Back in the groove....

Yes it is back in the groove - full swing ahead with the Murray household.  Menu planning, shopping, cleaning, homework, catching up on a week, etc... I am back in my element. Yes truly I am.

Ollie got picked up this morning to go to the U18's and waterboy followed by the other 2 senior games at the Pines.  Huge day for him and in the rain at times but he enjoys earning the money.  $35 for running water for 3 games on a Saturday is quite good for a 14 year old I guess.

Noel, Alex and I went shopping and had lunch at Mambo's instead of eating at the dodgy food court.  I don't mind going there and it is away from the shopping centre.

Alex is still working on her project of the Australian Federation focussing on Edmund Barton.  She is putting 110% in as usual but I will be so glad when she has handed it in and it is over.

Have decided tonight is DVD night and as a family we are going to sit down and watch Hugo.

Enjoy your Saturday xxx

Still TOO much to do,.......

It's that time of the year when there is definitely TOO much to do and I honestly believe that the clock ticks faster! LOL if only we could slow down the ticking!

This morning brought another sickie in our house, Alex was sick from the early hours of this morning. She actually came home from school with a graze, bump and bruise next to her left ey from falling over at school (and no the school didn't inform us she had had an accident). It is rather large and of course, we were both concerned incase she infact may have a mild concusion. Whether it's from the bump or the bug that's going around at the moment hopefully this will pass quickly, like it did with the other two, mind you she was still reaching this morning as I abandoned her and left for work.... I left her with Noel but as a mam I felt awful leaving her!!

Alex and I had a great night together last night. She came with me to get my nails done and I thought she would of had her nails painted but wasn't interested. Then we went shopping for some Christmas presents (we managed to buy a few but there are still more to buy) and also bought this wees groceries to save us going today. Princess is turning into a real girl, wanting to look in clothes shops and try things on. It's quite eye opening watching the change in her, not to mention scary as I am definitely no girly girl myself!!

Once again, we couldn't walk past Santa. We had to stop and pay him a visit... seriously this girl is a Santa Stalker!!! I think every Santa in Frankston now knows she wants an ALIVE bunny rabbit for Christmas!!

(can you see the bump? My poor Princess!!)

Today Nazz and Steve move house. I don't envy the big job they have ahead but they have plenty of helpers, I have been assured. I popped into the new house last night and it's really nice (honestly I have a touch of the green eyed monster happening). It's around the corner so walking distance for wines and get togethers!! Love the fact that's what we thought of first!! Then how the kids can play together of course!! I felt bad that with working this morning I couldn't really do much to help so I offered (and Nazz accepted) to make a curry for the adults and a spaghetti bolognaise for the kids for dinner tonight to save her worrying about dinner. I am sure they will be exhausted and at least they can look forward to a good dinner after a huge day! Well I hope so anyways!!

I have to say I am getting a little excited about Sunday. Why? Sunday we put up our Christmas decorations, especially the Christmas Tree and hopefully the house will be filled with some Christmas spirit!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Was my weekend better than Christmas? Nearly!!

I had such a wonderful weekend that it was nearly better than Christmas itself.

After picking Mam up from outside my sister's house (I didn't want to go inside so that was my choice) we went home where the kids just greeted Grandma with cuddles and excited chatter. It was wonderful to see all three faces beaming with love and joy. I quickly showed Mam around our new house as this was her first visit since the move, kindly asking her to put her blinkers on as it was quite a mess!! Not that she was bothered but I did explain that I wasn't expecting her and she understood.

Sharon was already at our house as we we had planned to go shopping. So quickly Mam and I got ready and off the 3 ladies went to battle Frankston. Surprisingly there wasn't really a battle. In actual fact we have found the shops quiet all weekend.

Mam came to work with me on Saturday morning, which for some strange reason she enjoys. I enjoy her company too, selfishly it's just the two of us and we can chat, etc. Saturday morning's mission was to wrap the presents we had already purchased to save one job on Christmas eve. That accomplished (thanks to Mam - you are a trooper!! MWAH!!) we closed the weighbridge and went down to the office where we were having my work breakup. There was a pig on a spit (a full pig) and it looked too good to eat. Mam was in awe of it and must say it tasted damn good as well. It was quite a casual affair but enjoyable to say the least.

More shopping on the way home but then we finally made it home much to Mam's delight. Neither of us like shopping (except for food shopping of course). Aimlessly wandering from shop to shop is not my idea of fun but at this time of year it's very hard not to do just that. Looking here and there for presents to jump of the shelf and say "pick me, pick me"!! However I did manage to pick up one layby.

Saturday night was special for Oliver as his mate, Kypton, from school rang in the afternoon to see if Oliver wanted to go for a sleepover. OF COURSE HE DID!! So it was just us and Alex. She adores Grandma and they sat watching the Christmas Carols together, we had all the candles/tealights lit around the loungeroom making it look special.

Another quick trip to the shops Sunday morning this time for the groceries. Then we had a bbq brunch before setting off on the next mission for the weekend. The mission, which we didn't have an option of accepting, it just had to be done was to tidy the patio area and decorate it for Christmas. Every year I do a different Christmas theme (everyone always comes to us for Christmas day). This year I had chosen the colours of red, silver and white and I had a vision in my head, that I had to describe to Noel and Mam, which didn't really describe my vision if you know what I mean. So I put all the tinsel and bags of ornaments on the table and asked for their help. We put up tinsel around the area where we will eat and then hung snowflakes and fairies everywhere. God it looks ace, it's perfect (even if I say so myself) it's the best we have ever done and will definately take some beating next year! According to Mam, my face said it all!! So did hers.... Thank you Noel and Mam, it wouldn't look this special without your input and help!!

(I will take photo's and post them here soon. I can't just yet as I need to surprise a few people who are coming for Christmas day.....and they read my blog!)

Last night all of us went out for Chinese with Mam and Dad meeting us there. It was great to see all three of our parents chatting away. I am so glad that since the day Noel and I met both families have gotten on really well. It was like watching long lost friends catching up last night. As usual the meal was great with all plates being devoured. The kids are staying at Nana and Grandad's now until Tuesday night so they went home with them. Mam, Noel and I came home and had a few drinks sitting under our newly decorated patio listening to some music. It was a relaxing yet brilliant way to finish off the weekend.

Finally it is Monday again and sadly I had to drop Mam back at Claire's. But it's only until Tuesday when I pick her up again after work and the doctors! I sent my nephew's Christmas presents off with Mam this morning. I would have dearly loved to give them to the boys myself, to see their faces and hopefully enjoyment from the gift but unfortunately it's not going to happen this year.

(Maybe things will change in the future but I can't sit around and wait. I need to get on with my life and that's what I intend to do. Hopefully this will be the last time that I mention this issue because the more I think about it the more it hurts and consumes me. I bet it's not bothering Claire one little bit. So that's it... no more!!)

As I mentioned I had such a wonderful weekend - I couldn't of wished for a better few days with mam and my family. I cannot wait for Christmas Day when we are all together again... thirteen of us blessing the table this year. Of course there is Noel, Oliver, Alex and me, the three grandparents, Grandma, Nana and Grandad, Clare (who flies in from Sydney on Christmas Eve), Sean, Vicky and Christian, Sharon and Tom. Hopefully Christmas 2009 will be a day that we all enjoy and remember!

Oops I missed Wednesday.

No seriously after a day of end of month figures, typing of the EBA minutes and trying to remember all the finer details topped off with fire extinguisher training I was buggered even before I left work.

Then on my way to pick up the kids I had a brainwave - I will do the grocery shopping after I collected my little angels. BIG MISTAKE!!! I have never seen so many people in a supermarket during the week. I actually think it may be quieter on Saturdays (which is when I do my usual full shop).

Needless to say the kids and Noel had hot dogs for dinner!! By the time I had put everything away and considered food for myself I ended up with two minute noodles!! Yuk!!

What a day that was... cross fingers today will run smoother and be more enjoyable.

Chat to you all tonight.

~*JO*~

Call me Ms Forgetful!

Geez at night when I am soooo tired I generally crash out before I do my post. Especially yesterday when I was up at 5am to go to work. I worked until 12.30pm and then spent most of the afternoon walking through Frankston looking for 3 birthday pressies...

I am enjoying exploring the new shopping centre (stage 1 anyway) and this week have splurged on a few little goodies for me and the house!! Even started the christmas shopping by putting a layby on of clothes for the kids. OMG it's only October and I have made a start - wooohoooo mark it on the calendar.

Today, overcast again, and we are off to a BBQ in Pakenham with our friends. It's Matthew's birthday but we will also celebrate Dave's, Jamie's and Kelly's as we have/will miss them. I didn't pre-empt buying Chloe her pressie as her birthday is in December and I am sure we will catch up by then!!

Well got to go and get ready for our outing... will let you know how it goes.

The chocolate machine...

The only way our kids get excited about going shopping is the thrill brought on by the chocolate machine. You know the one that is conveniently positioned outside the supermarket, costs $1 or $2 and if luck is on your side you walk away with a chocolate or two. If you mention "who wants to come to the supermarket?" nine times out of ten our kids ask "Are you going to Bi-Lo?" I believe that they had a trip to Bi-Lo today!!

Noel had an RDO and I left for work leaving him and the kids asleep. It is good for them to spend a quality day with Noel as he works very long hours also. Today was spent with Noel going to the doctors for a routine checkup, visiting my sister so Noel can do something mechanical to her old car, getting some hair cuts and obviously the highlight of the day was the chocolate machine!! Apparently luck was on their side as they have been boasting about having chocolate today.

Vicki and I walked again tonight - another 4kms which I will say we completed faster than normal!! We have set a goal for ourselves regarding a special night out for dinner at the Ling Wah..... we have to lose 10kg before we go out to a fab chinese meal KIDLESS!!

Noel has spoiled me - he has cooked a wonderful dinner. We are having Osso Bucco - yum - and it smells delish. And yes it is a WW recipe!!

Ciao - bon appetite my dinner is ready!

Recipe - Osso Bucco

4 lean veal shanks
1 tbs seasoned flour
1 tbs olive oil
1 onion chopped
1 stick celery sliced
1 carrot sliced
1 tsp garlic minced
1/2 cup white wine
1 x 400g can crushed tomatoes
1 cup chicken stock
2 tbs tomato paste

Toss the veal shanks in the seasoned four. heat a large flameproof casserole dish and add the oil. Brown the veal and add the onion, celery and carrot. Cook until soft. Add the garlic, white wine, tomatoes, stock and tomato paste. Stir until well combined. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

Serves 4 /3 1/2 points per serve.

Enjoy!!

My first day is nearly over.

Just to put an end to my first day as an offical "blog".

The afternoon went quite fast with Oliver going to one of his friend's houses for a few hours to play whilst Noel, Alex and myself did the shopping run. As usual just as we got out of the car in the carpark the heavens opened up and you guessed we were parked so far away from the door.... incidental exercise!! Running to the shops Alex was yelling "it's like being in a big shower!!"

After food shopping we went to a few camping stores as we are looking to buy a new tent for camping on the Cup Weekend (early Nov). There are so many to chose from, so it is a really hard decision. I think we have narrowed it down to 2 designs although there is actually nothing wrong with the tent we have we just want a bigger one. You can actually go mad in those camping stores and buy everything including the kitchen sink if you really wanted too!! Not sure where we are going this trip but it will be somewhere in the bush!!

I have to confess I would never have set up this blog (although I have thought about doing it for some time) if it wasn't for inspiration received from others especially a new friend named Vicki. It is like we have know each other for years but to date we haven't met or even spoken. However we do plan to catch up Monday for a walk in the evening - if this rain ever goes away. So thankyou Vicki! You have already become an inspiration to me and I wish you all the success in your weight loss journey. We can take all those little steps together.

So I will goodnight to you all as I need to get dinner ready so the kids and I can sit down and watch "Wizard of Oz" tonight - yes another musical!!