with the completion of my first task... my handbag and purse.

Many know that a woman's handbag is sacred and normally holds everything but the kitchen sink and more but it was getting to the stage that I am struggling to find things I know are in there and actually getting surprised at what I am finding instead.

Out of the handbag came this......

Handbag complete... it's a slouch bag so hard to take photo's plus it has 3 inside compartments.


Middle compartment I do normally keep bills etc., and still will. But now I have individual envelopes (which I am going to replace with little cases such as pencil cases but more lightweight - I have seen what I need).

My purse seriously needed some sorting out as well. Out of the purse came all of these... (no lucky find of a stash money to be found amongst everything of course!!)

Purse complete ....

BUT mission completed - now I have to keep it that way!!!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Pumpkin and Rocket... the coriander munchers!

Pumpkin and Rocket have definitely settled in the Murray household.

After some research on what both rabbits and guinea pigs like to eat I must say we have been trialling various fruit and vegetables to come up with a list of other foods other than their usual pre-packaged pellets.

So far we know that they both love apple whereas only Rocket likes grapes, they like broccoli but not broccolini!! We have also tried them with carrots, capsicum, lettuce, cabbage and cauliflower.

The biggest surprise we had was they go wild about CORIANDER!! They yank it from your hand as you go to feed them.... it's funny to watch and geez, does it soon disappear!!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

De-cluttering.....

It's time I DE-CLUTTERED!!

"Hi my name is Jo and I am a HOARDER!"

There I said it.... Not a small hoarder either - a rather large one. I have paperwork, mementos even postcards from when I was little. I keep things that I think are too good, might be useful, can't throw away because so and so gave this to me! In fact it is rather scary what I have actually held onto over the years.

But with reading some great sites such as I'm An Organizing Junkie I have decided that I can no longer live smothered and in a disorganized environment. It's annoying me that I always feel like I am surrounded by mess, moving one pile to the next, hiding something in a cupboard here a drawer there - not too mention I seriously have to spend time de-cluttering my head but that's a whole other story!

Laura, site owner of I'm An Organizing Junkie, is a wonderful resource and has taken the time to break down the steps of PROCESS and inspire many people to get themselves, their families and their lives also. She is also the instigator of Menu Plan Monday, which I have taken part in for quite a while now, actually since coming across her wonderful site.

In fact February brings Org Junkie's 28 day challenge which I intend to participate in and post some successful de-cluttering images. Although the Laura suggests "simply selecting a small space or a whole room and spend the month of February transforming your space from clutter and chaos to sanity and order" - I have decided that while this will take a huge effort my space is the WHOLE HOUSE!! Walking around our house last night I took photo's of all rooms and hidden spaces, etc, so now all we need to do is work out where we will start, which room will get the makeover first. The hardest thing I believe will NOT be the throwing out or recycling I think it will be starting and finishing one task at a time. Knowing that I will begin to see success and feel relief I will want INSTANT ALL AT ONCE FINISH if you know what I mean? If one room can look great they all need to look great mentality!

As of today we will start... start de-cluttering our environment, freshening up not only our house, but our lives and our future...... wish us luck!

I can see many trips to the rubbish tip!!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Normality - does it exist at our house?

Well as I mentioned my Mam returned to Brisbane yesterday and I already miss her!! Now that she has gone, it's back to just the four of us being at home and settling back into our routine, our ways of doing things, our little world!

I wouldn't really say that the house has officially returned to normality! Although many of our friends would never put "The Murray Family" and "normality" in the same sentence as we tend to do things differently to most. But we enjoy the way we are dealing with this thing called life ensuring that the obvious gets done and more importantly fun is had!

Another couple of weeks of school holidays to survive and Noel hasn't returned back to work yet as his holidays finish on the 27th. The kids will spend a few days up with their Nana and Grandad at the end of January and then 1st of February sees the start of the school year.

During the next two weeks we will be getting ready for the start of school, getting books organised and buying uniforms, etc.

A couple of weekends left to have lots of fun, including going to the Balnarring Picnic Races on Australia Day for the Balnarring Cup!!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Menu Plan Monday (16th Jan - 22nd Jan)

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!!

Normality will return this week. My mam is leaving to return home today and although I know I will miss her greatly the return of our routine will be a blessing. With the exception of tonight's meal, which I am not sure will get cooked I plan to get back on track and follow my menu plan. So here it is...

Sat ~ Creamy Garlic Prawns with steamed rice
Sun ~ Roast Pork, Apple Sauce, Lanttulaatikko and vegetables
Mon ~ BBQ Pork Ribs

Tue ~ Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Pork Burritos
Wed ~ Red Curry Chicken Drumsticks with steamed rice
Thu ~ Steak with Quince Glaze, Baked Potatoes and vegetables
Fri ~ Middle Eastern Pizza

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

TAA Upgrade to Certificate IV Training and Assessment

Many of you may know that part of my job is as a Trainer and Assessor. Along with my normal tasks at work (weigh bridge operation, purchasing, payroll, plant maintenance, etc) this is something that I have been doing, when required, for the last four years. Hanson paid for me to get my original qualification, BSZ40198 Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training, and since then I conduct training and assessing for our computer based competencies throughout our Victorian and Tasmanian quarries.

For the last year or so I have been completing a TAA Upgrade to Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAA40104). The upgrade was to the Certificate IV I already have incorporating changes etc to the Australian Standards and all that technical jargon.The upgrade meant I had to attend further classes at Pollak Learning Alliance for 5 days (thankfully paid for by Hanson again!) and then complete a rather lengthy and detailed assessment displaying my knowledge and understanding. It required me to write and conduct training plans and packages of various learning styles at my work and submit feedback from my trainees, etc.

To be honest it has taken me longer than it should have, due to work commitments and lack of personal motivation I was granted some extensions, but I finally completed it and submitted it for assessment the week before Christmas. That was my deadline - no more extensions would be granted. I really struggled to finish it as it had been so long inbetween starting the course and completing the class work. Infact I was rather worried that what I submitted was incorrect.

Anyway my assessment was submitted and I have been waiting for a result. Pollak did say it could take up to a month and with the Christmas holidays even longer.

Since this happened I have also been promoted within my company to become a fulltime Trainer and Assessor - did I do a happy dance or what? My new job title will be Southern Region - Trainer and Assessor and I will be still focusing on the computer based competencies and learning but mainly based within the concrete division of the company. I was meant to start on the 11th January but with the staff shortages at Harkaway it would not have been fair on Joe, my manager for me just to up and leave!

Today I got my result via email.... I was quite worried about reading the email as I explained I wasn't convinced I had submitted a correct assessment.

Here is what the email said ~

Hi Joanne

Congratulations you have been deemed competent in your Upgrade to TAA assessment.

You should receive your Statement of Attainment within the week.

Kind regards
Diana

Phew - I PASSED!!! Another happy dance done today!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Hottest Night in History

It's nearly official - last night was the hottest night recorded in history dependent on the cool change expected today which could prevent the record if it arrives early. The previous record was 30.6C recorded on Feburary 1, 1902.

No wonder I couldn't sleep last night, the temperature reached 32.3 degrees Celsius and that's how hot it stayed for most of the night despite a little rain shower and a cool breeze. It was around the same temperature when I drove to work this morning.

They have forecast another hot day here in Melbourne, some areas have been forecast 40 degrees Celsius before the cool change is due to hit - I hope this isn't what the rest of summer will be like. Warm is okay but HOT is ridiculous!!

It's much easier to get warm than it is to get cool!!!!!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Meny Plan Monday (9th Jan - 15th Jan)

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!!

My mam is still visiting so our menu isn't as set in concrete as what it normally is. Purely as her tastes are a little different to ours, for example she doesn't like mexican food (how can you not?) and then there is the spur of the minute decision to go for dinner.

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

Sat ~ Sandringham Hotel for dinner
Sun ~ BBQ Pork Porterhouse Steaks with potato slices
Mon ~ Roast Lamb and Vegetables, Mushy Peas

Tue ~ Nasi Goreng
Wed ~ Triple Cheese and Mushroom Lasagne and Salad
Thu ~ Beef in Black Bean with Steamed Rice
Fri ~ Frankston RSL for dinner

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

Somebody's tired....

It's a hard life being a busy kid on school holidays ~ especially when you sit still for 5 minutes in the company of your good friend, Rocket ....

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

A day driving around the coastline.....

After having another sleep in this morning - something I could really get used to doing but something I don't think I could let myself do, we were wondering what we could do for the remainder of the day.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous even if a little on the warm side. Melbourne had a forecast of 32 degrees Celsius today leading to 41 degrees Celcius on Monday.

We ended up all agreeing on going for a drive to get us out of the house. Now many of our friends know when we say a drive - we mean an epic adventure.

Off we headed down the Mornington Peninsula at a very slow pace due to all the traffic also heading in the same direction, stopping only once in Rosebud to grab a bite of food for lunch. It always amazes me while driving down the highway in mid summer at all the people squished into caravans and tents along the foreshore for their annual holidays along the seaside! Something I have never wished to do as it reminds me of sardine tins stacked on the supermarket shelves.... but each to their own I guess.

Our next stop was Sorrento to catch the ferry across to Queenscliff. I have to say there is something romantic and something very calming when crossing the bay even if it is on a public ferry with many other people. I am not quite sure how many people or cars that the ferry holds but it's not a bad journey from one side of Port Phillip Bay to the other in 40 minutes. The kids always enjoy being on the ferry and I must admit so do I.




Upon arriving at Queensliff we ventured to Geelong where we had a quick stroll along the beach there, now notably known as the worst beach we have ever been too considering the strong smell of rotting seaweed that was overpowering whilst paddling our feet in the water. The kids had a bit of a splash around but overcome by the stench we quickly head back to the car and made our way back home.


Dinner was at the Sandringham Hotel. A nice meal at a pub that as a younger person used to frequent quite a bit, with family and friends while on a pub crawl. God some memories came flooding back when I walked into the pub, that's for sure.

We were home by 9pm all full to the brim with food, a little weary and dare I say a little sun burnt which I am starting to feel now.... off to get the moisturiser now I think.....


My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Over a week gone already!!!!

I just cannot believe that it's the 9th of January and one week plus a few days of this New Year has passed already.

So what have the Murray's been up to? To be honest we haven't done a great deal really although we have done a few things worth mentioning... lol!!!

Last Sunday (the 3rd) we went to the Balnarring Races with Mam, Jamie and the boys. Normally as it's the first race meet of the year all the family go to celebrate my birthday but this year as the meet was earlier than normal we decided that it would be nice if it was just us, Jamie and all the grandkids for Mam's sake. Basically it was so Mam could spend more quality time with them.

~ Back left to right ~ Stuart, 9, and Kyle, 11 ~

~ Front left to right ~ Alexandria, 8, Wesley, 5, Angus, 3 and Oliver, 12 ~

It was a great day, the weather wasn't overly hot but as usual it was good atmosphere and good company. Jamie is getting more relaxed each time he is with us... I guess now that the settlement from the sale of the house is over a weight has been lifted from his shoulders. I still think it's great he wants us to be a part of the boys lives.

We took the small weber with us this time and had a bbq - sausages and steak. Noel did the honours of cooking again - he is just too good!!

Yesterday was my birthday - 39 years old... OMG next year is a big one!! Noel, Mam and the kids brought me a treadmill for my birthday. Yey something that I wanted and something I will use definitely in my quest for the new lighter and healthier Jo this year!! Most of the family went to the Lynbrook Hotel for lunch. A nice place to eat at and an all you can eat buffet, which always delights Noel and the kids especially when you can help yourself.

Honestly I wasn't feeling too well (having stomach problems again) before we went, but I put on a brave face and went. Jamie was in a fantastic mood, chatting away and telling us what he's been up to, Mam and Dad were quite quiet and as the afternoon transpired the atmosphere of the day just wasn't great either. Sean and Christian came but arrived late, Vicky and Daniel stayed at home as Vicky wasn't coping to well yesterday, so that topic fill most of the lunch conversation which actually put a depressing tinge on my birthday luncheon although everyone managed to smile for Alex taking photo's with her new camera.

I don't want to sound selfish but that's how it felt. I understand what Vicky and Sean are going through is life altering and huge but as Mam M said to Sean "if it's actually that bad why are you here? Shouldn't you be at home with your wife?" hhhhmmmmm I knew I should have just stayed at home!! Crossing fingers that they work out things soon.

Oh well my birthday is over now..... thank God!! Only another 364 days until I have another one.

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Menu Plan Monday (2nd Jan - 8th Jan)

It's the start of the New Year and I plan for a HEALTHIER year for this household.

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 Pot Pie
Sun ~ Balnarring Races - BBQ
Mon ~ Kung Po Chicken.... (my last homecooked splurge!!)

Tue ~ Pork Steaks
Wed ~ Lamb Stirfry
Thu ~ Chicken with Garlic Prawns
Fri ~ My Birthday Dinner

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