March 26, 2010

Dance Festival

Dance bag packed. Ribbons sewn on ballet shoes. Costumes ready. Ballerina in bed by 7.30pm. Farmers Wife very nervous! Dance Festival - here we come!

I am actually very excited for tommorrow when Miss D dances her first solo - in classical ballet. On Sunday she dances jazz to her rollicking music - Terminator (think Hasta Lavista baby) which totally rocks.

As of an hour ago, the tutu was holding its shape so things are good! Can't wait to report tomorrow on how it all went!

March 25, 2010

Unfollowed - mmppfff!

When I log onto my blog, the first thing I look at is my followers panel. Yes, I'm pedantic about this. Last night when I checked, I had 76 followers. This morning, I had 75. Do you know what this means:-

I have been unfollowed. This has never happened to me before and I really don't know what to think. Have I written something offensive? Am I just plain boring? Don't I cover a variety of topics? Why has this person purposely clicked on my name and hit delete?

Kate wrote that being un-followed is the cyber equivalent to being smelly. This is how I feel. I feel smelly. Like I haven't washed my feet after walking in the mud on the farm.

And the most irritating thing is, I can't figure out who it was who has deserted me. I have been through my list of stayers (and I thank you from the bottom of my bloggy heart) and I just don't know who it is. Which makes me think that maybe they weren't that important after all.

Not like all my dear readers, who I just know will comment and tell me how awesome I am, because they love me to bits. Because I'm actually not really that boring, although sometimes I can be annoying - just ask my husband.

March 22, 2010

An award

Ny newest friend Brea has very kindly passed on an award to me. I am so thrilled she has thought about me, and I would love it if you could visit her awesome blog and give her some bloggy love!


I've also decided to cheat a little and pass this award onto all of my readers, because without you beautiful people, my blog just wouldn't be the same xx

March 21, 2010

How to pancake a Tutu - a tutorial

Here's the post I just know you've been waiting for. Now read on and concentrate because I don't want you saying in time to come "I wished I had listened to Farmers Wife because I really need to pancake a tutu and I don't know how"....

This is how the tutu arrived, all folded up and floppy.

Here is the tutu gun, which deposits little plastic tags in the tulle, keeping the layers together.


First of all, I layed the tutu on the table,upside down and fanned the layers out flat.



You take the gun and the very big needle and push it into the tulle (sacre bleu) and squeese the trigger which releases the little white plastic tag.



You can faintly see the tag deposited in the tulle....



I tried to keep to a pattern so it looked tidy, although you can't see the tags once the tutu is the right way up.



And here it is, the corrrect way up and flattened out, held in position by the tags.


This is the tutu top that Miss D will be wearing next week at the dance festival. It's gorgeous, isn't it! I only sat the top on the tulle, so there will only be a little edge of white tulle showing under the blue edge....


March 17, 2010

Politicians are funny

I don't particularly like politics, but damn we have some funny politicians in Australia. Take Julie Bishop, our Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Apparently she was heckled during an interview and this resulted in the following death stare:-




Then some wag decided to turn it into Julie Bishop Using The Force:-



God I think this is funny, I can't even look at her without giggling now!

So to our Prime Minister. Kevin Rudd. Probably the most unlikeable one we have had. He is rude to flight attendants, looks down his nose at the most unfortunate, and can't even lower himself to the common man. I really don't like him. I know that sounds unpatriotic but I just do not respect him.

Our previous Prime Minister John Howard was better. He was more approachable, as I found out one day whilst shopping at the mall. As I walked on through, there seemed to be alot of fuss with a crowd of people gathering around. I made my way to the crowd and realised there were alot of very important looking burly security people hanging around this one guy.

And it turned out to be Prime Minister John Howard. He was on a meet and greet with the people so I made my way over, realising this was my one and only chance of meeting him. I pushed my way to the front of the crowd and when he looked over, I put my hand out and said in a (too) excited voice " Hi, I'm Farmers Wife!". (insert name here).

He shook my hand and said hello and moved on. And that was that. He was shorter than I thought but really friendly. So that was my 5 seconds with the Prime Minister of Australia.

I really like Barack Obama and would love to know your thoughts, since alot of my readers are Americian. Is he popular over there, do people like him, can he "connect" with the public....

And I really like Michelle (cool name) Obama, she seems really down to earth and easygoing. For a first lady. And she has got great style.

On a more serious note, we are possibly expecting a visit from Cyclone Ului on the weekend. Come on, I'm just too busy for a cyclone right now. We have dance festival rehearsal on Saturday, so I better not get blown off my hill because the ballet takes preference.

It's already really windy here, but hopefully it will blow on through like the one we had this time last year, and I won't have to visit the tinned food isle as I did back then.

March 14, 2010

Random

I have a lot to get through so stay with me people. I have a busy couple of days coming up so I'm doing one big post here to keep you guys going for a while..I'll probably be back around Wednesday.

I've just realised that I missed my one year blogging anniversary and now feel like a fraud. Shouldn't I do a spiffy giveaway or have a big post about me me me? I totally forgot about it, but you can congratulate me if you want! And I can say thankyou for being part of the Farmers Wife universe and for making me feel really special...xx

First up, my husband found this little fella while out mowing the grass yesterday:-


"I am a Burtons legless lizard. I am not a snake. See the shape of my snout is pointy like a pencil, that is how you tell I'm not a snake. I am harmless so please don't hurt me."

Repeat after me people "This is a legless lizard, this is not a snake. There is a difference". We let him go back in the grass to enjoy the rest of his day.


I love a good bargain. It makes me happy when I find one. I should have made this number 11 on my Happy list recently. Yesterday we were out shopping and I wanted to buy Mr C some trading cards. He really wanted some Yu-Gi-Oh cards but at $20.00 a pack I said "keep walking buddy".

We went across to another shop and found this absolute gem- a discontinued tin with several packs of Ben 10 cards for $2.00, and another pack of Ben 10 Alien Force cards reduced to $2.00. So for the grand total price of $4.00 we bought all of this:-





Mr C is impressed and extremely happy because he is obsessed with Ben 10. So for $4.00 everyone's happy.


I am looking forward to pancaking a tutu this week. I shall post pics to show you exactly how it's done. The dance festival is in two weeks and Miss D is very excited and I am very nervous as she is doing her first two solos in classical ballet and jazz. I can't wait to watch all the girls dancing, it is really very exciting!


The kids had the dress up box out this morning as it's still pissing rain (aussie term for enough already), and of course Mr C dressed up as Ironman, as he is into Marvel comics at the moment. He's such a boy! Anyway, I had to dress up as the bad guy, and I'm getting a bit offended at always having to play the bad guy.

me:- "Why do I always have to be the bad guy? I want to be the good guy".

Mr C:- "No mum, you HAVE to be the bad guy. Your'e the mother."

I just put on my mask and shut up.

March 13, 2010

Our new toy

Here is my son literally giving me a heart attack. Please watch til the end where you will hear the dialogue:-

me: SHIT

The Hubbster: Did you get....?? (that).


Blog This Challenge - vote for me!! or someone else

I am participating in a great challenge over at Blog This . If you have a spare minute or two, why not go on over and read my entry and vote for me....if you like my post! Of course there are some other great entries that you may want to vote for as well.

You will see the voting section on the right hand side of the blog. All in all, it's a good way to support some other bloggers who love some healthy competition! My link is
here.

March 12, 2010

10 Happy Things

My good friend over at Mom of the Perpetually Grounded kindly passed on a meme that I am only now getting to, so I feel very guilty that it has taken me so long, so please forgive me! It's all about 10 things that make me happy....

1. Driving to school to collect the kids after I've been working all day, and feeling so excited to see them.

2. My first cuppa tea in the morning, steaming hot from my favourite cup given to me by a special friend.

3. Realising that Desperate Housewives is on in 10 minutes time....and the kids are all asleep - bonus!

4. Watching my son curl his lip up when he talks, kinda like Elvis did....

5. Fish and chip night, usually on Friday after football...The Hubbster and the kids and I sit at the table and everyone is talking at the same time..and the tv is off.

6. The way Miss T's eyes look as big as saucers when she is telling me something intense and important.

7. Driving around the farm with The Hubbster when the kids are at school, just talking and looking at the scenery and realising it is ours.

8. Brushing Miss D's long hair, and remembering how my hair was the same at her age. Loving that she is so much like me.

9. Playing my Ipod really really loud and dancing in the kitchen..on child free days of course.

10. Saturday night + kids in bed+ hubby in bed + yummy snack + lights off + scary dvd+ rain outside = Bliss.

This is a Pass Along meme so I am tagging the following cool people who I just know will get right on to this!


Christine
Green Eyed Momster
Modern Mom
My Little Miracles
Foursons
Michelle
Crystal Jigsaw
The Jason Show
Organic Meatbag
The Playground Observer


March 10, 2010

Writers Workshop

4.) What lights your fire? Describe five things you are most passionate about.

I have to be quick this week because I am sick with the flu and can hardly see to type (sinus, headache and snotty!) but I don't want to miss out on this weeks writers workshop....see I'm so dedicated.

1. My family - they are the reason I live, I breathe and I drive. And boy do I drive - to ballet/tap and jazz dancing three times a week for the girls - to football games and training for number one son - to birthday parties, to Macdonalds and the movies occasionally and wherever else this chauffeur has to go. Since we live out of town add the travel time on top and we are super busy.

It's all worth it. To see everyone happy and thriving and taking an interest in something keeps our family harmony in balance...most of the time.

2. My childrens' future. I want my kids to be happy, healthy and responsible and giving members of the community. I want them to be rich in love and friends, be safe and comfortable in their own skin and know that they will always be able to come home to mum and dad if they need support or guidance.

3. Travel. I read about different places in the world constantly and dream of the countrys I would love to visit. I enjoy reading travel brochures on places like America and Europe.

4. My house. The faceless house. I am so ready to unpack my things and decorate my new house, I wonder when this will happen? I am being very patient, but I miss my "stuff" and I want my damn theatre room in which to watch my damn movies...

5. Life. My one and only. I love where I am right now. There is so much I still want to accomplish and I just feel so very blessed to have this life, my health, my family and friends and to live in the country in the peace and quite.

Mama's Losin' It

March 8, 2010

Bendy bendy

I don't know whether to:

1 Say WTF?

2 Or someone call a chiropractor.


March 7, 2010

My little big girl

I wanted to write about my youngest little devil - Miss T (or destructo as we like to call her). She has recently turned 5 and is in that in between stage of not knowing if she is a big girl or a baby. And being the youngest in the family pushes her in the direction of being the latter.

I'm trying to ignore the whingy bad behaviour...the fall in a heap on the floor tantrums and the breaking of furniture (so far we have one broken bed as discussed here and one broken wardrobe door which she slammed shut in a moment of frustration, which I can't even remember happening.

She wakes up, bosses everyone around, then kicks some toys across the floor on the way to the kitchen. She's really tough. I've been known to step over her as she writhes on the ground in faux agony. She just gets up, walks to where I am and falls at my feet to continue the performance.

I think this year in Prep will see her grow, both mentally and emotionally. The funny thing is, she doesn't (usually) act like this for anyone else - only for me. I'm the Mother (sucker) who has to cope with obnoxious behaviour, and that's okay because it's my job.

I love her to bits. She is funny, cheeky, energetic, very smart and can outbuild anyone with lego. I think she will be an architect when she grows up. She can design a house for me in some exotic location to repay me for putting up with years of stress and visits to the hairdresser to tend to my increasing amount of grey hairs.


Miss T crying:- "I thought I would be stuck up there for ever!"

March 6, 2010

My Journey to Me

It's taken me forever to get here. To become the person I am today. Why do I still feel like that 17 year old, leaving school, enrolling in a course, embarking on my life?

Time goes so fast. I am 42 years old, but I sometimes still feel like I am a teenager. Remembering my first crush, my first kiss, my first embarassing drunken escapade. It all seems so fresh in my mind. Wouldn't it be easier to go back to those times, when the weight of the world wasn't so heavy?

My life has been full and yes, it has been a journey. Of discovery, of adventure and of heartache. Is it true that these things mould you into the type of person you become?

Would I have changed anything? Of course. But then I wouldn't be the same. The joy and the sadness has made me into a strong and proud woman, mother, wife and friend. I remember thinking of what it would be like to be a mother, and here I am and I am fulfilled. And so lucky.

I count my blessings every day. I don't take things for granted because once the sun goes down, this day will never be again.

Yes. It's taken me forever to get here. But it was worth the wait.


Congrats to a bloggy pal

Congratulations to a bloggy friend of mine - Michelle (what a super name!) over at this awesome blog.

She is celebrating her 100th blog post. What an achievement! Go on over and give her some bloggy love... She has a great giveaway too - it's bling - it's all shiny and pretty and I love it (want it!!)

March 3, 2010

Video

For you ladeez out there...


March 2, 2010

Writers Workshop

2.) Tell us about your trip!

I'm just so predictable. You already know I'll write about my trip to America. I"ve already done this here and here. I really don't want to write about anything else but America.

I had always been fascinated with this country, and planned and booked my trip 12 months in advance. The people, the architecture,the food, the scenery and the friends I met will stay with me forever. It seems surreal, at times, to think that I was actually there.

I read all I can about America, I browse through holiday brochures dreaming about visiting again, and enter competitions in the hope of winning trip.

It was such a big, big thing for me to travel - overseas/alone/on my first big trip. I nearly didn't walk through the gates at the airport, as I was so fearful of the unknown. Every moment was an adventure. Everything I did and saw will stay with me forever.

I sometimes think I am obsessed because I think about my time in America alot. Even now after nearly 14 years. I would love for you to click on the above two links and share in the joy that America offered me.

Mama's Losin' It


March 1, 2010

Just a house (mansion)

Sometimes when I am supposed to be studying, I like to log onto my favourite real estate website and look at the homes that I will never be able to afford.

I like to do a search for property over the one million dollar price tag and then look at the amazing inside photos which gives me great ideas for decorating.

So the other day I decided to search for property over the ten million dollar mark, just to see how the other half live. And this is what I found - a twenty million dollar home away from home:-
Front view:

Back view:

And a little description:

Occupying two blocks in a premier position, the newly-completed mansion features floors of highly polished Travertine marble, custom-made mahogany furniture, silk rugs, alpaca wool carpets and fireplaces in Sahara Gold granite to grace rooms of impressive proportions. Hand-crafted mahogany mullioned windows and French doors have been used throughout all double glazed and exterior-clad in copper, which is already developing an aged patina.

Traditionally symmetrical in design, the 4-level layout offers a two studies, library, billiard room, lounge and vast formal dining on the ground floor opening out to a sunlit terrace with expansive broadwater views. Guest bedrooms and a home theatre occupy the mid level, while the top floor houses family bedrooms including the magnificent master suite with twin dressing rooms and ensuite bathrooms. The rooftop offers a casual entertaining venue complete with panoramic views and the basement includes a gymnasium with a sauna, plus garaging for up to 20 vehicles.

* Gatehouse & porte cochere entry to vast circular foyer
* Kitchen with hand-carved cabinetry, top range Miele appliances
* Formal dining adjoins library & lounge, all with gas fireplaces
* Handsome bar room adjoins magnificent billiard room
* Home theatre with the latest a/v technology & stardust ceiling lights
* 7 enormous bedrooms, 9 .5 bathrooms, 8 marble ensuites, 6 with spa baths
* 2 children's bedrooms have adjoining playrooms/nanny's quarters
* Moat-style wet-edge pool on the water front, drive-through basement garage
* Expansive sheltered waterfront with 30m pontoon.
* Internal lift, C-BUS home automation, zoned ducted air conditioning, Vaccumaid
* Suspended slab construction on core-filled concrete blocks with sandstone cladding

My first question is what the hell is an aged patina, and my second question is who could actually afford to live in a house (mansion) like this?

They are probably a very nice family, but I don't think we would see them down at the local skatepark any time soon.

It's all very grand but look how close they are to the house next door. Maybe that's their 3 storey garage for their 20 cars. Is it me, or is this wealth overload? They probably worked hard to afford a home like this, but gee, I just don't know.

Each to their own, I suppose. I just know that I am happy living on my hill, in the country, with 75 acres of lushness and no neighbours to hear me fart through the wall because they live so close. And I never thought I would write fart on the internet, which will probably now come up in a google analytics search as Farmers Wife Farts.