Launceston Weeden Family

A Legend!

2012-01-31T14:30:00.000+11:00

I have a friend who 4 months ago lost a son. Charlotte and Noah were at school together and it was sad knowing that Charlotte and Noah would no more get the chance to dance together in there wheelchairs and share glances at each other as they did there work!

Less than a week ago Lisa also lost her husband Aaron, who was such a wonderful guy and was also someone that I know Ryan had a lot of respect for as a husband and a father. Today I was able to listen as brave Lisa shared her memories of a wonderful husband, father to four boys and a son and son in law as well as a brother to many. One of the stories she shared was about how Aaron enjoyed his music and how he LOVED to dress up in his ACDC gear which reminded me of a great photo I captured a church dance!

Aaron was a great guy who was a giver to all, the stories I have read and heard either on facebook or through friends have all been the same. He was someone who was admired and respected for his ability to make people feel good about themselves as well as to make them laugh. I will always remember the funny side of Aaron as I fondly think back to the many times he was the M.C at many a church dance and the way he would have everyone having a great time and including all in the many games he played!

I hope that Lisa and her three boys will know that we all are thinking of them at this time and that we pray that they may feel peace knowing that Noah and Aaron are together watching over them and being able to run together!

A friend of Lisa's has set up a fundraiser page and I ask that you may consider making a donation big or small it can all help. To read more click HERE!

A Wedding in Sydney

2012-01-29T19:32:00.001+11:00

A few back I was lucky to travel with the Crossin family to Sydney to see Abby marry her man Adam!
They have such a special love for each other and you can see it in the way they look at each other that they are truly in love and just adore each other.

We flew up on the Thursday and after missing our connecting flight from Melbourne to Sydney we had to wait in the airport in Melbourne for 2 hours! So the whole plan of what we needed to do was thrown out the window! I will blog more on Sydney later but for now I will share the Wedding Day!

We all stayed in accommodation together with the girls having joining rooms so on the morning of the big day we all were able to help together get each other and importantly the bride ready.

The bride to be as she awoke!

Makala and I went flower shopping early in the morning and found these so we made these for the bride to carry!

Getting all the pretty's done!

The pretty dress!

The Cake made by Jai, and flew all the way from Launceston!

The groom waiting for his bride!

Grandma and Auntie waiting for the bride to arrive!

Coral doing a great job to make the groom a little less nervous!

Here come the bride

Some little fix ups before people see the dress!

How cute is she!

I think Dad is a little proud.

How cheeky is this look!!!!

Signing to make it all official

The Happy Couple

The Bishop who married them

Mak, Annouk and Mr and Mrs Rouse

The Crossin family gained a son!

Can always rely on Auntie Yvette to make you laugh!

I love this photo of kissing Grandma!

Sisters, just missed Zoe!

Just remember Adam that the Aunties are going to come for you if you make our Abby sad!

Sooo in love!

Don't mess with the father in law or his daughter!

Thanks Annouk for coming Abby loved having you there.

Mother and Daughter!

It was a lovely day, well apart from the weather Sydney out on a little Thunder and rain which did wreck the original plan for a wedding outdoors BUT I think it was still lovely where we had it in the end.

Thanks to Adam and Abby for letting us share your special day with you.

Wishing you all the best for your growing old together and being sealed in the temple this time next year!

Protein Balls

2012-01-18T10:48:00.000+11:00

So I decided to make some protein balls the other day which were really good. I got the recipe from the Body Science web site but I did slightly change it. So here is the recipe I made pretty simialr just slight variation:

500 g dates

1 cup water

200g LSA (linseed – sunflower seed – almonds)

3 scoop Chocolate protein powder

150 g desiccated coconut

2 tablespoons cacoa powder

3 tablespoons tahini

Place the dates and water in a saucepan and place over medium heat until soft and water has been evaporated. Allow the dates to cool. Place all the ingredients into a food processor and mix together until the mix comes together. Roll the mixture into balls and place onto grease proof paper and place in fridge. May I also suggest to place some in the freezer as they taste really good on a hot day!

These are gluten free, low gi, protein and omega 3!

New Years Eve 2011

2012-01-02T20:21:00.000+11:00

Well we had a quiet New Years Eve this year as it was just our family spending time together. IN the past we have had family stay the night and sat up and chatted and had the kids run around and have a ball but this year everyone had other things planned, which was nice for a change as it gave us a chance to go and check out New Year's on Royal held at Royal Park in Launceston. It was a really great night and was very family friendly as it had a fireworks display at 9.30 for the children to enjoy and then another display when the clock hit midnight. There was a variety of food vendors selling a variety of eats as well as wine and beer stalls. The best thing about it was that people could also take in a picnic if they wanted to as well. We took a lovely selection of salad and cold meats for some wraps.

The night was a great one as not only did they have musicians playing some groovy songs to dance to, they also had a area set up for the kids to play including a jumping castle, jumping slide, playgroup equipment and a bull ride along with the playground and gym equipment they already have down at the park. Amelia and William both begged to have a ride on the mechanical bull which was funny! William stayed on pretty well but Amelia was off as soon as it pretty much moved, plus she needed Ryan to help her get on which was not all that easy!

The only photo I got of Amelia is the falling off, seriously that's how quick the ride was for her!

After a bit of a play we got the kids a dagwood dog each which they LOVED! Ryan and I enjoyed a pancake one with blueberries and one with Raspberries and the kids enjoyed sharing a maple syrup one. After eating we moved positions to the front so the kids could get in and have a dance and it was really fun as the music was good and both William and Amelia loved it. At dead on 9.30 the fireworks went off and it was pretty good.

When the fireworks had finished we packed up and headed home as the kids were pretty tiered from the warm day as well as the late evening. All in all we had a great night and all were in bed before midnight, mind you the kids pretty much had their heads hot their pillows and were out to it and Ryan and I were in bed just before midnight and listened to the midnight fireworks going off. I just hope that they organise the same thing as it was heaps of fun next New Years!

Christmas Camping 2011

2011-12-30T22:38:00.000+11:00

Well our family did something a little different this year and planned a little trip away camping. We ventured on a trip to Bicheno on Friday evening and set up camp with the Crossin family. We were pretty lucky as the Crossin's had arrived early and set up there tent and our tent which was great otherwise it may have been a very late night!
On Christmas eve we enjoyed a little walk to look at the local shops and also a few of the local sights. William enjoyed a walk to the blow hole and then a walk to the playground with Amelia and Dad where they also ventured out on the beach and ended up paddling.

Christmas day was all about waking early, and then having to wake the kids and we did all the presents. It was really funny as the night before we had the kids set up a treat for Santa in the back of the van so the next morning the kids got a shock to see the van full of gifts.

We drove to Hobart for Christmas with family we started off lunch at my Mum's which was lovely as the three boys got on really well playing with their DS games and then Will's new scooter from Santa. It was also lovely to catch up with my sister who had her little baby on the 14th and I hadn't met as yet. Was lovely having so many cuddles!
In the afternoon we visited Ryan's family and stayed there a short while before we ventured back to the camp site, which made the day extremely long! We all slept well Christmas night I think it may have been a mix of long driving and way too much good Christmas food!

Boxing day William was excited to use his Christmas present he got from Adam and Abby which was a fishing line. Will was keen for the first 5 minutes and then he ditched the rod and was keen to ride his scooter. We had a few lines in and it was fun watching the boys catch the fish, Ryan only managed to catch little baby ones which had to go back in where as Rob caught one that was apparently huge! Amelia even caught a little fry! Another trip to the park then we ventured back for a BBQ with fish caught and some sausages. We took a drive to Aspen park and even though we did not go on the walk we thought we may do it some other time. That night when the kiddies had gone to bed some of us ventured up to the blow hole and to see the little penguins come in. We managed to see three come in and waddle up to the safety of the bushes for them to rest for the night. Mind you we got there a whole hour before hand and got eaten alive by mozzies so when we saw the three we thought that was enough and then walked back to the tent to recoup from the mozzie invasions!

On the Tuesday we packed our stuff and drove up through Elephant Pass and stopped for some pancakes at a cute little place. We then continues our trek home with a stop at St Marys to look at a place where a guy has set up his collections on many things from cars to computers to you name it!

After a busy few days we were excited to get back to our own beds, down side to camping is that we had so much washing and airing to do of our clothes and camping stuff, but we would do it all again as it was fun!

Christmas Family Photos

2011-12-17T22:22:00.000+11:00

I have been trying for the past few weeks to get some family photos taken for Christmas and today we finally got a chance to do it!

We went to a wonderful park in Launceston that doesn't have a big playground but has wonderful green grass and heaps of trees that offer great shade from a beating sun!

The kids were a little feral but we managed to get some ok shots! I love to do it each year and to see how we have all changed!

I found this photo from last year!!! How they have changed!

Another Assembly

2011-12-17T20:52:00.000+11:00

So busy this time of year, and this time it was Charlotte's school final assembly.

It started with a few songs that the children grooved to and then a welcome from the Principle then the class groups performed and were presented with a book reward and then a slide show. Charlotte's group shared their stories they helped make on the computer about their trip to the farm earlier this year. Charlotte got her certificate for her swimming achievements during the year, and the book 'If Your Happy and You Know It'.
The assembly finished with a Christmas sing along and then a morning tea and a chance to chat with the other families and staff. It was a great way to finish the school year, which I am looking forward to kind of as it means chances to sleep in laze around and relax, something I am really looking forward to only three more school days to go!

Birthday Love!

2011-12-16T15:14:00.000+11:00

On Wednesday I celebrated another birthday, and before any ones asks I am not telling my age or maybe I will 21! Yeah right!!!! Any way I had a wonderful day filled with the things I love. Woke up to a beautiful family singing Happy Birthday and then some lovely gifts including Julie Goodwin the winner from Masterchef season 1 second cookbook and a Sushie box that included a DVD book and bits and pieces to make sushi and a few other bits and pieces. I felt very spoilt, I am sure the family would have cooked breakfast and all if they could have but I am not a big breakfast girl when I plan to workout in the morning! See that's the other great thing I got to send the morning at the gym doing what I love Combat and then hanging out with Will and baking Caramel Slice from Julies new cookbook (however I did make some little changes so really could make it my own).

I was spoilt for dinner as Ryan cooked a yummy dinner with lots of special bits as extra including a beetroot with fetta dip and a sweet potato dip as well that he used as a sauce for the meat. He even did a great presentation with the dish!

As much as I loved the main I am a sweet tooth so need I say that for me desert was the BEST!!! Ice cream cake and chocolate what more could a girl ask for! Really I am not a cake girl but ice cream and chocolate I can manage really well any time!!!!!

Thanks to my wonderful family for making my birthday extra special!

A Day Trip To Melbourne

2011-12-12T15:18:00.000+11:00

Just realised I got caught up and forgot to write about Amelia's trip to Melbourne!!!

Wow like I said heaps on but last weekend Amelia was lucky to go on the Stake Temple Trip to the Melbourne Temple! We got up really early to leave on the 6.30am Qantas flight!! Let me tell you I was scared as it was a plane with propellars!!!! It was the smallest plane I had ever seen! We got on and Amelia had a slight panic attack but overall was great to fly over with. We could have had something to eat but the greasy pastry was a little too much so early in the morning!!!!!

We got in and then had to walk for ever to get out bag, I almost think that we could not have landed any more remote than what we did, maybe the Melbourne airport were a little embarrased having tiny planes land there!!!!
We got the bus with the rest of the Stake and it took about 40 minutes to get to destination. Both Yvette and Amy and Kirk where there to meet us which was lovely! Kirk and Amy took Amelia for breakfast which was lovely and then when she got back we did some baptisms with her. After some baptisms Aunty Yvette took her to the shops and spoilt her rotten! Ryan and I got to spend some time together which was lovely.

After a busy day we caught the bus back to the airport and this time had the scenic drive through Melbourne and I think it took over an hour! We got some tea at the airport and did some shopping for Will and Charlotte who were back home with Aunty Coral (a big thanks to Coral and Abby and Adam for looking after the other two). Oh and a brought some Krispy Kremes to bring home! This flight was not as good as the first and Amelia had a big panic attack when the plane took off BUT at least we managed to get her to relax a little thanks to drugs and a great air host who made a fuss of her! I think we have both decided now that next time we go away we will catch the boat!

Family Christmas Breakfast

2011-12-12T14:35:00.000+11:00

On Saturday morning Ryan's work put on a family BBQ for Christmas! It was a breakfast pull of protein which was GREAT! Not only did we have breakfast we also got a visit from Santa! Santa came in a very groovy old car and I think the adults were more keen to check out the car and ditch poor Santa!

Santa came and gave the children a present each and William was super excited as was Amelia. Amelia got some Harry Potter things and Charlotte got some body cremes and William got a hot wheels car thing that changes colour when the car is out in hot and cold water, all the kids Loved there presents so Santa chose well!

A bit early for ice cream hey!

School Assembly St Gorges

2011-12-12T12:19:00.000+11:00

Well another year has flown past and in usual style the last couple of weeks prior to Christmas are hectic, although it seems to have started sooner this year!!!!

Amelia had her Christmas presentation on Friday and we were lucky to have Nan up staying, which was perfect as I was unable to make as William also had his Christmas party at the gym on the same time. Nan took some photos and I was told that Amelia did a great job in doing the actions to the song. She also got a really great book as an award for her improvement in her verbal communication this year which she has done really well!

After the Assembly the children went back to school and had a BBQ with a special visit by Santa! Amelia loved her DVD she got and was super excited!!!!!

Cant believe that next week is the end of the year, already!!!!!

Trip to Hagley

2011-11-29T16:12:00.000+11:00

Today I was asked to do parent help on a trip to Hagley with the Kinder children. I must say that when I looked out the window this morning I was a little worried that the trip may be put off as it was pretty yuck looking! After a couple of showers early this morning I am pleased to say that in true Tasmania style the weather picked up and managed to hit us with at least 25 degrees!

The children travelled on a BIG bus to the farm and were greeted by two lovely teachers who took us on our journey. First thing we did was go and see the calves and got to give them a pat. We then had morning tea and split into two groups. Our group walked around and got to feed all the animals and to see where the milking is done and got to see where it is stored. We also got to see where the shearing is done. The children loved the feeding of the animals however there were a few who were a little unsure!!!!

We then had lunch and a great play in the equipment and then we got to go on a tractor ride to see some donkeys, alpaccas, and the cows! After a long drive we met back and gathered our stuff and boarded the bus home. It was a very long day and a few little people fell asleep on the way back ( I must say I would have loved a little rest as well as the sun managed to hit just a bit).

Garden Growing

2011-11-21T14:07:00.000+11:00

Well our past track record has not always been the best when it comes to being successful gardeners BUT look at what is happening!!!!!

How exciting the plants are growing and we will have mushrooms soon! What will we cook with all of them!

I also can't believe what steroids these things are on!

It's hard to believe that this poor little plant was eaten by the wildlife in our backyard but over the past few weeks it has managed to grow its leaves back. Bring back the chilli (wonder how hot this chilli will be)

Snow peas and garlic are on fire!

Coriander is looking pretty good we actually used some of this for dinner last night!

I love lavender and have wanted a traditional lavender for ages so a few weeks back I managed to find one! Can't wait till I can start picking and drying it next year so I can make things with it! I actually managed to get 2 plant one is a specific for cooking so watch out for some new recipes using Lavender!

Space Party

2011-11-19T15:18:00.002+11:00

Well master William turned 5 during the week and we thought that this year we would have a little party to help him celebrate. The theme he chose was Space! Well let me tell you that it is actually really hard to find many things space related but somehow we managed!

The last few nights have been late ones as we prepared for the party Ryan made a kicking space rocket out of a massive box he scored from work and the kids loved it! I also went through a few Donna Hay kids annual magazines and found some great ideas!

The kids started off making some really cool space helmets that they decorated with colouring them in , stickers and glitter. Next they got their space jets ready for the space mission to find stars. Next it was time for some Pinata, which would have gone really well apart from the leeches who had other ideas!!!! A few kids had some little suckers on them, but the trusty salt worked a treat! So then we finished the Piniata inside,
Next we did a pass the parcel followed by some meteor throwing!

The food was a hit with lots of space things, including space pops, space pizza, alien cupcakes, and space jelly. I must say that it took a bit of work but the kids seemed to have a pretty good time which is the main thing. Now William is enjoying playing with all his cool new toys!

Master Chef in training!

2011-10-28T11:30:00.000+11:00

Monday was a day of baking in this house! William and Amelia got to choose a packet or box at the supermarket that they wanted to make so they decided to make brownies!

William was decked out in his NEW apron and was doing a great job cleaning the whisk for me!

I also had a Donna Hay box of Macaroons that I made up as well and were really easy to make but also really yummy!

I then thought why not try and make macaroons form scratch at the same time seeing that I already had all the ingredients as well as had the oven already powered up.

They didn't turn out exactly how I wanted smooth crisp outer layer and chewy in the inside BUT they still tasted pretty good!

All in a very productive cooking session and great that the kids had some new treats for there lunch boxes for the next few days. New project is the pumpkin pie which I have been checking out in a magazine, looking forward to giving it a go!

Daddies Little Helper

2011-10-27T13:00:00.000+11:00

Ok so I posted earlier that we have been planting our garden in pots, well Ryan has been very busy making planters from wood he has been collecting from work, yes Boags is good when they throw old pallets away as Ryan has been collecting them as he has been making some little odds and ends for the garden. So after our family trip out these two decided to start the painting stage! I must say William was very keen in doing the painting, although he did get into a BIG mess with the paint all over himself and since I have worked out the paint does not come out of clothes as easy as I thought, lucky they were the old clothes that were a little small!

Good job guys!

Children's week at City Park

2011-10-27T12:32:00.000+11:00

On Saturday to start children's week there was a family day full of free entertainment and things for the kids to do at City Park. We ventured down after a quick trip to Bunnings to purchase some odds and ends to put into out garden.

The weather was wonderful and the kids had heaps of fun, especially William as he was able to enjoy a bounce and a slide on the bouncing castles. They had a couple of food stands including saugages, oven pizza and ice cream William gravitated to the ice cream and got very cross that he had to have a sausage before an ice cream! After a little discussion about it he was happy and forgot all about eating an ice cream!

William went and danced to the faeries and was a little unsure to start as it was overrun by many girls , that was until the silly song came on and then he got into it! Amelia met up with a friend from school who was also enjoying the outing and between them they boogied to the faeries as well.

All in all it was a great day and we caught up with people and families we hadn't seen in a while but was nice to see and chat to.

Spring Gardening and BBQs

2011-10-27T12:08:00.000+11:00

Ok so our family does not have the best track record of keeping plants alive, I actually think we kill them with kindness! I can dream can't I! Any way we have bitten the bullet and have collected a few pots as well as Ryan building a few pots and we have currently got a little garden going on. Now don't get me wrong the house we are renting is great as the plants are self surviving BUT we wanted to try and grow a few herbs, vegies and fruit. Currently we are growing some tomatoes ( I was a little keen for planting when sow day came around) we also have a selection of herbs including basil and rosemary two of my favourites. Ryan has got him self an olive tree and a mandarin tree. I brought some spring onions which were looking a bit worse for ware but they have come back pretty well thankfully! We thought for some fun and to get the kids excited we would grow some sunflowers which have taken off really well. The only draw back was after a few days of great progression we realised we had some neighbours with gourmet tastes and they started to eat Ryan's chilli plants and garlic and beans! So we have now made cages to go over them, looks pretty funny at the moment as each pot has it's own wire fence around it, almost like a prison for plants!

So after a busy day in the garden with the weather being so kind we decided to crank up the BBQ and get in practice for the kind of summer we are planning to have this year, one with many BBQ's and time to sit outside and enjoy the sun, while looking at out little garden!

Boxing Training

2011-10-17T20:06:00.000+11:00

Ok so a busy weekend of birthdays as well as for me a training course in boxing held in Hobart.

I travelled down with Mum Friday night and was ready to get going at 9am on the Saturday. The day consisted of lots of practical stuff like position for boxing and holding pads so as not to get injured. It was a great information day and also a pretty good workout! The Saturday was focused on jabs, crosses and uppercuts with the ways in which you can put combinations together and how to get maximum workout in either a class setting or a personal training session.

The Sunday was focusing on the hook as well as the elbow and then kick boxing which was knees and kicks. This was a good session but not as intense as the previous day still hard however! SO after 2 pracs and a theory assessment we finished the day with passing the course. So now I can add boxing to my list of areas I can now focus my PT sessions and classes to teach! So if anyone is wanting to do some PT just let me know and we can arrange something!

A Birthday Weekend

2011-10-17T18:26:00.000+11:00

Well the weekend of birthdays started with Charlotte on the Friday and then continued on with my Mum's birthday on the Saturday. It was nice to be able to see mum on her birthday as I travelled back to Hobart with her on the Friday evening. We woke up Saturday morning and she was excited to get some special gifts.

I had a training session all day Saturday but I took her to dinner that night to Hogs Breath (have been wanting to go after the adverts on TV and was keen to try the curly fries)! It was all yummy and I would recommend if your down to give it a try!

After a yummy dinner we skipped along to Cold Rock for some ice cream. Mum had old English and boysenberry and I had old English and baileys with pop rock and caramel fudge mixed through, was pretty good! All in all I think she had a lovely day relaxing and being spoilt!

Happy 13th Birthday!

2011-10-17T16:52:00.000+11:00

On Friday we celebrated Charlotte hitting the teen scene! It is hard to think that 13 years ago she was just a little bub, oh my how time flies past!

She celebrated in style with opening her presents and blowing out some candles (or should I say we singing happy birthday while William blew her candles out), before she went to school so Amelia and William could take a cupcake for there lunches. We got her some birthday balloons and a massive badge just to let everyone know that Charlotte was the birthday girl! One of her special gifts was a pretty pink Pandora leather bracelet with a lovely purple bead, pink is her colour! We also had Nan from Hobart visiting with us which was lovely that she could be there for Charlotte's birthday!

I was told she had a lovely day at school and she came home that evening to enjoy MORE cupcakes, this time ice cream cupcakes as I knew that she would at least be able to try eating some of these as they are smooth and Charlotte is fully PEG fed and usually does not eat orally. I must say she really enjoyed the sweetness of the ice cream BUT not how cold it was she sure came up with some wonderful expressions which I thought would lead to tears as it was so cold but she continued on with no complaint.

TRX Suspension Training

2011-09-19T15:39:00.000+10:00

On the weekend the family took a trip to Hobart for two reasons, one to catch up with family and the second so I could do some training using the TRX. Now for those who do not know what TRX is then keep reading.

Ok so this is what a TRX looks like

A TRX is a unique suspension training harness that allows the person using it to perform a massive selection of exercises using their bodyweight.

Suspension training is great for helping to build strength and it builds functional strength, improves flexibility, balance and strength through the core all at once.

Suspension training is something everyone can do as there are a variety of levels so all people are catered for from the person who has not been doing exercise to the elite athlete.

A TRX is great as it can be used in any setting and is great for people to use at home, when they travel and now the gym!

To read more click on the picture above and go to the official TRX web site as it has heaps more great information on the TRX training system.

Just some of the things you can do with the TRX, mind you there is 100s more!

So if anyone is interested in knowing more or is interested in having a PT session let me know, Health and Fitness World Launceston is currently using these in PT sessions and are looking at introducing group fitness classes using the TRX training system so stay tuned!

So after a late night, and feeling a little stiff today I can say that the weekend was great, leant heaps, got to use the TRX and try things I hadn't tried before and got to see family, what more could a person want!

School Holidays

2011-09-15T14:37:00.000+10:00

As much as I love school holidays and the being able to lounge around in our PJ's to all hours of the days and playing the wii games and eating way too much junk food. I also find it hard to get out and do things with three kids as I have two that like to play up whenever we go out so unless the girls go to respite I usually leave things to weekends when Ryan is with us so he can be the referee! But today we managed to get a chance to go out to the movies today to see the Smurfs which was really good.

The kids all loved it and even tho Will got scared towards the end overall they had fun. As a treat after we went to the golden arches and the kids enjoyed Happy Meals (the toy was a Smurf which William has played with ever since we got home 2 hours ago!) And the reason I braved going out with the kids today is thanks to having a special visitor staying with us for a couple of days, thanks Mum!

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2011-09-14T16:04:00.000+10:00

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2011-09-12T12:42:00.000+10:00

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More Family Photos

2011-09-10T21:03:00.000+10:00

Wow two weeks in a row we have managed to get out on a fine and sunny Saturday! Today we had a relaxed morning before we ventured out to take some more family photos. The reason for more family photos is William has been worried of late that he may actually not be part of our family as we have a photo taken before he was born that has Ryan and I with the girls. He has mentioned to Ryan a couple of times that he is not part of the family as he is not in 'that' photo! So today I was excited as I have had a little area I have had my eye on as a place to take some photos for a few weeks. It is actually a place I walk past nearly everyday on my way to the gym. It is a lane way between Boags and the auction place and has got some great textures I was excited to play with. So after about 10 minutes the kids actually cracked it and were asking for the toilet but as mean parents that we are we told them they had to wait, which they managed rather well. So below is some of the raw photos, raw as I have still got to find the time to sit and play around with and then hopefully do some digital scrapbooking with them!

Yes this is where William had had enough and wanted to go and do some balancing!

Father's Day in style

2011-09-05T14:02:00.000+10:00

Ok so we reckon it is pretty much kids day every day but for two times in the year we have a day were the the kids can step up and show us how much they love us and thank us for all the things we parents do. So yesterday it was Dad's turn to get a little spoilt and a little/lot spoilt is what he got!

The first thing was he got to sleep in a little longer than normal, so instead of the awake before 6 he got to sleep in until just after 7.30 (BONUS). Because it was his special day he got to choose what he wanted for breakfast, so we had waffles with bacon and maple syrup which were really good, I picked up a waffle and pancake book which has been a little useful over the last couple of months for different ideas for the family! We also had some fresh orange juice. Next it was present opening and he loved all the little things he got from the kids, as per usual school have the children make cards and little gifts for their Dad's. He also enjoyed his new Carlton attire which he put on as soon as he opened it, I don't know why considering they lost in a big way to St Kilda Saturday night after leading for most of the game (yes I am a Saint's fan!)

After a lazy morning we attended church and then came home to a home cooked three course dinner. We had so much food that we ended up inviting the Missionaries over as well. Dinner consisted of home made garlic pizza as entree followed by a roast lamb with polenta and rosemary chips and roast vegetables, followed by a caramel baked cheese cake with caramel sauce. All the meal was inspired from the current Donna Hay magazine! And I must say that there is still plenty more in this months magazine I want to give a go. So after eating so much food and having to roll the missionaries down the drive as they were so full we packed the dishwasher and sat down to watch Ryan's favourite show 'Castle'. I am hoping that Ryan had a great Dad's day and we enjoyed showing just how much we appreciate all he does, it is nice to have one day of the year to focus on just that, however I believe that we should be doing it everyday to each member of our family!

Yes even tho it was Father's Day the kids managed to flog the freddo frogs!

A very excited Carlton package!

A trip to the Hospital

2011-09-04T10:33:00.000+10:00

Thursday was a pretty busy day for our family, Amelia had to go to hospital for a small operation and Will had a trip to the hospital as part of his kinder group. Amelia had to be in by 7pm so Ryan took the day off work to help out one because I could not be everywhere with three kids and two we were not sure how Amelia would manage with the thought of being somewhere strange. Overall she did a great job and we were shocked at how brave she was. They did give her some medication which made her drowsy and she was not so keen for the pictures, sorry about the quality but taken using the ipod!

In the afternoon Williams kinder class took a bus trip to the hospital where they were met by a lady called Tash who told them all about why they might come to hospital and told them who they might see when they come and signs they may see around the place to help them know where things are. Each of the children got weighed just like what would happen if they were to go to hospital and then she showed them how they take the children's temperature and then got two children up to be a sick person and one to be the Dr. Noah was the sick child and he got to choose a Dr. so he chose Will! William got dressed up like a Dr that would be fixing Noah's broken arm, Dr William did a great job bandaging the break.

The children got to see where the Mum and Dad's come to when they stay with the children and then they got to have a play on the groovy playground. William has been to the hospital before with Charlotte so he was not worried in the slightest and had a great time playing with all the toys in the playground! I always wonder how he will cope if he ever actually has to go to hospital for anything as he is really bad when it comes to hurting himself, he screams and refuses to let anyone even touch or look at what is hurt, really hoping he never has a broken bone or a cut that needs stitches as they would need to knock him out to even look at it! The children were really lucky as on the way out they were entertained by some clown doctors, who were very funny with all the bits they had on them!

Fine Sunny Days

2011-09-04T08:43:00.000+10:00

Yesterday was a wonderful spring day in our end of town. After a few slight changes to our morning thanks to Ryan getting called into work for a security problem we got ourselves sorted and went to visit the ducks and hang out at the playground. William was in his element as he got to take his bike, I actually remembered to pack his bike!

So after fattening the duck we strolled around the pond and found a lovely little area to take some random photos.

After a little more play for Will and some swinging for Amelia we ventured to the supermarket to get all the ingredient for a Father's Day feast, more to come later!

Jess's 21st Birthday Bash

2011-08-25T00:05:00.000+10:00

On Saturday night we were invited to the lovely Jess' birthday bash to celebrate her 21st. After a day of grumbling kids we actually were not even sure we would be able to make it as the kids pretty much were at each other the entire day (even a trip to the museum was not enough to make them happy). But we braved it and were surprised at actually how good the kids were!

Jess has been battling the flu and was lucky to even make it herself, as it was Anthony her husband was that ill he had to stay home. But I must say she did a great job with her family decorating and entertaining the guests. The theme was a masquerade and the kids and I made masks to wear which was fun! William was a king on the dance floor all night, so much so that Jess was amazed at just how much Will LOVES to dance! I was just grateful that no Zumba music was put on as he would have been shaking his groove thing!!!!!!

After lots of lovely food, a little to much over indulgence by some namely William for eating too much sugar. We said our goodbyes and travelled a couple of minutes down the road and heard a little man snoring (the dancing man was danced out).

Thanks Jess for sharing your 21st birthday with our family we had such a lovely time and hope that you enjoyed your birthday on the Sunday!

An Afternoon Tea Treat

2011-08-24T23:46:00.000+10:00

Last Friday William and I were invited to Amelia's school for a special afternoon tea put on by the students in Amelia's class. The students were very professional looking after the needs of their guests and would ask if we would like tea or coffee or cordial. William was extremely well looked after as he was taken of my hands by some lovely young girls who thought he was the bees knees! He was grooving along showing his hot dance moves on the floor and keeping all entertained as he went! Even though it was an activity for Amelia's class she became a little shy and sat out away from the crowds of parents so I don't have any photos of her to add. At least I here she did enjoy the cupcakes and cordial rather alot! The afternoon tea also sat well time wise as Amelia's teacher is taking long service and her last day was the Friday so the class also were able to celebrate her end of year celebrations a little early! Rose is off on a lovely trip around the USA for a few months and we look forward to hearing all about her adventures via her blog while she is away.

Regeneration Diet

2011-08-15T15:57:00.000+10:00

So after feeling a little bla for a while I have decided to put myself on the Regeneration Diet. This is a diet that we got from our naturopath a while back for Amelia. It is a great diet to help cleanse and detox from the harsh things we sometimes forget that we out into our body. I am hoping that after 2 weeks I can gently add back in some small things (like chocolate) but we will see how I feel in two weeks! So people have asked what the diet looks like and I have added some more information below:

Foods to Eat Freely

FRUIT- all types of fruit are fine

VEGETABLES- all are free to eat, however the following are higher in fibre but low in carbs

Asparagus, cucumber, soybeans, tomatoes, eggplants, turnips, carrots, beets, lettuce, okra, collards, onions, greens, cauliflower, string beans, brussel sprouts, green pepper, mustard greens, broccoli, radishes, parsley, celery, cabbage

MEATS AND EGGS
Chicken, seafood, veal, turkey, lamb, wild game, lean beef and eggs

UNPROCESSED NUTS
Almond, cashew, walnut, sunflower seeds, brazil nuts, pecan nuts, pumpkin seeds

UNPROCESSED OILS (cold pressed oils)
Olive, safflower, soy, walnut, corn. coconut, palm

FOODS TO EAT CAUTIOUSLY (limited quantities)
High Carb Vegetables: sweet corn, peas, squash, beans, lima beans, potatoes

Whole Grains: barley, corn, oats, rice, millet, wheat

FOODS TO AVOID

All foods containing sugar and honey
Packaged and processed foods
White flour products and Wheat
Yeast: supplements or any food containing yeast
Breads, pastries and other bakery goods which use yeast (yeast free, wheat free sourdough is fine)
Concentrated yeast spreads like vegemite and marmite etc
Malt and Malt products
All alcoholic beverages
Vinegar and vinegar containing foods including sauces, mayonnaise, salad dressings, pickles and relishes
Condiments
Processed and smoked meats, eg salami, sausages etc
Pork
All dairy products
Mushrooms/fungi, melons, dried and canned fruit, commercial fruit juices
Coffee, all products containing caffeine, tea

We have done this before BUT not as strictly, Amelia was on this diet but we did have to allow a couple of things as she is such a fussy eater but overall she did pretty well. This will be the first time I will be following it and I am looking forward to thinking of different ideas I can come up with. Today was a little boring as I only ate fresh fruit for breakfast and apple for mid morning, a miso soup for lunch and 1/2 cup of nuts for afternoon tea. Hoping I don't get the sugar crave soon!!!!!!! It is all about will power and I know that I need to change my focus and see that food is fuel and start eating to that motto, easier said than done when one loves to bake!!!!!!!

Source

Whoopie Pies!

2011-08-14T21:29:00.000+10:00

I have seen whoopie pies around for a while now and I have been wanting to make them for a while but have been too busy or too tiered to get around to making them until today! Today I made some red velvet whoopies and I must say they tasted pretty good. Now for those who have never heard of whoopies before they are a cross between a cupcake and a cookie.

Ingredients
For the pies

125g softened butter
200g caster sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
300g self raising flour
20g cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
250ml buttermilk
2 teaspoons red food colouring
100ml boiling water

Butter Cream

250g chocolate broken in pieces
160g butter
125g icing sugar

To decorate
white chocolate

1. Pre heat oven to 180 degrees or 170 degrees for a fan forced.

2. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl, until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat in well.

3. Sift the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder twice and add to the butter, sugar and egg mix, add in the buttermilk and food colouring and whisk till combined. Next add in the hot water and whisk till combined.

4. Place the mixture into a piping bag with a large nozzle and pipe 6cm diameter circles onto a tray lined with grease proof paper allowing room for a little spreading. Allow them to stand on the trays for 10 minutes before putting in the oven. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Remove trays and allow the pies to cool slightly before turning out onto a wire rack to cool.

To make the butter cream

1. Put chocolate pieces into a heat proof bowl and place over a saucepan filled with simmering water, being careful not to allow the water to touch the bowl. Stir until the chocolate has fully melted and remove the bowl from the water. Add in the chocolate and stir until melted allow the mix to cool slightly, then add in the sifted icing sugar and whisk using an electric whisk until creamy.
2. Put the butter cream into a piping bag and pipe a generous swirl of butter cream onto one half of the whoopie pie then place the other half of the whoopie pie on top.

To decorate

Melt some white chocolate and smooth over the top, allowing to set, then add a dusting of cocoa powder.

Rushing Gorge

2011-08-14T20:52:00.000+10:00

Friday afternoon was thought we would take the family on a little walk around the Gorge with the plan to kick a ball around, however as I have not been listening to the news of late I realised once we got there that the water had come all the way up to the playground, which means we couldn't kick the footy around. We did however enjoy a walk over the Suspension Bridge and then a short kick in the other playground, until I decided we should head back when I could no longer feel my fingers and toes (they actually had turned blue and I could hardly even push the button to take photos). Charlotte was very alert as we crossed the bridge twice as she was looking from one side to the other at all the noise. Was pretty cool, apart from when Ryan was making the bridge shake a little more than normal! Highlight for me was seeing the start of spring on its way!

A Date with the Hawks!

2011-08-14T20:38:00.000+10:00

Well Amelia and William were a bit upset last time the Hawks came down and we couldn't go and see them so we booked the date for there return trip and last trip to Hobart this season. We were unable to get tickets to the game but we did manage to see them train on the Saturday before. Again Amelia stalked Hawka and this time Will enjoyed attempting to kick a football. Charlotte, Ryan and I tried to stay warm but decided that Aurora Stadium was not well designed as the area where the changerooms are and the area that we have to stay in gets NO sun in the afternoon and as a result it was FREEZING. The things we do for our children!

Amelia got a new Hawthorn top so she can add another to her collection!

Charlotte supporting our local team and keeping warm.

Chocolate and Hazelnut Torte

2011-08-03T13:45:00.002+10:00

Last night I made a desert that I think was to die for! I have never made a Torte and so had to do a little bit of homework on the net to find the basics of how to make one. The inspiration came from the one made on Masterchef by Kate Sunday night. So after arming myself with the principles this is the recipe I came up with:

Ingredients

5 egg-whites
1 cup caster sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cornflour
1 teaspoon white vinegar
½ cup hazelnut meal

What to do

Beat the egg whites till stiff then gradually add in the sugar, a little at a time making sure each sugar is dissolved and the egg whites are shiny and stiff. Next add the cornflour, cacoa powder and the white vinegar. Next gently fold in the hazelnut meal, careful not to over stir it.

Pre heat oven to 120 degrees and cut out grease proof paper in circles about the size of an entree dinner plate, and place them on a baking trays. Divide the mixture between the three cut outs and bake in the pre heated oven on 120 degrees for about 25-35 minutes. Turn off the oven and open the door slightly and leave for approx. 30 minutes or until cooled.

The insides

I used creme fraiche and caster sugar whisked together to make it a little easier to spread and making sure the sugar was dissolved. I also made a chocolate ganache using 1/2 cup cream and 400g milk chocolate. In a saucepan combine the cream and chocolate and stir over medium heat until chocolate is melted, remove it from the heat and allow to cool a little ( as it cools it will thicken up) When at desired consistency start layering the Torte placing one of the cakes at the bottom and then spread creme fraiche then the chocolate ganache then layer another cake on top and repeat. To finish drizzle the ganache over the top and allow it to drizzle down the sides.

Cut small slices (as it is very rich) and enjoy!

A Fan of Carlton!

2011-07-24T21:04:00.000+10:00

William has been corrupted by his father to follow Carlton, much to my disgust. We are looking at the idea of joining him up next year in auskick but just trying to find a time on a Saturday could be the problem! So in getting him ready to be a top footy player I found this on the auskick website and wondered what he would look like as a tough footy player!

OZSALE website

2011-07-24T11:23:00.000+10:00

I love a good saving and I have come across a site where you can get sales that change every three days. I have just joined a site OZSALE and if your interested in joining up to get daily sales then click here to keep up to date with sales. Products are varied from beauty and skin care to Nikon cameras, to hundreds of clothes and shoe brands including Nike, tigerlilly, Alex Perry, Fletcher Jones and many many more. They also have homewares, books and gifts. So if your interested check it out!

A Trip to the Bakery

2011-07-15T23:21:00.000+10:00

Yesterday William's kinder class went on a walking trip to the local Postoffice and Bakery. His teacher Kate had rang me a few weeks earlier asking if I could do parent help which of course I said no problems, as I knew she wanted me to come along with my camera and be the photographer for the trip!

So once the kiddies had eaten some fruit they rugged up in hats, coats and gloves and lined up in pairs and took off on their adventure!

The walked down the hill and the first stop was the Post Office where they each were given a letter in which they had written their name on and inside was a message written but their teacher. Each of the children paid their 60 cents and got a stamp and with a little help attached it to their envelop. Once they all had attached a stamp they then posted their letter in a mail box outside!

Next item on the agenda was a trip inside the bakery where they met Tony the baker! Tony was great and showed the kids how they make bread and told us how early he gets up each morning to bake the bread so we can have it fresh for our breakfast!

The kids were then showed how they make biscuits using a machine to roll out the dough and then Tony cut a ginger bread man out.

Next the bakers iced a cupcake and each of the children got to chose a decoration for a cupcake, the kids thought that this was great and once they had their photo taken they had to put it in a bag and carry it up the hill where they stopped half way and sat and had their morning tea.
It was a great day, and even though it was cold I think by the time we got back to school we were a little warmer, thanks to some great warm ovens in the bakery!

Follow Up Yes he made it Home!

2011-07-13T22:05:00.000+10:00

Ok so this is a very late blog post BUT a follow up on Ryan and the ash cloud issues!

Well after an extra night spent in Melbourne he managed to get a flight home! Thanks Virgin for starting to fly out of Melbourne at lunch time as Ryan's plane was the first one to arrive from Melbourne after the ash cloud delays! I thought seeing that he had heaps of free time at the Melbourne airport he had better coff up some Krispy Kremes for a well deserving wife, which he came through with, thanks honey they were yummmmmmm!

So now that the family is all home we have no future plans to fly any where soon and I must say I have not heard much more about the dreaded ash cloud so things must be good and the ash has managed to disperse. I know Ryan spoke to a couple of people when he flew from Sydney to Melbourne the day before and they had got stuck in some interesting places waiting due to ash cloud, one guy was saying he was stuck in Mexico where they had no air conditioners in the airport and it was stinking hot so we should feel lucky that we didn't have any of those conditions!

Will the Ash Cloud lift?

2011-06-23T08:14:00.000+10:00

Ok so flights in and out of Tasmania have been on hold for the past couple of days due to a wonderful volcanic ash cloud! This is the second wave we have had over Australia and as much as the photos that it has had taken of it with the sky looking all pretty, it is in fact a real pain. Ryan has been away in Sydney for a work course and was due to fly home last night. The annoying part was that he had two planes to catch one from Sydney to Melbourne then Melbourne to Launceston. Virgin started flying out of Sydney yesterday afternoon so he got that flight but ended up stuck in Melbourne last night. His work put him up at the Hilton, which he tells me was rather nice and a much better bed to sleep on than the Novatel!

So I have been seen with a phone stuck to my ear most of yesterday afternoon trying to arrange his new flight! I had him booked at 7.50 this morning but that was cancelled so rang again and now have him booked for 12.05!I have everything crossed that they fly at lunchtime today as I am not sure how he will be trying to get the only other flight to Launceston tonight if that goes ahead!

It Arrived!

2011-06-21T18:38:00.000+10:00

Ok so my last post was that I won a Cadbury competition WELL it arrived in my mailbox today! This is what I got!!!!!

Yum three blocks of the new Mousse chocolate and a snazzy new pen! Will have to hide this pen from the pen thieves, we have two in the house at the moment.

Now I am going to enjoy when the kiddies go to bed tonight so I can sample some of them, and I don't even have to share as hubby is away expected back tomorrow (ash cloud depending)!

Cold Rock

2011-06-19T19:32:00.000+10:00

Ok so I have not put these posts in order and this is from last weekend! On our trip to Hobart we enjoed a stop into one of our new favourite shops for a yummo ice cream. This time we enjoyed raspberries, pop rock, chocolate fudge, mini m &m's and honeycomb. Flavours included honeycomb, chocolate, crazy colours and vanilla.

The crazy two!

Yum what a great selection!

Modest Fashion Parade

2011-06-19T19:22:00.000+10:00

Last Tuesday night I organised an activity day for the children aged 8-12 through my church. The theme was modest dressing and after having a discussion on what we think is modest and what we can do to follow the guidance from our church leaders we then split into two groups and had some extremely talented fashion designers come up with some great new modest styles!

The girls even made fashion accessories for their model!

Love the boys design, walking stick and cap included in this fashion suite!

Some great fashion stylists showing off their model!

I was very impressed with the work that each team put in and can see that we have some great fashion stylists we can turn to when they get older!

Big Boys Birthday

2011-06-19T19:06:00.000+10:00

Well we celebrated a birthday in our house yesterday and it was the biggest boys! Ryan turned 39 and is n ow thinking what he wants to do for next years. Anyway we enjoyed a lazy sleep in, we only had two kiddies as Amelia was staying with family. After our too lazy sleep in we hit our home gym and did a massive work out boot camp style! In total we did an hour and 40 minutes!!!!!! After a shower we hit the shops and ended up enjoying a hot choccie and cake from Pierres talk about yum! After a little more shopping mainly Angus and Robertson closing down and having BIG sales on their books we came home to meet Amelia and Coral and Rob to enjoy a night out for dinner. We also had the company of Jason and Sarahana and the girls. To top off the day I made a ice cream cake which went down pretty well!

A card from Pa and Ryan wondering if the card with a hedgehog playing golf was a resemblance of him in some way!

Ryan over the moon on what's inside this package!

William had been doing really well with his writing of late, even writing Dad's card.

Ryan giving the Polar 'shhh' that's in the old brochure advertising the Polar watch secret! He got a heart rate monitor watch, finally decided to join me with a Polar watch!

Someone couldn't wait for me to take a photo of their carrot cake!

Vanilla Bean cheesecake!!!!!

Yum hot chocolate on a cool after noon!

The birthday boy scored a few Carton items this year, PJ's jacket and a mug! Last night the boys went to bed matching and to make their weekend their team even won their game today!

I hope that Ryan enjoyed his day as much as we enjoyed spending his birthday with him!

Dear Angela

2011-06-16T17:34:00.000+10:00

This is what I got in my email box today!!!!!! Yum Yum yum watch this space for photos when it comes!

Hi Angela,

Congratulations!! You’re one of the lucky winners of the Cadbury Dairy Milk Australia “Win Mousse” Facebook promotion.

Your Cadbury Dairy Milk Mousse prize pack will be sent to your nominated postal address.

Sincerely,

The Team at Cadbury Dairy Milk Australia

A Snow Trip

2011-06-14T14:36:00.000+10:00

I love long weekends especially when I don't have to work or teach at church as it means we can take a family trip to Hobart and catch up with people we haven't seen for a while. This time we also took the opportunity to show William snow for the first time! Hard to think he is 4 and still not visited the snow yet. It had been a few cold snaps so there was a little covering on Mt Wellington, the best part is that we could still drive to the top plus stop and have a snow ball fight. Ryan was a little keen and pegged one at me while camera ready, result not a happy camera lady when it got all wet on the flash! Cool photo as you can see the snow ball coming!

The kids loved it, Amelia was not sure about walking on the snow so complained a bit but did manage to flog Ryan's gloves to have a snowball fight with us. William has no fear at the best of times and in the snow it was the same! It was far to cool for Charlotte to get out of the car so she snuggled up under her blanket in the car! Mum was happy to stand outside the car and that was it, she was not keen on the walking and falling down a hole in the snow!

It was a great trip and I appreciated the heater on the way down. Great views from half way down, as there was too much fog to get a clear shot of the views from the top.

We even had a snowman come home with us! He lasted until the Sunday on the car!!!!!

A Trip to the Hospital

2011-05-15T22:46:00.000+10:00

A few weeks back Charlotte spent the day in hospital as she was having some teeth removed and a clean and the only way to access Charlotte's teeth was to anaesthetise her as she doesn't like people poking around in her mouth. So after checking in at 7am we then waited until 10.30 before she was taken to theatre. They told me an hour but after two I went to see what was going on only to find out that they had kept her in recovery a little longer as she was hard to wake up, which is easy for Charlotte as she loves to sleep! So once she came back to the Ward we had to hang around for 4 hours so they could monitor her and make sure she didn't have any blood coming from her gums.

William was a champ as he hung out with me and mum in the kids area and even made some new friends that he played the wii with and did craft with.

We were finally allowed to leave around 5 so we decided that we would enjoy a meal in the cafeteria as they do really good meals! Amelia enjoyed lasagna and Will enjoyed some chips!

After a very long day I must say it was nice to get home and just relax as hospital can be a tiring place!

A Photo Shoot

2011-05-15T22:25:00.000+10:00

Ok so I have been off work for nearly a week and I am going insane!!!!! Tore my calf muscle during aqua last Monday while demonstrating a high knee run, it felt like an elastic band breaking in my leg (sorry for the graphics). So after a trip to the Physio Monday night who confirmed the worse he told me to wear high heels and rest ice 20 mins on and 20 mins off. I rocked up for work Tuesday looking very stylish in my cargos and high heels and verbally instructed 6.15 boot camp. I went back in on Tuesday night and verbally instructed aqua. I also told my boss and that didn't go down all that well! So on Wednesday I visited my GP as to claim through Workers Compensation you need to see the GP. So he signed all my forms and referred me to my Physio! So as a result I can do nothing BUT rest which is driving me insane!!!!! Not only me but William as well, as he is stuck home with me everyday when he is not at school. So Friday Will and I went for a very slow stroll down near Stillwater to do a photo shoot and give Will a chance to use his new camera (something cheap we picked up at Taget that is heavy duty designed for kids). We enjoyed our little stroll out and about in the fresh air and even managed to get to Penny Royal and the Windmill and William enjoyed a freddo frog from Goulays!

Anzac Day at Hollybank

2011-04-26T12:09:00.000+10:00

Yesterday we took the family for a trip to Hollybank. The sad thing is that it is the first time we had been there! I know Amelia and Charlotte have been there with school but Ryan and I hadn't. We packed a BBQ and aimed for a late lunch. When we got there it was close to 2 so we got a BBQ going. While the chef (Ryan) was cooking I had a chance to take some pictures! Been wanting to dust the old camera off for a while and sad to say but will not have a chance to edit, still have a back log to do just doesn't seem to be enough time in my day these days!

After a massive amount to eat we took a walk and enjoyed the sites. We even watched the group of treetop people practice for there trip through the trees! We would have liked to see them up a high but you can only go so far before a gate stops you. Ryan has made the suggestion that we should go for a treetop adventure one night!!!!!! He has got a few interested already including Robert and Coral BUT I am not sure as I always have bad luck when I get a bit adventurous!

The People Mover on two legs!

An Easter in Hobart

2011-04-26T10:18:00.000+10:00

This year we packed the car and took a trip to Hobart for Easter. We again stayed with my Mum and enjoyed a relaxing time with family. Friday was a quiet day with the day starting bright and early thanks to William who doesn't know the meaning of sleeping in! He was awake around 5.30! So after dealing with him for an hour I decided to take off on a nice run! The weather was wet but it was great to run the areas where I grew up as a kid. After a 30 minute run it was back to a nice relaxing bath. Now the reason we love the bath at Mums is that it is deep and long, our bath at home is designed for midgets, just like the front door for those that have visited will know it has a rather low door handle that you have to bend down to open.
SO after a breakfast of hot cross buns we chilled out and watched a new movie that the kids got, Ben 10 series 1 and Enchanted. We then took the kids for a walk to pick up Pa and drive the car that we brought form him back. We are now the owner of a Ford Forte (will post another blog later about the car). Lunch as is tradition with my Mum consisted of fish, and after a disaster with the home made chips we sent Ryan and the kids out to get some from the shop! Our afternoon consisted of the kids playing and some adults snoozing (mainly the men).
Saturday was a trip to a few of the local shops to pick up some odds and ends. We travelled back Saturday afternoon as Ryan was asked to fill in for a talk and I was organising Nursery. It was a quick trip to Hobart but a relaxing one for a change as we didn't have to rush around!

I think that this is one of my Gran's old wigs that has been around for a while, this kids big and little LOVE it!

Hawks Fan

2011-04-26T08:47:00.000+10:00

Amelia LOVES the Hawks, although I think Hawka is a big draw card to liking the team as well! A few weeks back the Hawks played a game in Launceston, so on the Friday they had an open training session which we took the kids to. Amelia was able to get a few signatures of some of the players as well as a photo with Hawka.

Ryan is a blues supporter and felt that he should show respect to his team by taking his beanie to stay loyal.

Kinder Session

2011-04-12T16:42:00.000+10:00

Today parents were invited to visit the Kinder room and spend the afternoon with there child. Cate had heaps of great activities set up for the kids to do with there parents all based around the Easter theme. Will started decorating a cupcake and putting a fairy floss nest with eggs on top. He then decorated a beautiful butterfly. We then made a nest with shredded paper in a cupcake case and then put three eggs in it. He then made a friendship bracelet. We finished off with play dough and made some hot cross buns, decorated an easter bonnet and made some eggs to out in a basket! It was a great session and I love spending time in Kinder, so much so that I ended up having a few kids sit around while I read some if the class books!

I was also asked to take a class photo for the examiner so now have to go over a few and decide which one should go!

I am thinking that this is the best one, do you know how hard it is to get all the kinder kids to look at you at the same time!

T2

2011-04-12T15:55:00.000+10:00

I have really started to enjoy my herbal teas again now that the weather is starting to get a little cooler (ok so maybe a lot cooler)! While we were in Melbourne earlier in the year we found a great tea shop called T2. They have a great range of all types of tea including herbal teas. We purchased a couple while we were there but when we got home we shopped online and got another 6 types of tea. One of my favourites is roobios which is an African tea, I also love the strawberries and cream. Today I was online looking and noticed some beautiful teapots that they are selling which would make great gifts.

These are the suggested mother's day teas, and I noticed that strawberries and cream makes a mention!

So if my wonderful hubby reads this blog at work and wants suggestions you know where to head to!

Targa Cars

2011-04-10T18:53:00.000+10:00

On Friday night we decided to venture into town and see the Targa cars on display. Will was very impressed with them but was more impressed with being a rock star to the band that were performing! He got his light saver and rocked out!

It was a really good family night with free jumping castle, mechanical bull riding, putt putt golf and slot cars, as well as a band performing and lots of cars to look at. The highlights for Amelia was the mechanical bull, which she really wanted to ride but we thought was a little unsafe for her, let alone trying to get her on to it! And checking out all the cool cars, which were either red or yellow. She is just like her Dad when she sees a great classic as she gives a little whistle at how impressed she is by it! Thank goodness she is only whistling at cars and not boys!

Going Gluten/Dairy/Yeast and Sugar Free

2011-04-03T19:34:00.000+10:00

Well Amelia is on a regeneration diet that cuts out all of the above, and I can tell you that it is a little hard as she has never been a keen eater of fruit and veggies! So over the last week and a half we have been trying many different recipes and ideas, as well as different products. Friday night was a pie night and I thought I would share some of the recipes as I know how hard cooking can be when taking in all the above exclusions!

Ingredients

500g fresh beef mince (found a great butcher in Launceston that minces fresh each day)
gluten free gravy (found in coles)
dried Italian herbs
2 onions
3 grated carrots
brussel sprouts chopped finely
green beans chopped finely
tomato paste
vegan spread (like a marmite without the yeast)
mashed potato
grated sweet potato
salt and pepper

The How to

Spray a pan and brown the mince, add onion and soften. Add the grated carrot, beans and brussel sprouts in with the meat and soften. Mix gluten free gravy with a little water to make a paste then add a cup of water and mix into the mince and vegetable mix. Add a good amount of Italian herbs and 2 teaspoons of vegan spread. Mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste and a little salt and pepper. On the side peel some potatoes and steam so that you can mash with a little soy milk to make creamier. Put the meat mix into a casserole dish and top with the mashed potato and then grate some sweet potato over the top. Place in the oven and cook. The sweet potato will brown on top which may make it a little crunchy!

The reason I added the veggies is that my kids will not eat veggies and we are always fighting them to eat so this way they get there veggies in and they don't even know that they are eating them!

Some Dinosaurs!

2011-04-03T10:40:00.000+10:00

Oh boy were they some dinosaurs that we went and watched and patted in City Park yesterday! As part of Ten Days on the Island a special show was put on for free that has travelled all around Tassie called Dinosaur Petting Zoo! It was a great show that had lots of information about dinosaurs as well as a chance to pat a baby dinosaur. The funny part was when the Tricertop went a little berserk and rampaged into the audience of mainly kids!!!! So many kids freaked out and ran, lucky I was sitting with Will and just held him but I was surprised how brave he was he didn't even cry or freak out. The only thing he grumbled about was not getting chosen to go out the front and pat a dinosaur or to tell a dinosaur joke, which I am grateful for as I have no idea what he would have said! I think it was just fantastic, the only sad part was before the show started we were asked to leave the kids on the hay so that they could see, which we did, but a older kids of about 13 came up and kicked Will for no reason which meant that I ended up sitting with him. A lady sitting close by saw the whole thing and thought maybe it was William's brother, which wasn't as he is the only boy in the family! The lady pointed the kid out and I had never seen him before! Not sure why a 13 year old feels it's ok to go around kicking 4 year old thought but I can tell you that if I hadn't been stuck at the front of the show I would have gone and had a talking to the kid and his mother the down side was that they left just as the show started go figure. Mind you I did take a lovely close up shot so that if I do see the kid again I will keep my eye on him!

A Birthday Party

2011-04-03T10:15:00.000+10:00

Will went to one of his good mates birthday party a couple of weeks ago at Treasure Island! He had so much fun and enjoyed the new centre that he even forgot to eat! We did manage to get him to come and sit for 5 minutes while Campbell had his birthday cake, which was Buzz Light Year, and boy was it great! The decorations were fantastic and the cake was a beautiful chocolate mud cake that was super moist! We hope that Campbell enjoyed his 3rd birthday and enjoyed spending time with his mates!

A Trip to Hobart

2011-04-03T09:56:00.000+10:00

A few weeks back we made a trip to Hobart so Amelia could attend the Youth Convention that was held. She managed to get to the Friday night and Saturday morning but was really not up to attending the rest. She did enjoy the time she did spend with the youth, even thought she was a little shy at first. Ryan was able to attend with her and to reassure her that he was there and things were ok.

So not only did we manage to take Amelia to convention we also got to catch up with family, this time it was only my family as Ryan's parents are travelling. So on the Saturday morning Mum, Charlotte, Will and I went to Salamanca Market. It was a lovely morning with the sun shining and the market was full of life as per usual! The only down side was William wanting EVERY THING he caught a glimpse of!!!!! After a walk around the market we managed to sit and enjoy a drink in the sunshine while William played with his new toy! He was really cute especially when a little baby came up and he was so kind showing the baby how it worked.

A new set of eyes, all the better to see with so William thinks!

We found some new art work in Salamanca so of course had to have a photo opportunity!

Wish they showed this love ALL the time!

In the afternoon we picked up Ryan and Amelia and did a little bit of shopping, the mission for this trip was to get William a new yellow polo top size 5 and Amelia red windcheaters, both impossible to find in Launceston. Both missions were accomplished thanks to Big W.

As it was a long weekend we managed to stay half of Monday and took the kids to the Cold Rock for ice cream, Ryan and I went out for dinner Saturday night and went for desert after and thought the kids would love it! Amelia wasn't sure about the pop rock in her ice cream however and when she hot some she would make a great expression! William LOVED his as well and enjoyed chewing the raspberry lollies, however next time would not get them through the ice cream as it took him so long to chew one that his ice cream would melt! Looking forward to a trip again soon when we get back down to Hobart, although my favourite place to go is Boost Juice so that will be first on the list when we go down next!

Amelia's Treatment

2011-04-01T15:14:00.001+11:00

Ok so I just realised that it has been way too long since I last wrote a blog, but life has been just way busy at the moment!
So what have we been up to that has been keeping us so busy? Well life in general, you know work, family, church, etc.
One of the main things that has changed in the last few weeks is that we took Amelia to see Marlo, thank to Lisa who is the queen of blogging she put us onto Marlo and her treatment. So the first week we went was Amelia just getting to know Marlo and Marlo getting to know Amelia. The treatment used is Mora Therapy, so what is Mora Therapy?

MORA Therapy is a non-invasive physical therapy which uses the individual's own electromagnetic oscillations.

No energy is generated by the MORA unit, rather the individual's own energy and the MORA unit form a closed circuit with the client's energy fed into the unit by way of an electrode on the hand or foot. The MORA unit samples the client's energies, measures the healthy oscillations, amplifies them and then returns them to the client's body. Pathological or disharmonious oscillations are changed via a process of filtration and wave inversion.

The "new" wave is then amplified and returned to the body as a healthy and harmonious wave form. It is possible to amplify a weakened healthy oscillation as well as reduce the intensity of an unhealthy oscillation.

Mora therapy works by the patient simply holding a probe that is connected to the Mora. They then use acupuncture points in your body to measure where you have inflammation or are out of balance internally. The appropriate homeopathic remedies are fed back into your systems through the cylinder. The method is pain free and non-invasive.

So the overview

Mora Therapy, created by Dr. Franz Morell in Germany, is a highly sophisticated but user-friendly diagnostic and therapeutic machine, combining the principles of Acupuncture, German high-tec know-how and Homeopathy.

The Mora asks your body for the answer by tapping into its energy circuits, and determining a specific measurement of the vitality of organs and systems. Some readings may indicate deficiency; some inflammation, but the bottom line is that every reading is brought to balance by the end of the consultation. This is done through amplification of the patients own healthy energies and inversion of its negative or pathological energy waves, as well as the submission to the body of Homeopathic medications (each tested for compatibility) to target organ and disease issues. The treatment is very potent and deep acting, with follow up therapy not usually for quite some. After achieving total balance, Homeopathic drops based on the patient’s individualized formula are dispensed (all inclusive in the cost of the initial consultation) to assist the patient in maintaining the improved level of health for themselves.

Finally, any vitamins, minerals, herbs or allopathic medicines the patient regularly takes are tested. This insures that whatever the patient takes is compatible and not actually sabotaging their progress. A sample of their normal drinking water is also tested against the major organs. It’s vital that drinking water supports us, rather than overloading our kidneys and immune system.

The process is a very interactive and interesting one, providing patients with accurate and detailed information about their own bodies. Patients report rapid improvements in their health and feel more able and responsible to manage their own well being. Because of its gentle, painless and non intrusive nature, Mora is also ideal for infants and children.

Conditions responding to Mora Therapy:

Headaches, neck and shoulder tension, migraine

Immune problems (inc. Ross River Fever, Glandular Fever and other specific bacterial and viral infections)

Digestive disorders, e.g. bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn, Candida and food allergies/intolerance

Respiratory problems, e.g. asthma, bronchitis, sinus, hay fever, colds

Skin ailments inc. Eczema, acne, rashes and psoriasis

Tiredness, stress, poor concentration & memory, poor sleep, irritability, depression

Sciatica, low back ache, joint and muscle pain

Endocrine disorders – hormonal transitions, thyroid and adrenal deficiency, menstrual difficulties

Urogenital disorders – prostate, bladder and kidney dysfunction

Ok so for just over a week Amelia's diet has changed as we are following a regeneration diet, pretty much we have cut out yeast, dairy, wheat, and all processed foods!!! So what is Amelia eating? Well it has been hard as she is fussy as what she eats BUT I have managed to find things! So of late we have been eating lasagna gluten free, home made pies, chicken, Tuna, and sneaking in as much vegies as I can into things, as the kids will not eat vegies unless it is potatoes! We have also moved to having soy milk and soy cheese, which have not been too hard for Amelia to deal with. We have also been to the Grain Grocer and found some great bread that is super light has no wheat, no yeast and no dairy. The down side is the price! Amelia likes it and she also likes the vegie spread similar to marmite but no yeast as well as the tastless coconut oil that goes on like butter.

So over the next couple of weeks I am going to add some recipes I have found or recipes that I have come up with, stay tuned! The biggest improvement so far is the fact that Amelia has not even asked for tomato sauce over the past week and a half, now this was a girl that was addicted to the stuff and had to have it on everything! Last night we had some gluten free chicken sausages and I was sure she was going to request some of the magical red stuff BUT she was happy with the gluten free gravy mix I picked up from the supermarket! Miracles can happen, just hope that things can continue to improve!

Full time Employee

2011-03-16T15:38:00.000+11:00

Finally after the last few month of being contracted Ryan has finally got the job working as a storeperson/ trainee purchasing officer (once he learns the full ropes he will be given more responsibility of spending more money).
He officially starts the job on the 1st of April (and not it is not an April Fools Joke)! It has been a busy few months as he had to sit a aptitude test, a psych test and a medical before they offered him the job. Luck for him he past all three and was offered the job last week with today the email floating around the other departments. So where is he working you ask, well he is working for a company that is Asian owned Lion's Nathan. They are involved in the overseeing of a variety of different companies. They own National Foods (a recent take over) and a number of beer companies, including Launceston's Boags which is where Ryan will be working.
So what does his job entail, well he is looking after the purchasing and upkeep of the maintenance storeroom which is basically the part where bit and pieces are kept to fix the machines that make the beer. He is not involved in the beer process, however as part of his entitlements he is allowed 1 carton of beer a week! Which is funny as we don't drink! I have tried to think of other ways we could use beer instead of drinking and will get back to you here if I find any, I did consider using it to wash my hair with to make it shine (or at least that's what I have been told!)

Looking good in his NEW top, wonder how long it will stay nice and clean for!

A trip for Sushi and Chocolate!

2011-03-01T17:51:00.000+11:00

Ryan had a long weekend a few weeks back so as a result after work on the Monday we went for Sushi, we were not sure how will would cope so we ordered him some fried calamari which he loved but he also saw my Inari and scoffed it as well. I was a little upset as the Sushi train didn't have any more and had no more while we were eating so I missed out on one of my fav dishes :( It was funny just watching him tackle it and to hear him say sushi!

After our Sushi adventure we stopped in at the Chocolate Studio as I always am reading about is on Lisa's blog so we gave it a go. Ryan and I shared a Hot choc Sunday BUT we ended up having to share with a third little person... Someone had a big scoop of chocolate ice cream but he was happy to just eat our so we tipped it in and enjoyed sharing.

A New School Year

2011-03-01T17:27:00.000+11:00

Well this year Amelia is in grade 8, Charlotte is in grade 7 and William is starting kinder! The girls started school first and both looked happy and bright as they waited for the bus. The bus arrived at 7.40 and the girls were on there way. Amelia is in Pink group again this year with Rose as her teacher again. Charlotte is in the same group as last year with a brand new teacher at the school Lois. Both girls seemed to have settled into the routines, which is great! Amelia has very busy days with cooking on Mondays, swimming Thursdays, community access on Friday and then all the other things in between. Charlotte has similar type things on her timetable.

Charlotte took so many great photos on her first day of school, I am sure she was super excited!

So a week after the girls started it was William's turn to start his first year of school! He was super excited as the week before we had been to visit his new classroom and meet his new teacher Mrs Walker, she is a lovely teacher and has been on maternity leave and has just come back after 3 years away, Amelia had her as a teacher when she was in grade 3/4 and loved her as well. She has so many great ideas, and this was visible when we walked into the classroom. The other great things about Kinder this year is that the kids have a brand new classroom which looks great! As a typical Mum I had the camera firmly planted at my eye to take lots of first day at school shots. Will loved the ball game where he tossed plastic balls into a basket under a octopus ring. He was also enjoying the train set and when I left he had written his name to say that he was at school for the day. I left a very confident young man who is so grown up and doesn't need his mum all the time any more!

Looking forward to a fun filled year with all the kids!

Stake Conference Weekend

2011-03-01T16:19:00.000+11:00

Well a few weeks back (yes I am very behind in the blogging thanks to writing new class routines!) we went for a weekend away to Stake Conference. We were lucky to bunk down at the Crossin families house so we could attend the swim night on the Friday and then Ryan and I went to our leadership training in the afternoon. In the evening a special session for the 18 and over is held but because we had been away from the kids all afternoon we spent time having a BBQ. On the Sunday we had a lovely lazy morning and then at lunch time went to the Sunday session, which was delivered via satellite. It was great to hear such inspirational talks from our leaders and to know that they care and love each of us. We loved the opportunity to attend as well as enjoyed spending time with extended family!

Will was soooo cold he was shivering!

Water Baby.

Hmm not sure!

Abby saved me from having to getting in and looking after William. Thanks Abby

One big kid!

A Harley chic!

2011-03-01T14:33:00.000+11:00

Ok so I am the first to admit that I am not a daredevil in any way so for a few months I have mentioned to Ryan that I would like to give going for a ride on Rob's Harley, as Ryan has been talking for a while now that he would like to one day get his bike licence. So a few weeks back I got that chance to give it a go! Now I must admit that I am a wimp and I did suggest a quick ride to the roundabout and back in Port Sorell but Rob insisted that we go a little further! So hugging on tight we went for a little ride and after freaking out that if I sat the wrong way as we went into a corner that we would flip the bike I was ok. So much so that on the way back I even glanced around at the scenery! I did admit to Rob that I wasn't sure what was shaking more me or the bike, but pleased to say I have given it a go and am looking forward to going again, that's if he will take me!

Holding on VERY tight!

Impressive bike!

Bulla Splits

2011-02-15T14:25:00.000+11:00

So after reading a blog some months back I decided to join a site called VIBE VILLAGE. This is a site set up as a word of mouth marketing and they get you to do surveys and invite you to join in trying and reviewing different products. One of the products I filled in a survey for was BULLA SPLITS. So about a week ago I got a letter in the mail saying I had been selected to participate and got a swipie card to use at a supermarket to purchase a packet of bulla splits. So last night we cashed in on them and enjoyed a lovely refreshing ice cream/ icepole as they beauty of Splits is it has ice on the outside and icecream on the inside making it one of my favourites. I really enjoy the raspberry and would much prefer to buy the packet with all raspberry however I didn't mind the tropical ones last night as well.

At the moment Bulla Splits have a site that you can make a summer postcard on so if you want to see yourself in a funny summer animation then head on over here.

Happy Anniversary

2011-02-11T15:33:00.000+11:00

We celebrated our 15th Wedding anniversary on the 10th February and I still pinch myself that it has been 15 years!

Just like 15 years ago it was raining, yet the only difference is that it only rained a little in the late afternoon today, where as 15 years ago it bucketed down ALL day and then the days leading up to the day. It was actually that wet that we were not even able to use the Botanical Gardens as the venue for the ceremony and had to use the back up plan at the Hobart Grand Chancellor! The reception was a small cocktail party with family and friends and it was held in one of the executive suites that takes up two levels at the Grand Chancellor. We even had the suit thrown in for the night!

Today has been just like an ordinary day we both went to work and did what we had to do but tonight I have made a special three course meal, including prawn cocktail, roast lamb and chocolate mousse and brandy snaps for dessert! The kids ate earlier and they had some fish ( I feel like my Mum here as my mum use to cook special meals for her and Dad of t'bone steak while my sister and I would eat a chop or something that was cheap!)

The night was fun and we listened to an old CD that we played the night we were married 'Something to Remember' by Madonna. It's just a mellow CD and something totally different to what we listen to on a daily basis, especially me as I listen to gym music day in and day out. It was especially nice to just sit and talk, a rare thing in this house as the kids are always around or we are in and out or preparing a lesson or a class for the gym.

I am still hunting for a key to get the wedding album out of a cupboard downstairs! The kiddies seem to have taken off with it so when I do I will share some of the photos from 15 years ago when a boy and a girl said 'I will".

Peach Jam

2011-02-08T13:53:00.000+11:00

Ok so I have been a little busy in the kitchen the past few days, yesterday it was preserving the peaches and stewing them. Today it was making some peach jam. So I thought I would share the recipe I used.

1kg Peaches
Juice from 1 lemon
use 1/2 the lemon and trim the rind very small
3 cups sugar

This is soooooo easy it's great!

Add peaches, lemon juice and the rind into a microwave dish and microwave on high for 3 minutes remove and stir then add it in for another 3 minutes.

Add the sugar and mix it thoroughly. Microwave on hight for 20 minutes, stopping and stirring every 5 minutes.

Remove and stir then put into sterilized jars and seal them tight.

Stores for up to 2 months in a cool dark place.

Note: to sterilize I add boiling water to cleaned jars and leave to sit then I empty water and place the jars on a tray and place into a warm oven to dry.

A big 14!

2011-02-08T13:32:00.000+11:00

Well I know that I am getting old and Amelia proved that to me just recently by turning 14! I think that the years are going far to quick as it hardly seems like any time at all that she was just a little baby, time flies!

So for her birthday she enjoyed a trip to the movies with the family to see Tangled, which was really good! She loved the horse the most. After we went to the shops and got some items to cook a BBQ dinner. We were lucky to have Kirk and Amy staying with us before they ventured off to Melbourne to live, and Amelia loves them both very much and enjoyed spending time with them on her birthday.

The birthday cake was a cheat as we used a packet in the microwave! Ryan made it and I decorated it and it tasted pretty good, not as good as my usual mud cake however, but still edible.

We hope that Amelia enjoys her year ahead, and as I said to Ryan she can now attend Youth dances which I have decided that Ryan can take her to as I spend 5 years in young women's going to many dances and conventions. She has grown into a lovely young lady and we love her very much!

The birthday girl was super excited to get a cool new Harry Potter book!

Yes tough now your 14!

The Cake

I think the most popular part to the cake was the 20 Freddo Frogs on it!

We hope you had a lovely day Miss Smiles!

Too Much Food

2011-01-28T14:22:00.000+11:00

One of the places we went to in Melbourne for dinner was Sophias and the serving size was massive!!!!!!

This is what Ryan, Will and I got dished up as the main

The Kids fish and chips

Garlic Pizza to share

Chicken Caesar Salad

Veal Parmigiana (this is actually two of the normal size pieces you get in a normal counter meal)

As a result we were stuffed and didn't eat breakfast the next day! We did take home a yummy desert which lasted us for 3 night. And the veal we actually took a piece home and at for dinner as a share meal the next night.

So if your looking for a place to take a challenge and your so hungry you could eat a horse this is the place you should visit!

Family Getaway

2011-01-25T10:08:00.000+11:00

Ok so things have been a little quiet on the computer side of things as we have been on a lovely holiday to Melbourne! Thanks to Coral, and Zoe for hanging out with us for almost a week, and to Yvette and Adam for being great with Will on those shopping days!

Ok so Ryan, Rob and Kirk did the drive and boat thing on the Wednesday night which was eventful!!!!! All three took motion control tablets as it was a rough trip BUT found that yes they worked ok on the boat to stop chucking but the after effect were not so good. Kirk crashed as soon as he got to the cabins and both Ryan and Rob were ill a few hours after arrival with the floors of the cabins spinning and thinking they were going to throw up. Both boys had a good lie down and then were a bit better Thursday evening! The trip on the boat was exciting and I found out that you do not buy food on board as it is very expensive! Ryan took some great photos!

So after a late Wednesday night for me sorting the last bits out of cleaning the house the girls, Will and I met the Crossin girls and Amy and boarded the plane to Melbourne. Amelia was a little worried on the flight but overall coped pretty well, William was no issue and just keen to watch the TV and listen to an ipod. Charlotte sat and cuddled up to me and I talked with Coral and Amy the whole trip over, which goes far too quick.

We got a taxi from airport in the teaming rain but muggy weather to the cabins were we all unloaded . First trip was to the shopping centre for some look and buy and then groceries. We all ate together then all the adults went to a temple session together which was fantastic!

Friday was designated day to do the Geelong water park even though it was teaming down with rain we still went. After our new friend TomTom managed to get us a little lost and we ended up way out form the destination we managed to find our way back and finally got to the park at just the right time as the rain dried up and the sun came out! After the daredevils all went on the tower of terror and the super fast rides I designated myself to chief Charlotte watcher ( as I don't go well on scary rides). William loved the pirate boat playground with water and he did try the fast ride down the tunnel with Dad BUT said as he came off that he was never doing that again! After lots of fun we ended up eating then got back into the slides again. The boys conned me into trying the tower of terror which was slow but had lots of bends in it, but when we got to the top they changed the slide over so Ryan and I had to go down the super fast slide. All I will say is that I went on holiday to recover from a shoulder injury but have managed to come back with a worse injury as the stupid device we were sitting on went from under us as we came around the second bend and both Ryan and I were thrown off it. I smashed my head and shoulder so bad that I came off seeing stars!!!!!!!!! The life guard on seeing me crying in pain asks very plainly if I was alright!!!!! Hello loser I am almost knocked out of course I was not alright!!!!!!! After sitting for a good 30 minutes nursing a massive headache the rest of the daredevils went to the super racer. Ryan and Rob were competing all day and as a result Ryan winded himself pretty bad, boys will be boys! After hanging out there for a while we then packed up and drove home, with a stop for dinner in Geelong. After a very tiring and sunburnt day we all slept pretty well that night!

The weather was GREAT!!!!!

Chicken Nuggets and chips for William!

Chicken Caesar Salad!

Fish and chips and these chips were to die for!

Amelia crashed in a BIG way, just hope no drool was left on Amy's shoulder!

Saturday morning was baptisms at the Temple and it was Amelia's first time and she was great! She really understood what was happening. It was an emotional morning as not only did Amelia do baptisms but I was able to start the process of doing my Nan's work, was a wonderful opportunity and I know that she was happy for it to be done!

In the afternoon we all went our different ways with our family going to the DFO in Moarrabin which was great! The in the evening we all met up to celebrate Yvettes party! The BIG 40! It was a great night and the games were interesting especially the water bomb game, thanks Yvette and Coral! Again another late evening but at least church started at 11 the next day!

LOVE LOVE TomTom!

Shopping at Morrabin DFO

Too much shopping for some!

The birthday girl!

And no I didn't run out of clothes for Amelia the theme was school so we dressed in uniforms from Amelia's school.

William making sure he gets ALL his lollies, thanks Aunty Amy

So after Church we all had family pictures taken all together and then some individual family ones which was nice.

The Weeden clan who attended the weekend!

Oh so cute!

Love!

Hmm

See how easy it is with no kids!

Crossin family

What started this little/big family. And they still look in love!

Again kids and photos!!!!

A theme is going on with kids! Thanks to the Crossin girls for trying!

The brothers!

All the boys!

All the girls!

The Horne family

Peekaboo

Love these couple of photos

They were talking about the Angel Moroni on top of the temple

The afternoon on Sunday was a do nothing but veg day at Yvette's, which was nice! Some of the families left on the Sunday afternoon, Rob boated his car back to Tassie while some of the others did the plane so they could go back to work. Ryan, Amelia and I took a trip to the airport then on to the Pier to do a dry run for when we left on the Friday, apart from one hiccup of us missing TomTom's direction we did pretty well in finding our way!

Monday was zoo day and this time TomTom got us there spot on great parking, thanks to Charlotte's access parking, the kids loved all the animals, Amelia was taken with the pelicans but didn't go to well on the seal areas as it was a bit dark for her! William loved the tigers and lions especially as the lions were really close. Ryan's favourite was the turtle who was so close to the fence that you could actually touch him, which I did tell everyone not to do as I heard that Turtles have a mean bite, makes up for the slowness of them! I thought the elephants were pretty good especially the baby ones who were just celebrating their first birthday! The orangatang was good entertainment as he would come up and spread himself onto the class and play with peoples hands on the glass, talk about a poser! After a full on day we then caught a train into the city and then the city circle tram which was great. Flinders street was soooooo busy that it was actually a worry of loosing 4 kids ok so maybe 3 as it would be hard to lose Charlotte in a wheelchair! After a ride around we got the train back to the car then headed to Greensborough to meet an old missionary due to go home Elder Martin, was funny to think that he started his mission in our ward a whole 2 years ago, how time flies!!!! So after some fantastic Pizza and sitting in a freezing as park for 2 hours we finally got into the car and warmed up to travel home to the cabin.

Ok so Elder Martin wanted a rematch and sorry to say Elder Martin but you lost again!!!!!!!

The face tells the painful story!

Tuesday was a sleep in day then a trip to Spotswood to the Science Works, it was fantastic and very good for the kids and adults, heaps of hands on displays in many areas, as well as an extra lightening show and planetarium. We did the lightening show and it was great talking about electricity and how it works. William and Adam loved racing each other against Cathy Freeman which was a sure fire way to tire them out! After a few hours there, mind you it would be good to do a days trip and pack a lunch, we went to Ikea!!!!! Yes we had the car and yes Coral fell in love with some great furniture and YES we managed to squeeze it in the car BUT all I will say thank goodness we didn't have a limit to weight coming back on the boat!!!! William got a lovely new bedside table and we got a few odds and ends in the way of kitchen bits and pieces as well as great variety of candles, I LOVE IKEA STUFF is all I will say here!

Wednesday morning was a trip back to the Temple for Ryan and I in the morning to do some more work then meeting up with the kids and doing some shopping at Knox, this time was managed to do one half of the bottom floor which was not including the Myer and Harris scarf!!!!!!!! I got a great new RED handbag which I LOVE and Ryan got a new grey suit which looks pretty good and we even had the hem taken up in an hour!!!!!! We found a GREAT Asian bakery which sold the best bread products so much so that we had some there then got some for dinner and then even went back on the Friday to get some items to bring home!!!!!!

Wednesday night was temple night for Ryan and I which was great, finished of my Nan's work so felt good about it.

Thursday was designated shop till we drop day! Yes we did 2 DFO's and managed to survive although not sure about my bank account!!!!!! Got some great dresses Amelia got some great new tops and a dress, Charlotte got a lovely skirt and top, William a new cap and a cool waist coat, Ryan Fila shoes and a Carlton top. Coral homewares galore and Zoe clothes! That night we had dinner with Yvette and then Coral and Yvette did a temple visit. We took all the kids to Crown and watched the great fire ball display and the entertainment down there, enjoyed an icecream and managed to see some of the wild ways of Melbourne!!!! Yes two gay guys walking down the street and a guy urinating on the wall!!!! Thank goodness we were on our way back to the car! I must say that I was a bit sad that I couldn't get a bag from the Prada shop as it was closed and the security guy on the door of Versace was not giving me good vibes when I looked in, maybe it was because I had my cargo army pants and thongs on!!!!!!!!!

Friday was a relaxing day where we got our things packed and stored at Yvette's so we could be out of the cabin by 10 and then Ryan and I did a wander around Knox, this time the part we had not seen and managed to find a great tea shop t2tea! It was great and had so many great teas including a heap of natural fruit and herb teas. They are online at www.t2tea.com I have already got my list of things to try! Ryan and Yvette dropped us at the airport in the afternoon and then we waited as we had a technical delay!!!!! The flight back was terrible as Amelia had major autistic meltdown as she was scared as!!!!From take off then for another 40 mins she screamed, cried, hit herself, made herself sick spat a drink at me and had to physically held down by both Coral and I after 40 minutes a few kind people helped distract her so she was little calmer for the last 15 minutes. When we got off it was like nothing had even happened!!!! So the plans to fly again will be Ryan and Rob each side or sedating her the whole trip. So after a very quick cab ride home we were able to relax in our own house. It was funny as William said to me before bed that he was waiting for the taxi to come take us back to the plane so we can go to our cabin!!!! I think William enjoyed his holidays just a bit too much!

The bed of nails was very interesting!

Zoe and Will competing against Cathy Freeman, William got too much speed up!

Zoe snowboarding!

Part of the kitchen interactive display

Some family Photos

2011-01-06T15:24:00.000+11:00

When the weather was great on Monday for the public holiday I got out to take some photos of my beautiful family!

William has become such a poser of late when it comes to having his photo taken!

The cheeky three!

The future so bright I gotta wear shades!

In thinking pose

No William don't tackle poor Charlotte!

A tender moment!

Love this one of Charlotte sitting from back on. Such a pretty young girl!

New Years

2011-01-04T12:53:00.000+11:00

Well we had a pretty quiet New Years this year. On Friday afternoon we travelled to Port Sorell and stayed with the Crossin family. We hung out at their place for a little and William asked very nicely for Uncle Rob to take him for a spin in the purple truck!

We headed to their block where Amelia and William fed the horses, who are currently mowing the lawns, some apples!

The kids Coral and I picked up Zoe from work and then headed back to the block to pick up the boys and we ended up seeing in the new year around a heat pot chatting while enjoying deserts and snacks. Ryan Rob and I ended up staying up till about 3.45am as Rob was concerned for the welfare of his purple baby! After a few concerns with some very loud guys and girls up and down the street we felt we could finally rest! Just before 8am William surfaced and so did I unfortunately!!!!!! It was about 9.30 when the others made an appearance. Need I say that it was a very LONG and tiring day!

We hung out in the morning watching Big Bang Theory which the old boys LOVE! After a little shopping we took the kids to the pool at Shearwater and had a great time cooling off. William is such the dare devil when he wears the noodle and was doing big jumps to splash Ryan and Rob. This year we are going to start him in the learn to swim program so that he can be just as confident without the ring or noodle on!

So all in all we had a great New Years and look forward to seeing what this year has in store for our family!

A New Blog

2011-01-04T08:47:00.002+11:00

I have decided to start a blog designed to just have things to do with health and living, if your interested in checking it out then go here.

Christmas In Hobart

2010-12-29T12:56:00.000+11:00

This year we spent Christmas in Hobart. We stayed with my Mum and enjoyed the morning opening what Santa brought and playing with some of the new toys!

For lunch we went to my sisters and enjoyed some yummy foods, after lunch we exchanged gifts and the boys enjoyed playing together, although William and Josh are the same age and got themselves into lots of trouble, especially when they were playing in the water just before lunch! It was hard not to laugh as they had to strip off their wet clothes and then run starkers with nothing on to get changed and boy oh boy did they play it up with lots of pop off noises and bouncing in the nude on Josh's bed!

Turkey, beef, ham and lots of yum vegies, also fresh prawns!

Pav so Australian on Christmas and so good with raspberries!

Choc Cup cakes

Jam pies

Mums Pudding YUM!

Theogenes Work Dinner

2010-12-29T11:59:00.000+11:00

The Saturday before Christmas was my work dinner and it was a interesting night! We had it at the Riverview Inn in the city and it was ok, but a little over priced! Thanks to Geoff for putting money over the bar, I really went wild and enjoyed diet pepsi!!!!! The down side is that while most people the next day enjoed a self inflicted hang over I enjoyed a look down the toilet bowl. I got gastro and ended up spending the day home in bed.

A New Career!

2010-12-29T11:17:00.000+11:00

Well it has been a very busy month in December! Many things have happened both good and bad. Early in the month Ryan was made redundant from his work at Beaconsfield Mine as it was not doing to well financially and as a result 95 staff were put off. It was a worry so close to Christmas but we felt that things would work out and the we would be looked after. The strange thing is that we didn't feel upset or stressed at all during this time. It has been nice having Ryan home for what I call a lovely holiday as he started a new job with Boags today! Yes it is a beer making company and they have been around for a very long time and our theory is that as long as people still drink beer and it's legal then he should be with the company for a little while! At least they can be safe in knowing that he wont be drinking any of the profits as we don't drink. We have had a few friends ask us to keep them in mind for friend of friend discounts as one of the perks working for Boags is that you get bonuses in the form of beer! I have mentioned to Ryan that we will be able to have lovely silky hair as I have heard that beer is great for making hair shine! As well as lots of beer batter etc!!!!!!

For more information on Boags you can click here when it lists what they sell, yes beer as well as the history!
http://www.boags.com.au/#

A Christmas Dream

2010-12-13T21:01:00.000+11:00

On Saturday our Church had a Christmas Musical fireside that a very talented Leona wrote the music and script for. It was a great night and after many many practices it paid off and the night was fantastic! It was basically the Christmas story of the lead up to the Saviors birth and was set up as the people in the story were visiting a young girl on Christmas eve. I was asked to play the part of Mary so went from singing with Belinda who played Elizabeth to singing with Bishop Bailey who played Joseph and then got to sing a lullaby to the baby Jesus (aka a doll). It was a great night and everyone did a great job. Kirk played the King Herrod, and he did a fantastic job that he even got a wonderful round of applause from everyone! Young Chelsea who was 5 played the little girl who's dream we all starred in and she did a great job remembering her lines AND singing the first verse all on her own of Silent Night!

Thanks to Leona for doing such a wonderful job writing the script and asking me to be a part of your dream, also the Karina who was the piano lady who did such a great job getting through all the sheets music to play on the night!