Crisis Averted

TechnoHusband takes his X-BOXing very seriously.   

The other night I was reading in the bedroom, when I heard a great fuss coming from the lounge room.  I'm talking like heart-racing, blood-draining, nail-biting 'fuss'.  There was panic in TechnoHusband's voice, and a general sense of urgency, fear, and absolute imminent danger.

What on earth was going on? In a matter of seconds the following thoughts/theories all crossed my mind:

1.  That someone had crashed their car on the street outside; or worse, into our house.  But I had heard no crash, and felt no thud.

2. That TechnoHusband had injured himself severely and required an ambulance.  But I knew he was sitting on the couch, so this couldn't be be case.

3.  That a house fire had started while we were both distracted, and we were seconds away from losing everything.  But I could smell no smoke.

What was going on out their?  The frantic sounds and mild profanities continued as I leaped off the bed, flung open the door and screamed...

'What's wrong?! What happened?! Are you ok?!' 

I was met with an equally distraught reply... 

'No! The battery in the controller died! Right in the middle of my game!!!!'

Of course!  How had this extremely threatening crisis not crossed my mind?  Never underestimate the necessity of a fully charged battery when 'saving the world', one thumb-squeeze at a time.  

Duracell and Energizer, I'd be happy to negotiate the use of this scenario for your advertising purposes...to the highest bidder of course.  ;-) 

CP. Cerebral Palsy? Cutie Pie? I'll show you both!

Well.  It's been quite a while coming, but (in a nut-shell) after delays reaching motor milestones, funny things happening with his feet and legs, and general muscle weakness and instability, our gorgeous little BoyWonder has been diagnosed at 18 months old with mild Cerebral Palsy.  We are so blessed that it is only mild, and that he will be able to walk, run and do whatever he sets his mind to.  He'll just need a bit more work, effort and determination to get there.  It mainly affects his right leg and foot, and core/trunk muscles.  As I said, we are so grateful for our little guy, and that he was not more severely affected.  He is happy and healthy - and what more could a parent ask for?

Basically CP is caused by damage to the brain, which affects the control of the central nervous system, which affects the control of muscle tone, which affects the ability to move muscles and limbs in certain ways/or to control the movement that does occur.  The way one of the therapists described it to me was that we have nerve pathways that excite our muscles, and nerve pathways that depress our muscles.  In the type of CP BoyWonder has, these pathways get mixed up and are activated at the wrong times because of damage that has occurred in the brain.  In the not too distant future he will have an MRI to locate exactly where the damage occurred, and to possibly find out  if it happened before he was born, or during his birth. 

He is having physical therapy to help him with his strength, balance and muscle control.  At today's session we worked on standing, crouching and stepping behind the push walker.  He is not yet able to stand without support or without leaning on something, but is getting soooo very close!  He gets tired very quickly from having to exert more effort to get around, but he is so determined and will be up and running before we know it. He loves physio- he has the therapist all to himself and totally thrives on the attention and 'play'. 

So the last little while has been rather busy with appointments, therapy, paperwork and processing all this as a family.  And it will continue to be busy for a while to come, but we have information now, and support, and goals; and these three things are crucial to making this journey SO much smoother,  way less daunting, and not so overwhelming. 

Ok, now to the soppy stuff.  You know I can't help it.  I just want to say that I truly believe this little guy will grow to be a better person; a better man for the little challenges he will face.  My prayer is that he will have an inner strength, and an understanding and compassion for others who are in need.  Now the last thing I want to do is 'bible bash', but I do want to remember these verses which have jumped out at me over the past week. Romans 4:18 talks about a guy called Abraham.  It says something along the lines of when Abraham was feeling hopeless, like there was 'no way, fat chance' of something happening that was supposed to, that

                  '...he believed anyway, deciding to live his life not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do, but on what God said he would do.' 

I love that!  I love that it says he 'decided'.  It was a choice about how he would live. We are not defined by what we can or cannot do, our abilities or disabilities.  We are all made exactly the way we were meant to be, and we are defined by what is in our heart.  

Ok ok ...please just one more?!  1 Thess 5:18 says,

 ''In everything give thanks'. 

Oh yeah, I am so thankful.  Thankful that after experiencing trauma to his brain, it could have been SO much worse, but it wasn't. Thankful for a little dude who won't let a single person pass him in the grocery isle without saying 'hi'.  Thankful that he loves to act like a clown and make people laugh.  Thankful that he is so determined to be independent that he 'wears' his breakfast every morning.  Thankful for his wet sloppy kisses and ambush raspberries.  Thankful for the wonderfully kind and caring people around us who we can share both our burdens and celebrations with.  Thankful for where we have been, and for where we will go. 

Alright...sop over.  Can I just mention that one of the first things I 'googled' after hearing the diagnoses was not medical websites and definitions and scientific info (although I did hit up Dr. Google before long!).  I looked for blogs, written by mums, about their child with CP.  I wanted to know about their story.  So if you happen to have come across this post, searching for someone who is/has been in a similar situation, and you want to have a 'chat' please feel free to email me, I'd love to hear your story.

***News just in...BoyWonder just did his first pee in the potty!  He even told us he needed to do it!  'What a maverlously advanced child that BoyWonder must be' I hear you all say ;-) Sounding like a proud parent much? 

Some pics to finish off...

(BoyWonder's photos all remind me of the hi-de-ho neighbour Wilson W. Wilson from Home Improvement.  Sorry, but his face is just too gorgeous to unleash on the world.)

We purchased this great vinyl 'blackboard' on ebay to encourage his standing.  It's starting to lose its stick a little, but lots of fun all the same!

  

Backwards is the new forwards, didn't you hear?

Action shot - for all the speed demons out there.  He gets that from his father.

 

 Does anyone else wonder, if you surrounded him by mirrors, if his hair might be able to illuminate the entire room?  No?  Maybe just me.

I'd Like to Introduce You...

...to the newest member of our white goods family.  Our new old dishwasher.  We have a few new old white goods.  TechnoHusband's Dad has this amazing ability to acquire electrical appliances that no longer work.  He collects them, and hoards saves them until TechnoHusband mentions that we might just need a dishwasher, then TechnoGrandad says, 'I've got a couple in the shed.  You just need to get a new hose/tweak a screw/replace the washers' etc etc.  It's awesome! Saves us so much money, and brings an adventure story along with every new old appliance.  So far TechnoHusband's Dad has re-homed a washing machine, a clothes dryer, an oven, and now a dishwasher with us.  We are so grateful. It has saved us thousands of dollars over the years. And 'new old' items are so much more interesting than 'new new' don't you think?  They all have their own special characteristics and qualities.  For example, the washing machine.  It loved to keep me on my toes (and the old towel pile stocked) with rare but random incontinence.  The clothes dryer works fantastically; but it sounds like a two-stroke lawn mower until you give it a good whack, which has to be in a certain place to work.  We call it the 'sweet spot'. Great anger-management tool though!  The oven.  Ah, the oven makes me smile.  It is very cheeky.  The hot plates do not match the twisty knobs.  But we are one up on the oven.  We made a map, and Nikko-penned it on to the twisty knobs.  It still catches me out occasionally when I realise the steak has been cooking for 30 minutes yet is still raw, but I just smile and say, 'cheeky oven you!'.  

This brings us to the dishwasher.  We are yet to discover its endearing personality traits, but so far (between the two TechnoGrandad gave us for a test and tune) the laundry was only  flooded twice, and the household power only lost six times. (Just our house, not the entire street....this time). 

I must say, I am rather in awe of TechnoHusband's ability to locate the problems in these appliances, and work out how to fix them;  in addition to being able to single handedly re-design the kitchen cabinets, structures and plumbing - all in a day's work.  This guy can use a jigsaw, hammer and head-lamp like nobody's business. 

Both TechnoHusband and TechnoGrandad are great recyclers in a world of disposability.  There are many times when I grit my teeth and think, 'Why do we still have this?', but on a day like today, he has revived a discarded dishwasher, replaced my rotting chipboard kitchen shelf with second-hand ply, and repaired the hole in the Lino with the scraps he had saved in the garden shed.  When he had to cut off some of the kitchen bench-top, he asked if he should hold on to the scraps in case he needed them for something later. This time I said yes, and I meant it.

The newest member...yay!!  My first ever dishwasher! You have no idea how excited I am about this.

Little ears must be protected from noisy power tools.

Like Father, Like Son

What have you and yours 'recycled' lately?  I'd love to hear all about it!

The Coolest Kids in Town

Today is World Teacher's Day, so I thought it might be fitting to post about the 'Teaching'' part of my life. 

I call my students my kids.  They are not actually my kids, of course.  If that is too confusing for you, don't worry about reading on.  Also, I am not referring to any particular schools, students or class groups-  just in general.  Are we all cool with that? Good. Let's do this!

I'd like to share one of my 'passions' with you.  It's my job.  Yep, I'm one of the lucky ones who really does love my job, and let me tell you why. 

 I get to teach the coolest kids in town.  

My kids are inspirational.  They are completely hilarious.  They are quirky.  They are affectionate, in their own little ways.  They bring out the best in me.  They are challenging - but they are all the more awesome because of it.  

My kids face and overcome challenges every single day.  And I don't mean tying shoe-laces and memorising multiplication tables.  I'm talking about challenges like knowing exactly what you want to say, and not being able to say it.  Like looking people in the eye and saying 'hello' when you'd probably rather shoot yourself in the foot.  Like sitting still at a table and completing a puzzle when you'd rather be spinning on a merry-go-round at a million miles an hour, with no clothes on and squealing so loudly they can hear you in the next suburb.  Like taking a bite of cheese when you have had so many tubes and medical equipment come towards your face that you are too terrified to eat.  Like enduring hours of physical therapy to learn to make your legs walk while the other kids are out jumping on the trampoline.  Like wondering why all those silly people don't understand that saying "Thomas the Tank Engine has run out of coal" over and over actually translates to, "Oh for goodness sake, I'm starving hungry, is it lunch time yet?"  And that's just scraping the surface.  But they do it, day after day.  And I love them for it, I really do.

It is so rewarding to get to be able to help my kids along the way.  I feel like it is a privilege to be trusted to teach, care for and have responsibility for these amazing children.  Because my students are all so very diverse and have such different needs, I get to plan my sessions around their individual needs, strengths and interests.  I really enjoy having to 'think outside of the square'.  There is no such thing as 'normal' in my classroom.  And you never can predict what sort of day it's going to be.  Expect the Unexpected has become my un-official motto.  That's probably why my job is still so attractive to me.  I'm never bored. It's never mundane.  I'm constantly kept on my toes.  Don't get me wrong, some days are incredibly difficult; exhausting, frustrating even.  But then I think about the kids and how much of their lives are difficult, exhausting and frustrating.  And I really can't complain.  Well they don't, so why should I?

I love that my kids don't fuss about silly things.  I don't have to listen to annoying whining about slightly grazed knees and so-and-so who didn't want to hold what-his-name's hand.  My kids- they get on with it.  They are determined.  They tell it like it is.  They don't care if their friend is in a wheelchair, or talks a little funny, or has to sit in the exact same spot, on the exact same chair, with the lunchbox and drink bottle lined up in the exact same way every single time they eat lunch.  Yes, sometimes they dont like to share their train engines, or disagree on whether a toy dinosaur is a Bactrosaurus or a Gilmoreosaurus.  But they don't judge.  We can learn a lot from these guys. 

I have so many funny stories to tell.  Oh my goodness. I could write a book about all the hilarious phrases kids have come out with, the strange situations I have found myself in, and all the things I never imagined I would see, hear and do as a teacher.  

Here's one for you.  Little Boy was misbehaving.  Teacher Aide asked Little Boy to sit down and complete a task.  Little Boy (an angelic-looking, tiny, sprout of a 4 year-old) looks Teacher Aide (a big, broad, crew-cut, tattooed, grown-man) dead in the eye and says, 'Not today...Princess.' 

Tell me how anyone is supposed to keep from smiling.  

The families of these cool kids are also incredibly inspirational.  I will always remember the words of an amazing mother who came in late one day announcing the arrival of 'Winnie the Pooh'.  Her child had woken up early that morning and decided to spread the contents of her nappy and a jar of honey all over the kitchen.  When I asked the mum how she could walk in smiling after such a morning, she said to me, 'Well Caitlin, you either bend or you break.  I've just had to learn to become very flexible.' I will never forget that.  

There are days when things like paper-work, class-sizes, lack of funding etc get me down,  but it doesn't take much to remember that I'm in it for the kids, and that I'm so blessed to have found my passion, to have a job, and to have job in the exact area that I wanted.  

Gosh, I could go on and on.  But I won't, I'd be here all day.  Now you know a little about why I am passionate about teaching, and hanging out with the coolest kids in town.  

Try not to be too jealous.  

Pikelet Day

I woke up this morning with a nasty case of Tonsillitis.  After a two-hour wait at the medical centre, the purchase of some antibiotics and some pretty awesome pain medication, I was feeling a little sorry for myself.  So, once the pretty awesome pain medication kicked in, I decided to make some pikelets with BoyWonder to:

a) lift my mood

b) keep the child entertained, and

c) share with TechnoHusband who was busy working on fixing the driveway.

While we were 'cooking' I had a few thoughts cross my mind.  Thoughts like...

- how good pikelets taste in proportion to how easy they are to make

- how it's just another reminder that some of the most simple things in life are also the best

- how much fun it is cooking with my little boy

- how I didn't even mind when he stirred the batter and it went everywhere

- how cute it was when he said 'ooo wow!' every time I spooned batter into the pan

- the way he imitated the sizzling sound as the pikelets hit the pan and bubbled away

- how heavy his 11kgs felt sitting on my hip the whole time and how I can't wait until he can stand on a chair to help in the kitchen

- how I can clearly remember making pikelets with my mum when I was little.  I can remember standing on the chair, helping her mix the batter, greasing the big square electric frypan, listening to mum say 'now be careful not to burn yourself' over and over, burning myself, watching intently as the tiny bubbles took form and grew bigger and more plentiful, how they popped and I would wonder if 'now' was the perfect time to flip, flipping and admiring the glorious golden-brown toasted goodness, and smothering one in jam and cream before it was cool enough, because some things are just too good to wait for. 

I think BoyWonder has inherited a genetic love obsession for pikelets.  Seriously,  just seeing one is enough to send his little heart racing, tiny beads of sweat to his nose, and a mouth opened so wide it could house a small family of mice.  If there were an Infant Pikelet Eating Contest, he would reign as Pikelet Master.  In fact, I would confidently challenge anyone's infant  (on his behalf) to a dual.  I think he can actually swallow them whole.  I gave him one fresh off the 'stack' and by time I reached back to get one for me, he had an empty mouth and hand outstretched ready for the next one.  It truly is a sight to be seen!  He also knows how to count now apparently.  If there are more pikelets on my plate than on his, he lets me know about it.

After sharing a plate full with TechnoHusband, it was time for some 'macho' input to the day, so the boys went out to dig and fill and cut stuff on the driveway.  I love watching our little boy spend time doing just what his Daddy does.  It warms my heart and gives me a buzz all over!  Hang on...or is it the pretty awesome pain medication? Nah! 

A Day at Dayboro

We often drive through or past the quaint little town of Dayboro but rarely stop by,  so today we decided to have a little Saturday morning outing.  The weather was lovely and much too nice to stay indoors.  

A wander around town (which is two main streets really) revealed quite a few nice little hang-outs including a deli, a combined cafe and vintage store, a small restaurant, and some more I am tempted to go back and explore further.  

After a little look here....

...we headed to the bakery for TechnoHusband's obligatory pie and jam donut.

He has been coming here since he was a kid, and swears they are the BEST pies and jam donuts around.  Unfortunately I can neither confirm nor deny that statement as my coeliac disease prevents me from doing so.  However, it did not prevent me from tucking in to a delicious gluten-free apple and cinnamon muffin with my coffee at a very cool cafe/bookstore.  Food, coffee, books.  What more could a girl want? 

I'll tell you what more a girl could want.  Across the road from the the bakery is a MUST SEE.  It would have to be the highlight of my week.  It is the Arts and Crafts store at Hay Cottage.  It is SO cool! This cute cottage is loaded with handmade goodies by locals.  You name it, the cottage has it.  The most adorable knitted, crocheted, hand sewn and embroidered baby and kiddy toys, clothes and accessories.  Jams, pickles, preserves.  Jewellery, tea-towels, sweet frilly flowery aprons.  Paintings,decoupage, wood-carvings, carpentry.  And so much more! I couldn't help myself.  I just had to get these....

This gorgeous little girl's backpack and matching pouch.

This necklace - because I liked the glass beads and the colours

A bit different, I know.  It's a wheat bag, but I actually got this to use with some of the kiddies I teach who have trouble sitting still on a chair.  The weight of the wheat over their laps gives them some feedback and helps keep them 'grounded'.  This is the perfect shape and size, and the fact that it has a face is an added bonus!  I think I'll be phoning the cottage with orders from some keen parents too. The volunteer said the crafter can customise.  I'm thinking lions and tigers.

These are very little, very cute, teeny-tiny toddler aprons.  Don't you love the patterns?  Nieces and nephew- they are headed your way.  And YES - they DO have these in adult size, and just as cute!!

There are no words. Other than that I bought this for a friend's baby, until little man saw it.  His eyes lit up. His chubby little fingers wrapped around it.  He look over to us with absolute joy written all over his face, and said his very first ever two-word sentence.  It went like this:
'Dadda, pup-pyyy!'
I cried.  And now I will need to go back to get another one. 

 

 

Unlike the puppy, this elephant was intended for my munchkin - and was also quickly adopted...

 

 

 

...and both lovables have been happily re-homed where only the very best of toys get to live...

...in the fire truck, of course.

I couldn't help but feel like I was ripping the crafters off though as all the items were so inexpensive, considering the materials and time and effort that goes in to making them.  I can only hope they know how much joy their goodies bring to others.  In fact, I'm sure they already do.

For those history buffs, the cottage itself has a really interesting background.  It was built in 1872,  and Mr and Mrs Hay raised five children in this tiny timber place.  The cottage displays historical photos and artefacts beautifully preserved from the original owners and homesite.   I love that the old wood-stove still has pride of place.  After all, the heart of a home is the kitchen, and a historical cottage that still has a heart is a very special place indeed.

Hay Cottage is run by volunteers, and as the elderly gentlemen advised me on entry, does not have a 'Bored Husbands Corner'.  But there is a playground around the back where husband can take the kids while you swoon over itty bitty booties, patchwork quilts and hand-carved salt and pepper shakers.  

I really do recommend a visit.  It is the sweetest place ever. 

After a play in the aforementioned playground, BoyWonder was thoroughly worn out, TechnoHusband quietly satisfied with his pie and donut, and I glowing with a brown paper bag full of goodies.

And that was our day at Dayboro.

Oh.  And as I'm still new to this blogging thing I need some training in the ins and outs of legal whatevers, but basically; none of the people or places in this post asked me to mention them or say anything about them, and all the opinions expressed about these adorable places are solely mine, but be could be yours too if you ever get to visit them . How did I do? 

Holiday Wind Up

Monday

A day spent re-connecting with old friends.  I love those relationships where you can 'pick up where we left off'.  There is something so special about that.  Nothing more needs to be said.

Tuesday

Today's special activity was a family trip to the Toy World.  This was actually to buy TechnoHusband's birthday present- a very sophisticated radio controlled helicopter.  It would seem one needs a double degree in physics and engineering to fly such a thing.  So while he happily chatted 'specs' and batteries with the expert, BoyWonder and I explored the world of Mr Toys.  I think that BoyWonder and I were equally overwhelmed; he by the sight of more toys than he ever imagined could exist, and I by the aisles that were packed so high and so narrowly that I feared a toy avalanche could descend at any time.  
We survived, and now I  know why my parents never took us into those places.  BoyWonder did volunteer a new word as we weaved through the most un-pram-friendly place I've ever been (ironic anyone?) which was, 'WOW'.  Yep, pretty much summed it up for me too!

Wednesday

Today we enjoyed a trip to Brisbane to celebrate a family member's birthday.  We had a great time all together at Sizzler, and once again just really enjoyed just spending time with loved ones.  And who doesn't love an 'all you can eat'? BoyWonder was in his element and ate all the peas and peaches he could.  

Thursday

Ahhh...we have arrived at Woodgate.  You know when you're in pain and they talk about going to your happy place?  Woodgate is my happy place.  Even the long drive to Woodgate is a happy place.  It's the childish excitement and anticipation of arriving at a place which is so comforting, so peaceful and holds a life-time full of memories.  

I love:

- the cane-fields along the way 

- the old weather-board farm houses, stained rust red from the rich red soil

- the honesty box sheds selling home grown fruit and veges

- the way the trees change from in-land bush to sand-living coastal trees.  

- straining to be the first one to see the ocean as we reach the coast line

- seeing the kangaroos just lazing around people's front yards

- breathing in the fresh ocean breeze

- watching kids play; outside, all day, with bunches of other kids that they either just met, or only see once a year on their family holiday.  

- digging for pipis at low tide

- walking, swimming, fishing, bike-riding

- buying lollies from the little store, just like when I was a kid (only now they are called 'Fads' and no longer cost 20c a box- you know what I'm talking about!) 

- catching up with grandparents, uncles and aunties and cousins.  

This trip we are trying out a cabin in the caravan park,  and it's fantastic! But I mean, oh, you know, its not really that good...just don't all come at once, we like it how it is . 

Friday & Saturday

Another two days in paradise, as above! But add 'Pop Rocks' to the lolly bullet point.  Tongue-crackling goodness. 

Sunday
Ok, jumping the gun (I'm a day early) but I already know it's going to be a great (and busy!) day.  My friend's beautiful bubba boy is being dedicated in the morning, and I'm helping out on piano and vocals with our church's first evening service, 'Sunday Night Live'.  I'm a little bit nervous.  And a lot excited.  

So this brings me to the end of my school holiday challenge.  I'm so glad I did this.  The holidays did not 'fly by', and I feel like even though I would have done these meaningful activities anyway, it makes a huge difference to actually recognise and appreciate them as being meaningful.

How did your week shape up?  Did you take time to enjoy the 'little moments'?

A Cracker of a Week

Have you ever spent a holiday at home, without going away for a trip and two weeks later experience this conversation... 
Them, "How was your holiday?"  
Me, "Yeh great thanks."  
Them, "What did you get up to?"     
Me (straining my brain trying to remember what I actually spent my 2 weeks doing), "Oh you know, just catching up on things".
What a waste!  In the spirit of 'reaching full bloom' I have made a conscious decision to participate in at least one special activity each day of the school holidays that I would not normally do as part of my day-to-day agenda during the term.  I'm going to document that activity each day so that at the end of the two weeks I can look back and remember what a marvellous holiday we had together as a family.  And also so that when people ask me what I did during the holidays...I can send them directly to this blog;  thus allowing my brain to no longer need to strain.




Monday 

Officially the first day of September school holidays.  Our plans for a camping trip had to be cancelled as TechnoHusband and BoyWonder were quite a bit 'under the weather'.  Now the weather itself today was rather overcast and turned into an exciting afternoon storm.   So I had no other choice of course but to dedicate the day to crochet. Oh the joy! To most I will sound like a Nana, but the crafties will know the guilty pleasure of being able to spend a decent amount of uninterrupted time working on a project.  I feel a bit selfish and sneaky when I crochet. I'm always working on something as a gift for someone else; but I just enjoy it SO much that it must be 'bad'. 

Tuesday

Tried a new recipe for banana bread; gluten and dairy free. Not bad, the LSA was pretty strong so nice if you like your bread  'nutty' and it makes a heavier style loaf.  Here's the recipe: keep an eye on the time, the coconut crust can ( and did!) burn. 
N.B. T= tablespoon t= teaspoon  

 2 T desiccated coconut

1 1/2 cups mashed overripe banana (about 3 large bananas)

1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2t gluten-free baking powder

1t mixed spice

2 1/2 cups desiccated coconut

1 3/4 cups linseed, sunflower and ground almonds (LSA) 

1. Preheat oven 180*c/160*c fan-forced.  Grease 11cm x 21cm loaf pan; coat base and sides with coconut. Shake out excess coconut.

2. Combine banana, sugar, oil, baking powder, and spice in large bowl; stir in extra coconut and LSA.  Spread mixture into pan; smooth surface.

3. Bake bread about 55 minutes.  Stand in pan 10 minutes; turn, top-side up, onto bak!ing-paper-covered wire rack to cool. 

Wednesday

Big Day! Enjoyed an intimate, fine-dining experience at a very ritzy restaurant.  Actually  it was the R.S.L, with the 2 for 1 voucher TechnoHusband got for his birthday, and Nana and Pop...and...these people  ???

Nana gave me some of her yarn for crochet, and Pop gave me these from his Garden of Pride and Joy. Are they not the most beautiful roses you've seen today? 

I also helped TH clean out his computer room. I have to say, I am VERY proud of the amount of out-dated or un-repairable  'stuff' he agreed to get  rid of.  He tends to get quite attached to his whizz-whats and gig- zigs.  It was a special moment when he accepted that the '92 VHS player no longer needed to be stored for 'spare parts'. 

Thursday 

After a busy morning, my parents graciously shouted us lunch at my favourite hangout, here...

Lunch was good, but dessert was AhhMaahhzing!! Have you ever tried Tartufo? Possibly the yummiest dessert I have EVER eaten.  Mum and I shared, and we both decided we needed to make a monthly Tartufo habit. Anyone want to join our new addiction? See you at Sunnies!

Following lunch was a visit to the Air Musem. This was mainly for the interest and entertainment of BoyWonder and his Grandpa, but I have to say I really quite enjoyed the displays too.  I think I'm entering a new realm of 'outings' - 'Places that used to be really boring but are now fun because my kid likes it'.  

I'm loving these special times spent with family and friends.  I'm starting to make the most of every opportunity, and to embrace these moments each day as they come.  Sounds cliche I know, but I really am that person who gets so caught up in housework, work-work and 'keeping on top' of everything that I'm at risk of missing a golden memory-making session. 

Friday 

So nothing overly exciting today - perhaps I  failed my goal of something special for everyday, but hey...the dishes, washing, cleaning, ironing, and appointments do have to be taken care of sometime.  Although I did manage to convince TechnoHusband to go grocery shopping with us which is about as rare as a solar eclipse. Oh, and I made strawberry coulis to go with TH's birthday cake for tomorrow.  Does that sound flash?  The strawbs are so good at the moment!

Saturday & Sunday

Wow!  What a fantastic day!  The city of Brisbane generously honoured TechnoHusband's birthday with the magic of Riverfire.  Good job Brisbane. We were all more than satisfied with the low-flying jets, the square dancing helicopters, the Star Wars lasers and the brilliant fireworks display.  An even more deserving thanks however, goes to TechnoHusband's wonderful parents and family.  We were able enjoy the display and a fantastic shared meal, inside the amazing unit his parents booked.  We were up high and overlooking the river, with people we love.  What a great way to celebrate a great guy, and share fun times together. 

 This is what it's all about people. 

P.S My phone's little camera didn't do the fireworks justice, but check back again soon and I will have a few professional shots from a great photographer and great mate. 

Me-er Than Me

My first blog.  My first 'post'.  Well...here goes! 

I have some friends who blog and I always enjoy and admire their ability to put thoughts into words, and who are then brave enough to share them with others. I must admit that once or twice I have entertained the very dreamy and unrealistic fantasy of becoming an renowned authoress; and with both of my Grandmothers having had written and published a book, I daresay a creative gene or two could be floating around in my body.  I suppose this might be somewhat of an experiment- a chance to discover more about myself, a creative outlet and a chance to share my ramblings with anyone who will listen. 

So I read a page about how to create a blog. It said to start by figuring out your theme.  It said that people don't like to read about anything and everything, so find your passion and write about that. My passion! HOW do I create a theme when there is just SO MUCH to be passionate about?! I could never choose one single passion or focus for my life. I am a very passionate person. Gosh, I'd even go so far as to say I'm passionate about being passionate!! I am the kind of person who becomes 'involved'. Sometimes too deeply, and too often and in too many things, but that's who I am.  I've decided to embrace it. I am passionate about family, mothering, teaching, music, children, crafting, my church, good food, learning, and 'making a difference'.  Sometimes I flit between passions, and sometimes I am about all of them at once. Whichever it is, I am whole-heartedly, enthusiastically and genuinely 'in'.  I once taught a little boy who loved everything. If a student mentioned their toy racing cars he would chime in, 'Oh I love those!'  If someone spoke about their dog, 'Oh I love dogs!'  Their Dad, 'Oh I love my Dad!'  The apple in a lunchbox, 'Oh I love apples!'  You had it/liked it/saw it/thought of it? He LOVED it! I can totally understand where he is coming from. There are just too many good things in life to not to love them all!

The skeptical looks and expressions of 'here she goes again' and 'how long do you think this phase will last?' that come when I pull out the crochet hook, the running shoes, the iPad to blog; don't bother me anymore. This is me! This is what I do! And I've decided to like it and own it.  No one alive is me-er than me. And no one alive is you-er than you.  Yes, I have most certainly paraphrased Dr Suess'  beautiful, simple and perfect words. I mean really, that guy had it all figured out.

So there it is. If you are one of those people the man wrote about in the 'How To' who don't like to read about anything and everything, this blog probably isn't for you. I may not have a theme all about gardening, or parenting, or cooking...but I intend to create a journal of sorts.   If nothing else but for myself to be able to reflect, to recognise, to remember and to relish.

Recently a young woman of love, courage, hope, faith and beauty (inside and out) entered my life.  In less than two years she left an impact; a gift; a blessing  that will stay with me for the rest of my life.  A little over a week ago she left this earthly home to join our Heavenly Father. She will forever be remembered by her husband and three gorgeous children, her family, and many friends.  Her body had succumbed to a long, brave battle against breast cancer. Many would say ' a life cut short'. But as a dear friend articulated so beautifully, she was as a rose who had reached 'full bloom'. That spectacular moment when the petals have grown and opened to their absolute potential. To release the utter and extraordinary beauty of its truest colour, of its fullest and sweetest fragrance. To be given. To be accepted. To be cherished.  Sooner or later, our petals will fall.  All I know is that I want to spend my 'time' reaching full bloom.  And if that's not as good a 'theme' as any, I don't know what is.

A bit deep for a first post of a first blog? Probably. But I did tell you, I'm a very passionate person!

So tell me...what's your passion, smashin'?