OMG Oliver is 11 years old today.....

Can you believe that exactly 11 years has gone past? I sometimes wonder where all the time went and then I look back on things that have happened both good and bad and realise that all these things that have happened have made us who we are today, the adults we have become, the family that we are....

On this day 11 years ago Noel and I had a special arrival into our world making us a family! A little boy weighing 9lbs 1 1/2 ounces and measuring 52cms long. A speedy delivery by C-Section due to a complication and whammo we were parents.

He is fantastic - caring, funny and all round a great kid!! And a wonderful son to have and a beautiful person....

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We had to give him one of his birthday presents last night as his present was a Siamese Fighting Fish. His face lit up when he realised what was in the bag that I asked him to get out of the car and I think he fell asleep watching it swim around it's tank. It is an orange male fish which he has named Raphael!!

Tonight Nana and Grandad are coming for dinner. Oliver is of course banned from getting on the trampoline tonight considering what happened last Wednesday on Alex's birthday!! The menu tonight was Oliver's choice (we always let them choose on their birthdays!)

Fettucine with Creamy Spinach, Pinenuts and Sultana's

Penne with Tomato and Chorizo

Salad

Garlic Bread

Birthday cake (of course)

Alex is doing okay with her arm, although when we went to the doctors yesterday the x-ray showed that the bone had moved slightly, not enough to do something about it straight away but enough to have her go back for another x-ray on Friday. If the bone hasn't moved by Friday she will stay plastered for another 5 - 6 weeks. But if the bone has moved anymore there is the chance that she will be admitted to theatre Friday afternoon and have her bone re-set again. I am not quite sure if they will just try and re-manipulate her arm or if she will have an operation. Noel is taking her to the doctors tomorrow as I have to be at work.

Crossing fingers until then........

A broken wrist and a belated "Happy Birthday"

Wednesday was a meant to be a very special day and I was going to blog away about all the good things that were meant to happen.

You see Wednesday was a special day at The House of Murray as it was Alex's 8th birthday... I still cannot believe that my little baby is now 8.....

Happy Birthday Sweetheart....

But as it was a school night, her birthday was just going to be a quiet family dinner with Nana and Grandad coming down. They always come and visit the kids on their birthday's which is quite special. Everything was organised. Alex had chosen the menu of Chicken and Spinach Lasagne, Salad and Garlic Bread. We had a small cake organised as she was having her actual party on Saturday night. Dinner was in the oven, I was in the process of making the salad and we were just waiting for Nana and Grandad to arrive.

Then at 6.20pm her birthday took a drastic twist in events. Whilst jumping on the trampoline with Oliver she broke her wrist. She didn't fall off the trampoline she just landed very awkwardly. When Noel and I ran outside we found her sitting on the trampoline holding her arm, which I might add resembled a "S" bend and screaming her lungs out. The whole street must have thought we were torturing the poor little thing. Anyway, the ambulance was called and arrived after what seemed to be forever.

Next stop was Frankston Hospital Emergency Department. Now I do understand that the majority of people in there are also sick but when it comes to your own child you just want them to be looked at first and frustration sets in almost imediately. Noel, Oliver, Nana and Grandad were in the waiting room and once she was settled she wanted her dad. A little later we brought everyone else in as they wanted to see Alex especially Oliver who felt so guilty for being on the trampoline at the same time.

Of course x-rays needed to be taken but they needed to try and straighten her arm and bandage it using a backslab. She needed some pain relief before they attempted this and also by this time she was screaming again. After the xrays were taken it was a waiting game to see when the theatre and the bone specialist would be available. Finally at 1.20am they admitted Alex to the Children's ward and told that she would go to theatre first thing in the morning. Finally a comfortable bed and better surroundings for Alex - emergency is definately NOT a place for children!!



Thursday morning and Alex can still smile.... isn't she ace?? Here she is waiting to go to theatre...


As planned Alex went to theatre first up, and thankfully the best outcome was achieved. She didn't actually require surgery, so no pins or plates inserted, instead just some manipulation and came back to the ward in a full arm cast.

This photo was taken after theatre.... with her very concerned brother and dad.

She does have to go back to the hospital next Tuesday to get another x-ray and see the Bone Surgeon so cross fingers everything will be okay then. She had to stay in again Thursday night just so they could keep an eye on the swelling in her fingers, Noel stayed with her whilst I went home with Oliver.

Gotta love her jarmies!!!!

Mid morning Friday Alex was released from hospital and I am sure that she was glad of it except for the fact that we will not be issuing Jelly and Icecream when she requires it... but best of all the four of us are back together as a family! Last night Alex finally got her birthday cake too!!

It's Oliver's birthday next Thursday and I definately don't want any more surprises......

Is summer over already?

Well there was a dramatic change in the weather this weekend with Saturday filled with strong winds, rain, hail and thunder that just seemed to come out of nowhere and stayed all weekend.

Had a great afternoon on Saturday though. It was definately a shopping afternoon of a difference with a stop in at USA Foods Australia, in Moorabbin, which I might add the kids LOVED!! Their eyes lit up at all the different sweets that were there and it was just such so hard when it came to deciding on what ones they wanted to try!! I of course had to have a Hershey's Peanut Butter Cup and yes they still taste the same. Oliver tried Dr Pepper for the first time and Alex fell in love with Ding Dongs! There were so many things available (quite pricey though) and I have now got an idea on some of the ingredients I have been reading about on other people's foodie blogs which are not readily available in Australia.

Then it was off to Springvale to do the grocery shopping. We bought a lot of frozen foods for the kids parties and also most of our weekly shopping... the hardest thing with shopping in Springvale, believe it or not, is getting a shopping trolley!! I love shopping over there, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, which are a little cheaper than the supermarkets, plus so much more of a variety. I also find the meat and seafood to be cheaper too. The atmosphere is fantastic too and I often hear the kids quietly repeating what the asians are saying, trying to mimic them and giggling to themselves. It makes both Noel and I laugh!!

Sunday was another quiet day for us as a family - we are enjoying them recently but I wouldn't wish Noel's injury on anyone.... although he is very much all mended now. Sean popped in with Christian in the morning. It was good to see them again. Some more shopping and some cleaning and as per usual the weekend was over once again.

Moving on....

The past few days I have spent doing some serious thinking mostly on a personal level. There has been quite a few discussions, a few phone calls and many moments of solitude.

As several of you know and many have read, there has been some major dilemma's in my family not only recently but over the last few years. Many of these dilemma's have been long winded and some still unresolved.

The problem I have is that I just want to fix everything, make everything right and ultimate have peace and happiness surrounding me.

Alas with this latest installment in my life, the separation of my sister and her husband, I have come to realise that my magic wand does not work nor does it actually exist!

I cannot no longer worry about my sister until she reaches out to me for help or support or friendship. The fact that I am offering and wanting to help is not being recipricated by her and is actually emotionally effecting me. I see no future with this relationship as it stands at the moment, as upsetting as it sounds I have to let go.

But thankfully without the use of magic, I have a wonderful relationship with my in-laws Ann and Ged. They are of such a help emotionally and fantastic support to both Noel and I. I know that I can talk to them, discuss with them so many aspects of my life and I thank them for being so kind as just to listen. Not to mention that they have a very special and close bond with Oliver and Alexandria.

I am also grateful for the relationship that I have with Clare, who is like a Clayton's sister in law. I say this because she is more like a real sister than one that is related only by title. I love her to bits, chat as often as we can and party like there is no tomorrow when we are together.

Through all the ups and downs that Sean has had in his life with Vicky, we are finally building a relationship with them and their son, Christian. It is a wonderful feeling and I am looking forward to what the future holds not only for them as a family but for all of the family as a whole.
And as you all know my mother is my best friend..... we have a wonderful relationship which at time is more than mother and daughter.

So without the aid of magic, I must move onwards with my life, with my husband, with my children and with my family. For they, along with my mother, are my world.

The weekend is over.....

What a wonderful feeling it was to have two whole days at home considering a normal weekend is only one and a half days with me usually working on Saturday morning.

As I mentioned Sunday was a relaxing family day but Monday was a day of cleaning. The kids eventually doing a great job cleaning out their rooms, sorting through clothes and toys that were no longer wanted and removing rubbish in general.

We have such a few busy weeks coming up with the two birthdays. Next weekend we have to get our "disco" ready for the disco parties and also find some outfits. Both Oliver and Alex are having a disco themed party and they have to dress as their favourite rock or pop star. Oliver is dressing as one of the Killers so he is going to wear his suit... not sure about Alex as yet!! That in itself could be an interesting one!!

Noel is still off work with his back but he is taking Alex to the dentist today. All I can say is good luck...........

The long weekend and a curry feast to start it off....

This weekend is a long weekend here in Victoria to celebrate Labour Day. It is also the weekend that Melbourne hosts Moomba, a long-standing tradition. There is normally a float parade through the city, water skiing on the Yarra river, entertainment and festivities, bands, circus performances and who could forget the Birdman Rally? A competition open for anyone to enter with the aim being to build/construct a flying contraption (some of them are quite bad I have to say) and battle against others to see who can fly the furthest from a starting point, most of the competitors ending up wet and bobbing in the Yarra.

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We had decided that as a family this weekend we needed to spend some quality time as a family. Even changing our minds at the last minute to not invite the family over for either a lunch or dinner. With everything that has been happening around us, everything that is consuming us, the right thing and most vital thing for us to do is as a family we need to talk, enjoy each other and most importantly move on together. I would be naive to say that the situation with Claire and Jamie isn't affecting our children especially when they are now hearing us speak more openly about it. So we are taking the time to listen to them, explain things to them that they need answers for, but we are laughing with them and showing them that we love them.
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So in true Murray style, last night our kitchen was running fully operational as a curry house! No joke there was curry cooking left, right and centre mostly due to us having the urge to cook curry. Not just one curry mind you.. of course we had to cook to suit everyone's taste desires!! One child wanted Butter Chicken, the other wanting Chicken Korma, I fancied a beef dish and Noel fancied a lamb one. So after having our heads in a few cookbooks we came up with Kerala Lamb and Trinidadian Beef. Needless to say, hundreds of pots, dishes and utensils several hours later we sat down to our feast of nations.....
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Nothing much to report so far for today. We have lazed around laughing, watching movies, chatting, the kids have been bouncing on the trampoline, playing on the computer, Noel and I have been pottering around although he should be resting his back and I am still in my nightie as I am posting... OMG!!
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They say that Sunday is the seventh day and the day of REST, don't they?

Did the earth move for you?

Last night around 9pm we all experienced our first earthquake.... frightening to say the least but very bizzare!!

It was like being at a fair ground and just starting off on the roller coaster ride. Alex and I were cuddled on the coach watching the tv when it started and it was just an unreal feeling.

According to the news the earthquake which only lasted a few seconds measured 4.6 on the Richter Scale and spanned more than 200kms from it's epicentre in South Gippsland. The epicentre hit just north of Korumburra, but the earthquake was powerful enough to shake buildings and cause some residents to fall off their couches in metropolitan Melbourne. Some homes in Korumburra and Leongatha lost power for up to 10 minutes but there has been no reports of major damage.

As you know, we live in Frankston and Korumburra is quite a while away but from this picture you can see that it was even felt in Belmont which is the other side of Port Phillip Bay!! (Picture courtesy of the Herald Sun)

I cannot believe what is happening so far in 2009.

In the past six weeks Far north Queensland has experienced mass flooding with some places recieving up to 2 metres or more of rain causing isolation of towns and communties.

While all of this was happening Victoria has received very little rain, in fact as low as 0.8mm during February and having a total of 35 days straight without rain. Not to mention the extreme heat, which saw places like Mildura suffering 12 consecutive days of more than 40C and that dreaded day, February 7th, where the temperature reached 46.4C, causing devasting bushfires and will forever be remembered as Black Saturday, a day that saw mass devastation and loss of lives.

Now we have had an earthquake... I shudder to think what could be next!!

Things are looking brighter.....

I can tell you these last three weeks my emotions have been yo-yoing up and down as much as my scales are!! LOL - actually not that funny but very true!!

BUT today is a much better day....I have decided that with the exception of my friends and the happy family members I need to make me and my family the number one priority. By sayin me and my family I mean the four of us - Noel, Oliver, Alex and I.

In making this decision I actually woke up this morning feeling much better and also feeling a little good about myself. I crossed fingers that this was the beginning of good times.

Then something wonderful happened as I was driving to work... I entered a competition on the radio. The competition was to tell Vega the most weirdess combination of shop that you have ever been in... so I rang, got through the first go explaining that my shop (close to home) is an Indian Spice Shop that also does home loans and personal finance! At this point in time I lost mobile reception and thought I had blown it. Two minutes later Vega ring me back, ask if the reception area I am in now is any better and proceeded to tell me that this has to go on air. So there was myself and about 5 or 6 other callers with their weird and wonderful shops but Dicko and Dave chose me!!

Low and behold I have won 2 gold class tickets to a movie pre-screening next Wednesday night "Confessions of a Shopaholic" at Crown Plaza in Melbourne and check this, I also won $500 cash! OMG!! I was that excited and nervous this morning I nearly wet my pants (sorry for the graphic image) and I still cannot believe that not only did I win something but I was on the radio!!

Better go off and buy a tatts ticket I think!!

Noel's back....

Please don't look at these if you get a queezy tummy...... oh and excuse the bum!! Sorry for the added shock factor!!!
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My poor man's back after his fall on Monday night. It's amazing that a slip could do so much damage! Thankfully with time he will be okay but he has a visit to the doctor's this morning. I am a little concerned about the small crack in his bone so we will have to keep an eye on that healing.
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Tuesday morning.......
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But then by Wednesday......

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Will have to take another photo tonight as his back is almost completely purple now.

LOL!! I am definately am sure I will be reminded about how bad the back is over the next few days.
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A friend of mine asked me if "man back" is as bad as "man flu"??? Hhhhmmmm I wonder.....

Normality - can I have mine back please?

I just cannot seem to find it or remember what exactly normality is!!

The last three weeks have seen my world change drastically.

Firstly, a long history with me and my sister (some of you already know of it) but in a nutshell she hasn't really spoken to me for a few years - basically pushed me out of her life for her own reason and I don't know what that is.. I have learned to live with this but it hurts. Sadly, I do not have a close relationship with my nephews especially the youngest one (2) as he doesn't even really know who I am. This hurts me because they are my nephews and my kids are suffering also - my kids are missing out on growing up with their cousins, my kids are missing out on their aunty.

Secondly, three weeks ago my sister decided (don't know how hard she thought, mind you?) to kick her husband of 9 years out. Okay I know that this is her choice but she won't explain why she made her choice. Now I know that he is not a wife beater, not abusive emotionally or physically, adores her and their four boys (under 11), works full time, helps around the house, cooks, does washing - what more can I say? All she is saying is "because I wanted too!" aaarrrrgggghhhhh

Thirdly, I thought I would do the right thing as a sister (even though quite estranged) and visit her, offer my support and just to show her I was there. So Sunday morning we called in unannounced armed with a huge bunch of flowers and a very nice support card only to end up arguing due to certain circumstances I just wish I had not seen. The boys were with Jamie so I knew she should have been alone ~ she wasn't. "He" was there and in her bedroom. But although what I saw didn’t look good she continued to tell me “nothing was going on”, “why doesn’t anyone believe what I am saying?” and all the time I stood there looking at her I didn’t vocally judge her or pass comment but stood there actually thinking that she just out rightly thinks that I am stupid enough to believe her.

Fourthly, I had to tell my mam what I had witnessed. I knew that I couldn’t not tell her. And of course, with her anger and disbelief of the situation (not with what I had told her) she had to then speak to my sister. After my sister speaking to my mam and having a humdinger it was my turn to be in the firing line (which I expected and was just waiting for). She rang me enraged and we had a massive argument on the phone - which I am sure that all my neighbours would have heard. She accused my mother and I of “having nothing better to do than to talk about her behind her back” to which I replied “we have no option as you obviously don’t want to confide in us” and then I continued with a few more home truths, I am sure that she didn’t really want to hear.

Fiftly, Noel tripped/slipped on Monday night landing on his back and cracking a vertebrae and is suffering from huge swelling, bruising, pain and of course struggling to walk or get comfortable. I spent the last two days at home with him, which also included a six-hour stint at the emergency department making sure he really was okay and also having the required x-rays.

Sixthly, I had to get my BP checked yesterday and after 22 weeks of juggling tablets, trying new medications and finally getting my BP "perfect" it has gone up again. Not majorily but up. I had expected it too. I even told Noel that I didn't want to have my BP checked. Now instead of going every four weeks I am back to a fortnightly appointment.

Needless to say that, my world has really been rocked this last few days more than it ever has before (with the exception of the death of my father, of course). I don’t know what my feelings are, what my thoughts are, what I should be doing or even if there is anything I can do to help/change the situation. I have cried, I have screamed, I have yelled, I have sat in silence and now I am exhausted physically, mentally and more then ever emotionally.

I am sure that in time everything will right itself and that I just have to ride the storm.

What's going on with our Claire???

Life is just not right and definately at times not fair!

I have been holding off on posting anything about this topic purely because of my lack of knowledge on the subject but it is really bothering me.

My sister, Claire and her husband Jamie have seperated although not everyone knows. It has been several weeks now. After 9 years of marriage and 4 children apparently "it's just not working anymore" and hasn't been for a long while. This saddens me.

Not only I have always look upon my sister, her lifestyle and her family with jealousy and admiration but due to the fact that Claire and I aren't as close as normal sisters should be I had no idea of what was really going on.

Seven years younger than me, and for what I saw I always thought she was happy with her lifestyle. She was young when she met Jamie, I think around 16 but they have been together ever since. As I mentioned she has 4 young boys (Kyle 10, Stuart 8, Wesley 5 and Angus 2) which are her world, she has a house, a social network, involvement in the school and kinder, positions on severeal committees, a candle business (party plan), morning and afternoon teas with friends and a most of all a husband that actually adores her. Obviously what I see isn't the same as what she does.

I haven't caught up with her yet and it is hard enough getting to talk to her on the phone. When we do speak she's more interested in what is happening with me and my family while I am trying to find out what is happening with her. Needless to say our conversations are going around in circles.

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I really want to visit her but not sure of how the reception will be. Selfishly, I don't think I could emotionally handle her lack of sisterly love at the moment. I have battled many demons regarding my relationship with my sister and have always blamed it on something I have done or the person that I am. Finally, with the help of Noel, my mam and my close friends, I am coming to realise that maybe it's not me, maybe it's not my fault but in all truth although I am nearly okay with it I am not 100% convinced as yet. Maybe it's all that she has been going through these last few years is why we don't have a sister to sister relationship? Who knows?

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She is not very forthcoming with information about this situation to me or with anyone else for that fact (actually she is not a very forthcoming person at any time). To be honest what she is saying isn't really making that much sense or providing any genuine reasoning behind her decision. That worries me a lot as I am a firm believer that "because" is not an answer to a question if you know what I mean. There needs to be something solid, some reason why she has decided to end her relationship, an icident or an issue that is leading her to turn not only her life upside down but the life of her husband and their children. Don't get me wrong, I will support her depending of course on some certain circumstances but she needs to be honest and open with me.

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Although our relationship (for that reason I am not aware of?) has been distant and almost non-existent I don't want her to think she has to do this on her own. I want her to know that I am here for her, that we are all here for her and that we love her no matter what her decision is.

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The only thing I am praying for is that she does make the right decision in the long run....

A weekend full of love and laughter...

Another weekend that went as quickly as it came.....
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On Saturday it was Valentines Day and we celebrated it just like any "married" couple would... with the kids. This was our choice as at the moment with all the devastation and sorrow surrounding us it was good to be together as a family. The saddness is so strong that one cannot help but hug your family, kiss them and definately cwch up with them.
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Normally, Noel and I do not put any emphasis on Valentines Day but like I said we made sure that the LOVE was definately in the house this year. So we decoarated the dining table, planned a nice meal and had a surprise or two up our sleeves for the kids.
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Dinner started with a Mixed Seafood Platter and Noel's Chilli and Ginger Scallops! Yum what a way to begin the feast!
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Then we went up to the Carnival which was quite close to us at the local shopping centre. After convincing Oliver to go on the Cha Cha we couldn't get him off. As we had set off up there late we were able to go on 3 rides - first the Cha Cha, then the Dodgem Cars (where we all drove our own cars - Alex thought it was ace and caused a lot of bumping when she got the hang of it!!) and then it was back on the Cha Cha! Needless to say I was feeling quick ill in the tummy by the time we got off.
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Back home for a superbly cooked Veal cutlet with a Bacon and Mushroom Sauce - many thanks to the Man of the House.
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It was then definately time to relax, we all watched a movie called Forbidden Kingdom whilst eating chocolate love hearts!!
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Needless to say - Sunday was a day of rest.....

The devastation continues......

Can you imagine this?

This is a photograph that was taken looking north from Doncaster over at the mountain ranges towards Whittlesea and King Lake areas. Just the intensity of the fire in the dusk is enough to send shivers up my spine and bring on the goosebumps.

Stories of triumph and survival are forthcoming which is proving that miracles can happen. People have been found after days of hiding out in what can only be described as hell on earth. Families are being reunited with loved ones and the nation as a whole is coming together and providing so much in the way of donations, both money and material items.

However it's not just us humans that are affected, its all the wildlife not to mention the pets, that don't have the resources that we do.

Many people have opened up their homes as wildlife shelters, which again is a wonderful thing to do in itself.

These "wild" animals are making their way into peoples homes just in search of water and something to cool off in! Amazing really as normally we would only get a chance sighting when driving through the bush or at a zoo/sanctuary.

But its the stories of loss that are consuming us as a nation. As I mentioned a few days ago, there was fears that some of the fire outbreaks were delibrately lit only to have it confirmed this morning that the Churchill and Marysville fires were the work of arsonists! How can someone do this? How can someone unleash such carnage and devastion on innocent people and their families?

I can only imagine that there will never be the correct words spoken to explain these last few days....

What a weekend ... both good and bad!

What can I say or where do I start?

It's Monday and I am back at work after a "great weekend" on a personal level but on an emotional level a "devastating" weekend.

I am sitting here at work listening to the radio, listening to what one could only describe as horrific and unimaginable to the average person. I cannot even begin to imagine what the people living in the fire stricken areas are going through and to be honest, wouldn't even know where to begin.

Currently Victoria is living through what has been recorded as our worst bushfire on record in modern history.

The current loss of life stands at 108 with many people still missing, presumed dead. Men, woman and children among that figure.

Complete towns being wiped out by the raging flames which fire fighters and volunteers are struggling to control. Towns that we have driven through, stopped and purchased things at especially when we are out in the 4WD.

My thoughts, wishes and prayers are with all those touched/affected by the bushfires. My heart reaches out to these people, families loosing their properties and all their belongings, farmers losing all their crops and livestock, basically their whole worlds. Not to mention all the family pets that have also been killed by the fires.

However the thing I find the saddest to comprehend is that there is suspicion that some or many of the fires have been deliberately lit. How could anyone in their right minds consider doing such a inhuman thing as lighting a fire especially during our summer, which has been unbelievably hot and humid this year? If caught, the monster or monsters face a minimum of 15 years just for lighting the fires, but this would undoubtedly increase due to all of the lives lose - all of the "MURDER".

Driving to work this morning, the reality of it hit home. The area near where I work was also afftected and is now black in places and at 8am this morning still smoldering here and there. The residents surrounding the quarry actually took refuge inside the open space of the quarry, bringing family, belongings, pets and even horses to the safe haven. Both these photos are at the end of the street where I work.... sad isn't it. Even at 4.30pm on Monday afternoon the CFA were still dousing small fires.


My supervisor at work, Rod, isn't at work today. He has spent the whole weekend facing the fires as he is a CFA Volunteer. I spoke to him yesterday, and although tired he was okay but I must say it was really good to hear his voice. He has rung into work again today so thankfully all is still well with him. From what I understand he is actually fighting the fire that is threatening the town where he lives. Also my boss is on edge listening to the radio as fire is threatening area near his house.

As for us, besides watching many news broadcasts we did manage to have a good family weekend. Saturday night we went to Julien and Deb's house for "thankyou for helping us move" bbq. It was a good night and as it was such a hot day, it was really nice not to have to cook. Saying that I did make two salads, a Roast Pumpkin Salad and Crunchy Asian Salad, but they were definately not too difficult. The kids had lots of fun as there was quite a few kids there. We left quite late, probably too early if you ask Noel, but I worked in the morning and was very tired.

Sunday was just a day at home, doing the usual cleaning etc but also did quite a lot of cooking. There was a fair amount of laughter even though having the tv on in the background added a touch of sadness to the air. The kids played on the computer - god only knows what games they have downloaded this time! Sunday dinner was Peking Duck and yes we actually cooked the duck ourselves. Quite fiddly and to be honest, easier to buy in Springvale. Alex and I also made Raspberry Brownie Slice, which I think everyone enjoyed, and I know the kids were thrilled at the prospect of actually taking cake to school for morning tea (trust me that's a rare event in itself!)

As I said my thoughts are with all the fire-affected families.......

Irresistable......

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Who could resist these two??? I know that I cannot!! But I am being a little one-sided I think.

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These photo's were taken down at the Balnarring Picnic Races on Australia Day (Jan 26th). Thankfully the weather was nice but not as hot as it was the days to follow.... reaching +40 deg C is not my kind of a joke!!
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I cannot believe my little man is now 10 turning 11 in March. He is in his final year of primary (junior) school and very cheeky but not as cheeky as his sister! It's a strange time at the moment as he is growing. There is that hint of modesty, you know "mam don't look" or closing the bedroom door to get changed, putting on deoderant before getting dressed and then there is the lovingness and innocence of him still being a child. He is begrudgingly playing U11's football this year, but I am not sure if he doesn't want to play or it's the fear of being able to tackle that's worrying him. I believe it to be the later but I am sure he will confide in either Noel or myself soon. He has a newfound love of tennis and wants to do that, so that's an option to look into I suppose.

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Alex on the other hand will be turning 7 in March but one, would at times, think she has been here before or a hell of a lot older!! She is nothing short of being a little chatterbox, even talks and giggles in her sleep. She is starting to develop a love of cooking.. definately follows in mine and Noel's footsteps and forever wants to help out around the house (another good thing!) Alex will also be playing junior football as well this year in the U9's and I think secretly she is excited at the whole concept though she denies it. She has done 3 years of Auskick and excelled.
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Overall it should be an exciting year ahead for them and for us as parents.....

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...

Well we have been quite busy.......

Wow cannot believe that I haven't posted here for a few days.... have you missed us? LOL!! We have been quite busy as a family as you will see and to be honest none of us have really been near the computer at all.

Saturday we babysat Taila and Mitchell, our friend's children. They were moving house, Noel helped with the actual move but I thought it would be really helpful to have the kids overnight to give them a little more freedom to sort out the boxes etc. I love moving house but it such a stressful time really. Anyway several DVD's later we had Homemade Pies with Wedges for dinner..... all the kids excited by this idea, especially when I told them they could make up their own pie!

Sunday, started with Lemonade Pancakes being requested by our kids, which was great as budding chef Alex taught Taila how to make them - yes they really are that easy. These went down a treat, infact neither Noel or myself got one and ended up having poached eggs on toast instead! The kids were picked up early afternoon so for the rest of the day we just enjoyed ourselves as a family of four, which was really nice. We did have Chinese Roast Pork for dinner to celebrate Chinese New Year... served with a salad and rice paper we made our own rice paper rolls. YUM! A nice easy dish to prepare and the kids love making their dinner up themselves.

Monday was a day at the Picnic Races in Balnarring and also Australia Day. Needless to say, as usual, it was a food fest even though only six of us went this meeting. We took a bbq chicken, salad and some bread rolls. Noel's mam brought party pies and sausage rolls. I also made a huge platter of fruit so that was nice and refreshing.

Tuesday (Noel and I both had a RDO) was meant to be relaxing but overall turned out to be not only a busy day but a warm one. In fact it was the start of our heatwave that we are having here in Victoria. I cannot believe that it was 43 deg C yesterday, 43 deg C today and forecast much the same for tomorrow. We picked up the kids school books which I must say cost us almost $600, did a little bit of grocery shopping and then got the dent in my car bumper assessed by the panel beaters. My car is now booked in to be repaired on March 2nd and will be in the panel beaters for two days.... two days without my car all because some idiot decided to hit my stationery vehicle (with my hazard lights on I must add) while driving with her dog jumping around in her car!! Not happy at all!!

I have spoken to Mam a few times since she left - I miss her like crazy and I am really glad (and grateful) that she is planning to come to Melbourne in April for Noel's 40th birthday. I am planning a party which will probably be at home and more than likely a spit roast. Hopefully I will be able to round up a few of his older friends that he hasn't seen for awhile to surprise him with but we will see. I do however know that I need to pull my finger out and start organising it!

The house is quiet again at the moment as the kids have both gone to Noel's parents for the last few days of the school holidays. School goes back on Monday and I must say I am so looking forward to getting back into our normal routine. Plus I hate having to farm the kids out left, right and centre due to both of us working. But what can we do? It's the government's fault.. I mean we are entitled to 4 week's paid holiday leave per year but the kids get 12 weeks off school?? Go figure!!

Enough rabbiting on ...... more adventures to go and have!

A Dash of Flavour.... what the heck is that?

Okay confession time!! (Don't panic some of you already know where this is going!)

So here it is.... I have another blog to my name - A Dash of Flavour. I was a little worried about everyone knowing at first as I hadn't completely finished setting it up although I had started posting to it and considered it "still under construction" BUT then again I suppose a blog is always a work in progress, right?

Don't get me wrong it was always my intention to eventually share my new blog address and I actually have had it listed for awhile now with all of the other House of Murray blogs for those who were intrigued but I had never officially told anyone or published the link outside of the blogging community. I have once or twice on my other blogs which may have been overlooked!

Thankfully someone curious enough to investigate my other blogs gave me some great feedback. The feedback was within another forum's walls, which gave me enough confidence in my little project to prompt me that it was time to share it properly and with everyone.

Besides my obvious love of blogging my other passion is cooking. In fact the whole family love cooking. So that's what A Dash of Flavour is all about - our adventures in the kitchen, food, cooking, helpful hints, etc. I have decided that there will be nothing else besides culinary posts - no weight loss stories, or family happenings unless it relates to the meal - let's face it I have blogs for those already. Honestly I hope you enjoy it, I must say I have been excited about this blog since I decided to make it (I have always wanted to write a cookbook so I guess this is a start). Please feel free to give me any feedback, comments and/or advice if you wish to... I would appreciate that.

Who know's you may even try one or two of the recipes....

Saying goodbyes....

I hate the fact that Mam lives in Queensland only because I hate saying goodbye. There is never a brave or strong way to say it.... even trying as hard as I can there is still always a tear or two or at least 5 minutes blubbering in the car.

This morning was no different!! After stalling to leave for work as long as I could I had to leave. By this time I had said to myself so many times to keep happy, but that last cuddle and expressing my thanks once again reduced me to tears, Mam to tears and even Alex who had got up to wave me goodbye.

Mam is returning to Claire's today and she will be there now until she leaves on Wednesday. Unfortunately due to the situation with Claire it means that I won't see Mam again before she leaves (incidently I spoke to Claire yesterday and told her I want this fued thingy to stop - she said she would call me soon!)

So the house will once again be quiet tonight.... the kids are back with Mam and Dad for another week of school holidays and they will return on Friday night at this stage. Bring back school I say (the kids wouldn't agree) and bring back our normality!!

Time to get myself more organised!

Now that we have all settled into the New Year well and truly it's time to get me and my household more organised especially on the home maintenance front. Currently with working full time I tend to spend my time off Saturday afternoons and Sundays CLEANING! Honestly there is no-one in the house for a minimum of 8 hours each weekday and yet it looks like a cyclone has gone through the place!!

Considering the fact that a cyclone cannot be present only inside one person house in the street there must be another explanation... I know! The house is infested with "messy fairies". Geez that's about as believable as the cyclone. LOL!!

Seriously, please don't misjudge completely. We don't live in a pigsty or what could resemble a landfill site infact we do keep the place quite respectable. On the surface everything looks normal BUT with my eyes and knowing what goes on behind closed doors I honestly believe that we as a family just need to get into more of a routine and be more responsible to the mess surrounding us and yes that means ALL of us, me, hubby and you two kids as well!!

As I said we aren't slobs or lazy just time deficient considering we are out the door by 7 in the morning and often not home before 5pm. Then its cooking and eating dinner, ensuring homework is done, readers are read, children are bathed, put to bed, then theres the dishes, a load of washing here and there before collapsing into bed ourselves. There has to be an easier way!! And that's without considering hiring a cleaner! Get that idea right out of your head Joanne.

I must say I didn't just come up with this brain wave all by myself. Infact I will be totally honest and say that I have been reading another blog which is dedicated to just this topic. The hyper homemaker is just as the name suggests and very detailed. It intrigued me when I started reading it and must say has actually started to make me think differently about the way I do things (which while we are being honest it is normally the easiest and the quickest way that's for sure).

I want my weekends to be about family, not disinfectant, mops and vacuuming. I want to know that my kids had a great weekend instead of watching tv or planning their DS' because I am busy doing chores.

That's it - it's time for a change! AND NOW!!

Quietness in the house can sometimes be sooo wrong!

I am missing my kids.. I am missing the noise, the laughter, the squabbling, the questions especially from Alex, the mess, the yelling but most of all I am just missing not having them near me. The house has been too quiet this week without having them at home. They will be with their grandparents until Friday afternoon when Noel will pick them up on the way home from work.

Not hearing from them at all this week lets me know that they are having fun especially being taken to Halls Gap for a few days. And I am guessing that they have been well behaved as we haven't heard from Mam and Dad either!!

They idolise their grandparents and I am really glad that they have a strong bond with them. Mam and dad also cherish them, as do Sean, Vicky and Clare. In fact they have a closeness with all members of Noel's family which I am really proud of because they don't have a lot of it from my side of the family, none of us do!

Don't get me wrong, they adore Grandma as well when she visits and this year I need to help them to cement that bond a little stonger. I don't know what steps I will take at the moment but I do want to ensure that their relationship blooms more each each. But while we are speaking of relationships -a relationship that is destined to be distant is that with their aunty Claire and her boys, their cousins. As upsetting as it is, she and her family are the ones that miss out.

When questioned why by the children, I used to say she is busy or maybe next week but I have stopped hiding things from my kids and stopped making excuses, I have explained that I have tried to make the situation better and they know that it's NOT their fault either. Even my Mam cannot understand what the problem is or where it all went wrong. I think the main thing my children need to know is that they are loved by me, Noel, their grandparents, and the other important people who are currently in their lives.

I actually realised a while ago that I have wasted way too much time on wishing my sister would actually be my sister. And with all that's happening around me it's just another thing that I really don't have time to worry about anymore.

Let's face it - the world is still going to spin around, I am still going to get old and die but it's what I do with my time left that is important!!

D-I-V-O-R-C-E becomes final........

Unlike Dusty Springfield's song Clare's divorce doesn't become final today but after an hour and a half at the law courts all the formal paperwork has been lodged and in 28 days her marriage to Rob will be annulled FINALLY!!

Their marriage has been over for several years now due various reasons but mainly due to his constant abuse of illegal drugs and basically "his care for nothing" attitude while they were together. He had us all fooled in the beginning, very charming, casual, family orientated and appearing to be so in love with Clare, having a good job with a financial institution, a good head on his shoulders only to prove over time and even more so recently that he really was a smooth talking drug addict, bottom line a real "no hoper!"

I am really proud of Clare for taking the necessary steps to finally get this monkey off her back and sever ties connecting her with him and the arsehole he has become. The next 28 days wil drag on but Clare has a lifetime ahead of her and deserves to find that someone special.


AND YES CLARE - YOU DO!!

Mongolian Hot Pot and 10 pin bowling.... a busy but good weekend!

Okay so I find myself once more sitting here in disbelief that is Monday AGAIN and that another weekend is over. Overall it was a good weekend, not overly flat out but enough to say that I am feeling tired this morning.

Friday night the kids tried out the pie maker and after eating 2 pies each I believe they have deemed it a success and a very welcome appliance in our house! Noel, Mam and myself had a chinese dish, we have named "nice chicken" which has a sauce of hoisin and cayenne pepper. A unique taste and the hotter the better according to most who try it.

Saturday Mam came to work with me, I was thankful of that as it was dead and good to have someone to talk to - saying that we managed to watch 2 movies also! Next stop was the Dandenong Market where we met Noel and the kids. Nothing to adventurous there except a lot of people, some with not much deoderant on especially with it being warm...yuk! We bought some fish, prawns and beef for the Mongolian Hot Pot dinner we had planned.

Dinner was ACE! As usual we all enjoyed the Mongolian Hot Pot (or Steamboat as it's often called also). Mam was in her element as she hasn't had one quite some time. We don't have the Hot Pot that often as it does take quite some preparation and there is always enough food to feed an army. Needless to say we had it for dinner last night also (and there is still more left over!!)

I will post some photo's tonight when I get home.

Sunday morning Mam and I popped down to Lars and Pips house. It was beautiful and huge. It's the first time either of us had been there. It was good to see them again even though it was only a short visit. However I do feel guilty for not making more of an effort each year to keep in contact with them. I only make the effort when Mam is in Melbourne and seriously that isn't good enough. We emigrated on the same ship as them in 1973 so they have known me all my life. They are from Finland whereas we are from Wales but they are like family, in fact they have been better to us than our real family has over the years!

In the afternoon we went 10 pin bowling at Cranbourne. We played two games, which was fun and great to be actually doing something with the kids. Grandma enjoyed it too and really got into it. I have decided that we don't do enough "fun" things with the kids. Don't get me wrong, we do a lot of things together but I don't thing we do enough kid fun things, if you can understand that? Must get back to focussing on them while they are still young enough to have fun with their Mam and Dad!

Back at work today for another week. The kids are off to Halls Gap with Nana and Grandad, we will get them back on Friday night and Mam is off to Claire's for the week and I will pick her up on Friday.

Needless to say the house will be very quiet tonight, that's for sure!!

There IS more to life!

Selfishly I have been focusing on what I now consider to be petty problems.

Unlike a work colleague of mine. His wife, a wonderful lady, has been diagnosed with primary breast cancer and also secondary cancers in various parts of her body. Yesterday I was informed the diagnosis is 6 - 12 months and that's with treatment.

My heart and thoughts go out to Fred, Wendy and their family.

Needless to say I have spent the last 24 hours really reassessing the way I look at life. The way I focus too much on negative aspects and too much on things I have no control over.

Okay so my sister doesn't want to have anything to do with me, that's her problem - right? Why should it stop me getting on with my life? Why should I spend hours wondering why when she probably doesn't even give it a second thought?

Okay so I am fat! Actually I am overweight. Maybe I need to focus on changing my lifestyle, my food patterns and my outlook rather than dwelling in self pity.

Enough is enough!!

I have to get back to my little part of this world. My special position in my family, The Murray family. I need to enjoy every minute I can with Oliver, Alex, Noel and my Mam, my wonderful Mam and Dad (in-laws), brother in-law Sean, his family and my sister Clare (we dropped the in-law tag a long time ago).

Life is definitely too short and unfortunately if can be over in an instance - you only have to watch the news for proof of that!!