Round-Up ~ May 2019

Bringing back this old gem... I want to acknowledge what's going on in our lives each month- and see what's missing...

On our bookshelf this month....

Kieran: is reading Douglas Adam's Hitch Hikers guide series.
Tama: is loving Wimpy Kid books, and Bad Guys.
Me:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37655505-scrublands (4 stars)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39863488-the-lost-man (5 stars)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6089981-walking-the-boundaries (3 stars)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36321443-barney-and-the-secret-of-the-french-spies (3 stars)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40383092-the-last-dingo-summer (5 stars)

Loving on the box....

Game of Thrones, Survivor, The Good Fight, Grey's Anatomy (Me)
Big Bang, Young Sheldon, and Lego Masters for Will
Anything Cake or cupcake, or competitive on the Food channel: Me and Tama. :-)
Also watched Space Dave's Facebook Live- thanks Wendy!

Also enjoying...

The boys are still in a massive Fortnite phase.

 For you...For me?

Mother's day saw me get some scrappy stuff, and cash- always good! 

We sent some Musical instruments and books to Brace and Talea. 

Finally posted Merenia's package of chocolate, baking trays, and Edmonds book... (that might have been end of April).

Germs and bugs and botherations....

Les has a cold, Kieran was home sick with a sore throat.

Today was good today was fun, tomorrow is another one...

We had Brace and Talea here for five days and got to catch up with Layla as well- these days were a lot of fun... and tiring.

Yum, yum, yum....

Faux Mother's Day BBQ with Layla- steak and then cake!
Elevated Grounds ANZAC Biscuits.
Brussle Sprouts cooked in butter with bacon bits.

Hooray!

I started volunteering in Tama's class and my teacher brain still works.
We're heading back to the Hockey field- Kieran is coaching Year 7/8's. Will is playing 5/6's. Tama is going to H2H.
Sam wrote the German content for my book. :-) Super grateful.

Etc...

You know who's good idea this was? Katie The Scrapbook Lady. Go check out her list of tasks to do at the end of each month as well.

♥

Round-up~ October 2015

Enjoying....
L- Homeland
G- Dr Who, Survivor, The Beautiful Lie, The Principal, Various Serial related Podcasts.
K- Survivor, Dr Who
M- Horror films, Comedy shows.
W- Pokemon, Minecraft, Deadly 60, Mythbusters
T- Dinosaur everything.


Well that was fun...
Magic shows at the Library. A couple of trips to the park for Les and the boys and a lot of BMX-ing. Robert came over a few times and Will had a sleep over there and saw the movie Pixels. Kieran went to the beach with N and K&A. A few trips around and about with Brace- Camel Farm and Weir, Baigup Reserve and Ikea etc. Merenia had a catch up with Friends at Kalamunda and shopping at Carousel, and went to a Halloween Party as Ballet R2D2. Kings Park with the boys. Kieran had his Year 12 Breakfast, final assembly and last day of school ever- as well as the graduation dinner at Frasers in Kings Park. Doing the crystal growing tree and watching it progress through the day.

Yum, yum, yum...
Birthday Cheesecake. Brace brough Cheesecake and Lemon Meringue Pie. Yummy Roast pork mini Christmas dinner. Two Peas Salad and also the Pumpkin, Feta, Bacon and Kumara Salad. A really good meat loaf. Some delish Ice Cream from Coles. Apple and Berry Crumble.

For you...For me?
Presents for my Birthday and some sent home for Ehren with Brace. Presents from Brace including plants for the garden. And Presents for Talea and Layla. We completed the Woolworths Ancient Animals card sets and T got a Dinosaur plush toy. Clare brought me flowers. :-) Will brought himself a happy sleepy Pikachu toy and was so pleased he got all teary looking at it in the car.

Bugger!
Layla got sick with Mastitis. Brace wasn't here for nearly long enough. Layla and Talea headed back to Karratha.

Hooray!
Talea was born safe and well. Lots of work in the garden... it's looking pretty good. Brace came for a visit! Started the Christmas shopping. The All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup. Les lost some weight. :-)

Etc...
The plumber came and fixed the septic. Kieran had his Mock exams. Les had a job interview- we're still waiting to hear back. Met Layla's daughter Ava and ex-inlaws at the airport. Lots of shifts for Merenia over the school holidays.

Seen and Heard...
Me having just got dressed in a new red T-shirt and jeans....
Tama: Wow mum you look cool! (Pronouced 'tool')
Will: Yeah that red and dark blue combination is great on you.

Will did the full BMX course the other day...
Les: Great work Buddy, well done!
Will: Yeah I'm a naturalist.

This will be my last round up I think- I am doubling up on all this stuff in other places and I want to spend my time doing other more fun stuff. 
♥

Round-up~ September 2015

Enjoying....
L- Chicken Hawk, Elysium
G- Survivor, Doctor Who, old scrapbooking magazines, The Cross roads of should and must, The Bunker Diary, The First Third, lots of David Attenborough, Elysium
K- Survivor, Doctor Who, NFL
M-
W- Nature Documentaries, Veritasium.
T- Prehistoric Park


Well that was fun...
Tama washed the dishes... one of his happy places. Will and Les watched Merenia in her Yohfest performance. Kieran did some training with the ones- who made the semis. Kieran and I enjoyed the ones game with chips and gravy. Kieran and Nadya spent the day in the city. Fathers day. Will went to Ethan's Party at Bounce. Kieran and I enjoyed the Ladies twos final. Merenia went to Joondalup for shopping. Les took the boys to Herdsman Lake- they were excited to see a Tiger Snake. Merenia started her job at KFC. Waterplay at Kindy. Yohfest in Mandurah. Kieran had a games day at Nadyas. Merenia went to the Kiwales wind-up and we won a Lego set and iTunes voucher in the raffle. Kieran watched Nadya perform at school. Kieran went to the Junior wind-up and got some really cool thank-you gifts. Tama had a Kanyana visit at Kindy. I got out to take photos of flowers. A nice afternoon at Rockingham Foreshore with Danny and Layla. Lots of outings and biking for Les and the boys. Les had a day out flying and a game of golf. Les and Will had a nice morning at Tomato Lake and the Volcano Park. Fun Friday last day of term for Will... lots of computer time. Netball campfire catch-up. Cards Against Humanity session. Will enjoyed biking on the street. A trip to Mundaring Weir and the Camel Farm. Kieran went Sandboarding with Nadya. Merenia and Les went to fly Merenia's new glider. Saw some cool new to us wildlife.

Yum, yum, yum...
Pretzels, Corned Beef, Raspberry Ice Cream, Chocolate Cake, Layla's scones and cheesys. Camel Toe biscuits. Village Pizza.

For you...For me?
Fathers Day presents for Les. Presents for the baby. We got a new bed and bedding for Layla and Merenia. We got a couple of Cable reels for Kindy and us. New Lego Mini figure series. Pokemon cards.

Bugger!
I missed the Herdsman Lake excursion. A bit of stress this month with stuff going on. Kieran has been quite sick this month. I got a speeding ticket and 2 demerit points. :-(

Hooray!
Les fixed the car for free! Caught up with Brace and Nana on Skype. I finished my Week in the Life book. Layla came to stay with us. The 9/10's team gave me a box of chocolates. Les and the kids weeded the front garden. I made a scrapbooker out of Layla. School holidays. Great visit with Chelsea the homeschool moderator. I filed my scrapbook pages (finally).

Etc...
Kieran had lots of revision sessions at school. We swapped the boys into Merenia's room... set up their old room for Layla. Lots of driving this month and lots of money spent.

Seen and Heard...

♥

Round-up~ August 2015

Enjoying....
L-??
G- Uranium doco, Bunker Diaries, Doctor Who, If you are the one, The Sky is Everywhere, Eleanor and Park, The First Third, Good Ideas: How to be Your Child's Best Teacher by Michael Rosen. Bosch.
K- Bunker Diaries, Paper Towns, Bledisloe Test.
M- Insurgent, Crochet
W- Uranium doco, Pokemon.
T- Frozen, Prehistoric Park, Dinosaur books


Well that was fun...
Will had two sleep-overs this month at Roberts. Tama came to Kieran's umpiring game and had a great time with Dixie the dog. We went on our first home school excursion to the Swan River at South Perth. Grandparents day at H2H= Good food. LPS Scitech night- Les took the boys and Robert. Kieran went to Michaels for the Rugby. Les took the boys to Lesmurdie Falls. Kieran went to Outdoor Ed Camp. Will and I went Bird Spotting at John Oldham Park. Danny came and stayed for a night and we caught up with him for lunch. We skyped with Brace. The boys had fun on the potion table. They had a campfire and roasted marshmallows. Les took the boys to the Science week festival. Tama had a Hospitalisation familiarisation incursion at Kindy. Merenia turned 15. We had a big Hockey day at PHS... watched four games in a row. Les took Merenia and the boys shopping at Carousel. Will and Robert made a Zombie room. Will and I went and watched a presentation by Dr Derek Muller- we had Sushi for dinner and a very good time. We went Bird watching at G.O Edwards Park. Went to Remida for the first time. The 17's wore headbands for their last game. Will went to Roberts for his birthday. Les and Merenia went flying for the day. Nadya came over for the day.

Yum, yum, yum...
Merenia's birthday cake was good and Les has discovered a regular supply of pretzels at the Belmont IGA. We had a yummy roast Lamb when Danny came and also had a Ham at the end of the month glazed and hot! The boys and I made Carrot Cake and Rice Bubble cakes.

For you...For me?
Birthday presents for Georgia, Merenia and Robert. Baby things for Danny, Layla and Tahlia. Scrapbooking stuff. We went to Crow books twice this month and got books for the little boys. Will brought himself some Pokemon stuff. I brought Will some motivational Pokemon Cards. We got a cherry tree from Isis's family. We got some good scores at the CWA op shop. I made Netball books for the team. Mathletics, Reading Eggs and Remida subs for Will.

Bugger!
Lujca had to cancel on Merenia's birthday Tama was sick in the strangest way over a whole night. I also was sick a lot of the month with ear, migraine, and tummy issues.

Hooray!
Hockey and Netball are finished!! Another rental inspection passed. We finally set up the potion table/cubby corner. Kieran scored a goal in the Two's last game of the season.

Etc...
Kieran did some driving practice with Me. Merenia had a job interview at KFC. Tama started Speech Sounds group.

Seen and Heard...

Will asked me: Is Infinity like death for numbers? And then went on to describe to me his concept of infinity as a box (complicated). Today he asked me what does 'persecuted' mean.... holy cow! Halfway through explaining I realised he meant prosecuted- so I had to do that one as well. And the final kicker was explaining 'salvation' as in the Salvation Army.

When Danny was here he was playing Hide and Seek with the boys and Tama had him county to "Eleventy".

Tama: "It's like I'm wonder woman as a boy!"

Merenia was talking about a girl who wrote a mean letter. Tama: "Did it have like scribbles on it?"

In the car Tama said he wanted to try some Toxodon meat. He said he was going to catch a Sabre Tooth Cat in the wild. Train it so it doesn't hurt people in our family and then have it catch him a Toxodon for him to eat.

Will tells me he is "actually shaking a bit with excitement". Why? Because he's going to see a presentation by a Uranium Documentary Scientist!

♥

Round-up~ July 2015

Enjoying....
L- The internet, Jurrasic World
G- Love, Child, Masterchef finale, If You are the One, GoT, The life-changing magic of tidying, Gods of Guilt, Homeschool blogs.
K- Game of Thrones, Jurrasic World, Boy.
M- The ANZAC Girls, Inside Out, crochet.
W- Pokemon cards, books, games.
T- Frozen, Any story anyone will read him.


Well that was fun...
School Holidays- Tama and Will played really well together. Kieran and Nadya went to Freo for the day. Kieran went to Canberra for ADFA Boards and it went really well. Robert came for a sleepover. Will went to Roberts for a sleepover. Lucja came for a sleepover and Merenia went to Clarkson. Les and Kieran went to see Jurrasic World. Merenia and Lucja went to see Inside Out. We rescued a New Holland Honeyeater and then got to release him when he was better. Nadya came over for the day. Merenia went to Britney's Birthday at Bounce and a sleepover after. Kieran and Nadya went to Tim's party. Merenia went to Nika's Party. Will went to Georgia's Rock Climbing party. W & T went to Aerial fun with Robert.

Yum, yum, yum...
Cheesecake, Les' Birthday cake. The girls did baking while Lucja was here. Village Pizza. Treats from the Kiwi Shop. Roast Lamb.

For you...For me?
I made a tooth fairy book for Vienna. Clothes for all the kids including some smart casual for Kieran to wear in Canberra and 70's chic for Merenia to wear to Nika's. Birthday Presents for Les, Georgia and Britney. Presents for Tama and Will from the Radice's trip to the Gold Coast. Homeschool supplies.

Bugger!
Lots of losses in Hockey and Netball. Merenia had a sick day. I got another Ear infection. Colds and sore throats all around.

Hooray!
I continued to declutter after having read The life-changing magic of tidying.Got a bunch of scrapbook pages done. Kieran's team had a win. Steph and Scott's baby girl arrived safe and well. Caught up with Bel and Tony. Kieran's skin has improved stacks on the Roaccutane.

Etc...
We started homeschooling Will. Will saw the Physio. The stupid bank sent Merenia's eftpos cards to the old address! Both Kieran and Merenia had a bunch of paid umpiring including a Carnival for M and a couple of seniors games for Kieran.

Seen and Heard...

Tama on the first day of homeschool "Can we have HomeKindy too?"

The boys are outside on the tramp legs crossed, and palms together.
Will to Tama: "You need to be quiet and still. Then when you meditate you will enlighten your spirit" 

Merenia was putting up the birthday photos today for Les' birthday. Tama said" "But they're meant to be pictures of Dad!"

Tama: Mum There was a spoon in-between your fridge.
Mum: Hmmm can you put it in the sink?
Tama: Sure. I think Will did it, because he's the cheeky one in our family.
For 'cheeky one' read: eternal food thief!

Kieran heads out the door for school...
Tama: I will miss Kieran, it's lucky I still have you.

♥

Round-up~ June 2015

Enjoying....
L- The Good Wife, Game of Thrones
G- Love Child, If you are the one, Grey's Anatomy, Game of Thrones
K- Game of Thrones (books and TV).
M- The ANZAC Girls
W- Dr Who and Star Wars when he was sick. Lots of books about Animals, Minerals and Science.
T- Prehistoric Park, Playing Cats with Indie and Callum.


Well that was fun...
Les and Cathy went to listen to Maggie Dent. Kieran hung out & studied with Nadya. Saskia turned 16- we hung out together and had morning tea at Dome, a late lunch, Chinese Takeaways for dinner, and Cheesecake for dessert. Kieran went op-shopping with his friends. Tama turned 4. Les caught up with Dave Griffin over breakfast. Kieran got to go see the Dalai Lama speak at UWA. Merenia had a couple of friends over to work on the Yohfest stuff together. The boys and I went to school to watch Merenia's Drama performance. Kieran went to a friends place to play poker. Tama had a 'Now we are 4' party at Kindy.

Yum, yum, yum...
Tama's Birthday Cake- Chocolate Mousse Cake from the Cheesecake Factory. Plus we had a really nice Roast Lamb this month. Pretzels from Melville.

For you...For me?
We got 'new to us' couches which the kids are quite keen on. Some new shelves for the boys room and the playroom. Tama got a wood working table for his birthday and all the associated tools. New Jeans for me... no more broken zips hooray!! I got some stuff in the Scrapbooking on Farrall closing down sale.

Bugger!
This month started with the spewy bug that both little boys had full force. Hockey was shit and I ended up withdrawing my support from the club. I lost a bunch of photos off my camera (see below). Scrapbooking on Farrall is closing down. A boy we know from the kids school, who was also a neighbour to us passed away- it was super sad. Will got his new orthopedics for his shoes- and ended up having a day off school with sore feet.

Hooray!
Revamped the playroom and making table and both are getting heaps more use. I got back the photos I lost, eventually. The boys won a little lego prize at the library. The ones beat the Lions, the Twos beat Fremantle. Christy and Luke are having a baby! I caught up with Wendy B on the phone. Les got a new model and only had to go to Mandurah to pick it up.

Etc...
Kieran had exams at the start of the month. I sorted out all of Will's Lego Heroes in the hope we may be able to build and display them all... a lot of effort, not so much payoff. Merenia and Kieran both continued to umpire for Netball and Hockey. Pugsley came for the night and we decided that we weren't cut out to be dog sitters.Les did a run to the tip. We had a full four game day of Hockey at Rockingham. I caught up with Danny on the phone. Merenia did knitting at school with Will's class. Took Kieran to the Dermatologist and spent 2 hours waiting for hos appointment.

Seen and Heard...
Dad: So same as the other week, either watching the game with me, or on the playground, no where else.
Kids: OK
Dad: If someone comes along and says they have puppies in their car and you can come look at them, what do you say?
Kids: No.
Dad: And if someone says they have lollies for you and you should go get them?
Kids: We say no.
Dad: And what if Tony Stark comes along and says he has new armour to show you?
Kids: That wont happen, Tony Stark's not real.

♥

Round-up~ May 2015

Enjoying....
Les: Thud Ridge, Game of Thrones
Gypsy: The Burning Room, The Madness of Modern Parenting, Killing Rachel, Stung,  The Crossroads of Should and Must, Greys, Survivor, Good Wife, Love Child, Game of Thrones, Undisclosed and Mortified Podcasts.
Kieran: Jasper Jones, Survivor, Game of Thrones
Merenia: The ANZAC Girls,
Will: Gemstone books, Minecraft book and book about Native Australian animals.
Tama: Library books, especially Dinosaur Books


Well that was fun...
Making plastic bag kites with Matthew and the rest of the Kindy kids.Kieran's First game with the 17's (and the subsequent ones). Will went to Roberts for a sleepover and the went roller-skating and Robert came to ours. Merenia had an excursion to Curtain University. Mental health day for Will including a trip into the city to John Oldham Park. Mother's Day afternoon tea at Kindy. Tama enjoyed painting the big box we got at Kindy in the backyard. The boys enjoyed the big box in general. Will went to Callums Karate Party and on the same day Tama went to his Callum's Birthday Party as well. The boys played a cool game called Nature Trackers. Tama had a Kindy Excursion to Stirk Park. Merenia did her Dance performance at Kalamunda. Les took the boys to Dome for dessert. Lunch at Maccas for me and T with Les. Nadya came for dinner - we got funky Icecream. Les and Merenia went to F3B for the two days of the long weekend. The boys played with Sebastian and Josh and Mitch over the long weekend.

Yum, yum, yum...
Lisa's Carrot Cupcakes (Callum's Mum). The food at the Kindy open day. Chunky chocolate chippies. Vegemite Chocolate and also the Pretzel and Peanut one too.

For you...For me?
Birthday Presents for the Callums,Simpsons Lego Mini Figs, Pj's and Socks for M, Tracksuit pants for the boys. New jeans and Distress Ink for me. A Triceratops for Tama and a Lego Hero for Will. Will got new shoes and graphites in his new shoes. Danes gear for Merenia. I scored a cool shelving unit for my scraproom from the skip bin at the Hospital. New Printer because the old one died. Photobooks for us and Glenys, plus the Nature Tracker Bird Spotting Notebooks.

Bugger!
Tama lost his toenail. Will got some sort of Gastro bug and was out for the day yesterday- poor wee guy.

Hooray!
The 17's won their game against Rockingham. The guy Kieran and I wanted to win won Survivor. I finally sorted the Hockey First Aid kits and Simon got me some Spray on Ice and proper plasters. I completed 4 photo books and a heap of digital LO's. A whole week Hockey Free over the WA day Long weekend.Will earned his silver badge (50 faction tokens since he's been at school).

Etc...
Tama had an appointment with Dr Houliston. I caught up with Salvy to talk about the kids leavers plans. Merenia did lots of Netball Umpiring including a Carnival at Midland. And Kieran has done a bit for Hockey as well. Jayme came over a couple of times and she and Merenia practised their dance. We passed our rental inspection. Tama had a massive sleep in till after 9am one morning- I got Cathy to grab Will on her way to school. I took Kieran to the Doctor as per ADF instructions- he also got his Panel date for Canberra. Will's OT came and watched him at school. Photo day at school. Tama is 101.5cm tall and 19.6kg. Tama and Will are both enjoying H2H. Pam stopped by to update us on her Kitchen Plans. I took myself to the Doctor. Merenia had Yohfest Practice.

Seen and Heard...

Les talking to Will and Tama:
"Don't touch that meat. That's Mum's meat and she's going to want it in the morning. So don't take a bite out of it and don't steal it from the fridge. Don't even think about touching it at all."
Tama whispers to Will:
"We're so going to touch it aren't we!"
______________________________________________

Tama: I 'weally weally' want to have a baby.
Me: I think you're a bit young to have a baby plus you'll need to get married. (I know not strictly true).
Tama: Oh no! I'm weally weally scared of getting married Mum.
_______________________________________________

Tama came home from Hook into Hockey and said "Mum I played on the Kalamunda Team for the first time!!"
 _______________________________________________

I got a reminder on my phone when we were out watching the space station fly across our sky. I told the kids that it was the Doctor calling from the Space Station telling them to wave. Tama said after:
"My favourite part was waving to Mum's Doctor on the Space Station".

♥

Round-up~ April 2015

Enjoying....L- Good Wife, MKR, GOT
G- Survivor, Grey's If you are the One, Good Wife, GOT, Bitttersweet,
K- Survivor,  If you are the One, GOT, Trainspotting
M- Comedy Fest, ANZAC Telly
W- Home @ the movies.
T- Play school & Prehistoric Park.


Well that was fun...
Tama and I have been enjoying Library afternoons on his Kindy half day. And Will is most happy that Robert is now coming over every Tuesday after school. Tama and I went and watched Will in the Easter Hat Parade (mindless school tradition). The big kids had their fun run at school and Merenia got a prize for Lower school costume. Ehren and Shannon came for 5 days that were both long and very short. Easter happened with all it's chocolatey madness and Easter Egg hunt. Les took the crew to Kings Park, The Volcano Park and Belmont Oasis. AQWA and Hillary's Beach. The kids played an awesome game of shops. Playing Cards against Humanity with Shannon. Peel Zoo, Ice Cream store and Quarry Par in Mandurah. Scitech. Dinos on Ice, I love you party. Dance Party and games night all rolled into one. Aviation History Museum for Les and the kids. Ikea and the Scrapbook Store for Shan and I. I took the littles to a Library school holiday programme with the Lorax and Science. Kieran hung out with Nadya. Will had a sleep over at Roberts and they went to the Movies. Robert had a sleepover at ours. I took the kids (all 4) to Carousel to do some shopping and it was exceptionally good- despite being all 4 of them, at Carousel, in the school holidays for hours! Pam stopped over for a visit. Les went in the RSA section in the Perth City ANZAC Parade. Will went to Josh's Karate Party. Kieran and friends met up for lunch. Les went out for a game of golf. Jayme came over and the girls practised their dance. We had a players tea at Hockey.

Yum, yum, yum...
Kiwi food and girl on the swing fudge. Cheesecake and such for the I love you Party. Chips from Burger Edge are yum! Froyo in the holidays. Holiday Cereal- I'm not sure how often we'll do this again because cereal= sugar+grains and all the associated crap but we have a new champion in dragging stuff out. Tama chose coco-pops and still has some left 4 weeks later, much to the annoyance of the other 4 who all finished their box of choice.

For you...For me?
We got new bar stools so we'd have one for Ehren when the boys were having breakfast. New Pillows and clothes for the boys. Easter presents for the littles from the Radice's and from us to Robert. Kiwi gifts from the Corsans and Wendy. Easter Eggs, Lego Heroes and sticker books. Made Will a book bag for his bunk. We scored some cool games from the CWA op shop. A cool new ANZAC picture book. We donated some money to Bella the puppy, and Taryns robotics trip. Next magazine from Jo and Doug.

Bugger!
Tama hurt his toe once at home and once at kindy and ended up losing his toenail in the process.

Hooray!
We took cool family photos with Ehren. I finished the Hello Photobook (at 2:20am one day). Did some paper scrapbooking finally!

Etc...
We borrowed a bed for Ehren from Dave and Cathy. Hockey Practice continued on. Kieran and the team had an early training session with Doug. Will had OT and Physio appointments and I managed to knock over a lampost. LOTS of Hockey. Netball Practice started for another year. Set up the bunks- and the kids created a Tall tower and a cosy cave. Picked up a lady on the side of the highway who had recently lost her baby.

Seen and Heard...

Will: "Mum when I was in the toilet I could make the noise of a frog with a really deep croak by pressing in my tummy like this and pressing out with my rear end."

My darling 7 year old told me this morning:
"Mum, Dad said I can take just one pair of his medals and his poppy for news. I have to have them in a plastic bag and I have to leave them in the bag."
Then I said I was going to ring Dad to check and Will informed me:
"I might have misheard him".
Needs his hearing checked I guess because Les said: "No way, too precious!"

♥

Round-up~ March 2015

Enjoying....
L- My Kitchen Rules,
G- Scary Close, Maya Angelou, Bitter Sweet, In Defence of Food, Survivor, Good Wife, Grey's Anatomy.
K- Survivor, Jasper Jones.
M- Comedy Festival, Gallipolli.
W- Minecraft, Home (Movie), The Twits, Team Titans, Ben 10, Adventure Time.
T- Snakes and Crocodiles book, Zingo game, Peppa Pig, Prehistoric Park, Batman Movie.


Well that was fun...
Tama and I went to the mall and got Froyo and Sushi, Jualbup Lake, to Ikea for Easter stuff, Hillarys Beach, and John Oldham Park. Kieran got to see a helicopter, had his assessment and a mentor session. Merenia did a full paid night of Umpiring and also had a grading night for Netball.Les too the boys to Lego Club at the Library. We participated in the clean-up Australia day with Mrs Mulligan and a bunch of others. Les took the boys to Fred Jacoby Park. Kieran and Nadya had lunch at Kalamunda. Merenia on an excursion to Walyanga National Park. Will's Physion cancelled on the morning of his appointment so we took our time getting him to back to school and had a nice time. Bike riding at the Ray Owen. Kieran and Nadya had their School Ball and After Party. Merenia had an excursion to Scitech. Les took the boys to Picnic on the Green at school. Will had a sleep over at Roberts and they went to the movie: Home. We played Cards Against Humanity with the big kids. Kieran went to Michaels for a Pasta Night. Kieran went to Irwin Barracks to check out a N429 Helicopter. Kieran went to watch Nadya's Music concert at school. Lucas came for a play. John Dolphin went flying with Les and came to dinner the next night. Club Carnival at Hockey. Kieran had a Mentor session at ADF. Tama and I went to John Oldham Park. Merenia represented the school in the DaVinci Decathlon. Robert came over for a play.

Yum, yum, yum...
Merenia made Banana Cake. I made a lime and kiwi cheesecake- lucky for me I was the only one that liked it. Two Icy Pole days at school for Will. Les made Pies for Pi day.

For you...For me?
Violin strings for Merenia. Will got a Bionicle from the Radice's. We got a new book called 'Mike I don't like'. Minecraft books for Will and Robert. I won a prize from Scrapbooking at Farral. We collected Dominoes from Woolworths. Easter treats from Ikea. Will brought himself a Bionicle called Tahu. St Patricks day cards for the kids and teachers with Gold Coins. School uniform!!! Will got a 'new' bike. Kieran also got a new bike from Mrs Dowset. We brought Zingo Bingo.

Bugger!
Kieran had a couple of sick days. Tama also came home from Kindy sick one day. NZ lost the Cricket World Cup Final to Australia.

Hooray!
I got the 'Goodbye' Photobook finished and started 'Hello'. A tree fell down at school and caused lots of good fun. We got a new coach for Hockey. We watched the fireworks at the end of the Corymbia Fastival. Kieran made it through to the next stage of ADFA selection. My car got new brake pads! We got a coach for the ones and a new coach for the twos!!

Etc...
Les has made a weekly trip to Fruit Loop. Will lost a tooth. Labour Day Holiday. Tama and I established a weekly Library Habit. The Plumber came and fixed the shower and the handyman came and fixed the sliding door. Hockey AGM. LOTS of Hockey Practice. There were three active cyclones including one that hit Vanuatu and one smaller one that hit WA- despite strong weather warnings it wasn't all that interesting in Perth. Les went to a meeting at Cams. The big kids applied for Tax numbers. We helped out at the Kindy Busy Bee. Robert comes to our place on Tuesdays after school. I went to the Club Conference.

Seen and Heard...

Will's betrothal wish list:
1. His best friend Robert.
2. His other friend Georgia.
3. Katy Perry.

Tama: "C'mon Will lets go outside, Mum is really annoying me. She keeps interrupting"
Me: Sitting silently reading a book.

Will is fake dialling the police due to non-production on Les' part of specified foods for morning tea. He's calling for Les' arrest.
"Hello Police. Leslie Stockley didn't give me my Hash Browns and Chicken fingers. Please arrest him. He lives at.... "

I'm caught by an unknown parent and child calling out to Will across the front of the school the end of a conversation we'd been having in the car: "No he's not dead he's still alive unfortunately and going around killing other people" (Jihadi John)

Tama recounts his dream at Kindy: Zombies, a missing brother, and Les putting someone in the laundry. His Kindy teacher said "He doesn't seem to be worried about the Zombies?" To which I replied no he's more worried about the laundry, zombies are normal at our house".

Drop Will off at school and the office lady asks if I got in trouble yesterday. Turns out Will had gone to the office to find out why they didn't send home a note about Icy-pole (Ice block) day. It was in the newsletter but I forgot... I'm not sure if I like his initiative and determination or if he's 'that kid' at school that always drove me crazy as a teacher.

The photo I am not posting on the internet: Is two little nudie boys jumping on the trampoline in "Cyclone Rain". Will's description makes it sound much more adventurous than it is. 26 degrees= A good summer day in Auckland or a 'storm' in Perth

In the car yesterday listing to Gymbaroo (kids music).
Tama: Gee Mum that Larry really is a happy guy, isn't he? 

In the car today listening to the radio (because Gymbaroo makes Will cry, apparently):
Radio Announcer: I was at a night club...
Tama: Night CLUB!! OH MY DODD Mum did you hear that? They have a KNIGHT CLUB!!

 Sometimes in the evening I feel a little bit chilly. Then I look at the temperature and I feel ashamed to call myself a New Zealander let alone a Dunedinite. (21 degrees).

Kieran "That sounds like a Dr Who Porn Parody" While playing Cards Against Humanity. 

Will talking about Les' Roast Chicken: "It tastes like something that starts with 'S' and ends in 'T'.

♥

Round-up~ February 2015

Enjoying....
L-My Kitchen Rules
G- Desire Map, Grey's Anatomy, POW, In defence of Food, If you are the one.
K- If you are the one.Tennis and Cricket
M- School stuff.
W- Science Books and Magazines
T- Mix it up


Well that was fun...
The kids all happily settled back into their respective educational institutes! The neighbours kids came over to play. Kieran and Nadja spent a bunch of time together. Robert came over to play a few times. Merenia had a sleep over at Britneys. Will helped the neighbours with their garden clean-up. Les took the girls to the pool. All the kids had a impromptu water fight. Tama and I went to the Kalamunda pools. Les had lunch at Kindy with Tama. A red dinner for Valentines day with cheesecake. Les had a day out flying. Tama and I went to Victoria Park for some shopping. Tama had a teddy bears picnic lunch at Kindy. Will went to Roberts for a sleepover and they went to see the Chinese New Year festivities at Northbridge. I checked out the Maylands shopping area- very cool and hip. A tree came down at school and the boys enjoyed climbing all over it. Kieran took Nadja into town for lunch on her birthday. Les took the boys to Fred Jacoby Park.

Yum, yum, yum...
Will cooked Indian Chicken for dinner. We've been making some interesting dishes with eggs and leftovers... Low carb and lots of delicious fat. Merenia also made a berry pudding.

For you...For me?
Some books for me and one for Tama.A suit, shirt and shoes for Kieran. Hockey Registration for Will and Kieran and Netball Rego for Merenia. $$$$$$!!!!!!! Pop-up Pirate Game for Tama & Will. Tama got a Transformers suit from Debbie.

Bugger!
The car broke. Will had a sick day in just the second week of school- headache and sore throat. The Hockey coach quit before he began.

Hooray!
It was LOAD month- lots of pages done 34+/28! Holidays ended and school went back! Tama started Kindy. Les fixed the car! (Quite cheaply too!). Merenia got advanced good standing Academic and Commitment. Kieran got the same and topped the school in predicted ATAR Year 11. But he was pissed because they forgot to read the Maths and Maths specialist that he also topped. Will got a certificate at the assembly. Fitness training is over at Hockey. I won a scrapbooky prize.


Etc...
Hockey Practice back on. More intense electrical storms. Our neighbours moved out and new ones moved in. Les did a first aid course in Kalamunda. We changed the boys room around in the process of cleaning for the inspection. Meetings at Kindy, school and Hockey. Parent Teacher interviews at school.

Seen and Heard...
Tama as we were leaving school having just dropped Will to his first day of term: "I miss my brother". And then the next day after about 15 minutes at his first day of Kindy: "You can go now Mum".

Me: It's depressing when you can't find a book with a pop-up concrete mixer in it, isn't it?
Tama: I know it is sooooo hard. 
----------------------------------

Mrs B to me at Parent Interviews: "Well you know how he loves sticks?"

♥

Round-up ~ January 2015

Enjoying....
L- Mostly stuff on the computer, though he did get few some of his ever growing stack of books to read. Almighty Johnsons. Somalia Documentary. To Be Sung Underwater.
G- If you are the one. Retro movies (American Werewolf in London). The Maze, A million Miles in a thousand. Somalia Documentary
K- If you are the one. Retro movies. Tennis. GoT, Somalia Documentary
M- Library Horse books. Videos and TV on her iPad.
W- Kids TV. Minecraft books and Lego Club Magazine.
T- 'Press Here'.


Well that was fun...
Les went out for a round of golf. Will went for a play at Roberts and Robert came here for a sleepover. Les had a day at the field. Lujca came for a few nights and Merenia went to Clarkson in return. Les had a skype session with Ehren. Les and the boys did a bunch of adventuring at Lesmurdie Falls. Les took the boys to Pioneer Park in FF. Swim at Belmont Oasis after work. Nadya came back from Indonesia early and surprised Kieran. K and N went to Freo with friends. Will and Tama are playing a cool imaginary game in backyard (Alex the archer (w) and Steve the Swordsman). Merenia had a sleepover at Jaymes. Kieran went out with Michael on Australia Day. And Les took the boys and Merenia to the falls to watch the fireworks in town. Massive Electrical storms. Kieran had more fun with Nadya. Will and Robert hung out and caught up more- with another sleepover. Kieran went into the city.

Yum, yum, yum...
Eggy fritata type brunch.

For you...For me?
Will spent some Christmas money buying Lego Heroes on Gumtree. Will finally found some of the Lego Heroes from the Boxing day sale at BigW. School stationery shopping x3.1. Textbook shopping. I ordered the 2014 365 Photobook. Tama got a cool construction site book from Campion and some other books also from Clare and Robert. New shoes for Will. Rash top, shorts, and T-shirt for Tama. We got cool mail from Wendy and Vienna. Four times Haircuts.

Bugger!
Big bushfire in Bullsbrook. Will caught a cold. The AU$ - US$ exchange rate is rubbish again.

Hooray!
I finished my Daily December Album. Tama got toilet trained fairly easily. Will had his first OT appointment- Sally is super cool. Petrol dropped under $1.00 briefly. Tama got a cute letter from his Kindy teacher.

Etc...
Backed away Christmas. We had some super hot WA summer days... 40's! I cleaned out the whole pantry in search of a gecko! Summer Hockey. Tuperware Party at Cathy's.
The Charlie Hedbo Terrorist attack happened this month. #JeSuisCharlie was a thing. There were also huge massacres by Boko Harram. And some exceptionally large and long lived Bushfires in South Australia.

♥

Round-up~ December

Enjoying....
L- The things they carried, Unforgiven, Almighty Johnsons, Good Wife, First Contact
G- Next Magazine, Hyperbole and a Half, Kids are Weird, Survivor, Good Wife, Serial, First Contact
K- Survivor, American Football, Pokemon
M- Lemony Snickett, Triple Fault, movies.
W- Lego Heroes, Lego Heroes and um Lego Heroes
T- Play School, Ben and Holly, Timmy Time


Well that was fun...
Kieran went to Lazer Tag with Corey driving him. Glenys came for a week. Kieran hung out with Nadya a few times. We took Glenys to Ikea. We took Glenys up the Swan Valley and to Whiteman Park. Will had a sleepover at Roberts and they went to the Paddington Movie. Les took Glenys to Fremantle. Les, Glenys and the little boys went to the Camel Farm, Volcano Park and Belmont Pools. We played cards against humanity with Glenys x2.  Merenia had a concert for music. Les tok the boys to the Ray Owen for bike riding practice. Nadya came to watch Kieran's last game of summer Hockey- we all got Frozen sprites. Will had a year one and two class party. Merenia performed for the teachers with the Guitar ensemble. We went to Adventure World for the work family Christmas. Kieran, Nadya, and Cory went and watched Perth play Adelaide at the basketball. Tama had his last Storytime at the Library. We went and watched the LPS school concert. Will turned 7- Robert came for the day and Clare joined us for cake. We went to Carousel and the kids did their shopping and to Belmont for Santa Photos. Kieran went to Adventure World. The kids decorated Gingerbread Christmas Trees with Nadya. Looking at the Christmas lights with Nadya along for the ride. Christmas Eve water fight. Christmas. Playing Cards against humanity and skipbo with the big kids. Will had a swimming play date with Robert. Bel and Noah came for a visit. Merenia went to a New Years Eve Party at her friend Rhys' place.

Yum, yum, yum...
We had a yummy mixed up dinner- with Ikea Meat balls, cream puffs, and eclairs.  Ice creams from the Swan Valley Ice Cream factory. I made the Zumbo Chocolate Mousse cake. Fro-yo after the kids did their shopping. Roast Pork for Christmas Eve, the usual Christmas fare.

For you...For me? I got presents for Will and Tama in Brisbane- a Starbucks cup for Will and a little aeroplane toy for Tama. We scored some stuff from Ikea and The Scrapbook Store. We brought a new Christmas Tree because ants had moved into the Tree box. Santa Glenys gave the kids a bunch of presents. We gave gifts to the librarians, Mrs Miller, Pam and the Radices. Will got a load of presents for his Birthday. We all got a load of presents for Christmas. Nadya, Clare, Wendy B, Pam, Paula, Ella, and Wendy P all gave us presents as well. King size duvet and duvet cover!

Bugger!
Will came home early from school one day with a headache. There was a siege in Sydney and a gunman killed a couple of civilians.

Hooray!
Just about everything! We won six (small) lotto prizes in the month from Nov 29 - Dec 29! We got our Christmas Groceries delivered. Getting mail from NZ

Etc...
Tama had his first speech appointment. Summer Hockey finished up. I did a speech at the Leap Expo. I made Abba costumes for Will and Lucas for the School concert. Fire season has started with force including one at Falls Rd while we were at the concert. School broke for the holidays. I saw a rat in the backyard. Les had Holidays from the 24th on. Les and the kids helped put together the Nortons trampoline. The temperature hit 39 degrees. I discovered there's a girl called Gypsy in what will be Tama's year at school- weird.

Seen and Heard...
Will opened this and then carefully read Tama's 'writing':
"Dear Will, Happy Birthday. Love Tama xoxo"
Tama put his arm around him and said
"Good Work Buddy"

Tama to Glenys: "Now you be the stone guy and I'll be the Christmas lady."

Tama to Glenys: "Great Grandma... Aunty Glenys."

Robert to Will: "You do know that friendship is the most important thing right?"
Will: "Yeah of course!"

In the car looking at the Christmas Lights:
Tama: Nadya?
Nadya: Yes
Tama: Are you still there?
Nadya: Yes

♥

Round-up~ November 2014

Enjoying....L- Homeland, Goodwife.
G- Goodwife, Dr Who, Survivor, The Code, Party Tricks.
K- Survivor. NFL, Game of Thrones
M- Canterwood Crest, Lemony Snicket.
W- Lego Hero Factory
T- Play School, Ben and Holly, Mister Maker.


Well that was fun...
Les and Merenia had a day at the field for F3B. Will had Italian Day at school with Pizza and Gelato. Robert came over to play. Tama had his Kindy Orientation session and met his new teacher Lucy. Kieran and Nadya went to the Year 11 Dinner Dance. Summer Hockey. Family Fun Day! Robert over to play again! Will, Kieran and I attended the final match of India Vs. Australia. Will got to be a mascot for the Indian Team. He met Tyler Lovell and had his new T-shirt signed. We had a super awesome electrical storm come right over our house. I went to Toodyay to visit the Christmas store. Merenia went to Maddy's to do their science project. Les took the kids for bike riding practice to the Ray Owen. We had two days of cool electrical storms. I had 3 days in Brisbane and the sunshine coast- saw my grandma. Met Des and Jill. Had six frappaccinos. Les took Will to the school Disco. Les took the boys to Ikea for lunch and they brought cats. Merenia took the train to Joondalup and went to the new Hunger Games Movie with Lujca.

Yum, yum, yum...
Kieran had Passionfruit Cheesecake for his birthday.

For you...For me?
Some token Birthday presents for Kieran as the real deal didn't arrive until the 21st I pretty much completed all our Christmas shopping and Will's Birthday as well- including a few items we got in NZ and had sent to Glenys to bring with her.  Got Will and me some new clothes. Brought some plants for the garden. I brought the boys back pressies from Brisbane- Will got a cup from Starbucks and Tama got a little toy plane.

Bugger!
Kieran got quite bad Tonsillitis at the same time as his exams.Tama flooded the kids bathroom and soaked 9 clean and folded towels in the process. All of us except Les got blood tests done.

Hooray!
Did a bit of spring cleaning and got rid of some stuff. We chopped down the dead tree in the backyard and also cleared some branches to let the light in on the Fig Tree. Kieran got a Prudence award at the Australian Maths Prizegiving at Perth Modern. Got the front garden looking good. I got the week in the life and the photobook for my Dad finished. Pam stopped by for a visit.

Etc...
Kieran had Exams this month and finished up school for the year. I did the Week in the Life photos and documentation. Will saw Leanne and the Physio. Woolworths started another set of animal cards... sigh. The kids had a Pupil free day at school. I made a photobook of Ruby and Calendars for the Grannys. We had a rental inspection and passed. We got rid of all the weeds and branches from the backyard- Les did 4 runs on free dumping day. Kieran and I spent a bunch of time sorting Lego Heroes. Got all my Christmas cards done and ready to send back to NZ.

Seen and Heard...

Tama on the subject of his blood test: "I wasn't brave Mum I was too busy being scared."
Tama: "Mum I love you. You're the best Mum that I NEVER had"

Will "This is the best way to eat hot chips. At the stadium watching the game."

Me to Kieran on the subject of Will being hyper at the Hockey Match: "Well it's a pretty big deal you know it's his first game and with everything he'd be pretty excited"
Will: "I'm bored."

♥

Round-up~ October 2014

Enjoying....
L- Homeland, Air Aces, The Code and The Good Wife
G- Offspring, Dr Who, Party Tricks, Survivor, The Code and The Good Wife
K- Dr Who, Survivor, American Football
M- ?? Who knows what goes on in her lair... not me. :-)
W- Hero Factory, Ironman, and he's reading Minecraft books
T- Play School, Ben and Holly, Construction stories and Nursery Rhymes (hearing and telling).


Well that was fun...
Merenia had the second half of her sleepover. Merenia went to Lujca's for a sleepover. Wendy from across the road shouted me to a coffee at the King and Spoon. Josh, Mitch and Cathy came for a play. Nadya came for dinner. Kieran went to dinner and the movies with friends. Kieran went to Nadya's Mum's birthday. Merenia went Ice Skating with the netball girls. Will had a sleepover at Roberts. Noah came for the day. Les took the boys to the Volcano Park. Kieran spent the day with Nadya and her family. I took the little boys for a walk to Ray Owen while they were doing a burn and saw a legless lizard. Dinner at Midland and the Senior Hockey Wind-up. Will had his Faction Carnival and Les was home to watch. Merenia played guitar at the Kelmscott Show- and Les took the boys there for a while. Grandad was here and we had a week of adventures including Mundaring Weir, Calamuunda Camel Farm, Swan Valley, Mountain Biking, Movies, Hockey, Peel Zoo, Mandurah, Kings Park, Rio Tinto Naturescape, Ikea and lots of I Spy, Hide and Seek and Sandpit action. Merenia had a school trip to AQWA.

Yum, yum, yum...
Hockey Dinner- Back Forest Cake. Lunch at Fairbrossen Estate. Chocolate and Ice Cream from Margaret River. Camel Toe Biscuits. Lamb Roast. We had fun food for Halloween.

For you...For me?
It was my birthday at the start of the month, just a quiet one- I got Offspring DVD's. We got presents sorted for my dad to take back to NZ to post off to Vienna and Ehren. Plus a small thing each for Sam and Finn. New jeans for me. And I brought a some stuff in anticipation of Christmas and Will's birthday in December. Les brought himself a new model. A lego set for Lucas' birthday.

Bugger!
The boys broke a window. Tama took paint off the walls. The Toilet blocked and the septic tank was playing up. I got sick with a inner ear infection- and it cost me $180. My Dad's flight was delayed and he lost most of the day.

Hooray!
Grandad came for a visit. Kieran got KalaHockey Rookie of the Year and Men's 2's Most Improved. Will got the stabilisers off his bike.

Etc...
School holidays. Will had his Physio assessment. Les found a bobtail Lizard in the garden. Les went to Toowoomba for work. The weather really started to heat up. Summer Hockey started. Kieran and I had haircuts.

Seen and Heard...

Tama: I spy with my little eye something that begins with 'S'.
Grandad: Stockley's, shoes, street, sign, Merenia, sand, shirt....
Tama: No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Grandad: Give us a clue.
Tama: It has a bucket.
Grandad: Water, sand
Me: Something that has a bucket
Grandad: Excavator
Tama: YES!!
Playing I spy with Tama is tricky!

♥

Round-up~ September 2014

Enjoying....
L- Fate is the Hunter
G- Doctor Who, Survivor. Another Stephanie Plum book.  Offspring I watched the first 4 series' again.
K- Doctor Who, Survivor, American Football.
M-The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
W- Crap TV and Minecraft- game and books.
T- Nursery Rhymes, Ben and Holly, Mr Maker, Playschool. Singing and story telling.


Well that was fun...
Kieran went to Kanye West with Connor Bell- I was relieved that Connor's Mum was able to pick them up. Will had his final H2H session for the year and got presented with his certificate and medal. Kiwales Beat the Saints to go straight through to the final. I got a bunch of scrapping done while Les was away. Tama and I went for a photowalk and some boying. I got to attend an online photo critique with Katrina Kennedy- that was cool. We watched the 40's and 50's play at Freo. The kids had a great time sledding down the hill. Kieran and I watched the Women's final. Les took the little boys to school to play and they built on Will's Cubby. We watched Will's class do their school assembly. Had Morning Tea with Les at work. Les took the boys for a bike ride. Les took the kids to Par 3 Golf. Tama went next door and played with Simon. Merenia went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with Jayme, Cailee and Sam. Kieran had an excursion to Adventure World. Kieran went to Nadya's a couple of times- including going out for dinner with her family to a Korean BBQ place in Vic Park. We had Lujca come to stay for a few nights. Nadya came and had dinner with us. Kieran spent a bunch of time at their place. Merenia finally had her birthday sleepover with Lujca, Jayme and Annaliese.

Yum, yum, yum...
I had a whole Village Pizza to myself. Yay! :-) Les brought back chocolate (100's and 100's and L&P) and fudge from New Zealand.

For you...For me?
I did a massive 6x4 photo order. Some Scrappy stuff- Mostly Project Life but also some papers from Tomorrows Memories. Bar stools for the kitchen.

Bugger!
Will got in trouble at school twice. Once for being insolent and once for stealing. The boys bent the curtain rail, in their room. Will was home sick with a cold once and with a head ache on another occasion- I think he has end of term-itis. Merenia's team just missed winning their final. Royden passed away on the 23rd.

Hooray!
Will won a prize in the fathers day raffle at school. We got Tama enrolled at a different Kindy that is a lot more play based. Les got back from NZ. The 40's and the Ladies Turf team won their finals. Will got his Bronze Medallion. We got the washing machine fixed. I finally sorted all the Hockey Photos for Dennis. Merenia's team came second overall for Netball for the year.

Etc...
Les spent two weeks in New Zealand helping with Hospice care for his Brother-in-law. Danny didn't come and stay. Will saw the Dental Nurse. We checked out Will's school work on the afternoon of the open night. Kieran had his first Turf Committee Meeting. Will had 3 free dress days and the kids had one for Beyond Blue. Lucja came to stay. Merenia had a music concert at school. Kieran had some sort of a try-out/trial for Hockey. Kinesiologist appointment (last one for Merenia). We had a massive Kangaroo cross the road in front of us.

Seen and Heard...
We had a conversation about brothers and half brothers in the car. Then the questions started.... there were a few and I explained that a half brother is one that has only helped to be made by one of your parents- and someone else. Then Tama said: "How did you make us anyway?" To which I replied I was busy driving the car and needed to concentrate.
Will said it was ok he'd explain. I stopped him as I said that was a grown-up job. I checked with him later to see what the answer is and he said: "Actually I don't know, but I think it has something to do with love".

♥

Round-up~ August 2014

Enjoying....
Les- some of his new birthday books, he's not here for me to ask him which one.
Gypsy- Doctor Who, new picture books, and Finding your element by Sir Ken Robinson, The Brain that Changes Itself.
Kieran- Game of Thrones, and a book called Airforce.
Merenia- The Silver Sword, Ruby Redfort, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (Movie).
Will- Minecraft books.
Tama- Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom, Playschool, books- any and all.
The Bledisloe Games on the telly. Offspring Finale. :-(


Well that was fun...
Kieran's team had an awesome second game at Rockingham. Kieran had an evening at Michaels and a couple of days hanging out with Nadja. Will had a book week parade at school. Roberts Birthday Party and Will had a play with Robert after. Merenia's Music thing at Carine. Les and Tama went to Hillary's and had an ice cream. Merenia had a sleepover with Jayme and Cailee and they all went shopping with Brittany and Analiese. Kieran went to Outdoor Ed camp to do Kayaking and such (it would have been more fun with less rain).

Yum, yum, yum...
We ran down the sugar in our house this month.Merenia's Birthday cake was called a Beesting. It was Vanilla with a honey cream it was pretty sweet and we all agreed it would have been much nicer without the flaked nuts. Kieran quit sugar on his weetbix altogether! Pretzels from the Bakery in Melville. Merenia chose Chinese for her Birthday dinner.

For you...For me?
It was Merenia's Birthday this month, she and I spent a full Sunday shopping for clothes and her other treats. Les headed to New Zealand and scored some stuff over there. We got two new Lens' for the camera a new midrange lens and a 50mm- hooray!! A Thermos for school lunches and some new lunch boxes. A little scrapbooking stuff. :-) Presents for Les to take to NZ for Caitlin and Matt and Natalia's baby. Lots of mail for NZ, Canada etc Cam and Lucy, Ehren, Vienna and more when Les went back to NZ. Kieran got a new phone. Will got a half a big Lego set he wanted for filling his Pompom Jar. Kieran helped him build it. Roberts Birthday presents. More minecraft books for Will. I did a photo order - first time since January. :-) I made and Anakin Skywalker Costume for Will. I got a present and flowers from Kieran's team to say thanks for being team manager. Tama got a chalk board laptop which he 'loved'.

Bugger!
Les got a flat battery. Will was home sick on about 3 different days. I got a pretty decent cold. Royden is much sicker than ever before.

Hooray!
We got our tax $$ back. I made a bunch of photobooks. Kieran had his first interview for the ADF and based on the testing they did was offered any job he wanted. :-) I checked out Tomorrow's Memories in Bassendean. I got to meet another scrapbooker- Bindi when we did a PL card swap. Kieran and Nadja- became facebook official. Les finished the path- yipeeee!! Finally got my legs waxed. We passed the rental inspection.

Etc...
We packed down the cot for the last time ever. Had to get sandbags for the tramp as it tried to move house while Les was in Melbourne. I got pinged by a speed camera... but didn't get a ticket hooray.  Les went to Melbourne for work. I had a great chat with Christy- sad subject but good to catch-up. Steven came and cut the half pavers. Robert came to play. The kids had a Teacher Only day. I moved two book shelves and two cupboards so I could bring the making table into the lounge.

Seen and Heard...

Loved this discussion with Will where he said he was one of the only people in the world that could do another country's accent and that he can say 'Oh' like Robert: Oh. 

Will when Les was in Melbourne: "I have to admit Mum, that was a good dinner you made"
Tama after listening to the song 'As happy as Larry': "Who is Larry anyway?"
Tama when I asked him to say 'boys': "I can only say girls and Tiernans (Kierans)"
Tama whilst watching 'the windows' on Playschool.
T: "I choose circle"
Mum: "I choose arched"
Playschool: "It's the square window"
T: "We both win!!"

5:30am Tama very grumpy voice....
"Dad you told me a liar! This wheatbag is cold and there's no music going. Can you come and fix up the bedroom?"

Me to T: "I realise asking questions is how you learn, but less learning today, alright?"
It was only 8:30am.... long day ahead.

First imagine a little voice calling, urgently.
"Help, help me mum!"
Then imagine running to the kitchen.
Only to find a little boy hanging off the handle of the freezer door.
Swinging.
Swinging in mid-air.
Swinging away from the step stool.
The step stool he'd been using to try and retrieve confiscated items from the top of the fridge.
Imagine trying to get to him on time.
But failing.
He drops to the floor... (like a 15cm drop).
Now imagine me trying to keep my shit together so I may comfort my shocked wee dude.
Then imagine me failing.
Because honestly, parenting IS stranger than fiction... and sometimes my life is like 'The Naked Lunch' of parenting.
And. You. Just. Have. To. Laugh.

♥

Round-up~ April 2014

On our bookshelf this month....

G= Accidentally Over Weight and Rushing Womens Syndrome by Libby Weaver, Hands Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stofford. 
K= Game of Thrones
W= Star Wars Pick-a-path book
T= Anything Construction especially Roadworks and A Hole in the Road.

Loving on the box....

The Goodwife, Survivor, Love Child, Puberty Blues, Peppa Pig. Biggest Loser, Game of Thrones. Merenia and her friend watched all 3 Legally Blonde Movies.

For you...For me?

I sent home some small stuff for Ehren and Vienna when Kieran went to NZ. Birthday presents for Lyric, Lujca and Noah.We did little Easter Baskets for end of term for the teachers. Oh and Easter stuff for us of course. A blanket and a pillow for Merenia from Ikea and a lamp for Tama.

Germs and bugs and botherations....

We all pretty much ended up with a Cold/flu thing- Tama first and then everyone else followed. I had a migraine and some serious Caffiene withdrawal symptoms. 

Today was good today was fun, tomorrow is another one...

Tama did some painting. Merenia spent some time in Will's class helping make Easter Bonnets.
Merenia went to Wesley College for the DaVinci Challenge. Easter Hat Parade. Mrs Elphicks final assembly. K, W and I went to and LOVED the Lego Movie. Les took Tama to the Armadale Reptile Park. Kieran went to New Zealand for 10 days. Merenia went to Lujca's Birthday sleepover. Will went to Lyric indoor playground party. Playing with Robert at his place and Josh and MItch at theirs.

Yum, yum, yum....

Mirror Mud Cake. Vegemite cheesy's, Cinnamon Oysters, Red Velvet Lammingtons.

'It was on sale'....

Scrapbooking stuff via Facebook Garage Sale. Lego Mini figures. LOAD 514. Soil and Sand for the back yard.

Bugger!

Kieran's team lost their first 3 games of Hockey.

Hooray!

We got a new sliding door totally awesome because the old door didn't even close properly let alone lock up! Both big kids got glowing reports at Parent-Teacher Interviews. All the Retic was finally fixed. Les did the first part of the paving. We got free paving for the pathway. We started getting the back lawn sorted. We finally got our stump seats under the tree. I had an Epiphany. Got a bit of scrapbooking done.

Etc...

Les did an instructors course. Started the month with a Teachers Strike. Will spent a lot of time playing and talking about Minecraft. Will and Merenia started going to the Kinesiologist. I went to the Chiropractor. We went and saw the Peppa Pig Show at Armadale Mall... not fun. I went to the Hypnotherapist- twice, because it didn't really work the first time. We had our first and last burn of leave and tree trimings. Haircuts for both boys. School Holidays,

You know who's good idea this was? Katie The Scrapbook Lady. Go check out her list of tasks to do at the end of each month as well.

♥

Round-up~ March 2014

On our bookshelf this month....

G- The power of mothers, All the Money in the World, Coraline and The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

L- The power of mothers

K- Game of Thrones

W- Captain Underpants, various super hero stories and a Star Wars pick-a-path book.

T- Lots of construction books!

Loving on the box....

Love child, Puberty Blues, Good Wife, TBL, Survivor, Breaking Bad,

For you...For me?

A card for my Dad this month. A present for baby Amber. And a lot of hours into a photobook for Mrs Elphick. St Patricks day treats for us and the teachers.

Germs and bugs and botherations....

Kieran sick with a cold, Will also sick with a cold. Kieran had his ankle stomped on at Hockey. Will stuck some little plastic peas in his ear and thought that one had fallen into his ear canal so a trip to A&E.

Today was good today was fun, tomorrow is another one...

Going to the falls with Will. Reading my book at the Turf Hockey Practice and the drive there and back talking with Kieran. Will had his friend Robert over for a play. Two days at the field for Les and Merenia. Lots of great outdoor water and sandplay. Merenia had a sleepover with Brittany and Annaliese. Kieran and I spent the day at the Hockey Carnival. I had a bit of a scrapbooking day. Merenia went to Year 8 Camp for 3 days.

Yum, yum, yum....

Muddy Puddle Biscuits, St Patricks Day dinner and desert, Pie day crumble top apple berry pie. Cheesy-mite pastry fingers.

'It was on sale'....

I got my Raskog Trolley from Ikea. We brought new clothes for Kieran to take to NZ including a jacket from Kathmandu which was on a really good special. Photobooks- I got 3 done including a book for Tama. Magic tricks were a bit of a hit this month after I scored some from the service station for Will.

Bugger!

Kieran's licence came with his name misspelled and they were complete dickheads about it- but we won in the end. Tama's referral got lost, again. Sorting Will's Lego again. Too many late nights.

Hooray!

My new Raskog Trolley. Kieran's Hockey got sorted without us having to change clubs. Catching up with Nana and Brace. The weather is still warm enough to get wet- but not too hot to get roasted. Getting the stump a little sorted and the big yard a bit tidier. Getting a 56 page Photobook done in the space of about 3 days.

Etc...

The handyman was here to fix the retic... maybe next month he'll do it. Les started a week long instructors course.

You know who's good idea this was? Katie The Scrapbook Lady. Go check out her list of tasks to do at the end of each month as well.

♥