Farmers Wifey

Aussie all the way

2012-01-26T14:49:00.000+10:00

Happy Australia Day mate!

I'm so proud to be an Australian.

Wanna come visit???

House Update

2012-01-24T23:00:00.000+10:00

We have lights people! Lovely lovely lights!

The Hubbster has started installing our light fittings and we love them!

We are still waiting for the fancy ones to arrive for the foyer and over the dining table, I can't wait to see them!

We have continued the brushed chrome look in the fittings, which match the other features in the house.

What do you think.....you like?????

Our garage is being lined out, we have walls! And the beginnings of the landing leading into the house!

10 of the Best. Random.

2012-01-21T16:53:00.000+10:00

Today I wanted to share with you a few opinions I have and some things I've been thinking about this week.

I'll number them so when you give me beautiful comment love, it will be easy for you to refer to whatever is annoying you as well.

1. My newest lunchtime intervention THIS YEAR is that I will not peel, core or sprinkle lemon juice on any apples for one particular child in my family (name hidden to protect identity).

This child will learn to love apple peel as much as the others do, because I simply do not have time in the morning to pick the lemons off the tree and sprinkle.

2. Today whilst grabbing one last thing from the mall for school next week, I noticed many parents with their book lists in hand ranting at the frazzled sales staff because there are no book covers left.

Seriously, if you are going to leave school shopping until the last day of trading before school starts, you can expect stocks to be low.

Get a grip people, and cover your books with contact like the rest of us suckers.

Note - I bought book covers this year I feel strangely serene.

3. The first downlight has been installed on the verandah of The Money Pit. This thrills me. For obvious reasons.

4. The kids seriously need a hobby . Like school.

5. I'm waiting so patiently for the new gym to open in the same shopping centre as my office. I can almost feel my biceps bulging.

6. The kids have been asking for tacos for dinner for weeks and today when I decided to buy the ingredients, I nearly had a panic attack when I couldn't find them in the supermarket (the taco kits, not the kids).

I eventually located them in aisle 4, which had been moved from aisle 6 and I know this is completely random but that's what I've been thinking about today.....right....

7. To the lady in the silver Pajero who cut me off TWICE in the carpark last week - just because you have a blow wave four wheel drive and large sunglasses, it doesn't mean you can drive like a moron.

It's probably a good idea to get off your phone as well.

8. I hired a scary movie last week, and when I got home, I realised it "starred" Paris Hilton.

I demand a refund and I'm sueing for stress.

9. The three kids had a sleepover at their Nanny's house last Saturday night. It was the very first time they had all gone together.

The Hubbster and I went out for dinner and shared a romantic evening watching a movie.

I'm thinking of sending them there for good.

Joke. I'll just send them every Saturday night instead ♥

10. And lastly, the big thing in Australian Entertainment this week as been #Wigglegate.

Now I'm not going to link to The Wiggles, or The Issue, because if you have no idea what went down, you seriously need to get googling.

All I'll say is that I'm disgusted at the treatment Sam Moran has received, and the way in which The Wiggles have carried themselves.

Whether or not, Sam's time was up is really not the issue, it's the way in paricular Anthony's "don't know don't care" attitude to Sam was shown in an interview and their condescending manner that has parents all around the world in uproar.

The Wiggles PR department is in overdrive trying to mend the broken. But I think the damage has already been done.

Seriously guys, show some respect.

He'll do!

2012-01-17T22:28:00.000+10:00

I'm just too tired to think of a clever, witty or topical post to write tonight.

The brain cells responsible for writing my blog have packed up and gone home for the night.

But they left me with Josh Hartnett ♥

House Update

2012-01-16T15:22:00.000+10:00

It's time for another House Update.

The Money Pit is slowing moving forward, and slowly is the key word here.

My patience is sitting at a tolerable level at the moment.

We have handles galore! Cupboard door handles, bathroom vanity handles and of course......door handles!

The louvres above the internal doors have been fitted and they look really great!

Here's my cute little window in the laundry overlooking the garage (and the driveway)!

I am so in love with this door! It is the door from the mud room to the garage.

It needs to be painted of course!

There will be a small landing and stairs leading down to the garage.

The garage walls need to be done and that is the next big job!

I love this photo, the door looks quite bizarre without walls!

This week we will hopefully have the measurements done for the showerscreens.

We also have some light fittings arriving. THAT is exciting. I can't wait to see the first one installed!

They did WHAT?

2012-01-14T18:21:00.000+10:00

So you probably know by now that we are all sleeping in the same room while we wait for that magical day when we move into The Money Pit.

The Hubbster and I are down one end of the bedroom and the 3 kids are at the other end.

Bedtime is chaos. The Hubbster usually goes to bed early so the kids have to go to sleep as well.

The other night the two youngest were being noisy and silly so he kicked them out of the bedroom.

They came in to me in the loungeroom and it went a bit like this:-

Kids "Mum, Dad kicked us out. What should we do now?"

Farmers Wifey "I don't know, but you can't stay in here. I'm watching Criminal Minds!"

The kids went into the kitchen where they had the best time playing Lego and eating chocolates until 11.30pm.

Apparently they also helped themselves to peanut butter and honey sandwiches, as evident here:-

I fully expected an ant colony to move in overnight, but Miss T (aged 6) wiped down every tin and bottle and enjoyed doing it. She's awesome ♥

Let it go......

2012-01-11T18:15:00.000+10:00

Tonight we watched our favourite tv show "Modern Family".

It's the only one the five of us sit and watch together. It's not rated M, well most of the time anyway, and it has The Hubbster in fits of laughter every week.

The episode tonight proved again how much The Hubbster and I are like Phil and Claire.

Well besides the fact that I'm not blonde and The Hubbster doesn't sell real estate, I can see similarities between us that seem to be so true.

Tonights show emphasised the roles Phil and Claire portray - Phil being the fun, calm parent, and Clare the control freak, disciplinarian in their family.

They decided to change roles - Claire took her son and his cousin go karting, trying to be the "fun" parent, and Phil stayed home to discipline his wayward girls by overseeing the cleaning of the bathrooms.

It didn't work.

It wasn't what they were meant to do. They fit their roles perfectly, and although at times their family seems dysfunctional, it is what works for them.

I know it is a fictional television show, but I hope you understand what I mean.

In our family, The Hubbster is the fun parent. He's very calm, very patient, spends the time explaining things to the kids, takes them to Bunnings (all the time), plays tennis with them, buys them lunch and takes them to the park.

When he needs to be stern, the kids listen. They jump. They do exactly as they are told.

He's in control without being seen as being mean.

He's quite awesome actually.

I, on the other hand, get stressed and yells, worries about everything, is a control freak disciplinarian, freaks out when things are messy, and generally is not very well behaved.

I'm usually not calm, I'm working on my patience, I spend time with the kids at the park, the beach or McDonalds, I play handball and stuck in the mud and wrestle on the bed with them.

But I think the kids see me as the fun police. The mean one. The one who gives orders and bosses them around. I probably ask the same as The Hubbster does, but the kids see me differently.

They don't listen, until I yell. Then I'm being mean and cranky.

The Hubbster doesnt' yell. But they still listen.

Yesterday, the kids were in the pool and I said "hey kids look at the plane" but they didn't acknowledge me. I said it again, and still no answer.

Then I said "who wants some ice cream", and they all swung around in surprise.

Selective hearing perhaps?

Just blocking out what they don't want to hear (me being bossy and giving orders).

This is where my frustration comes from. I hate being bossy and feeling like THEY think I'm no fun. I wish everything would run smoothly and I wasn't such a stressful person...I'm working on that.

The most fun I have with the kids is when we go to the park and buy fish and chips for lunch, and sit in our favourite grassy spot on the hill by the beach. We usually do this when The Hubbster is at work, so it's just the kids and I.

They love this. They love the attention from me, and the time I am spending with them. It's when I'm being "fun".

I love taking them out on their individual "dates" where we go to the movies or shopping and it's quality one on one time.

I want more of this.

I have to let go of the control and realise that my children are little individuals that won't always conform to what I want.

The saying "don't sweat the small stuff" is something I'm trying to work towards.

Let it go, Michelle....just let it go.....

Image

The first words I heard were.....

2012-01-07T18:28:00.000+10:00

As the title reads, the first words I heard from The Hubbster were:-

Shit, there's a snake in the cage!

Thus yesterday will always be known as Shit, there's a snake in the cage - the massacre.

Easy to joke about now, but last night, when we heard a noisy disturbance coming from the bird aviary holding our mumma and 7 baby guinea fowl, we didn't quite expect to find what we did.

It was night, so The Hubbster and I grabbed our torches and went to the cage, to find the mother bird scared (my guineas are the only ones in history scared of snakes!) and the babies crying in the corner. And I say crying because they were terrified.

Their little birdy tweets told me so.

In the corner was a big brown tree snake squeezing the life out of one of the babies.

It was a terrible sight. We grabbed the closest "long" thing we could find - the pool leaf scooper, and tried to pick the snake up to remove it from the cage. We couldn't get a grip and it slid back under the back of the cage.

Note - when I write "we" I actually mean "The Hubbster".

I held the torch and the camera!

We didn't know what to do. From the time we went and made sure the kids were standing on the table, as we have a rule here that is "when there's a snake about, stand on the table", to the time we walked back to the cage, the snake had gone BACK in and was squeezing a second baby AND eating ANOTHER baby alive.

It was horrific. The other babies were crying, the mumma bird was frantic.

I felt sick.

We opened the cage and let the mother bird out, and used our cute little fishing net to scoop the remaining 4 babies out and they found their mumma and took off into the paddock.

We left the snake there to finish his meal and we were going to try to scoop it out when it was nice and fat. The kids had a quick look when the baby was in the snakes belly, and we could see the big lump moving down as the baby was digested.

He then disappeared under the cage again, but left the other two dead babies there.

Killed three, ate one.

I have some photos of the incident, but I'm not going to post them because they are very graphic and upsetting. If you would like to see them out of curiosity, I can email you.

Instead, here are the remaining 4 survivors, who don't seem too frazzled or traumatised today.

Unlike me, who is definately not frazzle free.

A Milestone for me

2012-01-05T18:55:00.000+10:00

My little blog celebrated a milestone today.

One hundred thousand pageviews!

Or 100 000!

That's alot of zeros and I appreciate every single one of them ♥

I'm not a blogging superstar, although I know a few and they all awesome, but I love the way my little piece of the World Wide Web has grown and the direction it is heading.

Thank you for supporting me by following and commenting, and giving me the confidence to write and to be honest.

I don't even have a present for you to show my thanks, but I can tell you this:-

My friends, you have been with me through the good times and the bad.

We have shared some happy moments and I've even been known to be a little controversial.

I can be funny and actually quite creative.

Most of the time, though, I just like to be a little bit silly.

But most of all, I am honest.

Without YOU, my blog wouldn't be what it is.....I love you ♥

Inspiration

2012-01-02T18:22:00.000+10:00

I wanted to share with you today, some images which inspire me.

Our home is a traditional but modern Queenslander with alot of colour, high ceilings, vj wall panelling and it will have polished timber floors which will look amazing.

I've been collecting country magazines for several years, and I have pages torn and filed away with ideas and inspiration so I can decorate my new home.

I love vintage, and anything pretty. Rustic and timber.

I love soft lines but I adore the unusual, the quirky and of course the country look.

I collect little vintage green handbags, purses and drawstring bags and I can't wait to show these, along with my cosy cushions and throwrugs.

I've selected some images which inspire me. Some are bright and others are in white tones, but they all take my eye in their own way.

I haven't grouped them together in any special way. They are just a mix of what I love to look at, and what makes me feel happy.

Images from Marley and Lockyer, My Design Ethos, MondoCherry, Apartment Therapy.

What inspires you?

Let's get this year rockin!

2012-01-01T18:07:00.000+10:00

A pinch and a punch for the first day of the month (year).....

We started our day with two hours of sitting by the car, waiting for a green tree snake (we think) to move from his hiding space in the car engine.

He didn't move.

He liked the vibrations of the car engine when we turned it on, and even when poked (gently) with a stick to get some action, he went to sleep.

I'm hoping he comes out tonight to hunt and leaves my car alone.

I'm hoping..........

We then enjoyed brunch of eggs, and smokey ham and toast and mushrooms (them not me).

The kids had a swim and it was a nice eventful day.

So back to the snake. We think it is the same one I nearly stepped on, while walking through the shed on Christmas Day.

I didn't blog about that, lest scaring my overseas readers from ever visiting our dangerous Australia!

We also think this snake skin is his!

He's obviously happy in his fancy new skin.

In my car engine.

GET OUT!

I can't believe the kids go back to school in just over 3 weeks! Where has the time gone?

Christmas done. New Year done.

Book lists not done as yet.

But I do have my new calendar ready to be updated.

I love this. It's the only thing that keeps my year organised.

It has spaces for The Hubbster and I, and the 3 kids. I write EVERYTHING there, and it helps me stay on top of things.

The Hubbster and I weighed ourselves this morning, ready for our health and fitness challenge.

As of today I weigh 71.7 kilos. The Hubbster weighed in with his boots on, so I scolded him and he'll check in again tommorrow.

I plan to update every Sunday, as I did with the Battle of the Blogger Butts last year.

And I am very determined!

2011 - A reflection

2011-12-30T18:54:00.000+10:00

I can't believe the new year begins tommorrow.

2011 has gone so fast...I think as I get older the days and weeks go faster.

Which is kind of sad......

The kids go back to school in 3 weeks, didn't we just have Christmas?

I do love the end of the year, in some ways though.....it's a time of clearing out the fluff of the past year, of tying up loose ends neatly, and starting afresh in the new year.

I can remember feeling this way, this time last year.

I had alot of things I wanted to achieve..and unfortunately I am still seeking them.

We hoped we would be living in our house, we are closer, yes, but still have a little more to do.

And I remember posting about wanting to get back into health and fitness, which I did for one week until I seriously hurt my back.

These two goals are still very important to me....and beginning tommorrow I plan to focus on the fitness goal.

I have the Digital Parents Conference in Melbourne in March, and I want to be looking and feeling my best then. What a fantastic goal to strive towards.

It's so strange that I posted the exact same thing, last year, but the thing that gives me motivation is remembering how I looked and felt before we moved to the Farm and I was a total gym junkie......I loved it.

We have a gym opening right next door to my office, in January or February and I am so excited. One of the reasons why I stopped working out, was because we live out of town and I have to travel half an hour to get anywhere with a gym.

On my days off, I don't want to drive into town, and when I hurt my back, that basically stopped all exercise. So I haven't had a very good year in that respect.

But I know that I want to get fit again, lose some weight and strengthen my core muscles to support my back - if I don't do this, surgery may not be a choice but a definite.

And I don't want to go.....there......

So here's to a great 2012...with your dreams and mine coming true ♥ Thank you for supporting my little blog this year, I love every one of you.....

To finish my last post of 2011, in true Farmers Wifey fashion, I'll share some of my tweets.

I hope they make you smile ♥

Made the ultimate mummy sacrifice and took my daughter to the school disco instead of watching Greys Anatomy..oh the humanity...

Just vacumned the shed.

Bahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.....(don't look at me, I have no idea what this means?)

Had 4 baby guinea fowl escape from Alcatraz this morning, dug out of the cage. I'm calling one Clint Eastwood.

Post about cows. Only on Farmers Wifey.

Just looking at a picture of Brian McFadden pisses me off.

Gaga is a poor man's Madonna.

No bread here. I knew I should have asked for a breadmaker for Christmas.

I got a speeding ticket while 9 months pregnant and getting pizza.

Everytime I mention Justin Bieber my 5 year old blushes.

Santa underestimated the amount of wrapping paper needed and is compensating with computer paper.

We had a little spider and a frog in the shower, and my five yr old says wow we have wild animals in there.

Just bleached the kitchen.

I want my house finished so I can move out of the GODDAMN shed!

Goodness shoulder pads are in everyones closets. I'll send some of my mega 80's ones..

Just had a quite word to the post office lady, STOP BENDING MY FUCKING MAIL AND STUFFING IT IN THE POSTBOX. Now I have a bent calendar.

AHHHHHHHHH blardy husbands.

Holy crap.

Say effing what?

Gotta finish the housework so I can watch Dr Phil.

Impressed that son was dressed and ready for school at 6.30 am until I realised he's slept in his clothes.

Does wine help a sore throat?

I emptied the bins at work yesterday therefore I am the office bitch.

Over two years living in our shed while we build the house. Not sure whether to laugh or cry.

Just told my daughter not to cry over spilt milk. I'll just cry over my freshly washed tablecloth.

I hate this working two days in a row crap. I like being lazy at home.

Wish I had Nanny McPhees stick.

Came to work today for a rest.

Cried at a kids movie, daughter just rolled her eyes at me.

Why do I stay up late and drink wine when I'm so tired and should go to bed?

My 7 year old son just said to me "I need a moment" WTF?

I'm a slave to social media.

Made cupcakes with the kids, and now having a Mersyndol for the headache.

Just went walking with a friend in the rain and the mud..now my shoes are on the clothesline and I'm eating a muffin.

Happy New Year!

Little things make me Happy

2011-12-30T18:21:00.000+10:00

My work is done.

My life is complete.

I've shared a Coke with Gavin, and Rebecca, and Danielle and Rodney.

Now, finally I get to share a coke....with myself......(insert smiley face).

New Babies ♥

2011-12-28T21:24:00.000+10:00

Here are my 10 brand new guinea fowl babies!

Aren't they adorable?

I love their little stripy heads ♥ The mother was very kind and brought them to US, not like last year when we had to walk them up the driveway in the rain!

Christmas

2011-12-26T18:21:00.000+10:00

Merry Christmas lovelies!

We have had a quite, stressfree Christmas, and it's been wonderful just to relax.

The kids have been swimming, we have slept in every day and we went to the Picnic Races today and we had an awesome time!

The only thing I forgot to buy during my Christmas Eve shop was toilet paper.

So we found the emergency stash!

And the most amazing present I received was a black and white photo from Tupelo, Mississippi where my idol Elvis Presley was born.....my darling Father in Law brought it back from his recent holiday and had it framed for me.

It means more to me than he will ever know....

Guide to a Safe Christmas

2011-12-24T18:25:00.000+10:00

To my lovelies, Merry Christmas!

I am so blessed to have you in my life, albeit my online life!

It doesn't matter, because I appreciate every one of you ♥

As I am such a caring person, I wanted to send you a Christmas warning....

Taken directly from a news website, I must confess, with the best bits highlighted, it reads:-

Parents hurt by children's toys at Christmas

Adults eager to try out their kids' Christmas presents are being warned to take care, as paramedics brace for an influx of injured dads, mums, uncles and aunties.

NSW paramedics say they have traditionally received calls to treat children hurt by their presents.

But parents and other adults are increasingly sustaining serious injuries from playing with children's new toys.

Accidents include falls from scooters, bikes and trampolines and injuries suffered when a water slip 'n' slide ride goes wrong.

Other common injuries include adults stabbing themselves with screwdrivers when assembling new toys.

Alcohol is often a factor.

"Try not to mix alcohol and use of new toys, this is where adults usually come unstuck and they show the children how not to use the toy," the Ambulance Service of NSW said in a statement.

Falls associated with hanging Christmas lights and decorations can also cause major injuries.

So my advice is to wrap yourself in this, while you ride that scooter, so you stay safe over the Christmas break.

Image Credit

So Merry Christmas to you and I hope this litte doggie gets an extra special treat this year!

Missed it by THAT much.

2011-12-22T18:34:00.000+10:00

I'd like you to do something for me.

Put your thumb and index finger together.

Now move them apart about 1 cm.

THAT is how far we are away from finishing The Money Pit.

THAT is how close we came to moving in by Christmas.

THAT is how much patience I have left.

We have made steady progress most of the year, but we just didn't make it.

We now have a new goal which is March 2012.

There's not alot left to do. The toilets and taps, the light fittings, the ceiling fans and power points, the hot water system and last of all, the floors, which will be polished.

In the grand scheme of things, it's just a blip on the radar.

So work has stopped over Christmas, except for the ordering of the lights, fans, taps and toilets.

The painter has finished and has done a great job. It took 4 weeks to paint the inside.
Remembering that the house is 550 sqm.

So we are going to enjoy our 4th Christmas in the shed, knowing that it won't be long and we will be unpacking our things and moving into our dream home.

We are so happy with the skylights!

We have them in two of the bathrooms, the mud room, the kitchen and our walk in robe. See how bright they are!

Love my Family ♥

2011-12-21T19:42:00.000+10:00

What does this photo tell you?

A) There are no school notes, dancing notes, book lists, football game draws, tuck shop price lists, excursion slips, birthday party invitations so the year is nearly over and we can relax? Or

B) This weeks instructions for the family while I worked full time?

If you chose A) and B) you are right!

I was so glad to remove all of the school and sports paperwork from our noticeboard because during the last school term, it was overflowing.

I have such a sense of relief now it is clear.

And I've worked long hours all week and The Hubbster has been entertaining the kids.

I came home today and was thrilled to see that 4/4 of the jobs have been done!

100 percent completed!

I really appreciate my family looking after me by helping me with things while I am working.

Fish and Chips for tea everyone!!!

For the person who has everything

2011-12-20T03:12:00.000+10:00

It's that time of year again. Christmas.

A busy time for some, a time to reflect and share the love with our family and friends.

It can also be a stressful time, when gifts are being exchanged, and we walk the shop floors looking for that "special something" for the person who has everything.

Or we just buy them a voucher. If we want to be lazy......

I've been looking for some gifts for the person who has everything and I'm sure that they would be thrilled with my choices.....

Here are some suggestions........

1. Dog crate end table

This is a fantasic gift to buy because it's a two in one present. Rover can have a nice place to sit and you'll have somewhere to put your cappuccino. Probably comes in mahogany or teak.

2. Pillow Pet

The tagline reads "It's a pillow, it's a pet....It's a Pillow Pet!"..

The company have also branched out into Pillow Pet Hats...

I don't get it.

(Edit - I've just bought one for Miss T....see, I'm weak..weak I tell you!)

3. A trip to the Edge of Space

For a spare AUD $33000 you can have a trip to the edge of the atmosphere in a Russian MiG-31 Fighter Jet.

Great for those pesky Mothers In Law, or annoying neighbours. (My MIL, however is the best..I love her to bits ♥)

I'll jump for joy if Santa gives this to me....

4.Giant sized remote

The Hubbster and I were only just saying how bad our eyes are getting.

It's called Old Age, my dear.

I can't see to even thread a needle....I have to hold it at arms length and that's not a good look.

How awesome would this remote be for those sight challenged tv watchers.

Now if they'd only make giant labels on sauce bottles I might be able to read the ingredients!

5. Banana Guard

I totally love this banana guard, to protect ones precious fruit from bruising.

I wonder what colours it comes in.....

So over to you my dear, gift challenged friends....what would YOU like to receive for Christmas?

Hello Snake

2011-12-18T18:03:00.000+10:00

Another day on the farm...really.

We are "fairly" sure that todays snake is a Keelback Snake, a non venomous fella that we have let go in the bush to fight another day......

Christmas Cheer!

2011-12-12T18:12:00.000+10:00

Yeah yeah....I'll be sensible tommorrow..........

Images credit to The Far Side.

House Update

2011-12-09T18:32:00.000+10:00

Two weeks until The Man in Red arrives, but alas we will be spending our 4th..yes that's right OUR 4TH Christmas in the shed.

Time has beaten us..we are over the hill now, coasting down easy street, and could possibly be living in The Money Pit by March!

I'm using the Digital Parents Conference as my goal...I want some good news to share with "ma girls".....

I'm happy to present some photos of our tiling, in the bathrooms, kitchen and laundry......I am in love ♥ with our tiles!

We have gloss white bathroom wall tiles with Norwood Borders in colours matching the floor tiles and the bedrooms paint colours, and we have finished off the top of the tiling with some rolled capping.

The kitchen tiles are small, bevelled edge gloss white, and the laundry tiles are bigger gloss vanilla.

Our vanities have been installed and look amazing, even without taps!

The laundry bench and cupboards and sink have been installed as well!

The ensuite bathroom........

The kids bathroom........

The guests bathroom........

My kitchen......

The laundry......

We are seriously now thinking about the shower screens, skylights, toilets, taps, ceiling fans, light switches and power points.

The painter will be on the job for another couple of weeks but we have made so much progress, it's very exciting.

There could possibly be an end to this neverending bad camping trip I am on.....

House Update

2011-12-07T20:35:00.000+10:00

Warning - if you don't like colour, turn away now.....

Our painter has been on the job for two weeks now, and is doing a smashing job! The house looks amazing - unfinished but amazing none the less!

He said today he hasn't painted a house like this for a very long time...most of the modern homes he does are white, cream and beige......and this is such a refreshing change.

We have gone with very traditional colours, with names like sage green, raku, henna red, tea rose, loganberry and a blue colour that I can't quite recall, but I'll get that for you tommorrow!

We have used the popular Antique White USA and double strength of the same for the trims and the VJ wall panelling.

The vanities have been installed in the bathrooms, as well as the laundry bench, cupboards and sink.....

The tiling in the bathrooms, kitchen and laundry is being finished Thursday and Friday, so I'll have some gorgeous pics to share....

Our soffits are done too!!

Digital Parents Blog Carnival is HERE

2011-11-29T01:48:00.000+10:00

I am so excited to be hosting this months Digital Parents Blog Carnival!

This is a much sought after role and every month from now well into 2013 is already spoken for.

THIS is the gig everyone wants to be a part of.

Digital Parents brings together some amazing bloggers, some of whom I share with you here.

I love the welcoming sense of community Digital Parents has to offer, I really feel at home....

So sit back, relax, and think of my html stress (I'm only kidding, I looooove html code) and read some fabulous stories ♥

Don't forget to send some comment love their way too!

Kristyn from MummyK

Best of both worlds - My action plan on teaching my child the richness of both cultures of her parents. It is difficult but essential in teaching her the history of her own heritage.
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Denyse from Denyse Whelan.Education Specialist.

Gifts for the Teachers - Denyse Whelan is an Education Specialist who shares her knowledge and experience of 40 years as a teacher & school principal.
She knows that at this time of year, there are "buy me for your teacher" signs at gift shops and department stores. Denyse also asked some parents & teachers what they would like, and what they give teachers. Here's her ideas, and those of others. Feel free to join in!!
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Alli from Motivating Mum

Get off the computer and into the world - A little blog post on the joys of getting that face to face action.
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Georgia from Parental Parody

An open letter to my nearest and dearest re: my birthday - It's almost time for my annual 25th birthday. After years of receiving losing scratchies and ill fitting clothing of questionable fashion, I'm taking a stand against crap birthday giftage.
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Kristie from Hespera's Garden

Today is October 15 - October 15th. International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. This is the post I wrote, remembering my son Avery who died July 15 2011.
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Jade from Jadeluxe

A Domestic Helper's Life - Heartfelt reflections of a Hong Kong housemaid on her experiences - and the lessons she's learnt.
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Kel from Anything, Everything & Inbetween

You'd better not pout, I'm telling you why...Obama is coming to town! - Forget Noonamah - Where the hell is Darwin? A personalised guide to the Northern Territory for President Obama, November 2011. The man should be warned...
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Marissa from Beautifully Organised

Keep your house tidy easily with 3 simple rules - 3 steps to get your house clean and clutter free easily.
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Mandy from A Little Space Like Home

Perfectly Imperfect – Motherhood - Motherhood, undoubtedly our toughest job, but whose rating your performance? Would you pass? At what point do you say, I’m doing OK!
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Janelle from Me and Mia

Daydream Believer - What are your goals, short or long-term? Do you go after your dreams? How often do you find yourself crossing them off your to-do list? Here are a few of mine, including one I'm about to step out and achieve!
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Days like this... by Lisa Jay

Fingerprints on my lens - Documenting fragments of my days with my children & realising that the ordinary is beautiful.
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Jodie from Muddled Up Mumma

I admit I Was a Bully at School - Bullying is a complex issue and Muddled Up Mumma is putting her hand up to say she’s not in denial, is admitting to it and realises the effect she’s had on someone else’s life.
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Kellie from The Good, The Bad and The Unnecessary

Copy Paste is Copy Waste - Some great advice here
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Crissy from Phenomenal Woman

Mmm It's Friday, Friday, woo! - THIS weekend, is particularly special as I am celebrating. I am celebrating a date for my mother's arrival from Italy!! I cannot believe it. I have waited my whole life to be reunited with my mother and it's finally time. 6th December! I am so excited I could almost pee myself!! This could not have come at a better time.

Sarah from That Space in Between

The slap...it got me thinking - Those strange memories from childhood about what sort of a parent you might be (or might not be).
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Deb from Home Life Simplified

Letting Go of Perfectionism - I am a recovering perfectionist and share my views on letting go of perfectionism. It seems many others share my issues as this post was shared more than 50 times! There must be a lot of us struggling with this.
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Becky from Becky and James

Epiphany. Thanks to I Heart My Body 2011 - How the 'I Heart My Body 2011' movement turned on a light bulb and gave me an aha moment.
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Kirsty from Mummy To Five

Things I know,Cheeky Christmas pranks you can play on your kids! - With Christmas approaching, I’m sharing with you some of the funny pranks you can play on your kids to make Christmas more fun!
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Dorothy from Singular Insanity

The Squishy and other celebrity encounters at Problogger - The people I met at the Problogger Training Event
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Alyce from Blossom Heart

Bullying - No Way! My Story - Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will cut me to the core and remain stuck like thorns for year. With children of fellow mummy bloggers being bullied weekly, and the bullying I have heard of within the bloggosphere, it's time to speak out against this crap and for those bullying to grow up.
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Debbie from Aspiring Mum

Am I Good Enough? - My self-doubt comes into play when I receive an email entitled, "Are you good enough?"
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Bronnie from Maid in Australia

Random Acts of Kindness - A random act of kindness makes a maid's day.
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Melissa from The Things I'd Tell You

I Dedicate my 1000th post for Charlotte Olivia - A lovely way to celebrate a blogging milestone
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Kate from Puddles and Gumboots

Is Life a Juggling Act? - A great question to ask
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Michelle from Farmers Wifey

Remembering - Something that is very close to my heart ♥
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Please vote..go on

2011-11-24T10:41:00.001+10:00

Okay lovelies, I've relented and added myself to this competition. I think I have a grand score of.....5 votes....GO ME!!

I'd love some more votes so why not click the link and find Farmers Wifey (at the end of the list) and click vote!

You can vote once a day too...what fun!!

And check out some of the other blogs too..some awesome reading and talent ♥

Enjoy every moment

2011-11-23T21:55:00.000+10:00

One day last week after we had finished our jobs in town, I took the kids to McDonalds for a snack.

We sat inside and at the next table there was a mum with her two young children, probably aged around 3 and 4......

As I watched this mother, it brought back alot of memories for me.

She spent most of her time out of her chair, wiping a face, tending to a child out of their seat, or wiping up a spilt drink.

My kids sat and ate their meal, and were on their best behaviour (aged 6, 8 and 10).

As she walked past me while taking one child to the toilet for the 3rd time, her eyes met mine and we both smiled.

She said "look at your beautiful children, sitting there and behaving".....

And I replied "I've been where you are, I can guarantee you".......

I have been there...with my 3 babes under 4 years old - two in nappies, two with pacifiers (lovingly refered to as their "gars") a huge double pram and an equally sized nappy bag.

I remember........

- wishing the kids were old enough to feed themselves
- wishing the kids would sit still
- wishing the kids could be taken out in public without embarrassing me
- wishing the kids could entertain themselves for longer than 5 minutes
- wishing the kids would go to sleep at a respectable time
- wishing I could have a ful nights sleep

Wishing the time away, not realising that it goes so fast............

Now I find myself fondly remembering those times when my children were babies, and I'd give anything to have that again....

...those chubby cheeks
...warm snuggly baby hugs
...rocking my babies to sleep
...that amazing newborn scent
...soft wispy hair
...the amazing first steps
...breastfeeding and that exquisite closeness....

My children have grown so quickly, and the years have melted away, and they are now in another stage of their lives.

It's an exciting time, yes, but those first few years when I first became a mother will always be so special to me...

Don't wish the time away.

Enjoy every moment........

Image Credit

House Update

2011-11-14T18:46:00.000+10:00

Well The Money Pit is certainly living up to its name.

We keep throwing it in.

I must remember where I planted that special money tree...

Things are moving fast now. The carpenter has finished all of the skirts and architraves and is doing his final sand and check next weekend. Then he'll put up the rest of the verandah soffits.

He still has the internal door locks and cupboard handles to do but that happens after the painter has finished.

The final piece of fretwork is in, my child free craft room is calling me! And two more ceiling roses are up in the foyer and in the mudroom....

Our tiler is back tommorrow and will start on the wall tiles in the bathrooms, laundry and kitchen. The floor tiles are done and they look amazing...very traditional as you can see!

The three bathrooms have mosaic floor tiles, each with different colours being white with green, white with black and white with red. The tiles will compliment the walls in the bathrooms and the rooms they are attached to if applicable.

The laundry floor tiles are cream with red and the wall tiles will be cream also.

So our plan of attack is :-

Tiler this week

Carpenter every weekend

Plasterer next week for his final check and prepaint

Kitchen people back to install laundry cupboards and benchetop after tiler finishes

Painter is back in the next two weeks

Plumber back soon to finish off piping to the tanks

The Hubbster and I are talking paint colours, toilets, taps, shower screens, ceiling fans and pendant lights and this will probably take us up to Christmas.

Now that I've realised it's only 6 weeks until Santa parks his sleigh on the front grass, it's looking highly unlikely that we will be living in our house by then.

We will do our best and I'm sad that this might be the case, but really after living in the shed for 3 years, what's another couple of months to get it right....

I'm so looking forward to unpacking our things, to finding my slow cooker and to finally being able to live in our dream home ♥

My Three Little Birds: Part 3

2011-11-13T16:04:00.000+10:00

Miss D

My first little bird arrived after 25 hours of labour.

And she was worth every push and groan and frustrated cry that came from me.

I had wanted a baby for as long as I can remember. Actually I can tell you that I was in highschool when I first thought about what my child would be like.

I always thought my first baby would be a girl and I was right (actually I knew what they all were in my heart without finding out the sex).

I just knew.

I wondered would she have long hair as I did when I was a child, and what colour would her eyes be?

Would she look like me? And would she share her love of dancing as I had?

I wrote this for her:-

"My darling, you made me a mother.

I dreamed of you and wanted you for so long...I knew you were somewhere waiting to come to me..you are everything I yearned for and the minute you were put in my arms and I looked at your face, I knew you.

I really knew you...It was almost as if we'd met before...all these years I had waited to have a child, and as I looked at your beautiful face, I knew there and then that I would give my life for you."

She is so much like me, my husband often comments (when her and I are arguing - and yes we do!) that "Wow Michelle, it's like looking in a mirror......")

It scares me how much she is like me, her personality and the way she thinks things through, that is why I think sometimes we clash.....

I'm basically fighting with myself!

My mirror twin!

She is such a good little girl, so helpful and kind and caring.

My little doll. A beautiful, smart and talented little bird..

She loves fashion. I love taking her shopping, just the two of us, and we love trying on clothes, and jewellery and doing girlie stuff ♥

We have another date soon to watch the new Twilight movie. I think she wants me to wear a Team Jacob tshirt.

For her, I'd do anything....

I also think she's smarter than me. Already. No seriously...

And she can sing and dance and act and hopefully she'll become famous and I can finally have my overseas holiday I'm craving...

The final word must go to The Hubbster who said to Miss D recently " You will make a very fine lawyer one day because you're very good at arguing"...

Touche.

My Three Little Birds: Part 2

2011-11-07T20:13:00.000+10:00

Mr C

My calm, calm baby boy.

My blonde haired, blue eyed special little guy ♥

I've been trying to decide what to write about my Mr C (aged 8). So many words come to mind - passionate, caring, focused, funny, energetic, creative......

He has an older sister and a younger sister and sometimes, when the girls are fighting, he will look at me and say "those girls are so much trouble Mum!"..

I mother all of my children the same way, but there is a special bond between my son and I..as all mothers and their baby boys have I am sure...

When he was born, he was such a placid little baby, he didn't really open his eyes for the first two weeks - he would keep them squeezed shut most of the time, and we loved when we could actually see his blue eyes.....

I carried him around with his head on my shoulder, looking outwards and I didn't even have to support him with my other hand, as he would just lie there with his head resting, looking at the world while I went about my chores....

When he turned 2, we thought we'd been hit by a cyclone. THE ENERGY this kid had was amazing....

If there was a cupboard to look inside, he was there. If there was a door to slam off it's hinges, he'd have a go.....he would run ahead in the shopping centre, which was scary as I had a 4 year old and a newborn to deal with at that time.....

I tried the wrist strap attached to him and me, so he wouldn't run too far, but he'd still run...and the strap would stretch, and people would stare. Or trip!

Now he is 8 years old and he still has that amazing energy that he channels into sports......he excels at anything he tries - tennis, cricket, rugby league and now AFL...he is my star ♥

He is so kind hearted and has so many friends...

He is smart and creative and loves Lego and Star Wars and Ben 10 and Indiana Jones.

He is a wonderful storyteller and the way his brain works..and the things he says, just thrill and amaze me...

To share some thoughts from my wise and funny little man, I've borrowed some blog entries that will definately make you smile....

Mr C - I'm allergic to bad squirrels. They make me vomit.

Mr C: Mummy

Farmers Wifey: yes my love

Mr C: what are those things under your eyes?

Farmers Wifey: they're bags honey. They're bags...

I had just put the kids to bed and Mr C (aged 7) comes out and seriously says "I just don't feel like going to bed at this stage"....

As I walked him back to bed I said seriously "Well love, I don't feel like entertaining you all night at this stage"....

Football obsessed? Noooo way.

Mr C (aged 6): Mummy, who is the Prime Minister of Australia?

Mr C again: It's Darren Lockyer, isn't it????

My aussie readers will appreciate the giggles. My overseas pals can can google Mr Lockyer to fully understand!

He has enriched my life and he makes me smile every day. I love him and his passion for life.

My special little guy ♥

My Three Little Birds: Part 1

2011-11-04T20:07:00.000+10:00

Miss T

The spirited child.

Do you have one? Do you know one?

Do you want one?

My third born, Miss T has evolved from a sweet, chubby baby into a headstrong, defiant 6 year old. I'd love to share some things about her...

♥ She has the most amazingly, funny personality..and her teacher thinks she's a cracker!

♥ She is very sweet, and loves to help carry in the groceries.

♥ Our favourite games are a million kisses and the tickle game on the bed!

♥ She is very robust and is the boss of the family.

♥ Everyone at school loves her, including the mums.

♥ She loves ravioli.

♥ She has great fashion sense, and thinks nothing of wearing a skirt over jeans.

♥ And she wears odd socks alot of the time.

♥ She loves dress up clothes, and adores her pink sparkly school shoes.

♥ She loves her brother and sister. Most of the time.

♥ She can sniff out a chocolate biscuit even when the biscuit tin is hidden in a cupboard behind closed doors.

She keeps us busy with her antics, and I really have to remind myself to focus on the positives, praise! praise! praise!, pick my battles and remember......

"Everyone stay calm"....

We've had 4 trips to Accident and Emergency for varying reasons including the coin incident. You can read about it here and here.

You may also remember the bed throwing incident.

She sometimes wakes up in a bad mood, bosses everyone around, then kicks some toys across the floor on the way to the kitchen. She's really tough like that.

And I've now just realised that she has chewed her way through my laptop powercord, not unlike a beaver knawing on a piece of wood.

I love her to bits. She is funny, cheeky, energetic, very smart and can outbuild and outdesign 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'd be up there forever".

Don't fret over the Fretwork!

2011-10-29T17:13:00.000+10:00

I interupt my Saturday night horror movie to bring you a House Update.

I know my stuff. Give me zombies, werewolves or vamps anyday.

I'm watching a remake (or trainwreck) of The Howling, but it's more like The Stinking, because it stinks.

I know this because I've googled the ending, I'm downloading photos and I'm tweeting while listening to this stinky movie.

It's like a poor mans Twilight, made without the vampires and the trillion dollar budget.

And without Jacob Black, so yes it does particularly stink.

But I'm so happy to present to you our Fretwork.

Isn't. It. Divine ♥

We have two other ceiling roses to put up. I love them, but I don't envy the painter who has to paint them!

Random

2011-10-27T17:12:00.000+10:00

I'm really overdue for a random post so sit back and enjoy!

I had a day at home today. I really, really needed this as I've been feeling quite overwhelmed with all that is going on in my life.

Between my work, the kids and their activities, The Money Pit, the farm, my back and discussing paint colours and tile profiles, I'm at the point where I feel very stressed.

I'm being pulled in so many different directions, and I haven't any time just to...be....

Most days my head is swimming with facts and figures, and dates and schedules, and appointments, and usually I can cope very well with my frantic life, but l find myself worrying about things that haven't even happened yet.

It's time to slow down.

Today I took the kids to school and went to my physio appointment. I came home and it was....quiet. The Hubbster was at work so I did the washing, stood in the sunshine, talked to the guinea fowl and just.....exhaled.

I watched the midday movie while tidying the loungeroom, and I can't believe how relaxed and calm I feel.

I really needed today.

***************************************************************************

Mr C (aged 8) took me on a movie date last Sunday night to watch Real Steel. We sat in the front row and ate popcorn and held hands ♥

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We have been living in our shed for exactly 3 years today. Hurrah. Said totally with sarcasm.

***************************************************************************

I think I've accepted the fact that we may not move into the house by Christmas. Time has beaten us.....we've waited this long, another month or two isn't going to matter. Really.

****************************************************************************

15 years ago, I was in America having the time of my life. I still remember it like it was yesterday......I'd love you to read all about my exploits so feel free to click the category "America"....

Look for "My Roadtrip: An Aussie in America", which is a day by day account of my holiday (strictly for diehards).

*****************************************************************************

Speaking of America, I was in Colorado during the end of October 1996, and spent an amazing Halloween there.

I have a soft spot, therefore for Halloween and every October 31st I "celebrate" by watching one of my favourite movies Trick 'r Treat.

In the dark of course!

*****************************************************************************

House Update

2011-10-25T21:39:00.000+10:00

There has been alot of excitement at The Money Pit this week.

Our water tanks arrived on Monday, along with 3 plumbers and a digger operator!

We now have 4 x 25,000 litre tanks, a septic tank and alot of pipes and cables!

I think I can....I think I can....

Bring on the rainwater!

We also now have the louvres above the internal doors..

They can be left open for beautiful breezes throughout the house, while keeping the doors closed to the rooms of the teenagers to be for privacy!

Our fretwork and ceiling roses have arrived and the tiler starts on Monday.

It's go go go here........

House Update

2011-10-22T17:38:00.000+10:00

Watch out! I have myself a kitchen and I'm not afraid to use it!

Actually I don't want to get it dirty. It's too shiny and new!

Here are some before and afters...... complete with timber saw and bench!

I've been asked some questions this week about my kitchen, some of which include:-
"Farmers Wifey, are you going to cook in your kitchen?"
No, it's too shiny and new.

"Farmers Wifey, are you going to let the kids in the kitchen?".
No, it's too shiny and new.

"Farmers Wifey, is The Hubbster allowed in the kitchen?"
Yes, only if he cooks me an omelette.

"Farmers Wifey, how much did your kitchen cost?"
How rude! No comment.

I am in love with our kitchen and so happy with the company we went with. Professional, courteous and on the mark with everything!

We decided on a 2 pac glossy finish in Antique White USA (our absolute favourite colour), with patterned cutouts on the sides to add to the country feel.

The benchtops are a Diamond Gloss Pure Mineralstone, with rolled edges.

The handles are a simple bar design, which we matched with the handles on the pantry doors.

We have soft close drawers, a double sink in the island bench and lovely country style capping along the top of the cupboards.

I wanted some glass shelves too, and chrome downlights on the undersides of the top cupboards, which will look amazing when wired up!

The design is very simple and free flowing, with lots of space besides the cupboards and area where the fridge and oven will sit.

Speaking of which, we really love this and it comes with a matching rangehood!

It's made by Glem and I love that the oven is both gas or electric, so I can choose how I want to cook on the day. I do love gas, however, but it's great having a choice!

Do you like it?

Tell me something I don't know!

2011-10-19T17:19:00.000+10:00

Betcha never thought you'd see a Muhammad Ali reference here!

Apparently, I have a habit of calling out and saying weirdo things to The Hubbster, when he's leaving for work at 4.30 am....

This is what he tells me.....I think he's just teasing me........

I don't really think I say these things...but how would I know? I'm still in blissful slumber at that early hour.....

This morning I can kind of recall him getting dressed and asking if I wanted the door locked on his way out, and he says that I said, in my best Muhammad Ali impression:-

I am the Greatest! I am the Greatest!

Yeah right. As if I'd say that.

I don't need to state the obvious!

The Phantom Snapper

2011-10-19T00:04:00.000+10:00

Our sneaky snapper has done it again.

You may remember a few posts back, where I found some photos on my digital camera, taken by my 6 year old daughter.

She's done it again. Here's a sample.

I love seeing the world through her eyes.....from her height.

Which is short.

House Update

2011-10-17T21:12:00.000+10:00

It's all happening at The Money Pit. My head is swimming with times, dates, tradies and paint colours!

I have so much to tell all of you.

The cornice is up and it looks magical! The profile is called New York, and it is very stylish and suits the house very well.

The plumbers were here last week and installed our downpipes and the stormwater pipes underneath the house. I must say, they are very neat!

Our carpenter has been working very hard every weekend and is working away on the skirting boards and architraves. He has started putting up the chair rails and picture rails and now the house is looking very traditional.

We have a super busy week this week. The floor sanding man came today and did a rough sand of the kitchen floor, because on Wednesday........the kitchen goes in! Oh the glory, I'm so excited!

The water proofer comes tommorrow for our bathrooms and laundry and I have to phone the tiler who is also starting this week.

And the painter started today as well!

We are waiting for the fretwork and ceiling roses to arrive. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they look!

The plumbers are back next Monday as our water tanks arrive and they have to dig trenches and place and connect the tanks.

Over the next 3 weeks, there will be a huge input of work. It's such an exciting time for us.

The kids are starting to talk about their rooms, and how they want to decorate.

I'm just thinking about my child free craft room, and the fact I'll be able to go to the bathroom without walking through the rain. Bliss.

Davy May - 12 years.

2011-10-16T17:58:00.000+10:00

David Joseph May

31/5/1938 - 16/10/1999

Miss you like crazy, Dad...

Remembering....

2011-10-15T23:37:00.000+10:00

Today is the International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Today I remember my 6 little angels who I never met.

And I think about what could have been.....

We always wanted 4 children and we were blessed and very lucky to have had our three. They have grown into energetic, boisterous, beautiful country kids, who I love so dearly.

I always wonder about the others........

Boys or girls. Siblings. Blonde hair or brown.

Recurrent miscarriages are not only hard on the body, but are heart-wrenching emotionally.

With no explanation, it can push you into a very dark place, where the process itself can be even more wanted than the result.

Because it is just so frustrating.

For a brief moment in time, everything is sublime. And then that dark place envelopes you and the ground falls away.

Over and over again...

Sometimes I think to myself, we should just try one more time. I know I am very fertile, even at my age....my body tells me so.

Just one more time...just try......

But I know in my heart it wasn't meant to be. And I wasted so much time wanting, just wanting, what I couldn't have.

I had my blinkers on... focused on staying pregnant and not losing baby after baby that I didn't see what was right in front of me.

I didn't see how blessed I was.

And now as I kiss my babes goodnight I know all is how it should be.......♥♥♥

Go me!

2011-10-11T17:24:00.000+10:00

I've come to appreciate a good stretch. I have strict instructions from my physio to do my back exercises before my feet hit the floor in the morning, and 5 times during the day.

I even did them yesterday at work on the floor!

My back is improving. I no longer have painful back spasms, but I have an ache now and then and I am so scared of twinging my back again, my movements are very slow and deliberate.

The physio was excellent. Very knowledgeable and full of ideas and suggestions. He looked at my xrays and explained to me exactly what my back is doing.

Or not doing in my case.

Unfortunately I am stuck with a bad back and I now have a management plan which includes stretching, occasional pain relief, and a gym programme which I am super excited about.

I also have to become very friendly with this guy called Pilates. I'll be starting classes next week, after a one on one visit with the instructor this week.

Pilates is excellent for building core strength, something which I am lacking, and once I have that, my back will be somewhat protected.

I had another physio appointment today, and I have definately improved. I still can't touch my toes, and that is a real goal for me. I have nil flexibility and I would snap in half if I even tried to touch the floor!

Last week I was in so much pain, the thought of stripping off to my bra in front of the physio didn't even phase me. Along with my hairy legs, which were impossible to shave because I couldn't bend forward, my care factor was zero.

My physio looked at the xrays and said "see that dark colour, they are your muscles which are not working, and see that other colour, that is fat - no offence of course".

"None taken", I said.

He is very genuine and caring and brutal after todays deep tissue massage, which has left my back bruised, which we expected.

I'm allowed to stretch, and do pilates, and walk (but not uphill) and I can start a gym weights programme in a month or two. I'm really looking forward to getting back into exercise and moving this body again.

I've really not been focused on exercise this year after January's jogging #epicfail, and I do miss it.

Of course, I won't be Bikini Ready for summer but who the hell cares anyway.......

I've got boardshorts.

Saturday photos

2011-10-08T17:42:00.000+10:00

My 6 year old borrowed my camera today and took some snaps.

They are deep.

Very deep.......

House Update

2011-10-05T17:50:00.000+10:00

Lots happening at The Money Pit this week!

The plumbers have been here, doing our septic and stormwater.

Our water tanks arrive in two weeks which will keep the boys busy for a little while longer.

The bathroom tiles are being delivered this Friday, and the tiler starts in two weeks.

The plasterer also comes back in two weeks to fit our cornice and do his final fit out and check, before the painter starts.

Our awesome carpenter has finished fitting the doors, and has now started on the architraves, the chair rails and the skirting boards. Don't they look amazing!

We decided on a special feature for under the windows called a "nosing" which just looks beautiful!

Considering it's only 11 weeks until Christmas (egads) we are striving to be finished by then.

We have a good schedule going on, so we are just sticking to that and hoping our time (and our money) doesn't run out!

Please wish us luck. I need my house!

Wanted: New back, good condition

2011-10-04T03:06:00.000+10:00

Oh I've had a jolly time. NOT.

I have a chronic back problem.

My back hates me. That's about it.

I hurt my lower back about 20 years ago, whilst working in child care, carrying tables and not bending correctly. I've had issues on and off during the years, and when I don't stretch and take care of my back, it aches and gives me trouble.

The injury surfaced again in January this year, when I attempted to jog down the road, looking fit and healthy, but instead strained my back again.

After some physio I managed to keep it real until last Wednesday when I was getting out of the car at the bakery, buying the kids a pie and felt a twinge across my upper back.

And it was downhill from there.

The timeline is a very sad affair:-

Thursday - back kind of sore, but tolerable

Friday - back very sore, had some physio before work, and by the end of the day, I was in some degree of pain. The physio taped my back which really only gave me a rash and added to my already bad mood.

Saturday - back stuffed. Can't get out of bed without help. Can't walk, sit down, stand or squat on the loo without serious pain.

How do I explain it? Imagine a heavy glass ball seriously pressing on the lowest part of your back, near your tailbone, and every time you move, the glass ball sends out shards of glass penetrating your legs, arms and hips.

That's what if felt like.

All I could do was cry. Nothing else mattered. Saturday was hell day.

We drove into town and I don't even want to think about how much THAT hurt.

The Hubbster took the kids to a birthday party, but first, deposited me on the steps of the hospital. I was seen right away and perched myself on the edge of a chair and couldn't get up.

Like a little lost kid, I whimpered and sobbed and asked the kind doctor to help me up because I was totally stuck.

He explained that I need to have a management plan for my back, which includes medication for when it is really bad, and an exercise attack program for strengthening my core and my flabby stomach muscles.

I already know this, but you see, when my back feels good, I don't stretch. But I really have to......

The kind doctor gave me an injection of anti inflammatory drugs, and some meds consisting of anti spasm and muscle relaxant wonders, and also a nice little pill (Morphine anyone?) that got me back in the car and home.

Saturday was terrible. It took 10 mins to lay down, and I had to lay flat on my back which put alot of pressure on my chest. When I wanted to get up, The Hubbster had to slowly pull me up by the arm.

Sunday was much the same, but towards the end of the day, the anti inflammatory drugs must have been working, because I felt a little relief. I used a walking stick to get around, which the kids thought hilarious.

Walking sticks are good for reaching things on high shelves and for whacking the kids when they don't listen to me. I think I'll keep it.

Monday I was much better, and I slept most of the day, and just rested.

And today, I have a little more improvement. I'm just so scared of twinging my back again, so my movements are very slow and deliberate.

I have physio on Thursday and expect to get a scolding for not stretching my back and taking care of it. I really need to make this a priority in my life because I have felt so useless not being able to do anything.

The Hubbster and the kids have been amazing. My washing is up to date, the kids are fed and have clean hair and faces, and they have really looked after me. Thank you guys....

How's YOUR back?

Not on our farm you don't...

2011-09-29T17:45:00.000+10:00

Before I write this post, I'd like to warn readers that it could be distressing to some, and offensive to others....but that's the way it is......

I love animals, but I'm not a cat person. I don't hate them, they just don't give me pleasure. Saying that, I could never hurt an animal or be cruel to one, but tonight one feline came very close to having it's butt kicked to the next county..or worse.

Recently we have had a visiting cat. We found the owner and have returned the cat 4 times. Our 25 guinea fowl are going nuts and acting all stressed and frazzled because of this cat.

Two nights ago ANOTHER cat turned up, to which I said "we are not a cat resort, go home". The cat didn't go home, and as it has a collar, is probably being missed by its owners.

Or is it?? More about that later...

So tonight when I came home from work, The Hubbster and the kids were most upset because this "domestic"cat had caught and was in the process of eating alive a small, helpless, defenceless, native Marsupial to Australia, (did I say helpless) Bandicoot.

After it had killed it and ripped the head off and gutted it, the cat went away to wash itself...

The Hubbster brought in the little bandicoot, holding it in his hands, still warm and furry and little. And it was a male.

I really thought he was going to cry..he was so upset.

We are taking the cat to the pound tommorrow, so really, it gets off lightly.

Our farm is home to lots of native animals. We have pretty faced wallabies, potaroos, echidnas, possums and these little endangered bandicoots, and we want it to be a safe haven for them.

We don't want feral and unrestrained domestic cats killing our animals on our property, which begs the question:- does the responsibility lie with the owners of these cats to keep them restrained indoors so they don't have the opportunity to cause destruction such as this?

I think it does.

Cats are killers and hunters. It's what they do. It's instinct.

This cat has a collar and is not malnourished. It killed this little animal because it could. It attacked it and killed it and just walked off and left it under the house.

My husband picked it up and it was still warm. What a waste of a beautiful little life.

So we go to the pound tommorrow.

The next cat may not be so lucky.

It's beginning to look alot like.....

2011-09-26T17:01:00.000+10:00

There is something about Christmas that gives me butterflies in my belly and excitement that I just can't contain.

It usually starts around September, when the weather gets warm, and when I start seeing Christmas decorations in Kmart. In September. I kid you not.....

I love Santa shopping, and I love choosing gifts for the kids that I know they will absolutely adore!

It's such a magical time for me, the end of usually a long, busy 12 months, with thoughts of the new year, new beginnings and exciting ventures.

And the great thing about blogging is that I can look back to this time 12 months ago where I was saying and feeling the exact same things....where on earth has this year gone?

Is time moving quicker each and every year? I'm sure it is, because it feels like only yesterday I was writing this.

So I find myself here again, nearing the end of the year, still not in our house (but alot closer) and wondering what on earth Santa will be bringing this year....

Another reason I feel mellow and dreamy is because two of my children have birthdays during Christmas week (and before you ask, yes - our wedding anniversary is 9 months prior......)

So the festive season, to me, is also a celebration of motherhood, and the arrival of my Christmas babes.....

I remember my first Christmas Eve as a first time mum, in the still of the night, with my baby sleeping next to me in hospital and how I silently sobbed for no reason I could imagine.....

I had my brand new baby, I was finally a mother, but I had never felt so alone.

I'll never forget that moment.

We have lots of Christmas traditions, including several movies I enjoy watching, that make me feel warm and floaty.

My favourite of course is Christmas Vacation...it's a standard we watch every Christmas Eve, before the kids go to bed.

It never dates, and it never fails to have us in stitches...

I also enjoy Christmas with the Kranks. Jamie Lee Curtis is a hoot.

And of course, my guilty pleasure...Bad Santa. Strictly adults only.....

So do you "do Christmas"?

Sunday

2011-09-25T17:58:00.000+10:00

Today's Status:-

I didn't think it was physically possible to have this much snot in my head.

I had avoided the various germy colds and viruses going around, but they have found me.

I thought I was going to pass out backstage at the Eisteddfod yesterday. I was hot/cold, hot/cold, red face, shivering, coughing up several lungs, then I had to take one child to a birthday party at bowling.

I layed myself flat out on two chairs and accepted sympathy for the next two hours.

I couldn't wait to get into bed.

Here's a sketch Miss T did yesterday. She writes I love Mummy every single day.

Note the fan blowing cool air and my face contorted into a painful grimace.

The kids could have trashed the room and I wouldn't have even noticed.

I feel like crap today, but I've managed to get out of bed so I'm winning already.

The Eisteddfod is over and I can breath out, we did it! It was a good week, but very tiring.

Miss D was amazing. I am so in awe of her attitude and her grace, she really inspires me.

Oh by the way, we have more doors. And cupboard doors. AND bifold doors.

I'm in love with my doors. I'm looking forward to meeting my skirting boards and my architraves possibly next week.

House Update

2011-09-21T17:11:00.000+10:00

Our excellent carpenter has been working weekends, and it's wonderful seeing the progress every Sunday afternoon.

We have doors!!!! Aren't they beautiful!

And we won't be painting the hinges thank you very much!

We have on order lots of house goodies including the skirting boards and architraves, the fretwork for above some doorways, a few ceiling roses and some door handles for the cupboards and the bifold theatre room doors.

This should arrive next week and will give the Carpenter something more to do as he is nearly finished hanging the doors.

We are phoning the Waterproofer to come and do his thing next week so the tiler can start.

The kitchen is being made and we have ordered our tiles.

It's all happening at The Money Pit!

Monday

2011-09-19T17:58:00.000+10:00

We survived dance groups day yesterday. The girls did an amazing job and Miss D felt really good! No high temps and plenty of energy.

Day one of solos today with a break tommorrow and solos every day until Saturday.

It's always such a relief when groups day is over. It's alot of preparation leading up to the event, but it's all worth it when the girls dance on stage.

They placed really well including a first, two seconds and a fourth.

They are a lovely group of girls and they all get along so well.

And I love the fact that the mums help each other when dressing and pinning the girls into the costumes, lending a hand when needed.

With quick costume changes, things can get very chaotic...but this is all a part of the day.

We had an afternoon at home today, catching up on a few things.

The smoky hazy is really annoying me (everyone).

Just look at our driveway at 5pm........

Saturday

2011-09-17T17:05:00.000+10:00

It's really smoky here today. We have had so many fires in our area, some have been deliberately lit and one got away from a controlled burn.

Lots of properties have been burning off and it leaves a real haze in the sky for days...

And we don't dare leave clothes on the line as they smell of smoke and have to be rewashed.

Thank God I have a dryer that works, not like the washing machine which is seriously peeing me off...............

Here are our mountains which are usually clear but we can hardly see them today.

I'm all ready for tomorrows dance groups day at the Eisteddfod. Everything is organised, all sewing is done, the costumes are ready and the make up box is packed!

I bought a fishing tackle box from Bunnings to hold all of the dance gear we need. I'm really happy with it!

Miss D has been sick all day, and has had high temps and a sore tummy. She's spent the day reading and napping in bed, with Nurofen 4 hourly and is sleeping now..hope she is okay for tomorrow.

How was YOUR day?

Science 101

2011-09-16T17:18:00.000+10:00

I've been thinking about yesterdays' coin experience, and thought it a good opportunity to learn and grow so I'm very proud to present:-

Farmers Wifey - a guide to science and anatomy or Money, you can't take it with you.

Kids, don't try this at home.

The facts are as follows:-

Problem - Miss T (aged 6) swallows a 10 cent coin at approximately 3.30pm Thursday.

Location - Monkey Bars at Auskick.

Reason - she was swinging with both hands and didn't have anywhere to put the money. So she put it in her mouth (wtf?)

After a good head throwback, down it went.

Mood - her - upset, crying, remorseful, afraid
- me - upset, worried, tired, bewildered

Reappearance of the coin - 1.30pm Friday...

Scientific facts are as follows :-

1) 22 hour digestive turnaround

2) Coin colour (when washed) now a metallic blue as per photo in bag (for obvious reasons)

Side affects - Nil except for a good dose of sheepishness, and a scolding and lots of hugs from Mum and Dad.

Questions

When a mother loses her marbles, where do they actually go?

Can ones hair go grey overnight?

Kids - do they leave home at 18?

Stress - fact or fallacy

So a good result all round. No Xrays needed. And a day off school for Miss T who said she watched 12 Barbie movies.

I didnt think we owned that many.

Until next time........

Gloves anyone?

2011-09-15T17:41:00.000+10:00

I recently whinged about how busy I am and how I wished for October to come where I would be stress free and ready for anything.

Remember?

Well we started Miss D's dance rehearsal this evening, and during this time, I managed to fit in 2 hours up at Accident and Emergency with a 10 cent coin in Miss T's belly.

Now I'm checking poo. So far, no coin.

I'll keep you posted.

She swallowed it on the monkey bars at Auskick this afternoon and she told The Hubbster and I:-

- It's not my fault (some tears and her bottom lip trembling) and

- I'm so afraid (while on the toilet, with more tears and a very sad face).

THAT made my heart break.

Miss T (aged 6) is having a day at home with The Hubbster tommorrow where he is on poo patrol.

Luckily enough, I'm going to work.

My Country

2011-09-13T17:38:00.000+10:00

I love living in the country.

I love the space, the clean air and the peace.

The early morning wake up call of the magpie, and the laugh of the kookaburra.

It's wonderful being only 8 minutes from town, and passing green paddocks with neatly lined bales of hay.

We stop the car in our long, steep driveway to say good morning to the kangaroos, who sit and watch us with interest.

I love the cows we see, who don't seem to have a care in the world.

My office is two minutes from the school, which comforts me. And I love knowing other people in our complex - in the newsagent, the cafe, the supermarket.

I love that our school is small with no more than 500 or so students.

The kids ride the quad bike and the motor bike around our 75 acre property while we sit on the deck of The Money Pit and watch.

The horses graze in the paddocks which always sets the country scene.

The little animals who pass through, pretty faced wallabies, echidnas and potaroos and the little possum who always stops by.

I love the normality of seeing a child on horseback going to school.

The kids wear their boots to play, and can get as dirty as they want.

And the fact that people don't stare if I wear my Akubra "to town".

We are waiting for our guinea fowl to nest and then we will have some babies to spoil.

I never thought living on a farm would be so sublime and that it would fit me so well.

Someday I want to sit and watch my grandchildren play. To let them know they can come "home" anytime.

I really feel this is where I belong. Our house will be a country house, with large wraparound verandahs that will just cry out for a wicker chair.

To me, the love of the country is in my genes even though this is the first time I've ever lived out of town. My mother and her family were born and raised in the country, and I really feel it has been passed on to me in some way.

And I've only just discovered this.

The most important thing of all is that even though we live in a shed, it still feels like home.

House Update

2011-09-12T18:26:00.000+10:00

Another busy week here with the Plasterer doing his thing!

I had no idea they used stilts to do the ceiling. How clever!

We have ordered the cornice (it's very stylish and called New York) and when that arrives the Plasterer will come back and put it up....

We are ordering the bathroom tiles on Wednesday and we have the tiler and the painter on standby.

The Carpenter has been busy too. He has finished all the vj wall panelling and the built in cupboards are all done! He has now started on the door jams in readiness for the doors which sit patiently in our garage.

I have to call the Waterproofer tommorrow for the bathrooms and the laundry and once he is done and the tiles are here, our tiler will start. The tile underlay is already done.

Now that the walls and ceilings are in and finished off, The Money Pit is really resembling a house.

Which is a good thing because I'm sick of the shed.

I need to unpack "my stuff". I need my craft room. I need to find my slow cooker.

And I need to decorate.

Hopefully we will be on track for Christmas.

9/11

2011-09-11T17:29:00.000+10:00

Are there really any words to describe that day and how our world was changed in a heartbeat?

An event that is universally recognised just by its date alone.

Kookaburra

2011-09-09T17:53:00.000+10:00

I took this photograph today.

The sweet little fella posed long enough for me to snap then away he went.

I love living in the country.....

<

Proud Mumma

2011-09-08T17:31:00.000+10:00

Well the news just in. Mr C made a miraculous recovery from his groin strain.

The next day.

Funny that.

And in other news Miss D, after being dosed up on herbs and honey, did exceptionally well in her very first singing solos.....

She came 2nd in the Song from a Stage Show or Musical, 3rd in the Sacred Section and a Highly Commended in Australian Composer.

My little Star ♥

October how I love you so...

2011-09-05T17:14:00.000+10:00

Oh September, I love you because you're Spring and all, but I can't wait til you're over....

If I can get to October without losing my marbles I'll hip hip hooray and bask in the glory of my organisational skills.

So what's happening:-

House

The Plasterers started today and boy do they work fast. The have the walls and ceilings done and are back tommorrow to finish and sand.

The Hubbster went shopping today and finalised the kitchen specs. On Wednesday we have a big delivery coming of more VJ wall panelling to finish off a couple of cupboards, the tile underlay for the bathroom floors, our doors, some timber for the door jams and the door hinges.

This is what the Carpenter will be working on from next weekend. We have also ordered the timber for the skirting boards and the architraves and more bits and pieces.

We have decided on our cornice and that will be ordered this week.

Everything is running really quickly now, and it's very exciting. We have ordered tile samples and as soon as they are in, we will order the tiles for our bathrooms.

Kids

The Eisteddfod has officially begun and Miss D (aged 10) is singing tommorrow. She has been having singing lessons for most of the year and has a beautiful voice. Unfortunately she is sick with a sore throat and all that comes out of her mouth is a squeaky...squeak.

I've dosed her up on Manuka Honey and Ferr Phos Tissue Salts and kept her home today from school. Mr C (aged 8) has gone out in sympathy with a groin strain.

She can't talk and he can't walk.

Miss T (aged 6) went to school today exclaiming "see you later Losers, I'm going to school".

I hope she has this attitude when she's 16.

Dancing

The dance section of the Eisteddfod starts in two weeks. We have three new costumes for 5 groups and 6 solos. The groups day is always amazing, it's frenetic and crazy but when the kids are dancing, it's so exciting.

Work

I'm so ridiculously busy at work I may have to start working 4 days a week instead of 3, which will upset my busy social life (NOT - see yesterday post.)

I'm taking on extra work and I do enjoy it, but I'm feeling very tired at the moment.

Diet

If one eats ones body weight in Pringles, can the tubes be used as rifle practice?

Exercise

Please explain.

Saturday Night

2011-09-03T17:38:00.000+10:00

As I sit and contemplate which Saturday night movie to watch on tv, I wonder where my social life has gone, and did I ever even have one?

Oh yes I did...I really did.

Call me a party animal but I had my time..just look at these!

The Hubbster and I have been together for 24 years. Since I was 20 years old.

We have had such good times, and crazy times.

Our twenties was our time to party. Lots of friends, nights out, drinking and partying.

We did it all.

Our thirties slowed down a bit. We moved states, we got married, birthed 3 babies (me not him) and slipped easily into middle age.

Oh the humanity!

When I was 20, the thought of someone being in their 40's was so foreign to me, it was laughable.

They're so old.....I"ll never be THAT old.

And yet, here I am, mid 40's, married with kids, a farm, nearly a house and a non existant social life.

I do have one if you include the kids and their "stuff". Their dancing, their football, their singing, their gym and their skatepark.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I've become quite reclusive since moving out of town. I'm like one of those rare birds, which stirs up a frenzy of interest when I am sighted.

I think it's because I'm just so tired from work, from the kids, from responsibilty and just life in general.

I'd much prefer to stay home than fight for taxis at midnight.

It doesn't mean I don't miss my friends, because I do. We all lead different lives and trying to catch up on a night where we can all be there is almost impossible.

Our last Mothers Group get together was planned so long in advance it was ridiculous but it was the only way to ensure we could all make it.

We are trying to go out for dinner soon and I'm so looking forward to seeing my friends and getting dressed up and eating dessert.

I've had my share of crazy times, of nights out drinking and dancing, and causing trouble which I'll admit I was guilty of as a wild child, but my focus now is on my family and being a Mother.

I think it has alot to do with the fact that I haven't drank any alcohol for over 3 months. And I hate to admit that for me, drinking was always a given when out having a good time.

So why go out, and stay sober? Where's the fun in that?

Now I'd much prefer to stay home, and entertain friends when The Money Pit is finished, and maybe even enjoy a nice glass of wine, without the stress of having to fight through the crowds to get a taxi at the end of the evening...

Now which movie will I watch tonight........?

House Update

2011-08-30T17:46:00.000+10:00

It's really getting down to the pointy end of business with The Money Pit.

I'm trying to hold it all together and not get too overwhelmed as there is still lots to do and so much still to coordinate.

The gyprock is up and we can now really see the size of the rooms.

We are waiting on a price for our bathroom tiles and when that comes through we will measure the bathrooms and laundry and order the floor and wall tiles.

They are beautiful and I can't wait to show you!

The Hubbster rang the company supplying the skylights and we are most pleased to hear that they will supply and install them. We are having a skylight in two of the bathrooms, the mudroom, our walk in robe and a big one in the kitchen.

I'm loving the idea of natural light coming in!

The plasterer is due to start next week and I am collecting brochures from him tommorrow to choose our cornice and our ceiling roses.

We were lucky enough to meet with our painter and our tiler who came out last week and are waiting for a call from us when we are ready for them.

Our carpenter has put all of our VJ wall panelling in and only has a couple of cupboards to do. Then he will most probably move on to finishing the soffits on the verandahs while he waits for the plasterer to finish.

By that time, our doors will be here, and he will start on those.

See what did I tell you? So much to do and so overwhelming.

I am only doing this once!

Blame the washing machine

2011-08-27T14:00:00.000+10:00

Well, that was interesting.

Like the cheese on my toasted sandwich, I've had a meltdown in front of the sandwich press.

The events culminating in this cheesy mess began on Wednesday evening, when our washing machine, which has been on it's last legs for weeks actually decided that, no, it didn't want to wash, and no, it didn't particularly want to drain.

The Hubbster tried to fix it and after washing the same clothes 7 times, we came to the conclusion that, yes, it was stuffed.

It needs a new part so we've sent away for one, in the hopes that it will get us through until we move into The Money Pit and buy a new machine.

On Friday it started to rain, and as I was working and with no time to get to the laundromat, I was forced to once again, wear a pair of The Hubbsters jocks to work.

Besides the fact that they were not my colour, as well as the sad realisation that they fit quite well, I had the persistant urge to put my hand down my trousers and rearrange my private parts at regular intervals in the day.

The Hubbster, of course, thought this was hilarious. It was only funny until I had to wear another pair again today.

I've now been to Kmart and bought a new 10 pack of Rio cottons so I never have to publicly admit to wearing his.

That's okay, we're all friends here.

So I wanted to get an early start yesterday morning as I had a busy day at work planned. After our usual morning bathroom argument, Miss D (aged 10) and I decided to refer to each other lovingly as frenemies.

We got to school just before the bell rang, subsequently arriving at work late.

With still no clean clothes, and wearing my husbands undies, I got through the day, knowing that I had two episodes of Sex and the City to watch once the kids were in bed.

We woke early this morning to get Miss D to her 7.30am dance lesson. I took the other kids to the cafe for breakfast and they were behaving so well a man bought them chocolates.

We were all shocked.

Once in Bunnings, they did the usual thing and embarassed me, and the Mother of the Year judged me from her sanctimonious courtesy bench while her two angelic children played sweetly and watched mine climb where they shouldn't climb.

Along with a healthy dose of PMT (see yesterday's post) which fueled an argument in the car ride home (why can't you just BEHAVE), I found myself in front of the sandwich press, watching the melted cheese dripping on the floor.

After a good cry, and a toasted ham and cheese, I know that 1) the kids are not really out to get me 2) I really need some drugs to get me through my period and 3) it's the washine machine's fault.

Watch Out

2011-08-26T17:14:00.000+10:00

I emailed this picture to The Hubbster today.

Do you think he'll get the hint?

Check list!

2011-08-24T17:17:00.000+10:00

Custom built kitchen ordered.

Gyprocker putting our walls up.

Paint colours and tiles nearly chosen.

Tiler quoting tommorrow.

More VJ wall paneling arrived today.

Painter visiting Friday.

Carpenter back on Saturday.

I'm doing the happy dance!

House Update

2011-08-21T17:10:00.000+10:00

From tomorrow, this will be the last we will see of our house internal frame:-

Because our gyprocker starts putting our walls up! We are super excited and have so much going on.

The noggins have been put in to support such things as towel rails, toilet roll holders and the like, so today The Hubbster and I took photos so that we can attach everything once the walls go in.

Here is our gyprock which arrived on Friday. You can see how close the shed is to the house.

We visited the kitchen shop last week to discuss our custom built kitchen. We are thinking over colours of benchtops and the cupboard profile and will be ordering this in full on Tuesday.

Today we visited some display homes to look at kitchen colours and benchtops and we also went to the Home Expo and spent a few thousand dollars on two 25000 litre water tanks, one septic tank and a water pump.

That's one more thing off the list!

Always the King

2011-08-17T13:44:00.000+10:00

On this day 34 years ago, the world lost an icon..my beloved Elvis Presley.

I am not forward in saying he was "my Elvis". I grew up with his music, our family loved him, my mother was crazy for him and my uncle reminds me of him!

My childhood was filled with family get togethers, where my cousins and I would be sent to bed (where we proceeded to have pillow fights) while the grown ups danced and rocknrolled to his music.

I have such a cool family! I am sure this is why I love music so much.

Elvis reminds me of the South, of the musical era and the times of the 50's and 60's which I love, and a time that just feels free.

As an Australian, my obsession with everything American is longstanding, so it wasn't a surprise when my trip to the US incorporated a visit to Graceland, not only for me, but for my Mother.

I remember phoning her from Graceland, allowing her a connection to her Elvis through me. She, and I were thrilled.

He was such a beautiful man, so spiritual, so charismatic....those eyes, those lips. Those cheekbones....

That voice.

His death was such a tragedy, for someone so talented and giving to die so young.

I wanted to share one music video, but how do I choose just one......

How sexy........is this.

And my favourite song..

This. Gives me shivers...

Red

2011-08-15T17:03:00.000+10:00

I searched this morning for something Red, to wear today. I had nothing, no pieces of clothing, no scarves, no hairclips.

So my support for Daniel and his Family is here, in full colour.

Images from We Heart It

House Update

2011-08-07T16:06:00.000+10:00

Things are moving very quickly now....we are seriously busy!

Every weekend The Hubbster and I sit down with the The Money Pit diary, which is our workbook for what we have accomplished the previous week and what we need to do the following week.

Lots of progress now, including more VJ wall paneling going up, the bath and three shower bases have been checked in and more plumbing finished.

Here's my kitchen and pantry.

And our bath!

The carpenter built a frame in our hallway which will separate the front area of the house from the back, with some lovely fretwork. Even with the frame up, the long wide hallway looks different!

The Hubbster and I walked through the bathrooms deciding on where our toilet roll holders, towel rails, shower glass shelves etc will be so the carpenter can add noggins to adhere these to.

I even bought a new vacuum cleaner because today we are going to use an air compressor to blow out all of the wood shavings and sawdust from the gaps where the timber floor meets the VJ so the channels are clear.

The Hubbster has ordered our doors, including the cupboard doors, the walk in robe doors and the theatre room bifolds as well as all of our internal doors.

He has also ordered a window for the laundry which will overlook the garage, and give me a nice view of the driveway and the hills so I will have something nice to look at when I am folding clothes or doing the washing. Bless him for thinking of me....

We have also ordered our lourve highlights which will go over every door in the house..in the same design as the external ones to allow for great airflow through the house.

The tiler came out for a visit and we discussed what tiles we are having...we have some samples coming and I can't wait to share our ideas with you. I can assure you, they will be traditional and beautiful while keeping with the Queenslander style.

I spoke to the waterproofer who only needs one weeks notice, and he will come and waterproof our bathrooms and laundry before the tiling is done.

This week we have alot to do! We need to decide on our fretwork for the areas that won't have doors or lourves and we need to think about our water tanks and get them ordered. The plumber is finished his first stage and will be back to do our drainage and dig some trenches and put our tanks in....

We also have to think about skylights that will be going in two of the bathrooms, and a painter and I really need to stop there because it all seems too much. But we are doing it, and it is exciting and challenging...

I said to The Hubbster today, how amazed I am that we are both thinking the same and have the same ideas on what we want. He said "it's all about compromise".

He's so smart. That's why I love him ♥

Let's talk VJ!

2011-07-31T17:32:00.000+10:00

I wanted to talk today about VJ! That is VJ Wall Paneling!

We have decided to use Easycraft Easy VJ on our walls, in keeping with the Queenslander look.

And it arrived on Thursday!

In most areas of the house the paneling will go from the floor to the middle of the wall area, with gyprock going on the top. We will add a dado (or chair) rail to the join. Here's an example...

In the kitchen and the mud room, the VJ will go higher and we are using it for the entire wall and ceiling in all of the walk in robes.

We are very excited to have our first internal wall!

First, the carpenter had to add timber noggins in straightlines following our stringline so the VJ and the gyprock can be nailed and glued to it.

And here's the first glimpse of how it will look. The panels come pre primed so we will give them two coats of paint in a semi gloss.

Doesn't it look amazing!

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Take me to Bunnings to buy a ?

2011-07-28T17:39:00.000+10:00

We've had a rather frustrating week here on the farm.

First, I blew up the Dyson while vacuuming the shed.

I now have to buy another vacuum cleaner to use in the short term until we move into The Money Pit, because I won't be allowed to use it on the polished timber floors in case I scratch them, forcing The Hubbster to divorce me.

Then this happened to our broom. I don't understand why every single broom we buy gets broken in half. Just look at it?

How am I supposed to sweep the kitchen floor without breaking my back? I'm not 3 foot tall (unlike the rascal who broke it).

The kids use my broom for limbo, for cricket, for jumping over, for martial arts type fighting and for hitting each other. Pity they wouldn't use it for sweeping.

I swear I'll be buying a new broom with an unbreakable wooden handle and hiding it from the kids.

And now the washing machine is annoying me. It seems the quality of washing is relative to how it wakes up in the morning.

Somedays it feels like spinning, while other days it doesn't particularly want to drain.

Maybe I should bribe it with some chocolate or beer.

It probably knows that it will be replaced when we move into the house.

I hope the refridgerator doesn't read my blog!

The Money Pit update

2011-07-24T17:55:00.000+10:00

It's all happening here at The Money Pit!

On Thursday I spoke to The Plasterer, The Gyprocker, The Plumber, The Electrician (well that's hubby *snort*) The Carpenter, and left a message for The Waterproofer!

Just to recap from my last House Update:-

In no particular order we have to:-

Talk again with our plasterer and get his recommendations for a carpenter. Done! We have our carpenter who is positive and enthusiastic (and with lots of experience). He is going to be doing alot of work for us..he is here today starting on the wall noggins.

Ring the carpenter and organise a visit....he will be hanging our doors, putting up our vj wall panelling, and doing trims and architraves etc Done! He will also be checking in our shower bases, building our bath hob and lining the cupboards and walk in robes with floor to ceiling vj paneling.

Ring the plumber and see how much more work he needs to do before we sheet out inside. Done! He still has some work to do and will be here on and off over the next couple of weeks. He needs to water test all the work he has done before the interior is sheeted out.

On Tuesday, The Hubbster and I are doing a string line all through the house so we can begin putting noggins in, which are the pieces of timber that the gyprock will be attached to. Done! That was fun.

So the carpenter will do the vj wall panelling, the gyprock guy will put the walls and ceilings up and then the plasterer will come in and finish off. The gyprocker came out on Thursday and measured up so we can order the gyprock.

We are deciding on some nice ceiling roses and some fancy cornices, in keeping with the style of the house. Still deciding.

We also have to decide on which doors we are having, and buy them. We will be ordering our doors this week so the carpenter isn't delayed in his work.

Our tanks have to be purchased so the plumber can do that work. Still to be done.

And we have to find a tiler. I have one in mind, and I will contact him this week.

And a painter. Still deciding.

This week we ordered our vanities for the bathrooms.

They are from the Arto Series and are gorgeous with china tops and glass doors. When we add the country style quarter turn taps the vanities will look amazing.

We have 3 sizes, a 600 for the guest bathroom, a 900 for the kids bathroom and a 1200 for our ensuite.

We have decided to go with Antique White china tops as apposed to coloured tops. We can then bring out the colour in the bathroom with the traditional Queensland bathroom colours by using the tiles on the wall and floors as features.

Kind of like these.....

image
image

Here are our Arto Series vanities.

I need a new one.

2011-07-23T17:01:00.000+10:00

I just blew up the vacumn cleaner while cleaning the shed.

RIP Dyson.

Big house update tommorrow!

The Money Pit is getting some attention ♥

House Update

2011-07-17T14:32:00.000+10:00

We are putting up the soffits now...or the verandah ceilings. We are using our fantastic panel lifter...it makes the job so much easier.

This photo shows the back deck. You can see how much work there is left to do....sigh.

We have a busy week ahead.

Our plasterer visited on Friday and we have a plan of where we are going.

In no particular order we have to:-

Talk again with our plasterer and get his recommendations for a carpenter..

Ring the carpenter and organise a visit....he will be hanging our doors, putting up our vj wall panelling, and doing trims and architraves etc

Ring the plumber and see how much more work he needs to do before we sheet out inside.

On Tuesday, The Hubbster and I are doing a string line all through the house so we can begin putting noggins in, which are the pieces of timber that the gyprock will be attached to.

So the carpenter will do the vj wall panelling, the gyprock guy will put the walls and ceilings up and then the plasterer will come in and finish off.

We are deciding on some nice ceiling roses and some fancy cornices, in keeping with the style of the house.

We also have to decide on which doors we are having, and buy them.

Our tanks have to be purchased so the plumber can do that work.

And we have to find a tiler.

And a painter.

There is still so much to be done. That is why we have decided to outsource and have an expert do most of the internal fitout. We can do it, but we don't have the time if we want to be in by Christmas.

Even that will be a stretch.

It wil be a dream come true when we actually move in. I can't wait to transfer all of our things from the shed and the dongas up to the house.

At least we won't need a moving truck. We live a metre away!

So you'll find me working on the house on Tuesday and with any luck The Hubbster will let me use the nail gun!

Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

2011-07-14T17:26:00.000+10:00

3) On a piece of paper write down something that makes you happy...take a photo of your paper and wa la...there's your post.

The statement above makes me so happy. It's our family motto....

And it's so true.

Our life is blessed. If we are eating a delicious lunch in the park..in the sunshine, someone will say this.....

If the kids are riding their bikes without a care in the world...it will be said.

It's the simple things......

Made for each other!

2011-07-10T18:37:00.000+10:00

Me: You snore too much.

Hubbster: You're a tv addict.

I love it when we get along ♥

Duck anyone?

2011-07-05T21:24:00.000+10:00

I love ducks.

I know you're thinking "Farmers Wifey, have you been drinking?"

No, no, of course not. I've given up! (That's another post).

But, I love ducks.

Everytime I see one, it makes me smile. They are just so.......funny.

Image

The way they waddle slowly across the road, in single file, oblivious to the fact that at any moment they could become duck soup.

I saw so many ducks on my drive in to work this morning, I could easily be living in Ducktropolis!

There was a pair of ducks swimming in our dam. I then encountered a low flying duck, whose altitude instruments were out of quack (pardon the pun) as he nearly flew into my windscreen.

Then I had to stop the car on the road to allow one..two..three.........nine ducks to waddle slowly, single file across the road.

I'd love to have some pet ducks on our farm. Then I could smile at them every morning and they would make me feel happy for the rest of the day.

But we already have 2 roosters and 3 hens, all of which are not laying (I'll let the Roosters off for obvious reasons but I'm showing the hens the axe if they don't start producing my breakfast).

And of course we have 23 or so guinea fowl. I don't have an exact number because they don't keep still long enough for me to count.

And they're just plain weird and drive me crazy. Most of the time they make me grit my teeth.

Just look at what they have done to my deck chair.

No wonder I'm pasty. I have nowhere to sunbake.

Which actually is a good thing because if I parked myself in the sun, I'd spontaneously combust.

That or my mother would kill me.

Bathroom Update

2011-07-03T22:17:00.000+10:00

Our shower bases and our bath arrived last week.

We have gone with the Decina range called Prelude in the bases and the Carina design for the bath.

We have a bathroom for the kids, a guest bathroom and our ensuite and this bath is going in the kids bathroom. I am hoping they will let me soak and read because I haven't had a bath in nearly 3 years.

Don't worry. I shower every day.

My favourite room

2011-06-29T21:04:00.000+10:00

The other day I was perusing our house plans, dreaming of the day I would be living in our completed home and finally out of the shed - or the neverending bad camping trip, and something on the plans made me laugh.

As you may know, I have a room adjoining our main bedroom that is going to be my child free craft room. The place that is my own.

Where I can scrapbook, or read, or stare out of the window at the cows we will have in the fields.

And what took my eye was that instead of naming the room "The Craft Room", The Hubbster has called it "The Boudoir".

The definition is A "boudoir" is a lady's private bedroom, sitting room or dressing room. The term derives from the French verb bouder meaning, to be sulky.

Sulky? Who me. Who'd have thought.

I had plans to decorate with shelves full of my scrapbooking bits and pieces, and my most treasured framed photographs, and trinkets that are just so special to me.

Here is my room as it stands at the moment.

The french doors open out to my private verandah overlooking the cows we will have in the field.

But now I just might decorate like this.

It seems one prances around in their underwear in their Boudoir, which may look out of place with my akubra and my farm boots.

House Update

2011-06-27T21:51:00.000+10:00

Things are moving along nicely on the house front.

The Money Pit is slowly taking shape. The plumber has been back and cut holes in our bathroom floors and put pipes in for the toilets.

Our revised drainage plan is being processed at Council and our shower bases and bath arrive tommorrow!

We are expecting a call from our plasterer this week, who will be visiting to assess what has to be done and to draw up a quote. We already know we are using him as he is very professional and competent.

And our kitchen designers arrive tommorrow to draw up a plan....

We just need to find a tiler to do our bathrooms...

A Sunday Explore

2011-06-20T20:34:00.000+10:00

We have recently discovered some hidden treasures on our farm.

Yesterday, the kids and I decided to go for a bushwalk and explore.

We walked down the hill and along the track and came to our bottom dam. We have a flying fox across the dam, that I (might) let the kids swing across when they are about..say 50 years old!

The girls and I walked and Mr C (aged 8) rode the quad bike. It was a beautiful, warm winters day...

We walked along the little creek near the dam, and found a waterfall and a peaceful swimming hole.

I can't believe we have this oasis right in our backyard!

The kids loved exploring and having a picnic snack above the water of the dam.

Plumbers first day!

2011-06-11T17:33:00.000+10:00

Our plumber started today. God bless him!

One step closer to ending this never ending bad camping trip we call our Shed.

We've made a plan of things we need to do in the next two weeks. We are really getting this ball rolling now..These include:-

Ring the plasterer and organise a quote for his work...we may get him to put up the interior sheeting as well.

Pay Council for our revised drainage plan.

Select and buy our water tanks.

Select and buy our shower bases, our toilets and our bath! How exciting!

Start adding the noggins (the wood that will support the VJ panelling).

Start putting up the soffits and make room to store the VJ panelling.

Here is the beginning of the plumbing in the kids bathroom. Note the lovely copper pipes and the brass fittings. We are having vertical taps, hot on the top and cold on the bottom.

A family of four...or more!

2011-06-07T17:30:00.000+10:00

The early morning fog enveloped the mountains and the crisp air caught in my throat.

I walked out of the shed to the front of the house, taking a sip from my steaming cup of tea.

The welcoming call of the Magpie made me smile. It's my favourite bush sound, reminding me of weekend mornings with not alot to do but drink tea in my dressing gown until late.

I found this group of pretty faced wallabies grazing near the front steps of the house. Perhaps a daddy, a mummy and their babies.

Of course it could be two daddies and their babies, or even two mummies!

It doesn't really matter because they looked exceptionally happy and relaxed!

And there could have even been a joey hiding away in the pouch!

House Update

2011-06-05T19:22:00.000+10:00

House Update House Update House Update.

Things are really moving forward now. And we just might have an ETA of Christmas!

Christmas lunch on the deck! How delightful!

So what's been happening. As The Hubbster is a sparkie, he has wired up our house. The lights, fans, powerpoints, night lights and all the rest have been cabled in.

The best news of all is we have ourselves a plumber! We are so excited because we wanted someone who understands our passion for what we are trying to achieve. And that is, a beautiful modern Queensland while keeping with the traditional facets of what a Queenslander style of home is.

Things like VJ wall panelling, chair and picture rails, polished floors, fanlights and breezeways, high ceilings, lourve windows with wonderful air flow and big wrap around verandahs.

Our plumber knows what we want, to work with copper fittings etc and the little touches and features that we love.

He will be fitting out our 3 bathrooms, our septic and drainage and downpipes, our hot water system and our gas, and connecting everything to where it should be.

We have decided to bite the bullet and get it all done, rather than work on one bathroom and leave the rest until later.

We want the same person doing it all. I feel really confident that we have a chance of moving in this year.

We are also just about to start sheeting out the interior and lining the verandah soffits, so we can do this alongside the plumber doing his thing. So no time is wasted.

I'm totally over living in this shed. I miss my things, I miss my slow cooker that I can't find, and I miss feeling "organised". I like things to have a place and at the moment, this is not to be.

I want to bake in my country kitchen.

I want to decorate with my vintage pieces, my cushions and quilts and books and photoframes.

We have so much packed away and are living very simply and cramped and I want to decorate my house and have some space.

Ahh space. I can almost taste it.

Birthday Eye Candy!

2011-05-30T22:22:00.000+10:00

It's my birthday.

Since The Hubbster wouldn't pose for me, I thought I'd treat myself whilst keeping with the farm theme of course!

For Clara

2011-05-25T18:30:00.000+10:00

The service for my Nanna was held in our beautiful Cathedral.

This is where my parents were married, where I was christened and confirmed, and where my fathers funeral was held.

It was also where I sat one rainy afternoon, a couple of days after my dad had died, looking for some kind of comfort at the most distressing time.

It's beautiful inside. And cold.

The church was full for Nannas' service. I moved to the microphone to support my cousin who was reading the eulogy.

We walked outside into the grey skies and the rain. I watched as my mother mourned for her mother.

That invisible cord that bound them together was no more.

My job for the day was supporting her.

I hugged my cousins and my aunts and uncles. The priest said to me "there is alot of you, isn't there".

I secretly smiled because that statement had so much power.

We have a big family. We have gone our separate ways. But we come together in times like this for each other.

It rained at the cemetery and it was so sad. I looked down at Nannas coffin, lowered in the ground and hoped she wasn't too cold.

She layed next to her husband in peace.

I held it together most of the day. I cried when I said my final goodbye as I dropped a red rose into the ground.

And when her Elvis was played, I came undone.

Travelling Again

2011-05-22T17:28:00.000+10:00

I'm back at Sydney Airport. The third time in 10 weeks.

You'd think I would now be a seasoned traveller. But alas I'm just a country hick.

I've forgotten my toothbrush, my deodorant, my long black socks, the headphones for my Ipod and my blingy headband I wanted to wear tommorrow.

I'm obviously going shopping in the morning.

Unfortunately this trip is not a happy blogging experience. My sweet, gentle Nanna has passed away at the age of 92. I'm heading home for her funeral and a reunion that will be epic.

You see, I have a very big family. Mum has 2 sisters and 3 brothers. And I have so many cousins, possibly millions. And they have partners and kids ecetera.

I can't remember the last time we were all together. I mean all of us. Possibly when Pop died and that was over 20 years ago.

It's such a bittersweet reason for all of us to be together. I wish it was a more of a happy time...

But I kind of think how happy Nanna would be knowing HER family are all together.

I'm really missing my kids today. I've felt a bit teary all day, seeing little ones with their parents at the airport and at the train station.

I suppose it has to do with the reason for this trip.

It's nice to get away, but I can't wait to get home to them ♥

Win a New Ford Territory for a Year and $5,000

2011-05-19T17:20:00.000+10:00

When I found out I had to write a blog post around the topic of "drive", I thought to myself:- "well this is right up my alley, or my long, steep craggy dirt driveway!".

You see, I live out of town. Hence my name Farmers Wifey.

We live on 75 acres in the glorious country. It takes around 10 minutes to drive to school, that's one kilometre down our steep craggy dirt driveway.

Here's my first vlog of my driveway. It's totally ridiculous and amateurish.

Then one kilometre along our dirt road, then around eight kilometres into town to our school.

It also takes half an hour to drive into town, where our children have their social lives.

This includes music and sports such as dancing, gymnastics, football and the skatepark. If I want to drive to the movies, it takes around 35 minutes. If I want to go shopping, it's the same.

We do hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of kilometres each week!

We drive over this railway crossing over 40 times a week.

Oh this one as well.

And we drive across this creek crossing over 40 times a week.

Except when it is flooded like this. Then we stay at home and watch dvds.

(I wonder does Ford make boats? I must look into that.)

What am I telling you here? We live in our car!

The kids occassionally do their homework in the car, or play their electronic game consoles.

We need to pass the time from one activity to another. Our car is like our second home.

This is my life.

The kids and I love to play games in the car, while driving in for our shopping, dancing or football, or driving to school in the mornings...

We refer to the first game as "the movie quote game".

We take it in turns to...well...say quotes from movies we love and see who can guess which movie we are referring to.

It's kinda like, I'll say: "Hello, my name's Bruce" "Hello Bruce"......from Nemo or

"You didn't file your paperwork"......from Monsters Inc or

I do the funny noise the bird makes in the movie UP which usually has the kids in hysterics..

The second game we play is the one I like to refer to as "Lets say how awesome Mummy is".

I start off by saying something in a singing tone and the kids repeat, like this:-

F/W Mummy is awesome

Kids Mummy is awesome

F/W Mummy is beautiful

Kids Mummy is beautiful

F/W Mummy cooks nice dinners

Kids Mummy cooks nice dinners

F/W Mummy is skinny

Kids Mummy is skinny

F/W Mummy's a good dancer

Kids Mummy's a good dancer

F/W Mummy's smarter than Daddy

Kids Mummy's smarter than Daddy (by now the kids are hysterical).......

The last game is a new one...we start off by singing the iconic song "The Wheels on the Bus" and in the verses we make reference back to "our" family.

Here, I'll show you:-

The wheels on the bus go round and round round and round, round and round The wheels on the bus go round and round All the way to town The people on the bus go up and down up and down, up and down The people on the bus go up and down All the way to town

Then we continue on with verses starting with:-

The tweens on the bus go yeah whatever or

The mummies on the bus go do your homework or

The boys on the bus go Ben 10 rocks or

The mummies on the bus go clean your room or

The kids on the bus go it's not my stuff or

The daddies on the bus go get off the computer or

The mummies on the bus go where's the wine or even

The mummies on the bus go kids you're busted

As you can see, we spend alot of time in the car.

A typical day for me would be loading the three kids into the car, all across the back seat, squashed in together. See how happy they look.

We drive in to school and I carry on to work. I use the car several time in my day driving to houses for inspections and back to school at 3pm.

We then drive back home, get changed and head off into town for sports and social activities. The kids, not mine.

The first stop could be singing lessons.

Then we might continue to the skate park while the girls go to dancing and gymnastics.

We sometimes get home after 8pm.

Because we spend so much time driving, I need a car with good seating flexibility, where I can spread out the kids so they keep their hands and feet to themselves.

And they don't fight.

I also need loads of boot space for the scooters, school bags, dance bags and smelly football boots.

And I need a cup holder or two for my water and for my hot chocolate to keep me hydrated during the endless hours I spend driving.

And I also need some awesome fuel economy because I'm not spending all of my hard earned cash at the petrol station.

This is what I need. The New Ford Territory.

Do you think my Akubra will go with this?

This is my entry in the Kidspot/Ford Top 50 Bloggers Comp. I'd love your vote.

So tell me, do you drive. Do you spend alot of time in YOUR car?

Vote for the Wifey...please ♥

2011-05-12T23:06:00.000+10:00

I am so thrilled to be included in the Kidspot Top 50 Blogger list......

If you could spare a vote, please click the link below and the thumbs up icon.

I'd be ever so grateful and you only have to vote once. So I won't need to stalk you.

STEP away from the cow.

2011-05-12T10:53:00.000+10:00

This is what happens when you let a country girl loose in the city.

She just can't keep away from the cows.

We found this bovine in the underground bar, sitting next to the cactus.

I'm not quite sure what she was doing there. She wasn't drinking but I think she was eating the peanuts.

If I could have packed her in my luggage I would have brought her home to live out her days on my farm chewing on a buttercup.

Cocktails and THE car

2011-05-09T17:29:00.000+10:00

As I sit at Sydney Airport watching the planes go by, I reflect on last nights celebrations at the Kidspot/Ford Top 50 Bloggers Party.

I was lucky enough to meet with Kirrily on arrival yesterday and we made our way to the gorgeous hotel. After some preening, we had drinks in the darkly lit and mysterious bar with Beth, Mrs Woog, Bern and Bianca.

Yes I am namedropping.

The cocktail party was amazing....we met THE CAR at the door and proceeded to have photos taken on, in and surrounding THE CAR..or my car.

We took our bubbly upstairs to the gallery and it was mingling, chatting, hugging and squeezing for a couple of hours.

I was so happy to catch up with some bloggers I met at the Conference in March, and to meet some new ladies as well....

After the cocktail party finished, a group of us walked in the rain in our high heels to this strangly named and down an alley somewhere bar called the Shady Pines.

I was worried I was being taken to a retirement home but I was assured by the good ladies from Kidspot that there would be no old people there.

It was a cool bar and we proceeded to have drinks and chat to random men sitting around barrels (thank you Mrs Woog for the laughs).

Kirrilly and I shelled and ate our weight in peanuts as we were so hungry and before leaving I kissed a stuffed deer/bull/bear. I expect the photo will turn up somewhere.

We walked around Oxford Street and I love this area of Sydney, with its dark alleyways leading to amazing bars and gallerys and the little terrace houses we passed.

And the interesting and strange people whose stories I wonder about.

I finished the night with the best quiche I have ever had, snuggled back in my comfy bed watching the Discovery Channel.

It was such a wonderful night and it was made possible for me by the good people at Kidspot and Ford. Thank you for flying me to Sydney and allowing me to stay in a fabulous hotel.

The thing that is close to my heart right now is that even though we come from all over Australia and lead different lives, we can come together and connect over our shared love and passion for blogging.

I think I have found my tribe.

And if you are a blogger, you will understand how important that is.

Waiting on some great photos to post as my camera phone pics are dark and blurry.

The Wifey does Sydney. Again.

2011-05-09T10:06:00.000+10:00

I'm leaving on an airplane....again!

The good people at Kidspot and Ford have kindly sent me to Sydney for the TOP 50 BLOGGERS COCKTAIL PARTY!

And it's all in capitals because it's going to be AWESOME!

I get to squeeze some of my favourite bloggers I met in March at the Conference...

Of course I'll post all about it tommorrow. I feel very lucky to be included in the Top 50 with some amazing women.

You all know who you are ♥

In the meantime, could you please vote for my little country blog...I'd be ever so grateful.....Here's the magic link!

Best Mother's Day EVER!

2011-05-07T22:17:00.000+10:00

My favourite breakfast in bed - toast and vegemite and a cup of tea.

Brought to me on a baking tray......

Three children sitting around me....watching me eat.

And drink my tea.

Crumbs in the bed.

Present time......

The best part of all was the effort and excitement from the kids who wrapped and wrote messages to me...

Tickles and wrestles in the bed.

My three little birds...who made me a Mother.

Happy Mother's Day Mamas..........

Blogger Butts

2011-05-07T17:02:00.000+10:00

It's been another busy week...I haven't blogged.

I've ran around. The usual stuff....

We played tennis again this week....we have a tennis court, which makes up for the crappy living arrangements...

Our tennis is improving every day, we can actually have a great game and we only lose one or two balls over the fence now.

I realised today, whilst trying on my cocktail dress that I need for Monday Night (I'll tell you about that on Tuesday!), that I really need to take this Blogger Butts Challenge seriously.

I have so many beautiful clothes and they just don't fit me. They feel tight in the wrong places...I just don't like it.

This is the dress I am talking about...This photo was taken during "the big gym binge of 2007/08", where for 6 months I hit the gym and lost so much weight and got so ridiculously fit, I looked amazing.

We then moved out of town, away from the gym and my good habits disappeared.

I am still looking for this motivation.

I hope I find it soon.......

I am wearing this dress on Monday night, and it feels tight around my chest and back. I remember how it felt when I was fit....it felt loose.

Bugger that.

I think I have found the photos to carry with me to remind myself that I.Can.Do.It.

And to also remind myself how good I felt.

How was YOUR week?

Cupcakes anyone?

2011-05-02T17:02:00.000+10:00

As promised, I present our cupcakes made lovingly by the three kids...

And they were delish!

What did we do today?

2011-05-01T17:34:00.000+10:00

It was such a brilliant sunny day today....the peace and fresh air was just divine.

I thought I'd tell you about our day. We woke late and did some grocery shopping in the morning.

The Hubbster spent the day underneath the house (oh that's where our computer chair is) wiring in the powerpoints and running cables....

I decided it was a good time to clean some window frames and window screens in the new house. The dirt and dust needed to be wiped away so as not to stain the aluminium.

A glass of wine was also called for!

Can you see the difference after cleaning?

We did some of this.....

And then I thought it a great idea to let the three kids loose in the kitchen making cupcakes.

Alone.

I hovered around taking photos waiting for the carnage..but..they did so well.

I love this last photo of all the helping hands...

Tune in tommorrow for the finished result!

Blogger Butts

2011-04-30T17:17:00.000+10:00

I thought I'd show you some photos of our farm and of The Money Pit.

If you don't know by now, we are building our dream home, whilst living in a shed.

Never in a million years did I think I would be living like this. We are going on 3 years now, and I think I am nearly over it.

How do I explain....it's like a neverending bad camping trip. The house will be worth it, I know, but at times I get so sick of living in a dusty shed.

I get sick of the frogs and the geckos, the storms and the rain that sometimes comes in sideways..the wind and the occasional cyclone. The lightening strikes that hit the shed because we are living on a hill...

I can't wait to unpack my beautiful things, to find my slowcooker and my electric frypan, because I have NO IDEA which storage box they are in....

I can't wait to have more than one plate and one set of cutlery each, and to be able to use my beautiful linen again.

And I can't wait to have...space. We live on 75 acres but that's not what I mean.

The five of us are sleeping in the same room and it's chaos at bedtime...our cheap temporary wardrobes and cupboards are falling apart even though I've glued them back together twice..

I've given up on scrapbooking for the moment because I have nowhere to do it and be able to leave it out. The kids have trashed my ribbons and used my buttons and baubles for their own crafts.

I'll wait until I have my very own child free craft room, which I am looking forward to more than the kitchen!

We are working as hard and as quickly as we can to finish the house, and because we are owner builders, it takes time. The Hubbster is wiring at the moment and we are nearly ready to organise a plumber. Then a tiler. Then a waterproofer. Then an internal fitout. And it keeps going...

And this makes me frustrated. Because the shed is a metre away from the house so we look at this amazing big Queenslander every day and I wonder how long it will take....

Our farm is beautiful..rolling hill, lots of peace and room to play.....

This is the back of the house showing the verandah.. which is massive.

We plan to have steps leading down to the pool.

The back corner of the verandah, oh and there's the shed right next door!

Egads. I've gained 1 kilo this week. Crumbs.

I've been a bit naughty, I haven't exercised, although I've felt more relaxed.

I've stopped drinking coke zero because it was making me cranky. I've switched to ginger beer and a little more water.

The Hubbster and the kids and I played a game of touch football today and I think my heartrate went up.

Just a bit.

I"m blaming Easter.

The Wifey does hats.

2011-04-28T17:49:00.000+10:00

Today I want to talk about hats.

I love hats. It's not often you see me hatless. Maybe at work or in bed but mostly you will see me with something up there....

I love hats. I especially love them the week leading up to the hairdresser (ladies you know what I'm talking about!).

I wear them for sun safety and also for bad hair days.

Here's me with my favourite white hat, looking very arty. And pensive. I could have been thinking of a flowery meadow but I was probably thinking of dinner that night and the large pile of washing to be done.

Here's me with my Akubra and I think I look really good wearing it. I feel like I really am a Farmers Wifey in this.

And here is my favourite cap. I wear this alot. The Hubbster has a matching one that we had our wedding date embroidered on our honeymoon. Mine also reads "we tied" and his says "the knot".

Here's my wedding hat. Well it's kind of a hat. Actually it's a very long veil and a gorgeous tiara. But we'll call it a hat for the sake of this post. I'm also wearing a very handsome new husband.

I had a great photo of a drunken pink veiled hat that I wore on one of my hen's nights (I had two).

But as it's stored away somewhere I'll leave you with an embarrassing hair photo from the eighties where I actually should have been wearing a hat.

HAPPY EASTER!

2011-04-26T09:09:00.000+10:00

This is why I don't take my kids to meet the Easter Bunny.

Psycho Bunny. Will eat your children.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

My good Good Friday

2011-04-22T20:56:00.000+10:00

I found my Nirvana today (any place of complete bliss and delight and peace.)

You may remember from my recent posts how stressed and busy and rushed I have been feeling.

This week has been a little different.

No lunchboxes to prepare. No after school activities to rush to. I did work two 9 hour days at work but even so, I've felt...different.

We had the most amazing day today.

The Hubbster took the kids and I to the shooting range where he sighted his rifles in for the shoot on Sunday, whilst the kids and I sat in the shade of a big gum tree and took turns riding the quad bike through the good old Australian bush.

We ate mini muffins for morning tea and the weather was oh.so.perfect.

For lunch we drove into town and had fish and chips.

I dare not eat meat today (not only out of respect for Our Lord but because my mother who lives two days drive away would know as soon as I placed a morsel of steak in my mouth!)

We came home and watched an awesome kids dvd in the air conditioning.

My son and I then enjoyed a rollicking game of basketball and I think I may have beaten him but I can't be sure because he likes to make up his own rules as we play....

And it gets better!

I enjoyed a glass of wine while watching The Bold and the Beautiful.

I can't remember the last time I did this - I think it was at the beginning of Term 4 last year, which shows that my life has been crazy even since then.

4.30 pm was MY TIME. The kids knew to go and play for that 1/2 hour while I enjoyed one of my favourite shows......

I really miss this.

And I want it again.

We all played tennis while the sun went down, the girls against the boys, we lost a few balls over the fence and I think I may have been Man of the Match.

And the most special blissful moment in my good Good Friday, was cuddling Miss T(aged 6) to sleep after singing lullabies with the scent of her freshly washed hair invading my senses.....

I didn't get my walks this week. We spent three days in Bundaberg for the Eisteddfod and I worked two very full days....

But I did play basketball with my son and tennis with my family.

And I felt relaxed and .....different....

And hopeful and positive.

I weigh exactly the same as I did last week..so I have neither gained nor lost.

How was your week?