Frankston.....

As you know the other day Alex and I spent the day at the Frankston Foreshore after her doctor's appointment. It was great to walk along the pier, along the beach and even paddle our feet in the water.

It was a beautiful day, both getting a slight redness from not wearing any sunscreen but it was enjoyable and relaxing.....

Alex holding jelly fish not the dangerous sort - sausage looking sort!!

Looking up the beach towards Seaford.

I really like this picture... of course underneath the pier.

This is looking towards Oliver's Hill and Mount Eliza.

The 2 Murray girls are good....

Thankfully today's visits to the doctors had a positive outcome!!
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Alex went back to the hospital today for the 3rd x-ray on her arm and another visit to the bone specialist. Today, we were told that the bone hadn't moved and that there was no need for further surgery!! This means that she will now stay in plaster for another 4 weeks, have the plaster removed, another visit to the bone specialist and she should be deemed as good as normal. I cannot tell you how happy I was!!
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So, the two Murray girls headed off and had a girly lunch together at Sophia's in Frankston. We just shared a plate of calamari, salad and chips. We followed lunch with a walk along the pier and a paddle in the water (which I might just add was bloody freezing!!)



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Then it was my turn to go to the doctors - I was only getting my blood pressure checked! I wasn't sure what my BP reading was going to be considering everything that has gone on in the last month but it's something that I have to religiously do, so today was the day. Sitting there, nervous and worried as usual, I was completely surprise when the reading was 121/76!! Bloody hell - that's the best it has been for almost 40 weeks!!
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Definately celebrations in the house tonight.....

~ R.I.P. Gerry ~

Today has been an awful day so far at work...

This morning one of our truck drivers, a friend and a gentle, caring man was involved in an accident involving his truck and serveral cars whilst working. It happened around 8am this morning and Gerry died at the scene after his truck and trailer rolled landing on it's side. I am not quite sure on all of the details but the fact of the matter is that we have definately lost one of the GOOD ones!

Gerry, 62, was definately one of the good guys. I have to say in my 7 years working with him he has been a gentleman, a gentle giant, always smiling and had the same dry sense of humour as me so as you can imagine there were many jokes and much laughs exchanged with the two of us! Being such the man he was made every time we saw each other a pleasure.

He will be sadly missed.... not just by me but by all who knew him!

Click here to read the article from the Herald Sun Website

These are two disturbing pictures of the tragedy.





















I honestly wish I had a photo of Gerry I could put here to remind me of him...

~~ R.I.P. Gerhart Holzmueller ~ ~

~ ~ 1947 - 2009 ~ ~

Oliver's Party!!

Well Saturday night went off without a hitch. Oliver's 11th birthday "Disco Party" was great and I think all the kids enjoyed themselves - I know Oliver did!! It was great to see him having fun with his friends from school. Some played sing star, other's air hockey and they all just had fun...

At one stage the adults were trying to hide inside the house - watching the footy on the tv, Saints vs Swans, I must add "Go Sainters"!! Our hiding place didn't last for very long when one of the kids got wind that the footy was on.... so they were all inside, supporting passionately until we told them to go outside and party on!!

He got the cake that he wanted.. a tiger, which came up okay (pat's oneself on the back - lol!!) and all the other kids thought it was ace too.



Sean, Vicky and Christian came over to and stayed most of the party... FANTASTIC!! It was great to see Vicky again - she was so relaxed and enjoying herself. Of course Christian had a ball with all the kids even the older ones.

We also had a surprise visitor, Carol, Julien's mam. She lives in the USA and has been here staying with her daughter, who has broken/injured her foot. We met Carol and her partner, Don, last year and had a ball with them. They are really nice people, you know the kind of people that you meet but feel like you have known them forever! It was a shame that this visit Don wasn't with her but saying that, it was great to see her again.

The party finished at 9pm but I don't think I saw bed until 3am... our friends kicked on, all the kids ended up sleeping which meant the house became very noisy with laughter, squeels of excitement and general kid behaviour first thing in the morning. To be honest although tired and a little hung over I enjoyed waking up to that!!

Sunday was definately a day of rest - well sort of for you all know what it's like at the House Of Murray - something is always happening!! Oliver had to pack for camp or should I say Mam had to pack Oliver's things for camp, there was cleaning to be done, some shopping, a nana nap for moi in the afternoon, a batch of pumpkin soup was made and Noel, feeling worse for wear, surfaced every now and then for water and food!! (Long story and we won't go there - let's just say Noel enjoyed himself LOTS!! hehehehe)

Needless to say the house will be quiet tonight with our little boy or should I say big boy away on camp ....

Another doctor's appointment.....

Well we survived the boy's birthday yesterday with no injuries - thank god!! Nana and granddad came for the birthday dinner and they actually ate food with us! Needless to say it was a good night without repeating last week's birthday dinner effort!!

Another doctor's appointment for Alex this morning only to find that the bone has moved AGAIN but the specialist's are hesitant to take her to surgery!! What does this mean? It means that she has another appointment booked for next Tuesday at 11.40am to have yet another x-ray and a chat with a specialist!! gggggrrrrr!!! So it's back to crossing fingers for another few days.

Next thing we have to tackle is the disco birthday party for his school friends tomorrow night!! Should be a very interesting evening no doubt. 6pm - 9pm of kids dressed as their favourite rock/pop stars. Party food galore and of course...... Playstation Sing Star!!!!

Any volunteers?? I am sure we will need some bouncers.......lol!!

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....

ImageChef.com Poetry Blender

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.....