Free entertainment... always good value!!

Just near our local Indian grocery store, in Carrum Downs, is a paddock with the friendliest horses in.... of course we had to feed them!!! In fact we spent more time feeding the horses than we did in the grocery store!!

The kids both love most animals... there was the a few moments of not knowing what to expect, how the horses would react but that nervousness was over after the first mouthful of grass was taken.

Even Noel had a feed, showing the kids that he really is a big softie!!

This kind of entertainment is priceless ... literally it didn't cost a thing!! LOL!!!

Special ladies.....

The end of July marks the birthday of two special ladies in our lives.....

The 29th is Vicky's birthday. We didn't get to see her on her birthday this year as it was a Wednesday and Sean has been working away this week. We did however ring, the kids sang Happy Birthday and we all chatted. During the phone conversation she explained how she was disappointed that we couldn't get together as we are busy and that we don't get to see enough of each other. Little did she know that today we planned, with Sean's help, to meet her for a surprise lunch along with her brother George and his girlfriend Rose at the Chelsea Heights Hotel.

It was a great lunch and after all that has passed between us, it is a good feeling to know that the future is positive and the relationships we all have with her are growing.

The second special person in our lives is Clare. Noel's sister and my very close friend, infact I have to say my sister too!! Her birthday is on the 31st (yesterday) and we all called in the evening to sing Happy Birthday and to give her our best wishes and love. She received our gift of cookbooks and love the kids cards...... her hug from me will have to wait until Mid August when she is planning to come down and we get to meet her boyfriend, Grahame!!

Neglected blog..... my bad!

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

School holidays - bring 'em on.....

Today is the official first day of the Victorian School Holidays and I am actually looking forward to the next two weeks. Not only do I get to spend some quality time with my kids for a change, they get to spend some quality time with me CLEANING and SORTING and THROWING RUBBISH OUT!! Sounds like my kind of fun!!

No seriously my mission, which I have chosen to accept, for the first week is a good clean up and out!! The kids have been worded up and have agreed to help.

If we get it all done the second week is all about fun. I am even lining up a get together with the boys and Jamie as the kids really love spending time with their cousins. Maybe a park somewhere for a play and a picnic - now that sounds like a great idea!!

So bring it on.......

The week is almost over....

Well once again this week is flying past and I don't seem to be getting anything accomplished! I am sure others have had similar days but what is with it lasting a whole week? ggrrr...

The week started off on a sad note after hearing the news that Fred, a co-worker of mine, lost his beloved wife, Wendy last week. She died on Thursday after a 6 month battle with cancer. A very sad time as both Fred and Wendy were so positive that she would beat this and continued to think towards the future and their retirement. It was only two weeks ago that Fred underwent his second hip operation and is now in recovery. Needless to say, I plus a few others from work, attended Wendy's funeral on Tuesday morning. If there is any way of describing a funeral service I would have to say that it was nice and very fitting for the lady that Wendy was.

Mam and Dad have left to go on their holiday up north, stopping in to see Clare in Sydney. It was great to recieve a few photo via text yesterday from Clare. I am glad that they have finally got away as their trip has already been delayed by the dreaded Melbourne cold!! No not the flu!!

The only disadvantage of them going away is we get the bird!! This bird, a cockatiel named Elly, is awful - she hisses, bites and is just noisy!! The kids are even over the bird!! Oh well, babysitting Elly is the least we can do considering Mam and Dad do a hell of a lot for us!!

As the week is passing quickly, we are facing another weekend... a weekend where Alex is off for a sleep over on Friday night, not sure what we will do with Oliver, Saturday sees the kids at their first rehearsal with the Boite Choir in Tyabb followed by another day of football on Sunday... before I know it it will be Monday again!!

Sunday both kids played great football and their reward was to get their hair tipped.... so this is the outcome!!

Missing in action or just busy????

You may need to grab a cuppa with this post as I feel a long one coming up!! It seems like forever since I posted last and I know I have a lot to tell you.....

We all survived the Queen's Birthday holiday although we were kind of dissappointed. We had to make our own entertainment as the invitation for her party just hasn't arrived, maybe she doesn't have our new address (hhhmmm I will have to look into that) and you know you cannot just gate crash the Queen's party without being thrust into any form of media spotlight either! LOL!!

Seriously, it was great to have the Public Holiday on the Monday as that was an extra family day for us. Although saying that the whole weekend went as quickly as a normal one did. Okay so what did we do...

Saturday morning, I worked as usual whilst Noel and the kids did some cleaning and started getting food ready for the BBQ we were having on Saturday night with some friends coming over. We had invited some of our friends from the football club as I did have an ulterior motive to our free food... lol... I am glad our friends like us that's for sure! They came over to help repack the chocolates for the football fundraising drive - all 12,288 bars of chocolates!! As I said we felt it only fitting to provid the food as payment!! It was a great night and we all agreed that it was a shame that there was football on the next day as we could have kicked on into the wee hours of Sunday morning - actually we did with Noel and I getting into bed around the 12.30am mark!

Sunday was just as busy with a planned family breakfast with the Murray clan at The Cove in Patterson Lakes. The Cove do a all you can eat buffet breakfast every Sunday morning. We have been there before and although not all that impressive it's central for us all and not bad price wise. We only caught up with Mam, Dad and Christian as Sean and Vicky were ill. Mam and Dad picked up Christian on their way through and looked after him for the remainder of the day.

Mason, one of Oliver's team mates, was playing football on Sunday representing Karingal in the Frankston and Districts Junior Football League team. They played other teams from various other Leagues within Victoria. We went to watch the 3rd match due to our commitments in the morning. Oliver was quite impressed watching his mate on the field. Mason is an excellent football player, one that Oliver looks up to also.

All Monday morning I was waiting and must say I was eagerly awaiting the clock showing 10.30 as that's what time Jamie and the boys were due to visit. We hadn't planned to do anything as the weather was undecided whether it would rain or not. So we decided to play it by ear and go with what ever happened.

Whilst Jamie, Noel and myself chatted away all 6 kids just played together. It was fun to watch all of them interact and listen to their laughter. We had the playstation going, the DS's, the electric keyboard and microphone were over worked and definately out of tune!

We all sat down for a family lunch, a warming bowl of Lamb Stew and some nice fresh frenchstick and chatted about things that were happening, such as junior football, school and what we had all been up to.

As simple as it sounds it is not.... it is anything but simple. I haven't seen all the boys for quite a long time and have almost got used to the fact that my nephews do not know us at all... but I do believe times are changing. Monday was a day - one that was a long time coming but it was a day that I thoroughly enjoyed and one I will remember.

Jamie had the boys last weekend and honestly, I had to take advantage of the fact that he is willing to ensure that the boys stay in contact with me and my family, especially my mam. So, without Claire knowing, I organised with Jamie that we get together and given their marraige situation you can imagine that Jamie didn't mention it to her either. It is not that I didn't want Claire to know it's the fact of what is happening in her life at the moment and how she is reacting with her family (me and mam) with the level of interaction being very very minimal to almost non existent.

Having the extra day off from work meant that last week flew past, not that it is that unusual as we are generally busy anyway but it was a nice short week. Alex trained with her football team for the first time so that was a bit strange for her. Oliver had training as usual and yes we have managed to start distributing all the boxes of chocolates to other club members to sell. We are down to a few remaining boxes at home and I have to admit I am very happy with that.

Friday the kids had a "pupil free" day at school so that pleased them - a holiday on Monday and then another day off on Friday! Noel volunteered to have the day off with them - how ever I must say he didn't really take that much convincing! How lucky are they - a 3 day week and here I was bragging about working for only 4 days! hehehe Oliver organised to have a sleep over at Mason's house and as Alex couldn't miss out on any holiday action she asked if she could have Ella come over and have a sleepover. Ella's mam and dad both work full time like us so the only way we could organise it was to have Ella dropped off first thing in the morning.. so no sleep in for Noel and the kids as Ella arrived at 7am!! Oliver disappeared over to Mason's just after lunch - I think quite grateful to escape the two girls! Friday evening was great - no arguing etc Ella and Alex had a ball. The girls made their own pizza's for dinner, hired some movies and slept on matteresses on the loungeroom floor in true sleep over style!

Saturday Ella was picked up, Oliver was returned so it was back to normal. We had to take Alex up to the sports store to get her a pair of white shorts, a pair of skins and a pair of red socks for her football debut the following morning. She was quite excited about the whole thing so therefore needed the whole kit and caboodle!! I don't mind as at least she is out there playing a sport and if she likes football, that's great! After Friday and Friday night, Saturday night was nice and quiet and thoroughly enjoyed!

Although we have been getting up early on Sunday mornings to help Tanya with the football club canteen (the canteen I wasn't having anything to do with this year) both Noel and I had forgotten what it felt like having an under 9 footballer in the house. The game kicked off at 9am, Alex had to be at the clubrooms, which were away this week, by 8.30am and of course we were late!! Not too late, but late and of course she was making note of the time every minute! I would have to say that describing her as excited would surely have been an understatement! Getting her jumper brought on a excited yet nervous giggle fit and she just wanted to get out on the field and play!!

Her first game, she managed a few touches and a kick or two but the team had a win so that made the morning memorable for not only Alex but us, her parents!! Oliver helped out also and was the goal umpire for the game!

Oliver played football later in the morning and the result wasn't as great for his team. We actually played a strong side that I would describe as bullies and unfair but then I suppose I am a biased mam, especially when kids get hurt.

I am proud of Oliver, just as I am with Alex, for just getting out there and playing, participating in a team sport and bottom line all I want both of them to do is have fun!

Sunday afternoon became another afternoon of children swapping. Alex went for a play at Summer and Logan's house whilst Jet, their little brother, came to play the playstation with his mate 'Knackers' - Oliver's nickname he proudly answers to... (the nickname itself comes with a long explanation!).

Sunday nights are always up at the footyclub for us throughout the whole season. I may have mentioned before but each team presents a handful of kids awards for the game played and there is food available as well as the bar being open. We tend not to stay up there too late but as Noel is team manager, I am treasurer, and now with both the kids playing it something we feel we should continue to do. Last night Alex got an award for her non stop running and enthusiasm to her game - her first game. Corey, her coach, is spoiling his only girl in the team and of course, Alex idolizes Corey!!

Phew I suppose I should be glad that's it's Monday again and its work and school as normal.....

Queen's Birthday - a long weekend ......

Well today marks the start of the Queen's birthday weekend here in most states of Australia.... so all with the exception of WA and Tasmania get Monday off work as a public holiday!



Elizabeth II or Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born 21 April 1926. She is the queen regnant of sixteen independent states known as the Commonwealth realms. This is made up of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenade, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis and AUSTRALIA! All together, these countries have a combined population, including dependencies, of over 129 million. She holds each crown separately and equally in a shared monarchy, and carries out duties in and on behalf of all the states of which she is sovereign. She is also Head of the Commonwealth, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Ducke of Nomandy, Lord of Mann and Paramound Chief of Fiji. In theory her powers are vast; however, in practice, and in accordance with convention, she rarely intervenes in political matters.

Quite an impressive lady, I must say. What do you think?

Yet this weekend always amazes me... why? It amazes me as we are a country, a nation, that wants to gain independence away from the good ol' Motherland and become a Republic but we all grateful take the public holiday year after year to celebrate OUR QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY!

You never hear anyone saying things like - "I want to work because she's not our queen" or "let's all boycot having a public holiday and really get into the Republican swing!" NO! NO! NO! Everyone enjoys the extra day on their already short feeling weekends and relishes in the fact that next week is a four day week.....

Have a great weekend everyone and don't forget to toast a Happy Birthday to our Queen!!

Getting back into the swing of things.....

I know I have been slack this last few weeks and have only been posting on a weekly basis but I have blown that out of the water now by having nearly a week and a half break between socialising within these blog walls.

So now it's a case of where to start.....

The reason for my slackness is the flu - NOT the swine flu. Just the flu. Infact I didn't work Monday and Tuesday only to return today. Feeling very run down but I must soldier on!

We have just about put the final little bits of our rearrangement into their new homes... the loungeroom got another reshuffle and it looks a lot better than the first arrangement. It's all starting to feel homely now which is good - one less thing off my ever procrastinating mind!!

On Thursday I received a shipment of a pallet, yes a pallet, of boxes containing chocolates. Cadbury's Freddo's, Camamello Koalas, Cherry Ripes, Crunchies, Boost and Time Out... a total of 256 boxes! Thankfully we don't eat that much chocolate at our place but geez I have chocolates everywhere. Please be aware these are NOT for us - these are for the football club fundraiser - we make really good profit out of them. The catch is that they need to be sorted into boxes of 8 flavours before distributing for sale. Last night Nazz and Jane (two lovely parents of club players) came over to help especially as I have been sick and are coming back tonight.

Friday night, Alex had a birthday party to go to. It was Shiryln's party and Alex actually went straight from school to Shirlyn's house so she had an extra long play. She was really happy about that. Oliver was picked up from school by Nana and Grandad and taken up to their house for a sleepover and when we picked Alex up from the party we took her up there aswell. They had a ball especially as Nana and Grandad have a Wii..... guess what they did all day???

Over the weekend, we picked up the fish tank that was on layby and Sunday went down as a family to choose a few fish each... the kids were really excited and chose there own 2 fish which of course are now sporting interesting names. We have 10 fish in total, one black moore, one pearlscale, one oriana, one bronze moore, two danio's and four white clouds. At the moment, it's a novelty with the kids, racing to feed them etc., standing next to the tank just watching but it will be interesting how they will go with the first clean and to whether or not mam will have to do that.

Another pleasing thing for us is the Under 11's won again... and they blitzed!! I believe the final score was 118 to 8 but after a team having a 70 point lead they do not continue to score.. but we did! LOL!! Nana and Grandad came down to watch also. Needless to say Dean was happy, Noel was happy, the team was happy and we have had our 2nd win for the season...

A huge eventful weekend.....

What can I say except I enjoyed this weekend.....

It all started Friday night with the decision to have a nice relaxing evening just the four of us and watch a DVD together. That was great except for the fact that I fell asleep during the movie (which is actually quite normal for me!! LOL!!)

During the evening however Noel and I were still discussing the loungeroom and how much I hate the way it was set up and how it always a MESS. The positioning of the TV was all wrong for where the doors are... let me explain. To get to the toilet and the bedrooms you have to walk infront of the tv which can be painful when the playstation is out (leads everywhere not to mention children at all angles) or when there is a movie on or even just watching the TV in general. Secondly it always looked a MESS.... something I have very little patience for at the moment.. When I say MESS it has overtaken the comfortable lived in look and was just annoying! Brainwave happened and I explained to Noel, my beloved, that I think that the loungeroom would make a better dining room and the dining room would make a better loungeroom - let's swap it around. Well I cannot explain the facial expression but I felt I had a lot of convincing ahead of me for this to happen!

Saturday morning I went off to work, which for a change was quite busy. I spoke to Noel and the kids during the morning and they sounded as if they were having a nice relaxing time together. It wasn't until I got home that I saw that they had actually been quite busy and had started making the switch of the rooms. I nearly cried as they had really surprised me! So there was definately no rest for the wicked that afternoon as it was full steam ahead to finish the room changes, still a little cleaning to do, but I will be the first to admit that it looks fantastic. SO MUCH BETTER.......


bad blurry photo's taken on my phone but you get the idea, right?

Sunday was another great day... this is the first time this football season that I didn't need to be at the football club at 7am (but was booked to start in the canteen at 2pm). I actually slept in until 9.30am - I don't do that very often but I must say I enjoyed every moment of it! We all sat down and had a nice breakfast together in the 'new' dining room then got ready for Oliver's football match. It was good to go and watch a whole match without worrying about the canteen and I am glad that I went - the Under 11's had their FIRST WIN against Seaford - their FIRST WIN for the season!! So proud of my boy and so proud of the team!! Noel was smiling... Dean, the coach, was smiling... so were all of the other children's parents!! After the little happy dance we were all doing, not to mention the loud singing of the club song, it was off back to the clubrooms where both Noel and I did a stint in the canteen while the Under 16's game was played (and that was a brilliant game!!).







Last night I think we were all exhausted from such a huge weekend that it was off to bed early for me and the troops.....

Kids in the kitchen....

Presenting......

Masterchef Oliver

.

and

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Masterchef Alexandria

I am so proud that both our kids have embraced the love of cooking and forever want to help out in the kitchen. The best thing is however is it's just not baking cakes or biscuits that they want to help with - they will give cooking anything a go!!

Keep in mind that Oliver has just turned 11 and Alexandria is only 8 but wow they can they cook.. they both follow recipes well and are very sensible whilst in the kitchen. Please note they don't do this just when they want to - we are always with them whenever they cook anything!!

Recently we made homemade pizzas. A few other things they have prepared and/or cooked can be found at A Dash Of Flavour.

In fact every now and then they actually ask if they can cook dinner!! When they do they choose the meal, they write the shopping list, we go shopping to buy everything on the list, come home and start cooking. It's so exciting for them to do the complete meal from start to finish.

And boy can these two turn out good dishes.... Olivers speciality is tacos whilst Alex likes to cook anything to do with pasta!!

Plus they both love making desserts and cakes!! Who doesn't??

We have found that letting them help us even if it's just mixing gives them an urge to try the finished product and is actually encouraging them to be adventurous when it comes to tastes, styles, international flavours, etc.

Go on...

Get your kids involved with cooking - you will be definitely thankful in the long run....

One week on......

Well I definately cannot believe it's been one week since Mam and Clare left to go home. But besides the house being quieter we are slowly getting back to normal and back into our routines.

This week has been busy to say the least but I would have to be honest and say no more than the normal.

As usual Sunday was a day filled with football and football canteen. The Under 11's lost again, which is a shame as they haven't had a win at all this season so far... cross fingers on the up coming weeks. I am slowly trying to detatch myself from the canteen. It is very hard considering I do enjoy it but there are never enough volunteers to help out with serving, cooking and cleaning. They are all happy to buy the food but don't dare ask them to give up their precious time watching the game!

I have handed out the invitations to our upcoming "How To Host A Murder" Dinner Party on July 4th. It was good to see some of the faces when they read their invitations and worked out which character they were playing and I could just see the cogs turning over regarding a costume etc. I cannot wait until that night - I love these dinner parties. The whole night is a lot of fun with dressing up and getting into character, enjoying a good dinner and working out who amongst you in the murderer!

Alright so the big focus for us this week is "diet", well not so much a diet but a lifestyle change. I have been trying to lose weight for what seems forever but as of this morning Noel, too, has decided that the time has come for him to shed quite a few kilo's and it will definately not do the kids any harm to go without lollies, crisps and takeaway for awhile. I have menu planned the next week so there are no excuses for a healthy dinner each night and will plan on making healthy lunches for us all every day. So cross fingers... day one here Noel and I come!!

New Spice Racks.....

When asked what I wanted for Mother's Day this year I actually had something in mind. (Quite proud of myself also!!)


I know most people easily ask for things that they want or would like but I actually find it quite hard to be that forward... just ask anyone that knows me!! My normal response is "nothing - just a happy family!!"


This year was different - I had been eyeing off some new shelves on which to put our herb and spice jars. The existing shelving was about to give way which would have caused an awful mess and it was really looking bad (sorry forgot to take a photo of how it was).


So here are my shelves after I put them together.. which I was proud of doing I must say (Noel check them to make sure I did them okay!)



All our herb and spice jars...... and yes there are a lot and we use them all!

There we have it - all finished... fully loaded and looking 200% better......

Maybe next year I can ask for new jars that are all the same... lol!!

Thank you Noel, Oliver and Alex for making my mother's day special and treating me!!

Mother's Day.....

Well now that's what I call another busy weekend, with Mam still visiting and Clare, Noel's sister, flying in on Friday night to surprise her mam yesterday and I must say she was successful - it was a surprise.

Friday night mam and I went to the shops to quickly do the grocery shopping and buy her mother's day present. She wanted some salt and pepper shakers, of course we couldn't find the ones I have anywhere so it was a mission to find something that she liked instead, finally though we bought some and yes I did wrap them for her.

Saturday I went to work while mam got a visit from her other four grandkids. I am sure that this was the highlight of her visit... having all six of her grandchildren playing together. Trust me this is a rare event in itself but it was very special for her on Saturday morning. Unfortunately they had gone by the time I got home from work so I missed out on seeing them.

Sunday, of course, was Mother's Day. Noel, Alex and myself went up the football club to help Tanya set up and to get the laptop organised while mam and Clare slept in....we left the house around 7ish and returned just after 9am so that wasn't too bad. When we got back Noel and Clare took Oliver off to play his game of football at which Clare was the goal umpire. I think Oliver was impressed that his Aunty was not only there but that she was wearing a white jacket (and not that sort of white jacket!!)

Sunday afternoon brought the mother's day luncheon with my mam, Noel's mam and dad, Sean, Vicky and Christian, Clare and us so needless to say it was a busy and eventful afternoon. All the more eventfull considering Ann hadn't seen Clare until then and both her and dad had no idea that Clare was even in Melbourne let alone our house. Food as usual was abundant (lot's of leftovers so we are right for dinner tonight!)

Mam and Clare left this morning. I took them to Frankston to catch the airport bus this morning at 5.50am (which I was paniking us missing as we were all quite slow this morning after another late night). But all was good and after waving them off I went to work early.

Overall it was a great weekend!

Actually I lie.

Most of it was good - some parts I would love to be able to turn back time and change.. especially some things I did. Looking back I realise that I haven't been a nice person. I have definately over-reacted to some situations and was just outright childish in others. Infact I have been a cow... but I don't think it's me more than it is certain situations/happening around me that are affecting me. I won't lie that this situation with Claire is not only upsetting me but it's affecting the way I am coping with other happenings in my life. Noel has noticed, friends have noticed and now my mam has definately noticed!

I have said I am sorry to my mam, all I can do now is hope that she forgives me and still loves me for who I am and not what I have been!

I love you Mam xxxx

Another weekend over.....

Yes that's right another weekend has come and gone....

Friday night we went out for dinner. We went to Noel's parent's house which was a nice change although I was (and still am) tired from the week before. It was a nice meal, a roast lamb dinner. It had been quite a while since we have had a roast lamb dinner - 24 hours in fact. Yes that's right. We cooked roast lamb for dinner on Thursday night as Vera came over. We didn't have the heart to tell mam and dad so we all just ate up with Oliver and Alex giggling at the table with the thought that we were being sneaky by not saying anything!!

Saturday I went to work whilst Noel went and had another doctor's appointment about his foot. He does have a heel spur and recieved a quarterzone injection to help ease the pain as well as some treatment options.... I think this is going to be a long road. Mam went with Noel's parents to the Red Hill Market. She had never been before. It's only on the first Saturday of the month I think and to be honest I have never been there either. Plus I think it was good for mam to spend some time with others... she has been stuck with us so far this whole visit and unfortunately I haven't been able to give her my car like I normally do. In the afternoon Mam, Oliver and I went shopping for a printer for the Football Club, new runners for Oliver and of course the groceries.

Sunday morning brought Round 3 of the football season. Oliver played at home again (that's 3 weeks in a row now) and they lost. Infact as a team, they just seemed to be misfiring... there definately wasn't a spark there and they were beaten drastically!! Dean, the coach, was suitably unimpressed and told them all so after the game! I believe they are in for one hell of a training session on Tuesday night!!

Off the field showing great form!!

Hopefully my days of being fully involved with the canteen are coming to an end... I am a little saddened by the fact that it's physically impossible for me to be fully involved as I really enjoy the time I spend in the canteen and love the whole catering/hospitality side of things. On the other hand spending the full day up at the club as well as working full time it's once again starting to take it's toll on not only my health (I have been tired for about 3 weeks now) but also on my emotions. I know I have been quite irritable and snappy this last week but that probably stems from the tiredness not to mention all the emotional stress from all what's going on with my sister amongst other things!! Cross fingers it is effective as of next week as I am looking forward to spending Sunday's with Noel and the kids!! It's something that I need to do.

So I do apologize to you all.... hopefully I will be back to normal soon!!

Happy 40th Birthday Noel....

Today a very special man in our house is celebrating his 40th birthday!!

Happy Birthday Noel.... The birthday boy has already received some of his birthday presents... he was given a slow cooker by Mam, a Slow Cooker cookbook from the kids and I and also a bread slicing guide, which will be very useful with our bread that we bake and always manage to cut the loaf on silly angles.

Today was a busy day, getting ready for his 40th birthday party tomorrow night. After dropping the kids off at school we went over to Springvale to get some groceries and supplies for the party then spent the rest of the day cooking, cleaning etc ready for the big bash!

Birthday dinner was at Quality Wok where as usual we had a nice quiet dinner - we haven't been there for awhile and we all love the food there especially my mam who could not believe that she was going out to dinner in her slippers!! LOL!! As you can imagine it is a very casual place, so casual that the owners at time sit down at our table and chat.

Oliver and his dad checking out the weekend football in the newspaper in the restaurant!!

Mam and Noel

Mam and I serveral wines later... must admit I think we were both very tired also!!

Had to take a photo as evidence that it's okay for Mam to go out in public in slippers!!

On a serious note, Quality Wok is a wonderful place to eat... if your are in the Frankston area please call in, see Grace and Gordon and have a meal whether eat in or takeaway. We are sure that you will enjoy what ever you order. It's not the poshest restaurant in the world (no fancy tables etc) but the atmosphere is fantastic, the owners are really beautiful people and it is always busy. Trust us... it's the only Chinese restaurant we actually go to now!!