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.

Day 3

Sea World

We were off to an early start (lucky as we were sent to the wrong bus stop) and when we finally did find the bus it was an easy trip to Sea World. I had fond memories of Sea World as a child and it had changed sooo much.....sadly on a HOT 28 degree day the water park was closed until Friday....grrrrrr. When we arrived we saw a family swimming and feeding the dolphins. I promise we will do that one day once the kids meet the 120cm height limit.

We found the Sesame Street rides and were happy to see 98cm was enough to get Max on with an adult. Max went on all the rides he could with Darren and loved going on 'Big Birds' bounce all by himself. He was very amused by this ride, he giggled and laughed and then tried to look serious but could not contain the giggles. He looked so casual and grown up. Max went on this ride about 4 times.

We then found the Viking Boat ride and I challenged Darren to take Max on, I was soooo sad the NO PREGNANT women sign was up AGAIN!!! Here they are enjoying the ride....Darren refused to look the moment they got to the DROP.

We then sat and enjoyed an ice cream while watching the Sesame Street show. It was so hot and after some walking and exploring Max decided to play in the Elmo "water sprays". He spent just under an hour running in and out and jumping and skipping in and out of the water. All day he insisted on going back.

The dolphin show was brilliant. This truly must be one of the most fantastic jobs on earth. We enjoyed front row seats too!

We went on the scenic cabin ride across the park, looked at all the sting rays and said our final goodbye to the 'water sprays'. Max bought an octopus from the shop and we headed to the RSL for some early dinner (same as yesterday as it was YUMMY).

I was tired but Max and I still went for a swim in the heated pool at the apartment for an hour. It was so relaxing. Max followed some older boys around and had a ball jumping in the water with them. He kept running after one of them calling "boy come and jump with me, come on boy come and swim". We went to bed before 10, knackered.

Day 2

Shopping and Swimming

Max came into our room and announced in a very surprised voice “Mum the sun is up here…can you see it???? I can see it, it’s ok”. I nodded and said good morning. Max said “it’s ok mum you can get up and look out the window mum and see the sun”.


It was bright at the early hour of 6:30 I tell you. I was blinded by the sun dazzling over the water. Looking down from the 26th floor you could see so much movement and action even at this early hour of the morning. I got up and prepared some breakfast…Daz kept sleeping.

We decided to spend the day relaxing and shopping. I spent some time looking at the map and all the attractions. Then at 10am we were on the bus to Pacific Fair. We hit the surf shops and I started Christmas shopping. Darren got a massage and an ice cream and a toy alien kept Max happy.

Max fell asleep in the stroller and when we got on the bus the cranky bus driver instructed us to get him out. I tell you carrying a 16kg sleeping child on a bus was not EASY for a pregnant ladies back. We got him back in the stroller and went and had lunch at the local RSL.....gotta love a yummy RSL lunch, fish and salad for me, T-Bone for Daz. Max ate some chips and nuggets when he finally woke up.

When we got back to the apartment we changed into our swimmers and explored the pool downstairs. It was gorgeous but still a little chilly with all the shade from the palm trees. Max went down the slide once and I had to hold his hand, when he hit the cold water it took his breath away so we warmed up in the massive indoor heated pool.

I forgot to mention the 'Haunted House Shop' we found it on our first night....as we walked back from dinner tonight Max requested to go there again. He was really scared of the monsters the first night but still insisted on going back. Here he is on the first night (I sadly lost over 25 photos of the holiday, Day 2 ....never delete while engaged in a conversation, I am lucky I never lost the whole holiday).

Our GOLD COAST HOLIDAY - Day 1

On a beautiful and very HOT Sydney weekend we flew out to the gorgeous Gold Coast. This trip was for our 10th wedding anniversary in October. A much needed break since our last holiday in Sept 07.

A delay was not what you want to hear about with a 3.5 year old in a busy airport. Max’s first time on a plane was an exciting experience and he did really well. I loved the fact that by the time I sat in my seat he had his seat belt on and was ready to go. Sadly the captain was not and Max chatted about the whole experience until take off. I loved the look on his face as the plane lifted off the ground. He was good the whole trip and took most things in his stride.

Our apartment was GORGEOUS...I tell you I was happy with what we got for such a great price. A massive apartment with everything y0u need. A massive indoor and outdoor pool with pirate ship and water slide. Great service, sensational views, one block from Surfer's fantastic shops and beach and a bus stop right outside our door.

We did a quick food shop, a look around and then back to the apartment to watch a DVD.

My poor boy started to cry just as bedtime approached as he wanted to go home. He was very tired and sad and he let out a few massive sobs with a plea to return home straight away. We played a game of memory and he did well to fall asleep in his massive room with little fuss once he started to understand we would go home in a few days.

Sept 7 - 13

Week 7 at school and the term is flying by!!!!Max had his Olympic Fun Day at Pre School. I had a great time taking a group through the course of "swimming" with goggles, cycling, shot putt, trampolining, gymnastics and an obstacle course. It was well organised and a successful fundraiser. It did not get off to a great start for Max who was tired from a rough nights sleep......when tired look out as Max is slowly learning how to deal with issues that arise. He had a bad morning.......I was totally embarrassed and confused.....HOW can a sweet but confident boy suddenly become a BRAT....a show off???? Was he having a bad week?? Anyway after a bad morning he turned the day around and enjoyed every activity with his friends. We had a really nice picnic BBQ and Max and his 2 friends Rhys and Andrew enjoyed their ice block and some laughs.



Max ended up at the doctors the next day with some pain and discomfort in his lower stomach. argghhhh a busy few days with baskets of washing and ironing, the need to pack for QLD and lots of housework.

We flew out of Sydney on a HOT Sunday ........yipppeeeeeee....gotta love long service leave!!!! GOLD COAST here we come!!!!!!!!

Aug 31 - Sept 6

This working week (a 5 day working week) ended with lots of LATE nights and lots of laughs and girly giggles. On Friday night I went to Anabel's jewellery party and then stayed up chatting with Tina and Karen....I crawled into bed at 1.30am.



I backed up for Saturday night and it was SENSATIONAL. On Thursday lots of us at work decided to go to Mounties to watch 2 of the teachers at our school perform in the girl group Mahogany. They were great and the LOOK on their faces when they came out to 23 of us in the front row was priceless. Part of their act saw Karen and Narelle up on stage.....I laughed so hard I could not get a good photo as I was shaking hysterically. I was called upon but I used pregnancy as MY EXCUSE!!!!! getting up on stage did make me feel sick next to the 4 Mahogany hotties. Maureen and Faye (with their 2 other sisters) rocked and they made us all proud to say we work with them. Another night where I got into bed after 1am again. When I got home Max and Darren had set up a camp out in the lounge room. They were sooo peaceful when I arrived home....I could not wake them!



Sunday was Father's day. We had a quiet start to the day. Max had lots of preschool gifts for Daz and we brought him Underbelly Season 2. We then went to my Dad's to say hello, poor Doreen was not very well and he was stressed and running around trying to get lots done. We helped him get to the shops and get a few things done. He is such a caring man. We kept on the move to Darren's mum's to say goodbye as she was off to Hawaii.......lucky woman!!!!!

I just wanted to have dinner and hit the sack .......but I couldn't.....wouldn't lol....It was time for the annual IDOL party.....were 12 girls had more giggles and the annual IDOL sweep was determined and the dares to match. My IDOL is Hayley and for once I might have a chance of top 5!!!!!! I got to bed at 12...yawn....some needed lesson prep for Monday and the need to tidy up parts of the house.

just because

I love this Russell and Max photo taken for August

and winter is OVER....Yippppeeeee I LOVE SPRING.

happy birthday to my mum tooxxxxxxx