Can You Beat This?

I swear my day could be made into a comedy. It must be funny, in a few days, I hope I will laugh. Now, well, I am a tool.

This morning was ok. All things went normal and I enjoyed a fun morning with Caleb at Little School. The parents visited and had morning tea, as well as playing and watching and learning what the kids got up too. They have so much fun, no wonder Caleb loves to go. They all love the Yakka Yakka room. A big black room, air conditioned, filled with a pool of coloured balls, a climbing wall, jumping mattresses and jungle jim and slide. They went nuts. I think all the mum’s wanted one at home to use before nap time.

I did some Christmas tasks and watched a bit of Oprah. Caleb came home and we left to get Zali. Here it starts.

On the way over to check our mailbox, I realised I had left my house keys in. the. house. In the car was Caleb, Grandma and I, so I couldn’t use Grandma’s keys either. Picked up Zali at kindy and went I tried to start the car, it wouldn’t. Great, I thought, locked out of our house and car broken. I tried a few times and she wouldn’t tick over. I let the red beast rest for a while, on the fifth (and last before I called the RACQ chaps) attempt she ticked over. Thank. The. Lord. Caleb sitting in the back saying where is the battery? Why? When are we going? Why? Shut the door Grandma, let’s go! Why?

We went through the McDonald’s drive-thru (because we couldn't turn the car off) and took some dinner home. Sitting on the back verandah we ate dinner and fended off the mozzies the best we could. Zali started to drink the sweet and sour sauce instead of eating chicken nuggets, and by this stage I didn’t really care. Surely something that is sweet and sour should contain nearly five food groups?

Forgot to mention there were kiddie size ice-creams on the way home. Well, I think they ate some, the majority seemed to be on their clothes, the seat belts, their hands, rubbed into her legs and up their nose. To clean them up (we had no wipes, clothes or anything else useful) we had to use two serviettes. One for each messy kid. Of course the next problem is I am busting to use the toilet. No possible way I could wait. I had to go to the side of the house and ‘go’ near the wall. Like a three year old. Like I tell Caleb to. And use the serviette in lieu of a sophisticated product like toilet paper, the ice cream serviette that is. Could you imagine how *fun* this was?

Did I tell you I also had a big headache and would have sold a limb for a couple of Panadol?

Caleb had to wee, no problems, he runs off to the fence to assume his usual afternoon wee position. A few minutes later he had to, erm, do something nastier than wee. Oh. Lord. Off to the side of the house we go. He drops his load and says ‘whoa, big poo!’ Yep. Actually at this point I was laughing so hard I had tears. Could this afternoon get any worse. Thankfully we have a big fence. What would you have thought walking past someone’s house and they are poohing in the yard, do we have any standards of personal hygiene? I wanted to yell out ‘we are locked out of our house!’, just in case anyone saw us. Back to the situation and the fact we have no toilet paper. Grandma fishes through the pram and finds a couple of tissues, a small girl’s nappy and one nappy sack. Again, thank-the-lord! Least he could be cleaned and I could dispose of the evidence.

Five minutes later Adrian arrives home from work. It felt like we were being rescued by the Australian Navy from the deserted island, it was *such* a relief.

The kids had a bath, I had my Panadol and now we all need a comfy chair. Bugger, I better go and call my mechanic. Fingers crossed he can come in the morning.

Wedding Part C

The night kicked on. There was a torrential down pour at one point with a very nice breeze and the gorgeous smell of rain. There was a small hiccup with the wedding cake.

It was a, um, *insert special name here that drongo can't remember!*, made up of profiteroles filled with a coffee cream and custard cream. Hmm, I think I had better confirm that with the bride, note to self.

For some reason some bright cookie put it on the table for the ceremony in the afternoon. It was a warm day. This cake needs to be kept cool. When it was found to be leaning more than the Pisa and hanging on by a shrapnel of toffee, it was taken away and chilled.

However the lumpy thing could not be saved and ended up being re-plated. See below. Doesn't really have the same niceness does it. Didn't matter of course, it tasted absolutely d.e.v.i.n.e. Each plate had one piece of each flavour accompanied by double whipped cream and coulis. My lord the tongue is quivering just thinking of that precious plate of goodness.

The pair had their dance. I said it should have been like Robert and Amy's wedding dance on Everybody Loves Raymond. This is a cute photo, the little lovebirds!

Then everybody had fun. We danced and drank and talked and played. Belinda, Gemma and I with our 'come hither' looks. Sexy huh? Belinda was the Master of Ceremonies for the night. She did such a fantastic job! She rocks, really. Gemma is fun. But I won't mention her glass of red wine and my dress. Nope.

The cutie is Melynda. She has been friends with Mel for a long time. She is funny and easy to play with. This was the first night she had left her baby (4.5years!) so her and hubby were making it a good night. She wants to have a post-wedding hens night!

The two bridesmaids. Scrub up alright hey?
Bunch of crazy girlies here. From left: Belinda, Melynda, Mel, Gemma, me and Erin (Mel's sister).
Plus Sonia, all having a good time.

It was a beautiful and fun day. We all enjoyed seeing Mel and Brent get hitched. It was pretty cool just walking upstairs to go to bed too! Can't wait to see the professional photos, they should be cool.

Mel and Brent left for their six week honeymoon a few days later. Mexico, New York and some places in Europe, a white Christmas and then home to this heat. Phew.

Important!

Since I updated my picture up the top, it really makes me smile when the page loads and I see my crazy kids. That is the way it should be.

I have so many things to talk about, but I have to send a friend some photos first. I have other stuff wanting attention also, I don't know if I will ever catch my tail this month. It is a crazy busy tiring hot demanding month of seasonal delicacies. Don't bother telling me that doesn't make sense. I know already.

There is one thing I need to say because I needed to say it yesterday . . .

Happy Birthday to my sweet friend Janene!

We cannot believe it has been a year since the last one (which I remember vividly) - even Adrian said 'was that a year ago?' It was a lovely breakfast and even better being able to see you (and my little soft spot for Baby Amy). Please don't let this next year go so fast, I'm counting on you!

You are a wonderful woman, mother and friend. I won't say lover cause I don't know and don't want to know, too much information! Back to it . . . it is so fantastic to see you happy and content and loving life. I wish for that to continue and I think you have another beautiful year ahead of you! Love you!

Added later: Ok, popped back however I can't focus my eyes on photos. My eyes are blurry and need to go to bed. There will be the last wedding photos up tomorrow sometime.

Wedding Part B

Here is the view from our apartment to the right (the one I deleted last night, oops). Nice. Remember you can click on the pics and it will load a big version.

Due to wind, rain, dark scary clouds, the decision was made to move the ceremony to the reception venue. Ebb @ Maroochydore. A beautiful restaurant nestled on the river. The ceremony was to be held at Point Perry, a stunning view up and down the coast and out to the deep blue ocean. Both were beautiful places and the main event still occurred. Mel and Brent were married. I love this photo of when we had finished walking down the aisle and the look of pure happiness on Mel's face. All the preparation and work and sweat had all been for this perfect moment.
The vows were sweet, Mel's two sisters said a poem and the ceremony was finalised with the special 'first kiss'. I stood quite still, lip occasionally quivering, batting the eyelids to keep the tears at bay, deep breathing to keep myself together. It was perfect and beautiful and sweet and about two friends getting married. These two people are very special to me and it really was a fantastic day, and an honour to be involved in.
Cripes, trying to sign the official papers while every single inch of me was shaking, now *that* is a challenge. How happy do they look!
This is the six of us. And Mel's Dad has his head blocking Brent, but this is the only photo I have of the group. Can't wait to see the professional ones! Left to Right: Sonia (Mel's friend), Joel (Brent's youngest brother), Garth (Brent's younger brother), Brent (groom!), Mel (bride!) and me (spunkrat extraordinaire). (Note: how come spunkrat didn't clear my spell check? Honestly!)

The official newly-crowned Mr and Mrs. Awwww, aren't they cute!
The old married couple all dressed up. That really is us under all that finery.
My speech. I was trembling (again) and trying (badly) to hold back the tears. Didn't work. M&B came and supported me. I wished they would have held my notes still, between the trembling hands and teary eyes, they were hard to read. I was told I had a few people in tears. My job was done.

Next post I will show you the yummy cake and some afterward/party type photos.

I am tired and want to go to bed. I am the taxi for the husband who is currently out celebrating Christmas with his work colleagues. I will be a cross, tired wife if he rings me at an undesirable hour.

Wedding Part A

My eyes are a little tired and blurry, but here is the story . . .

Once upon a time a prince and princess were preparing to be married. Ok enough of that, my fairytale telling skills aren't too flash so I will stick to the real stuff.

I met Mel for a couple of dress fittings in the week before the wedding. It was fun and exciting! Paul Hunt made her dress, he was a lovely bloke and produced just what the bride wanted. This gem was taken on Wednesday morning for a final fitting and try on off all accessories. Mel picked it up later that afternoon and then the LWD (little white dress) was whisked away the next day when they headed up to the apartment.


On Friday I drove up to Maroochydore. Great drive, since I was by myself and had free choice of music, I went back into the CD collection and grabbed a Garth Brooks. I sung my little heart out. I think other drivers might have thought I was a bit nuts. I was grooving and bopping and singing so much I made myself a little carsick. While I was driving. Confirmed, I am a nut. I was actually getting hoarse I was belting out the words so strong and proud. Honestly, I do hope the car was soundproof.

I checked into our apartment. The Duporth on Duporth Ave. Very. Nice. I took pictures of the whole apartment but I won't bore you with the pile. Instead, I will focus on the view. It was pretty spesh. Looking left I saw the mountains and hinterland area.

Looking right I saw the ocean become the Maroochy River. That is a balcony you could perch yourself on for a few hours, nice cool drink in hand. Sigh. I can picture it now.

It was a spacious three bedroom apartment. The main bedroom had these views and shared the huge balcony. There was a TV, large walk-in robe and flasho ensuite (double vanity, separate toilet, shower, spa bath, enough room for waltzing, if you so desired). The lounge had comfy chairs and a large screen television and was next to the dining table. The kitchen was beautifully equipped, and all we used was two cups. We were hardly there. Very long hall joined the other two bedrooms (which both joined onto a small courtyard), main bathroom, toilet and laundry. It was ducted air-conned and *delay exciting news for added impact* had awesome automatic blinds. They rocked. Honestly, I think you could not appreciate their cool-ness until you see them. The blinds were a talking point all weekend, the bride and groom were equalling impressed. If those lotto numbers ever come up, I am definitely getting automatic blinds. Side note: I just deleted the right hand view from the balcony. I think I will go to bed and do more tomorrow.

To finish off part a, here is the bride herself and the spunky bridesmaid. Obviously the hair and makeup wizards were still working their magic.
We nibbled and we sipped pink champers, darrh-ling.

Ohhh.....

There is one thing you *must* try this Christmas . . .

take yourself down to Wendys and get a tub of Cherry Christmas.

Oh. My. Lord.

If you like the good old Cherry Ripe, you will *love* this ice cream. You see, with any purchase of Cherry Christmas you can complete an entry form to win an ice cream cake. Reading this sign I thought, self, what is Cherry Christmas? I asked for a sample. Make sure you do that to have a wee taste, then ask if you can take the whole bucket, please. Then invite me over.

It is cherry ice cream with bit of chocolate, coconut and cherry. Trust me though, if I first read that ingredient list I would not have had any. Cherry ice cream doesn't really ring my bell. Go on, spoil yourself, try it! Let me know what you think.

Ooops, better get some paper towel to wipe up this drool.

Have You?

Ever been to the Honey Factory on the Sunshine Coast? No? Us either. Thought we would check it out. I think it might have been nicer, say, 20 years ago.

It was very quite, nothing was open, it was old and a little disappointing. I believe the dirty-old-rust-bucket-looking-things sitting quietly were called 'children's rides'. There were large aviary-type cages dotted throughout, that were empty. There was a little house where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs hung out. The Dwarfs were a scary.

The last time we visited the Big Pineapple we were disappointed. It is old and rundown, things were closed, bits were dirty and there was no life. I remember going there when I was a young (good looking of course) lass and it was fun. There was life and people and things to do. You had trouble finding a seat at lunchtime and the parfait, man, that was my cup of tea. We haven't been back since those memories were given a beating. This Honey Factory reminded me of that. If it was back in the day when I was the younger, but equally good looking, Gail, it probably would have rocked.

The kids didn't really notice. There were ducks. They got to run. We ate cheezels.



The birds were pretty keen to see us, thinking we had some tucker. I went to the Cafe and got a few pieces of bread and bought a couple of bags of feed from the reception counter.

There were ducks, scrub turkeys . . . and a lizard.

Turns out everyone likes Cheezels. More than animal seed and bread. They had a snack of normal stuff, but it must have been the bright cheery colour of the wonderful creation called the Cheezel. The lizard loved them. See?

Lizard didn't like the scrub turkey. Anytime it merely glanced at an object resembling food, the lizard ran in to frighten and/or grab the food for itself. Nasty little lizard.

My two animals like Cheezels as well. Glad I got the tiny ones. Actually, it would have been funny to see the lizard attempt the normal size Cheezels.

Note: no animals were hurt or mistreated during this outing. As responsible humans we did not feed the lizard and/or bird life Cheezels. They stole them. Then I wanted photos to prove it.

I got my . . .

The week totally got away from me. I feel pretty slack about my lack of posts, but I am sure it will improve! I hardly touched my photos and plan on finding a few nice ones to show you this weekend. Really.

Guess what? I got my first Christmas card today! Holy Santa! I was pretty impressed that I know where my blank Christmas cards are, that I have thought about starting a Christmas card list, that I thought about going to the Post Office to get some card stamps. I think next year, my goal will be to get out my cards before Karla! I will have to write it down for October I think.

Janene and Amy visited this morning. Amy is over four months now - wow, how fast has that gone! Janene is ever so calm, happy and loving being a Mummy. She is a very loving Mummy indeed.

I had better make some plans to see Baby Quincy before Christmas, otherwise she will be hitting four months and I won't recognise her!

I have, a few minutes ago, had news of another impending baby for 2008. I am so happy for them, can't wait to meet that little bundle. Congratulations again!

Maybe all these babies will quench my thirst for a while, so I can just cuddle and return. After the past holidays with my two, erm, angels, I am not quite so sure about further additions.

Cripes. When I post my catchup news, I think it will be long. Maybe I will have to do it in instalments. You know, with a cliffhanger each night. Except my life isn't that dramatic or exciting. Oh well.

Toodle.

Back

This is what has kept me busy . . .
Mel and Brent married on Saturday! Yippeeee!

I will give you the full details and photos this week, just wanted to pop in and say hi.

We arrived home on Monday after our two weeks at the beach. Then the whole past week was 'Wedding Week'. Everything was fantastic, but now, things will calm down and resume to our regular programming. First task is the unpacking from our holiday. I am tired of tripping over the big suitcase at the end of my bed!

Sincerely hope everyone has had a fabulous last few weeks. Crikey - how close is Christmas! That is freaky. Man, the shops are already starting to get busier.

Chow.

Sun Tan?

I apologise for my slackness in updating. This past week been very busy again. Will just throw a few dot points around as I don't have much time.

We are in Caloundra at the moment. Came up yesterday for a beach holiday. Adrian is up for one week, then Grandma comes up for one week. That way there is someone home to look after the animals and house etc. Me and the kids are here for two weeks - that is very cool. If I don't kill them, that is.

Zali has a huge swollen lump on her lower gum causing some grief, plus a back biggie that is only half through. Hence, she is a little miserable. Caleb, my little tanty boy, is well, having a few tanty's. Forget the terrible two's, don't know who thought of that! It is definitely the Terrible Three's! If he makes it to four with both of us still sane, I think we both deserve a big present!

We headed off to play in the sand first up this morning. He did *not* want to wear his rashie. 'I want annunie shirt!' (another shirt). Over and over he said that, and over and over we said he must wear the swim shirt to be able to play in the sand and water. Eventually I said to try it this morning and if he still didn't like it, he wouldn't have to wear it again. Fast forward to this afternoon and when we finished a swim in the pool, he didn't want to take the rashie off! Remind me, is it the woman's prerogative to change her mind, or a three year olds?

Anyway, busy week preparing for Mel's Hens Night last Saturday, 3 November. I made ribbon lanyards for name tags and take-out boxes personalised for each lady for them to take home. Took me q.u.i.t.e a while for that. Was a lovely evening and I think we all had a great time. I picked up a diamante tiara for the Bride-To-Be who happily wore it all night. I got some photos (haven't seen them yet) which hopefully will turn out well, but not sure when I will get to download them. Most importantly Mel looked happy and was surrounded by lovely ladies to help her celebrate her upcoming nuptials.

I had my first bridesmaid fitting on Saturday morning. Went well and I have another when I get back to Brissie in a few weeks. Can't wait to see the real one, it will be so pretty - the first calico version was a little dull (ha ha).

Um, I don't know what else to mention. I am pretty tired, catching up from a few bad nights and busy days. No doubt I will remember when I don't have internet connection again. Oh, I don't really have internet at the moment, so chat from me will be minimal.

Kerry, catch up when we back. Caleb will be very happy to see Riley in a few weeks, I think he will miss the 'action' of kindy and little school.

Ida, thanks for checking on me. Sorry I been slack with updating! Did you end up getting a trike for Macey?

Janene, Jim and Amy came over for dinner last week, which was lovely. Meant I had two lots of cuddles that week, and I can totally say that Amy will be SO excited to have more cuddles in a few weeks. She likes me. Or it might be that I have a funny freaky type of strange face. I can make her laugh, giggle, smile and look a bundle of happy. It is beautiful. I believe she normally does it for only Mummy and Daddy, and maybe once for Nanna (need to confirm this, J, forgive me if I have written wrong).

Ok, Zali is a bit cross, she has now woken up twice since bedtime, my fingers are crossed for a big sleep tonight. Take care and will chat soon. Our lives return to our normal in December after our holidays and after the wedding.

Love to all.