2009 the year in review

Our year

Max started preschool.

A year off class teaching whole school Mathematics for me.
My 7th year as AP

Darren's 7th year of business.

We bought Milly our dog.
IVF

I fell pregnant.

Gold Coast holiday.

10 years of marriage.

We lost Doreen to cancer.

Darren badly hurt his ankle.

7th annual Australian Idol party.

Family day care (gotta love dobbers)
Chris retired.
2 scrapbook and 1 photography weekend away, 2 weddings, 1 40th, plenty of fun nights out at the movies with the girls or dazzy chatting with the boys.
Flynn Frederick came into our lives and made us a family of 4.

National and International

http://www.abc.net.au/news/yearinreview/2009/

South-east Australia sweltered and sweated in its hottest heatwave in 70 years, interrupting the Australian Open and leading to massive blackouts across major cities.

Black Saturday, Melbourne bushfires, Marysville wipped off the map

Obama elected as US President.
Loosing Michael Jackson, Patrick Swazye and Heath Ledger
Swine flu hits the nation and the world
Dust storm covers NSW in orange haze and coat of dust
A mother delivers 8 babies
Kyle and Jackie taken off the air
A child thrown to her death from a bridge
Balloon boy hoax.
Global financial crisis continued
$900 cash payment
Tiger woods cheats
Another decade ends, farewell to the noughties

Dec 28 to 31

I did not leave the house until the 29th...Darren and i went to IKEA for storage. Darren continued to be my knight and shining armour...shopping cleaning and doing all that was asked of him. I enjoyed shopping at Westfield on NYE with Flynn and Max was with Darren. I forgot how many goos and gahs a small baby attracts.
I wanted a quiet NYE, bed at 10 would have been ok with me.....but Darren invited Allan and his wife over as they were visiting from Perth. We ended up with Ann, Dad and Robert over for dinner and it was a nice night. I jumped into bed at 12.30am, while Daz, Allan and Marianglea partied on until 2.30am.

happy new year to all, I can't believe the 2009 journey is over and 2010 has started. Cheers to a great year for all.

xxxxxxx

Me in 2009

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? Taught Mathematics in an off class role, taught stage 3 and loved it. Had an IVF cycle.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did not make any in 2008/09, but I want to make some for this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? 5 good friends yes!!!! One set of twins too

4. Did anyone close to you die? We lost Doreen to cancer, she is still so sadly missed by my dad everyday.

5. What countries did you visit? the gold coast!!!!! lol just interstate travel for me

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? time to get the little jobs done. All the ironing up to date. Time at home. the drive to scrapbook again.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 6 - Egg transfer
April 17 - found out I was pregnant.
Sept- 13-19 - Gold Coast holiday
Sept 24 - Doreen passed away
December 17 - last day at BPS for awhile/Chris retired.
December 21 - gave birth with no EPIDURAL!!!!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? keeping the secret of the sex of my child.

9. What was your biggest failure? I let toooo much junk into my mouth, my food craving and the hormones won. I never paid bills on time and had to them pay fines....grrrr

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? pregnancy related problems like swollen feet and sore back.

11. What was the best thing you bought? My canon 7D and my new pram!

12. Where did most of your money go? Mortgage, holiday and bills.
13. What did you get really, really, really excited about? My camera, work, our holiday
14. What song will always remind you of 2009? Life would suck without you - Kelly Clarkson. I got a feeling - Black Eyed Peas.

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:(a) Happier or Sadder?(b) Thinner or Fatter?(c) Richer or Poorer? Happier, fatter and poorer

16. What do you wish you’d done more of? Spent more time scrapbooking rather than dreaming of it. Achieved more of the things i wanted to do at school. Kept up with paper work.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of? time wasting

18. How did you spend Christmas? At home with my family, it was great o have my dad with me this year. I was sooo very sore and tired though

19. Did you fall in love in 2009? We stayed in love. Married for 10years this year


20. What annoyed you? my child care was turned upside down.....sorry DOCS but fighting real crime should be your goal for 2010

21. What was your favorite TV program? Jon and Kate plus 8, Biggest Looser and the 7pm report.


22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? no

23. What was the best book you read? READ??? i don't read much more than bloglines and scrapbook magazines, Oh and a few maths texts

24. What was your greatest musical discovery? Taylor Swift

25. What did you want and get? to get pregnant, a holiday and new camera


26. What did you want and not get? the winning lotto ticket

27. What was your favorite film of this year? I liked the twilight vampire ones, i did not see many films.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 33. I went to work, took some photos and went to go for a swim as it was 35 degrees only to discover the pool was freezing as the solar was broken ...that cost me $500 to repair

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? other than winning lotto ?????

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Maternity clothes by pumpkin patch.

31. What kept you sane? my friends, me-time online

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I became a fan of team Jacob.
33. What political issue will you remember? global financial crisis.....handing out money...creating debt

34. Who did you miss? Kyle on IDOL

35. Who was the best new person you met? Max's preschool teachers

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. Your times tables are important...learn them.

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. "Wind me up. Watch me go, where she stops nobody knows"
38. What are your resolutions for 2010? ENJOY it, relax, do things for me and my kids. Cook more, stick to a routine.

Dec 21 to 27

Darren and I woke up at 6am and got ready ..... It was hard doing it at what seemed to be the opposite to last time....when child birth happened naturally and we drove to the hospital at 2am as my water broke, now I was going in to have my water broken.

Labour started slow apparently he had a tight seal and was never coming naturally. Eventually the drug was at the maximum and period pain was all I could feel. My back was very sore and once again I had another child that did not face the correct way during child birth. I was soooo uncomfortable in the bed and waiting was boring so I decided to stand as I was more comfortable. That did the trick and it all happened so quick from that point.....gravity is wonderful. I kept asking if I still had time for the epidural ....it seemed that they were just ignoring me. At one point I asked them to RIP out my spine to ease the pain and the line that Darren remembers most is when I said "WHY I have gone from ok to write off in 5 minutes?"
When they told me to hold the last push for Dr Fulcher to arrive as he was in the car park I really did not care if he was on the moon......seriously i think most of the pain is forgotten now but yes I let a few swear words fly and checked my dignity in at the door once again. i would seriously love another child but don't think i could do it again.....2 will be enough......so I need to enjoy every baby cuddle as I know this time will go quick.

I left hospital on the 24th...I love Sydney South west Private but with Christmas my stay had to be shorter than I liked, plus the HARD bed was driving me nuts. Darren picked us up at 3 and we drove to Westfields for the much wanted Santa photo. That night we had our friends over for dinner and my gorgeous husband was sooo helpful and showed that he is a whiz in the kitchen. It was nice to have one drink and relax out the back while the kids played and Flynn slept. I wrapped and got a few last things together and fell into bed in pain.
Christmas day was gorgeous but I needed pain killers to get through it. I loved the excitement on Max's face and having my dad with me. Even though I could barely move off the lounge it was a nice day. It ended with a blackout and all of us in bed by 10.30.
On Boxing day I HIT THE WALL, I was sick, sore, tired, emotional BUT every lucky my husband was helpful and ready to do whatever i asked. I spent the next 2 days sleeping and resting. Everywhere I looked there were TOYS/MESS, but my body was in no state to do anything about it.

Merry Christmas 2009

Before I was pregnant...really early this year I had a dream that I walked my baby in the hospital crib on a BUMPY ride down to Westfields (a block from the hospital) to get the IMPORTANT Santa photo......dreams can come true.
We made it !!!! I have my boys and my Santa shot. And NO I was in NO state to walk, Darren drove me!!!! This was taken at 4pm on Christmas Eve.....after standing in line for a painful 50 minutes!
Merry Christmas!!!!!

welcome

Flynn Frederick Howlett

Born 21/12/2009 @ 3.25pm

3.5kg / 52cm long

we loved you before we met you xxxxx

I got home from hospital at 4pm Christmas Eve after a Santa photo at Westfield.

We had our very good friends over for a nice dinner at 6pm.

I wrapped until midnight...thank goodness for Santa sacks I say!!!

needless to say I fell into bed.....very gently as I am still in a lot of pain

My buddy Max

Tonight we dropped you off at Nanna's house as tomorrow I am off to hospital to have your baby brother or sister. You broke my heart as we said goodbye as you cried and told me you loved me and missed me. You sat on the steps and cried as we waved goodbye and this made me cry too!

For almost 4 years you have been my buddy, I have spent so much time with you and loved it. You made me a mum, you have taught me so much and i love living life with you. We have shopped together, swam together, shared lots of sleep ins, played for hours together and shared so much of our lives.

Tomorrow someone NEW enters our family and I just want to let you know that I will still love you as much!!!! Dad and I will have to share our time more but having a sibling will be a good thing, I am an only child and sadly i long for a brother or sister. I love you Max, "to infinity and beyond"! thanks for a fantastic 3 years and 11 months, thanks for being a fun and happy son, and making us all laugh!!!!! Tomorrow we welcome someone new and I tell you they are so lucky to have you as their big brother.

Dec 14 to 20

I am off to hospital to have a baby tomorrow!!!!!!! but before I go here is a snap shot of our week!!!!!Monday was a busy one at school...certificates for presentation day and making sure everything was done. I was also tortured by Narelle as she made me put my fat feet into ice water and I tell you the pain was unbearable and a little bit funny.



Tuesday was Narelle's birthday and presentation day. Narelle was convinced I would be giving birth......me on the other hand just knew I wanted to make the week. A quick Christmas party with Linda and the family day care kids and we dashed off to swimming. I was up very late finishing the preschool photo DVD. For fundraising one parent puts all the years photos into a slide show and then they are sold, it is a great idea and I have loved doing it but as usual I have left it to the last minute and i am working late each night to get it done.



Wednesday started busy and ended late. Up with the birds to continue burning DVDs. I dashed into work sat through some interviews, ran down to say goodbye to the gorgeous year 6 and then zoomed off to Max's preschool concert. It was such a proud mum moment watching him sing and dance with his class. He had such a great time and he loved the fact Darren was there too. Santa came to visit and he got a book. We said our goodbyes to the gorgeous staff, I will miss his teacher Michelle so much next year. Then we drove to the camera shop and bought my gorgeous Canon 7D. We stopped off at Karen's house for a celebrational drink and Max had a swim with the kids.....take away for dinner AGAIN (healthy bread rolls and ham from the deli) as I needed to sit and PLAY with my camera. I wanted to go to KMART to buy some presents that evening but I was unable to even get shoes on. So when my battery finally charged at 10.40pm that night the only thing I had to take photos of was my fat feet.

Thursday - the last day of school for 2009. I arrived just before 8am ....a first for this year...just like the old days before kids!!!!! I quickly threw a few ideas onto paper for Alison's and my IWB presentation and chatted with the boss. It was a nice day and we had a gorgeous lunch...shame it was 40 degrees and the air con in the staff room stopped working. We played our "sneaky stealing Santa" game and had some fun. Then the sad part began...it was time for Chris to say his goodbyes. He gave us all a wonderful card with some very sweet words inside, the tears started for me when I read the nice things he said about me as a mum and max, and then I saw my gorgeous pandora charm. but what really made me cry was when he gave Jonathan a Don Bradman pack, handed down from Chris' dad...the relationship and the sentiment was just soooo sweet the tears just flooded out. We ended the day taking photos and just chatting in the HEAT and sometime before 4o'clock the 1976 Kombi left with the principal in it for the last time!!!

I was EXHAUSTED, a long school year had finally come to an end and I was 38 weeks and 6 days pregnant, it was 41 degrees and my office was still not 100% packed up. I had to get home shower and was off to see Dr Fulcher for a check up to see if I was alright to be induced. It was good news, I was booked in for Monday and the only thing that could have made me happier was if he would take me on the 18th...but no it was his day off!!!!!

I cleaned the house Friday and Max and I had a PJ day. We had a wonderful dinner at Karen's for her birthday....home just after midnight! I spent Saturday cleaning and then Sunday Darren and I finished off some Christmas shopping, That evening we had a nice dinner and then took Max to see the lights at Greenway Park. I dropped him off at Darren's mums as I had to be at the hospital at 7am the next morning....it broke my heart to say goodbye. I ironed and sorted clothes to late that night trying not to think to much about the following day.

A 7D

I GOT IT....I LOVE IT

and after 4 hours of battery charging and a long and hectic day all i had to take photos of was my tired and fat feet in my recliner!!!!! and that is WHERE I stayed to the early hours of the morning hugging my camera (my third baby) SO gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!

Dec 7 to Dec 13

I love Summer...on Monday night Darren came home early and we enjoyed a nice BBQ. It made a difference from the "I'm pregnant and tired so I can have takeaway anytime" routine.

On Tuesday night it was off to the year 6 farewell. It was an emotional one as it was the first group of children I have taught at Bonnyrigg. Some wonderful memories and it was nice to hear the captains speech and their nice words about our year in 1/2H together.

On Thursday Narelle organised a great school assembly for Chris. Diana made the most amazing cake...a model of the school and the road he travels from home, I added an orange 'matchbox' Kombi. It was beautiful once again to hear all the kids say wonderful things about Chris.
Then i attended the Preschool committee thank you dinner, it was a delicious meal and wonderful company, it has been a great year being part of the committee and I look forward to 2010.

On Saturday I was feeling very tired and over the pregnancy in general. At 3pm I went and saw the gorgeous Mel from work marry Jorge, she looked stunning. Sadly I was not up to attending the reception as my feet felt like they were going to pop and my whole body hurt.
Sunday we had a quiet catch up with Darren's aunty Kathy and Glenn, I rested with my feet up.....it seemed nothing was going to make the swelling come down. 4 more work days were ahead of me!!!!!!

Nov 30 to Dec 6

No wonder my feet are FAT and I wake up late every morning.....I am 37 weeks pregnant and not really letting much slow me down, I just move from one event to the other!


On Monday night we had our performance night at school. All the children and teachers worked hard to produce some sensational times, I had no energy left once the show ended at 7.30pm.


We went to the annual lighting of the lights at Mark and Karen's on Tuesday....all the lights looked sensational and a nice BBQ was enjoyed by all. Home late and TIRED so I had a sickie on Wednesday and enjoyed taking Max to preschool and saying thanks to his beautiful teacher that was leaving! Oh it felt good just being a mum and I soooo look forward to next year when I take him to preschool and have the day to me Oh and don't forget the baby!



On Friday night Max and I enjoyed carols night at the preschool......it was nice and relaxing and max enjoyed Santa coming. He made friends with 2 older girls and spent the night following them around calling them "friend" and lapping up all the girly attention. I loved looking out at the playground at all the kids with their glow candle sticks in darkness and it just looking like a million fireflies dancing!!!!

On Sunday we had a nice night at the Catholic Club carols. we met up with Karen Mc, Lyndall, Diana, Michelle and Stef from work and enjoyed the show, Mahogany performed some songs and we loved singing out GO MAUREEN and FAYE!!! It is nice to know such great talent, I hope these girls go far.

I got home at 9.30 to ENDURE more report marking...............all ready for week 8.....10 work days to go.

Nov 23 to 29

Do you know that I LOVE to "burn the candle at both ends"? Even at 35 weeks pregnant???

Why not I say! you only live once, "sleep while you're dead" (Bon Jovi).

This was the week for doing that.

Lots of preparation for my boss Chris' retirement dinner, guest book scrapped, photo slide show done, final payments made and some finishing touches. I was never in bed before 12 and on the night of the retirement I crawled in at around 1.30am with MASSIVE feet! On Friday night I marked reports to late and then shopped for most on Saturday morning. Alison came over for a swim as it was 40 degrees on Saturday afternoon. Sunday involved housework and then the ANNUAL AUST. IDOL celebrations were held, a week late as Karen was in the US the night of the real grandfinal. Tina and I came 2nd and 1st and had to dress as Smurfs, we had a great time as Papa Smurf and Smurfette. Lots of laughs nearly put me into labour, I was in some serious pain!!!! It hurt to walk to the car at midnight!!!! I crawled into bed again just after 1am!!! I needed some sleep for another busy week ahead.......yawn...!!!!!!

Nov 16 to 22

A tough week at work.....all the temperamental kids are starting to show their heads....end of the year silly season kicks in and the hallway is FULL of fun people to TALK to. We had CPR and a very late parent to keep Rel, Al and I working into Thursday night too.
On Saturday Narelle and I went on a shopping adventure for our bosses retirement. Max provided us with some entertaining moments ........!!!!! That night I decided after a HARD day shopping we would go and see NEW MOON. I was happy that we picked the new cinema in Narellan as they had reclining seats for only $5 extra and my feet were very thankful. It was a great movie and we had a nice time laughing ...thanks for interpreting the story in parts too my vampire friend. Sunday saw lots of housework, we celebrated Darren's mums birthday with yummy fish and chips and a swim after a HOT day.

PROJECT LIFE

OK I am going to commit to this...I need something to commit to next year. I PROMISE it wont be like all those OTHER unfinished projects, 2010 is going to be fun and memorable......so this is the project for me. Anyone want to join me. We can keep each other on track and as I will be on mat leave I can print your photos for my full time working friends out there.....lets DO IT.

I think it is great value.....and everything is PRE CUT and ready to GO!!!!!!!

http://www.beckyhiggins.com/projectlife/

NOTE to self.....today will go down as one of the most emotional and upsetting days in HISTORY...hormones, tears, silly thoughts.......tears welling now....and I tell you I NOW know WHY in the old days the department of ed made you leave six weeks before the birth of your child. I spent most of the day in tears.....i sobbed so much when I got home I thought I would go into labour...... and do you know what it was over ???? NOTHING really...... little tiny things that set me off from Stage 3 being upset Maths groups ended this week to just wishing I had more time to do things better .......grrrrrrrrrr!!!!!

WOMEN

the emotions were running HIGH this week. I woke up all teary about work....about the things i need to wrap up, about the things going on next year and the fact that I wont be there. I started to hate the fact I wasn't going to be there in 2010 after the good year we had all had.....I then started to get upset with myself that next year was going to be one of the best years for me....a new baby and Max's last year before he starts school. I was cranky at myself that I was thinking of being at work. I just don't do REPLACEMENT WELL. I am a control freak......I have MY THINGS.....I am just weird like that and when I went back to work in 2007 it was difficult......just fitting in and getting MY THINGS back.......weird why my brain is working overtime on such silly things....all I have wanted for 2 years is coming true and I am crying like a baby over work....being sad about not being there.....WHO would have thought!!! bloody hormones even making me cry now!!!! The boss said a nice thing...."mate we came in together and we go out together, we did some good things and we learnt alot.........enjoy it until you have to come back". It still does not make it any easier.....

After ANOTHER interesting week at work and trying to hide some upsetting emotions I realised I am blessed to work with another wonderful woman...Narelle I know you pop in here, what you DID and saw and faced last week showed that you are and always will be SUPER TEACH, a term I know that makes us laugh, that you and I will only ever get. Working with you is great and I hope I get to do it for many years to come.

I then went to Max's preschool meeting on Thursday night and we chatted about so much.....we got onto the topic life and motherhood and having to do it all and how it impacts on WORK. It opened my eyes that I was not alone and I was not the only one facing the roller coaster ride of work, time, kids and career. I came home upset as Max's teacher has to move on next year BUT she is doing it for all the right reasons and although I LOVED the year she has given him and looked forward to another year of it I know all will be ok.

SO when I can have a drink to say cheers to 2009 I WILL look back fondly and be happy with all that happened. I will also give a big cheers to the year to come and be thankful, happy and REALLY enjoy all it has to bring....especially the sleep ins!!!!! (if baby no.2 is like baby no.1) - fingers crossed

photo by Janine Kaye 2008...can't wait for MORE!!!!

Nov 9 to 15

Another FULL TIME school week whizzed by with remembrance day and week 33 of pregnancy!!!!! It was my last week of teaching to my full timetable as all the big jobs ahead LOOMED. We experienced some HOT weather.

I went to a gold party and sold my old, broken, unfashionable pieces and made a great $468!!!!!

On Saturday (in 32 degree heat) Max and I ventured off to the Preschool Market day to sell our JUNK, I made around $70 and we had a nice day. Max was very well behaved and loved playing with his friends and painting. He got a great 30cm Superman with a cape for a bargain $2, it kept him happy all day. We came home for a swim and then Max went off to Nanna's and Darren and I went to see Michael Jackson's "this is it" gold class. We had a nice time spending our voucher Ann got us for Christmas. Darren was asleep 40 minutes into the movie!!! My sore and puffy feet loved relaxing after a HOT and hectic day.

Nov 2 to 8

I started the week with a sickie - Monday-i-tis and a 3.8 year old with a sore throat. The day went to quick and after a doctors visit, some housework and a coffee at my place with Alison the plan to finish Max's quilt was just a thought.

On Wednesday we had a nice dinner with Dad for his birthday. Max loved picking out pops cake. We ate Chinese food and we chatted to 9.30 it was sooo nice.

On Thursday night I PROVED (once again) that YES i can TALK. Karen (after her holiday to PARIS/LONDON) and I talked for just over 3.5 hours on the phone.....I crawled to bed at 2am ....I was soooo lucky i had a nanna nap in front of Glee that night.

Max went to Ashleigh's 4th birthday....these 2 have been in the same swimming class for 3 years and he just adored her lady bug cake.

Oct 26 to Nov 1

the week was a blur, school is catching up with me and I should stop counting down and look at wiping things off my massive list of things I need to do.
The weekend was HECTIC, we never stopped. On Saturday we went to the NEW local scrapshop with Narelle and the boys. It is a nice shop with great product. We then shopped some more, ate and then chatted as the hours ticked by toooooo quickly and before we knew it it was 3pm. A much needed catch up with out the interruptions of detention or meetings. Max was not on his BEST behaviour....he is so strong willed and when he has an audience he WORKS IT.

Home for a quick pregnant lady nap and then off to a Halloween BBQ. The kids got on the back of the fire truck and were taken to several locations to trick or treat. Max would not put all of his new Batman suit on as it was hot. He was so in awe of the whole process.....shocked that he would knock and get lollies of complete strangers......he was soooo cute and polite, thanking everyone he met. At one point he skipped down the street screaming at the top of his lungs "I love CANDY". He had a bag as his bucket was left behind......someone asked him where his fancy bucket was and we was not fussed he had a coles shopping bag as he said "I have the biggest bag here".

Home late but up early to prepare for our annual family BBQ on the Vandyke side. It was at my cousin Peter's house this year. We had wonderful weather, a shady deck and a big pool for the kids. The food was glorious and I love eating my cousins trifle, which I need to get the recipe for. Look at my two in the back of the car as I dropped my dad home........PLEASE !!!!!

photography workshop ....

......with Janine

http://janinekaye.com.au/blog/?p=1790

I LOVED this course way back in June.....highly recommended

Check out Janine's beautiful work on her blog!!!!!!

October 19 - 25

We said goodbye to Ninetta and Rabbit Photo Liverpool. 3.5 years of great service and a nice friendship. We will miss you Ninetta when we are shopping.

I turned 33. We had a yummy Italian take-away dinner at home.

We finally got some great weather just as school went back and out pool solar heating stopped working.

As a result of the heat my feet blew up and my body ached. I was beginning to wonder at the end of week one if I would make the next 39 days.

Karen and Mark flew out to PARIS.

We spent the rainy weekend at home. Sleeping, playing puzzles, cleaning and reading.

meeee at thirty-threeeee

Yes time to change that blog name again......I am suddenly 33

33 things about me!!!!!

1. I am a mum to a gorgeous 3.5 year old and a wife to a 33 year old.
2. I am 30 weeks pregnant.
3. I am due Christmas day.
4. I would love to go into labour the day school ends 17 DEc so I am home for Christmas day and I can get a Santa photos of my 2 babies.
5. I have some funny and amazing girlfriends that I adore and make me smile all the time.
6. I love to laugh and have a joke.
7. I spend a lot of time on the Internet everyday, it is my wind down time.
8. I broke my camera....I am LOST without it.
9. I want/NEED a new 7D, just gotta save save save.
10. I am obsessed about taking photos on special dates or to tell a story.
11. I have not scrapbooked since July, I miss it so much but just can't get my head around it.
12. I like the names Flynn, Fred, Jack, Alexis, Ivy and Emma.
13. I am eating way too much junk everyday, I crave sugar.
14. I get stressed when Max is naughty. Must remember no one is perfect but I just want him to be the best he can be.
15. I will need to exercise everyday of 2010 to get back to a happy weight.
16. I have fluid in my feet a the end of a hard and HOT working day.
17. I NEED to remember everything.
18. I prefer even numbers but I like 7 and 21
19. I want to go on Deal or No deal and pick case 21, I would get rid of all the odd numbers first(except 7) ....I have no plan after that.
20. I am angry that my favourite photo shop is gone....where do I print now?
21. I get angry with people that don't respect this FINE country.
22. I procrastinate and time waste (will always be on my list).
23. I have just gone back to a 5 day working week.
24. I am constantly fighting with myself over child care issues this year.
25. I adore Max's preschool and love working on the committe and doing bookclub.
26. I love watching Jon and Kate plus 8, Supernanny and most reality on Foxtel.
27. I am avoiding all the paperwork I need to do for tax/investment....I can't even look at the pile I need to tackle, it makes me sick.
28. I can't wait for LOST to end next year, I want it to end happily and I want all my questions answered.
29. I have a dream of going to Disneyland with my family one day and meeting Kirsten there with her family. I wish flights to London and the USA were cheaper.
30. I often catch myself listening to AM radio and I actually like it!!!!
31. I would love to live in Brisbane.....I love the Gold coast too.
32. I am and always will be a night owl and a BAD morning person (so is my off spring).
33. I am one very lucky 33 year old.

Today......Wednesday the 21st October, 2009.

I remember Daz waking me to kiss me goodbye early. I went back into a deep sleep and woke at 6.50am to my alarm.
I quickly got ready and mum came over for a visit and gave me $250 to put towards my camera...that means the card and 50mm are covered.
A few texts and phone calls to wish me a happy day, and call from Daz to wish me a happy 33rd! Then the drive to dad's house to drop Max off so he could take him to preschool.
Lots of Happy Birthday's at school and a lovely Pandora bead from my sweet pal Narelle.
Straight into teaching Stage 2 Maths, A happy birthday song from 2/3K and at 10 am another song from 1/2M....maths games and Mathletics to lunch. After lunch Stage 3 sang to me and I taught a patterns and algebra lesson. IT was a HOT day and my lovely boss shouted me a homemade ice cream - which I then managed to SMASH all over the floor as I placed the ice cream back in the freezer, so I had to start again!!!!!!!
I started to mark some reports and organise book club. At 3 I had a nice afternoon chat with Bre, Sarah and Mel......Dad arrived with Max at 3.50pm. He gave me my card with some money and a lovely card from Doreen with the wish that I buy myself some jewellery. Max and I were off home on a HOT 35 degree afternoon. I was determined to get some nice photos. After a sweaty photo shoot if was out to the pool. I was sooooo ready for the first swim in our pool for the season and WHAT!!!!! the solar was not working and it was freezing.
So it was back inside with my fat swollen feet up and a bit of TV and a chat with Alison and Karen on the phone
I ordered a nice pasta and pizza takeaway for Daz, myself, Ann, Kyle and Donna. A yummy chocolate birthday cake and some more camera money and some gorgeous PJs. I am a lucky girl. Some ME time on the Internet and then early to bed!!!!!!!

Right NOW

Outside my window...A hot and humid day, the sun is setting.

I am thinking...that week one, term 4 @ 30 weeks pregnant is hard work, especially when teaching patterns and algebra to stage 3.

I am thankful for...pregnancy, my pool, my hardworking man and a funny and active 3 year old

From the kitchen...Take away fish and chips for dinner as it was swimming night and toooo hot to cook. 5 Nectarines (I love summer fruits) for dessert.

I am wearing...my LARGE pink and orange new summer PJs from Target. They have elephants on the pants as the size is for a small elephant.

I am creating...A plan and a wish in my head to scrap again one day. I need to finish off Max's quilt before i use my sewing machine for paper again. I am also creating a 09 preschool DVD for Max's class and a slide show for my bosses retirement.

I am going...to be finished Christmas shopping in November.

I am reading...lots about maths online and trying to get some new and exciting lessons to teach. I still read at least 20 blogs a day on blog lines.

I am hoping...that I find a new place to print photos since my favourite photo shop just closed down. I get everything done before the year is over. I last to the end of the year at school. I can save my money for a 7D FAST.

I am hearing...My new clock tick, Max talking to Milly, his bath filling up. Darren watching Miami Ink

Around the house...Much cleaner, ready to nest, a clean pool for a hot day tomorrow. A clean floor. Summer fruit YUM, 1 basket of ironing and 2 baskets of washing ....does one ever keep up

A picture to share.....me a month ago, I was tired, it was late and I was sweaty from lots of washing and ironing after our holiday. but look at the NATURAL tan line on my hair line!!!!!

bye bye Rabbit photo

I am soooo sad that my fav little photo shop is gone. Even the one in the plaza near my school shut down this week.....why do the little guys always loose???? I AM A FUSSY photo printer, I refuse to print at home, I hate CHEAP crap thin paper and I hate stores that don't do the right things with the equipment. VENT OVER

I first went to Rabbit in Jan. 2006. I was in need of a lab that put 4 photos on a 6x4 for a scrapbook class. It was Jan 25 to be exact when I first met Ninetta. I picked up my photos and scrapped my layout to midnight, I went to bed and at 1am I was in labour with Max. During that year I made many trips to Rabbit to print the 1000s of photos of my gorgeous boy. Ninetta and the girls at rabbit were soo easy to chat with and they watched Max grow into a toddler and to who is is now. They used to chat with him as I printed and he often got a chocolate milkshake to keep him happy as I uploaded photos. He loved watching Toy Story from his pram on the screens below the photo kiosks. When their policy changed and I could not get my hands on my photos that day I did slow down as I was back at work for 4 days and things were busier. I only visited to say hi and I got behind in my printing too.

When I got the call that they were closing I was sooooo sad, I had a tear in my eye. 3 years and 9 months of chatting and good service was gone :(

thanks girls for the laughs......thanks for the time you took to help me print photo books and the good service you gave us. Thanks for the good sale on the albums when I said good bye and the great job you did on the 490 photos I printed to use up my photo cards before you closed.

xxxxxxx

Oct 12 to 18

WOW anyone would think I had a broken DSLR with the amount of photos I took this week!!!!

I went in and got a quote on a new one and let me say I will be saying my $$$$$$ as I want it, I love it but I just can't justify it until I get all my birthday pennies and sell some of Darren's gym stuff on ebay.

Week 2 of the holidays.......

more cleaning and sorting clothes.....Max has 24 nappy boxes of clothes that are too small. The nursery is clean and Max's room is looking better with a few more accessories and his clothes for summer hung neatly.

I spent most of the week uploading photos to print. I have 18 months worth for printing as my local Rabbit photo store will close next week and I have over 600 free prints to use.

The girls from work came over and we had a nice lunch and catch up. Then we went to watch Luke at soccer, and saw him score... a great win Luke!!!!!!

My mum's group had a catch up at Nichole's gorgeous farm. It was sad the weather was terrible as the location was sensational and as usual she makes to yummiest food.

I saw Dr Fulcher for my 30 week check up...all is good and we talked about taking me early if baby is ready.

Darren came home from work early on Thursday and spent the day with Max while I did some jobs.

We had a fun girly night here as I hosted a Genshi Jewellery party.

i could not sleep Saturday morning up at 5am. So Max and I hit the shops early and went to a scrapbook sale and then Westfields. I came home and slept.

More cleaning, washing and ironing on Sunday and Dad came over for one of Darren's delicious roast pork dinners.

Back to work tomorrow with 44 work days left.......oh the year is moving tooo quickly

We so can't wait

Max watched this 6 times today. I watched too..... i predict I will laugh and cry...even the trailer made me do that

Oct 5 - 11

Darren and I cleaned and sorted for most of the public holiday. A massive wardrobe clean and toy clean.

I spent most of the first week of the holidays sleeping in and spring cleaning Max's room and the babies room. Another couple of bags of rubbish. Max was unwell and we enjoyed the time at home, watching TV and playing with his aliens and Ben 10. I spent tooo much time on the computer and procrastinating about all that I had to do.....when it got too hard I just rested.

Max and I visited veronika's house and the kids had a fun time playing Wii and chatting.

I dropped my camera, smashed the filter and now the camera body is in need of repair. It is like my best friend has gone away :(.

Max ended up at the Doctors friday to discover he had an ear infection. Saturday saw more cleaning, rest, colouring in and some serious TV watching. On Sunday we enjoyed a nice lunch with Elleni, Michel and Lucas. Maybe next week we will enjoy some spring weather.

Sept 28 to Oct 4

Week 10 at school and it was head down and lots to do.

On the 1st we attended Doreen's funeral. It was beautiful and her wonderful family had worked so hard on it. It was nice to hear all about her journey and lifetime stories.

Term 3 ended....it had truly flown by.

Max celebrated with a preschool disco, he warmed up after 3 songs and then danced and boogied the night away, stopping only for chocolate cake and a cup of cordial. He was a very handsome buzz.

We woke to a very cold and wet rainy Saturday morning......our 10th wedding anniversary. The days plans of a family photo shoot, time at the park and dinner in Wollongong were put on hold and we went to the movies to see UP with Max and then had a nice dinner with Karen and Mark.

On Sunday we rested at home on another rainy and cold day. Darren prepared a nice baked dinner and then the 09 grand final began . Parramatta v Melbourne......it took about 7 minutes for Darren to start to be cranky at his team, he watched, yelled, cheered and hoped. It was a tough game with a SMALL chance towards the end of a fairytale finish, but it ended with a Melbourne victory. Lucky daz had a public holiday monday to get over it all.

10 years ago today

10 years ago today I married my guy, my high school sweetheart. The weather was chilly and rainy, although it held off for a garden ceremony and some photos outside. Darren was 23 and I was 18 days off turning 23. We were married at about 3.15pm

Here we are 10 years on at home at 3.15pm and the weather was exactly the same as it was 10 years ago. We now have a gorgeous son who is 3 years and 7 months old. I am 28 weeks pregnant with our second child. We have moved to our dream house and put in our dream pool.

Today was very different to the one I had planned. We were meant to go down to Wollongong for the day and have our photos taken by the wonderful and talented Janine Kaye.

We were going to have a special bite to eat afterwards and drive home, but yes the weather had other ideas. So we ended up staying home and I was happy my dad popped over for some lunch and a chat. We ended up taking some photos with my arm extended out on our front step, and then going to the movies. It was Max's first time at the movies and he was a little stunned by the whole experience. We saw UP. It was a sweet movie but the previews before hand had scared Max, then the lights dimmed and he asked to go home. I settled him on my lap and then there was a thunder storm scene in the movie and he started to cry. We did get through it but he does not want to go back again at this stage.

We then met Karen and Mark at a local Italian restaurant and had a wonderful meal. It poured all night and in fact the whole long weekend was cold and rainy.

welcome OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!


I've got a feelin' that the next 16 days are going to be good days....my last holidays as a mother of one child.

I LOVE THIS. Makes me want to dance too!!!!!!

Sept 21 - 27

I was smart and took Monday as a LSL day and it was grand!!!!!! Even though I had to get Daz to the doctors as his rash had gotten worse. I washed and unpacked. Then I got the news not to go to school on Tuesday...Narelle and I were presenting at the PSP conference, welcome back!!!!! Just as I was about to change Max for bed I walked into him putting sudocream on his arms....maybe he had gone out in sympathy for his father. His first words were "Don't get cranky mummy, don't be mad".............man that cream is hard to get off.

Tuesday - Narelle and I laughed our way through the stress of the PSP conference and in the end she pulled off a sensational presentation. That night we had Kyle's 15th birthday dinner....wow 15 makes me feel old...that means Daz and I have been together for 15 years and 5 months!!!!!!!!!!

On Wednesday my heart skipped a beat as Dad rang to say Doreen was not likely to make it another week. She was in pain. There was nothing else they could do. We went to see her on Thursday afternoon, walking into that room was shocking, I did not expect to see her body looking the way it did. I wanted to be able to talk to her like I did on Fathers day, it was sooo sad. That night my heart broke as I heard my day cry out the news that she had passed away, to hear your dad cry and to know he lost someone he loved and there was nothing you could do......a 3 year battle had come to an end and it was so sad.

A good game of footy was enjoyed at Karen's on Friday night. I was happy Parramatta was into a grand final. Max and Phlynn put on a dancing show just as we left.

We picked Milly up from her 2 week training course on Saturday and then Max was off to a preschool birthday party. On Sunday the wind nearly blew us away at Zac's 7th birthday. Scenic Hill riding ranch was such a nice location but the wind cut you like a knife. Max was not keen to get on a horse and kept complaining about the cold. A busy and sad week.

Day 7

Home Time

As usual when a holiday comes to an end I get all teary and emotional. I keep wishing we could do it all again or stay longer. We had a total ball .........much needed family time, lots of fun and I guess we had to go home or we would run out of money.

Our last day was spent packing and MORE shopping ( I just can't resist the shops here). We then let Max swim in the pool until we had to get on the bus for the trip to the airport.

It was quiet at the airport as we had to get Max out of his stroller to go through security. He woke up in a foul mood and Darren was tired and the rash on his arms and neck was irritating him.

I will leave you with the gorgeous view we had from room 2603 (level 26), at the Crown Apartments Surfers Paradise.......one day we shall meet again.

Some things i don't want to forget.

I loved it how Max referred to the heated pool as Suzanne's pool ( his swimming teacher). It had the same colourings, was heated/indoor and the same size.

Max ate about 10 ice creams over the 7 days. One night 3 ice creams cost us $20...!!!!!!!! His daily ritual was to visit the monsters and get an ice cream.

If I ever win the lotto I am buying an appartment in Surfers!!!!

Day 6

Chillaxing by the POOL!!!!

Poor Daz had to stay in the room all morning as he has had a bad reaction to sunburn....his skin has a rash all over it...he has not had it for many years but I guess many years of hard work has stopped him from getting regular sun.

So Max and I set off into the main street at 9am and got a boost juice and morning tea as I had planned a much needed day of "NOTHINGNESS". And that is what we did, Max played in the sand by the pool and splashed around while I played with my camera, experimenting with settings in the BRIGHT sunshine. Max made another friend and they played and built sand castles together. I love hearing him say "hi-I'm-Max" quickly as soon as he sees a boy that looks interested in playing. We lazied around until 1.30 when Darren appeared from the room and sat with us for another hour. We went for a swim in the heated pool and headed out for some lunch.

We spent a few hours in the main street doing some shopping, looking at the markets and eating dinner.

When we got home Max begged me for a swim so we played in the pool for over an hour. Watching him mingle and play with the other kids made me all warm and fuzzy. Watching Max walk up to kids and say "Hi-I'm-Max" quickly with a very strong and wise tone. Playing with mum in the pool is no longer exciting and he will go off with any child that chats and plays with him. Tonight he met a family with 2 girls and a younger boy and they were smitten with him. I chatted with their mums and Max played games and swam laps of the pool with them. When it was time to say goodbye Max gave them all hugs and told them "I see you soon oo-kay...we will play soon....don't forget to look for me oo-kay, remember me". It was the sweetest moment and they all gushed over him. I have loved every minute of this holiday.....so many memorable moments. xxxxxx thanks Max and Darren for a fun holiday.

Day 5

Already???


there is no way...this week has sadly gone way tooo quick.
It is 10pm and Max and I have just sat down....meaning we have been on the go for 14 hours!!!! We were in the wonderful heated pool and Max made a 4 year old friend called Jaime, I love it how he has met someone along the way on most days and he often asks if he will see them again....I love how friendly and happy it is here...one day we might cross paths with these great people once again, i guess can you always wonder.

today we went to

Dreamworld AND Whitewater World

As soon as we arrived Max fell in love with all the NICK central had to offer....he loved the ball cage where you SHOOT balls in all directions (he called it 'shoot shoot) and then enjoyed the Blue's Clues and Dora rides. We then saw the gorgeous tigers and had a photo with one. Max liked the Wiggles rides and was excited to sit in a big red car. We took the train around the park and enjoyed the view. There were a few rides today that made me THINK once upon a time I would have been on that in a flash......now they make me feel sick just LOOKING at all the heads being thrashed around!!!!

I tell you Max and I are water park freaks!!!! We loved Dreamworld and once all we could do was done we went and spent 2 hours in WW. Poor Daz had a headache and a touch of sunstroke so he rested in the shade. Max and I found some water sprays again, we splashed in Wiggle Bay and then relaxed in a tube in the wave pool. We could have fallen alseep in the warm sun. Max had a ball pulling me around in the tube and jumping the waves.

We shopped, ate and did a few more rides before we dragged our tired and aching bodies to the bus stop.

A nice Italian restaurant for dinner and home to bed for Darren, while Max and I hit the pool!!!! Yawn .......4 parks in 3 days........YIPPEEEEE for rest day tomorrow..........YAWN!!!!!! My feet are killing me.

Day 4

Wet 'n' WILD I have wanted to go to this park for a very long time. I LOVE water slides and water parks and since there is now ZERO in Sydney I was HAPPY to be here. This Pregnancy meant I saw it through Max's eyes and that was still exciting.

Max fell asleep on the bus trip in. So Darren and I unpacked in the cool wave pool beach area and went off to explore the EXTREME section of the park. Darren braved a fast and DARK water slide (I left my camera in the locker). There were 4 or 5 things we wanted to go on but as they needed to be in pairs and the fact that one of the pair was pregnant it was impossible so I think we will be back at this place one day.

Max woke up a little confused and wanted to be back at Elmo's 'water sprays'. He kept asking for them.....once we showed him the wave pool he was a little happier. We swam for an hour and then had some lunch by the pool.

Darren and I really wanted to go on Mammoth Springs with Max. It looked calm so I ignored the "NO PREGNANT women" sign and the "Riders must be 100cm sign" and climbed the ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY STEPS (18m up). I was prepared to just throw Max in a tube as the attendant seemed to be not measuring with a stick. My heart was in my mouth from the climb and Daz carried Max from the 40th step, so he was buggered too. We got right to the front of the line and I thought we were in ............then Max freaked out and refused to be put in the tube.............I talked to him, i begged him, i was ready just to throw him in but he was scared and I could see the guy staring at this 98cm (really 94cm but his Crocs and hat added 4 cm easy) boy that did not want to get in a massive tube and go down the calm??!!!! falls........and so began the climb back down 120 stairs, I was soooo sad and my heart rate was working overtime.

We spent another hour in the wave pool and then we went for a walk with Darren so he could ride the twister water slide, the aqua racer and the fast water slides (I was sooooo jealous). Max then was still CRYING for the Elmo 'water sprays'. A nice staff member heard him and asked if we had taken him to this..........................

NO!!!! we had spent all day at the wave pool and since the kids lagoon was being renovated we thought this was shut as well!!!!! Guess where we spent the rest of the day??? Max made a friend who was 3 months younger than him but was such a dare devil. Max wanted to follow him and go down the slide but stayed mainly on the ground playing with water sprays and chasing Ryan under the tipping bucket. I spoke with Ryan's mum and they moved to Brisbane 2 years ago from Sydney and love it. I was starting to think I would love to move tomorrow.....i loved the weather and the lifestyle sooo much more....food for thought. The 2 boys played to late in the afternoon and at close we got on the bus and headed home...Max was asleep again.

Before we got our Chinese take-away for dinner we visited the Monster shop again and Max got his routine ice cream 3 doors down. The man 'pretending' to be a statue had Darren fooled for around 4 minutes. He was good and if you gave him money he would shake your hand, so I made Darren give him money. A lady watching was SHOCKED, she had seen him the night before and still thought he was a robot, she asked Darren what he felt like.

We watched some Toy Story, ate some Chinese and then slept like logs.