Celebrate!

 Mum didn't have her operation yesterday. She sat around all day anxiously waiting to be pushed back and back until at 4pm they told her it would be done today. This morning they said she would be second in the list and go in at about 11 only we got another call quickly to say she was going in and she was on her way. Dad and Mr P were both worried and anxious because both were on their way in, having spent the previous day with her waiting, yet she had to go off without anyone at her side. On one had this can sometimes be a good way to do it because you dont have that terrible time that it may be your final goodbye, but also, just in case, you don't that final moment. Anyhow - none of that matters now. She made it through and is recovering brilliantly. Really - no bandage or anything. I went and saw her and she was sitting up having dinner - and feeding herself. She got back to her room at 2pm and knew what was going on - the date, the year and even that it would have been my Nan's (her mother in law's) 100th birthday. A fact that most of her children are actually still disputing and they have not had surgery!

With this relief we were able to celebrate the big squirrels birthday The poor boy didn't get all the bells and whistles this year with some sparklers in a supermarket cake but we were all there to celebrate with him and at these times that is what is most important.

Believe

Today is the 3.1.13. Almost mirror image of the thirteen is a little ominous for us as Mum is not only ambidextrous but she can also write in mirror image at the same time. She is in hospital today awaiting brain surgery for a cyst or tumour or lesion. Not really sure and that is the hardest part. I am trying to keep busy and not really think about it (as much as you can - sleeping is the hardest) but today I have been at work on our word of the year. Last year it was Shine and this year it is Believe.
We decided this last year and it fits for everyone. We need to believe in ourselves, believe in each other and believe it will all get better.

I designed the word on my Silhouette using a mix of two fonts. The B is Edwardian font and the rest of the word is Zapfino (probably downloaded from dafont.com)

 I made it to size and put it through the cutter on a silhouette vinyl. 

 Transferred it off its backing with some sticky contact

 This helps keep the alignment of the word

 Then I stuck it on my new ikea mirror in our entrance. 

 The mirror is mounted low so that everyone (who lives here at least) can see themselves in it and also see our word. At the end of the year, our word will simply peel off ready for a new one.

Start as you wish to proceed

 New years was seen in by three of us at home. (His red eyes are from the pool not fatigue)

 We even had our own fireworks display - obviously not as grand but very comfortable from our deck!

 To bring in the new year we packed up for a picnic at Elwood Beach. There was a significant wait for the BBQs both in line and then cooking. Sausages took almost an hour! 

 Then we hit the beach. It was pretty windy and while we aimed to swim between the flags it seemed everyone was being blown to the right. 

 which was lucky because NONE of the lifeguards were even looking at the water - more concerned with fixing their tent from the wind. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Goodbye and good riddance 2012

Well - the last day of 2012. The day the Mayans didn't think we would see, and a  year I am happy to see the back of.
There have been some good things - such as all the boys at school and all having a great year. Such a relief! I have been fitter and healthier this year and started some work out of the house and one of those in a business I plan to grow in 2013.
On the flip side there has been a lot of worry:
Ongoing and unknown health problems for both my Mum and Dad. They have aged all of a sudden.
Worry about the twins being ready for school and additional help
Legal issues - for a good friend and then threats from a family member.
A search warrant at home! Seriously - thankfully resolved but required new knickers!


As a result I am trying to change my thinking an my actions. Lots of these issues could have been averted had action been taken earlier and that is what we are trying to do now and in the new year. Worry less and do more. We have started taking some action and it feels good. Some long needed jobs are happening around home. The deck has been oiled and looks great, finishing touches that were left as soon as the space became liveable and of course some financial issues which now have some action and timeframes.
With a lot of luck and hard work, 2013 will be better, or at least more enjoyable.

Wishing you all a happy but more importantly healthy new year!

in the swim

This year we got a pool. Not a big one - just 3ft deep, 12 ft round. Wasn't much including the filter but I can't tell you have fabulous it has been. The boys are at an age where all they want to do is be in the pool and I am happy to sit (in the cubby) and watch them. Hours of entertainment AND exercise.
We are not great maintenance people, so at the end of the season it will come down - to make way for the footy pitch - but this is a note to self to do it again next year. Since this snap, we have put up one of those portable 3m x 3m shades and the pool is mostly in shade all day - brilliant.

Benji the Builder

 Benji loves to do jobs and help. Whenever the big squirrel is at it, Benji is his shadow. That is why this was such a great gift. There is a range called RED and is a put together fussball table. There is a great range including billiards, air hockey and some smaller kits from Big W.

The kit came with all the bits and required a bit of sawing sanding and drilling to put it all together.

Not only did he love every minute of building it

he LOVES playing and WINNING!

tie

Not a lot of ties get worn round these parts. The big squirrel has a couple that come out for weddings and are worn under sufferance. This has probably increased their significance to the boys - Spencer in particular but also Benji. They love wearing shirts and often ask for a tie as well. So for Christmas they each got a tie. 

These boxes are often on sale - I think we picked these up for $6 each. Complete with tie, hankie and cuff links - an of course my favourite bit the box. Mum cut down the ties to make them the perfect size for the boys,

and added the all important velcro dots at the backs so they are effectively clip on ties. 

Perfect!