Day 243 Children & Cleaning

Serious Question for you.... When you have children, what's the point of cleaning? I mean really? You clean (which takes about 5 hours)... then they mess (which takes them about 2 seconds).

This morning I was doing my usual cleaning routine and Sam and Jacob decided the vacuum cleaner was not cleaning equipment but actually a ride on toy. Both of them. Sitting on top of the vacuum cleaner while I'm trying to pull it around. And then of course one them would sit on the on/off button or the plug would come out from the wall. In 20 years I might look back on that and think oh how cute it was. But this morning? Not so cute, annoying actually. I would prefer not to have to spend about 2 hours trying to get the vacuuming done. I pulled them off the vacuum about 1000 times, and each time they fell about laughing. Sigh

Secondly, I had about 5 little areas on the new wall that I needed to patch up that I missed the other day... so silly me, thought I'll quickly put the plaster on this morning so it can dry in time for me to sand tomorrow, then I can buy the paint etc etc Why Tracey? Why do you do it to yourself? The boys thought this was even MORE fun than the vacuuming. 30 minutes later, wall patched, me and the boys in the kitchen with the wet wipes trying to get the plaster off their hands and feet, me losing my patience by the second.

I have to mop, I have to do some washing, I have to clean our bedroom after Sam and Jacob thought it would be fun to go through (and disperse all over the bedroom) my scarves and spare clothes that had been packed away so neatly, I have to do my tax, I have to do some work (well lots of work actually, it's building up), I have to prep tonight's dinner... but you know what I'm gonna do?

Make a coffee and sit outside in the sunshine and breathe! 


Be back later with more! Have a great day you guys! xxx

Day 242 In the Wilderness

I knew there was a reason I allowed our back grass to overgrow and become ridiculously long and full of weeds...

1. So I could Photograph it and
2. So my boys could have a wilderness to play in

Not because of laziness at all, just good mothering, ha! (you guys believe me right?!)

The Adventures of Jacob & Ginge... Wilderness baby and Jungle cat

The End...

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Our family has been in the wars lately.. poor Pam ended up in hospital with appendicitis and had to have surgery yesterday. All went well and she was given the all clear to go home, so me and the boys went to pick her up ... and the camera kept us amused while we were waiting. Pam is safe and sound at home now recovering. 

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Other things I did today: 

1. Chose the paint colour for the front lounge room ... yay! With luck I can paint this weekend and finally, finally, put the lounge room back in order. 

2. Looked over our US flight quotes... I'm scared. The sooner we make the final decision, the sooner we have to cough PAY cough for it! Not only that, I want to make sure we are totally happy with our itinerary to make the most of our trip! So close... so close! Woohoo!

3. Used our left over vegies to create a Vege & Gravy Pie.... who knows what it's going to taste like! 

Things I didn't do that I should have: 

1. My tax.. blah, bored just even writing the word 'tax'

2. Work. I've been procrastinating all day.. I will pay for this tonight!

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Another beautiful beautiful sunny day, Winter has obviously gone on holiday... 

Happy sunny Wednesday xxx

Day 241 Mandurah

After a quick 6 days since Dad's surgery, he was given the all clear to be discharged from hospital (he was supposed to be in for 2 weeks!). His recovery has been fantastic and he looks like a new man! Straight back, walking free without a walking stick or frame... with only the healing pain from the operation to tend with. It's amazing! Thanks so much for all of your thoughts and prayers, it has been so appreciated :) 

Not only is Dad doing great since the operation, but another bonus is my parents were able to pick up the keys for their new house and the moving begins tonight (Dad resting of course, and not lifting heavy boxes.. right Dad?!) Everything has fallen into place so beautifully and I don't know anyone who deserves it more than my parents. Hard working, kind, generous, loving parents :) A new life awaits them...

Their home is lovely, so fresh, spacious and comfortable...

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It's been a big day, with the trip to Mandurah and back, while my boys enjoyed their time at daycare. They look pretty happy to be back home on their bikes!

You remember ages ago I spoke about Crystal at Sam's daycare? The lovely young staff member who Sam really liked and she quickly became his security blanket to help him settle in. Anyway, this morning when I got dressed (in the outfit below,not that bad right?!) Sam said - "Don't wear that, Crystal will see you!!!".. ha! Obviously Sam thought I didn't look quite good enough. I kindly informed Sam that Crystal would think my outfit was just fine and then he changed his tune to "You look nice Mummy". Ahhh the fashion advice from a 3 year old!

xxx

Day 240 Queen of Sanding

It's official... I'm the Queen of Sanding... another job title to add to the Resume :) 

The room renovation is back in business after a little break. I finished sanding the final patching, so now the walls are ready for paint! Yay - that's the fun part! I've got my paint brochures ready to choose the colour

Cute little feet making their mark in the dust...

 It doesn't look like much progress, but if you ran your hands over these walls they would be beautiful and smooth!

I have major dusting to do once we are finished...

While I was vacuuming, I walked past the room to see THIS! He was actually copying what I had been doing and sanding.... way too adorable! Thanks for your help buddy!

I needed nearly a whole bottle of this afterwards... my poor poor dry hands.

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Potato, Lentil and Pea Curry

Tried this recipe out for dinner tonight - 

http://www.fortheloveofreal.com/real-recipes/categories/recipes/potato,-lentil-and-pea-curry.aspx

Instead of the Indian Curry Paste I used Yellow Curry Paste. Oh it's so delicious! It turned out much better than I thought it would, it's very filling and totally tasty! I don't have a picture of the completed dish... I was too hungry and forgot! 

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Oh and by the way... that beautiful sunny weather yesterday? Winter decided to show up later that afternoon, nice to have you back Winter... you are good for the plants. :)

Thanks for the tips for my weight loss :) I'm totally unmotivated at the moment *sigh*... in a 'losing weight' rut. Hope it passes soon, I've got to get my butt into gear.. literally! 

What's your favourite exercise? 

Mine used to be running, and hopefully I'll get back into that, but at the moment I'm leaning towards Pilates which I used to do and LOVED... 

Happy Monday all! xx

Day 239 Oh this weather!

How excited am I about this beautiful sunny weather?!

Just makes me feel so ALIVE! Sun shining, side door wide open, beer in hand...

Ready to make us a yummy lunch.

Bean Tortillas 

I used this recipe from a great new website I found... http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-recipes/black-bean-quesadilla-recipe.php (this recipe is targeted for kids, but great for us all!)

Instead of the black beans (which I couldn't find at IGA), I used 4 bean mix and just in case, like me before I used Google, you didn't know what Cilantro was - it's coriander, so for this dish I used dried coriander leaves.

1. Mash the beans

2. Stir in the salsa, coriander & tomatoes...

3. Place some mixture onto half of a tortilla and top with cheese and baby spinach. Fold over and put into toaster/griller/frypan, whatever you like just to brown and melt the tortilla.

Delicious! A tasty lunch time treat!

Then go outside and enjoy the same beer that you were drinking while making lunch (that's how long it takes me to finish one beer...)

Sunny weather = babies in nappies...

Does anyone know where I can buy Black Beans (or Pinto, Great Northern beans)?  I've tried Coles, Woolies, IGA.. no luck). Help!

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Guys... seriously, I need to lose weight. Big time. Advice, motivation, tips ALL WELCOME! PLEASE! 

xx

Day 238 It's all about the jeans...

You remember the sparkler jeans? Well I just couldn't commit to them.... they were okay but not really my style. 

So I went all out today and bought some new jeans... well new to me anyway, from an op-shop. They cost $2.50 ON SALE - lucky, otherwise I would have had to dish out the full $5.00, sheesh! 

And see... plain old pockets, goodbye teenager bedazzlements, hello mature adult jeans. Ha!

Slouch? I'm no slouch!

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My angel sister Pam is having the boys for a sleep over tonight... so Lewy and I enjoyed a quiet afternoon, relaxing, pottering, having a cups of tea and then a nap. Actually that was just me..

Lewy watched this.. which means there was drinking of beer and the occasional yelling at the TV. Eagles won, that's good news :)

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Short & sweet tonight... I'm unwinding, enjoying the quiet and going to get an early night! Night all... xx

Day 237 Is it summer?

The tally so far: 


Christmas Shopping - 4
Tracey Shopping - 1


The scale has tipped in the right direction! I'm loving having time to really think about what I want to buy for those on my 'People to buy Christmas presents for' list. Taking time to think about what they might like, doing research and putting it all together. I get a big high on being this organised! (Doesn't happen often for Christmas so I've got to revel in it while I can!)

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Loving the weather today, it's winter but you wouldn't know it. It was just like a fantastic, sunny, fresh, summer day... the kind of "just right" warm day that makes you want to open up all the doors and windows, let the fresh air and warmth in and then sit outside with wine (which I did later in the day) and soak up the rays.  

We started off our day by heading to Lisa and little Isaac's house for a catch up. Coffee, chatting, jumping up 1000 times to tend to the kids, date slice (drool!), more coffee, photos, more chatting.... love it!

Jacob... he is that child that hangs around the food, while the other kids are playing (I think he takes after his Mum there!) 

Best.Date.Slice.EVER. Made by Lisa :) 

Jacob & Isaac... check these two out, just hangin'...eatin'... chillin'

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I'm all class...

What is your favourite way to unwind on a Friday night? 
Mine is having a nice glass of white (or red when it's actually winter, not pretend winter)... :)
x

Day 236

It was fantastic to see Dad this morning. Sam was especially pleased to see his Pop, to make sure he was okay. I had explained to Sam that Pop was in the hospital and the doctors were going to fix his back, he said "Will the doctors put a band aid on his back to make it better?". Love it :) Sam asked Dad what pretty much every single thing was in his hospital room and all the cords around the bed etc such a curious little guy. Jacob stood there laughing and giggling at the whole thing. Ha!

Dad is doing amazingly well. Although still in a lot of pain, which is to be expected, he is looking well and has already been up taking a few steps. The surgeon said the operation all went very smoothly and they accomplished everything they had hoped. He has started Physio, and we are all very hopeful that his new and improved back will mean a huge change in quality of life and the pain he has had for many years will finally be almost gone. It's wonderful news!

After a visit with Dad, Mum and I took the boys across the road to the park. It's a beautiful spot, with a nice view of the city.

Poor Jacob now has a black eye after an unfortunate collision on the slide.

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The kitchen bench becomes my temporary 'work space' on days where my work load is particularly busy (like today - although I always manage to find time to update the blog!). It's much nicer sitting up at the bench looking out at the yard, but more importantly it means I can keep an eye on my cheeky monkeys. Thank goodness for that... as I working away, I look up to see my youngest climbing monkey up on the table! 

Cute..but very dangerous young man!

Happy Thursday! (Thursday! Where has the week gone??!) xxx


Tell me - what has been the best part of your week so far? 
The best part of my week so far has been Dad's successful surgery :)