BP and doctors..... we are getting there

Well last night saw another visit to the doctors to get my BP checked. Thankfully this week's result was better and I left his office smiling not crying!! My BP has lowered (now 130/90) which the doctor was happy with but it's still a little high. So same tablets for another week and yes another appointment next Wednesday!

Still buzzing from the fact that Alison and I are finally going to get together. Should be very interesting as we haven't seen each other since high school. Alison has agreed to come over for dinner next Friday night (7th Nov). I am a little nervous but very excited.

Another interesting thing happened to me yesterday. I received a message from Paula on Friend's Reuinted website. I was literally blown away! Of course I immediately sent a message back. I haven't seen Paula for so long now, in fact I just didn't think our paths would cross ever again. We had such a wonderful friendship and did so many things together. It was a shame that we went our own ways... such is life? In her last message (which I received this morning) she has suggested that we catch up, get together for a coffee or lunch.... OMG!! How ace is this??

Looking forward to a long weekend - it's Cup Day here in Melbourne on the Tuesday so I have put in for Annual Leave on Monday.... maybe a sleep in??? You never know??

I blinked and the weekend disappeared!!

Once again the weekend has flown.. it’s meant to be a time for relaxing but with our lifestyle we have no hope!! But not complaining about it for one moment….

Saturday was work in the morning for me whilst Noel and the kids got ready for Saturday night. Deb, Julien, Sharon and the kids all came over and we had a “Rib Night”. Sounds interesting hey? We had some prawns, wonton cups filled with hoisin lamb, sticky chicken and an antipasto platter for entrée followed by lamb and pork marinated ribs, baked potatoes and salads. It was a good night and the company was very enjoyable.

Sunday we all had a lay in!! OMG yes I don’t think we moved from beds until 10am!! But then it was up, out and about for Sean’s birthday lunch. It was a very warm day yesterday with minimal breeze but nice to sit outside for a bbq celebration. It was a really nice afternoon, relaxing and chatting with all the family. Sean and Vicky did really well with all the food not to mention the desserts and YES I did have a small piece of cake!

A quiet relaxing evening at home finished off the weekend.

But it’s a new week now, and it’s all started again. I have just realised that I am meant to be submitting my Cert IV Trainer/Assessor Upgrade today and I have no hope of that as I haven’t finished it… not like me at all but with all that has been happening with my blood pressure, work, etc it has been something that I have definitely put on the back burner but guess what I am doing today at work??

Feeling much better today...

I was still feeling quite special about the fact that Claire had rang me until I spoke to my Mam. It was admitted to me that she and Claire had had a humdinger of an argument about me on the phone the other day and the call was probably out of guilt. I feel really sad for Mam that she had two daughters that are quite different in their values, mannerisms and thoughts! Claire accused Mam of always siding with me and I find it funny as I had often thought while growing up that Mam and Dad loved Claire more! Mam told my sister that I had been sick but when she rang I said that all was good with me, why didn’t I tell her the truth? I suppose I just didn’t want to burden her with all the drama’s she has faced lately with Angus.

As far as my new BP medication is going – all seems good. Touch wood of course! I am not feeling as nauseous or dizzy like I did with last weeks lot. Noel actually told me I looked heaps better last night. I know he has been really worried about me and I love him for being my rock!

Finally our other Clare (Noel’s sister) has made contact too. See hasn’t been in contact with anyone for a few weeks and of course, naturally we have all started to worry if she was okay. All seems okay! Unfortunately she has been sick again with a viral infection but seems to be getting better.

Oliver is still proudly displaying his tooth and the deep blood red hole in his mouth – such a boy thing to do!!

Noel and I spoke to the kids about doing a Christmas Shoebox last night (well it was the first that Noel had heard about it too!) and they have really taken to the idea. We are going to start preparing that this weekend. The Christmas Shoebox is a fantastic idea, such a wonderful act of giving to children in Africa who don’t receive presents for Christmas. It’s very simple too. You take a shoebox and fill it will certain items from a list of something! The something’s are something to love, something for school, something to wear, something to play with, something for personal hygiene and something special. You chose whether you box is for a boy or a girl and for what age group. If you want more information here is the website www.samaritanspurse.org.au/occ_08_shoe_boxes.shtml.

Happy Birthday Sean!!

Although it’s Sean’s birthday today we won’t catch up with them until Sunday at their place. We are having lunch with him, Vicky and the family on Sunday to celebrate. It will be good to get together as we haven’t caught up since the school holidays.

Update on 101 in 1001!

Now after not being completely satisfied with my first 101 things to do list I have modified and finalised my 101 tasks. This is it - no more changing only completing and ticking off!

Have added a link to a new blog on my sidebar if you would like to see how I am progressing.

www.jo-101in1001.blogspot.com

However due to procrastination I am officially starting my 1001 days tomorrow!!!

OMG my sister rang me!

OMG my sister rang me! Not returning a call! Not replying to a message!! It was an out of the blue phone call! I am stoked! We talked for quite a while.

Well last nights visit to the doctors was terrible. Not only has my BP got higher again (170/95 up from 155/95) I burst into tears and blubbered like a little girl in front of the doctor. He reassured me that everything is going to be alright but I really hate not being in control! So I am trying another tablet, Olmetec Plus (40/25), so cross fingers on this one working. Mind you after readying the information leaflet on the drug, I was secretly happy to find that is contains a diuretic (geez my mind is warped!)

Other than my drama's, Oliver is doing well with his hole from his tooth removal! Still walking around showing everyone his tooth and his mouth. In fact the tooth fairy hasn't been allowed to come to our house yet as he still has more people to show. I have been told Sunday would be a good night for her visit - LOL!!

Alex received a "Neat Handwritting" Award yesterday. She was really proud of herself. Her writing really is quite neat. Plus she just keep wanting to spell words out loud all the time and keeps asking "is this how you spell this?" This morning the word was "encyclopedia"!! Not bad for a 7 year old hey?

Better fly - lots to do.

Wow - where did today go?

It was work as normal this morning knowing that I had a 1pm finish to take my poor little boy to the dentist for what we thought would have been a filling... no such luck!! He ended up having his tooth pulled out. Oh how brave Oliver was!

Then it was off to Vic Roads to get a new licence photo, pick up Alex from school, a little bit of shopping and then off to cook dinner which was planned. We had sheperds pie as requested by one and agreed upon by all.

But 3 mouthfuls into my dinner, my mobile rang. It was the football club wondering if I was attending tonight's meeting.... I was, indeed I had planned to eat dinner and be up the clubrooms by 7.30pm - only to find that the meeting was due to start at 7!! But really happy that it was over by 9.30pm. I know I should have rang Sharon when I got in, but sorry just wanted to finish my dinner, have a glass of wine and quickly type this!! Selfish I know...

Nearly time to close my eyes (the rest of the house is asleep) and get ready for another jam packed day in the life of the Murrays.... here is a clue of what I have in store for myself tomorrow. I have to study and finish my Cert IV assessment, go to work, doctors at 5pm, and then be wife, mother, cook and cleaner.... oh no wonder I dream about the Bahamas!!!

A focus on the future!

I have decided that it is time now not to continue dwelling on the past and on things that I have no control of! Too much of my time is spent pondering the "what ifs" and "why" of my life that I am not moving on. So with a little prompting from my blogger friend Chris I have set myself a challenge to help me move on. I have made a list of 101 things that I want/need to achieve/complete in 1001 days. Here goes:

101 in 1001!
Start: 19/10/2008
Finish: 17/07/2011
1. Lose 5kgs
2. Lose 10kgs
3. Lose 15kgs
4. Lose 20kgs
5. Lose 25kgs
6. Lose 30kgs
7. Lose 35kgs
8. Lose 36.7kgs and make it to goal!
9. Go camping once a year (0/3)
10. Have a New Years Eve Party at our house.
11. Get rid of clothes that I no longer wear or haven't worn.
12. Learn to speak Welsh.
13. Have a family holiday other than camping.
14. Host a "How to Host A Murder" dinner party
15. Complete a marathon
16. Have a pap smear
17. Visit Mam is Queensland
18. Organise a family get together - both sides.... OMG!!
19. Have a party for Noel's 40th in April 2009
20. Get a tattoo.
21. Buy a house
22. Reduce my Blood Pressure to a normal rate
23. Meet up with Ali (from school)
24. Meet up with Jo (from school)
25. Go to a concert
26. Have a poker night
27. Read an auto-biography or a biography
28. Create a website
29. Learn how to play chess
30. Stop taking BP Medicine because I am healthy
31. Hold a full chinese dinner party (cooked from scratch)
32. Go to an AFL match
33. Repair dining table
34. Have a garage sale
35. Catch a crayfish
36. Spend a weekend at a health spa
37. Go on the Spirit of Tasmania with the family
38. Play a Bob Dylan song on the guitar
39. Go out for dinner with my mam
40. Grow an orchid
41. Learn how to ball room dance
42. Read the Bible
43. Hold a spider
44. Host an Indian Dinner party (cooked from scratch)
45. Have a family holiday on a houseboat
46. Send mam a card every month (0/34)
47. Be able to do 50 sit ups
48. Be able to do 100 sit ups.
49. Have a body massage
50. Eat Abalone
51. Spend the night with the kids at Werribbee Zoo
52. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
53. Hold a fancy dress party
54. Write a cookbook
55. Hold a snake
56. Ride on a Harley Davidson
57. Try a different recipe every week (0/143)
58. Go horse riding
59. Go somewhere for dinner where we need to dress up
60. Buy some sexy lingerie
61. De-clutter my house (get rid of 1001 items not including general rubbish) (0/1001)
62. Complete a short course of my choice (not works)
63. Sort out photographs
64. Organise all DVD's and CD's
65. Go out for dinner with my sister
66. Listen to Alex read 3 nights per week (0/429)
67. Listen to Oliver read 3 nights per week (0/429)
68. Visit 10 waterfalls (0/10)
69. Ride on a camel
70. Make a pavalova from scratch
71. Go berry picking
72. Play mini golf witht he kids (0/6)
73. Volunteer my time to charity
74. Catch up with Annette when she is in Melbourne
75. Go for a family bike ride every 2 months (0/17)
76. Make my bed everyday
77. Attend Carols by Candlelight
78. Take Ann (Mother in law) out for lunch or dinner
79. Remove the computer from the dining table
80. Sit and watch the sunset
81. Go on a proper picnic
82. Hold a black tie dinner party
83. Sit at the dining table as a family 4 times per week (0/572)
84. Sort out kitchen cupboards
85. Be completely debt free
86. Walk 30 mins per day 3 time per week (0/429)
87. Finish unpacking house from the move
88. Put junk out for hard rubbish collection
89. Spend at least 1 hr per week quality time with Oliver (0/143)
90. Spend at least 1 hr per week quality time with Alex (0/143)
91. Have incredible sex with my husband.
92. Ring my mam once a week (0/143)
93. Ride on an elephant
94. Go body surfing
95. Catch up with Kelee and Roger
96. Visit Clare and Kerry in Sydney
97. Have a lunch or dinner with Vicky
98. Wake up and feel happy with myself
99. Have a pedicure or a pamper session with the girls in the family.
100. Put a $2 coin in a money box for every day of this challenge and do something good with it at the end (thanks Chris for this one)
101. Write a new list.

So there you have it.... I started yesterday!

Off to a jewellery party at Deb's tonight with Sharon, then it's off to a committee meeting Tuesday night - kind of makes up for the quiet weekend, hey?

PS Still feel like crap!!

OMG I have enjoyed today so far!

It has been a really good day so far.

This morning we had Tom's birthday party. It was at an entertainment arcade, Dark Zone, where the kids played a few games of lazer tag (similar to paint ball but not as violent) and then they played on the arcade games. It was a great party and we all enjoyed ourselves. Yes Noel and I had fun playing on the air hockey even though I came out the loser and yes I still can't drive even playing simulated car racing! LOL!! But it was good - the best thing was that Noel and I laughed together. We had fun together - it seems like forever since we put away the seriousness of life and had uncontrolled fun!

We went shopping after the party - just to get school lunch stuff - bread etc... I needed to get my nails refilled (yes I am a fake nail girl!) so Alex and I went there and the boys came home with the shopping. Alex loves the whole girly thing of being in the nail shop and the fact that they make a fuss over her and paint her nails with what ever colour she chooses. Today was hot pink - I am sure the school will say something tomorrow. Alex and I walked home from the nail shop which was good as we talk about all the flowers in peoples gardens and basically about anything really. It was a good mother/daughter part of the day.

Tonight we are having a BBQ for tea - T-Bone Steaks with baked potatoes, cauliflower cheese and vegetables! Oliver requested the steaks, Noel always loves baked potatoes with his steak, Alex requested the cauliflower cheese and I need vegetables. I have done really well this weekend with my food intake and currently have some soup cooking as I am typing... yum!

My doctor's appointment was disappointing yesterday with my BP going higher even with mega strong tablets! My BP was 155/98 yesterday and I don't know why? Maybe stressing about my BP? The doctor says that I shouldn't stress about going to see him or about anything else! Like as if??????

Anyways better go and finish all what's on the go...

A quiet Saturday?

It's Saturday morning, I am at work but only until 11am. Have a doctor's appointment at 12pm to see how the 3 days of the stronger medication has worked out. Geez I really hope that there has been an improvement in my BP but must say that I am feeling not so sick this morning.

I actually can't wait until I get home. I have really been missing spending time with the kids. So I really want to focus on them for the rest of the weekend. That is inbetween shopping and cleaning etc! hahaha

Still nothing planned bedsides Tom's birthday party in the morning... woohoo!!!

TGIF and a quiet weekend is ahead.... maybe?

Well the weekend is looking quieter by the minute with my in-laws going away for the weekend as a result of a spur of the moment decision! Needless to say we won’t be catching up with them this weekend. Currently all we have planned is Tom’s birthday party on Sunday morning and me going to the doctors at 12pm tomorrow.

Saying that the weather is meant to be glorious but we should put the effort into sorting out some more of our boxes and possibly even do a run to the tip.

But in our life anything can happen and normally does… so I have learned not to set anything in concrete! Hehehe

I really don't like the doctor's.

I must say that it is a glorious day in Melbourne today – shame I am once again inside working!!

Yesterday’s doctors’ appointment saw the same BP result for the last 3 weeks. 130/90 - which didn’t make my doctor that happy at all. But not bragging it is a hell of a sight better than the 168/110 I scored 11 weeks ago!! Needless to say 10 weeks of stronger medication (and not much effort from me to be honest) and my BP is still not “normal”. I left the appointment armed with extra strength tablets and an appointment for Saturday 12pm!

Finally decided I have sooked enough about the result of my doctor’s appointment yesterday. Time to move on in a positive way. Need to overhaul lifestyle and make some serious changes to help reduce my blood pressure and also to become a healthier person – not only for me but for my family!!

Speaking of the family, Noel’s work has gone haywire again and he is doing extra hours left right and centre. The kids are doing really well and enjoying the daylight savings. They have been riding their bikes up to the park and constantly asking if they can go to the milkbar? They only want to go there to buy lollies and they know I know that!

We need to also yell a big

******
HAPPY BIRTHDAY

******
to Tom who turns 8 today!! My how you are growing up into quite a hansome young man. Oliver and Alex are really looking forward to Tom's party on Sunday morning!!!

(This is an old photo of the 3 monkeys but its a nice one!!)

It's only Tuesday.....

It’s only Tuesday and I am already feeling tired and over it! Tired I suppose due to the weekend catching up. And over it as I can’t wait until next weekend!! Catch 22 right?

Big week this week!! Tonight Noel and Alex are off to “Girl’s Night Out” at the school. This is the first girls night as this is normally reserved for the dad’s and their sons but finally the school has realised that the girls are missing out. It’s from 6 – 9 pm, finger food provided and a bush band. The theme for the night is bush dancing and I so wish I was a fly on the wall to see how Noel copes with the bush dancing and Alex’s enthusiasm!

It is Tom’s birthday on Thursday and he already so excited. Tom stayed with us on Sunday night when my lovely friend Sharon, had her first date with her ‘dream lover’ – finally!!!!! Tom was telling us all about his party, about handing out his invitations, the way he is reminding everyone that he turns 8 on Thursday, etc…. the excitement in his voice is amazing and wonderful to listen to. He is having his party Sunday morning – I hope he has some excitement left by then.

Will have to catch up with my in-laws over the weekend as we haven’t seen them since the school holidays finished. We actually thought that they might want a break from having the kids over the school holidays – LOL!!! But I got the reassuring phone call last night that not only did they have a wonderful time with their grandchildren but that they miss them and wanted to see them soon. Might see if they want to come over for lunch/dinner on Sunday.

~ ~ o 0 O 0 o ~ ~

Oh as I briefly mentioned my girlfriend, yummy mummy Sharon (pictured left - isn't she gorgeous!!) had THE date – all went well even though she was nervous, worried, acting our scenarios of “what if…” etc before he finally knocked on her door to pick her up. A good evening was had I believe and from the brief discussion we have had this date should have happened so long ago it’s not funny but as they say “things happen only when the time is right!” I am really happy for Sharon and so praying things work out well from here on in… I am sure that they will!

~ ~ o 0 O 0 o ~ ~

However on the home front - we still need to pull our fingers out (although we are starting to make a noticeable effort) and get rid of the boxes under the patio. We have a huge garage sale coming up in the near future for sure. I have done some and we actually have a nice bbq area – well half of the patio is usable. We have had a few dinners outside now – roll on Summer and al fresco eating!!

Another weekend has gone....

Geez another weekend has flown by and I am at a little angry (but secretly excited) that the shops are really starting to fill up with Christmas stuff!

Angry because I cannot believe how fast 2008 is going. Angry because I am not organised and will have to pull my finger out to get myself up to speed.

But I am excited because I love Christmas - I love the whole idea of Christmas, fantasy, Santa Claus, being surrounded by family and friends, good company, good food, and good times. I adore the whole thought of Christmas - even better as my Mam and Clare will be coming down!

My secret wish this year would be that my sister Claire and I sort out what's been happening and her and her family join us this Christmas.............. who knows?

Enjoying being back in routine!

For sure - must say love routine. The kids have grown up with it with us both working fulltime and them attending creche and now before/after school care. Everyone knows what each has to do in the mornings so that everyone gets out the front door at precisely the right time...... sometimes we are a little off track but normally we get it right!

Cannot actually believe that it's Friday already but I must say we are all looking forward to the weekend as it's "OUR" time. Tonight we are off to a bbq with friends so that should be another good night. And bedside the obvious cleaning and shopping we have nothing planned for the rest of the weekend and the weather is looking good with 28 deg forecast for Sunday.

It's all good news on my nephew and I had forgotten to mention that he came home on the 1st October - he is still having blood tests, appointments at both Monash and the Royal Childrens Hospitals, etc but at least he is at home which makes it easier for my sister especially having the other three boys to look after also. We have exchange a few phone calls since my nephew's release from hospital but the communication seems to be starting to become limited once more. I have sent her a few text messages and rang her this morning so I am crossing fingers that things might eventually get better as far as our relationship is concerned. But not holding my breath!

My mam enjoyed her cruise, I am so glad that she took the plunge and treated herself. She went with a friend so it was two women out on the ocean enjoying themselves! Sunday was her birhtday, so we all sang happy birthday over the phone. She loved her present, a nice top/pants outfit, we sent up for her birthday. She wore it out for lunch on her birthday with my aunty and the girls. It is great that she has a really good circle of friends up on the island - I know that she is not on her own even though it's not the same as family. So I am really happy that she is enjoying life at the moment.

So overall the planets seem to be some what alligned enough to bring me happiness at the moment so I am off to enjoy it - that is as soon as I finish work for the day!

School Holidays Week 2

Well, week 2 is here and the kids are away again for the weekdays. This week they are with Noel's parents for the full five days. I must say that day 1 was disasterous with two little horrors upsetting their grandparents! I honestly wouldn't be surprised if this is the last time that they are allowed to stay with them and I really wouldn't blame Nana and Grandad if that was the case!

Needless to say after a night of worrying and discussing them with Noel both of us are quite angry. We have both rang them (at seperate times as we are at work) and have yelled the riot act at them. This is their last chance especially for Oliver - who at 10 is starting to really display attitude! And not a very nice attitude I must say! I am not really sure what to do with this - it is all new to us.

On a lighter note - we had a good day Sunday. Off four-wheel driving up the Rubicon (near Eildon) all was good except for a slight hiccup. I lost my purse thankfully not full of money but all the hassles of getting new cards and cancelling the others etc. It put me in a very fowl mood for a little while but once I got over it I tried to make the most of the rest of the day.

You never know someone may hand it in... but I doubt it.

School Holidays and Grand Final Day!

It’s Grand Final Day here in Melbourne… and finally, even I must say, it’s nice to have two Victorian teams battling it out. Shame that the Saints bowed out last week but still nice to see to home teams playing today.

As for us, we have celebrated our 15th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday. We got married on Grand Final Day in 1993! We went out for tea by ourselves Thursday night and then again last night with our kids and Noel’s parents.

On a sadder note my nephew was rushed into hospital on Thursday the 18th with an enlarged heart. Mam rang me to inform me as I haven't spoken to Claire since Mam left in March (don't know why?). So naturally the first thing I did was ring Claire and then went up to the hospital. It was good to see Claire especially to hug her even though the circumstances weren't the best. We have spoken most days and I even popped into the hospital by myself on the Monday after leaving work.

Not much more has been happening. The first week of the school holidays are overs – one more week to go. Luckily the kids spent the week just gone between Noel’s parents house and his brother’s house. They were taking to the Royal Melbourne Show, to a stage play at the local shopping centre, have seen Snake Busters and overall I think they had a ball.

It was so good to see them last night – I cried just seeing them and getting a hug. I missed them so much but due to work commitments at the moment we have to do it all again next week. Oh well – roll on next school holidays as I will definitely be having time off.

Jo xxx

Yippee the last day of footy for 2008

Woohoo today is the last day as far as the 2008 Football season is concerned. I am excited knowing that as of next week I will have my Sunday's back but saddened as it is such a big part of our winter!

The club had presentations for the U13's, U14's and U16's last night and today we have the presentation for the remainder of the club as well as the Annual General Meeting. It will be good to see Oliver up there getting his participation trophy.

Clare flew in from Sydney last night - she has come down to surprise Dad for Father's Day except the cat will be out of the bag as they will see each other today at the presentations. Oh well!

Better fly as I have lots to do with getting organised for the AGM - I am going to put my hand up for Treasurer (cross fingers I get voted back in!), then I have to go shopping as well as get ready as we are having an impromptu dinner party tonight so Sharon can catch up with Clare and Clare can also meet the Coopers!!

Should be a good night but a damn busy day!!

We are still around

Yes we are still around - have been busy unpacking boxes, working, finishing up the football season, etc. I must say the boxes seem to be never ending but I am sure we will eventually get to the end of them. I have decided that everything is getting unpacked in this house, sorted, kept or turfed, and hopefully I will learn not to hoard things.

All of us are well - sort off. I am struggling with my blood pressure being too high at the moment. Back to the doctors on Wednesday to see if the new stronger tablets are working. I am trying to take better care of myself but it is still very hard putting myself first.

The Christening of Christian went really well last weekend. Everyone enjoyed the day and we all looked excellent dressed in our finery.

Chat more soon and more often - I promise

We officially have a new address!

Well the last few weeks we have all been consumed with finding a new place to live. As of last night we officially have moved into our new rental abode (cross fingers the owners don't sell this one!!) and no longer have an attachment to the last house!! I must say I think we were all relieved last night when we sat down with only one house to our name! Now all we have to do is unpack, organise and settle!! Oh the joys of moving.

The kids think it has been such an adventure - a new bedroom, a new house, a new garden to explore and are already asking if they can change schools as we have actually moved quite close to another primary school. Not sure on that idea but will make the effort to investigate the closer school! Who knows - maybe the kids could do with a change also!

I am actually looking forward to finishing the move. Although this next stage of unpacking, sorting and organising will take awhile I cannot wait to have a "welcome to our new house" get together with our friends. The new house has a fantastic outdoor area and I know we will get many hours of enjoyment out of it.

A bit shout out to our friends, Julien, Deb, Lenny and Dave who help us move... great effort guys! Noel and I know we have hoarded to much $hit over the years and really appreciated your help over the last few days.... we really owe it to you all!!!

Must fly - still lots to do.......aaaarrrrggghhhh!!!

Time flies when you are having fun????

They say “time flies when you are having fun” but I am of the belief that time just flies by regardless. Well at least that is what I am finding!

Since Christmas, yes you read correctly, since Christmas so much has happened. In fact I am in awe that it is May know and I am actually attempting to update this blog. It seems like only yesterday it was Christmas but the fact that I am feeling older and exhausted only confirms that there have been many days since my last entry.

In a nutshell lots of things have happened.

Firstly we survived Christmas and New Year, which is always a good thing. My Mam stayed in Queensland this year as my sister and her brood went to visit her. I am glad they made the effort but saddened that I was so far away from my mam. Saying that our house was full with all of Noel’s family and also had the pleasure of Sharon and Tom’s company. The whole festive season went off without a hitch last year. It is a wonderful time, a time of sharing and giving, a time that I thoroughly enjoy and even though it can be stressful I honestly look forward to it every year.

School holidays were also conquered as was the beginning of a new school year with one child in grade 5 and the other settling in grade 2. Both seem to be enjoying there new year levels and for Oliver he is attempting the challenges set by being in a higher level some with hesitation and some with no willing to attempt but I must say we are “getting there”. Alex, who has the same teacher again this year, just felt as if nothing had changed and got on with the task at hand!

Birthdays have been had by all of us. Mine was celebrated at the Balnarring Races and were both the kids this year. Alex had a party at home and Oliver had a couple of friends over. My heart went out for Oliver as his birthday fell right in the middle of school holiday’s and brought memories back to me about how I felt that my birthday party was never full of my friends only relatives and some family friends who were mostly my parent’s friends as I was born in early January. Our house was full for Noel’s birthday followed by a lunch at our favourite Chinese Restaurant with the family.

Alex broke a bone in her foot, tripping over at a shopping centre in the carpark. She spent 6 weeks in plaster. This has since been removed and the poor little chickadee is returning to normality as far as walking, running, etc., is concerned. That was definitely an interesting 6 weeks and the recovery process has been a concern at times especially when you have a 7 year old milking the situation. She was hobbling and saying that she couldn’t walk, really playing on it one day. She went into her bedroom, put on her music and started dancing!! Yes, dancing. When realising that she was caught out she immediately returned to hobbling as if Noel hadn’t seen a thing. The good news is that we had a second x-ray done and the doctor was quite happy with her progress.

Mam came down for a visit over Easter – we were meant to go camping but with Alex breaking her foot it somewhat changed the plans of the whole family. Whilst here she stayed with us a lot this time and was a blessing helping look after the kids whilst Noel and I both worked. Sadly one day while she was babysitting, she has a very mini heart attack, which scared the life out of me, lead to Mam spending a night in hospital for observation and for one moment the situation actually brought me and my sister a little closer. The feeling unfortunately hasn’t lasted with my sister’s car being written off by a falling tree in the hospital car park, Mam returning back to Queensland and my life returning to some form of normality. (If you read this Mam – I just want to let you know that I love you and I am thinking about you every day. MWAH!!!)

Sunday football has also commenced although my role as treasurer for the Junior Football Club started way before the season kick off. I am enjoying it but must say it is rather time consuming. I am sure that next year will be a lot easier as I will know what I have learnt so far and what I wasn’t told about or prepared for! Noel is also the Under 10’s team manager, which is giving him some focus and I am sure Oliver is really proud of him – I know that I am. Oliver is playing okay and I know in my heart that when he is ready he will shine.

Auskick is up and running under the firm hand of the new co-ordintor, Sharon. I have been helping her as we are trying to affliate the Auskick with the Junior Club but more importantly because she is my closest friend. She is doing an absolutely fantastic job and has increased the numbers significantly from last year. I am sure the whole club with join me in saying “well done” for her efforts to date. Plus I think that she is totally enjoying the challenge. Needless to say Alex is easing herself back into playing football!

So needless to say the last few months haven’t been boring! Who knows what tomorrow will bring???