The Todds

Farewells

2012-01-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

went down last Saturday to Luke and Laureena's to wait for the removalist to pick up thier furniture and to help them clean the unit ready for thier Sunday departure . Luke went off for his driving test and passed thank goodness so laureena and i worked around the movers and cleaned windows . By 1.30 the movers had been and we had scrubbed mopped and cleaned and locked the unit. Almost made my no crying rule when they left ah well...... Sunday they were St George bound on their big adventure and all is well now are in unpacking organising the house we hope to get out to see them in the next couple of weeks grrrr if I had known Noel had an rdo tomorrow we would be in the car this arvo ,,,,,,,what can ya do .......
Went off to take Tom to windsor Brass last night which has moved over to hamilton now so getting further away from the grandkids but still doable .....lets hope if itsbetween hamilton and windsor Hamilton wins hands down for this mummy hopeful that Tom will have his licence very soon and i can hopefully stay home a bit....
Jeremy is also on his Ls and I swear he will have it as soon as he can .....he is a bit of a hothead sometimes but he'll learn .....
Not long now until school starts again and Anabel heads off to prep unbeleivable how fast this little girl has grown up thank god I will be a work or otherwise I'd be there crying
But can not wait for the end of the year for jeremy to finish year 12 not that i am trying to wish the year away but I just want to go to work and nothave to worry about all the other stuff.....
new exercise regeim is going well try to have it finished by 6.30 in the morning so I have time to do everything else before I head off in the mornings......lets hope I can keep it up
Spent yesterday with our other daughter Miss Kaitlyn soooo good to spend some time with her and see what a beautiful girl she has become and it beats her crying everytime I run into her downtown mwahhhhh

HAPPY nEW yEAR

2012-01-01T03:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone hope that its filled with love laughter and all things good.
Very slack yet again and i plan hopefully this year to spend a bit more time on my blog. Christmas was busy as always and we finally had all of our kids sleepover on christmas night so it was loud and a little bit rude at times but it was lovely its been soooo long since they were all here together.
Anabel and Oliver loved chrissy she is getting that little bit older and the excitement rubbed of on to Ollie . She loves her Dora computer, barbies and pillow pet dog funniest moment when she opened a doctors set from santa 'mummy I don't think santa understood that I only like princess things' and promptly gave the set to her little brother. Ollies favourite was a toy vacuum cleaner and broom he loves brooms mops etc so am now going to buy hima trolley one for his birthday the poor vaccy has vacuumed all our cement and grass and everwhere else and gets dragged everywhere .
Was disapointed with aust post though paid for kaseys pressie to come via express and it arrived 5 days later bought her an Olympus 3000 camera waterproof shockproof freezeproof nifty little camera..... Noel did not get his nikkon camera new plan is to save for this for this year he did get his play station 3 though so not all is lost......need to convince the boys now is the time to sell all the ps2 and the hundreds of games we have here taking up space. Have been cleaning out all the junk and putting my house back together after the years work . have started my chrissy box already for next year I found it heaps easier to do it this way we went shopping just before chrissy and we only spent a few hundred dollars picking up all the adults gift the kids had been finished months before except for hungy hippos game .
Boxing day was a rush took the kids to meet thier dad at browns plains came home and we headed back to see War Horse I loved it very sad though Nat and Tom went to see Tintin . Nathan loves Tintin and has always been but found out that my BIL Paul is too so my boys found a boxed set of Tintin adventures for him while out shopping the other night . nat has filled my watch list on ebay up with all the tintin stuff that he would like and is most dissapointed that he can't have it until either his birthday or chrissy .
It was great to catch up with Jen and Paul and Josh and Chev and Jewels but sadky missed Car and Jay and miss K probably passed them coming home from the movies....
Luke and Laureena's moving date has been bought foward a week so I went up to help them pack on friday. Saturday 7th is the pick up date for thier furniture and they leave on Sunday delivery is on monday in St George we were going to go out with them but Noel is going back to work on monday and he is in charge so its not gonna happen hopefully before i go back to work on the 20th . All the best on the move it funny that you won't be just an hour up the road......they are really looking foward to the challenge Laureena is all decked out with a new computer for all her online study and hopeful that she will have a job at the school as well. Luke is very happy that he got a job and a fulltime one to boot out of his graduating class of 19 only 2 have jobs the 2 that were prepared to go anywhere one is off to barcaldine and luke of course to st george.
b Big excitement for Tom this week when his new car was finished registered and delivered this week so he has been putting all the things that he has bought into it congrats Tom you have worked so hard to get this and its brilliant and a HUGE thanks goes to Uncle Kenny who has done all the work and got it on the road for him cant thank you enough.xoxoxoxoxox
BEST WISHES AGAIN FOR THE NEW YEAR HERE'S HOPING ITS THE BEST ONE YET!!!!!!

catching up

2011-11-26T02:55:00.000-08:00

Wow can't believe that it was September when I last blogged now the year is almost over again. Only 2 weeks left to go at work for the year and our little guys have come soooo far they are reading and writing and the days are just flying trying to pack it all in..We were looking at thier pics from when they first started and to the most recent my gosh hey were babies so grown up now love seeing how much they have changed and how much they have learnt. Now we are madly trying to finish of one year and get ready for the next. We are moving from 3 to 4 preps next year .
Anabel is off to prep next year too but she wanted to come to grandmas prep Kase told her that she would have to live with us to go there her only reply was can Ollie come too needless to say she does love her little brother so she is staying home and going to Whites Hill College.

Exciting News for Luke and Laureena they are moving to St George in january for luke
to teach instrumental music out there.Hes excited he will teach 3 days in St George and 2 will be virtual classroom for the outlying schools he only has to travel to them twice a term. Congrats Luke for finishing your degree we are so proud of you .
Poor Nat has not had a great run he has been seeing a chiropractor for a while now for fractures in his back too many falls off the dock now the poor bugger has bells palsy which is looking way better than when he first got it but it is such a slow healing process and they are not sure whether any of the damage will be permanent hopefully not . He is starting work at a new store next week and back on day shifts so hopefully he can get the rest he needs. Thank god kasey was ther to make him go to a doctor otherwise he would never have gone so bloody stubborn (don't know where he gets that from )
Tom is working hard and earning heaps bought himself a new car (2nd hand) Lazer Liata and is just getting a few things done on it before he puts iton the road .Lucky for us Noels brother is a mechanic and can do all of it and roadworthy it there so fingers crossed it is here before we go out to St George in January as our poor old beast just won't make it. We need a new car and its just so bloody frustrating that we have in the bank managers words shitloads of money to service the loan but not enough equity soooo no new car for us feel like running the thing into a tree somedays at least we could get another car. grrrrr.
Jeremy has finished grade 11 and now just one more year to go sad that our baby is almost finished school but excited to enter a new chapter in our lives bring it on . Been doing this for a long time with ours and everyone elses kids but at the end of next year it all ends . We have had one of Toms friends here for the last 2 years living with us and we are over it especially now that his girlfriend has practically moved in the pair of them are lazy and selfish and expect everything to be done for them so by the end of next year he is gone whether he likes it or not I want my spare room back......
Only 4 weeks left until xmas and I'm not sure whether I am ready or not my house looks like a bomb has exploded so much stuff to get rid of and sssoooooo much to do and I can not find any motivation to do it . I have bought pressys and mostly the rest will be cash and vouchers but i want to get a few homemade goodies done as well as some little dresses and hairbands made heres hoping once the holidays start i can find it .......
I am sorry if I missed your birthday since september and I know there have been a few. We had a big night out last weekend for my best friends 50th (scary) started out at a Turkish Restaurant and then did over southbank the choc heaven shop she calls it and then on to the wheel of Brisbane . Noel and I both don't like heights and I am a bit claustrophobic so we were quite happy to watch them all go on it but they bought tickets back for us so Noel and I and vik and greg all went on I enjoyed it I am not sure whether Noel did I think he was ok once he finally opened his eyes and at least now he can say he has done it. Julia however couldn't be persuaded to go on she has been living in london and did the eye of london and she hated it so refused to go on this one . Biggest let down of the night parking at southbank was 36 dollars absolutely ridiculous especially when you see how many cars are in those carparks. all the same it was an awesome night.
Happy birthday to Vik for the 13th Noel for the 17th mine was the 22nd and our neices Serena and Jaci for the 24th . and so on to the silly season........

september

2011-09-27T02:23:00.000-07:00

Well September is almost over for another year .Managed to almost get through the winter with no major sickness but de ja vu hit once again and the last week of the school term found me yet again relegated to bed with another virus grrrrrr. I did push myself the last 2 days and went to work much to my doctors dismay but I survived. The first week of the holidays Anabel and Ollie came for a visit for 4 days . How I ever managed with 5 kids I'll never know I was exhausted by the time I took them home but we did have a lot of fun. Picture of the week Anabel and Grandad playing disney princess remembory (memory) her latest favourite game .All the boys at my house now know how to play . I have been busy getting her a collection of Barbie and Bratz dolls etc so she is super excited that she will have one here and one at home I also got her a pack for Nannas house cause she has nothing to do there. I manged to score 2 sets of disney princess draws in excellent condition for 15 bucks so one will stay here and one for her for home to keep all her things together. We did decide though that the Bratz will stay here Oliver simply loves the feet so we now have a pile of feet on the kitchen bench that need a partner am finding them slowly in every nook and crany. Have scored some great bargins on ebay oztion and gumtree for dolls and accessories for them but some of it goes for ridiculous prices.
Have been shopping up a storm trying to get organised for xmas No surprise to most of you that I love online shopping I hate the shopping centers but have braved it a couple of times to pick up bits and peices. Bought Anabel and Oliver a swingset for xmas over 100 dollars cheaper for a brand new swingset online . They already have it logistically its just easier to give them the big things sooner rather than later and they are loving it.
So to the second week of the holidays I think that my trunk for the end of my bed will be done and I have one cupboard partially stripped one to go and my chairs hopefully as well but the days are ticking and I have a half bred head cold /flu who knows but will see how it goes. Have been washing and sorting all the kids little clothes that now have to be listed before I drown in them . I need a couple more weeks I think............definately taking some long service next year.
Have to find some space in the shed I think that my baby is growing up he no longer wants the lego in his room ....he still loves to make stuff with it just doesn't want it in his room . Not sure whether Noels gonna be too happy with more stuff in the shed though. A friend offered to buy it from me but its a lot of years and a lot of kids worth of lego in those boxes and its sooooooo expensive that I have decided to keep it......after all I m sure in a few years that the grandkids will get as much fun out of it as ours did and do. I'm still kicking myself that I sold all Jeremy's matchbox playsets but hey you can't keep everything. Just need motivation and can't seem to find any........

August already grrrrrr

2011-08-22T03:08:00.000-07:00

Honestly do not know where the year is going . I have been the slackest old cow ever this year .
I have missed birthdays and all sorts of stuff always something going on. So to my BIL Paul happy birthday for the 8th my sister Jen for the 12th hope it was an awesome day and I'm sure that you got spoilt. To Nat for the 21st happy 25th birthday glad that your pressie finally arrived today. Chris for today cheers!!!!! and of course Sharlette 6 and Amelia 4 sisters who both share the same day bet your cowboy party was a hit.
The last couple of months have been busy and I am full of mixed emotions .Kasey and Jeremy have parted sad but they have to live their own lives. Kasey is slowly getting his stuff out and making the house hers and the kids. I am learning slowly to shut my mouth it just gets me into trouble . But I do know how I am thought of now so all is good.....
Luke is almost done and dusted with his degree 5 weeks to go at uni then 6 weeks of prac then fingers crossed he will be able to get a permanent job. He can't wait and he and laureena have booked a cruise for the end of the year to celebrate.
Tom is looking at moving maybe to brissy next year if he can get a transfer and go to the conservatorium of music so he and Nat will probably move in together .
I have done some serious shopping (well not for anything exciting ) Kasey needed her fridge back so we bought a new one and we bought a new mattress for our bed which is divine double sided pillowtop Noel reckons he will get a nose bleed from the high altitude lol but it is lovely to sleep on way better than the poor old thing we used to have that was past its used by date 10 years ago. so went all out and bought new sheets and pillows and protectors now just need to get a new quilt cover and paint the room to go with the new blinds that are living in the shed waiting for me to paint the room maybe next holidays. We also went bunnings shopping last weekend to get some solar lights for the front yard and ended up coming home with a whole lot more than solar lights but my garden is filling up nicely or will when if bushes up a bit.
have also been madly trying to get a start on the xmas shopping Anabel and Ollie already have their big pressie for this year which is a swing set with slide and see saw which they love. Going to put Laureena to work monograming towels with her embroidery machine sure beats the ones I did by hand a couple of years ago they look so crappy compared to the ones she does.

Mega Slack

2011-06-17T03:24:00.000-07:00

Yep here I am still alive. Its been so long since I posted where to start ...... long back into the daily grind of work and thankfully holidays are just around the corner.....trying to get well before the holidays and hopefully stay that way I swear that every little bug the kids get I have had already this year I can see that its gonna be a great winter . NOT. this week its the vomiting bug .....and the week before last grrrrrrr

Firstly Miss Anabel turned the big 4 and we had a great day at her party :0

Luke had his birthday 22

Kasey had her birthday

Little Ollie has turned 2 ( OMG where did that go)

Mia turned 3

Tomorrow its Miss K's birthday she is also turning 4 have a wonderful day Kaylz lots of love from all of us. Can't wait to see the cake mum creates for you xoxoxoxox
Tomorrow is also Caths birthday happy Birthday Cath hope you have an awesome time at the races.....

Sunday my baby Jeremy turns 16 he is so excited that he can get his learners licence so I reckon first thing Monday he'll be there so I guess some driving is in order over the holidays.
So I'm guessing tomorrow I need to make a cake for him have not made a b'day cake for a while been buying them oh well better get excited ........tomorrow will see how I feel if not a quick trip to the bakery will be in order.

Have been busy making hairclips etc for Anabel and a few other special little girls hopefully they will all love them as much as Anabel loves hers.

Finally finished Toms cupboard . I bought this months ago but once I started getting the paint of it it took closer to 6 months to finish it I don't know how many coats of paint were on it but I know the 60 year old paint was a crock to get off . But he now has one display /dvd cabinet in his room fully restored and he loves it which is the main thing. I now have 2 others to do......and my trunk of course bought of ebay for 20 bucks and is a lovely mottled purple shade at the moment . Hopefull over the holidays I can put some time in on it can't wait for it to be at the end of my bed. NO more projects until these are finished ....oh except for my old split cane chairs which are going to be done before all of the above or while I am doing them ......mmmm

Windsor Brass won the state band championships in Maryborough again this year congrats to them and of course to our kids Luke Laureena and Tom for being a part of it.

January

2011-01-27T02:33:00.000-08:00

Gosh the time is getting away ....There has been so much devastation here in qld how lucky are we that our lives really havent been turned upside down like some who lost homes and especially loved ones not a great start to the year for so many .....
Back to the grind and back at work and so far loving it still in prep and getting to know our new kids..........
Determined this year to stay healthy cannot afford to get another virus ....back on the weightloss bandwagon trying to stave off surgery have had tests done and more to go which I really need to get done just couldn't be bothered I know slack but I will get there.....
Starting to help out with bit of work for Kase as her business is busy and I enjoy it a lot don't have to think too much........and different to everyother day great to see she is doing well.
Luke starts his teaching job on Tuesday he is going over tomorrow to sort out instruments and set up the music room good luck Luke . Laureena can't work at the moment all her company is working but she had just started when the floods wiped out her company she was the only one that wasn't set up to remote access she is hoping the rebuilding is done very soon so she can get back to work ......
Oliver had an accident on Sunday fell over and hit the coffee table and cut from his nose down through his lip and had to have a bit of plastic surgery to fix it but it looks great and he is back to his normal self running around everywhere
Jem has just started year 11 and seems happy enough to be there has some great subjects.
Hopefull next holidays will actually get some painting done got zilch done in 5 weeks with all the rain ah well can't have it all also have some peices of furniture that i want to get done up and some doors for my dining room cupboard to get done ,,,mmmmmjust need a quick course in cabinet making me thinks hahahaha

Floods

2011-01-11T03:27:00.000-08:00

Well who could ever imagine what has taken place in South East Qld the poor people of Toowoomba, Murphys Creek ,Helidon,Gatton and others in the Lockyer Valley our hearts go out to you all and especially the familys that have lost loved ones and the ones that are missing . Who would have known that because of the natural disaster that hit them that Ipswich and now Brisbane are about to experience floods possibly higher than those of 1974 ......truly scary. We are definately the lucky ones in SE Qld yes it is flooded but we know that our family is safe .
Laureena's parents are in the Lockyer valley but thank goodness at last report they are safe still stranded but safe.
At least Ipswich and Brisbane have warning that this is coming not so for Toowoomba and the lockyer valley lets just hope that the rain stops soon 10 and 1/2 inches is a lot of rain.......whoever would imagine thinking that in Queensland in summer. Not forgetting all the other places in qld that are still flooded and will be for some time to come ...
Keelz was telling us her friends Em and Sandy and thier 2 little girls have lost everything but at least they have each other very sobering ...Keeep Safe everyone

Happy New Year

2010-12-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

Wishing all our family and friends the most amazing New Year . Hoping that its happy and that all your dreams come true . Bring it on !!!!!!
Sadly the new Year is not going to be so good for everyone with all the flooding in Queensland there are some that don't even have a home to go to .Over 80% of the state is flooded . Kase told me yesterday that a friend has lost everything after just having a new bub the water is up to the ceiling in thier house so we will spare a thought for those that have been affected and the people that are working so hard to help them all. amazing that one side of australia is in the middle of a heat wave and we have more rain than we know what to do with .
We are getting ready for our second round of chrissy with Kase Jeremy Anabel and Ollie today haven't seen them for christmas so the meat is cooking prezzies are wrapped and everything else is pretty much done . Nats coming as well so there will be a houseful. Can't wait.

Rain Rain Rain

2010-12-27T02:44:00.000-08:00

Well totally over the rain everything is just sooooo wet . Kasey and Jeremy and the kids arrived home safely today from Woodgate but not so for Laureena they were evacuated from Jericho on christmas eve as the town was inundated they finally got back there yesterday afternoon late to get their stuff and get out again but getting home has been a challenge they manged to make it to Warwick before they were cut off again holed up there for a few hours for the water to go down and made it to aratula before they were trapped again so a lot of backtracking and last were heard of around 30 kms or so from Ipswich so all up an 800km trip has taken them almost 1200 kms . if they can make it back to Ipswich tonight they will hole up there and try to get to Brisbane tomorrow .Stay safe Laureena . With more rain forcast its not going to be easy . Troy and Renee in Roma are also cut of with a river on either side expected to peak tonight they were trying to evacuate parts of Roma tonight . I know that they were up at 3.30 this morning moving stuff to higher ground but were expecting another 5 inches of rain so hopefully they will be ok too. Beaudesert has been cut off a couple of times in the last couple of days thankfully for now it has stopped raining but more is expected and everything is totally waterlogged.
Noels mum is still not well and pointless taking her to the hospital as there are no doctors on at the moment so I guess we will just ride it out with her and she doesn't want to go back anyhow .
Had a great christmas with our 4 boys they don't all get together at home very often so it was loud and being the only female i coped the usual stirring from all of them . missed having the grandkids home but hopefully this weather will settle and they can get here on Saturday and we will celebrate Xmas new year then can't wait .
Anabel told us on christmas day that Santa found her there and bought her EVERTHING so cute
me I am still battling along with my crocheting and am almost there so hopefully will be finished should be doing heaps more but this weather makes you lazy you can't get outside .Did finally get a chance to play with our die cutter awesome and gifted all the things I made to my neice Car so now if it keeps raining I might just pull it out and play again .

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T04:32:00.000-08:00

Well here we go another christmas almost here
To our family and friends I wish you the best christmas filled with with love and laughter ........if you are on the roads please travel safe with more rain predicted its going to get even wetter .
Its going to be an odd christmas with just us and the 4 boys Kasey and Jeremy and the grandkids are away having chrissy with Jeremys family . Lukes partner Laureena is also away and her return may be delayed because of the flooding . Stay safe Laureena catch you when you get back .
Noels mum is home from hospital and doing well but not totally on top of the infection yet so today was spent cooking our christmas food and her christmas food had a real production line going but all done .... the pressys are wrapped not yet under the tree but wrapped ........
Had visits from Di and Daryl and the kids and Kenny and Michelle and John and Mia .
The boys all worked the xmas eve frenzy but are now all home Nat and Luke will be here tomorrow be careful boys.
Have a Very Merry Christmas CHEERS !!!!!

December

2010-12-20T03:42:00.000-08:00

Well december is almost done and the jolly man in the red suit will be here any day ........ Its going to be a quiet christmas here this year........well for our house .......sad NO grandkids this year but I hope they are going to have an amazing time on their holiday at Woodgate....so just us and the boys laureena is off to Jericho to spend time with her family as Luke has to work .... I just can't get into it this year have achieved not much and really don't have a desire to do it .....
Noels mum has been hospitalised for the second time in less than a month so she may not be home either ..they still don't know what it is we do know that she has Salmonela but what else who knows waiting for the results from today to get back ...
Had a water leak under the sink gross luckily Noel was able to fix it but my cupboards are warped and will have to stay that way am not fixing this kitchen when in a couple of years hopefully I can get a new one ......car troubles again but noel's brother Ken to the rescue with parts and Noel put them in so it now stops when you want it to and is not so noisy which is awesome ..........
Have to finish the xmas shopping ..... we really are scaling back this year its all soooooo expensive just put an on line order in for Laureena so hopeful that it will arrive intime and pick up a few bits for Maddie and Cass and finish the washers I am crocheting (yes Me ) I usually get Noels mum to do them for me but obviously its a no go this year ...I do know how to just rusty and not her quality but oh well handmade with love abeilt dodgy nah they look ok and crochet hairbands mother of invention am making them myself they look great made Anabel some and she loves them ......
Oliver has his beautiful curls cut off but they are just getting so long but they will grow back Kase says he looks like a little man now . Jenny lent me Cars old baby cupboard so am pleased to say that all my scrapbook stuff is now packed away in my little room and not in the middle of my dining room
Tomorrow is shaping up to be a mega lawn mowing day with the weather the way it has been it could be the only fine one for the rest of the week finger and toes.
and wrapping I haven't started yet but thankfully don't have mountains this year so it shouldn't take too long .
Big excitment on Tuesday night last week Luke has graduated from uni and is now holds a bachelor of music just 1 more year and he gets his graduate degree in education and he is done he thinks he may go back and do his masters in music but that wont be anytime soon.... Congrats Luke very proud of you .....

November

2010-11-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

Well its all finally official Luke has his teaching job contract is signed he begins in the new year as the instumental music teacher at St Kevins at Geebung he is very excited to be getting a new building and gets to kit it out his own way .

For me a week of ups and downs sooooooo need the holidays 3 weeks and one day or 16 school days to go can't wait I am soooooo tired and the kids are tooo.

Dads anniversay was yesterday so had a bit of a cry 6 years already ....wish just once he was here to talk too......miss you Dad .... I may have been the bain of your existence but I tried to do the best for you and will love you always .........I look around at all your little great grandchildren Olivia , Kaylee, Jewels , Anabel and Oliver and I know how much you would have loved them what a shame you never got to meet them ...................:(

Happy birthday to my hubby Noel for Wednesday sorry that I couldn't be a home with you that night but hopefully the cake with Jem and Kyle made up for it ....

Have to get my skates on and get Anabels kindy costume unpicked ......yeah i stuffed up so have to unpick it ready to finish on sunday when the kids arrive .
Also happy 18th to our neice Jaclyn can't wait until your party tomorrow and I know the boys are hanging out to camping out and drinking with you......Jem is upset he doesn't get to go but with schoolies starting this weekend he has to work (he works at KFC)......think of the money Jem new bike sooner than you think.... Jem has one more week of school finishes year 10 this year OMG almost done.

bits and bobs

2010-11-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Firstly huge happy birthday wishes to Laureena sorry we forgot Luke needs to tell us these things I have it on the calender for next year I will not forget again......
Big news this week is that Luke has his first official paid teaching job. He will be working at St Kevins as the instrumental music teacher he is very excited and starts at the beginning of the new school year . St Kevins is also the school his cousin Brookes daughter Livvy attends so small world ........
He is a fully qualified music teacher but still needs to complete his graduate degree in education so he will teach , go to uni and work at the hotel so its going to be a busy year for him .....He has prac to complete and he can't do it at a school he's being paid at so they are going to give him time off for that which is great ......he is going to be one busy boy....
Another school year is almost at an end gosh can't beleive that we are in week 6 next week only 4 to go......can not wait for the holidays and the new year.
I ordered some embossing folders and die cutters for the machine that Kasey and I bought from America they arrived this week and are awesome and soooooo cheap at the moment so kasey has ordered a heap more so now will be able to make heaps of my own die cuts letters etc for scrapbooking they get expensive when you have to buy them all the time....hopefully will actually get time to play with them this weekend ....you just never know.
Had Miss Mia for the weekend last weekend boy you forget how much work 2 year olds can be although we did have a great time but this granny was exhausted ..........maybe its the 5 year olds i work with all week.
Kasey is doing well in her invitation business and is full on and has made some amazing invites and has branched out and is making cakes.
I have been cooking up a storm in a bid to save some cashola especially for the boys lunches and they are loving it my new early morning activity ...........
Jeremy has just started his first job and is so far loving it he is working at KFC on the counter .....he can't wait until he gets to cook out the back ......keeps him busy that and his lawn mowing jobs he is trying to save up for a new bike .....
can't beleive he finishes in a couple of weeks he still want to get an apprenticeship in construction so hopefully will get a school based traineeship next year to finish off year 11 and 12 ........

October already

2010-10-08T03:22:00.000-07:00

Can not beleive that it is October already . Finally just when I thought that I was getting over this virus and feeling a bit better its back arghhhhhhh sick of being sick ....anyhoo gonna kick its butt am over it

Last night was Lukes final assessment and the end of his music degree. This was a huge assessment they had to find a venue and organise a musical evening complete with formal invitations to thier assessors . Find a backing band how lucky for him that he plays with Windsor Brass and they agreed to play. They had to provide supper have programs etc the list was huge and some of them spent massive amounts of money . Luke and Jared were really lucky that the hall was provided for free and everyone pitched in to make it cheaper for them thanks so much to Laureenas mum and dad , grandma and kasey for helping to provide the food for the night and setting up etc . The night was awesome they did 8 solos each ranging in technical difficulty so they could see thier range . Well done luke you did an amazing job and played brilliantly just one exam to go and he's done 1 year of graduate diploma in education to go.Tom also did some solos and was amazing as well . Congrats Luke so proud of you also to Laureena for keeping him sane and grounded you are an amazing girl ........
Kasey made music theme cakes and they were perfect. Highlight of the night Anabel being a ballerina to Lukes music priceless..........Anabel and Olly were sooooo good all night its a long time to sit for 2 little people.........
Finally got Kenny and Michelles wedding album done not sure if they like it or not I'm sure kenny does but she is a bit harder to please and hasn't said a whole lot so who knows ??????time will tell............

slacker

2010-09-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Its been so long since I posted anything very slack .Firstly to my boys Nathan turned 24 on the 21st we had a great day with him barbecue lunch that almost ended in disaster ............lets just say that jeremy will definately be keeping his bbq clean in the future but still a lovely lunch .Tom happy 18th birthday for the 30th and yes I did manage to get his album finished ........well almost have a few pics that i just can't find and i know I must have them from all the music my boys play I can find reems and reems of video BUT NO PHOTOS hahaha figures.
Tom is also now a single man Christel and he broke up shortly before his 18th but are still friends .......I think its a good thing after 2 and a bit years together time to get out and have fun and not be tied to someone.......
Also happy birthday to my nephew Josh for August
Have been trying to get back into the gardening spirit so I bought more plants my plan is fill it up and there will be no room for weeds ?????? cause lord knows scrapping Kenny and Michelle album is NOT going so well on version 2 plan B hopefully it will work out want to get it finished before the holidays .
FAT CHANCE me thinks but gonna give it a go anyhow waiting for all my lovely new papers to get here and then a rethink ........hopefully today they will get here.
Slowly picking myself up from this rotten virus .....exercised for the first time in weeks and at least i can breathe again but can't do it for long..........9 days till holidays the biggest plus side of my job gotta love them ...........so hopefully everyone will come back well and refreshed .......
Was talking to Jen and she has been soooooo sick so hopefully you are picking up too and glad to hear you are back at dancing........
Weekend saw the beauy show which i did not attend the boys did and had a good time but i refuse to pay the money they want to get in to look at pavillions.

Fathers Day was fantastic all the kids came home and we had a great day a lovely lunch and great cheesecake thanks kasey and Noel got totally spoilt and is happily wii ing away with his new games thanks guys .....

August

2010-08-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

Firstly a great big happy birthday wish to my BIL Paul who turned 60 yesterday I know that you had a great day on your holiday . Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes to my sister Jen for the 12th Hope you are having a great time in Montville.

I am madly trying to get Toms scrapbook album finished for his 18th Birthday on the 30th arggghhhhh coming along well but just not quite finished and there always seeems to be something else to be done. Not sure what to do for his bday he says nothing so who knows .
Before that though we have Nats birthday on the 21st.
Also madly trying to get Kenny and Michelles wedding album done (not going so well)

saturday Noel and Jeremy (Kaseys) spent the day making a new toddler bed for miss Anabel and yesterday I spent painting it .........blue ....sky blue to be exact because its the colour of the sky in her fav movie at the moment UP.....who can argue with that shes a little lady who knows what she wants anyhow. she is giving up her little toddler bed to Oliver who decided to crash dive out of his cot this week and now has a cut face and black eye from the experience so he gets the very low one and she gets a nice new blue bed hopefully post some pics .
Now I have to get quilting again and make her a new quilt and Ollies as well for his be his top is finished but hers is not even started .

2010-06-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Christel have a fantastic day lots of love from all at the toddys

On a brighter note the end of today means HOLIDAYS yeah can't wait full on day but bring on this afternoon
Lucky for me its been a short week well almost went to an inservice on Tuesday very long day left here at 8 arrived home at quarter to 6 but very productive on Autism but learnt heaps of interesting stuff and the presenter was excellent brain dead by the end of the day information overload ........
Well off to work quicker I get there quicker i get everything done

June

2010-06-18T04:46:00.000-07:00

Well june just seems to be a month of birthdays firstly to my big brother jim happy birthday for the 6th then Cath his wife today the 18th.Hope you are having a blast.......

Also sharing this days Kaylz who is turning 3. happy Birthday Kaylz hope your party is fantastic and you get spoilt rotten .......sorry we can't be there .....but.......

Tomorrow my baby turns 15 sad but true I'm sure that this means that i am really getting old or just nearing the end of our child rearing days .........Gosh 15 Happy Birthday Jeremy love you lots......where did my little boy go ????????

I have just realised that in a few short years we may be childless after 5 great kids of our own 2 surrogates(Kaitlyn and dan) and 25 or so years down the track.....the possibilities are endless........may even get that quilt finished Car lol

Ollies birthday

2010-06-05T03:26:00.000-07:00

with one of his favourite girls Laureena

I think he approves

Cutting the cake

The farm animals

His Farm cake his mum made for him

Realised that i haven't posted pics of our little man for ages so here they are he is sooooo big now walking everywhere and he is a real sweetie and has the nicest temprement

birthdays bargains and life

2010-05-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go ..........Our handsome little grandson Oliver celebrated his first birthday this week 26th happy birthday little man ....soooooo big now ,nearly walking and chatting away like mad..Love you lots Ollie
Also on the same day our nephew John celebrated his 19th birthday happy birthday John.........good luck with the new round of surgery this week and then hopefully the dialysis can finally begin and you will feel like a new man.
Have been madly sorting things to sell on ebay( listing is not going so well not enough hours in the day) and sewing sheets for the kids beds just finished some for Mia tonight which look really cute ...bought Miss Anabel some dora ones as a surprise for the bottle fairy coming and Have nearly finished making her a second set. Did make a major score this week on ebay queen size flanny sheets brand new in pack for 99 cents all because they are a surf print but they are going on Toms bed anyhow gotta love ebay . Been buying new books on Oztion for Anabel at a fraction of the price of new ones getting her the Hippopotamus on the roof eating cake series and Mr McGee and edward the emu . I really want to get giraffe in the bath for her its a great book for kids.

Went to Coles this morning and scored bigtime all the flanny pjs ,tracksuit pants and slippers were 3 dollars a pair so grabbed a few for the kids tights for anabel were 2 dollars and pj pants for jem were 2 dollars . Sadly there was a blackout here today and missed the second round of stuff for the little boys .....very happy with my score all the same

Under 8s was on Friday which was and excellent day we had about 500 kids there we did bubbles and went through 6 or 7 litres of bubble mix so it was full on but the kids all had a great day .
Tomorrow we are going to celebrate Ollies birthday and then on to mount cootha where the boys have a park gig so hopefully the weather will be nicer than today.
next week is deb of the year and then that will be all over not sure if I will go or not yet ...........

Deb ball

2010-05-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

Christel made her debut on friday night with Tom as her partner she looked lovely and Tom looked great in his tux too . It was a great night ....late but good. Pics to come.......Deb of the year is in june no tux this time just a suit .

The kids came on Saturday for mothers day Thanks to all our kids for making Mothers day so great Kasey put on a fantastic lunch and they spoiled me rotten love you all

Bits and bobs

2010-05-04T02:56:00.000-07:00

Well I have been super slack with blogging of late but have been super busy. Since the wedding the boys have been to Tassie where they came 5th at the national band championships . I would now like to know where is my holiday to anywhere???????????
Ken and Michelle moved house so spent some time helping Michelle pack and then Kenny move and then had Mia.Love the house really well set up with living space for john downstairs. Took her to the dawn service and she was excellent loved the lighthorse horse. Bit exciting when you are 2 going out in the dark and she was great for the day service as well .
Anzac day is always full on for days here while Tom does the last post for several ceremonies around town. He did an amazing job as always. Early morning start was a killer though.
Deb practice is in full swing and will get to see them in all thier glory friday night .
Tom in his tux and white gloves and Christel in her dress which looks amazing .
Sam and Lanas engagement party is on Saturday night hopefully we will be going congrats to you both and also to Matt (Sams brother) and Keely who also are engaged .

Well I really am starting to feel old my first born turns 25 this week on Thursday Happy birthday Kasey hope you have an amazing day and night see you Wednesday night.
Have cut our brissy travel to one night ( fingers crossed) a week so we go from Tanah Merah for music lessons and then on to the city for band practise its busy but at least its only one day and seems to be working out ok except for Queensland Transport I know i shouldn't complain but we spent months getting home at midnight and then they finished the roadworks obviously only for a while now we are back to getting held up again ....I want the better roads too but can they PLEASE wait until I get through there before they start work lol

Nat came on the weekend and did a bit of painting for us we bought a concertina door for jeremys room as the big old wooden door was really badly placed and opened over the light switch so he did all the trims so we could get it on.. went to bunnings and they wanted over 100 dollars for a door so got on ebay and scored one in the perfect colour and in great condition for 2o dollars I know I'm an addict but gees it saves a fortune. Next holidays we are painting the window sills and windows and the outside window sills and I really want to paint our room . Nat where are you ????? Really need to finish washing the house before then ................. any takers
On the quilt front not much happening and I think its almost in the work never to be finished pile if you listen to luke anyhow ...nah I will get it done soon I hope...........

2010-04-02T03:43:00.000-07:00

Holidays have started 11 days of bliss and after the start to the year I NEED it....hoping i don't get sick this time I hate it when you relax and then get sick and we have had kids at work dropping like flies with this spewey bug. Delivered Tom to the airport yesterday morning so he is in Tassie .Poor Kase is battling the flu get well soon chooky.
Michelle is home from hospital and I think that I have gotten almost everything packed away from the wedding less the 100 or so meters of tulle still to roll up and the table and chairs to pick up ............ next week maybe. I am trying to talk myself into getting my old silky oak wardrobe restored so that may or may not happen......
Decided to catch up on my reading so am doing ok and may just yet get to 50 in Cars reading challenge (yeah right) read so far
Cross Country
7th Heaven
The Pact
The Chosen
April Fools Day
Family Frying Pan
Angels Fall
The Dawn series by Virginia Andrews
My sisters Keeper
and am currently reading Handle with Care another from Jodi Picoult

To all our family and friends have a wonderful easter stay safe

Birthdays wedding and a christening

2010-03-29T03:58:00.001-07:00

well its been a busy couple of months with all the wedding organising but I must say Kase and I did a great job and the wedding I think went off really well.Congrats to Kenny and Michelle .There were a few hitches michelle was actually in hospital and sadly could only make it out for a few hours before she had to go back in as still in a fair bit of pain but she held up very well. So after a few hurriedly changed plans kasey went to the hospital to do hair and makeup it was 1.30 before Michelle got home so it was a mad dash to make sure that they were ready and that Mia was dressed and ready for her christening at 2.30 The service was really lovely and the priest was great. They all looked fabulous. Got lots of pics of everything for her when she gets home cheers Feel better soon. Michelle has more surgery tomorrow or wednesday. John is getting better everyday from his surgery ......kasey and I made the cakes and i have to say for a pair of amatuers they were awesome thanks to grandma for her homemade marzipan receipe brilliant . Mia also celebrated her birthday on friday happy second birthday beautiful girl.
Only three more days of work before the holidays can't wait really need a rest. Luke and Laureena fly out to tasmania on wednesday and toms flies out on thursday for the band championships so it will be interesting getting him to the airport and then back here to work by 8am .....lucky for me i have a great boss so if I'm a bit late it will all be ok. Guaranteed i will end up stuck in peak hour grrrrrr...... Where has the term gone though gees its flown......

Bit of everything

2010-03-23T04:13:00.000-07:00

Kasey and Jeremy picked up thier new car on Saturday brilliant Anabel classes it as sparkly drove jeremy over to pick it up FYI I do not like the ford focus who would put blinkers on the left hand side bah. Jeremy got a good laugh anyhoo when i turned on the wipers not once but 4 times hahaha.
Went for dinner for lukes birthday and had a great night Kase as always did a brilliant job on the cake it was a great night all round.
Kasey and the kids are coming down tomorrow night I am taking friday off so that we can get the cake for Ken and Michelles wedding done and the christening cake as well. Feel a bit guilty taking it off but I can not see how its going to get done otherwise.....The wedding is on Sunday but we have to go set up for the reception on Saturday and tom has to be in brissy early and then will stay with luke and laureena until tuesday before he comes home to pack and fly out to Tasmania on thursday morning ( another early morning trip before work)
Hope Michelle will be up and about before sunday she had surgery last night and will be in hospital for a couple of days so cutting it a bit fine hope you are up and about very soon. John is also recovering from his surgery last friday get well soon John once he is healed he will be able to begin his dialysis.
Wedding preparations are going well few hiccups but getting there curently working out plan B C D E and F.....but it will be fine.Have been making lots of stuff to save some cashlola made the wishing well will post some pics when it is properly finished getting pots painted for balloon trees all those little last minute things . Noel is madly reading up on and playing with our camera as he gets to be chief photographer he has taken some awesome shots of the bouquet which we incorporate into pics hes getting the new photoshop so that he can play with them we also have plans to get ome really nice pics of the kids done soon.... Huge thanks go to Kasey who has been my partner in crime lol since the beginning.....and is doing all those crappy last minute things that i just can't find time to do......
We had Anabel overnight again on the weekend she is a funny little thing and knows exactly which direction it is to her house (who needs GPS) Oliver is now crawling all over the house like a pro. He is such a cutie his face just lights up when we go there now he is such a happy little chappy.
Hopefully life can return to some sort of normal after next week and the travelling slows down won't know what to do with myself.
Nathan got a promotion so has now moved to the store at Victoria point and is loving it they had a big going away party for him on the weekend..Congrats Nat proud of you
Hope Luke is feeling better soon he is having trouble with his teeth and has an infection the doc has him on 2 lots of antibiotics but he is going to tassie too and needs to be able to play his trombone so he can't get it taken out before he goes so looks like he will stay on them until he gets back and can get it pulled.....His quilt is on a go slow so lucky for me the holidays are coming and might be able to concentrate on it for a bit........can only hope.....
Well off to bed this travelling is wearing me out (must be getting old)hahaha and have to front up again tomorrow night ......bring on the holidays !!!!!!!

Other News

2010-03-09T03:08:00.000-08:00

Kasey rang on Saturday with the news that they had been in an accident .Thankfully they are all ok the car however is a write off and can be replaced ...Wish people would just slow down and it wouldn't happen.......

Happy 21st Luke

2010-03-09T03:05:00.000-08:00

Gosh now i am feeling old baby number 3 turns 21 today ......
Happy Birthday Luke hope it was a great day......
I know your plans have changed for this evening but enjoy your night with Laureena .....Love and best wishes Mum Dad Tom and Jem

Happy Birthday Precious girl

2010-02-28T03:55:00.000-08:00

A Huge happy 3rd birthday goes to Anabel love you little one. Gosh the time has flown seems like yesterday she was a little bub and now a big girl . She had her party yesterday with a Dora theme and got lots and lots of gifts . we bought her a vsmile motion as she loves the wii but this one is made for littlies and of course the obligatory new books which she tells me last night one was scary so its been put up for a while . Lots of new clothes and dress ups . She loves being a ballerina and does not like kase to wash her dress in case she wants to wear it. She has a fantastic imagination its great to see....
Her cake of course was made by mum (will post pics tomorrow) Dora of course . Nice but very rich Kasey has been trying out recipies for the wedding cake. But nice all the same.
She had a great day with Mia Maddie Cass zooming around.
Anabel and I made playdough on wednesday night and had a ball. She loves to get in and mix everything and can almost make cookies by herself now.

Oliver is getting to be big and gets excited when we go to visit now.He claps hands and laughs like mad. And of course the biggest smiles and laughs are for Anabel he trys to say her name Anan its beautiful to see how much they care for each other.

Took Friday off work to help Luke move from his share house into a unit so is now all done...Laureena got all her things moved yesterday and they are loving it and are all but unpacked.

Also on the Birthday front a Great big happy 6th birthday wish goes to Hannah can not beleive how fast all these little moppets are growing up love and hugs Hannah great to see you are loving your new school.....Yet again Laine has been slack i will post your pressy very soon....

2010-02-20T01:55:00.000-08:00

Bit quiet of late I know but lots happening . Settling back into work we have 23 kids some interesting ones in amongst them but we are getting there must be getting old gees they wear you out. Toms music lessons have started again for the year as of next week we start going in to brissy 4 times a week (really looking foward to that LOL) Just gets a bit much some weeks after work but hopefully things will settle after they have been to Tassie after easter...and then Nationals in May .......arghhhhhh...

Luke is moving this week from his share house after a lot of problems with some of the other new tenants eating his food etc so we will go in again thursday and take some of his stuff in to him. Moving into a unit a Cooparoo with Laureena ...it will be really nice for them to have thier own space and feel comfortable in thier own place not living in thier room like they are now...so a little further away from uni but close to where he works and also close to Kasey they are about 5 minutes away now so thats good for me....

Very happy birthday to Sandra for today hope the girls are feeling better next week poor little buggers missed all week at school cause of this tummy bug going around.

Anabel also has her birthday this week and is having a party on Saturday . Hard to believe that she is turning 3 this year . She is really excited about everyone singing hip hip horray to her . Gotta love little kids small things make them happy. Before we know it Oliver will be one. We are so lucky to have these 2 little ones in our lives they really do brighten our day..They came and stayed with us last weekend while Kasey and Jeremy went out for thier anniversary.

The plans for Ken and Michelle's wedding are going well and I think that we are close to having it all together just waiting for a few things to arrive ( gotta love online shopping) and I think its done (hopefully) Kase and I are going to go and do a hair trial the week before .. oh and the wrap remains unfinished on my table so need to get that done this weekend. Mia is also being christened on the same day ...Now I need to get some stuff listed to pay for it all lol.
John is doing well and looking good just very tired and begins training for his home dialysis this week so Kasey is going to have Mia every day for the next three weeks....we still want to do a practice cake somewhere in all this. Lucky there are 2 birthdays before the wedding. Kasey and I are going to do the cakes for both the wedding and the christening on the Friday (yes I am taking the day off work but still need to go in and set up ) otherwise we are going to run out of time to do them....the day before we want it all set up...

I have finally gotten back to Lukes quilt .....not finished but have manged to get a bit more done on it anyway its looking good still don't think that it will be anywhere near ready for his 21st though and I need to get cracking on Toms scrapbook album for his 18th ......All I can say is that its not looking good. Arhhh well I will get there...He is also partnering Christel at her Deb Ball in May so he gets to dress up in a tux this time and dancing lessons and Deb practise take up Friday nights now as well...He is also starting driving lessons this week he has well and truly got all his hours up but all in an auto so needs some manual lessons ans then he can get it....(and then hopefully I can stay home a bit more)

It was great to see Troy and Renee and the girls today they have moved to Allora now and are really happy there Hannah loves her new school and Sharlette can;t wait to ride the poddy calves at the show next year she needs to practice first though she told us today. Renee says that Amelia copies everything she does so they will probably both be doing the campdraft circut with them....

Congrats also go to our nephew Matt and Keeley on thier engagement.....heres hoping that Keelz is feeling better soon too poor thing ....

Fingers crossed for Elly who has been having tests done for a nerve disease she has been having a really rough time been on 15 pills a day for the pain in her face when she had a drug reaction and stopped breathing and was rushed to the mater well whatever happened when she had the reaction and the coughing fit that followed for 8 hours has cured whatever was causing the pain in her face ..the doctors are baffled and can just say that the brain works in funny ways .Heres hoping that it never comes back its a lot for an 11 year old to deal with...

Can't wait until Anabels birthday to catch up with everyone see you all then

John

2010-01-29T03:08:00.000-08:00

Pleased to say that John came through his surgery ok poor bugger is sick everytime he stands up and the site in his stomach where he will get his dialysis is very sore but he is doing alright. Michelle says that he is looking better not anywhere near as yellow as he has been. So hope its up and up for him and that they find a donor very quickly for him. He's home and resting . Love and hugs John......XOXOXO

Back to work

2010-01-28T02:52:00.000-08:00

Well finally am back at work and boy am I exhausted. You really do forget from year to year how much the little ones need steering in those first couple of weeks. Kym said she went home and crashed in a chair .......me nooooo we had to go to brisbane so I finally got to fall into bed at 11.30 or so ......so I dragged a chain today and definately will be sleeping very soon..thanks god this week is only three days mind you next week will be the killer 5 fulldays.....
Don't get me wrong I love going cause I get to catch up with Kase and the kids and Jeremy and Nat but after a long day its tiring. Kase also has Mia for a couple of days as John had his surgery today to get ready for his dialysis.He is out of surgery and seems to be doing ok hopefully home tomorrow.
Kase and I are madly in the throes of wedding plans for Kenny and Michelle's wedding and Mia's christening on the 28th of march.Kasey has done a fabulous job of the invites and cake designs so we are madly trying to get the decorations bought and have some kind of plan going. Its going to be a simple church wedding followed by the christening and then after at thier house. But still have to make a bolero to go over Michelles dress and make a bouquet.
Jems arm is getting better by the day still very sore but he can move it a bit more which is a plus.
Kase is also working on some paid jobs for invitations for weddings and trying to get Anabels done for her birthday and organise her party as well so she is a busy beaver....Me I can not beleive that she will be three this year
Olly now has 6 teeth he is a champion teether and such a happy little fella he is now 8 months old and a real little chub he gets so excited to see you when we go there now....
We are hoping Tom gets his licence very soon even if his car isn't on the road next month we begin 4 nights a week in Brissy ..2 nights wear me out so I can imagine that after 4 I'm going to be really cheery lol
Viks little grandson Casey is still in the mater childrens and not expected to come home for a while yet.They can't figure out why he can't keep any bottle feeds down he has 30 mls every three hours but brings it back up but seems to be ok with tube feeds poor little fella so they are doing test after test to try to figure it out .He is 18 days old now and has only spent one day at home. keeping everything crossed hoping he is well soon and can go home.

Jeremy

2010-01-24T04:01:00.000-08:00

Well half of yesterday was spent at the doctors. I got home on Friday from work and Jeremy told me that he had hurt his arm after he fell off his bike going to Aunty Jen's. I had a look and it looked ok but he complained that it hurt but he could still move it. Gave him some panadol and he went off to bed. Well he gets up yesterday and the arm is swollen so we head off to the docs and of course she sends us to the hospital with his arm in a sling sure that its broken.......well if anyone knows Beauy hospital you would not want to be in a hurry.....3 hours and one cranky mum later after seeing the sister and the doctor the x ray guy rocks in does the xray goes again we wait to see the doctor again.......finally the result its not broken........severly bruised and is now still in a sling he still can not use it so probably better if he had broken it......arghhhhhh

Casey

2010-01-23T01:29:00.000-08:00

Viks little granson Casey is still in the mater still being tube fed they are trying to give him 30 mls every three hours but he keeps on bringing it back up. Hes had more tests but they still can't find anything else. Poor little mite just one day at home in the weeks since hes been born but she says that he is a getting a little more alert everyday and is starting to look for food even if he can't keep it down. All our love little man and heres hoping you can go home to your sister Belle very soon.

projects

2010-01-17T02:48:00.001-08:00

Well finally finished Mia's tinkerbell quilt which ended up a little dodgy in spots but is super cute and bright and perfect for her little white toddler bed. I also made her one for her dolly cradle that her Nan picked up for her Very cute. Car i need help with wadding i don't know whether its too thick or what I'm doing wrong.

It was great to see her with Ken and Michelle on friday night she is becoming a very busy little toddler. She is off to spend the day with Kasey and the kids next week while John has his op ready for the dialysis best wishes go to John heres hoping you are feeling a little better very soon.... The girls will have a ball together. I have to get some paint and playdough ready for them and work.

Can you believe I go back to work on wednesday arghhhh.

Ken and Michelle are getting married on the 28th March.........finally . Its going to be a dual christening for Mia and the wedding as well so preparations are in full swing. Kasey is working on decoration invitations. Its going to be a beautiful simple wedding they have been together for 21 years this year. Congrats to all of you.

Have been madly washing, sorting, listing stuff on ebay so I can get it all posted before I go back to work . When this lot is finished I need to get going on the winter stuff.

It was great to hear that Viks little grandson Casey is a little more alert and managed to drink a whole 70mls of formula. Here's hoping that there are no lasting side effects for him.

I have finally managed to make some progress on my dining room cupboard almost done on the sanding side now need to finish it off and varnish . It will be going into the dining room with no doors to start with until Jeremy gets time to make me some doors and I can get some leadlighting done. I wished I had taken pics of before because its taken forever and a lot of stripper to get the old paint off......and some of it was really old. I think that i might get some cane baskets to slip into it for now not sure. At least i might have some room for tupperware instead of half of it living on top of the fridge.

Get well soon Casey

2010-01-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

Sending all our best wishes to Vikki after the joy last Sunday of a new grandson the poor little mite was back in hospital by Tuesday. Been at home for just one day. Glad to hear last night that he had a bottle of formula yesterday he had been tube feed mostly until this. His mum is on medication which is still experimental and apparently concentrates in very high levels in breastmilk so basically the poor little thing was drugged to the gills. By Tuesday when the midwife came she could not wake him or get a response so she called an ambulance and now he is at the Mater chrildrens. He is also now on formula and getting a little better everyday but will probably be there for a few days yet.

Bits and Bobs and Babies

2010-01-11T03:21:00.000-08:00

Have just had Kasey and Anabel and Oliver home for the weekend .Its great having them home and I love spending time with the kids. Anabel will be 3 in a few weeks .....seems like yesterday that she was born.....She is such a clever little girl and has her own mind for sure but she brings us endless joy this little girl is definately here for a reason.... And little Oliver is the most precious little boy he reminds me of a little old man some days he just watches everyone ....if only he could talk...lol. We are so lucky to have these 2 grandkids...They went home to Daddy this afternoon and boy our house is quiet now.......We also had Mia overnight as John had to go in for his tests to get ready for his Dialysis which he starts at the end of the month .He goes on the donor list now as well to wait for a kidney to become available,hopefully very soon.

Jeremy has arrived home after spending 2 weeks in Hervey Bay lucky thing.

On babies Congrats to Vikki on the arrival of her second grandbaby a boy Casey Martin a brother for Isabelle and son for Peta and Wade he is adorable.

Can not beleive that i go back to work next week amazing how quicky the holidays go by...still a ton of things to achieve. We go back 7 days before the kids but then get 4 days off with the Australia day holiday so it makes the first week back very short kind of eases us back into it. The first day is a killer as its filled with seminars that I usually find I want to sleep through....I hope that this year will be great but there is still a lot of things up in the air so apart from the fact that I will be in Prep don't know much else ar well guess will find out next week.....

i have been doing a ton of reading so I may even take Cars reading challenge on this year I just might make it to 50 and have been catching up on a few dvds ..Still no progress on Lukes quilt but have almost finished Mia's tinkerbell quilt and need to get a go on Lukes for his 21st in March and I want to get Toms music quilt and his scrapbook album done before his 18th in August.

R.I.P Brendan

2010-01-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

It was with a very sad heart that we heard of the passing of my lifelong friend Kath's boy Brendan. Brendan was born with Cornelius De Lange syndrome and had a lot of problems.But Kath Gary and Ben got him to way past the early teen stage that the doctors had predicted. She fought for her boy every step of the way and Brendan the beautiful boy that he was passed away peacefully at the age of 22. Our deepest sympathies go out to them all and we wish we could be there with you.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T16:18:00.000-08:00

Well a bit late i know but heres wishing our family and friends the most amazing year in 2010 .....my goals for the next year are to try to chill out more..lol get some more of our house painted .....finish my cupboard for the dining room ......longest work ever in progress......but i will get it finished....read more....sew more ...hopefully spend more time at home and definately whatever the new school year brings I am flat out not going to stress about it.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T04:03:00.000-08:00

Well am finally i think ready for christmas cooking done prezzys wrapped almost and house is clean and I am off to bed before the kids and grandkids arrive tomorrow.Can't wait Anabel should really be in to it this year..
I wish all our family and friends a magical christmas wherever you are and whatever you are doing...May 2010 be the best year yet for everyone.CHEERS!!!!!!!!!Love to all.....

almost there

2009-12-22T02:56:00.000-08:00

Have managed to complete most of what i set out to achieve this week have finished 5 pairs of cot sheets ,embriodered 4 towels(scary 1st time I have done this but all things considered they look ok) and made some sock protectors for Jeremy ,made lolly trees , slice, homemade mayo for gifts, more slice (because I didn't leave any over for the boys)made candy cane candles(which the boys think are awesome) ,almost finished the baubles ....have boxed and wrapped almost everything(almost)....am stressing that the parcels i bought online won't arrive in time Arghhhhh Australia Post....but now I need to clean ........my house looks like ground zero ......my dining room needs to be cleared of the sewing machine and the 2 overlockers that have lived there all week and why didn't i buy cellophane last week grrrrr. So my plan tomorrow is
1Take Noels mum shopping
2Try to con Noel into taking his own mum shopping
3 clean my sewing table so my machines can go where they belong (don't ask whats gonna happen to the stuff thats residing there)
4 find cellophane
5finish wrapping

Happy Birthday

2009-12-21T04:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Jeremy .......hope it was a fantastic day and I know that you will have a great time at dinner tonight with Kasey and the kids ,Nat and luke and Laureena . Hoep that you enjoy your prezzys................CHEERS!!!!!!!

Time to get crafty

2009-12-19T02:10:00.000-08:00

Still no more on the quilt front but I think you are right Car black is definately the way to go.....I have been busy getting cot sheets done for Anabels toddler bed, Mias toddler bed and Olivers cot and personalising decorations and making lolly trees (in a bid to save some cashola) and have finally managed to get some ......well a few prezzys wrapped .....and even managed to get the front of my house karchered In between Mums overlocker playing up then a friend turned up while I was cursing away at the thing and came back with not one but 2 overlockers that are older models but I zipped along on the old Janome lock but all done so am now the owner of 2 overlockers well three if you count my old one in the shed that needs needles that i can't seem to get.......now to get the other 3 sides of the house done and back to wrapping.....

Christmas shopping

2009-12-15T22:42:00.000-08:00

Decided this morning .......after Jeremy nagged me that the helmet he has to have was only on sale until today Ughhhhhh..... that we would brave the shops and try to get some christmas shopping done...........I didn't have a lot to do but lack motivation to do it....well first stop the bloody helmet :( none left surprise!!!!! but the fantastic Kmart people gave us the next one up the pro model for the sale price on the other one which was over double the price so I am loving them :) so all in all it was great and I got most of it done and scored a couple of bargains on the way and then I went to spotlight ....now I just need to get creative.......
which means 1. I can not use Kaseys ideas
2. Motivation needs to pickup
3. wrap
I also need to get sewing to finish the cot sheets for the babies and Jeremy S's birthday prezzy for next week and handpainted baubles for gifts etc .

Kasey just rang me and Oliver has his first tooth with slightly less fuss than Miss A caused getting hers.Maybe he will get his 2 front teeth for chrissy ......... Kase is also going great guns on the toilet training front Miss Anabel is on a roll.

MOTIVATION >>>>>>>where are you ?????????????

We Made It

2009-12-15T04:56:00.000-08:00

Well we made it Noel and I have been married for 25 years today. It was definately cooler today than it was the day we got married at 43 degrees we sweltered (no one should get married in december). It may have been a struggle at times but we raised 5 great kids and we have our 2 beautiful grandkids and at the end of the day we can still laugh together and if I had my time over i would do it again ..........so heres to the next 25 hopeully it will be even better.....

Bits and bobs

2009-12-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

Finished work on Friday for almost 6 weeks and can breathe a sigh of relief and hopefully get something done. Last week was mind boggling with work ,trips to brisbane a fire at our good friends Lyn and Mick's property that almost saw them lose their home ......scary stuff but thank goodness all is well they stopped the fire within a meter of the house the horses tails will grow back and if we ever get some more rain they will have beautiful green paddocks again. With the heat we have had the last couple of weeks its no wonder how scary that it took them by surprise it was that quick.
We had Kasey and Anabel and Oliver home for the weekend which is great Anabel is a real chatterbox and can sing all her nursery rhymes and of course is stilla big book worm she will listen to story after story and never forgets them and Oliver is rolling over and almost sitting up just gets the wobbles sometimes and is soooooo big and so heavy now but he always has the most amazing smiles these two little moppets just make my day.
still no further on the quilt so i can definately say it will be a no show for xmas but hopefully for lukes birthday in March.
We also has Isabelle today for the day who is my besties grandaughter and the girls got on really well. It makes me sad though and really angry that Petes husband is now stopping her grandma from seeing her ( because he is a total control freak). I know I would be devestated if it happened to me I simply could not live without my grandkids and she can't either so it was super hard to shut my mouth and not say what i wanted to say to him so we don't make it worse for Vik.
This week my plan is to wrap pressys buy more pressys deliver pressys to those I will not see for chrissy and put my house back in order before xmas which is not much short of a disaster area at the moment. Clean Noels Mums windows any takers to clean mine lol.And try not to stress about work next year.....I will be doing full prep and am worried that after all the high needs kids it will be boring ..........well different anyway......arhhhh well time will tell.

No laughing

2009-12-06T00:46:00.000-08:00

Now no laughing Car !!!!!! this is the quilt so far and the eye spy orchestra fabric ...........don' t know whether to border this part in black or red before I go on maybe in black with a mix of the eye spy and I have a white music note fabric for the next set of blocks...Let me know your thoughts.... Ideas. I always thought I would do the black and white now am not so sure

Dollhouse

2009-12-04T02:45:00.000-08:00

I scored myself a doll house today from work with all the transitions from pre school to prep there is way 2 much stuff and this hasn't been used since it came to work so Anabel scores a rather large doll house at grandmas to play with but first i want to do it up I will add it to the very large doll house in our shed that was kaseys when she was little that hopefully will eventually go to Anabel when she is at the barbie stage. Will post some pics when I pick it up next week. Only 5 days to go arghhhh love my job but can't wait. So much to do so little time .

Also have been trying to work on Lukes quilt but honestly time is running out for me to have it by xmas. It is a music quilt that I started a while ago with the plan to make one for both Tom and Luke . I hand drew and stitched the trombones and was really set on all black and white theme but I bought an eye spy orchestra fabric and I'm worried that it will get lost in all the black Car .....Jen.....thoughts please will try to post some pics on the weekend I'm thinking I need to add maybe some red?????? Its a very basic squares pattern but I want to keep it simple.
I also need to get moving on my christmas sewing fitted sheets for Olly and Anabel and Mia and Mia's new tinkerbell quilt for her toddler bed. And a new boy quilt for my cot for Oliver.

Sacha and Shannons wedding

2009-11-29T02:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to the wedding of Sacha and Shannon it was a beautiful day but stinking hot.

It was held at Shannons parents vineyard at Canungra and Sacha was a beautiful bride. Congrats go to the both of them as they begin thier life together. It was also great to catch up with Irene and Brian who we don't see too much these days since thier big move. The reception at the cellar door was lovely and a great night was had. Also loved the gift personalized port bottled from the vineyards on the property to commemorate the day.

Toms Formal

2009-11-20T03:25:00.001-08:00

Last night was Toms year 12 formal they had a great day and a nice end to thier schooling .Thanks to Scott for the use of his car for the arvo on short notice much appreciated but Tom loved it. They all looked great very grown up but gee its making me feel old baby number 4. It was held at the Sebel in George Street and after Tom and a few friends came back to our house

2009-11-17T21:21:00.000-08:00

As always today thoughts turn to my Dad . Miss you Tommy 5 years passes so quickly.

Happy Birthday

2009-11-13T02:32:00.000-08:00

A great big happy birthday to Vik hope it was a fantastic day and I know that you are definately enjoying it with your surprise visitors enjoy!!!!!!!

Never rains it pours

2009-11-08T02:23:00.000-08:00

Fingers crossed that all goes well with Jo they think now that its a tumour in her head that is slow growing ...she has been sick for a long time they think its been growing since her last pregnancy she had rotten headaches during the pregnancy but when Jake was born (10 years ago) the headaches stopped and the seizures started this latest one was a grand mal followed by a series of minor seizures but she has been having them more regularly so she will be in hospital now until its sorted...the tumour is causing other problems in her body so she has to have tests to see if her heart will be able to take the surgery.
Wishing her all our love and best wishes .

Ramblings

2009-11-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

November already ....... another year almost done... This month is so busy firstly

Huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes to Laurena ..Lukes girlfriend and I hope your party next week is fantastic .

Toms formal is coming up on the 19th we ordered the shoes which are on thier way and bought the suit /tie and Kase has picked up the shirt for me thanks Kase and I think he said he has 4 days left of school taking out the days he doesn't need to be there for exams.

Luke has finished his second year of Uni just 1 left of the music course and 1 of education course and also has just scored a job .

Sacha's wedding is coming up on the 28th fantastic to see her at Ollys christening congrats to her and Shannon and have fun this week at the Hens night should be fun.

The school year is almost over and I have to say I can't wait it's been an interesting year .Will miss our end of year do though as Sacha's wedding is on the same day. Oh well ....... I have seriously been thinking maybe I need a change of direction hmmmmm little more thought required on that one. Don't get me wrong i love my job just not all the other crap that happens .But I know next year I'll be back there.

We also got a new pup her name is Maggie and she is the cutest thing and is learning fast . We kept her as Buffy was not well a few weeks ago and we thought we were going to loose her she is 13 now I think and of course she rallied and is scooting round again good as gold but we will hang on to maggie anyhow. I'll post some pics she is also the sister of Anabel and Ollys dog Nacho who is also a cutie.

Get well wishes go to Jo who is languishing in hospital having a little break while they finally try to figure out why she is so sick hopefully will get to see her next week.

Oliver's Christening

2009-10-19T02:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Olly's christening day. It was a really nice day and Oliver looked adorable in his little outfit and was such a good boy and smiled the whole way through the service . It was great to catch up with everyone . Kasey did an amazing job on the cake brilliant for her first attempt of fondant icing .

So much to do ...........so little time and a wedding

2009-10-11T04:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes don't you wish time would just slow down ....Have managed to get virus under control and don't feel as crappy as I did a couple of weeks ago just tired.....first week of the holidays I spent resting mainly but was feeling better the second week so I managed to get Olly's cot done and finished just need to sew the ties on his bumper and its ready to go. Thanks to Luke and Loreena and Tom we managed to get the kitchen painted (not to everyones taste but its bright and clean and not dirty cream on dirty cream anymore). After Luke and Loreena left got back into it and finished.
Thank god for Kasey Jeremy and Nat who had Tom stay there for state honours band so that i could keep going on the kitchen anyway not perfect but done. love ya all
And thanks to Vikki and Anton who had Tom for the week for Work experience with the army band so that i didn't have to go in everyday.Legends all of you and much appreciated....
survived the 1st week back at work wrecked most days by the end but got through them and had no running to bris thanks to all the above mentioned so managed to get in early nights.
This week will be go go go have Mia's Toddler bed done and am painting so hopefully by Tuesday it will be gone but with the christening this week end can't afford to slack off but am working through the thongs i need to get done. my cupboard for the dining room will probably get shunted to the shed for a few days until I can get back to it....job for this week to clean out the bus stop and get sorted and cleaned for Sunday.

Friday night we had Toms year 12 music extension recital and assessment and he did a brilliant job he had three very difficult pieces to play on flugal horn and trumpet plus play in the stage band and I was super proud of him (will try to download some of the video)...We also bought his formal suit and his tie etc are on thier way just have to get him his new shoes and hat and he will be ready to go.....I think in about 5 weeks....god the year has just flown.

CONGRATS TO GREG & TRISH
Today we went to the wedding of our very old and dear friends Greg (Klumpy) and Trish one not to miss...We both went to school with Greg and Trish we have known for years so it was great to see them both so happy.It was a lovely wedding very casual and relaxed with lots of laughs and great food (we all took a plate) and great company and even better it rained ....what more could two country folk want ...if you ask me perfect.

LOnggggg Overdue

2009-09-17T04:25:00.001-07:00

This is one long overdue post but finally feel well enough have been sick for the last two weeks sick enough to take time off work .Some rotten virus went to work last Monday and tuesday and probably shouldn't have but hit Wednesday and just couldn't do it and went back today for the first time just one day to go and holidays thank god............and the only thing for it to rest which I have but gees it hard to get rid of it. When I finally hit work kim says gees you look like shit....thanks cause here i was thinking its the best Ive felt in 2 weeks...
Lots to acheive on the holidays have to finish Ollys half sanded cot or pretty soon the poor little thing will have no where to sleep......Then my cupboard for the dining room ......Just havent felt like it lately and I have to have them out of the bus stop before Ollys christening . Then we are hoping to paint the kitchen we can't afford to replace it yet so are going to brighten it up a bit and then window sills need repainting and we want to get the house washed down we just haven't got to it since we moved in. Trying to get all the weeds out of the lawn which is a work in progress I think we are on our third spray .So it will be go go go. Toms off to State Honors band and then work experience with the army band the first week back at school.Before we know it he will be finished high school I think he has about 6 weeks after the holidays..
Oliver is getting so big now and so clever he rocks himself in his rocker and has a great time and he chats away to you and he has the most beautiful smile the biggest ones he saves for Anabel . She loves him to bits but she'll tell you put Olly down now Anabel needs a hug .......so cute . We ar e going to have both the kids overnight so that Kase and Jeremy can have a night out at the end of the holidays..apart from that when I get a chance am going to rest and throw this virus before it's time to go back to work.

Happy Birthday Tom

2009-08-30T03:19:00.000-07:00

Happy 17th Birthday Tom hope it was a great day enjoy your cake love from mum.

Happy Birthday Nat

2009-08-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our first born son Nat hope your birthday was great and that you enjoyed kaseys dinner and cake sorry couldn't see you today but hopefully 2morrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY love from Mum Dad and the boys

Birthdays

2009-08-13T03:38:00.000-07:00

Huge belated birthday wishes go to Paul for the 7th and Jenny for the 12th hope you had a fantastic break late again ...HaPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!!!

Anabel's bike

2009-07-27T02:22:00.000-07:00

Anabel got a new bike and just loves it and kits up in her Daisy and Iggle safety gear whenever she rides it I just love these pics

Olivers quilt

2009-07-27T02:03:00.000-07:00

Kasey ,Anabel and Oliver came for a visit on the weekend and caught up with Car Kaylee and Jen and what can i say Car you have EXCELLED yourself with this one . The quilt that you made for Oliver is stunning absolutely beautiful. Puts my poor efforts to shame. Sorry I didn't get to catch you and stupid me forgot to send Kaylees pressy with kase hopefully she will get it before her next birthday. Oliver is a smiley little man these days and growing so fast 8 weeks already...I know that he will love this quilt for years to come and the little photo tag is perfect and I'm making the bumpers for his cot so I think black gingham may be the way to go let me know what you think it will be stunning in the cot(Grandmas old silky oak which I am stripping back and redoing) when I get it finished. As promised have taken some pics of Olly on his quilt hope you like them..

Time Flies

2009-07-11T01:50:00.000-07:00

Gosh where did the holidays go .........Had a great first week Anabel came to stay for the week and we did manage to get a lot done . We decided to pretty much destroy the front gardens and start again Jem is a trooper he spent hours chopping out stumps so we could get the garden replanted so I now have Camillias and gardenias instead of the chinese elms that were there and it has opened up the front yard really nicely. So far so good I haven't killed anything.Also have planted out a whole heap of hanging baskets for the front patio and the back stairs. They look great I got the baskets reduced to $4 at mitre 10 wished I had got more .Hopefully if I remember I will get some pics tomorrow.
Last weekend was busy we had everyone home Kase and Jeremy and the kids.Luke and his gf Laurenna and Nat so it was definately a houseful Nat ,Jem and Tom helped finish off the clearing of the garden while Jeremy and Jem got a vegie garden going for Jem . Jem also got a worm farm for his birthday which he loves he is a keen gardener. Luke got roof duty on account of the fact that Noel and I both hate heights.......
Also finally got to start my kitchen dresser so with any luck I will get it finished in the next week or 2. Got some fantastic shelves for Jeremys room so am pleased to say he has no more boxes to unpack in his room .and also got some cube shelves for the kids toys books etc that they keep here for when they come it didn't fit where I had originally wanted to put it but we have a recess in our hall and it fits there perfectly and its not in the way so organisation is finally falling into place.
Went to the movies with the boys to see Year 1 with Jack Black I enjoyed it but can't wait to see Harry Potter next weekend.
Had Vikki come to stay last night we cracked a bottle of wine and chilled out for the night and had a few laughs brilliant.
Back to work on Monday I wish I could have another week off I would be able to get heaps done arhhhhh well........

Oliver is growing fast he is a beautiful little boy and is smiling and making noises back at you when you talk to him and he loves his big sister she always gets a smile from him ....they will be great partners in crime...

Birthdays

2009-06-20T03:30:00.000-07:00

Birthdays Birthdays and more.............
Ahuge happy 2nd birthday to Kaylee for the 18th hope you have a wonderful party and I'm sorry we couldn't make it hopefully will catch up soon HAPPY BIRTHDAY little one
Also on the 18th hope you have a great day Cathy and I won't tell anyone your age if you don't tell them mine
19th see Jeremy mybaby turn 14 Hope it was a great day jem . We ended up at a music concert on the same night as Tom and Luke had to play
Only five more work days till the holidays and boy do I need it my plan is that i don't have a plan ....well to get a few things done that I haven't had time to do since we moved in here I have an old cupboard to restore for my dining room and that will empty a few more boxes.... Grandmas old silky oak cot is next ready for Oliver and a chair that I need to reupholster for Anabel. I also have an old silky oak wardrobe that i am dying to do but it may have to wait a bit longer and to sort out the brakes on our car grrrrrrrr this has cost us about 3,000 dollars in the last 12 months but no one seems to be able to sort it out in town so hopefully someone can in brissy we have been through 4 sets of brake pads since we first got it looked at and its driving us nuts we desperately want a new car I am sooooooo over vans but have to wait for the bank to give us the go ahead ........hopefully very soon

Bit of Everything

2009-06-14T02:50:00.000-07:00

At last Tom and I took a quick trip to Ellaways yesterday to pick up his new trumpet which has been on the slowest boat from America ever.Its a full professional Xeno and he loves it He'd want to at a whopping 3 and1/2 grand they don't come cheap either.These are only made once a year by yamaha we ordered this last year and it was supposed to be here by feb this year so just a little late.

Kase and Jeremy and the kids were here last weekend and it was great to have them gave them a chance to go and show Oliver to Great Grandma and for everyone else to see him. Anabel was busy as usual cooking she is full of beans but a great little girl. Haven't seen them this week at all so can't wait until Wednesday night so I can spend some time with them again ..get used to it every week and I miss them heaps when I don't get to see them.

Am over the cold already god went to work it was freezing and these little kids come to school with no jumpers .......must be getting old or something I'm putting on layers and the kids take them off.....

Supposed to have last week free from trips to Brissy but ended up there on Tuesday night so spent the time waiting for Tom at Kenny and Michelles it was great to see John who turned the big 18 on the same day Oliver was born and of course Mia who is getting bigger all the time.......Happy Birthday John for the 26th ..............I know I am a slack Aunty.............

Next weeekend begins the next round of birthdays with Cathy and Jem and Kaylee all having birthdays .

Photos of Oliver

2009-05-29T01:17:00.000-07:00

And with big sister Anabel

Finally photos of Oliver

Welcome to the World

2009-05-28T04:27:00.001-07:00

Finally ............. and with great excitement we welcomed Kasey and Jeremys beautiful baby boy into our family. Oliver John Louis born on the 26th May weighing 8lbs 4ozs with a full head of hair. Oliver was born at home after he decided that he didn't want to wait to get to the hospital. Delivered by his Dad with his assistant Uncle Nat. Oliver is doing well and is now home with Mum Dad and his big sister Anabel who is pretty excited about having a little brother. Kasey is also doing well and looking great this time and Dad well he's chuffed. Congrats go to them for a job well done . What could be better 2 precious Grandkids to love and spoil.Will add pics tomorrow

Still Waiting

2009-05-22T05:06:00.000-07:00

Still no baby but grandad has been shopping & grandma made some great little scores on ebay a beautiful bebe outfit/set with booties bonnet onesie and 2 piece set to go with the white and tan one I scored last week arrived today totally gorgeous and all new super cheap and an osh kosh set brand new for 3 bucks gotta love it............Grandad thought miss Anabel needed a pressy too so out he walked last night from shopping with a new dollhouse for the girl ......she will love it though.

Baby News

2009-05-21T04:07:00.000-07:00

or lack of it still waiting poor Kase is over it and Grandma and Grandad are hanging out to meet the new little tyke ...........

Happy Birthday

2009-05-21T04:06:00.000-07:00

A Great big happy birthday to my neice Car hope you were totally spoilt and had a fantastic day ..........and u never know there is still time.........

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-09T02:58:00.000-07:00

Hope all you Mums have a fantastic and relaxing day...me I've already been spoilt I got a yoghurt maker been thinking about getting one for ages so its brilliant. Tomorrow we have to go to Shorncliffe for a music afternoon with Luke and Tom so apart from the drive there should be good.
Big excitement for Tom on Thursday night he had been away at Advanced Music camp and was awarded the Most Outstanding Musician at the concert that night so he was happy so he has a big trophy and a full schlorship to Bel Canto arghhhh more driving.
Spent a great day with Kase Jeremy and Anabel helping them get ready for the new bub which if I'm correct is due to make an appearance in about 8 days or so can't wait to meet this new little person.

Birthday Wishes

2009-05-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

A Huge happy Birthday to Kasey for Today can not beleive that she is 24 and a Mum herself . All the very best wishes are coming your way for a fantastic day. Hopefully you will get a rest in . Lots of love and hugs until I see you tomorrow Love from Mum

The quest for the big O

2009-05-05T05:17:00.000-07:00

Organisation or lack of is driving me insane well not quite amazing how some things just fit into one house but not another.Mind you I got the house that fit my 8 seat dining table brilliant but Jeremys room has been a night mare its 4 metres long but not quite 3 wide and a wall of windows so nothing seemed to fit . Bought new cuboard to see if that helped NAH so have finally settled on a loft bed for him and I think it is going to be great but they are so high I can stand under it but great for him cause he can still get his sofa bed under it dual purpose for friends staying over and the playstation which I don't have to have in the lounge . As for the rest of it its going well just need to find some way to store all his lego etc . only the spare room left to organise so getting there.

2009-04-21T02:33:00.000-07:00

Well we are on our way to being settled in the house (if you don't count the boxes yet to unpack) I don't know where we had all this stuff in the old house it just keeps coming.It's great though a fantastic sort out (I am officially the dump mans best friend)but I can't wait to start doing some work to it but there are some pressing things to do first like the driveway where Noel and I both got bogged after the rain last week so I have to transplant some plants so we can have our carport pad done.Great news there its costing us nothing David is going to do it and put bitumen filings in for the base and then we can decide what we want on top I like the pebbles but Noel reckons Anabel will have them all gone in no time she does love rocks I don't care the money we save this way is huge!!!!! I bit the bullet and bought a new sewing machine mine has been tempermental for ages so Grumpy is going to sevice my 2 old ones and hopefully Kase can have one. So yet another excuse to go shopping and I promised the boys I would finish the music quilts I started for them this year................but first baby sewing a couple of capsule covers and some change mat covers to get me into it I love this machine it has auto threading and my boys love the fact that I don't have to get them to thread the machine all the time.So we will see.........
First day back at work today after the Easter break I got heaps done but I'm paying for it now have bought some new furniture for Jems room in the hope I can organise i better so that will be this weekends fun and I have a wardrobe coming for the spare room so hopefully I can get the boxes in there unpacked as well and get a bit of order in there so I can get the bubby stuff in again.I have an old dresser to do up so that I can get my good dinner set into it and such they don't look quite so good on my bedroom floor in a box.
Saturday brings Anzac day this week so we will be before the crack of dawn for Tom to play the last post first at the dawn service and then the main one and he has one to play on Thursday night.
Sunday is Hollys christening(couldn't beleive how much she has grown) so hopefully will make it but Renee and Troy and the girls are coming so we will see poor thing just took her being born pressy to her today because i had packed it and Jewels pressy was with it as well so now I have them must deliver her's as well before she grows out of it.

New Addition

2009-04-10T03:56:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to bits that soon we are going to be grandparents again and Anabel is going to be a big sister can't wait not to long to go 18 th may due date congrats to Kasey and Jeremy

Wedding Anniversary

2009-03-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Wedding Anniversary to Car and Jay god it seems like yesterday lvoe to you both hope there are many more great years to come.
Today is my Dad's birthday abeilt he is not here to celebrate it but hopefully he'll be up there with Uncle Rob partying up a storm. Happy Birthday Tommy love you and miss you.
5 days to go I am staring to get excited now
Murphys Law kicks in Noels bloody plate broke so to cut out the middle man our fantastic dentist told us to go to the guy who made the plate so save a few hundred but he's had to take a day off work and it will be $315 so lucky. A few other things but housewise all is good BETTER FINISH the Packing

One week to go

2009-03-16T04:36:00.000-07:00

Only 1 more week to wait talked to the solicitor today and we can probably have the house sooner but the tennant is still in the process of moving out so we will give her time and we had planned Monday that it would all be final anyhow........ can't wait but still more packing to be done .
We thought Tom"s shoulder was fractured had ultrasounds and xrays but thankfully just like an RSI she told him to lay off the trumpet for a bit hehe not likely year 12 army auditions etc anyhow bought him a brace which will hopefully allow it to heal and strenghten again. damn just when you need the muscle too.

Anabels birthday

2009-03-16T03:33:00.000-07:00

Thought I 'd better post some pics of the party . The cake was brilliant as always Kase. Great food great company and a fantastic day to celebrate Anabels birthday. The balloon trees were really well done and a great touch. My very crafty daughter deserves full credit for beautiful cheap decorations that make a big statement

Birthday Antics

2009-03-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

We spent today at Anabels 2nd Birthday Party it was a great day and it was great to catch up with Car and Jay and Kaylee(she is soooo big now)and Anabel had a fantastic time playing with her. Jen and Paul too and of course Michelle and Mia who is also nearly one and has changed so much. Kasey did a fantastic job on the cake and decorations and Jeremy on the bbq yum. All in all a nice relaxing day and a nice change from packing.
On the subject of birthdays baby no 3 has his big day
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE !!!!!!! 20 tomorrow omg now I am starting to feel old. Hope its a fantastic day ........have a great time at Stephs . I felt like a terrible mother today in the midst of packing totally forgot was supposed to bake a cake for him for today at Anabels party.........did BUY 2 cakes one for today and one for tomorrow to share with friends which hopefully will make up for it . Anyhow have a great day love ya heaps.....
Great to see Troy on a flying visit from the Northern Territory and hopefully will see Renee and the girls very soon . Cheers.
Only 2 weeks left from tomorrow and hopefully the move will be on .........hate the waiting!!!!!!!

The House

2009-03-05T03:54:00.001-08:00

Well its official the finance is through now we just have to wait for the settlement date 23rd march and if all is well the tennant will be out and we can move in arghhhhhh I just realised how much I HATE to pack . Oh well good cleanout in progress. Listed the pool tonight and got an email 10 minutes later a guy wants to come and see on Saturday so cross fingers they will buy and it will be one less thing to do. Can't wait yoohoo !!!!!!!! I'll post some pics as soon as we get the lawn mowed lol

Welcome JEWLS

2009-03-02T22:24:00.000-08:00

Congrats goes o My nephew Josh and his Fiance Chev on the birth of thier precious little girl Jewls we know she will bring lots of joys Congrats too to Jenny and Paul on becoming Nan and Pop for the second time. Cheers to alll

Happy birthday Hannah

2009-03-02T22:21:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday for last saturday to Hannah and massive appologies to Renee we have had so much going on with this house thing that it slipped my mind hope it was a wonderful day love and best wishes and lainey will pull her finger out and get something sent to you as soon as I can. Can not beleive you are five Congrats little girl hugs and kisses.

Anabel is 2!!!!!!!!

2009-02-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday precious girl all the love in the world from Grandad & Grandma +Uncle Tom and Uncle Jem. Hope its a great day and can't wait to see you tonight.

Happy Birthday

2009-02-23T02:43:00.000-08:00

Our precious little grandaughter Anabel is turning 2 on Wednesday. Happy Birthday beautiful girl. She is a great little kid and Kasey and Jeremy have done an amazing job with her . She is loving and funny and talks non stop. Nursery rhymes and songs are her latest thing and we often have to sing on the phone to her even Grandad. She has all her uncles right where she wants them so she is pretty smart. Still hard to beleive she is 2 though can't wait to see you on Wednesday little girl.

Just one more hurdle

2009-02-23T02:25:00.000-08:00

Well we are almost there Noel is going to the building inspection of the new house tomorrow and hopefully all will go well .It's the last hurdle we have to get over but short of it being termite ridden we are going to have it. Finance is all sorted valuation went well .After the building inspection the long wait for the contract to end begins. Hopefully the tennant will have found another place by then and we can move otherwise we are stuck here until after the 16th April (I'll probably cry) . After waiting so long to be able to do this we just want to move in and get on with it.
This has been a dream for us forever. When the kids were small we couldn't do it (too many kids and only one wage the bank said) WHAT is with that. We know how blessed we have been we have 5 amazing kids and I'm glad I stayed home with them and would not have traded our lives for the world................................
So now to a new phase and new worries but it will be worth it in the end.

Goodbye to Polly

2009-02-15T02:00:00.000-08:00

It was with sad hearts that we farewelled our faithful dog Polly this morning . Poor girl has been sinking in the last few days but this morning she came in on her rug inside took a few deep breaths and passed away. We are not exactly sure how old she was but we got her when she was 6 when Jem was 2 or 3 he is now nearly 14 so she was a pretty fair age and at least she had no pain. She was renowned for talking to us if we said anything to her she always talked back especially if she wasn't getting all the attention. We will miss her heaps as well as Buffy who has always been with her and Missy who loved to annoy her. Now we worry about Buff who is only 2 years younger and was Pollys pup who is starting to show her age too. Bye little friend.

Houses

2009-02-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

Gosh just looked at the date and realised haven't posted anything here for ages.Well what a busy start to the year . Settling in nicely at work now and in to a bit of a rhythm getting to know new kids and new names and am happy to say that things are working out fine. Kasey,Jeremy,Nat and Anabel moved to a new house thank goodness we were worried that the old one would cave in on them (termites) so they are in a nice place now at Carindale.
Tom and Luke are no longer going to do Qld Youth Orchestra so now instead we go on Wed nights to Windsor Brass which they love so hump day is really that now most weeks we get home at 11.00 or later oh well.
The upside is that I get to spend my time at Kases hanging out with Anabel and the gang. She is in to nursery rhymes and songs these days so she loves it if you sing to her and with her and she is loving her new house with a big verandah to play on.
The biggest news is that we have been house hunting . We have to move from here by the 18th of May so we decided to try and buy and at least it would be ours. We have looked at lots and lots of houses some better than others and finally found one that we love and has everything that we want of course there is lots of work to be done inside(mostly cosmetic) but we plan to be there for a very long time. We signed the contracts yesterday so now as long as the bank comes to the party we will be moving in about 5 weeks. Got it for 12000 less than the asking price and for a house in that range (and god knows we've seen a few ) its huge weatherboard covered in fantastic plastic(siding so no painting) 4 bed massive kitchen seperate dining and we will make it ours as we go along a room at a time. Fingers and toes crossed!!!!!!!!

Anabel ,New Babies and life

2009-01-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

Tea Party Maddie Anabel and Cassie

Uncle Jem and Anabel

Uncle Luke

Christmas was great pretty quiet but great. Just us and the 3 boys xmas day (Tom had gone to his girlfriends for the day) and Kasey,Jeremy and Anabel and Tom arrived boxing day . Anabel was sick of opening pressys but she was interested in doing it herself this year.Her face was a picture all the new things especially the new dollys shes really into them at the moment.And of course all her night garden toys and books.

Kasey,Jeremy and Anabel left the next day to go to Woodgate and she loved the beach and is very happy to show everyone the shells she collected.

We had Anabel to stay for a few days this week just after she got back from her beach holiday and had a ball. She is a livewire constantly on the go and she talks up a storm now and knows exactly what she wants . Can't beleive that she is going to be 2 in a few short weeks . we had the twins down and she loved having tea parties and has them with her dolls now. She also loves to cook on her kitchen. And she loves checking the mail (more than once a day) and helping Grandad to plant grass seeds and was our site supervisor when we replaced some pool fencing .

But we loved having her!!!!!!!

Congrats go to Kylie and Anthony ......Lincoln is now a big brother with the birth yesterday of Holly May 6lb 14 ozs . Can't beleive all the little girls that have been born in Noels very male orientated family in the last 2 years its a nice change.

Tom has his learners and is as keen as to drive so is driving nearly everywhere now they have to keep a logbook and do 100 hours of supervised driving in the year so hopefully by September he will be driving himself everywhere in his little car. he has a bit of work to do on it but heaps of time . He's doing really well our next big thing will be driving to brissy as he spends a bit of time down there with music so I figure he may as well know what hes doing in there. must admit filling out the log book is a total pain when he does little trips but every minute counts I guess.

I have only one full week of holidays left before I go back to work the last week the kids are on holidays we have pupil free days 3 of them this year these holidays just fly with xmas and new year thrown in . Have started the school books loving it cost next to nothing for the books now there is only 2 at high school and boys don't like thier books covered (bliss) I cover stacks of books at work every year so I don't get a chance to miss it. Am a bit apprehensive about the year ahead though it will be a learning curve I guess. Have decided that I just go and do what need to do and everything else will (hopefully) fall into place.

Forgot to mention I got a new camera for chissy we have the big slr camera that is brilliant but sometimes its a pain to lug so Noel gave me a smaller one I can just throw into my bag and have all the time ...........yeah so these pics are taken on it.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T05:04:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a brilliant 2009 (where did 2008 go) For our family and friends I hope that your year is full of only good things . And I hope that anything you set out to acheive next year goes exactly how you want it to. To those that have had trials this year I hope that 2009 is a turning point ........CHEERS!!!!!!! see you next year

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T03:44:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has the most fantastic Xmas and New year . Hope that Santa brings you all you want.Me I can't wait .
Cards sent -----check if you haven't got your card by now it is in the mail promise....
Pressys wrapped ---check and delivered
cooking done----check and delivered
house clean ----check
done and dusted

Can't wait for Anabel to get here on boxing day to open her pressys should be fun this year now she is a bit older.
Have a great one wishing you all a safe and happy one CHEERS!!!!!!!!

Birthday Wishes

2008-12-20T17:18:00.000-08:00

Have the happiest of happy birthdays today Jeremy hope its a great one and that you have a relaxing time at Wynumn today with the girls Cheers !!!!!!!!!!

New pics

2008-12-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

And finally because I have been so slack some new pics of Miss Anabel and a pic of Troy and Renees girls a thier naming day

Shopping done

2008-12-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

Its amazing what yo can do in a short space of time the boys and I picked up Kase on Thursday and headed to Carindale to try to get the Xmas shopping done and then to Cannon Hill and am pleased to report all but done as for the wrapping thats another story hopefully will finish it today. I have to say that I have scored some brilliant on line bargins as well 2 little people sets the big farm and playground sets for $25 bucks with postage and the zoo and village for $30 all in excellent condition with all the bits and a kitchen and chicco supermarket for $40 and the latest a little tikes shopping trolley for $14 all great and Anabels not going to care if they are in boxes or not. Also scored Tom a brand new Ipod nano 8gb for $117 with postage I was rapped as the cheapest we could get it was about 180.
On the way home though I got all the way back to town and saw the police sitting at the high school there was a car behind me and I saw him put his lights on and I was laughing to myself but the car pulled over guess who they were after arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh. This is the funniest ever "maam you were talking on your mobile " hilarious because anyone that knows me knows that if I can actually find my mobile it's very rarely on and Anabel was playing with it last week so as for its present location its in the dolly pram at home . So there was this whole I laughed and explained about said phone so he asks whether anyone else in the car has a mobile and anyone thet knows teens knows that they don't leave home without them. So Luke had to get out while they searched the floor in the front to see if I had thrown it on the floor scary if you have seen the floor of my car lately. So then he says did you have your hand up to your face duh probably cause I sure as heck wasn't on a mobile , so after being breathalized they let me go .Gees I know they have a job to do but they could have done it somewhere else !!!!!!!!!!

Telephone

2008-12-11T01:27:00.000-08:00

Forgot to mention the message on answering machine Had a s_ _t of a day and got home to this message from guess who .............. hellooooooo........hi................granma.......... we were rolling with laughter was telling Kase about it and she had no idea ............. but how she does love to chat...... we can't bring ourselves to erase it..

ONE day to go......... moving classrooms arghhhhhhhhhhh I have been very spoilt the whole time at work with the teachers I work with I have had 2 brilliant long term stints and have been working with Kate for nearly 5 years so sad to learn I am off to be with new teacher for next year . Still prep/1 be an interesting year It will be GREAT!!!!!!!!!!

Party day today and it was sad to see the kids go (mostly) we don't encourage them to come on the last day as we have to clean move get organised we think we will have one preppy or maybe she will change her mind its sad because there really is nothing for them to do . Crappy week to be doing it .It is sooooooo hot spent some time in the shed at work yesterday gosh it was loike a sauna I sweated buckets thank god I just have to put stuff in there 2morrow. Its been a fantastic year but roll on 3.00 o'lock 2morrow ********** Then I will have to put in some serious shopping have almost finished Anabel and Jem but thats abut it .Toms easy he is buying a new trumpet and at almost 3 1/2 grand he wants cash to put towards it . He also bought his first car its just an older mazda but we know the car and it doesn't need much to get it on the road so between that and the trumpet he won't have much money left from the coles job but he'll get there

5 DAYS TO GO ............YIPPEE

2008-12-07T03:38:00.000-08:00

I can't wait only five days to go now I have reread some of my blogs and maybe it seems that i hate my job as I am always hanging out for the holidays......Not true I love my job but am over the year the prep/year one thing has been hard work but the kids mostly are great and I will miss them but they are so ready to move on .......I think its the lead up that kills it spent last week doing individual video cds for the Xmas pressy for the parents and its amazing how much they have all grown since the beginning of the year ..so I must say I a really happy with how they turned out although my watcher Jem is over the preschool song thing.
Then there is getting ready for the next year argghhhhhhhh......

Can not wait have been shopping and I have to say I love shopping for Anabel where were all these cool toys when our kids were bubs have decided (nuts) that I will finish next week .

Noel is taking holidays this year with us so that will be a nice change.

This will be the first year that all our kids haven't been all together xmas day so it will be different but boxing day will be great except that Nat has to work .

Anyhow will post again soon oh before I go haven't put a pick up of the girl for a while . She rang us the other day and it is so gorgeous we don't think we will ever erase it .

November

2008-11-27T23:59:00.000-08:00

Well where has the year gone I've been so busy with work it was brilliant that the kids bought us a weekend down at Pottsville for our birthdays which we love the best place to relax .......could have stayed there heaps longer or at least could have left my sinuses behind. Ten days of antibiotics and antihistimines and all I have acheived is not having to absolutely live on panadol Have to front up for the cat scan so I guess we will see if I really do have a brain.
Now birthdays have been put on the back burner over the last few years here after Dad died the day after Noels birthday and his funeral was just after mine so it puts a damper on things . But we can't thank the kids enough we really needed to get away THANKS we love ya all heaps.......and Tommy still love and miss you heaps and poor Jem is lost without you

Well there is only 10 working days left till the holidays (but whose counting) six weeks of bliss after I go Xmas shopping I always used to be organized arghhhhhhh........it just never happens anymore. We had our work party last night really I am so lucky i work with the best people in the world and we had an absolute ball mind you must be getting old we were all dragging a chain this morning

It's been fantastic to see Renee and the girls down from Tennant Creek this week Troy arrives tomorrow for the rest of thier stay and the girls naming ceremony on the 14th Dec I can not beleive how much the girls have grown scary Amelia was just a little baby when they left and is now a toddler .

And finally a birthday wish to Lincoln who is 2 this week and also Vikki for the 13th Noel for the 17th and Hil for the same day love to all .........

Dozer

2008-10-21T03:58:00.000-07:00

Jen rang with the news that Dozer had to be put to sleep Jeremy was just beside himself that his Bulldozer was gone he loved spending time with him and is going to miss him heaps. RIP Dozer

Birthdays and more

2008-10-21T03:45:00.000-07:00

well the holdens didn't win but KATE WAS HAPPY because she wasn't there this year . but she was happy with her birthday cake made her a white mud cake with a scaled down Bathurst track with holden signs and Brockies car on it she loved it. And she is going next year again......

Went to a work conference on the pupil free day and it was brilliant we had 2 motivational speakers first woman we had reanmed all the days of the week hilarious Monday is Magical Monday(but its still bloody Monday) terrific Tuesday WOW Wednesday and the list goes on so we are all terrific today and tomorrow we are all gonna be WOW (apparently) its been the thing of the day at work today I have six days of relief teachers coming up starting 2morrow so I am not sure how terrific,wow I'm going to be for the next week.
The guy we had was FANTASTIC all about behaviour management and boys it was so well done really worthwhile I thought he was so down to earth but funny with it conference went over time but no one cared. Hope we get him again

Happy Birthday Kate

2008-10-11T14:51:00.001-07:00

Well what more could a girl want Bathurst on her birthday............ well its bliss for this girl . Have a fantastic birthday and hope that the Holdens come through today for ya CHEERS KATE!!!!!!!!!! Have a great one.

Back to work

2008-10-10T02:37:00.000-07:00

Holidays over and have survived the first week back at work (THANK GOD its FRIDAY). It was great to see the kids again (mostly) and we are back into it with a vengance not long to go now so are really cranking them along to get them ready to go to year 1 and 2. Spent today trying to work out my timetable so much has changed now I have to do the swimming thing with the year 1's it means I have to shuffle my speechies around to fit them all in arghhhhh. So it looks as though its going to be a busy term on the other hand it's fantastic to see how our preppys have grown this year and how confident they have become and amazing to see how many of them are so ready to go to year 1.
Had Mia on the weekend and she was great no hassles little miss smiley( she has 2 teeth) loved having her but I would never want more of my own ( there are reasons for not having kids in your 40's). I could not do it full time again (maybe I had too many kids LOL)
Luke finishes uni for the year in a couple of weeks hard to beleive he has almost finished his 1st year.
Miss Anabel is becoming a very chatty little girl she likes to talk to Grandad on the phone and tell him things I get the occasional day where she wants to tell you stuff. Today she wanted an iceblock at 6.30 am and was most upset when Mum said no she's a funny thing.So grown Up!!!!
She loves Upsy Daisy and Ickle Pickle and the fairies but was a little bit addicted to Raggs the last time she was here and was most disgusted if you turned them off.