Dear Peeps

Evett Family Farm Animals

2010-02-21T18:01:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

Its been a month now that we have had this happy little farm yard in our suburban existence. I wanted to say I was proud of the way that you make sure your animals have water and food and that you care so much about them. Although its hard to play with the chickens, they have had the good grace to sit quietly as you both carry them around the house and pat them.

Thank you for taking on your new responsibilities with such gusto.

Hugs Mummy

The popular vote

2010-02-10T16:33:00.000+10:00

I am so proud you Mr Morgan. Last week you came home and announced you wanted to nominate yourself for the school student council.

I nearly cried when you said you wanted others to respect you and see you as a big boy. I helped you fill out your nomination form and was so delighted to hear you speak about the environments and of what teamwork and friendship meant to you. It was hard for Mummy not to add her 2c worth - but I kept strong an only transcribed your words.

Today was the student rep vote, where all the students had to stand in front of their pods and give a speech. I helped you prepare with prompt cards. As you are still a beginner reader, we used pictures as well to help you remember what you were going to talk about.

I am so proud that you felt you did a good job - them best you could - and that you didn't hesitate or umm or err during your talk in front of nearly 100 children. I heard from your teacher that she was very surprised that you had nominated yourself - given that year 3s are usually the ones from the pod who do so. She confided in me that it would be doubtful that you would be chosen by your peers. Although she didn't say it - we all know that these things are really a popularity contest. It breaks my heart to see you so eager and enthusiastic about the voting, hoping you will be chosen for the depth of what you have said; when I am steeling my heart to console you when you are not voted in.

I held a tiny glimmer of hope today when I picked you up from school and saw your beaming face. I am proud of you Morgan. Proud that despite gaining no votes, you felt you had done your best. I am still struggling to explain to you how it all works - the whole popularity vote thing....Even sadder to hear that the person they voted in you held little regard for as they weren't kind to others nor listens to people.

So well done my son. I am and always will be proud of your achievements.

Out of the mouths of babes

2010-02-06T23:08:00.000+10:00

The innocence makes one want to weep.

At the Pet store, whilst browsing for squeaky toys for the new hound, Morgan came across a box of live crickets. He was so excited. "Oh aren't they cute? Don't they sing well? Can we have one as a pet?"

How sad to have to tell him - that, "Sorry mate, we have wandered into the reptile section and those crickets are food."

To give Morgan his due credit - he processed the information quickly and took it with grace.

First Day at School

2010-01-27T10:24:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

Today was Lillys first day at school - and for you Mr Morgan a new classroom and teacher as you go up into junior school to year 2.

Gosh - I can't explain how proud I was with both of you - how you Morgan looked after your little sister and did everything you could to make sure she was calm before we went. Thank you too for breaking the rules ( I know you shouldn't have - but you were concerned about your sister) and going into the lower junior area and finding Lilly for morning tea and making sure she knew how to open her lunch box and had someone to sit with.

Thanks for following all the things we talked about - making sure you rlunchboxes were taken out of your bag and water bottles refilled and getting out of your school uniforms without being asked. It makes my life so much more easier.

Your enthusiasm about school is infectious - both of you - and I delight in hearing you talk about your friends and what you learnt or saw.

I wonder if I spent enough time wiht you both before you were set off into the education system, was I a good enough mum, did enough craft or skills, read to you enough?

I was ok until Miss Lillys teacher gave me a small plastic bag - Inside the bag was teabag, a cottonwool bud and a tissue and a note:
"Here is a little gift for you as you leave your precious one with us on the first day of school. As you hold this cotton ball in your hand, the softness will help you remember the gentle spirit of your child. After you 've gone home and dried your tears, make yourself a cup of tea. Put your feet up and relax. remember that together we will work for you child to be the best we can be."

I had to say good bye quickly and go outside and cry.

I think I have done the best I can - but was it and is it enough?

love always Mummy.

AFL season - well nearly!

2010-01-20T23:27:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

Well - today heralds the beginning of the AFL season - well nearly anyway. I am so proud of the way both of you were so keen to get in and learn new skills - despite it being hot and heaps of other kids there.

It was pure joy to watch both of you practicing and trying out the things the coaches were telling you. I was also delighted to hear you were very keen on what the Lions players were saying as well. I have been impressed with the Brisbane Lions and their marketing and today was no different. Their season tickets are so tempting, but perhaps we might wait another year and drop big hints to family about buying them for Christmas this year huh?

I am looking forward to you, Morgan playing fixtures. Your willingness to do whatever it takes for the team will make you such a asset - you really do understand the value of team - rather than prima donnas and the limelight.

I am also very proud of you, Miss Lilly and your tenacity and focus. I think you will surprise us all with your game. Thank you for looking after Xander when he was so unsure with all those children about. Your kind spirit and beautiful nature is such a blessing to me.

The photo was taken as the groups of children went to thier different stations. Lilly is holding Xanders hand and helping him find the place. Morgan is in the green shirt with a blue cap on in the distance and waiting ot be told where his age group is to meet.

Cold Winter Walks

2010-01-14T18:09:00.000+10:00

Write from Karen is hosting a photo competition again this quarter. This time the theme surrounds "Winter."

Its mid summer here - so I have riffled round my June photos from last year and found this. Morgan and Lilly are having a bit of a rest on one of our famous - half hour walks when we go camping... the half hour sort of stretches to several hours - but we always see great things, wildlife and get to talk alot!

I remember this walk was really cold - sub zero - thus the get up the kids have on.

Thanks kids for just tagging along, not complaining (too much) and just enjoying the beauty we discover on our walks.

Competitions - who wins?

2009-12-24T10:43:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps, I am so proud of you both and for different reasons.

Firstly, Congratulations Miss Lilly!

We always enter lots of colouring competitions and both of you have been so lucky this year to be recognized in one and getting a prize each.

Yesterday Miss Lilly won her age groups colouring in comp at the local mall.

When Mummy got the call about it , she was so torn as what to say. Morgan had put in such alot of work with his entry and although its not to say Lilly didn't either - his heart was set on winning the big toys prize. With Lilly at 4 years old, she was still in the youngest category, Mr Morgan has bumped up into the bigger ages and competing with much older children.

Mummy decided that it would do no good, nor benifit to either of you to pad it down - or pretend this sort of thing doesn't happen all of the time. Sadly - not everyone can be a winner and Mummy doesn't agree with the whole philosophy of giving every entrant a prize. ( don't get her started on the pass the parcel fiasco)

Mummy is so proud of you Morgan, and of you Lilly. Lilys first reaction was to put her hand on Morgans and say - "I'll share all my toys and lollies with you."

Although a split second on sadness crossed your face, Morgan, you were congratulating Lilly and excited for her.

Daddy took time to talk about how competitions run and sometimes the best person - in one person mind - doens't always win - its up to the judge and what happens at the time. Its just the way of the world and its a good lesson to learn early.

Dissappointment is so hard to handle - and I am so proud of both of you for meeting it with grace and love.

Here is a picture of Miss Lilly and her Prize.

The Best Day Ever

2009-12-17T22:21:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

What a wonderful reminder on what is important.. really in our busy lives. I was so touched at your announcement that today was the best day ever in your whole Life Morgan - I just had to share it.

Lovely big sleep in - in the morning - unrushed waking and snuggles in bed. We then went to the local shopping precinct where there was a colouring and craft station with Ben 10 things to do. Meeting Ben was such a thrill for you both! Heres the photo of Morgan and one of Lilly meeting him.

We then went over to Donut King, a place we literally NEVER go to as its just full of evil sugar and food colourings; but its Christmas.. and they had a special promotion where you guys could decorate your own donut.. Mummy got over her guilt and thought why the heck not? Matched with a (supposedly) fruit slushy, Mummy ignored the fluorescent fruit content and you guys just soaked up the sugar rush.

When you were given Free Balloons - the shiny faces! What joy a balloon on a stick will give a child - a reminder to enjoy the simple things in life.

A few sushi rolls cut into pieces and shared at the food court and you two were in heaven......

Just to completely top off the day - we went to see "Where the Wild Things Are", but I don't think it would have mattered what we saw - snuggled up in the soft cinema seats, with a paperbag of sweets packed at home and a shared chco top icecream; the two of you were blissed out ( and completely fueled with sugar)

Our evening was completed with a drive around our suburb, window wound down so we could shout out "Merry Xmas" to people sitting on their lawns or having BBQs and Christmas carols twittering the background of the car.

simple things - stuff that doesn't really cost that much - but shared times and experiences.

Huckleberry Kids

2009-11-01T20:31:00.000+10:00

I’m so proud of you Morgan and Lilly! Today, you caught your first fish.

We visited some dear friends Margie and Mike on their gorgeous hinterland block in the mountains today. After a delicious lunch - all sourced from their garden or swapped with neighbors, we wandered down to their dam, a picturesque waterhole edged with purple lillies and large stone blocks.

Mike had put in several generations of fingerlings in the last few years so knew it would be teaming with fish - but whether they would bite is an entirely different thing.

Morgan and Lilly have had fishing rod kits for a few months - but never had the chance to use them. Mike was very patient in teaching Morgan to cast out and gave him a number of tips about where to cast and what to avoid in the dam ( the weeds!) After setting everyone up with rods and using only fresh bread as bait, we stood and watched the burley ( a few slices of bread thrown at different parts of the dam) They fairly quickly were attacked with some ferocity from underneath the muddy surface.

Morgans line was the first hit and with a calmness I am sure I couldn’t muster in the delight of such a momentous occasion, he reeled the fish in by himself. Although not a legal size, it was a good sized fish and gave a good fight on the way in.

Lilly was overcome with squeals and delight when her bait was taken soon afterwards. Daddy helped a bit when the line started to get tangled up when she forgot to reel it a

nd tried pulling it in physically. After gaining some composure, she reeled her first fish in and then proceeded to wave it round the bank, the poor thing getting flung about like a rag doll.

Even though Lilly then went on to catch another fish, sh

e was most put out that fish didn’t leap onto her rod every few mins and kept asking -” when will a fish come onto my rod?” ahh patience dear grasshopper!!

IT was a leisurely way to spend a sunday and one I know the kids won’t forget easily. It was so special to have shared the first fish moment with Mike - as he had promised in Morgans Blessing Book to teach him to fish.

Well done Morgan and Lilly - so proud of you!

Bookworms

2009-06-03T21:39:00.000+10:00

Been a while since I put in an entry -not for lack of things to say or be grateful for - just been so busy with work and stuff!!

Heres a little photo and entry from Total Learning I sent in a while back - just showing hwo you love your books and love to share with one another.

thanks for beings such great kids and getting along ( mostly!!)

Under 8s Craft and activities

2009-05-30T18:26:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

This week, childcare centres and schools celebrated "Under 8s", by hosting craft and activities for the community children during school hours.

Morgans group did a little dance performance at parade - so PROUD! and then I got to shepherd 6 children under the age of 6 around the school for 2 hours - amongst hundreds of other frantic people. It was quite an interesting morning attempting to visit every stand and activity, trying to make sure everyone had a 'go' at the things they wanted.Thank you Morgan for being so considerate to others wishes and helping me find the lost kids, reminding me if I had left one behind at the lego or in the dancing area. Thanks Lilly for being so bubbly and making friends with the others and just getting in there and having fun.

Heres a picture of you two at the Box Construction area - where we made robots.

It reminded me of how little craft I now do with you both at home. Since that day I reinvigorated our craft box and have started a special project board - one for each week. A great reminder to me too of how much fun messy craft can be.

Lilly Lou the dancing Queen

2009-05-23T21:37:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps - so proud of you especially Lilly - your first Dance concert and although you had some major costume malfunctions on stage - you kept smiling and kept dancing - go you!

For anyone who wants to see part of the show - I have captured some of it and posted it on Lillys Blog

http://lillylousays.blogspot.com/2009/05/lilly-on-stage.html

This has lead to Morgan now wanting to dance - which I am delighted with. How wonderfully innocent and insightful kids are. Morgan 6, after going to his first dance lesson says "Why don't boys come Mummy? that was so much fun!" I will be encouraging him to dance, and go to his gymnastics classes, his football training - it all helps with the other. I couldn't be more happy with your choices.

Thank you both for keeping your options always open and taking hold of life with both hands and enjoying it.

growing up

2009-05-02T20:42:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,
I see both of you growing up so fast becoming so independent. Its hard to think that you are both so small with some of the classic things that you say and do. See LillyLou says – or check out Morgans photography.

I ‘m very proud of you both so helpful and confident in the kitchen. We made gluten free muffins – especially for Daddy. You are capable of making toast in the morning – though a few days ago I am still not sure on the choice of raspberry jam and spray cream for breakfast.

Thanks Morgan for showing your decisive nature this week and for telling me the truth even when you though you were going to get into trouble about it. It showed a real maturity in your actions.

Its so hard not to compare the two of you and I keep forgetting that you Miss Lilly are nearly 2 years younger. I’m still coming to terms with strategies to deal with our little storm cloud, passionate, furious and chaotic one moment bright sunshine and butterflies the next. I hate that it seems to be so much easier to deal with you Morgan than it is with Lilly… I fear for the teenage years.. and we haven’t even gotten out of preschool years yet.

I’m so proud of you both for marching last week at the Anzac Day parade, for asking questions about the medals you were given to wear and for giving the appropriate level of dignity needed during the ceremonies. Here is a photo of us in the park after we marched – with the medals still on ( well mine was on my coat which I had to take off – it was unseasonably warm that day)

Proof is in the.... prints

2009-04-17T23:31:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps - what a wonderful Easter Sunday we had together- and we have proof that the Easter Bunny visited our home. - just look at those dirty paw prints he left all over mummys leather couch. what a naughty bunny. Its just as well he left those tiny easter eggs around the place for you to find.

It was delightful to hear you helping each other to find the eggs and to see that you shared them out together so it was all fair.

A lovely tradition to have a formal breakfast together - so thank you for helping me set the table and behaving so wonderfully though it.

I am very proud of you both for eeking your Easter treats out over the week. Thank you Morgan for recognising when you have had enough sugar for the day and asking to put it up high.

Miss Lilly - I know you try so hard too - and you have your parents sweet tooth something bad. its not an admirable trait and we are all working on eliminating sugar from the house and everyday life.

Thanks for supporting and being so enthusiastic about our food choices and for asking for healthy things for snacks. Mummy is having a bit of a hard time with it all at the moment.

I am looking forward to reporting back on our week of picnics and theme park visits over the school holidays.

Easter Hugs

2009-04-12T00:04:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

We spent a gorgeous morning at the local cafe precinct. As part of their marking strategy, they hosted a ticketed Easter activity session - 2 hours - for $5 per child.

We sat and had pancakes ( kids) and coffee ( mummy) whilst exploring the goodie bag we had been given on the way in. After colouring in the pictures and solving the word puzzle you took them back to the Easter Bunny and Alice and were rewarded with some beautiful books.

I was so proud of both of you for taking part in the games they had organised. How excited were your faces when you won some of the silly races!

The balloon man made some great shaped balloons to play with and Mummy loved to watch you as you danced with the characters on the dance floor.

We are setting up our own traditions for these public holidays and I am so proud of both of you for being willing to accept other peoples beliefs, whilst happy to include the familys as well.

Thanks for being such great company when we went to the movies later on. Even though we missed the first sitting of the film - you wer eboth gracious enough to understand that we would still see it - but needed to wait. It gave us a great opportunity to watch a team practicing before thier big match in the nearby AFL field. After the film - wasn't it fun to go and sit on the side lines and watch the teams playing the game? Even the rain didn't damned anyones spirit - thanks for always seeing the fun part of the days.

I am looking forward to tommorrow - which I am sure I will have to blog about later on...!

Special Family Moments

2009-04-03T23:57:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

I wanted to take this time to tell you that I love our special moments together. Golden times which don't have to cost money and ones that are etched into your mind forever.

A few days ago Daddy came home early from work - which was so special for all of us. You only usually see him just before you go to bed and if you are awake before 6 am - then you may have breakfast with him if you are lucky.

We have some kites which have never been flown - so we took them to the big park. One of the kits is so easy to fly - even mummy was able to get it up - with hardly any running either ( a big bonus for Mummy) I took lots of video of Lilly and Morgan flying it and making it do tricks.

I have included two special photos of that short time we had - one of Morgan running along with the kite and the other of Lilly flying it by herself.

Special moments don't cost money - but they do need to be created and celebrated.

Morgan plays at the Gabba

2009-03-29T00:28:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

Firstly I want to apologise to Miss Lilly - as much of this post will be about Morgan.

I have just gotten home from watching Morgan play at half time of the first match of the season for the AFL. Those following this blog will know that Morgan has only been to three training sessions at the local club - so we were so proud and pleased he had been asked to represent the club with 11 other kids in the half time mini games.

Heres a photo of you coming off the field after your game.

I have to admit to not know a damned thing about the game - but have been delighted with the coaches and the spirit encouraged at training. Having grown up near Geelong, Adrian was a staunch fan of the cats and has been attempting to educate me in this very strange game.

I am so proud of Morgan - he was not fazed at all by the nearly 30 thousand fans cheering and waving their arms about in the stands, nor of the blazing lights, nor of the minor detail that he had not ever watched a match nor played one. To his credit he was enthusiastic, followed the ball keenly and made attempts to play along when it came to his quarter of the ground. Of particular note was when he stopped and helped a team mate off the grass when they had fallen badly. The kid was nearly twice the size of Morgan and he managed to lift him nearly to his knees.

I'll be blogging about the match itself and my experiences later... but well done mate! We are so proud of you - not many kids get to have this experience and I hope its not your last run onto the famous field.

Heres a photo of you waiting in the tunnels. (Morgan is the small boy in red next to the coach in bright yellow)

The atmosphere was so fantastic, I can see why so many people really get into going to matches. I'd love the opportunity for us to go as a family sometime - Lilly stayed with friends and Adrian had a seminar all weekend - though hired a car and bought a ticket to watch Morgans 20 mins of fame - then chuffed back to his course. what dedication and love! It meant alot to Morgan for his Daddy to be there.

Onto Miss Lilly Lou - Happy Birthday my little princess! a big 4 years old. My goodness where does the time go? You really have grown up in the last few months. We had a lovely day on your birthday - with breakfast at a place we usually avoid - McDonalds - quite a treat. Opening presents was delightful - just watching your face as you opened gifts of books and the barbie DVD was such a treat for me. You were so appreciative with each gift and wore as many of your plastic jewels around your neck all day. You were so excited to be spending a few hours with Daddy all to yourself and was especially excited to be going to Seaworld to see the dolphins.

here is a photo with your favourite present ( though this changes every few mins) We will have to ask Uncle Jamie or Uncle Malcolm to come and teach you to fish properly. (its a pink fishing set - I am not kidding - rod, reel - everything is bright pink.)

Hard to think we can top this week - but then we have Morgans Birthday and Miss Lillys first Dance concert in a fortnights time.

till next time!

Who do you love more Mummy?

2009-03-22T17:15:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps - its so hard sometimes to balance the attention and not to show preferences to one or the other of you. Its not that I love or care about one or the other any more than the other - just sometimes -and I know its my human failing - that one of you is more 'loveable' at that specific time than the other.... and it swings from one to the other in regular timings.

Mr Morgan - you are nearly 6 and in so many ways such a big boy. It saddens me - truly that you are too big to be kisses and I can no longer even catch you and try and kiss you as you get so upset and push me away. There are the very rare times that you will sneak into bed with me when no-one is around and throw your arms round me - and then leap out of bed and run away. I have to content myself with those moments.

I see so much of myself in you, Miss Lilly, that sometimes it scares me. I don't want you to go the path of pain I had to, I want you to have an outstanding life. We clash already on so many things, from what you are wearing to how you tidy your room - I hope that the years to come before you hit teenage years I am able to have the tools to defuse the situation before it gets way out of hand. Your spirit and defiance is such a gift, I don't want to crush it, but in the same hand don't want it to rule the house.

So who does mummy love best? both or you - really and truly. You both have huge gifts and your own introcrinicities - which are both delightful and incredibly frustrating - but without them.. you would not be you.. so don't change....

Its been a bit of a busy and hard week for mummy - but you guys have been helpful and loving which has assisted me in so many ways. We are all flawed and in that we find our perfect moments.

Awesome Pair

2009-03-15T00:14:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

Once again, you rock my world with your awesomeness!! Morgan is now firmly in charge of washing his and Lillys clothes - knowing how to use the washing machine, to separate darks and lights and put the right amount of detergent in it.

Thank you so much for being great for bachelor Uncle Jamie - who hasn't had much practice in looking after kids - while mummy and daddy went out for the night. I was so attaken back when I called home to give Jamie a message - and you - Morgan answered the phone with , "Hello, Morgan here, how can I help you?" it was a simple message about where dinner was in the fridge - but you took it and managed to ensure Jamie had it and you were all feed the right things. you sounded so BIG on the phone...

We had such a great time at the disco ( your first) Morgan. I wished I'd taken photos of your green spiky hair. I was very proud of you when you went to the dancefloor and bopped up and down. Its a start and an important one!

Thanks Lilly for being such a good girl this week - I am sorry that your punishment of not letting you go to dance class was so severe - but Daddy set it - and we have to be united in this. You can't wait for next week can you. Your stretching is getting really fantastic and I am so proud of your diligence with keeping your toes pointed and your arms stretched straight.

looking forward to a day with Daddy tomorrow..
much hugs
Mummy

Housework

2009-03-07T11:48:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps

As you are growing up so fast, its time to start to instigate set jobs and responsibilities in our daily life. You’ve both been great at helping me out when I ask, but I feel its time to make you more responsible for the house keeping and running of our home. Morgan, you helped me out with the washing today and you were so pedantic with the pegs! thanks

I know that this will only help you in the future, as I know of kids who don’t lift a finger in the home, running their poor mum ragged. I have always ensured you tidy up your own toys – with the rule of one toy or game out at a time. You guys have always been awesome with tidying up your things, especially when we are visiting other people – thank you.

I never thought my childhood was any different to others until I was an adult and spoke to friends about their upbringing. I remember cooking things – mostly biscuits, cakes and desserts from a very young age – probably around 7 to 8 years old. I would have been 10 or 11 when I started cooking dinner at least twice a week for the family. I had the great assistance of my two younger sisters – who are wonderful cooks in their own right. We used to enter our cooking ( cakes, biscuits, sweets and slices) into the local shows – and whip everyones arse! Anyway – the point being that with 6 kids, out of necessity to ensure everyone was fed and house kept at some sort of organization, Mum assigned us jobs in the morning and night and there just wasn’t a discussion that it wouldn’t be done. We had dogs to feed, cows and goats to milk, later on horses to be fed and watered, washing to hang, our own lunches and dinner to make and seasonal tasks surrounding farm work, shearing, mustering, picking fruit or vegetables. I left home at 16 and had flat mates who couldn’t even boil a potato – and lets not talk about their ability to clean or keep house. I want a good mix of fun and games and family responsibilities to populate our daily lives; thus the job list…

Morgan is already able to make me a cup of tea and delights in bringing me a cut up apple or pieces of fruit in bed. Both kids can crack eggs and love to help mix and prepare salads. As Adrian has been sticking to a gluten free diet for some time, I stopped making biscuits and cakes – so the kids kind of miss out on baking with me. Also as we are following a raw foods plan, I no longer cook, so the options in preparing tradition meals at the moment is also lost to them. However, we talk about nutrition and food values on the things we eat and experiment with tastes – so its kept fun and informative.

This week you have kept the dishwasher unpacked, your rooms tidy and the clothes in the laundry. We cleaned and scrubbed the bathrooms and toilets – so they now I hope you have some sort of emotional buy in to ensure they are kept clean. Its worked now for a week and we have a target of a whole month. Lillys reward is going to be her room being redecorated in purples and pinks, lots of fairy dust, frills and whatever else she wants. Morgan is going to get me to paint a mural of jungle animals and vines on his feature wall.

Thanks peeps – for doing your bit to keep things orderly, clean and tidy to live in. You guys ROCK!

Wet and Wild

2009-02-28T23:34:00.000+10:00

Earlier this year when I started writing this blog, I was faced with the dilemma of writing how things really were – or to gloss over it and say how wonderful you both were and pretend all was rosy. I chose to write honestly and was determined to vent my frustration out on the blogosphere on parenting tow wild and free spirits whom I had allowed to have independent thought and choice and pushed to gain confidence so much so that at three Miss Lilly now argues about the most incredible things with me and Mr Morgan can not be tricked up with semantics or generalizations – everything must be exact and logical. I am not wishing it that I could write bad things here – it just seems in the last few weeks –everything has been so rosy and I have nothing to complain or whine about.. how nice.

Perhaps I aught to have started writing this when I had poo smeared on walls or golden syrup spread all over the kitchen floor and then used as a skating lubricant up and down the hall way? Ahhh good times as a mum…..

Dear Peeps,

You are once again totally awesome. We continue to go to our classes and I continue to be very proud of how hard you both try in the face of difficulty.
I am very proud of you Morgan for your reading capabilities. I understand that the homework you have been given is boring and easy – but it still needs to be done – and its so quick – we can then get on with much harder stuff. I smile now as I recall you groaning about how your mum makes you do harder stuff than the teachers… you’ll be thanking me soon – really!!
I am very proud of you Lilly – for not only remembering your dance sequence – but I hadn’t realized y ou had memorized mine from the sidelines and helped me remember some steps I had forgotten. I laugh too at y our enthusiasm for Abba songs. I will have to get a copy of a best of for your fourth birthday.

Today we went to Wet and Wild – which is only half an hour drive away. Daddy had an important meeting all day in the house – so we needed to scram. What a lot of fun we had playing in all the water slides, getting wet and floating about on rubber tubes. I was so proud of you Morgan for making your own decisions on what slides you wanted to go on – and for being brave and choosing the Mammoth Falls as our last rides – even though I know you were frightened by how high we were. I am so pleased with both of your confidence in the waves and your body surfing as well.

These half year season passes are going to be so much fun to use!

With much hugs and Love

Mummy

Sweet natures

2009-02-21T20:19:00.000+10:00

Thanks Morgan and Lilly for being so great this week and for making today so pleasant for Daddy. I had a workshop to go to all day and Daddy had been feeling a little sick. However, your bright voices and great manners, helpful nature and caring attitude really helped him through the day.

I want to thank you both for using your wonderful manners all through the week. Both of you have shown how caring you have been with each other and really looking out for the whole family. Thanks Morgan for taking responsibility in clearing the dishwasher and helping with tidying up the house

I am also so so proud of you both with your commitment to your chosen activities. Lilly, you have really blossomed in your dance class and try so hard to follow along and grove with the music. You have shown such an interest in gymnastics I have taken you to two classes this week with great results and laughter from you.

Gymnastics classes have been very challenging for you , Morgan and I have been very proud of the way you have coped with each situation. Upper body strength is something that is important in male gymnastics and it is hard to build those skills. You never give in and never give up – even if its really difficult.

I want to thank both of you too for being supportive and encouraging with our commitment to being more healthy with our food choices. Both of you have tried out and eaten things you have never eaten before and in many cases have asked for more. I can see the changes in all of our energy levels and in the sparkle in your eyes.

It does mean more energy on your behalf – which means I need to keep you both active – but its for the best in the long run for everyone.

Thanks for coming along in our journey to health – For anyone interested in what we are doing with out food choices – click here.

My Special Kids

2009-02-13T10:13:00.000+10:00

My kids constantly amaze me and I count my blessing to have them in my life. I have heard it said that parents can learn alot from thier kids - and I am reminded daily how true this is. Unconditional love, compassion and passion - thats what Morgan and Lilly bring to me every day. Although this post is more about Morgan - Lilly has been a gorgeous helpful girl all week and I have been so proud of both of them.

No doubt, wherever you live, you will have heard about the horrific Victorian Bushfires ravaging the state. Last night they have a body count of 180 people, with many missing, scores in critcial conditions in hospital - not to mention the uncounted number of animals and birds burnt to death in the path of the fires. You just go numb at the enormity and horror of it - trying to make sense and meaning out of it all. As a girl from the country and the daughter of the bushfire brigade - I know that this fire was lit deliberatly - but indescribably selfish, unthinking idiots - who are probably kicking back in thier comfortable home, not giving thier actions a second thought. I actually wrote a short story about six months ago - based on a fire that went through our district adn re-reading it - it saddens me to know how true it is. go here to read it.

I heard that a company was taking a ship container down to one of the communities where 1000 people had lost thier homes and that it was leaving the next day. I kicked myself for the huge clean out I had done in Dec - thinking that I would have nothing let to give. However - we went to every drawer and took things out - stuff that we don't need, who needs so many fancy bras, who needs all those tops or shoes - when someonelse has nothing?

The thing that set me off was Morgan. He brought me his monkey. Its one of those returnng favourite toys - he has had it since his first birthday - it always stays on the bed ( where favourite toys are allowed to sleep) and although Buz Lightyear or Bob the builder might be the flavour of the month for a while - the monkey never leaves. He has velcro on his hands so that he can put his arms around you and hug you.

I wrote his words on a card and cried for about 10 mins afterwards. I still tear up when I think about it.
"Please look after this monkey. He is my favourite -but you need him. I hope he makes you smile. Love Morgan 5 years old."

Bye Bye monkey - boy have I got alot to learn about gratitude and giving. These are the magic moments of parenting.

Dancing and Activity

2009-02-07T20:25:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

I am so proud of you both. Morgan, you have slipped straight back into school and have settled in beautifully. I have spoken to your teacher and she is so delighted with you and your progress – it makes my heart swell. I am so delighted too that you have been invited to a birthday party too and have friends you can wave to and play with now. Your keenness to walk to school is wonderful and we walked three times this week – despite the rain! We have been exploring some after school activities for you and I am so happy you are looking forward to gymnastics and was so desperate to sign up for multi sports before school . It does mean we have to be walking up to school by 7.30am – but it will be wonderful to see you progress through the ball and bat sports to find a passion in physical activity. Your little shiny face today when you came back from a grueling bush walk with Daddy was enough to make me cry. I will make sure those photos you took while you were out goes up in your photographic blog.

Miss Lilly – what can I say? You got off to a shaky start with your dance class – but after some encouragement from those kind girls who are assisting your teacher, you were spinning and twirling with the best of them. I am really impressed by the class format – a bit of dance, a few games, some stretching – a great little mix to keep everyone interested – and the best of all – Barbie stickers at the end. You were so proud of yourself at the end and haven’t stopped talking about it. Just wait until we get your proper shoes next week!

What a delight you both have been this week – and a reminder that you are both maturing and growing up so much – so precious I must savour every moment.

hugs Mummy xxxxxx big kisses to you both

Stanthorpe Show

2009-02-01T22:35:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps

A little late this week – but we have been up to Grandmas for a few days. She lives out on a farm and doesn’t have fancy things like the internet. Our reason this time was to go to the Stathorpe Show – a rural fair and one which has a 133 year old proud history. Mummy and all her brothers and sisters grew up working and playing around the Sheep pavilion. Grandma and Grandad have been involved in running events and exhibiting within the sheep and wool area for over 30 years.

We had such a wonderful time at the show – going on the dodgems, the jumping castle and watching all those big scary rides. I have no doubt that Miss Lilly would have loved to go on them all – but at just under 1 meter tall you are about 30 cms too short my love.

Although we went a little overboard with the sugar stakes- with a bag of fairy floss and the longest licorice strand I have ever seen, you guys ran it off balancing on logs and running about the grounds discovering new things.

Thank you Morgan for being such a big boy and being able to take Lilly to the toilet when she needed to go. You are showing such maturity looking after your little sister. Thank you both for making sure you stayed with me all day. There were so many strange people around I was quite nervous about losing you as we wandered through the crowds.

We loved watching the sheep dog trials and the horses jumping, thought the fashion parade wore a little thin, you both sat through it so Mummy could enjoy it.

We had such an exhausting day, you fell asleep beside me on the grandstand, all snuggled up in your sleeping bag and pillows. It was a shame as despite vigorous rousing, there was no way you would wake up to watch the fireworks. They were so fantastic.

DOCH and the Circus

2009-01-25T00:44:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

I am so proud of you both – and excited for what is instore for the year to come. On Thursday night we went out as a family to dinner – which is not so unusual as we have been doing this ever since you were both babies. You both sat so calmly and quietly, making polite conversation throughout the whole dinner.

The most exciting thing was to walk into the QPAC theatre complex and sit in the front row for DOCH and the Circus show, which I had given Daddy as a birthday present. We had already talked about the fact that there would be no animals at this particular circus and you both showed such maturity in discussing why it was bad for animals to be put on the stage.

The next two hours went so quickly and although it finished well after eleven at night – you were both riveted to the seats, your eyes wide open and staring at the wonder before you. You did so well keeping awake – especially as your bedtimes are usually seven o’clock! DOCH were fantastic – the type of music that both Mummy and Daddy love to dance to – the gypsy music with Spanish overtones and big band presence.

The acrobats, clowns, puppeteers and high wire artists were incredible with their feats of strength and agility. I was so proud of you both clapping and laughing the whole way through.

To top off our wonderful insight, an older lady tapped me on the shoulder as we left and commented how delightful you two were. I hadn’t realized until then that you were the youngest members in the audience.

Mummy adores the theatre, the opera and going to dance. Its always been very difficult to get a babysitter if Mummy and Daddy want to go out – as we don’t have family close by. You two have proved that you can be delightful company and I can now see no reason why we can’t take you along to the theatre and shows.

I love you both!

The Age of Sleep Overs

2009-01-17T21:04:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps

I can’t believe how quickly the Christmas holidays have gone. Looking at only a week left before going back to school and a large list of things I had wanted to do with you is left un checked.

This week made me smile so much – we are now entering the age of sleep overs and neighborhood kids visiting at all hours during the day. I grew up in a very tiny village where our house was the place to be – so at any one time we could have up to 20 kids running amok – jumping on the trampoline – dressing up or playing cricket. Although that madness would send Daddy crazy, I would love for you to experience this as well – as the sense of community is fast evaporating.

Its so great to have children across the road whose mum is also a stay at home mum and happy for the kids to come and play at the knock of the door. I can see this arrangement extending into their teens as I doubt either family has plans to move on for many years.

You were both so great on your sleep over with Dylan – playing so well and respecting his space when he needed it. I do hope he gathers courage to do a sleep over with us sometime. They are such special friends and I feel so blessed to be part of their family too.

Thanks for sharing your toys and making sure your visitors have water when they need it. You can be sure that I will be observing you guys even more now that I am an editor for Type A Moms Surburban Mom section – very excited about that role….

We have crazy week next week – so thanks for hanging in there.

Hugs Mummy

The Wedding

2009-01-12T23:31:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps

I am so dreadfully proud of both of you, my heart is about to burst. We have just gotten back from Noosa, after a huge weekend celebrating Nannys wedding.

It was a big task for two small people to partake in the ceremony – but both of you undertook it with such grace and dignity.

Miss Lilly, you were the most beautiful graceful stately flowergirl anyone could have asked for. Your dazzling smile, fixated on the pulpit and your slow steady pace kept everyone in line at the procession down the church.

Mr Morgan, your serious face bore the mark of someone very determined not to drop the rings and to undertake their duty in the manner it was meant to be done.

Photos – especially so many that needed to be taken on the day in various postions and areas are a drag – but both of you kept those smiles and were so patient being placed in different spots.

Thank you both for being so wonderfully behaved during dinner and being brilliant during the day.

I do hope you both remember the day in years to come. Nanny was so proud of you and so pleased you were part of her special day.

Beach Kids

2009-01-03T23:28:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps

What a great week we have had and at last we have our home back to ourselves – for a little while at least. With Nannys wedding next week, things won’t have gotten back to normal just yet, but with your help we are making it a calm place to be.

Yesterday we got up early and took your new boogie boards down to the beach. Aren’t we lucky we only live 40 mins from the nearest waves? Although we had sunscreened up, the weather wasn’t very kind to us and it remained grey most of the day.

You looked so cool with your boards against the crashing waves – I was a little afraid for you – but as always – Daddy was there to protect and guide you the whole time.

I am so proud of you Lilly – you caught some big waves and rode them to the beach each time. You listened so carefully to Daddy and hid behind his legs each time a wave came crashing through – until you had reached the best place to catch the waves. Even when you got dumped, you managed to stand and smile, spit the sand out of your mouth.. and then run up the beach crying… probably because you saw the look on my face.

I am very proud of you Morgan. I am not a fan of the surf and although you were frightened, you had several attempts to stay on your board and ride the waves. I am so pleased at the end you did catch some decent surf and had fun.

What a wonderful day we had too afterwards – despite the rain chasing us off the beach and ants attempting to drive us off the grass, we decamped and went to the mountains behind the coast and had a picnic overlooking the cliffs and rainforest.

Thanks for being so patient in the tiny shops we visited – wasn’t the icecream we had afterwards worth all the waiting?

Christmas

2008-12-27T19:00:00.000+10:00

Christmas day lunch - looking so impressed!

Dear Peeps,

Phew what a week and a bit hey? With your cousins leaving and then straight away having Nanny and her soon to be husband coming to stay with us for Christmas – then Uncle Max and Bridgette, then the rest of the Evetts come for a day on Boxing Day - its been fairly full on with personal space and individual time.

Its so important to me to have our family traditions and I thank you for always being excited when we went to look at Christmas lights on a drive – ‘just over there’. You helped me out so much getting decorations and tidying up the house for all of our guests.

It was so wonderful to see your little excited faces getting things ready for Santa on Christmas Eve. I loved your thoughtfulness in preparing Santa some healthy snacks. Morgan you are so wonderful thinking that Santa will be feeling a bit sick of all the sugary goodies and wanting an apple and a banana.

Thank you for sleeping in till 6 on Christmas morning. I had been so busy getting food and things ready for Christmas and Boxing day that I hadn’t gotten to bed till very early in the morning.

I doubted we needed the actual trampoline after seeing you - Lilly jumping up and down so much after seeing the boxes in the hall way. Both of you were so patient when we opened out presents up – waiting for everyone to look and enjoy the gifts.

I love to hear your giggles and laughter on the new trampoline and look forward to a private time I can clamber on and bounce without an audience. I remember having so much fun on our trampoline when I was a child and I know that you will love yours as much.

Well – we are now off to see more family –but this time its up to Grandmas for a few days.

This is you all enjoying fairyfloss with Tayla at the Iceskating rink - so nice to have jumpers on when its nealry 35 degrees outside!

Trouble in the Bubbles

2008-12-20T19:59:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

What a week this has been.

My sister arrived from Longreach – over 1000km away – with her four kids and are staying with us for a week. I am so excited to see one of beloved siblings and want you my children to know and love your cousins. Family is a very strong force in my life and existence and I have seen the breakdown of relationships, deep and bitter between families cause so much heartache, angst and hate - something I don’t want to enter into my family ever.

I know its been hard for you to share you space, toys and me with five other people in this time – 24 hours a day. Its now day 5 and I understand you are clingy and wanting me all to yourselves, It so hard to explain to you that I still love you and that you can share that love with lots of people.

I grew up with 5 other brothers and sisters – so learnt from an early age that nothing was exclusively yours and you shared everything you ever had – no matter what it was. I learnt to pitch in without being asked – because it helps everyone in the long run. I try to instill these behaviours in our everyday life – and hope it rubs off on you eventually.

You certainly are a contrast to your country cousins – who are so quiet and withdrawn – especially compared to the loudness of our Miss L. I am sure you all can learn a lot from one another and look forward to continuing the tradition of spending a block of time together every year.

We are having so much fun going to the movies, to different parks, shopping and day trips – with ice-skating and bowling still to come! And both of you are getting to stay up way after bed time – I hope this doesn’t mean tired cranky kids in a few days time!

I love both of you – I think you are awesome. Lets keep learning together.

Christmas Preparations and wishes.

2008-12-13T23:56:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps

Thank you for being so great in the last week of school – with all the stress and carry on there has been. I am so proud of you Mr M – you have grown up so quickly and continue to amaze me with your insights and incredible questions.
Miss Lou – you are a delight to have around – like a little fairy floating about with your tinkly laughter. What a mixture of toughness and frailty you possess – and one I hope you continue to display. You are so independent sometimes I don’t think you need me around – and yet I always get big smoochy kisses and hugs if I go to leave.
I am looking forward to Christmas and the wonder in y our eyes as we open presents, look at lights and visit Santa. You look so cute in your Christmas Costumes – I just want to squeeze you both..
We have our Packing Day for the charity – Basket Brigade, this weekend to go to and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

A hot old week

2008-12-05T00:12:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps

Thank you for being so awesome this week. We set a target to walk to school in the mornings every day and we have done it. Its been really hot, the flys have been thick and there has been no breeze as we walk up the rocky pathway near the road to school. I know I can’t wait until the footpath is put in – but it has been interesting to watch the big diggers and the workmen ploughing up the road every day.

Especially I want to thank you Lilly – as we have to walk up and back to school. You are only three but the toughest tyke I know – not too many your age can walk 5 km before “The Night Garden” on ABC starts.

Thanks Morgan for being so encouraging to Lilly as we walk – especially when she is tired. We have out goal of getting fitter and saving money on our petrol – all so we can go to Fiji on holiday again perhaps in 2010. It was such an awesome goal to come up with by yourself Morgan – I am very proud of you wan want to make sure we honour it.

You two love each other so much and get on well, that the occasional time you start to niggle one another and it turns into a minor war is such a contrast and so awful, its hard for me to remember that you are still only 3 and 5.

Mummy loves you very much, big kisses.

My first wish

2008-12-01T21:56:00.000+10:00

Dear Peeps,

This blog is not going to just be just about how much I appreciate both of you – I really do – I love the caring way you look after each other – the way you stand up for one another in the playground, the little things you do for me and for each other to make our days run smoothly. However - I am sad that the two of you continue to bikker and niggle one another. I know you love each other and enjoy each others company and space. I really dislike it when you hurt each other and make each other cry just to get a reaction out of me.

It saddens me that the only person you play up for is me. Reports back from others who look after you are always glowing. I have tried to look at it from another point of view and be thankful that you are comfortable enough with me to show your true beings but sometimes that doesn’t help me through another day of constant bickering.

I feel at the end of my tether sometimes – and just want to let go – to cut it free! We have tried naughty corners and steps, reward charts and surprise baskets for good behaviour, time out and withdrawal of privileges, quiet words, counting down, withdrawal into anther room and a chat about behaviour , talking about responsibility and expectations and of course the good old – no sugar thing….. and still you bikker and poke one another, both egging one another on to scream or cry out.

I don’t like myself when I find the only thing that gets any attention is to shout at you and Goddess forbid that I ever actually have to carry out the threat I vowed I would never use on my kids – the wooden spoon. A brand new spoon has been bought and is placed in a prominent place in the kitchen. Lets hope we have a great week and not have to pick it up and wave it around.

You two have so many fantastic qualities, I hate myself for focusing on this and need to remind myself that you are only 3 and 5.