FlatChat

Time to Update

2009-02-22T07:11:00.004+10:00

It's time to do an update..

Kel is now studying Maths and Physics in his spare time. For once he is doing something for himself just for fun and not for work. I couldn't think of anything less fun, but he is loving it. He just celebrated his 37th birthday.

Speaking of birthdays, it is birthday season for us: Happy birthday Kel, Neville, Jen, Sus, Alex, Annette, Monnie, Mum, Nathan, Martin, Sam and Bella. Sorry if I forgot anyone.

In the last 43 days (since start of year) we have had 1509.8ml of rain. Amazing! My backyard still has not recovered and as I write this it is pouring rain outside again. My poor chooks are looking very sad and Duffy our springer is also over it.

My brother Joe has been working extremely hard with the volunteer SES in country Victoria where the recent bushfires have devasted many local towns and taken too many lives. He is from Healesville, which up until even yesterday was still on alert, two weeks after the inferno began. Several children from his bus run have died and many homes on his usual route have gone.

Birdwatching has been minimal due to the rain and the thick mud in my backyard. But I was excited yesterday when I found my Golden Penda blooming for the first time. When I went out later it was feeding a little honeyeater (not sure which - probably little brown). Joy, o joy.

Kids are fine, settled in well to school and kindy this year.

Vege patch is non-existent, also because of the rain. Hopefully Kel will get things back in soon.

Had a great dinner party last weekend at Leoni and Andrew's place for Valentine's Day. Jen and Al were there too. Lots of laughs and plenty of 'innuendo'.

Not a very exciting post, but it is, what it is. Have a great day.

Thoughts and Prayers

2009-02-11T06:00:00.003+10:00

My thoughts and prayers are with the families in Victoria this week as they face the reality of their devastation. I pray for those who have died and those who are left to make sense of the tragedy of the bushfires. I pray for my brother Joe whose house is still under threat and who has witnessed first hand the enormity of this horrendous situation.

Another milestone

2009-02-07T06:18:00.008+10:00

Sam and Patrick are back at school. Sam started high school this year. It is hard to believe. I am living with extremes at the moment.

Please Vote

2009-02-07T05:35:00.002+10:00

Hey, please click on this site and vote for Katrina Frew, my son's AWESOME teacher:

http://my.duomagazine.com.au/12faces/

I want the 'Winternets'

2009-02-05T05:12:00.002+10:00

..This was my two year old's tantrum cry when she realised recently she couldn't get the internet on her Barbie laptop.

..And my twelve year old asked me the other day - "Is there any way I can connect to the internet faster than just clicking on the icon?"

I tell you in my day....

2009-02-01T06:20:00.002+10:00

There's a Cyclone brewing off the coast and I woke up early this morning to listen to the advice on the radio. The rain was falling heavy and the wind was very gusty. I made myself a cuppa and couldn't help think of my Dad. He loved plotting the storms on the Cyclone map and preparing the yard for a possible 'blow'. We always had spare batteries for the torch, plenty of tinned irish stew and Dad would fill bottles of water and pack candles. We hardly ever had to use them, but that never detered him.

I loved to sit with him, watch the rain and wind and listen to his old Bluegrass records.

Miss you Dad.

Saturday

2009-01-24T20:24:00.002+10:00

My Saturdays are usually pretty awful. I usually have to do the shopping, get all the washing done that I didn't get time to do during the week, wake up very early with a toddler and spend the rest of the day working on my laptop. But today I decided to do some things for myself and the day turned out swimmingly.

I decided to have my first cuppa of the day at my sister Annette's house and had the joy of seeing my other sister Monica there too. Bella got to play with Georgia and Syd and I got to have adult company at 8 o'clock in the morning.

Some major stress arose from work and I chose NOT to let it ruin my day. Instead I got out my sewing machine and sewed Paige and my Goddaughter Aria a library bag. They both start Prep on Tuesday.

I then sat with Bella and we played lego on the floor (and did not clean the house).

I then sat with my gorgeous two boys and watched Lord of the Rings (III).

I then let Kelv make me lasagne for tea - and I probably won't clean the kitchen either.

Now that sounds like my kind of Saturday.

Golden Opportunity

2009-01-15T17:22:00.002+10:00

Something you may not know about me is that I love birds. I am a 'bird watcher' and can distinguish the sound of quite a few birds. I'm not as good as my brother Joe or sister Annette, but I know enough birds to be able to get a thrill when I go for a walk outdoors. Graham Pizzey & Frank Knight's Field Guide to the Birds of Australia is one of my favourite books and it is never very far away from me.

Today I had the joy of watching a mother Yellow Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavus) feed her baby after the heavy rain. They darted in and around the front and backyard early this morning and now this afternoon. I don't have a flash camera, but my little digital took these shots and while I haven't recorded their beautiful sound, you can get a glimpse of their beauty.

Did I happen to mention that I love birds?

A Sad Day

2009-01-12T18:48:00.002+10:00

It is raining today and I'm sad about losing another teacher friend. About three years ago my good friend Graham died suddenly of a heart attack. He was barely 50. A year ago this week a great crafting and teaching friend of mine Dol, passed away suddenly from a blood clot. She was in her mid-forties. Today I went to a memorial service for a Principal friend Daniel who died suddenly after a fall on New Year's day. He was also only in his mid-forties.

Each of these people were outstanding teachers and people of greatness. Each of them taught me many things, but the biggest lesson I have learnt, is to treasure every moment alive that you have.

Rest in peace Graham, Dol and Daniel.

Duffy

2009-01-10T07:28:00.003+10:00

Thought I'd introduce you to my dog - this is Duffy. His correct name is MacDuff Serandite of Sunford Indisposed. He is nearly 10 and is slowly going blind and deaf - he's always been a little 'dumb', it's not his fault, he's an English Springer Spaniel. He has been the most loyal, loving and gentle dog. Patrick and Bella have known him their whole life. I think that's pretty special. Stay tuned to learn about Lily-Cat..

Mornings..Bella style

2009-01-06T14:32:00.004+10:00

I love these shots of Bella. This is how she looks every morning. Adjusting to the day, clutching her two 'lambies' for dear life.

Morning Bella-Roo.

Hold my Hand

2009-01-01T13:24:00.006+10:00

This story has a happy ending. Thankfully. Kel and I just returned from the local shops where we lost Patrick - again. This is totally distressing to parents and even though it has happened to me many times with my second born child, it never stops making me sick in the stomach. How can I lose a child of 9 years, so many times? I do not know. Patrick just seems to wander. He always has. He is not being naughty; he does not run away; and he doesn't wander off with people (God forbid). He just seems to go into his own world and I turn around and he is completely gone. Today was particularly distressing. We were standing outside a video shop looking at half-price DVDs. The rest of the shopping centre (except for the supermarket) was closed, being New Year's Day. We had all walked together to the video store, Kel and Bella went in but Pat and I stopped outside to look at the specials. I then said to him, "C'mon let's go inside". I walked in, conscious that Bella would already be tearing the inside of the store apart. I just assumed that Patrick followed me in. Five minutes later after we were browsing through the store, Kel asked where Patrick was. I said, he was in the store with us (I glanced outside and saw that he wasn't there and wrongfully assumed he had come inside). A couple of minutes later, Kel and I started worrying and began searching the store. He was nowhere to be found. We ran outside, and he was gone. We split up and the horror of everything that could possibly have happened to him filled our minds. Kel checked the car, I checked behind the shopping centre - terrified of what I might find - or not find. Kel ran inside to check the toilets and nothing. This truly does my head in. Eventually we found a very stressed and frightened young boy wandering in the centre. He assumed when I said "let's go inside", that I was talking about the shopping centre, when I meant inside the video store. Simple mistake, but enough to cause panic.

Normally when Patrick wanders, he does not even know he is lost, which makes him even more vulnerable - because he is not looking for us! Once my sister was looking after Patrick when he was 2 years old and he went missing at the busiest beach in our district. On one side was the ocean, on the other a busy road, playgrounds and probably a paedophile's paradise. He was gone for over 20 minutes and when I heard about it, I was physically sick. It was not my sister's fault, he just wandered off. Another time I was at my local Target store. It was peak shopping hours (on a Saturday morning) and I had been queuing up at the checkouts for about 15 minutes. Bella was just a newborn and was ready for a feed. There were people ahead and behind me. Patrick needed to go to the toilets desperately, so I asked Sam (who was 10) to take him. I gave him the following strict instructions: Hold Patrick's hand; Use the Parents' Room; tell him to wait for you until you are both finished and then come straight back. Patrick was 7. Needless to say, Patrick did not wait and then instead of waiting for Sam, assumed he had gone off without him. So Patrick just disappeared and probably intended to come back to the checkout, but got distracted and ended up at the other end of the shops. I was hysterical. About 15 minutes had passed. Sam returned, distressed. Bella was starving by this time and screaming at the top of her lungs. Terrified that I would never see him again and at the same time, convinced I was going to kill him when I found him. After his description was read over the PA, he finally turned up. I sobbed and sobbed.

I keep telling myself he will grow out of this, but when?

The irony of this situation today, is that on the way to the shops this morning I asked Patrick to hold my hand. He said he was too old to my hand anymore. Ugh.

Torture.

The Post - Christmas Fallout

2008-12-28T20:58:00.004+10:00

Well Christmas is over in a flash. Ate too much food, drank too much wine and am still cleaning up after the present explosion. We spent Christmas morning opening presents here at home and then went to Kel's family. It was a lovely day, but Bella's post Christmas tantrum started at 4pm and pretty well lasted until she fell asleep at 5 and then began again when she woke at 6pm and wouldn't sleep until 8..Too much excitement. She did manage to pause at one moment to pose in her new togs (Thanks Aunty Penny). Kel waited until Boxing Day to try out his new pasta machine and we had all his rellies over for dinner that night for Lasagna and spaghetti. It turned out great, despite the huge mess pasta-making creates.

Got some good bargains at the post-Christmas sales!! Bought two new dinner sets and glasses. Exciting huh?

Kel's Dad has been very sick and was taken to hospital yesterday. He turned 70 this year and hasn't been really well for a while now. Hopefully the doctors will able to do something to help his kidneys which have started to fail.

Today we went to Paluma for a picnic with Rose and the crew, and had a wonderful time. The water was bitterly cold but still divine. Kel spent hours swimming with the kids and I mostly got to relax and have cuppas.

Our plan tomorrow is to spend lots of time in the garden (early, before it gets too hot).

(I'm already starting to have crazy dreams about going back to school. Last night I dreamt my new boss had asked me to teach Italian this year - and all I could teach the class were five types of pasta..I've seriously got to get out more..)

Here are some snaps of our last few days..

Hooroo.

Bella said it...

2008-12-19T09:40:00.003+10:00

Bella: Dad, you know what?

Kel: What Bel?

Bella: You've got a really big nose.

Yay me

2008-12-18T06:43:00.000+10:00

By the way, got a very successful appraisal from my boss. Whoo-hoo.

To the Maximum Extreme

2008-12-18T06:16:00.002+10:00

One of my students used this expression "to the maximum extreme" in an essay recently and my boys and I thought it was hilarious. We have been using it ever since to describe all manner of things. I have used it today as the heading for this post about what I have done since I started holidays. Since working in Admin at school I don't get as many holidays as I used to and work very long hours. So when I finish for Christmas holidays, I try to make the most of them and squeeze as much in as a I can. I've only been on holidays since last Friday and so far I've crammed in the following:

been to see High School Musical 3 with the boys
took the kids rollerskating, Freckles and to (a very dodgy) video arcade
took the dog to the clippers
took Patrick to the doctors for a checkup and Sam to the Dentist (his tooth was badly chipped eating a nectarine)
had to call RACQ when my car battery went dead (probably from taking my children too many places!)
weeded the garden
had a great Christmas dinner with friends
took Bella and the boys for their Santa photo shot
did a million loads of washing
watched Mamma Mia again
baked a fruit cake for Christmas
took my mother in law Christmas shopping
went to the beach to celebrate Manny's 30th birthday

However I still have not finished my Christmas shopping. Plenty of time.

Really hoping Santa brings a new camera for Christmas - blog entries really boring without new photos...

Goings on

2008-11-09T17:10:00.003+10:00

The pace of life is certainly hitting top gear. Thankfully the family are all well again and the end of year and Christmas celebrations are starting in earnest. I went to a dear friend's 50th ABBA birthday party last night, which was great fun. Lots of lycra and plastic boots. Nettie looked after the kids, cooked them dinner and did some washing for me - how lucky am I?
I'm on the lookout for a design for a Christmas decoration for a friend of mine - might be enough to inspire me to do some craft. I also want to make Bella a Christmas dress for a visit to Santa and to wear Christmas day. These little projects will have to wait for the next three weeks as the school year steamrolls to the end.
Have a nice week!

Propping up the Medical system

2008-10-31T20:19:00.003+10:00

In the last fortnight I have visited the following Medical facilities with my sick children:

Doctors (4 times)
Pathology for blood tests (2 times)
Ultrasound rooms (once)
X ray rooms (twice)
Hospital fracture clinic (once, but again in 2 weeks)
Ambulance station at School fete (once)
Chemist (3 times)

I am not kidding. We still do not know what is wrong with Bella - had a temp for 10 days, enormous glands, rash..could be glandular fever, reaction to medication, mumps blah..blah. Patrick broken finger at school, then injury at Fete, plus a range of other blood tests etc.

I am delirious with lack of sleep.

Someone bring me some cheese for my whine..

Kath

Happy times ahead

2008-10-22T06:32:00.004+10:00

My camera died, just before Alana's wedding on Saturday. I'm lost without it and Christmas seems such a long way away to wait for a new one. So, no photos of the bride and groom. Was a great wedding though and it was such a happy occasion. Alana and her family have known more tragedy in their life than most and so the day was much anticipated. There were over 120 people there and lots of crazy dancing and wine drunk. Good fun.

Congratulations Alana and Brendan - hope your life together is blessed and filled with many happy times.

Thank God it's Friday

2008-10-17T05:51:00.003+10:00

It's been a long week. Bella has been sick - doctors think she had an allergic reaction to a worming tablet she had on Wednesday. By yesterday afternoon her hands and feet were all swollen up, her whole body was bright red and itchy. Her temp was 39 and she was very miserable. She came from the doctors with anti-histamines, prednisone and more panadol. (Getting her to take them is a nightmare!)

Friday's here and I'm staying home with Bel today. I'm looking forward to a big family wedding this weekend..stay tuned for trashy photos. (Our Russian Aunty is coming to town! - I hope she is making Pomegnies (sp?) and Piroshki).

Happy birthday to Lucio and Declan this week! I can't believe you're both 8..What beautiful boys. And if you're reading this Trina - so glad to hear Blade is cancer-free, greatest news ever.

Kath

New look Flatchat

2008-10-12T14:53:00.003+10:00

Thanks to my friend Sus, I finally have a header!

Isn't it great?

Busy-Bel

2008-10-04T13:58:00.005+10:00

It's hard to stay cross with this girl. Bella is being a typical two year old this week, doing all manner of naughty things. She can't bear to be out of my sight and yet wants total independence. She dobs on her brothers constantly: "Mum Sambo said 'no'"; "Mum Patty did look at me" and so on.. She hates having an afternoon nap on weekends but by 5pm is manic if she doesn't have one. She loves kindy now and doesn't want to come home when I pick her up, she tips sugar bowls all over the kitchen floor, and only wants to wear her togs and gum boots (not a good look - trust me).

But despite all of this, this week she has learnt to ride a bike, she continues to sleep through the night, talks like a trooper and sings all day. She can make her own "begemite" sandwiches and puts her own dishes in the sink - you've got to love that!

Look at her in this photo with her lambie. Isn't she gorgeous?

Family Snapshots

2008-10-01T17:35:00.004+10:00

These are my sisters Monnie, Rosie, Nettie and Me with Monnie's little girl Georgia.

This is my brother Joe with my sister Monnie - love those blue eyes.

Favourite Put Downs

2008-09-30T11:18:00.002+10:00

My friend Jen recently bought me a book for my birthday called, "Put Downs - A collection of Acid Wit". I love it! I thought I 'd pick out some of my favourites to share with you. There a good way to get your own back with wit and flair:

He's a little man, that's his trouble. Never trust a man with short legs-brains too near their bottoms. (anon)
He taught me housekeeping; when I divorce I keep the house. (Zsa Zsa Gabor)
I used to be Snow White..but then I drifted. (Mae West)
When I burnt my bra it took the fire Dept four days to put out the blaze. (Dolly Parton)
Somebody's boring me. I think it's me. (Dylan Thomas).

Kath

Time to Update

2008-09-29T05:55:00.011+10:00

Well, I'm halfway through my holidays and actually having a break. Kel and I are officially having a mid life crisis and our vegie patch has taken over our garden and we have chooks - Henny and Penny. We had bought two baby chicks, but sadly they both died. Duffy (our 10 year old Springer Spaniel) is extremely jealous of the hens and circles the coop, but only if we are out in the yard filling their water or collecting eggs. He mostly couldn't be bothered. Lily cat doesn't really care but our 'foster' cat who we have named Billy is intrigued by them. Thankfully it is a very sturdy coop! We gets 2 eggs a day which is enough to keep Kel in fried eggs each week.

Kel has also had a week off and we had a great trip out west. We were chased by snakes, sheared sheep, drove tractors, rode horses, picked vegies, drank wine, ate divine food, rode four-wheelers all day and a million other things. Thanks Mon and Darren for always making our visits a carnival. The children talk about them for days afterwards. And no one came home with bellyaches from the water - which is always a bonus..

On Saturday Kel and I spent the day at Nettie's helping her dig out all the plants in her back yard - yes I mean all the plants. If I every see a palm or Golden Duranta again it will be too soon. But there is method to her madness - she will be replacing them with a vegie patch and natives to attract the birds - great plan. (See I told you that the vegie patch is catching on. See the before shots. Give it a try. I know you want to..)

Last night we had a lovely dinner with friends to welcome little Hope Anise Warrell into the world and I made my obligatory pav - but I was very excited to make it using Henny and Penny's eggs. Usually I cheat and use a Magic Pav egg, but this was the real McCoy..

What's going on at your place?

Loving myself sick

2008-09-09T05:29:00.002+10:00

What a great feeling it is to check things off on a list. I can proudly say all of the chores outlined in my previous post are now done and I'm cruising in to the holidays..I can almost hear that last school bell ring..Woohoo.

Must Do

2008-08-29T05:56:00.003+10:00

Below is my current must do list, which explains why I have not posted much recently:

write leadership proposal for school
sew Scottish kilt and costume for Patrick's play (in which he has the lead "Douglas Doom Face"
write a 2500 word assignment by Sept 8
find costumes for Sam and Patrick for Disco tonight (!)
find a babysitter for Jen's 10th Wedding Anniversary dinner for tomorrow night (!!)
ring all of my sisters so they know I still love them
do some damn washing
mark my Study of Religion papers
decide what I want to do for my birthday next week.

I'm tired.

Watch this space!

2008-08-18T19:22:00.003+10:00

I know it doesn't look very spectacular right now, but this is Kelv's plan to feed the world. I've written previous posts about riding the roller coaster of Kel's grand plans, but this one does have considerable merit - he does a great job at growing vegies and herbs. In the last couple of weeks we have planted strawberries, snow peas, watermelon, cos lettuce, tomatoes, spring onions, rosemary, capsicums and a cumquat tree. The kids have enjoyed the whole project and are each looking after their own sections. We've resurrected the compost bin and are determined to stick at this project - at least until we have our first harvest. I'll keep a photo diary of our 'patch' and let you know how we go.

It really is very easy to throw a few things in the garden - I challenge you to have a go and join in the fun.

2008-08-12T05:43:00.003+10:00

Well, I'm back..Kelvin and I had a lovely weekend away and Nettie and Rose watched the kids for a whole weekend. Magic. We've returned with promises to simplify our lives and find more time to relax and just be..

So in an attempt to streamline things, here's a quick update since my last post in 25 words or less:

Patrick in Japanese speaking competition, Sam in Optiminds, Bella hates kindy room, Kelv addicted to iphone, I've done another assignment. Six weeks to holidays. Duh!

See ya,

Kath

Brace yourself..

2008-08-02T05:57:00.003+10:00

..for a vent.

I have been indulging in lots of introspection lately. I've been doing my current job for nearly four years and in that time have had a baby and worked full time. My job is very stressful and starts at 5.30 each day when I work remotely on my computer. I then turn off my computer at 6.30am and get the kids ready for school and daycare and leave for work at 7.30. From the moment I get to work my day is frenetic. I love my job but it is extremely demanding. I am a DP at a P-12 school and responsible for managing the calendar, staff, senior students and overall development of the College. I finish work at 5pm, rush home to pick up Bella and then Kel and I cook tea, spend time with kids, put them to bed, clean up and then I always fall asleep as soon as I turn the TV on - despite my best efforts to try and stay awake and do some reading for the Masters course I am trying to complete. A difficult day to 'do' with 3 children.
Anyway..I think I'm tired. (It is always dangerous to admit this because once you verbalise it, you start to realise how really tired you are and you know you need to actually do something about it.)

I had a meltdown at work this week, so Kel and I have decided I need to get away - from work and the kids, just for a couple of days. Organising this is a challenge in itself, but I am looking forward to it. I want to just sit for a day, have no mobile, laptop, diary, lunches to make, lecture notes staring at me, permission notes to sign, piles of washing, no rushing..

I love my job and adore my little ones, but I have not had a weekend without any of the children for over 12 years and this last 2 years in particular have been incredibly taxing.

See you on the other side..

Stop the Clock!

2008-07-30T05:17:00.004+10:00

At the end of this week, Bella moves up to the next room at Kindy. She is no longer on the 'Baby' side and graduates to the 'Big Kids'. I never cope well when the kids have to make a transition such as this. It's as though someone is pulling them away from me.

(My sister thinks that the second photo is a good indication of what Bella will look like as an old lady!)

Croaked

2008-07-23T05:10:00.003+10:00

We have been enjoying beautiful rain here for the last three days and everthing is lovely and green again. After growing up in the bush, I can't help but miss the croaking of frogs when it rains. You don't hear any frogs where I live now in the suburbs and it's just not the same..

Princess Playdate

2008-07-15T18:21:00.002+10:00

Recently my friend Sus's little girl Imogen came for a play with Bella. Surrounded by older brothers, she rarely gets to do 'girly' things - (except when Kel allows her to cover him in makeup). Imogen and Bella has such a great time wearing princess outfits and putting makeup on all of their dolls. Bella will never have a sister which is sad really - I have three and even though growing up you fight constantly with them, there is an extraordinary bond. Thanks Imjim!

Nothing is difficult...

2008-07-09T20:18:00.003+10:00

...to the brave and faithful.

This is our family motto. Over the years it has provided a lot of strength to our family when we've been through tough times. I still use it all the time. It's a bit of a cliche, but I like a tradition and it is a reminder to me that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. I'm meant to be on school holidays, but haven't had a chance to have a break yet. I've been suffering from some anxiety about work and turned many molehills into mountains in my mind. Some of the work problems seemed insurmountable, but yesterday I reminded myself that nothing is difficult to the brave and faithful and today I feel a whole lot better. (Thanks also to Nettie for the reality checks). Sometimes you just have to face your problems head on and harden up! So this is what I am trying to do. When I've complained to Kelv about different problems I've faced or new challenges at work, he has sometimes responded by saying, "you just have to be big enough to deal with it". Sounds callous doesn't it, but he is absolutely right - one of those 'Kelvinism' I can't complain about.

Enough ramblings, but I'm curious to know what mottos you resort to...

A few of my favourite people

2008-07-04T16:55:00.003+10:00

Here are some of my favourite people.

At the top is my brother Emmanuel (Manny) and me. Underneath are brother Patrick, sister Rosemary and Mum (Robyn).
This photo was taken two years ago at the wake of my cousin Cathy who was taken from us too tragically, too soon.
Handsome bunch aren't they? This isn't all of them of course. I am one of eight children. Stay tuned in future posts for a photo of all of us.

Happy 70th Birthday Pop

2008-07-04T16:02:00.003+10:00

Tomorrow we are celebrating Kel's Dad's 70th birthday. His entire family will come together for a party, which will actually only add up to about 16 people. (I have twice as many cousins as that alone), but it will be special. Pop has always been very committed to serving the community and has spent an inordinate amount of time in his life working for a number of local Lions club in the town, raising tens of thousands of dollars. He is also a great provider and very generous to his extended family. He adores his grandchildren and always makes sure there is softdrink in the fridge for the grandkids and if he has been to the markets he still buys us the best fresh fruit in the district.

Once he bought us a TV, when we were newly married and had nothing. He cried, then we cried and I will never forget that. His generosity is amazing, especially as he and Glenda have hardly ever had much money.

I love him dearly and hope he has a wonderful birthday.

The Carnies are Coming

2008-06-30T09:42:00.003+10:00

Every year we go to the local show. Every year we wonder why. Kel's parents have been judges forever and so we've always been given free tickets. The children always have a ball and Kel and I are always fascinated at the 'carnies' who travel from town to town successfully selling their crap to fools like us. I can never resist the Cadbury or Snakes Alive showbags and the kids spend their inheritance on Military style plastic weapons or Mega War Head showbags. This year Bella was very excited about the whole thing, and apart from the sewerage spill in sideshow alley (I'm not kidding), it was otherwise bearable.

Here are a few happy snaps of Bella and Dad on the superslide and Bella and Patty on one of the rides.

Thank God it's over for another year.. Do you have a 'show' story to tell?

Flatchat

2008-06-30T09:03:00.003+10:00

I wanted the name of my blog to reflect something of my life and I believe 'flatchat' kind of sums it up. One day I'll work out how to do a banner and have a picture of a steaming cup of coffee featured in it somewhere, as I love nothing more than stopping to have a quick chat with someone over a cuppa. I have tried for four years to start a tradition at my school to have people stop for 5 minutes at the start of the day to have a cuppa and a laugh. We used to do this at my previous school and we called it 'morning mangies' and someone would read a crude joke for the day and it made a major difference to morale amongst the staff. I have only had moderate success at introducing it at my current school, but it will happen eventually. Sometimes I get some very disapproving looks from a few particular staff, but it's the most important part of my daily routine at school. It's where you find out how people really are going and we usually just sit around and talk about our kids or what we did on the weekend. I love it.

Anyway, the last couple of weeks have been flatchat. I spent a couple of days in hospital having some surgery (I'll spare you the details) and then took a week off sick leave. I have recovered extremely well and thanks to the videos on loan from Leoni, have been able to relax and watch a myriad of chick flicks that have been on my must-see list since before I had Bella.

I'm now on school holidays (technically) but am starting my next Masters course this week. Therefore Sam and Patrick are going to spend a few days at Monnie's house out west. They will have a ball, but Kel and I hate when the kids go away. In fact, even though it is my idea to send them away, I haven't stopped having bad dreams since we organised it. Totally ridiculous I know, because they will be fine, but I just can never relax when all the kids aren't home.

Next week we'll all be home and we'll celebrate Pop's 70th birthday. I'll also help welcome some students from Aitape PNG, who are on their way to WYD08 in Sydney.

Thanks for dropping by.

Survival of the Fittest

2008-06-23T05:24:00.002+10:00

When you grow up in a family of 8 children, you don't get a lot of luxuries. We rarely ever had shop bought biscuits or treats. Occasionally Mum would buy us all a cream bun or we'd have something special on State of Origin night etc. But generally there were just too many of us to share a packet of biscuits. We were by no means deprived but it mean that when we did have something yummy, we had to eat the whole thing in case our brothers found out we had something and they beat us to it. You quickly learn how to devour a whole bar of chocolate, your easter egg supplies or the row of monte carlos in a Family Assorted. Then I met Kelv.. Kelv is one of only three and his family too never had much money, but he didn't have to compete with his siblings for treats. So when Kelv would buy a packet of iced vovos, he could make them last a whole week. He still can't understand why when we have a packet of biscuits in the house, they only last one sitting.
I think Bella has developed some of my traits, because yesterday while I was having a shower and Kelv was sleeping (watching Bella), she ate an entire bag of cherries on the couch. I don't blame her, I would have done exactly the same thing. I did tell Kelv though, that I was not changing the next nappy!

Arthur-itis

2008-06-19T05:20:00.002+10:00

No, I don't have an infected Arthur! It's my kids' way of pronouncing arthritis which I have from time to time. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (an auto-immune disease) after having Patrick 9 years ago and have travelled its roller coaster of pain, medication, remission, pain, medication etc. Lately it has been very good as I have using a new tablet called Arava. However often stress brings it on and things have been very hectic at work, and I have developed arthur-itis quite bad in my neck. Rheumatoid is a very misunderstood disease and isn't generally something that old people get - it mostly affects young men and women from the age of about 28 and has a juvenile version too (as you probably already know). By the way, don't look it up on google, as you will be horrified by what you see - I made that mistake.

Anyway, just sharing a bit about myself.

Old Soul

2008-06-13T06:07:00.002+10:00

When Patrick was born (nearly nine years ago), he looked up at me and I swear he had been here before. I don't believe in reincarnation but had this sense that he already knew his place in the world. Patrick is totally comfortable in his skin. He's never tried to impress anyone, but manages to anyway. He's not particularly interested in playing with others and generally prefers his own company. Lately though he is really blossoming at school. He has been invited to join the Drama club, and will compete shortly in the local Japanese Speaking Competition. He was also one of the stars of his Eisteddfod group last year when the competed.

As a toddler I often lost him at shopping centres and once when my sister was looking after him, he was missing for nearly half an hour at the beach/esplanade. He knew where he was and he was ok with that. Every morning we have a battle about where his shoes are, or why his lunch is still sitting on the bench, but it never really seems to faze him much. No doubt as he grows up, I will lose lots of sleep about my little Pat, but I know that he won't be worrying. Love you Patty PumPum.

They call him Dr Kel

2008-06-07T06:25:00.005+10:00

In a recent job interview as an IT specialist for a medical training facility, my husband told the panel, "I know it's unAustralian to say, but I am clever". Well, he's right. Nobody could deny that despite being the 'ideas man' I have alluded to earlier, he is a very smart and clever man. He has a theory about everything and when I question these "Kelvinisms", he is usually right and I am left thinking, "Man, how does he know that?".
Lately though I have been getting concerned about his new job (which he got by the way). He spends most of his time during the day around doctors and now I think he believes he is a doctor. He even came home the other day with a GP manual and tried to reassure me about a suspicious sun spot on my arm. "No that's definitely nothing to worry about there. See, here's a what a .... really looks like etc.." I had to remind him that he is not a doctor and is just the IT guy. (He's still using his favourite line though: I'm not a gynaecologist, but I'll have a look at it for you"..)

Christening Gown

2008-06-07T06:08:00.004+10:00

Thought I would show off our family Christening Gown. I've got a very average camera, which doesn't show the intricate detail but I still think our family gown looks beautiful. It was first made in 1898 by my husband's great grandmother and brought out to Australia in 1934. It has been worn by thirteen family members since then, including my husband Kel, and children Sam, Patrick and Isabel (pictured here). I think it's pretty special and hope I can pass it on to my children's children.

Go West

2008-06-03T06:04:00.002+10:00

I can't wait for the long weekend coming up. I'm heading out west to see my sister Monica and her husband Darren at Hughenden. The kids will all have a ball together and hopefully Kel and I can relax. School's been very hectic and I've finally finished the 6000 word assignment I've been working on.

Looking forward to a few wines on the front deck Mon.. Here are some old photos of my niece Georgia and my nephew Sydney (in the Christening gown we made for him).

Kath

Sorry

2008-05-30T22:08:00.002+10:00

I came across this prayer this week at school when we stopped on National Sorry Day to remember the pain caused by the forcible removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families by previous Australian governments:

Sorry Day Prayer

Almighty and loving God, you who created ALL people in your image, Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past.

We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced.

We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endued the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from thier families. We are sorry and ask God's forgiveness. Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless and inflicted and heal their spirits.

In your mercy and compassion walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable.

Amen

(Cath Ed Off Weekly Prayer Newsletter)

Milestones

2008-05-23T19:38:00.006+10:00

My son Sam reached two major milestones this week. Firstly he bought his first bottle of deodorant and secondly when he took his school shoes off in the car on the way home, he suffocated everyone in the car with the stench. He has hit puberty and will probably die of embarassment if he reads this. Youtube Halo sites are far more interesting to a twelve year old, so I'd be surprised he'd remember I have a blog. You always know your children are going to grow up and sometimes you wish it would just hurry up and happen, but it takes my breath away to think that it is happening now.

Sam is a terrific kid, he always has been. He was my special little guy for three years before Patty came along and he adjusted wonderfully to having to share everything. He was my chief "nappy fetcher" and never complained when I couldn't take him outside to play because I was busy with the baby. Ten years later I had Isabel and he is still incredibly patient and loving towards his siblings and my friends' children (except he draws the line at changing stinky nappies - I don't blame him, I've tried to too!).

He still thinks that girls are germs and that's ok with me; he still would rather read books about dragons and aliens (but then so does his Dad) and he still laughs hysterically at fart jokes with his brother, so I don't have a lot to worry about yet. But my special little guy is growing up.

Love you Sam, smelly feet and all.

Mum

Regression Therapy

2008-05-19T18:42:00.003+10:00

Someone should be proud of me. I have just survived a 90 minute tantrum from my two year old. I did not give in and give her a biscuit, cordial, bread, juice or lollies or let her watch Hi-5, Jessie-Doll ("Toy Story 2") or give in to any of her other demands while she held the entire house at ransom. I am exhausted. After three children I know this should just wash over me, but it never does.
My sister is a child psychologist and between us we are going to start advocating a new type of therapy for parents called "Regression Therapy". It allows parents to behave like children to try and get their way. I'm gonna try this when I go with Kelv to the shops next, and he won't let me get a new Pandora for my bracelet. I'm gonna just sit in the middle of the store and scream until I get it, shouting things like "Give it to me!" or "You're a stink bomb, I want it NOW!". And then, when no one cleans up after themselves at home, I'm gonna go to my room and slam the door and not come out. Or demand to listen to Radio National over and over and over again while driving to school (instead of the incessant Hi-5 or Boomchickaboom from 106.3.

I'll let you know how it goes..

Kathleen

20 Things to Do Before I Die

2008-05-17T06:14:00.003+10:00

(In no particular order)

Take the family to Ireland and kiss the Blarney stone.
Be a volunteer in a maternity section of a hospital.
Do a big cruise (relive a "The Love Boat" fantasy).
Visit Uluru and The Olgas.
See U2 live in concert (last time I had tickets, I got chicken pox).
Go for a balloon ride (Andrew, what are the fatality statistics here?).
Go to a Papal mass in the Vatican.
Finish my Masters of Education.
Reread all of my English Literature texts from 1st Year.
Convince Kel to buy me a 1 carat princess cut diamond solitare ring.
Take the kids to Disneyland.
Have a white Christmas (as opposed to the sweaty one I've had every other year).
Earn enough money to have a full time cleaner and let Kelv stay home and cook for me (trust me, we'd need both!).
Spend a year at home with just me and Bel (before she goes to school).
Learn how to play the piano.
Live long enough to see a female Catholic priest and married priests (not holding my breath here).
Go to an ANZAC Day Dawn Ceremony in Gallipoli.
Sing with a symphony orchestra behind me on a big fancy stage somewhere (not necessarily with anyone watching).
Do another pottery class (used to do this as a kid and loved it).
Have a yard big enough to get some chooks and let Kelv grow more of his vegies.

What do you simply have to do before you shift off your mortal coil?

Kathleen

Is it Friday yet?

2008-05-14T19:26:00.003+10:00

I am having the longest week ever, and it's only Wednesday. Kelv is away in Cairns for the week and this is one of my busiest weeks in the year because of our Open Day at school. Everything that could go wrong on the home front has: Bella has had sleepless nights because of teeth and a cold; Sam's face puffed up - rushed him to Orthodontist thinking the worse after his recent oral surgery (when he had 6 taken out), only to be told that he is in fact only teething too; Sam undid Bella's belt when we got home today, but forgot to help her out of her seat and she felt and cut her head open on the driveway (thankfully no stitches required). Patrick is yet to cause a minor catastrophe, but he hasn't had his hockey game yet..Major dramas at school, but nothing that a few wines won't solve after Open Day on Friday.

Are you having a crappy week too? If so, I'll have a drink for you too!

Overrated

2008-05-10T17:38:00.005+10:00

Cooking with children is overrated. After waking from a lovely afternoon nap, I thought it would be a great idea to spend some quality time with Bel and do some baking. She was terribly excited about it, but by the end of the cooking I was rather stressed. I obviously don't have the patience I did with the boys - I spent most of time just cleaning up frankly (and they turned out all lumpy!!) But anyway managed to take some photos along the way for posterity. If you want to know how they are meant to turn out, check out Leoni's blog - she's a cupcake marvel..

He's an Ideas Man

2008-05-08T20:08:00.002+10:00

One of things I love about my Kelv is that he is an 'ideas man'. He doesn't see the molehills as he's too busy thinking of quick rich schemes in the mountains. Ask anyone who knows him and he has told them what they need to do to either make more money or improve their life in some other way. In the past he has thought about buying a semi with his friend Andrew A and going truckin'. Why? Can't tell you - just sounded like a good idea. His latest plan is to buy a Gold Cortina off Ebay from down south somewhere, do it up and give it to his Dad. Kelvin knows nothing about cars, can't keep his own one clean and dint free, let alone do one up. If your husband (or wife) suggested they were going to buy a second hand car off the internet, leave it in your front yard and research the internet about how to do it up you would probably have a fit. This is the rollercoaster that is Kelvin. I can hardly wait for his next plan..

Ten Things You Might Not Know About Me

2008-05-06T17:45:00.004+10:00

(One of these is untrue though. Can you guess which one?)

I can't sleep if I know there is a mosquito in my bedroom. I will pursue it until I can see it dead.

I'm terrifed of cockroaches, but quite like snakes. As opposed to my husband who is terrified of snakes but will happily stamp on a cockroach with bare feet (shudder).

I have an auto-immune disease that requires me to take steroids (totally ruined my chance at participating in professional sport).

As a child (I'm embarassed to say) I sang in Country and Western Music festivals and won several trophies and money prizes.

My Mum and I share a weird psychic thing that "knows" when the other is sick or had a bad night's sleep.

I have a strong sense of justice, which has been known to land me in hot water at different times. My eldest brother Joe used to call me a "rabid feminist".

I got the highest Tertiary Entrance score in my final year at school.

I got a marriage proposal before I met Kelvin.

I love birdwatching.

I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

Sisters

2008-05-05T07:27:00.004+10:00

I've thought about having a blog for a very long time and have lots to share, so I will post like crazy for the first few weeks and then probably get very slack..

I absolutely must share this photo of my gorgeous sisters:

From Left: Monica, Rosemary, Annette and Me. (plus little Syd and Gigi) Stronger and more beautiful women you will not find.

My brother Joe took this photo when we went to Melbourne a few years ago for his 40th Birthday. It was a great trip with lots of drinking, playing in the snow, wine tasting and general McCarthy banter. We made a decision to celebrate each of our siblings' 40th Birthday in a special way. So far we have been able to do that. It's Nettie's turn next. Mine is a long way off yet...

A Good Hair Day

2008-05-04T13:53:00.002+10:00

My kids have all been blessed with great hair. They were each born with lots of beautiful silver blonde hair. Kelv says the boys had better enjoy it now - he and his brother were balding in their early twenties. Despite being tormented no end by my four brothers who used to pull my piggy tails whenever we went anywhere in the car, and my Mum made us wear rubber bands in our hair, I just couldn't wait until I could put Bella's hair in piggy tails too.

I'll be honest, she hates it too, but she looks adorable.

Favourite Places

2008-05-03T15:31:00.002+10:00

One of my all time favourite places is the great park I am lucky enough to have in my own street. It's not that it has the coolest playground equipment or is especially quiet, but my kids have grown up in it and I have spent a lot of time in it trying to settle a colicky baby, survive witching hour or just hang out with Kelv and the kids. It is also a haven for birds. I loved this photo of Patrick and Bel.

This was a photo I took recently when we went to the Reef HQ. This is another of my favourite places to take the kids. Bella (in the middle, 2 turning 12!) loves spending time with the boys (Patrick on the right, 7 and Sam, 12). This is mostly because on weekends the boys spend quite a bit of time on XBOX as they aren't allowed to play it during the week. So to get the kids to really spend quality time together, it is easier away from home! You can only encourage a 12 year old to jump on a trampoline (thanks Leoni) and play in a cubby for so long.

Don't you love Bella's "cheese" face?

Meagre Beginnings

2008-05-03T14:16:00.000+10:00

Well hello to all in blogland who happen to have stumbled across my blog. I have always been rather skeptical about blogs and have resisted many attempts by my close friends to have one. What you will learn about me in this blog, is my tendency to overanalyse most situations, but hey I'm prepared to throw a bit of myself out there and see what happens. I have a large extended family and even if they are the only ones who check in from time to time, I should always have at least one person check it out. Hello to all my relatives who despite being spread out all across the country, mean the world to me. I am very family driven and love being one of eight children. This means that I have something like 35 cousins (too many to count and yes you can almost hear the banjo music playing) and at last count 11 nieces and nephews.

My own children are 12 (Samuel), 7 (Patrick) and 2 (Isabel). Over the course of the next few weeks I will tell you more about their little quirks and what joy they bring to my life.

As mentioned in my profile I work full time at a local school and have helped to build a new secondary College. It has been a major challenge and has consumed my life for the last 4 years. (I somehow managed to have a baby in the middle of this, and wonder what I am doing most of the time. Not really, just always trying to find the balance and some serenity - Oh the serenity).

My closest friends (Jen, Leoni and Sus) are bloggers too and are all a hundred times more creative than me!

Once I have learned how to do a few things, my blog might start to look less like a Publisher template and more like a little record of my daily life, which is what this blog will be.

Hope you enjoy!

Kath