One Word

So here we are,  halfway through January with Christmas a distant memory.

It makes me sad somewhat that Christmas is over, and now it's full steam ahead into another year.

Last year for us was manic, I'd say the busiest year we have had.  With the kids school, sports, theatre, extra activities, Graduation and Prom for our eldest, milestone birthday parties, as well as our work, it didn't seem like we had a lot of spare time.

This year, however, is going to be different.  Our whole family dynamic is changing. Miss D (aged 18) is leaving the nest.  She has another two weeks at home, then she's off to University on the other side of the country.

It's an exciting time for us all, though bittersweet.

I find myself almost grieving for the past, for the sweet memories of when my three were little.  These memories seem so distant, and yes, it is a form of grief, to want what I had, what I experienced in those early years.

I almost long for the days when we had so much time.

I consider it a flaw to some extent, my habit of revisiting past memories, and dwelling on them.  They make me happy but at the same time, make me ache for a more simple life.

While I have been thinking about this, I've been deciding on my One Word for the year.  What word could I choose, to guide me forward in a positive way?

I've decided my One Word is

Time

Life will be different for us this year, and I want to make the most out of every moment.

Make time for the things I love, and for the people in my life.

Make time to just be, time for me.

Make time to appreciate the beauty in where I live, to exercise and to keep healthy.

Make time to dream, to plan for the future.

Make time to revisit memories, but to keep them in a happy place.

Time is precious and I don't want to waste it.  

Do you have a Word for your year?

Farmers Wifey xo

Linking up with Denyse for Life This Week

Not Long Enough

18 years is not long enough.

In the blink of an eye, you are ready to leave the nest. Where has the time gone?

18 years is not long enough for me to teach you everything you need to know...about everything. 

Didn't we have time?

On your first day of Kindergarten, I never gave one thought to THIS time right now, we had years and years.

And now here we are.

18 years is not long enough to do everything we need to do.

And now we have one month before your new adventure starts.

I wish we had more time.

I'm not ready.

I've never really been ready, to be truthful, but what Mother is ever ready for her child to move on. 

On your first day of Kindergarten, the apron strings loosened just a bit, and have continued through the years, until a few final strands remain. I'll keep those attached for now.

18 years is just not long enough.

I have so much to tell you.

Think about this....

Be safe, be kind. To yourself.

Exercise for your mind, body and spirit.

Do what you love, and enjoy life.

Embrace this new beginning, you have an amazing adventure ahead.

Take photos but live in the moment.

Drink water.

Get enough sleep.

Answer your phone.

Make new friends but don't forget your old ones.

Make the most out of every day.

Because time is short....I know.

Be happy.

There is so much more.

18 years is just not long enough.

 Love Mummy

Linking up with Denyse for Life This Week

Balance

I was thinking the other day how, at times, I can be super lazy, well that's a bit harsh maybe, but give me a choice between getting shit done, or reading my favourite magazine with cake and tea, you can guess what I'd choose.

But things need to be done, the house has to be run, the kids kept fed, watered and dressed and driven to the right place on time, so I've been trying to find that balance, and I feel pretty good about it at the moment.

Because I'm working part time, in a fabulous job that I love, I'm really trying to make the most of my home time... organisation is the key people! I usually tend to the daily grind in the mornings, ie washing, cleaning, cooking, sorting, paying bills and getting organised so I can enjoy the afternoons doing something I love.

When I'm home alone, I really enjoy the silence, to be honest, but when The Hubbster and kids come home, it's usually chaotic, noisy and crazy, and everyone talks at the same time and my head spins, but that is what a family is about, so I am embracing these times because as the years go on, the dynamics of our family will shift.

In fact, I try to think of what life was like BK (Before Kids) and I really can't remember what it was like to be responsible for just me.  To have the freedom to make choices and take risks, perhaps, with no consequence to anyone else but myself. I travelled alone because I could, and at times worked full time AND part time because I didn't have a house full of kids to come home to and look after.

But during these times, there was always that longing, in the back of my mind, that I needed to, and wanted to get married and have a family, it was almost like a calling and as many of my friends during my 20's married and started their families, I really wondered if it would ever happen to me.

Well it did.  I was a late starter, getting married at 32, and having my babies at 33, 35 and 37. And so it began, the period known as AF (After Kids or All Crazy) because at times that's how it is! This has truly been the most important, happy, frustrating but joyous time of my life. From being a new mother with a newborn, a 2 year old and a 4 year old, to now, having the three of them in high school.

It has been a challenge, because as much as I think I'm doing a great job of being a mum, there have been times where I think I've failed miserably.   I can be really hard on myself, but after talking with other mothers, I don't think I'm alone. Whether it be issues about money, lack of time, responsibility or just the day to day slog we all go through, being a mother/parent is hard work.

But rewarding.  Oh so cliche, but so true.

So here I am, in the middle of the busiest time of mine, and my children's lives, trying to find that balance, enjoying the moment as it is fleeting, and trying to do a good job of raising these country kids  I still have goals but at the moment they are dreams for the next chapter which will come all too soon.

How do YOU have balance in your life?

Farmers Wifey xo

Always My Baby Boy

Mr C (aged 11) starts high school next year.

I'm totally not ready.  Not at all.  Hang on, wasn't he just a tiny blonde haired, blue eyed baby, who hardly opened his eyes for two weeks, and would lay his head on my shoulder to be carried around all day while I went about my business?

Oh yes he was.  And now he's going to high school.  Oh my!

In a Mothers eyes, does a little baby boy ever, ever stop being a baby boy?  I'm guessing no. As a mum of two daughters and a son, and while I love them all so equally, I mother my son differently.  I'm maybe a bit softer with him, because girls can be all kinds of cray cray crazy!

You know what I mean.

I think about my friends who have sons, with or without siblings, and each one of them show a very definite, beautiful relationship. They see their gorgeous little guys growing from Wiggles loving toddlers, to boisterous, noisy tweens who love laser skirmish and annoying their sisters on a regular basis.

I'm yet to find out what it's like living with a teenage boy, but in 2 years time, I'll be able to tell you.  I wonder what will happen when my son becomes an adult, with a family of his own?  Will he still be my baby boy, who I protected so fiercely that my heart ached when I thought of him?

You bet.  I'll cuddle him even when he's 6 foot tall, and remember when he was the smallest cherub, and I will love him even more than I do today.

Do you have a son?  Will he always be your baby boy?

Thank you to my beautiful friends for sharing these photos of their own baby boys.

All the Cool Kids are Doing It!

There's a new thing sweeping the country/world/universe, and I have no idea where I've been.  Hiding under a rock somewhere, and now it's hit me smack in the face.  The new thing, not the rock!

Have you heard of Rainbow Looms, the latest phenomenon entrancing our children, and enticing them into doing....craft!  Well, it's kind of a craft, there's the plastic loom to which coloured bands are placed strategically up, down and across, using a plastic crochet hook.

Bracelets, rings, keytags and numerous other brightly coloured items can be made, there are Youtube instructional videos online, charms galore, and more and more packets of bands to ask/annoy mum to buy I just want the glow in the dark, strawberry scented ones mum.

My 9 year old told me about these bracelets she had made with a friend at school, so off I went to buy her a kit of her own.  My 13 year old said she was too old for that baby stuff......this lasted a week and now she is loving it too.

There are always fads that sweep through school, and everyone catches on.  Remember elastics, jacks and yo yos?  These are the fun things I grew up with, and many memories were made. There were no ipods, ipads or Xbox when I was a child, so cheap entertainment was the way to go.

Apparently some schools have banned loom bracelets from school, because they are distracting kids from learning, and cheeky boys are flicking them like rubber bands causing facial injury to unsuspecting friends. Kids like to trade them too, and some groups identify themselves with specific coloured bands.

Like gangs. Schoolyard gangs rampaging through the playground with their coloured bracelets, it's all so exciting!

While I understand, schools want to maintain a sense of order, I love the fact that my children are doing craft, having fun, and not screaming at the Xbox. 

Some mothers have confessed that they love sucking up these bands with the vacumn cleaner, because they are the new Lego - they don't hurt your feet when you step on them in the middle of the night and they keep appearing in the most random of places like underwear drawers, my handbag and under the trampoline.

So for now my kids my children can enjoy this colourful, creative craze until the next big thing comes along. I wonder what that could be?

What fads did you love when you were a child, what keep you entertained?

It's Gone Before You Know It

I was putting Miss T (aged 8) to bed the other night, and as I tucked her in, I noticed a frown on her face.  Instead of the usual happy smile, she looked worried.

What's up love?  What's wrong?

Silence.  The frown deepened and the bottom lip quivered.

Tell Mummy.  What is it?

With that her face disolved into sad tears and jumbled words.

I'm really scared that when I have a baby, it's going to really hurt.......

What the?  Where did THAT come from.  Seriously you are only 8 years old child, why are you even thinking about this!

A few days before, the kids and I were having a chat about babies, about how wonderful it was being pregnant with each of them.  How they kicked me inside my belly, and how they moved around and generally had a big party in there.

I haven't even really spoke to her about "how exactly" each of them came out, only to say that they were born and they were beautiful.  That discussion is for another time when she's older, and I'll be honest, but kids talk at school, and discuss all matter of things so I'm not surprised this has been mentioned and has somehow stuck in her head.

I sat on the bed and hugged her and said "yes having a baby does hurt a little (cue the gentle approach for now), but it mustn't be so bad if I went back again and again and had THREE children", what do you think?

She thought about this and agreed.  Her sad face softened and she relaxed, content with this explanation......for now.  It's amazing how little minds work, how they take everything in and try to make sense of what they are simply too young to understand.

Childhood is so fleeting, really. One stage leads to the next and before you know it, they are teenagers, sulky one minute and hilarious the next. 

I look at photos of how my children have grown, and blossomed through these stages, and I hope they will look back on fond memories of their childhood full of love and laughter and contentment.

And they will smile.

Hello December!

Well, December seems to have snuck up and smacked me right in the face!

With 5 days of school left for the year, our calendar is full of parties, dance competitions, graduation, birthdays, school orientation, a swimming carnival, musical rehearsals, school break up and Christmas concert!

In between, I'll find time to go to work, finish Christmas shopping, take the family to Brisbane for two days, and keep the house in some kind of organised chaos. 

I also have to sew the huge rip in the trampoline from last weeks storm, which saw winds so ferocious, that they picked it up, carried it over the pool where it came to rest sideways against the house, smashing the downpipe in the process!

Industrial sewing needle anyone?

This year seems different though. A shift in my conscience maybe, as Miss D (aged 12) is starting high school next year.  With mixed emotions, of excitement (for her) and pure terror (for me - wasn't she just BORN??) I shall loosen the tie just a bit that connects her to my heart, and send her off to the big school!

By 2014 I'll have a new school to get to know, and a teenager to try to understand, which is ridiculous as I've only ever had young children, where did these big kids come from?

There's been a lot happening leading up to this moment.  She spent a week away on school camp, and I cried when the bus left, and stalked facebook for school updates, just hoping for a glimpse of her. The kids had an amazing time, and I'm sure they grew up just a little bit during the week.

Being in Grade 7 and a school leader, she's had many responsibilities and has loved being part of the oldest group in the school.  Such a difference being the youngest in high school, the dynamics certainly change. Another milestone that truly begins with that first smile, that first glimpse of a shiny new tooth and the most amazing first step!

I'll admit that I feel apprehensive, and I'll worry about her because it's a big step for me too.  Letting go of my first born baby, and realising that she doesn't need me quite as much now that she's older, stings just a little bit.

It's just life. It's part of the process I suppose. Having the world at your feet is a powerful thing, and she is standing on the doorstep waiting to fly.

Bravery Beads

Beautiful beads.

Swirls, colours and patterns.  Each one representing my son's journey through Crohn's Disease.  A silver bead for every iron infusion, orange and red swirls for blood tests and a green bead for each invasive procedure....colonoscopy, endoscopy, MRI, capsule scope.......an endless list.

These are my son's Bravery Beads.  A visual history of his story through treatment, and a unique way to remember what he has to go through.  I think this is a very personal thing for him, as he has told me that the beads show how brave he is during his hospital visits, and how they make him feel strong.

The Royal Children's Hospital in Brisbane have a Bravery Beads programme, but it is only being applied in three departments at the moment - Oncology, Respiratory and Metabolic Medicine. 

It is hoped the programme will be offered in other areas including Gastroenterology, which is our stomping ground, and I really feel that it should be because Crohn's Disease is a chronic illness with no cure.  It is stressful and confusing and annoying and life long.

Until then, we will keep collecting the beads and his story will grow through colours and swirls and love.

May is Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month in Australia.

Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month

You may not know that May is Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month. Specifically today, May 19, it is World IBD Day. That's Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Up until last August, I didn't know anything about Crohn's Disease.  I had three healthy children, or so I thought, and I supported charities such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and SANDS which I still do because I have a personal connection to them.

When my little boy was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease last year, he was 9 years old. A simple blood test to check his iron levels led to four trips to Brisbane and lots of procedures and tests at the Royal Childrens's Hospital. Questions, uncertainty, fear and sadness took over as we realised that our child was sick. Where the hell did this come from?

I mothered my kids the same, fed them the same foods, nurtured them all exactly the same, yet my middle child had this thing called Crohn's Disease?  An inflammatory bowel disease. Not a boutique disease that people are happy to talk about, rather something that is spoken in hushed tones because it is to do with digestion, intestines, poo, blood, weight loss, cramps and dodgy toilet habits.

And my reference above to boutique diseases, is written with the utmost of respect, what I am saying is that Inflammatory Bowel Disease is not one that has a high media presence.......therefore this month is so important to spread Awareness and understanding about Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

There is no cure.  They are chronic, inflammatory conditions that are characterised by periods of  good health (remission) and flare ups, and can differ from person to person - there are so many variables.

So how are we doing?  After the initial shock, I decided to find out as much as I could about what we were dealing with, and to work towards the goal of keeping my son as healthy as possible. There are still so many unanswered questions and I suppose with time, they will be answered.  I worry all the time.....about the medication I am giving him....what it is actually doing to him besides keeping the inflammation away from his little body.

I worry that he is not growing, that he is pale, that his body aches and he complains about his joints being sore...his legs, behind his knees, his wrists.  I worry that he gets sunburnt easily and gets headaches because of the medication. I think about his immune system that is now compromised, and I try to keep him away from coughs and germs, but it's not easy.  I look at him sometimes and wonder was it anything I did (no)...

If he is tired or takes too long in the toilet, I worry.....it's a constant thing. It's called being a Mother.

However, there are some things that I do know......

* my son is the strongest, bravest kid who just accepts this situation
* Crohn's Disease does not define him.  He is a footballer, an ace Lego builder and is quite handy on the Ipod (minecraft and Star Wars are his thing)
* his family adore him
* he has tonnes of friends
* he's hilarious and cracks me up
* knowledge is power
* things could be worse
* support is precious
* we all have good days and bad
* a good, balanced diet is a given
* medication is a necessary evil
* I cry easily and often

I'm looking into alternative remedies to help keep my little guy healthy, and to ensure the best chance of a prolonged remission. It doesn't take away the need for medication, but rather work side by side..it can't hurt can it?

And the best, most valuable thing of all that I have discovered is the support and kindness from the IBD community. From this forum to a couple of Facebook groups who helped me today to some special people who are living with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis whether it be themselves or their child...Jake, Stacey, Annie, Karen and Stephanie.

Thank you.

Where I'm at in the Blogosphere

Forgive me Father, for I have not blogged for two weeks.....

That thing called Life, has been in the way! Work, homelife, kids activities, dancing festivals, school stuff, more work, washing, new house housework, Easter, Harbour Festival, kid wrangling and the list goes on.

When I sit down at night to relax, I'm so tired that I can't concentrate on stringing two words together, worthy of even publishing on my blog.  But I 'm happy to say that school Term 1 is now over, and the holidays are before us!

I can't believe how quickly the first term has passed! It's usually a busy one for us, with Miss D (aged 12) dancing last weekend in our local dance competition (scoring for herself a 4th, a 2nd and a 1st), dancing on stage at the Harbour Festival last week and now preparing for an Eisteddfod next week.

Mr C (aged 10) has been busy with a special reading project at school, called Project 600, and now is looking forward to AFL, with training starting this week.

Miss T (aged 8) has been loving her Saturday morning dancing class, and has been working on her loudest quite voice, which she delivers every time we are in the library!

The Hubbster has been busy working on the Farm, cutting grass at every opportunity! He doesn't need an excuse to take Jaffa the Tractor for a spin, he even cut the grass at our neighbours farm last week!

The Money Pit is just wonderful! We now have door stops and bathroom mirrors, and every week, something new is done and those final little touches are taking shape!

We still don't have a television in the house, as we would like to buy a flatscreen tv for the Theatre Room, so I'm still heading back to the Shed to watch my shows at night, which frankly sucks as it brings back memories of the four year never ending bad camping trip we were on!

So what else is happening you ask?  Well, did I tell you that in July, I'll be attending Blogher13.  Oh and it's in CHICAGO USA! Can you believe it, because I can't! Only the biggest blogging conference ever!

My flights are booked and paid for, and I'm now working on the fun stuff - where I'll go, what I'll get up to, what I'll wear and I'm trying to find the perfect walking shoes because after Chicago, I'll be flying to New York for a week!

It doesn't seem real yet!  After 16 long years, I'm finally going back to my beloved America, the one place that has held my heart for so long......

A True Story

Once apon a time there was a family who lived on a farm.  The family consisted of a mummy, a daddy, three beautiful children and seventeen noisy but quite attractive guinea fowl.

The family was very happy, apart from one problem.

It seemed that each child owned an Ipod, you know, one of those small devices that saps all of the good energy and replaces it with selective hearing, attitudes that frankly suck and the ability to not help with any chores when asked.

The children believed that their Ipods were extensions of themselves, somewhat like an extra limb that they were permanently attached to. Many afternoons were spent seeking out the nearest power point to recharge, and working out ways to win on multiplayer Minecraft.

The mummy didn't know what to do, so she went to where she would find some answers - the internet. There were many other mummies having the same issues -

Just told mine that Monday morning to Friday arvo is no iPods, no iPhones, no iPads, and NO YOU TUBE!!! Didn't go down too well - but fingers crossed we see a change in their behaviour!!

Oh I've now taken away our ex-iPhones so none of the kids can use it bc they continually a) break the 1hr limit rule b) fight over them. So over it!

We have "technology free" zone from Sunday arvo to Friday arvo. I get frustrated with the attitudes and lack of basic thinking that comes from lots of tech time.

We are iPod/xbox/wii free from Sunday night until Friday afternoon! 4 weeks in and he doesn't even ask during the week anymore!

This advice was very helpful because one Sunday morning the mummy had finally had enough!  She flipped! She cracked!  She chased one child around the loungeroom trying to retrieve the Ipod while the child in question did her very best "change the password maneuver".

The mummy hid the three Ipods, much to the disgust of the children, who pleaded for "just one more minute, one more game, one more application download".  The mummy would not give in!

Monday passed with several requests from the children to have their Ipods back, and the mummy, feeling quite smug and awesome by then, refused, and sent them on their way to play a board game. She had noticed how calm and wonderful the morning was before school, and how everyone laughed and hardly had any cross words with each other!

On Tuesday, the mummy collected the children from school early because the creek was flooding, and when they arrived home, the first thing the children asked for was their Ipods.  The mummy refused, and sent them on their way to do some craft.

The children had an amazing time, painting some little white cups in the most beautiful, vibrant colours!

They each asked for another cup to paint, and another, and another and then a dinner plate or two, and because the mummy was loving their creativity and good behaviour, she gave them half of her white dinner set piece by piece, which was probably not the smartest thing to do.

The mummy now realises that if the paint doesn't set in the oven when they are baked, she will have plenty of colourful items for display purposes only.

Wednesday came and went and the mummy could not believe what was happening! Everything she asked was being done!  Feed the guinea fowl, sure thing!  Bring the washing in, cool, no worries!  Run a bath for your sister, will do!

What was going on?

The children were calmer, happier and things were getting done.  There was plenty of dancing on the deck, and moments of pure joy...especially for the mummy.  The requests for their Ipods were getting thinner, and reading had once again become a focus.

The mummy decided that of course, the children could have their Ipods back at a later date, but in a more controlled and limited way. 

They enjoyed downloading music and games, and taking photos, but the mummy, who was very smart and funny and popular and beautiful :) thought a balance between technology and physical and creative activity was the best choice for her family.

The End.

Those Were The Days

I had a bit of a sore throat this week, so I decided to take myself off to the doctor.  As it is school holidays, I dragged the kids along, which was fine as they had their ipods to talk to.

While we were waiting, a young mother came in with her two cute little girls, probably aged around 3 and 4.  As I smiled and watched them run around the waiting room, it took me back to my own terror filled days of being a mother of a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a newborn.

Yes.  My kids are all two years apart.  I think back to those days and wonder how I did it all.  Two in nappies, one giant sized nappy bag and no electronic equipment suitable for this age group.

When they were little, the thought of taking all three to a confined space ie doctors waiting room, supermarket or movie theatre, filled me with such dread that I'd rather poke rusty forks in my eye than have to go through it.

My kids were energetic, loud little babes.  My three year old son could rip the door off the kindy bathroom quicker than you could say teacher retiring next year (this actually happened, but she put the door back on and she stayed on to teach my son how to walk inside!)

My kids wouldn't sit still in any waiting room, even with copious amounts of toys or books available.  They'd much rather open every cupboard or explore every closed door.  Persistant and adventurous, I'm sure they knew they were out in public which was the perfect time to embarrass me.

We loved our swimming lessons.  Each of my children started when they were 9 months old. 

One fabulous moment etched in my memory was when my two year old son decided to sprawl himself in the doorway, naked and as white as snow, reciting the word fuck fuck fuck over and over again in his bestest most loudest voice.

This impressed the mother of the goodie two shoes girls, who stepped over him and just said "hmm".

I can't understand why he didn't just say rainbows or unicorns, but I suppose his memory recall didn't allow for two or three syllable words at that stage.

As they got older, it became a little easier.  The age gap didn't change of course but they did find a little sense somewhere.  I still can't take them to Bunnings without them tearing off in three different directions, but we can go to the movies and behave or sit in the doctors waiting room and not make a scene.

Sometimes they will hide under the clothes racks in K Mart but that's okay because everyone does that.  Time kicks on and kids grow up and life gets easier.

But seeing the mum with the two cute little girls made me long for the days of doors being ripped off hinges and little kids in swimming lessons and baby stuff in giant baby bags.  I miss it and I suppose when the kids are teenagers and sulking in their bedrooms, I'll think back to today and miss that too.

Don't wish the time away because it's gone in a moment.

"Please just one good photo in front of a very important building for Grandma.  Just one....".

Jump

 

 

The kids were lucky enough to be given a new trampoline for Christmas.

Santa, you rock!

We found the perfect spot for it right next to the pool and so far the rule of "one at a time only" hasn't been broken. Or so I'm told!

They decided to take some Iphone snaps and experiment with some black and white filter settings.

I really love these photos, they are not the perfect work of a professional photographer, and the light and shade may not be quite right, but they show one moment captured in clarity for me.

My children are happy and healthy.  They can run and dance and fight and laugh and cry. 

They have the world at their feet.

So they Jump.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observations

Observations.....

Mr C (aged 9) walked along the deck to the dining room exclaiming " we have a new mat. It's so fancy".  Yes we are.

I'm getting quite anal about my new polished floors.  I sweep them, and sweep them, and they still get dusty.  If a bread crumb is dropped, I'm onto it.  I AM the dirt police.

We really need to do something about the water pressure as every time I fill a glass , the pump kicks in and I'm standing there with a bench covered in water.  It just won't do.

My new favourite saying is "SHUT THE DOOR, YOU WERE NOT BORN IN A TENT".

An inside toilet is the best invention since the sticky note.  Or sliced bread.  Or online shopping.

I've been searching for days for our Christmas tree lights, but they are nowhere to be seen. Our tree will not twinkle this year, but it will still look damn hot.

This is the first time in four years that I'm excited about my Christmas tablescape.  Tablescape is now my favourite word.

Speaking of online shopping, I still get a thrill when a package arrives for me at the post office.

My eldest daughter was named vice captain of her school for next year.  I am so proud, and happy, and in awe of my amazing girl.....

A few nights ago, The Hubbster and the kids were dancing on the deck to Gangman Style.  I couldn't help but think......

We are home.

Debrief

 

So many things swirling around in my mind.

So much happening, my life is never truly dull!  We are this close to moving into The Money Pit!

Just waiting on that final piece of paper that says "Farmers Wifey, the four years you have lived in a shed, and coped with this neverending bad camping trip, is finally coming to an end"!

When I have that official letter in my hand, I will know that we have done it!  Our dream house will be finished!  I can unpack!  I can decorate!  I can have a bath!

But the house hasn't been on my mind this week.  Mr C (aged 9) and I have spent three days in Brisbane at the Royal Childrens Hospital.  You may remember that he has recently been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease.

He had two procedures scheduled, the first being an iron infusion, and the second, a pillcam endoscopy, where a small camera is placed, and travels through his body recording the images. 

We need to see if the 7 week liquid diet adequately rested his bowel enough to make a difference to the little ulcers throughout his small bowel.

Yesterday was very traumatic.  The doctor who "tried" to put the IV in his arm, needle pricked his artery, which resulted in alot of tears (me) screaming (Mr C) and too much blood running down his arm.

His arm went white and stiff, and his fingers were numb.  It was not right.  Mr C was in so much pain, and my heart just about broke in two.

In the end, the IV had to come out, and Dr Nick, who is awesome by the way, successfully (and painlessly) put the IV in Mr C's hand and all was well. 

I hated this.  I hated seeing my son in pain, and knowing that he trusts me completely......trusts that I make the right decisions for him.  If I could trade places with him, I would in a heartbeat.

Nerf Gun Wars

 

What's a brand new house without a Nerf Gun War.  The first and only time Mr C will be allowed to defeat the Universe inside!

I'm on the job.

Here I am hard at work.

I'm not sure why I'm wearing my sunglasses inside, but it seems the thing to do these days.

You see, I actually have a Day Job.

As well as living on the farm, building The Money Pit, kid wrangling three mini me's, and tending to their activities, I go to work.

I work part time as a Property Manager.  Or an Asset Manager.  Or a bringer together of a Landlord, a Property, and a Tenant.

I really love my job.  I've done this work for alot of years.  It wasn't the first career I choose though.  When I left school I worked with children as a child care teacher. I worked in Long Day Care Centres and Pre Schools and I loved it!

I've also worked in motel reception, at the Electoral Commission counting votes, and various other jobs in between.

I was a stay at home mum for 10 years while my babies were at home, which has been my most favourite job of them all.  Mothers Group, mornings in the park, tea parties and afternoon sleeps.

I really miss this. I'll always cherish the time I was at home with them, and I feel very lucky that I was able to do so.  Now I'm a working mother who enjoys adult conversations and I get to slide down carpeted stairs on my butt because it's fun.

I'm joking.

Phantom Snapper

You may remember a previous post , where I shared some photos I found on my IPhone, courtesy of my phantom snapper...Miss T (aged 7).

Well, she's been at it again.

I often find random, crazy snaps on my phone, with great creativity and awesomeness.

Enjoy!