School year 2007 - no turning back

Well, we have done it. The school year has now started and we have completed our 2nd day. YEAH! Such an accomplishment. Both of the boys are doing great and their behaviour has changed drastically (it needed to) and I am very proud. Ella had her 1st 1/2 day at Kindy yesterday and she is counting down the sleeps until she goes again. Haven't done any scrapping this week as trying to be more organized and it is working. House is clean, washing and ironing up to date and even managed to cook a few banana cakes today as it was slightly cooler. Feeling pretty together and confident. Anyway need that oh so important cup of tea. Finally uplaoded a page that is my latest for the local shop. Brontx

LONG WEEK-ENDS

What a great, but hot, week-end. Almost ready to go back to school, just a few more books to cover and name, Ella's hat and cup for kindy and haircuts (thank goodness tomorrow) as Danny can hardly see. All the ironing and washing is now up to date, floors nearly finished. All in all a productive day.
On Thursday, we caught up with some friends and had a swim. The weather wasn't as bad as we thought it was going to be. We then dropped DJ at Dad's so he could go down the coast and stay for a few days. How exciting! They stopped at Yatala Pies on the way down and arrived about 7.30. As we were dropping him off we were hit by a serious downpour, so we went to the coffee shop around the corner and waited for it to pass (the other 3 needed a bit of a treat since Dan was getting one).
Friday, Australia Day, pretty hot. We ended up at Scott's cousin's unit and had a swim and BBQ. Their baby is now 3 weeks old and we got to have a cuddle. She has grown a bit but she's still really tiny.
Saturday, we went to the coast to pick up DJ. We spent the day with my Sister, Dad and Co. We had a great time. We also had to go to some friend's 30th. We had a great time as we usually know most of the people (I went to school with quite a few of them). Food and drinks, laughter and catching up - good receipe for friendship. Glad they're back from Melbourne and expecting their 1st baby. Managed to get the ball rolling on a baby shower too. We had a pretty good trip back but it was so hot and hard to sleep last night.
Just got back from signing the kids on for hockey. It'll be Ella's 1st year - she can't wait! We haven't told Bai he's not playing yet - he won't be happy (guess by 2nd game he might be in the team!). We then went to Racecourse Rd for a coffee, it was very relaxing and great coffee.
Anyway my pies are smelling ready, best go and put on some veges. I'll try and post my latest challenge page for the local shop. Brontx

School Shoe Blues

What a day! We spent time at the shops doing that last bit of school shopping. Ran into heaps of people we knew too. We only had to get a few things but 4.5hrs later we came out and were extremely grumpy and hit the heat. The car air-conditioning is still broken (part nit arriving from Japan for another 2wks). Anyway, only one real disaster, Danny wanted different shoes to the usual affordable Lynx school shoes. Surprising we get home and he doesn't like the more expensive, had to have pair and they are a little loose! GREAT! What do you do other than have a yelling match because everyone is too hot and tired to tolerate each other. Anyway, most are in bed asleep now. Only my lovely 2 yr old is up because he had another late sleep. While in K-mart we ran into Scott's cousin and her 3 girls, so we parted did our quick shoe shopping (Tom and Bridget) then met at Gloria Jeans for a well earned coffee break. My kids were a bit loud but as she was quick to point out, we were in a book shop not a library. We also saw a dinosaur from the Walking With Dinosaurs show. The kids loved it that we had to watch it twice. Anyway, must go NCIS returns tonight and I am in need of a cup of tea and a piece of freshly baked banana cake. YUM! Nite nite Brontx

King Tides...

We went to Sandgate today to see the king tide. Oh what fun. The kids had a ball, especially Bailey who was screeching with delight every time he got wet. We then had morning tea at Doug's with Scott's parents. It was then time for a creative arvo. I made these photo frames and this album. I thought they might be ok for the carnival Chanel. Anyway, talk soon Brontx

MOVIE DAY

Well, happy to say I've finished 2 pages this morning. Yeah! Feels so good. We had a bit of a slack day today. We went to the Southbank Cinemas this arvo to see "Flushed Away". It was so clever and we all really enjoyed it. After the movie we went to our favourite deli in Grey St - Poppys. They make a nice strong coffee (I know this doesn't really sound like me) and I needed it. It's nice to go to a place (actually for nearly 4 yrs) and notice that all the staff are the same. Anyway, need my last cup of tea and bed. Nite Brontx

Swimming, Bike Rides and Food...

Well it's been another few busy days in the Fletcher household. Thursday, we went to a friends house for a swim. Between the 4 of us we had 13 kids. Oh my goodness. It was very busy but they all got along very well which is always a bit of a relief. As usual there was alot of great food to be eaten as well. It really is my favourite past time. Lunch, which is usually sultanas and cheese on toast when I'm feeling a bit posh, was a beautiful fresh salad and lasagne. Lasagne would have to be up there as a favourite dish of mine. The kids were sad to go, but after 5 hrs in the sun, they were hammered. Three of them had a lovely sleep in the car. So they were able to stay up a bit longer and they chose Shrek 2 to watch.
Friday, was a very energetic day. We met a friend and her dad at Sandgate and went for a massive walk. We were gone for over an hour and had to take Ella and Ned back. The others ended up riding to the bridge and back. Danny then ran up to the pool and back. Oh to have that much energy and fitness still. They were so tired.
It was then time to meet my sister and her kids at Albion Maccas, such a stable meeting place for us since the kids were born. The kids thought it was great. They were so loud as they only had a limited time to get everything out and tell all their stories. The promise of visiting the coast next Saturday did make for an easier departure though. Both Ella and Bai had a sleep, how wonderful! Tom fell asleep again when we went to pick up Scott, but soon woke up when asked if we were stopping to have a hot chocolate. Back home and the kids are back to being obsessed with Cars (Bai loves it!). Tommorow we are going to the movies for a bit of an easy day. Brontx

Sunny Qld Days

Well, the weather was just beautiful in Brizzy today. We spent the morning at the lagoon at Redcliffe with a friend and her 2 girls. It was so relaxing and the kids had a great time just going under the water. What a great way to spend the morning. The only complaint from the troupes was sore eyes and a bit of sunburn as there was a beatiful breeze to hide the complete effects of the sun's rays (eventhough they were smothered in suncream). We then went to Sams on Sutton for chips and a bit of calamari for lunch. Home then for a sleep, well Bai anyway. The others watched Mousehunt again. They found it in the cupboard and have revived it again. I got a P-Touch labeller last night (watch out Tania! You may have met some competition!??) so I had a bit of a play this arvo. My extent of excitement other than vacing the house and car. What a life I have.
Anyway, must have a cup of tea and get organized for tomorrow, hopefully my car's air conditioning will be fixed. Brontx

Tired Summer Days

What a day. I think the week-end has caught up. The only thing I acheived today was buying the kid's lunch boxes and having a lovely morning tea with my 3 younger children. Danny had a play at a friend's house this morning so alot of the day was spent in the car driving from one place to another. Oh well. We are know going to sit and watch Mousehunt with the kids so until tomorrow. Bront

GOOD TIMES AND GREAT FRIENDS

What a week-end! The kids are absolutely stuffed today. I don't think they'll even be able to rise from the lounge room floor. We went to Sandgate for dinner on Friday night and a big walk along the new boardwalk. It was so pretty by the water. They have put so much work into it all. I think there was even a couple celebrating their engagement - glow sticks in the shape of a heart, champagne and flowers! So romantic!
Saturday started with a few odd jobs and then a trip to IKEA. It is so big and wonderful now. Then it finished off by going to some friends. The kids all had a great time and ther was so much food. Tanya was worried about her cooking as she thinks we hardly ate but I definately rolled out of there. The company and choice of wine was great too. Not to mention dessert.
Sunday was again full of odd jobs. Then out again to another lot of friends house. More food and alcohol! Gee, it's a hard life but someone has to do it. The kids have not stopped as both lots of friends had pools and cricket sets.
Anyway, as usual Monday was house cleaning day as I am sure Tuesday will be as well (due to swimming lessons). But now I think it is time for a cup of tea and bed. Brontx

Craft Days - Simple Pleasures

Where has this week gone? I feel we haven't achieved many great things. This afternoon, we are doing a spot of painting as a craft session. Ella is doing a dolphin canvas, Danny is doing some photos and painting for his cousins, Tommy is applying a lot of paint to a canvas and Bailey is doing a window painting of Thomas the Tank Engine (his favourite at the moment). At the moment we are trying to decide where to go for dinner, my friend Jo gave me a few good and new suggestions so I think we will use one of those. It's good to have friends that share the same interests, such as good food, as you.
I have done quiet a few scrapbook pages this week, the creative inspiration has hit. I picked a word for the year after reading Ali Edwards newsletter. I also did her challenge:
1. My word is HOPE
2a. To find a quote:
Faith goes
up the stairs
love has built
& looks out the window
which hope has opened.
(Charles Spurgeon)
2b. Every heart that has a beat strongly and cheerfully has left a hopeful impulse behind it in the world and bettered the tradition of mankind.
(Robert Louis Stevenson)
2c. For beautiful you are myworld my true
Here is the deepest secret no-one knows
Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
And the sky of the sky in tree called life which grows higher that the soul
Can hope or mind hide
It's the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart in my heart.
(E.E Cummings - In Her Shoes)
I have loved Robert Louis Stevenson since we did some work on him in Gr 4 with Mrs Mac and the second is from one of my favourite movies. I picked HOPE because this word is one I see alot of each day as it's hanging in our kitchen. Really, hope is a wonderful thing to have.
I hope you all have a great Friday night. Brontx

Old Times and Good Times

Well, the kids have returned. They are a little tired from all of their activity and constantly being spoilt. Here's hoping bed will be easier tonight. Then I suppose someone better tackle that pile of folding.
Today, we had a friend visit with her 2 children. We have been friends for so long - I went to school with her so I suppose it's coming up to 20 years. Oh how old! The kids didn't stop running for the entire 3hrs. Wow, I would love to have that much energy. Just to run around the block at the moment would make my day.
I think another cup of tea might be in order as it is a bit overcast and turning into a nothing sort of relaxing arvo.
Well, that's all for now. Brontx

Sunday 7th Jan
Have had a fantastic week-end! Not only with one child which has been very relaxing but also not doing much or working to time. Yesterday we went for breakfast at Spoon at James Street and a little shopping. Got a few cooking things from Wheel and Barrow and Taste. Then home for a little rest. Have actually done 2 scrapbook pages and written in my planner (yes Chanel the one from Kikki.k) and feel a bit more organized.
Today started off with a bit of house cleaning but the vac wasn't quite working (been dying for some time now). So unfortunately had to go to Myer at Chermside to buy a new one with our x-mas money. How exciting, now just have to try it out, maybe after dinner. We had Morning Tea at Lido on Racecourse Rd. They make the best hand cut chips and aioli. YUM!
This afternoon was spent turning a noodle box into some wrapping for Scott's cousin. She had a baby girl, Lucy Kay on Thursday. So we bought her some cute little pink clothes from Cotton On Kids. We went to visit her at 5.30. Oh so cute.
Anyway, better go cook some dinner for Scott and I (thank goodness I fed Bai before we went). Kath, the kids return tomorrow arvo in time for swimming. Do miss them.
Hope you all had a great one. Bxo

Friday 5th January,
Well, what a big day! We dropped Scott at work. Went and visited Aunty Sue, Sarah and Lachie. Then off to Chermside! We had a massive morning tea at Borders/Gloria Jeans - My favourite book shop. Toomy had a muffin that was so big that everybody had some and there was still some left. The kids got an activity type of book - Danny a diary with black pages and a silver pen, Tommy - a book on how to doodle dogs and Ella - one on how to make fairies. Then off to Kikki.K to buy a few essentials including a late xmas present for my Godmother. Then to Woolies for some supplies.
At 3pm, Ray picked up the kids to take them to Pottsville for the weekend. Wow. We just have Bailey. He is already asking when the others will be home. We just went to the Coffee Club at Wilston for dinner. Bailey picked lemonade and chocolate cake - how nutritious.
Anyway, hope you have all had a fun day. Hope to fill in some of my planner and finish a scrap page tonight (ha ha) may just get an early night. Bxo

Happy New Year

Well 2007 has started and we hope the year ahead is a great one. We had another quiet one as Scott was sick and our party was cancelled.

Happy New Year

Wishing everybody a happy new year. It was a quiet one for us again as Scott was sick and our party was cancelled.