Week 13: 23-29 March 2008

Life just going along as usual... Easter Bunny found our house, then shortly following the kids (and parents) consumed a great amount of chocolate in a very short period of time. Nick called in on his way through north bound, on Easter Sunday.

My car still out of action with its strange electrical problem, which is causing some logistical problems. Luckily there was no swimming lessons for Kate on Tuesday arvo, but I still had to go to town. So the girls got to have an afternoon at the Rankines, and I took the grey toyota to town (Trevor was in his fathers, took their motorbike in)...the number of people that waved to me! Angus went to Dr, got his 18 months (I didn't think he was that old!) chickenpox needle..the locum was good at needles as he didn't flinch, cry or anything! Bit different to our last needle experience!

Got the kids new saddle in the mail so we had to try it out. Took more time getting ready to go than riding, but they loved it! Walked over to Rankines, pushing the pram and leading. David trimmed the horses feet, and made Whiskers two stone lighter (Whiskers did not seem impressed with his surgery, but walked home with little side effect!) No-one fell off, though Cloud did sneeze and have a shake, which gave Georgie a bit of excitement. She also kicked up at Georgie when we let them go (Georgie was doing something she was told not to...typical!)

Georgie has the most natural seat on her pony, and will have good hands. Kate has much better balance than Georgie now, can bounce along quite well without going off the side.

Swimming carnival on Friday; got the car running with instructions on how to remove the battery terminal connection whenever I stop the car; and armed with little spanner we went to town. Kate had three "races" assisted by the bigger kids. Perhaps swimming may be her forte, as she really loves it. Quite proud of her ribbons and certificate of particpation.

Having a deal of trouble with the chickens not staying in the run..little stinkers. Kids and I ran around madly Saturday arvo trying to get a couple in; eventually gave up in disgust as the offsiders wouldn't "GO BACK" when instructed. Evidentlly the myall chickens weren't impressed either; they went and sat in the highest branch of the she-oak tree for a good while afterwards! Their turn will come....perhaps they need to be reminded of where their father went (into Joyce's cooking pot!)

Still Alive and Kicking

Well, I am BACK! just for a little bit anyhow. A fair dint in my creative and literary processes happened way back in early Feb, not long after my last post actually, when my computer and modem had a simultaneos but unconnected meltdown. Don't know how I coped...regular visits to a friend's house to empty my email in box and to pay essential bills... more stressingly I had not even started on my BAS but luckily I managed to get an extension!

Kate still loving school, not that she seems to do much school work. She is such a social child and loves the interaction with the other kids. Georgie and Angus into the routine now, and Georgie knows that if she hasn't got her shoes on she WILL get left behind when its time to go. Not that it has stopped her from following me up the road barefooted and bellowing. Lucky we only live about 100 metres from school!

Here's a quick photo of my friend Yvonne and I heading off to the recent Matrons Ball, husbandless. I feel that it is poetic justice that Trevor was left at home with SEVEN children (including three of our own) seeing as he refused to come with me to the ball. He claims that he had everything under control, but evidence suggests that things were not as "controlled" as he suggests:

1. boy apparently did not have a bath and be put to bed until 9:30PM. Hmm.

2. Georgie went to bed without a nappy/pull on pants. Hmm.

3. Georgie went to bed wearing a track suit pants AND top. In the height of summer. Hmm.

We arrived home at 2am, finding Georgie wandering about. She did not wet the bed luckily (I think the fact that she had two extra girls sleeping in her room may have made her sleep more lightly). I also need to point out the fact that despite being the one arriving home at 2am, I was still the one getting up to assist in the three toilet stops for Georgie, and the two boy-settling calls between 2am and 7am. Apparently Trevor did not "hear a thing". Hmmm indeed!

I got all excited about Georgie not wetting the bed that night, and let her go without again the next night. It was a once off. Depsite being such a light sleeper (mostly when I need the most sleep) Georgie can sleep through weeing about 10 gallons of wee into her bed before realising it. Georgie has never been one to do something when we want her to (including chores!) so I guess we will just have to wait....

Apologies, the photo is not wanting to load. I will try it again another time. Until then, yes we are still all here and in one peice....just doing the same old, everyday stuff!