Menu Plan Monday ~ 10th April to 16th April 2010

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!!

This week marks the return of some normality in the house with school resuming today. However it's also such a busy week for us also. I have a Committee Meeting Tuesday night and the kids have an extra training session on Tuesday also as we have two members from the St Kilda football club coming down to do some drills with the younger kids and also have a chat with the older players to give them some game play tips, encouragement etc. Not sure who the players are just yet - we are actually hoping to find out today. I have a few other things going on as well after work. As usual tonight is weigh-in night at Weight Watchers and as usual I don't want to go!! Then I have an appointment on Thursday night and before we know it the weekend will be upon us.

Having a lot of trouble sticking with our planned menu's lately - hoping we can do better this week as we have some delish meals on the menu:

Saturday ~ Pesto and Chilli Oysters ~ Oysters with Vodka Salsa

Sunday ~ Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Monday ~ Braised Steak and Vegetables Pot Pies

Tue ~ Pork Apple and Thyme Meatballs with Pasta

Wed ~ Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Steamed Rice and Vegetables

Thu ~ Veal with Tomato and Spinach, Potatoes and Steamed Vegetables
Fri ~ Seafood 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

Two New Schools....

Okay so you know that this post is going to be a brag.... yep a brag about my kids and their first day at new schools.

Oliver is starting year 7 at high school. He is going to McClelland College which is in Karingal and not very farm from home. He is very much looking forward to it although I think underneath the very positive exterior he was a little nervous. Didn't want any more photo's taken and wouldn't even let me give him a kiss goodbye at school!!

Alex is in grade 4 but changed schools and now she is in the primary school which is next to the high school. She was very nervous this morning and wasn't ashamed to tell me. But when we finally got to school and settled in she seemed okay walking into her class especially as one of the girls that she had gone to creche with (many moons ago) was in her class and remembered Alex!!

Me - well I was happy that the first day seemed to go well - not too happy about the fact that my baby boy has grown up and is well on his way to being a teenager.....

Here are some more photos - these were taken on my mobile so they are not as clear as the others.

Now to see how they survive the rest of the year....

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

Neglected blog..... my bad!

I am honestly sorry for neglecting my blog this last week weeks.... the family and I have been quite busy and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to acomplish everything I set my mind to. I am sure you all know exactly what I am saying....


So just to give you a quick catch up of what the Murray family have been up to recently.........


We are now the proud owners of a Wii!! Oh and the Wii Fit package. Yes even though I was proclaiming that the kids have enough computerised gadgets I couldn't refuse. The interactive nature of the games was what changed my mind, not to mention the kids nagging! (Only joking!) The idea behind the mid year purchase was for all the family to get fit... including me and Noel. So far so good considering we are having tennis, baseball and bowling tornaments after the kids have gone to bed!!


Junior Football is still taking up our Sundays but only for a few more weeks. This season has taken a lot out of Noel and I so, without sounding selfish, we actually will be glad when the season is over for 2009. Both kids have played really well and enjoyed themselves - which is actually the most important thing. Oliver's team won't make it into the finals this year but have had some really great matches. Alex's team (under 9's) don't keep score, it's more just about getting out there and playing the game as it is with the under 10's.


The kids have recently just gone back to school after 2 weeks of school holidays. I spent several days home each week with them as did Noel. But inbetween all of my doctor's appointments etc, I cannot say that I did a great deal with them... maybe a little too much yelling!! LOL!!


We did venture to the Melbourne Zoo one day. It was great the four of us doing something fun together. Don't get me wrong we do a lot of things together but it's not always focussed on the children. We went on the Monday (Noel had an RDO) and although it was school holidays it was quieter than what the weekends normally are. The zoo is becoming such a magical place now with all the new exhibitions instead of the old cages that were boring and dull to look at. It is becoming more interactive between the people and the animals and their wildreness etc.


Noel surprised us all and booked tickets to the cinemas on the Thursday night before school holidays started. He purchased tickets for Oliver and himself to see Transformers 2. Alex, not impressed with the idea of seeing this movie as she was convinced she would be scared wanted to see The Hannah Montana Movie, even though Transformers was what I wanted to see also. But I have to say I was glad that I went with Alex, it actually wasn't a bad movie but I don't think Noel would have enjoyed it if he had drawn the short straw!! LOL!!


After months of planning we had our How To Host A Murder - "The Watersdown Affair". Set in 1936, in an English country mansion, 8 suspects (us and our guests) had to work out who amongst us was the murderer!! What an extremely fun night that was and I am sure that everyone enjoyed themselves dressing up and playing the game. Makes for such a fun dinner party.


As usual I will load up some photo's soon.....

I am no longer sooking......but we are all very tired!!

Okay so I am no longer sooking as I now have a lovely NEW camera!! We bought a Samsung ES15 on Saturday - it's not top of the range but pretty damn good considering what we paid (it was on special) and it's 10.2 mega pixels!! So I am back to being a happy camper and can start uploading more photo's for the world to see. My nokia mobile's camera was okay but not really great when it came to taking good pictures for my blogs!!

As you can see we even had a choice of colours - Noel didn't really fancy the pink one so we bought the black one!! I dont' understand why?

Wow what a weekend that was.... and over so fast (as usual)!!

Saturday I worked in the morning as usual, then as I mentioned the other day we were meant to catch up with my sister and her kids but it just didn't happen. She ended up having to go to the doctors and by the time she was finished and the fact that we had plans for dinner Saturday night there wasn't enough time to catch up - which was actually a shame. I was kind of hoping that we could meet up, maybe sort somethings out especially with Mam arriving this Wednesday.

Sunday was and is the first of many to come where we spend most of the day at a football club. It was round 1 of the juniors yesterday. Oliver played his first game of the season and he played a really good game. Both Noel and I were really proud of him!! It was a shame that the game was stopped with around 3 minutes to go but a boy on the opposing team fell awkwardly and broke his wrist in the same position as Alex did in March. ooouuuucccchhhhh!!!! The game was stopped as we didn't move the child of the ground and an ambulance was called. The Bulls were winning for most of the game but in the last quarter the opponents made a few quick scores, a goal and a few points, to lead by 3 points.

As Oliver is now in the Under 11's, this year the teams actually keep score so this is his first scoreboard result. The under 9's and 10's don't officially keep score as part of our League. As I mentioned he played a really good game and I watched the whole thing from the scoreboard as I was keeping score with another team mates dad. At presentations, in the clubroom last night, he recieved a Wendy's award for his great game. Dean his coach was happy that he did what he was told, kept with the ball and played a good game! Woohoo Ollie!!

Although I got out to watch Oliver's game I spent most of the morning in the canteen, once again helping out as we have a new canteen manager and it would be unfair to leave her to fend for herself. Beth is actually going to make a real go at it. She is very enthusiastic and willing! I really want to help her make it a success not only for the club but for her too. And for me, as I want to get out of the canteen (even though I love it) as I need to spend Sundays with my family.

School holidays are now over and the kids are back at school. It was really good to get up this morning and get back into our routine, even the kids got up and did what they are used to doing... but we are all still feeling the effects of the big weekend (the first week back at football is always huge) and I think we will all be in bed early tonight.....

All is good.....

My cherubs survived their first day back at school!! I never thought there was going to be an issue yesterday but as a mam I suppose there is always that little bit of worry for them.

Alex loves Mrs M and the thrill of being a "big girl" at school now being in the middle levels. She came home and explained what the subject they are focussing on this term and that is Australia. Then she went on to tell us in detail everything else she did for the day.

Oliver, on the otherhand, when asked "how his first day was?" replied "good" and that was it! In typical Oliver fashion as he isn't that fond of school. A few more questions later a little more information was released but it was like pulling teeth. But we found out that he likes his new teacher so that is a start. I don't think he was too impressed with having homework on his first day though!

We'll have to see what they say when they get home tonight!

Back to school and back to ROUTINE!

Today is the first day at school for my two little darlin's with one, Alex of course, being excited and awake, teeth brushed, hair brushed, bag packed and asking if it was time to leave all by 6.30am while the other, Oliver, stayed in bed and if he could that is where he would have stayed.

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Both have new teachers and are in new levels. Alex is in Grade 3 and has Mrs M, who Oliver had for both Grade 3 & 4 so I am sure she will find the difference between the two of them refreshing! It's Grade 6 for Oliver this year and he has Ms V. He was moved over to the other 5/6 grade, I am usure as to why, but he is happy with the change. Maybe the change will be as good as a holiday for him??

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As for me I revelled in the fact that today was the first day of being back into ROUTINE. I love routine. We work better with routine. So this morning 5.30am the alarm went off (which allowed me a few minutes of lying there gathering my thoughts) then it was like clockwork. Sandwiches made for all four of us, lunchboxes packed, uniforms ready and waiting for bodies, showers had, school bags and my bag packed, all done and out the door by 6.55am! The children can be left at Before School Care at 7am which is great as I start work at 8am.

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Either Noel or myself will pick them up from school depending on work commitments, etc, tonight Noel will pick them up. For me Monday's is Weight Watchers and I know this week I have a doctors appointment at 5pm also (just to check my BP).

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Normally the kids do their homework when we get in - depending on who has picked them up it can be anywhere between 4.30pm and 5.30pm by the time we walk through the front door. There is no TV or playstation during the school week. The evening routine is just as frantic as the morning and we try in hope to get dinner on the table by no later than 6.30pm, thankfully Noel loves to cook also so that is a great help. If I am running late he will start getting things ready. So needless to say weeknight dinners need to be quick and easy. Then after dinner it's shower and bed by 8.30pm but 8pm if they want to read a book etc.

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Now I know that it doesn't sound all that exciting especially for the kids but come Friday night the weekends are all about them. As most of you know I normally work on Saturday morning but honestly, this gives Noel one 0n one time with them, which he doesn't get when he is chin deep in overtime or night shift. We try to make the weekends fun and do something that interests them. And of course we try to catch up with our family and friends.

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So there you have it - the happenings of the House of Murray. Busy times but fun times and my beloved ROUTINE...

Back to school...

Back to school today for Oliver and after yesterday's adventure he really didn't want to get up early but I am really proud of his efforts. It was really good to see him back in his uniform.

So now for me and the kids it is back to the routine of getting up early, making lunches, dropping Oliver off at before school care and then Alex off at creche. And of course picking them up in time in the afternoon. Thankfully Alex will be at school next year and it should make the mornings a little easier at least. Love them both dearly but they are soooooo hard to motivate some mornings!!

Alex took her lunch box to creche for the first time today - it is part of school preparedness!! She was really excited and it couln't go in her bag it had to be carried for the world to see. She is very proud of the fact it is off to school next year.

Another walk with Vicki tonight - 4kms! My legs aren't as bad as they have been - obviously I am FINALLY getting used to it! Work was really boring except for all the truck drivers, who also double as bush bashers, discussing our family adventure yesterday - lol - they were amazed at the tracks that we took. Several of them were familiar with the track dubbed the "narly" one!!!

Nite all.......