Monday 29 October 2007

Happy Birthday Darling & tummy bugs

It has taken all day but finally I have to wish my dear husband , a man in a million ,a very Happy Birthday Darling
I love you more today than I ever have. You are my all.
I am so sorry you were not feeling well today ... so there went the special birthday dinner . Lucky we had a cake (thanks to my Mum) and solitary candle last night so the boys (everyone) got to sing Happy Birthday to you.

A little prelude...
Saturday, I woke up early feeling blurgh (? spelling) and DH left for work early. I felt worse and had a little hurl. I had to drop my eldest to a birthday party at midday so I took the babies to bed for a nap. I had called my mum but she had a busy day planned so I didn't tell her I was feeling sick. It took a while but finally ....zzzzzzz

S & J had a touch of diarrhoea but thankfully no vomiting. Poo I can handle (when it is inside a nappy).You can't teach babies or small children to aim either end.I hated changing all the bed linen /clothes when I was a real nurse, let alone when I had to do the washing.

Later , I pulled out the disposable nappy samples my friend and I collected from the baby expo ... brilliant that I still had a small stash. I was in no condition to do any more washing or rinsing with my little squirt eeewww!

I got up to take DS to his party and blurgh ... hurl..hurl ..hurl..(last nights dinner). I laid back down to gather my strength ... and got him to put the babies in the car and my bucket. He got there 40mins late for this and other reasons (...see Friday).

We went home again and I sat in the rocker in the contained play area watching the ABC. S & J played and intermittently came to sit on my lap (both at same time usually) and nurse. I still fed them because I didn't know if they had the tummy bug or not and they aren't big drinkers of other fluids.

We even had a short play outside because they were going feral inside. Then they both feel asleep in my arms/ my lap in the rocking chair .Of course it was time to go pick up my older one ...I wasn't in a hurry though. I dragged myself out of the chair .I arrived and I rang to tell them I was in the car waiting (the birthday kid's sister answered).

I felt so em.bar.assed ...again ...when the 'mom' came out too ... OMG she must have wondered if I had been on a bender (never) and had hangover. I felt it ... well I don't recall having many hangovers (true) my hair was a mess (ratty and bushy), pale faced , with my bucket on the front seat, dressed in daggy clothes and incoherent (well that was when I dropped him off -I said something really dumb). So NOT funny then but I can laugh at myself now.

My DH was still working on the Central Coast 2 hrs away.I knew I should begged my Mum off her hot date with her 'partner' ... as she now calls him. She would have come to my rescue .

Yesterday,I washed out but on the mend.DH did a lot of the cleaning, washing and I helped a bit.
S & J seemed fine.Today S delivered puddles of molten gold over the play area floor and down his leg ... the nappy wasn't tight enough. Bath time.

Tonight, he ate some rice and then was a bubbling brook when he either gagged as he often does on a fruit lump in the yogurt or he has what I had/Daddy has. I had to scrub out the highchair Elder DS was on the verge of an eruption too. J - Dh said smelt of sour milk too ... Gosh I hope not ...

I digress ... Happy Birthday present ... this year DH got a cool present, a new mini hi-fi with a sub wolfer (don't ask I don't know what it does but at least I am sure to hear it ) the old stereo is stuffed. (No not with anything by the twins though if they could reach it I am sure they would have tried posting like our older son did with the VCR and Car stereo).

Oh and this weekend S has almost been walking everywhere ...when he wants too.

Sunday 28 October 2007

Bedtime Prayers

My New Favourite Bedtime Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my shape to keep.
Please no wrinkles, Please no bags.
And please lift my derriere before it sags.
Please no bushy eyebrows, please no facial hair.
And keep all waxing pain free or let there be Nair.
Please no age spots, Please no grey,
And as for my tummy, please take it away.
Please keep me healthy. Please keep me young.
And thank you dear lord for all you have done.
(author unknown but I have also changed it)

Friday 26 October 2007

What if this is as good as it gets ...

Erma Bombeck said, “The easiest part of being a mother is giving birth. The hardest part is showing up on the job every day."

Today my dear sons were pushing all my buttons.The ugly - mummy 'guilt' ones.

The littliest ones my keyboard or TV buttons ... changing the TV to snow or black screen or the volume sky high. Coupled with standing in front of the remote sensor so I physically had to get up off my computer chair to bribe him to move or move him. They both fight over the Mem Fox "Where is the green" book ... though it could have been any. S snatches J's dummy(binky/dodger whatever) to get a rise out of him (& me).There was lots of whinging today ... the grass was too wet to play outside but we did have a swing.Then more tears because we came back inside.

Later, S went to sleep on the breast (nipple clenched between his four teeth) also balanced on my lap on the zoo pillow. BUT .... waking the moment I arose to carry him gingerly to his nap time cot or my bed. Haha not a chance. After two goes I abandon it and leave him up. We were going out anyway. I only spent an hour or more trying.

I peg more washing out ,make a cuppa tea and finish a few things.I finally wake his slumbering brother and off we go. After a light lunch with friends ... eventually we had 6 @ 1 yrs old boys and 1 girl - amazingly all well behaved.

We head home amidst dark skies and pelting rain ... soaking my precious washing and all my cloth nappies.But I won't complain about the rain - God knows we need it .I am just feeling woeful about the dryer I will need to use. I quickly get it off the line as fast as I can - ouch a single peg dropped on a toe hurts like crazy.

Next, I deposit an almost sleeping S into his barely used cot - argh he cries but I know he will nod off. I walk out, get J and attempt to put him back down to nap ... not a chance. I put hi down to play ... His crying gets to me .. only because I panic it will wake his brother - grrrrr ..... More guilt because I know he just wants a cuddle.I want a cup of tea.

They are tag teaming me today.I breastfeed him and he still won't budge those eyelids shut. Finally, I sit him behind me on the recliner rocking chair inside the play area. I sit down to relax with some friends .

Suddenly I notice how quiet it is and remember that only one is in bed ... if you have a toddler and it is quite for too long -you assume they are doing something wrong (see Toddler rules) - wrong he was




The 'peace' is a relief but I still feel guilty that I strive for that hour or two (or 40 minutes) they are both asleep. I feel guilty for ignoring their cries for my attention when I just want some me time.

I remember what life was like before and this is way better ... I remember what it was like to dream of having children and I am so grateful. Really ...

Though having a teenager and toddler twins is certainly not was I ever imagined.

I feel very troubled about my relationship with my teen. He is a raging bull and full of testosterone . Everything I say to him waves the red flag . Everything he does sends me into a spin ... I spit out a shameful tirade of angry words. We lock horns continually.You know what they say about the mouth / tongue.

Mouth: Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."


Prayer: I pray that I would speak only wholesome words beneficial to others. May my speech be appropriate and respectful. May it encourage those who are disheartened and bring faith to those who have none.

Tongue: Proverbs 10:19-20 "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value."

Prayer: I ask that D will learn wisdom and as a result, be able to hold his tongue. Keep him from wicked words. Make his tongue like choice silver.MINE TOO


So how do I reconnect to the heartbreakingly beautiful little boy I once knew. Who feels we don't care now we have the babies. Will we ever ? Will I go crazy trying? or send my husband reaching for extra doses of his special 'pills'.(that is another story) He says the babies will pickup on the stress too.Tonight, we (my teen & I) were at it and the babies were crying ... and clingy. I was waiting for my Dh to snap after his 12hr long day.

I know it is small stuff that gets to me. The excessive consumption of our softdrink stash and other stuff, Internet usage (LOL - I am fine one to talk) and the phone bills he is 'ringing' up !I have the power to ignore it . However, I feel I can't let him get away with lying, laziness and generally the way he gets annoyed by the babies or us not living up to his expectations. Like us not letting him have wants, continually putting his hand out for money for this activity or another;ranting because his father isn't home to help me so he doesn't have to.

I loath his habit of wearing his pants half way down his backside, his jocks showing and walking on the cuffs.Other hurtful words too like that because I am not his mother I can't tell him what to do.D just presses all the wrong buttons in me so I spend a great deal of time being mad at him -even when he isn't home I curse him to myself.Usually after finding evidence of what he has failed to do or things he has done wrong.

I wonder will it all click into place and somehow make sense one day? I guess all I can do is hope and pray that it will, one blissful day.God I hope so , I just can''t take much more of him.I really have to force myself to break the cycle the two of us have with each other on a regular basis for all our sakes.

I'll finish with ..
no matter how bad things seem, the sun rises on another day, and I am given the opportunity to make a difference….

Thursday 25 October 2007

Thursday Thirteen # 5 Toddler rules



THURSDAY THIRTEEN

Okay these were written by someone else ... if you know tell me . Though I am sure 1,000,000 parents know them anyway but just to sure ...
Toddler's Rules

  1. If Mummy's hands are full, I must be picked up IMMEDIATELY
  2. If it's paper, it must be torn.
  3. If it has buttons, they must be pressed.
  4. If it's a phone, I must talk into it, unless there is someone on the other end.
  5. If Mummy wants me to go away, I must cling on for dear life.
  6. If it's sticky, it must go in my hair.
  7. If it's bath time, I must run around naked until I'm caught.
  8. If it's food, it must not be tasted.(twin1).If it's food, it must be tasted now (twin2)If it's not food, we will eat it anyway.
  9. If it's not trash, it must be thrown away.
  10. If it's in the trash, it must be removed, inspected, and thrown on the floor (or tasted).
  11. If it's closed, it must be opened.If it doesn't open, it must be screamed at.
  12. If it has drawers, they must be rifled.
  13. If it's a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, computer monitor, or table.

  14. ....one more
  15. If it's full, it will be more interesting emptied ... especially the tissue box !

I could write 100 more ...got anymore originals for me




The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in Mr Linky. It’s easy, and fun!


thank you ...

I have received two new awards

Gill @ Gill's Jottings awarded me the Blog Friend Forever award. This is so sweet of her . I think it great to meet so many new friends and be able to click with them.

“This award is presented to awesome BLOG owners who keep their readers excited about their posts. Their blog posts are interesting (NOT spammy) and worth reading and keep their subscribers looking forward to each and every post.”
I know the description doesn't say this- I'm assume because of the name, this award is passed onto people you consider to be your friend forever.Thanks Gill ,it is an honour to be your friend.

Though I can’t always say that my posts are exactly exciting or that I keep my visitors’s excited - I think my life is pretty ordinary. I enjoy blogging about everyday things. I just hope someone stops by to read and find me a wee bit interesting . I have recently become addicted to reading blogs that share ‘personal’ things and the challenges of life …it is a privilege to get a glimpse into the lives of other people all over the world.




My new friend Lori from Single Parents Unite graced me with
You make me Smile Award ... and I would like to give it right back to her.
She is one of nicest people I have met and she takes the time to visit lots of friends and keep them smiling.

I will pass it on - I know so many of my blogging friends already have this award so I will have to check out those who don't.

Wednesday 24 October 2007

Wordless Wednesday # 5 - To the beat of my Heart






This babe rocks ... tune in later to see the talent live(when I can video him)
You really need to check this most Adorable Angel at Three Ring Circus ...
Then check The Headquarters for more WW participants!



Monday 22 October 2007

my 100 post ~ well 127th ~ 100 things about me

This was my 100th Post but I wasn't paying any attention ... I have now realised that some people post these kind of posts ...
pull up a pew and grab yourself a cup of something that tickles your fancy ...

1. I am always running late ... sorry I past my 100 post on on 3rd October.

2. The number of times I have been pregnant (well to my knowledge)

3. The number of children living.

4. The number of children I have. Can you do the Math ... PS I have only 1 set of twins.

5. I met my husband via a radio match making program ... he had a sexy radio voice on air. I wrote in.He was my first boyfriend. I think only 1 girl wrote in. She was prefect (he he his radio career hit a full stop).

6. I am very logical (the right brain math thing)

7. My mother -in- law has same second name as my first name but uses it as her official first name.Then - when she lived with us, it created a lot of confusion with the mail.We both went to same gynae once and that was a hoot when she got the 'PS' bill and told them in wasn't hers.Only took a few months to sort it out.I hated her opening my mail. I think she did it on purpose and then made up lame excuses ... oh I thought it was for me.

8. I am a night owl - must be all the late shifts I did all those years Nursing in hospitals and now nursing twins.

9. I rode a bike 1100kms once in 15 days with 2000 other people ... that did me for a lifetime. I know I have told you that before

10. I like junk yards and seeing old stuff. I don't collect antiques.

11. I have never smoked a cigarette.I hated my parents smoking.

12. I have never done any drugs nor have I been offered them. I saw them at high school but lucky I wasn't part of that cool (loser) crowd.

13.I hate the number 13 but my mum lives at number 13. She is selling now after 23 years.

14.I do not like swearing but sometimes I can't help it

15. I do not like clutter but we have storage issues and I prefer to save landfill when I can.

16. The age I became a Christian

17. I have been married for 17.5 years.

18. Should I have written happily ? ... well most of the time.

19. I hate dusting... well most housecleaning but I am too embarrassed to use a cleaner and too cheap to pay one..

20. I hate washing the floor - I have bad ankles my husband does it.

21. I know a lot ... ok I think I know it all

22. I think I am a good cook

23. but I like eating meals other people have cooked.

24. My Dad was 24 when I was born.

25. I love chocolate ... is there anything better ?

26. I do not wear a watch.

27. I use my credit card for everything

28. I like to walk through old houses and places.I haven't been to a museum is ages though.

29. Ok, I don't really know it all ... there are still books I haven't read.

30 I love reading books or

31. Blogs -

33. I love getting blog comments.

34. I have been in one wedding party other than my own.

35. I worked in an aged care home when I was in college/uni.

36. My mom was 18 when I was born. By 23 she had three children.

37. The age I was when I first fell pregnant

38. The age I was when my daughter was born and died.

39. The age I was when my twin sons were born

40. I celebrated my 40th with my one week old sons - they were still in special care nursery so it was a quick birthday dinner. I didn't miss a big bash.

41. I hate blood & gore horror movies.

44. A Country Practice was my favourite TV show ... maybe that's why I did Nursing

45. I graduated with a high distinction one of 5 in 45.

46. My favourite books as a teenage were mystery - Trixie Belden ..then I moved onto Virginia Andrews series , Anne of Green Gables rated highly too. There must have been more I was a vivacious reader.

47. I caught the bus to local library every Saturday if my parents didn't go shopping.

48. I have a lot of regrets and I shouldn't dwell on them.Putting things in perspective I am very fortunate ...food to eat, bed to sleep in and so many indescribable blessings.

49. I like the odd glass of wine but haven't touched spirits (of alcohol kind) in years.

50. This is taking a long time I am running out of ideas ... are you bored yet!

51. Growing up I wanted to work with children -preschool perhaps !

52. I worked 10 yrs nursing in a Children's ward.

53. I cry during sad movies and sad stories - truth or fiction

54. I am not a big birthday person...but I love celebrating other peoples birthdays

55. I love freebies.

56. I am still in regular contact with two friends from high school.

57. I still remember my first loves ... mostly unrequited. My DH was my real first to love me back.

58. I am thankful for unanswered prayers.

59. I do usually spell well but any spelling errors/grammar are unintentional and due to stupidity or carelessness. (I spelt this wrong the first time)

60. I always wanted lots of children ...

61. Breastfeeding has been one my greatest achievements.

62. I do not parallel park well

63.The age my Dad was died.

64. I wear a contact lens in one eye only because mostly blind in the other.

65. I wear hearing aid but I'm deafer in the other ear I don't wear a hearing aid.

66. The magical year I was born

67. I can to water ski on one ski but can't snow ski.

68. I haven't skied in 4 years.

69. The year my brother was born.

70. I have walked into the men's room by accident once or twice and other times on purpose.

71. The year my sister started whinging ...I digress since it is suppsoed to be about me - we do speak to each other and get along somewhat.

72. I inherited a genetic disease from my mother ...she from my grandfather.My son has it too. This causes me a lot of anguish and worry for all of us.

73. I don't like to gamble and we don't play lotto.

74. I stole loose coins from my uncles huge money boxes when I was little.It's a naughty secret.I have others.

75. I have broke my collar bone on a seesaw @ 20yrs old- while supervising Sunday school kids in the park. The other teacher tried to bounce me off - stupid *&^%!

76. My sister and I still fight she is 36 now.

77. I have way too much fantastic plastic (Tupperware).

78. I will never sky dive, go bungy jumping or go up in a hot air balloon no matter how exciting I think it might be.

79. The year I started high school

80. I spend way too much time on the Internet .

81. My husband hates it.

82. I don't know what to do with myself if I am not on the Internet I am thinking about what I will do when I back on it.

83. For 16 years I slept on the right side of the bed - then when I was pregnant with twins I moved to left (be closer to the loo) and I am still there.

84. The year I finished High school - very gladly, I did not attend my formal(like the prom). My other and only best friends had left 2 years before.

85. I did Marching Girls for a year or two as a teenager.

86. I climbed Ayers Rock -Uluru to you .It was so scary!

87. Once I thought I was caught in a rip but I got out of it.

88. I can't swim as well as I would like to.

89. I like taking bubble baths, with the candles lit. Sometimes my husband puts rose petals in the bath.

90. The year I got married to the man of my dreams...

91. I like to sing - however I sing off key, off beat but in church it is all about making a joyful noise to the Lord and I do that well.

92. I always wanted to play musical instrument but my parents could only afford the recorder - I sucked at it ... oops was I doing it wrong.

93. The year our DS was born to his birth mother.

94. I think my husbands best features are his dazzling blue eyes,his ability to make me laugh and OMG his extreme patience with me..

95. I am very bossy and I like to be in control.

96. I hardly use my mobile phone to call people unless they are free ... I text them instead because I get 100 free sms a month. I am cheap.

97. I do not like to wear high heel shoes

98. I was raised a Catholic but now a Christian. I don't got o church every week.

99. I like to laugh ... at anything but myself.

100!!! I want to live to 100

whew ... are you still with me ?

100 acre quiz , toys and Christmas

Oh! do you remember the frivolous fun of childhood asking each other those silly questions with paper folded in squares ... for the life of the name of the game escapes me (help !)

Oh Pooh ... anyway please check out this cute quiz! What 100 Acre Personality are you?? Click below to find out!


Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!


here are a whole bunch of other quizzes but I won't be doing them ... unless I see a really good one !

Just the 100 acre one seems so cute. Pretty neat ! I like Kanga ... we have a talking Pooh here and a bouncin' Tigger that my boys love. Fascinates them in fact ... no I didn't buy them they came preloved from their cousins.

I think it awesome we get all their preloved toys . I am thankful they are such great kids who take care of their toys. Plus means we spend less and contribute less stuff to landfill.

Truth be told my sons are quite happy with pegs, straws and the fantastic plastic ware (Tupperware) in my cupboards. Who needs toys ??? We have half the Fisher Price collection.

My 'mother guilt' conscience says you have to give S & J something for Christmas but I am already overwhelmed by the toys we have and they don't play with them much. They are happier outside. WE will have to be creative I think and save money while they still don't know.

I know other people will still buy them toys and S & J will have the most fun ripping the wrapping paper and playing with the boxes.

I am looking forward to reading others Christmas shopping tips/guides to get some inspirations and ideas for almost 18 months old boys.

Sunday 21 October 2007

Sunday Musings and the p in pool


I slept on it ... again badly because I insist on staying up so late ,then side sleeping because we co sleep and I knew as I drifted off to sleep I was dreaming while I was still awake ... giggling in fact but can't remember WHY now ... I was too tired

I would like to pass on the Nice Matters award to ...

Tiff @ Three Ring Circle because she is really one of the very nicest people I have really met via the Internet

Dallas Miao'd because she is well really nice and I love her cat and purrs

Rachel @ Heart of Rachel -she always takes the time to visit people and leave meaningful comments and

Amy @ Amy's Random thoughts because she is just so nice and nice matters.
A few others I considered already had this award.


Today was such a beautiful day ... my three sons enjoyed a sploshing and splashing in a $12 blowup pool , my husband oiled our outdoor spa (we haven't used it for nearly 2 yrs) and we went traipsing through a real 'junk' yard ... looking for 'stuff' ( don't ask ... new gates well old ones to get re powder coated to save $$ and the environment -it's a work in progress ) .

It is the simple pleasures in life that make you smile .

It is supposed to be a spaceshipp ppool ... yes I think there are probably a few extra pees in there now. Lucky it has a built in drain plug. I need to go buy some re usable cloth swim nappies before I let them in our spa or other peoples pools. I can't justify the co$t of disposable swim nappies.

I can see they will have a lot of fun with this pool while it lasts. See the bulging on one side probably due to over enthusiastic pumping with the air compressor. Hubby says it's a sign of it being cheap !

The boys have already tried to sink their half pint teeth in too. Oh well ... it would cost me $15.80 to take them to a nearly indoor play centre , inside a factory unit, with no air conditioning and no outside food /drink allowed in ... so I figured $12 is a small price to pay for a few hours joy.It is was in the shade of the shade shelter . They have room for a friend (s) too.

They were so funny to watch. S took a while to find out it was fun - the first time he cried and we took him out soon after. J laughed and splashed about tossing the toys overboard. A short time later S was happy to go in again splashing and laughing. Our teen wasn't so happy because it wasn't deep enough for him ... he dipped out .

Friday, I noticed J has a new tooth and tonight S is walking even more and more. My heart is just bursting with the joy of the moment. Thank you Lord for this fine day.

I think S has ripped a little of the frenulum linguae under his tongue (not elsewhere as some may know it as another part of the male anatomy)-where he had a slight tongue tie too - hard to see exactly because he won't let me in his mouth. My poor darling. I cannot imagine how people can get this pieced.

Saturday 20 October 2007

Nice Matters ...


Oh my Gosh ... I have received this award from Veronica @ Sleepless Nights - she lives in Tasmania one of my favourite places ... would love to go back and visit it again. Thank you Veronica I am honoured.
The Nice Matters award is for people who are just nice ... this is going to be so hard ...so tune in tomorrow while I sleep on it.

Friday 19 October 2007

testing ... and learning new things

Every day I am learning something new ... today I learnt you can't leave draft posts in the wings ... blogger just publishes them the date/time you first started.

I was hoping to get a few under my keyboard and ahead for November.

Well, I have to say, I happy to say, that COPY & PASTE is available. It just makes it a little more work.Then I paste a joke or funny picture in the place of that draft post.

Laugh at me or along if you will but I honestly didn't know.

Four Fathers
Four expectant fathers were in a Minneapolis hospital waiting room, while their wives were in labor.

The nurse tells the first man, "Congratulations! You're the father of twins!"

"What a coincidence! I work for the Minnesota Twins baseball team!"

The nurse returns and tells the second man, "You are the father of triplets!"

"Wow, what a coincidence! I work for 3M Corporation!"

The nurse tells the third man that his wife has given birth to quadruplets.

"Another coincidence! I work for Four Seasons Hotel!"

At this point, the fourth guy faints. When he comes to, the others ask what's wrong.

"What's wrong? I work for Seven-Up!"

Friday Feast # 3


(creme caramel is one of my favourite desserts)


Appetizer
If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why?
Border Collie - I am love with this puppy (can't find the link right now) because it is so cute, cuddly and gets a lot of lovin'.

Soup
What does the color purple make you think of?
My friend Liss - it's her favourite colour.

Salad
Approximately how long does it take you to get ready each morning?
I am lucky if I have 5 mins - if I get up after my son and husband have left for the day - with the tornado twins ready to demolish the house if I am too long.

Main Course
How many cousins do you have, and are you close to them?
Father's side I think 16 (2 deceased) Mother 6


As children we were close to several - 5 of us were born over about a year (4 boys and then me)Now we only see Maternal cousins - 4 (3 from one family and 1 little guy (9yrs))

Dessert
Take your initials (first, middle, last) and come up with something else those letters could stand for. (Example: SFO = Sweet Funny Otter)

Using my proper first name PMT ... can you guess ? but hey that's not funny !

I like TMT - tickle my tootsies

Other Friday Feast Participants here

Thursday 18 October 2007

Meet my stick family


I found a link to this cute site - make your own stick family bumper sticker

Thursday Thirteen # 4 - Things I won't ever say


Thirteen Things I won't ever say


  1. A Back massage ? no thanks
  2. Yes, you CAN have that $1590 new drum kit , son .
  3. Make it a Brazilian today, my underarms are good.
  4. I am deleting my blog and cancelling my internet subscription.
  5. Where's my g string bikini ?
  6. I am giving up chocolate.
  7. Let's go bungy jumping.
  8. No tea for me (hot cuppa tea for y'all)
  9. I really enjoyed that steak & kidney pie.
  10. Here son , take a $50.
  11. Wash my mouth out with soap please.
  12. Sell my car, I'll take the bus or walk.
  13. Of course, your mother can move back in (we had such a great time those 6 yrs she did before)

okay just 1 more

14. Darling, from now on I will do all the cooking,cleaning and looking after the kids - just sit and relax !



Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday 17 October 2007

Some new tricks & treats

Horray - I got feed burner working ... just how to figure it out - can anyone recommend a good tutorial ?


I have started subscribing to a few of my favourites but I have so many blogs in my favourites.I can't keep up. I apologise in advance to anyone who has commented and I have yet to make it back to your blog. I do try hard.


I have got so many new ideas and things I want to blog - bring it on November - because I have signed up for NaBloPoMo. I am in inspiration heaven.


I also have got so much lovin' since becoming more involved in the blogging community and shiny new awards. Can you feel the love tonight ...



The memes are fun.I love Wordless Wednesday the most so many pictures to drool over ... and places to see and dream about, babies and QTpie kids doing amazing things, funny pictures to make me laugh out loud, wildlife , flowers and just about everything.



I like Thursday 13 ~ some people are so creative, Friday Feast is short and sweet and I look forward to joining a few more when I find the spare time.

I have also found some competitions to enter ... okay I have little chance because I am a non USA blogger but one says they will ship anywhere.


I have found some great links , recipes and websites ... retail therapy and Christmas ideas.


My new favourite is from Uncommonly Cute!! BABY CLOTHES and other T shirts I found the link @ The Laughs will go on .Her little man, Tate is just the cutest model - well next to my boys anyway. He looks so co-operative and happy

The prize up for grabs is a unisex long sleeved I Love You alphabet shirt! (size is 18-24 months). The thing I loved was the twin onesie sets they have...they are very funny! Boo hoo my boys are now too big for them .My favorite is the 'pair' that says "copy" on one and "paste" on the other! seriously funny! I might have make some myself . Though my boys are not identical . Even my friends with boy/girl twins get asked this question ... as if !



"Yes, we are twins ... No, we are not identical"



They certainly are a talking point. Some multiple mums don't like the attention but I am happy to say my boys love it (so do I -it doesn't last long)S & J are so friendly and smiley - they bring a lot of joy to people. I have seen many other t shirts like "Womb Mates" and "Thing 1" "Thing 2" but I am not sure about calling my babies THING - haha but 'copy' and 'paste' that is cute !.



Now I just have to figure out how to squeeze a few more hours into my day ... I have to get some new letters for the keypads on my laptop so I can read / blog when my boys play outside I think !


While we are on the topic of competitions - I know you are all busy but can you please cast a vote in the Twinsane competition. It is a popularity contest - so pretty please. We are the very last entry so scroll right to the end. They have great t-shirts and accessories too - especially for twins.

Okay - this competition is @ Apples of Gold - a new website I stumbled upon today. You could win 'Chicken Soup for the Christian Family Soul'
I love the Chicken Soup for the Soul series of books. My eyes start puddling up and waterfalling at some of the stories. Tears of joy and sometimes sadness. I can read them over and over. I have about six of them and I have read more because I gave some away too. They are so inspirational and very easy for all the family to read. Apples of Gold has a very encouraging website too if you need a lift and some food for the soul.

Wordless Wednesday # 4 - Giggles

Check The Headquarters for more WW participants!

Tuesday 16 October 2007

Two more treats


this morning I was first greeted by an email from Heart of Rachel to say she had an award for me. Thank you Rachel.



This award originated from Hootin Anni. She is requesting that if we decide to pass this on, we can try making new friends by awarding this award to random visitors. Thank you Anni







Then tonight the delightful Hootin Anni herself awarded me this treat to pass on, so I'd like to share these treats with Cellobella @ sultanablog, Tiff @ Three Ring Circus, Secretagentmama, Janice @ Twist & Skewer, Laura @ twinfinitechaos ,Tricia @ Lifeisjust a bowl of cherries;Tammy @ mom knows everything, Seabird Chronicals
take your pick and I hope I did this right...

Heads Or Tails # 2 ...


Ten things I love about my twin sons
  1. their little hands reaching up to me when they want some lovin' and the way they snuggle in now and hug me back

  2. when I watch them playing together

  3. their baby talk to me and each other

  4. their laughs and squeals of delight when we push them high on the swings

  5. their smiles when I pick them up after a nap

  6. marvelling every day at their new language acquistion -especially when I say "give me that .... back now"

  7. their giggles when we play peek a boo or hide n seek

  8. the way they get so excited to see daddy or their big brother come home

  9. the new cute and naughty things they are learning to do ... climbing out of the highchairs, up and over the lounge, taking all manner of pens & papers , pressing all the buttons on the computer and adjusting the settings on my mobile (cell) phone

  10. when they are sleeping
Head on over to Skittles place for more Head or Tails players.
sorry Blogger was down this morning and I couldn't publish/edit my post

Monday 15 October 2007

Light a candle ...

for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Remembrance Day



To anyone reading this today who has lost a precious baby I am sorry for your loss. I know words cannot ease your pain nothing ever will but I today I will light a candle in memory of our babies.

A quiet moment for lighting a candle in memory of your baby . . .

"Dear baby of mine, please see this light as a symbol of our never-ending love for you. Please understand that this love knows no limits or bounds; it conquers even the hold of death. Let this light shine in memory of our love for you, in celebration of the life we shared together, however brief, and in the hope that tomorrow will be a brighter day. We feel your spirit with us even now, gently guiding and strengthening us. With this light we will remember the true gifts of the season: memories of joys past, hope for present peace and love to last a lifetime. We will forever feel your presence and love you always."

Yesterday, I was speaking to casual acquaintance ( lady, 49) we were talking about her children.Then she told me she had a miscarriage about 29 years ago ~ a little boy @ 3 months.She commented how it broke her heart. I nodded I knew what she meant.



Two friends have shared their stories & feelings on losing their own precious babies
Tiff @ Three Ring Circus
and Mad Goat Lady
Please take the time to visit them too.

My First Award

One of my dear friends,the wonderful ring master -Tiff from Three Ring Circus has very kindly awarded me the very new Community Blogger Award. This award was created by Cellobella at SultanaBlog.I am honoured.


Community Blogger Award



I have to pass it on and I will be back later to make my announcements.Stay tuned.
Today is shaping up to be a busy day.

back now ... .I am but an infant in the blogging community and I haven't been around long to develop a lot of friendships here.
I have chosen to award The Community Blogger award to ...drum roll please...

Lori @ Single parents unite
Bridget @ Miles to go ..
EllenB The Happy Wonderer
Gill @ Gill's Jottings
Shana @ My Three Wisemans

because they have made me feel welcome in the blogsphere and because I notice they are always spreading the love around.

I know there are many more who have made me welcome too - thanks guys.

Saturday 13 October 2007

Today I am thankful ...


that I was blessed with the privilege of being a mum to 4 (~ one angel ~ and 3 lively sons - when at the darkest moments in my life I thought it would happen)

especially today.... the joy of watching S & J having fun with water on a sunny, spring day and my Mum sharing this joy with me.

I was happy to hear the news my sister & her husband are hoping to gift a little girl , S (9) an 'adoptive'/foster Mummy & Daddy (after her mum, J [our cousin] passed away at 41 ~ 4 years ago - Bowel /Ovarian Cancer). I hoped a few years ago that we could have been gifted her ! but due to circumstances beyond our control it was not to be at that time.
Sadly, she has suffered horribly at the hands of people,who should have loved her to pieces. Nobody was there to cherish and nurture a sweet but sad little girl who missed her mummy till her granddad rescued her late last year . I hope from now on all she knows are the greatest joys in life, to love and be loved .

Friday 12 October 2007

this is so funny - Cause I am the Mom ...



and you know it is so true !

Friday Feast # 2





Appetizer
When was the last time you were surprised?


hmmm - I am not surprised by much. This is so hard ... birthday wise ? once @ 25 and I hated it .I felt so ugly in my old trackies & slippers with everyone standing there yelling Happy Birthday ... in my house.My husband told me he was taking me to his mother's for dinner ... it was winter so we went warm and ultra casual.We arrived , had appetizers & a drink , then he made an excuse for us to go home ???


- as in awesome - when I discovered I was pregnant with twins

- as in I jumped out of seat ? one day when I didn't have my hearing aid in and FJ (lady I met via internet) walked right into my family room at back of house -where I was on the internet - she touched me on the shoulder.The shock of it !
She was unexpected but had come to pick something up.


Soup
Fill in the blanks: My eyes are bluey/grey/green ,a bit crossed and partially blind (right turns slightly outward), but I just wish they were straight and my vision 20/20 .



Salad
If you were a Beanie Baby, what would you look like and what would your name be?


Ticklish ... there is nothing like a good tickle to bring on laughter,wiggling and a good giggle. Hmm this is a real BB - I misread the Q at first but my boys love tickle time so i am sticking with it.

Main Course
Name two things you consistently do that you consider to be healthy habits.
Eating (it keeps me alive) and walking (at least from the kitchen/fridge to the computer every day to do no 1). Seriously -who knows what is healthy these days.


Dessert
What brand of toothpaste are you using these days? Do you like it? Why or why not?
Colgate Total 12hrs... gel or whatever.Yes, I like it because it is the one we have mostly always used. Creatures of habit !
Remember stressed is desserts spelt backwards ...

Thursday 11 October 2007

Thursday Thirteen (+1) # 3 Amazing Moments in my life


Thirteen Amazing Moments in my life



I got my inspiration for today especially from Tiff & Tracey

well as they say in no particular order ...except maybe a little chronological (how could I even articulate which was most important)


  1. Meeting Liss on a family holiday when we were both 16 going on 17 and then ...
  2. becoming a Christian soon after.
  3. Going to College (it was actually called a college but then became a Uni) to complete my nursing diploma to be a Registered Nurse (RN)and getting my first job ... as RN (The Assistant in Nursing job at Nursing home wasn't so amazing as the money)
  4. Moving out of home and sharing a house with Liss and another housemate.
  5. Meeting my first blind date on 15th October 1988 and wondering if he would be the one (and only !) and yes he was !
  6. Riding 1100kms on a bicycle from Melbourne to Sydney in 1988 - with 2000 other people (including my uncle) to celebrate the Bicentenary ~ 2 weeks after our relationship changed from friends to something more (* borrowed this from ,Tiff )
  7. The day I married him at Hillsong church [when it was still in a concrete warehouse] - I guess this rates high (Our wedding day not the venue!)
  8. Our six week caravan road trip around South Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland including Climbing Uluru (Ayers Rock) -exhilarating and frightening wondering how we would both make it to summit and then down again and paddling a canoe down the Katherine gorge.
  9. A weeks holiday in the Whitsundays @ 'Club Crocodile' Long Island ...then coming home and getting the phone call a day later that would change our lives ...into being mummy & daddy by
  10. Adopting our son D in 1994
  11. Getting pregnant naturally after 12 years infertility in 2004 ... (a bittersweet ending)
  12. The two pink lines on the home pregnancy test on our 2nd IVF cycle and a 'high' positive blood test ... and my husband taking the call to say we were pregnant.
  13. Hearing and seeing two heartbeats at our 7 week ultrasound , then 6 months later the birth of S & J by caesarean section @35wks 4days. Hearing them cry and finally having them placed in my arms 8 hrs later.
  14. Every day waking up to my little guys cuddled up beside me and privilege of loving them and watching them grow. Not forgetting their big brothers part in my life too.

I could have written 1001 amazing things now I have started thinking about the Grace of God in my life.






Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things (when I learn how). Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!





Wednesday 10 October 2007

Breastfeeding Outrage !

I almost forgot today is also Breast fest day ... I have a photo of me tandem breastfeeding my twin sons (at home) but haven't decided whether to put it up.

I respect the stand they are taking but sometimes I don't see what the fuss is about.

I know some of my dearest friends wanted to BF (their bodies or baby [or babies] couldn't be forced into doing it -even my own twin J refused to BF for 5 months). Some even wanted to BF for longer than their infants chose -self weaning earlier.I don't want to cause any angst or sadness. The pain digs deep and it kills them . So respectfully I say ...

I am proud to have been able to BF my twins for 15 months. I have posted this before Dr Seuss for Breastfeeding Mummies ... and I have BF in most of those places ... discreetly as I can !

I don't tandem feed in public (except once at the ABA meeting) but, I think, if I had too I would. You can't see much flesh and why should anybody be looking that closely at you.

The Great Breast Fest Montage I will leave it up to you to decide if you want to watch it. It is slow moving but moving and background music is perfect.

Wordless Wednesday # 3 - Rainbow connection

Once upon a time I loved Kermit singing the Rainbow Connection -the magic never ends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nRoOGwAvw

Tuesday 9 October 2007

Heads Or Tails ...

This week's word is Explore.




In July we went to explore my Father -in-law's new farm ... 5 hrs from Sydney . A little closer and smaller than some of his previous ones (one which was 8hrs away and 8500 acres).

Part of the adventure in visiting his 'farm' is exploring. Driving or sometimes walking around the dirt tracks through the countryside / bushland looking for signs of bygone years as well as native flora and fauna. His other farms all have had tractors ...

who forge their way exploring through the countryside -clearing the way for the four wheel drives ,motorbikes & other vehicles to get to the dams or distant paddocks or to herd the ...

cattle, who graze lazily.Themselves exploring the land for best vegetation to eat, wandering to the dams or natural springs .

Tractors are left in paddock when working days are done .Too heavy to move. As are old cars .

We also had fun exploring the family tip ... on farms there are no weekly garbage or trash collections ever. Household rubbish is burned/buried .Other things are piled high usually far enough away that it is partially hidden but also close enough not to lug things too far. We saw old washing machines , tyres, other household appliances, farm machinery,and even toys all broken and discarded .What ... a treasure trove of history.

Not that is was my FIL's trash/treasure aka history ... but it was interesting exploring and letting my mind wander,wonder & explore what life might have been like for early pioneers who explored distant lands, settled and raised a family miles and miles from nowhere.

As we have gone exploring we have seen lizards, birds, snakes, kangaroos, echinas , bats, emus, wild pigs, feral cats, goats and other animals on his various farms ... this one only had birds (including a magnificant peacock ) , kangaroos and cows ... that we were aware of anyway.

Head on over to Skittles place for more Head or Tails players.

In case your wondering why I am playing, well because I can .Though I have so many things to 'blog' sometimes it is fun to join the blogging community and play the memes & themes. Plus I don't want to exhaust myself for next month because I have registered for the NABLOMOPO2.

Monday 8 October 2007

Inflammatory breast cancer.

The following post was written by WhyMommy of Toddler Planet. The original post can be found at her site. Please head over there to cheer her on by leaving a comment as she courageously makes a difference and fights this battle.




Inflammatory breast cancer Monday July 23rd 2007, 3:11 pm
Filed under: About Us / Favorites, breast cancer, media
We hear a lot about breast cancer these days. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, and there are millions living with it in the U.S. today alone. But did you know that there is more than one type of breast cancer?

I didn’t. I thought that breast cancer was all the same. I figured that if I did my monthly breast self-exams, and found no lump, I’d be fine.

Oops. It turns out that you don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer. Six weeks ago, I went to my OB/GYN because my breast felt funny. It was red, hot, inflamed, and the skin looked…funny. But there was no lump, so I wasn’t worried. I should have been. After a round of antibiotics didn’t clear up the inflammation, my doctor sent me to a breast specialist and did a skin punch biopsy. That test showed that I have inflammatory breast cancer, a very aggressive cancer that can be deadly.

Inflammatory breast cancer is often misdiagnosed as mastitis because many doctors have never seen it before and consider it rare. “Rare” or not, there are over 100,000 women in the U.S. with this cancer right now; only half will survive five years. Please call your OB/GYN if you experience several of the following symptoms in your breast, or any unusual changes: redness, rapid increase in size of one breast, persistent itching of breast or nipple, thickening of breast tissue, stabbing pain, soreness, swelling under the arm, dimpling or ridging (for example, when you take your bra off, the bra marks stay – for a while), flattening or retracting of the nipple, or a texture that looks or feels like an orange (called peau d’orange). Ask if your GYN is familiar with inflammatory breast cancer, and tell her that you’re concerned and want to come in to rule it out.

There is more than one kind of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is the most aggressive form of breast cancer out there, and early detection is critical. It’s not usually detected by mammogram. It does not usually present with a lump. It may be overlooked with all of the changes that our breasts undergo during the years when we’re pregnant and/or nursing our little ones. It’s important not to miss this one.

Inflammatory breast cancer is detected by women and their doctors who notice a change in one of their breasts. If you notice a change, call your doctor today. Tell her about it. Tell her that you have a friend with this disease, and it’s trying to kill her. Now you know what I wish I had known before six weeks ago.

You don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer.



P.S. Feel free to steal this post too. I’d be happy for anyone in the blogosphere to take it and put it on their site, no questions asked. Dress it up, dress it down, let it run around the place barefoot. I don’t care. But I want the word to get out. I don’t want another young mom — or old man — or anyone in between — to have to stare at this thing on their chest and wonder, is it mastitis? Is it a rash? Am I overreacting? This cancer moves FAST, and early detection and treatment is critical for survival.

Thank you.

Sunday 7 October 2007

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month

... is also in October - specifically October 15th is recognised as a special day of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance, every year.



"There is no greater tragedy in life than the loss of a child.Unfortunately, because our babies live only within our wombs or they live outside of the womb for a short period of time, an uneducated society often minimizes the importance of their short lives and, in turn, our grief is trivialized.” Clair Baca

So this week spread the word ...

Friday 5 October 2007

Friday's Big Day Out

Today I took my children to the regional park ... with our friends T and her seven delightful children. They left home at 6am ... for the 2hr drive to Sydney. Special friends indeed.

I need to beg some photos off her... We ate a little , we chatted, we watched the babies (oops toddlers) play. The big kids went off on their own and it lovely to sit in the shade (of the fabric shade shelter... all the trees had dirt beneath them and the other shelters were taken). It got blown away a few times but we saved it. There was only a slight wind. Glad it wasn't the gale force of the past few days.

My lil' boys learnt the great Australian wave ... also known as shoo fly

Shoo fly don’t bother me
Shoo fly don’t bother me
Shoo fly don’t bother me
Cause I don't want your company (*3)
Gosh I really hate flies! and I never knew it was a nursery rhyme.I am going to teach them this.
I found this cool site for nursery rhymes. Sorry I digress (I have forgotten so many).

and the OH the joys of Bindii's.
One of life's pleasures is to go without shoes in summer - unless there's bindii in your lawn. If you've ever had bindii prickles in your bare feet, you'll know how painful it can be.

Oh I hate Bindii's and as much as I love going barefoot ... with bindii's it is not even an option. It's a really good way to teach your kids to wear shoes.

D & his mate P, enjoyed the day even if D did have a few whinges that it was boring. S & J loved it and especially when their big bro took them off for a little play time.

New Friday Meme



Appetizer
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you look forward to your birthday?
VIII

Soup
What is one word you don’t like the sound, spelling, or meaning of?
Shut up or is it Shutup! (ooops I say it the most)

Salad
Do you wear sunglasses when you’re outside? If so, what does your current pair look like?
Rarely ... and they are elcheapo ones with metal frame and brown 'lens' thaty I can never find.I worry I would lose expensive ones.

Main Course
If you were to write a book, to whom would you dedicate it?
My husband and children.

Dessert
Name a beverage that you enjoy.

Cup of Tea (unless it's a glass of wine at whine o clock)

Thursday 4 October 2007

Thursday Thirteen # 2

Fourteen Things about Boring Old Me
  1. I have gone PINK for Breast cancer awareness month... what else can I do ?
  2. I have 2 IVF miracles - twin sons 15 months old - the lights of my life.
  3. I have lived with , endured and conquered infertility...it's painful but unseen
  4. I have experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy in 2004(@ 26 wks/ 6 months in 2004)
  5. I (We) adopted a child in 1994...he is now 14 & taller than me
  6. I rode a bicycle 1100kms from Melbourne to Sydney -with 2000 other people for Bicentenary in 1988 over 15 days. (Hardly ridden a bike much since except my exercise bike)
  7. I am a serial procrastinator ...I tell you more about it tomorrow
  8. I worry too much (Don't worry I won't bore you here)
  9. I have a genetically inherited disease and so does at least one of my sons, and several members of my family ... I don't like to talk about it. Denial is BLISS ! One day I might blog it.
  10. I am addicted to blogging reading and writing...My husband hates it
  11. I am almost blind in one eye and partially deaf - I always hope people don't think I am ignoring them -neither are related to my genetic disease.
  12. I have been breastfeeding my twin sons for 15 months... hope to get to 2 years.
  13. I like to eat everything ...well most things except offal and a few other foodstuffs !
  14. I am Superstitious about the Number 13


(sorry I can't work MR LINKY yet to add you!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


Wednesday 3 October 2007

Wordless Wednesday - 11 little ducks went out one day

Mother duck & her multiples









View more Wordless Wednesday participants here
(sorry I can't work Mr Linky yet)