My latest reading!

I've been reading an awesome book the last few days called Lirael, by Garth Nix. I've had this sitting on my bookshelf for over a year, but have finally pulled it out to read. What a fabulous story I've been missing!

Lirael is the sequel to Sabriel, and is a brilliant fantasy novel, with kings, queens, princes and princesses, the undead, and one very unusual Dog.

Here is the summary:

Lirael has never felt like a true daughter of the Clayr. Abandoned by her mother and ignorant of her father's identity, Lirael resembles no one else in her large, extended family living in the Clayr's Glacier. She doesn't even have the Sight - the ability to See into the present and possible futures - that is the very birthright of the Clayr.

Nonetheless, it is Lirael in whose hands the fate of the Old Kingdom lies. She must undertake a desperate mission under the growing shadow of an ancient evil - one that opposes the Royal Family, blocks the Sight of the Clayr, and threatens to break the very boundary between Life and Death itself. With only her faithful companion, the Disreputable Dog, to help her, Lirael must find the courage to seek her own hidden destiny.

I have some suspicions regarding the identity of Lirael's father, but I'm not going to say here in case anyone reading wants to read the novels. Start with the first book though, Sabriel. I think Lirael would be a bit confusing without the background knowledge that exists in Sabriel.

And on that note, I'm off to delve into the Old Kingdom once more. Happy reading!

Something Pretty

Just had to share my beautiful flowers!

Unfortunately I can't take credit for growing any of these - the roses come from my MIL's (mother-in-law) garden, and the funny spikey flower appeared quite unexpectedly in mum's garden! I have no idea what the second one is. Perhaps someone can enlighten me!

I would LOVE to put this gorgeous vase in the centre of my dining room table, but I doubt it would last five minutes before one of the kids sends it crashing to the floor. So for now it is on top of the linen press cupboard in the hallway. Every time I walk past it I can smell the roses. Just lovely!

Doing Something Just for Me

I was reading a wonderful blog this evening called A Tray of Bliss . It's author wrote about doing something special each day just for her. It got me thinking about something special I could do just for me, and also about some of the items in my home.

Most of us have what we call the "good" china. It stays locked up and hidden away only to be used when company comes over. And sometimes not even then. What a shame this is! I have a display case with some Royal Doulton and Royal Albert cups and saucers that belonged to my grandmother. They sit there gathering dust and never ever get used. This is so sad! Why are these wonderful items not being cherished enough to make memories out of them? Think of the wonderful memories that we can make using these precious items - a relaxing cup of tea in the sun, morning tea with a dear friend, mum or daughter. These items should be treasured and used as they were intended, not locked away never to be seen or admired.

So I challenge everyone: do something this week that is just for you. And break out the fine china!

My Lettuce is Sprouting!

In an effort to be more SS (Simple Savings - check out their website!) I decided to start growing some veges. As we are renting and have a dog and two kids that all love to dig, the veges had to be planted in pots / boxes. I had a long planter pot filled with potting mix left over from last year's disastrous attempt at cherry tomatos and a packet of lettuce seeds that I got for free off the cover of a That's Life magazine.

So, feeling all very self-sufficient (hey, another SS term!), I got outside with Becca and her plastic sandpit rake and turned over the soil in the pot. Then we sprinkled some lettuce seeds in, covered them with dirt, filled up her little plastic watering can and gave them a good water. We've been going outside every afternoon and watering. Then, yesterday afternoon, when I went to put the rubbish in the bin, there they were! A row of tiny little lettuce leaves sticking up out of the soil! Hurrah! My first so far successful crop! I dragged hubby outside to show him. Oh, I'm so excited!

I still have half a bag of potting mix left, so I think I'll head over to Bunnings next week and get another planter box, and maybe some carrot seeds this time. So proud of my little babies!

Getting Older - Not so sure about this!

So I recently celebrated another birthday. Getting closer to 40 all the time! I've never really worried about birthdays before, but I'm not so keen on this one! I'm starting to feel slightly nervous about being in debt (and it's "bad" debt, not mortgage debt. Think credit cards etc). Can't seem to get it down. It's not going up, but it's not going down, either! So, time to come up with a few ideas on how to get the debt monster under control.

Firstly - list all the crap that's starting to clutter up the house! Oh, who am I kidding? It's been here all along! Anyway, I'm going to start listing up a storm on Oztion. Even if I only get $1, it is still $1 that I didn't have. Sell 100 items for $1, and things start looking a bit better!
I also have some larger baby items to sell (two cots, a high chair and a pram). I'm going to contact some of the baby shops that sell second hand to see if they want them. It would be nice to halve the credit card debt on at least ONE of the cards by Christmas! Think positive - it can be done!

Avon is going good. I'm starting to get a good little client base going. If I can start earning a bit more there, I can put the profits from that onto the CC (credit card) as well.

The kids are going good! Matt will be going into the "Alternative Classroom" next year (special ed). He's also started on Strattera in the last couple of days, a medication given to ADHD kids to help improve his concentration, where his main problems lie. Cross fingers we shall see a good result soon.

Becca is being very THREE. Any parents will get what I mean. If her behaviour is any indication of what is to come, I'm dreading puberty! lol. Well, off to make some phone calls about selling some stuff!

Controlling the Chaos Monster!

As usual my poor house has descended into a state of anarchy and chaos. And, in what I am sure is a conspiracy, the vacuum cleaner has packed it in and the washing basket broke. But, in true Clash of The Titans style, I am determined to beat this Chaos Monster! Time to dust out the old Control Journal and start tackling the monster 15 minutes at a time (can anyone say "Flylady"? lol)

The worst room would have to be the office. I have just started up as an Avon rep again so I'm going to need to get this in order quick smart. Will report in on my progress / success!

Happy Easter!

Easter was a fairly quiet affair this year, but as usual our cupboard is bulging with chocolate. I never thought I would say this but I am so over chocolate right now! I think the 2 kgs that I lost earlier in the year have come back with their friends!

We've had a hectic month! Both kids had surgery - Becca had her adenoids and tonsils out and grommets put in, and Matty had 3 teeth removed under general anesthetic. Both have recovered well though!

How much has changed!

Well, It's been AGES since I updated this. Almost a year! In that time Matty has greatly improved. His paediatrician and psych now think that he is Aspergers more so than Autistic. Although that is still on the autism spectrum, it is not really so bad. Hey, Bill Gates has Aspergers! So if Matty can be as successful as him, then that's a good thing! lol Matty is starting prep in two weeks. Two kids from his autism centre will be in his class. It is great that he will know somebody, but I hope he wont become too dependent on his friends and not work to his full potential. I'll have to speak to his teacher about that.

Becca will be three next month! How time flies! The poor thing has to have an operation this year though, to remove her tonsils and adenoids and put grommets in her ears. No wonder she talks so loud! The poor thing probably only has partial hearing. She is going for a hearing test on Thursday to determine how much she is hearing at the moment, and then she will have another hearing test after the operation to see if there is an improvement.

Seeing as Matty will be going to school full time, I'm thinking about getting Becca into dancing or something like that during the week. She loves music and dancing so I think she would really enjoy it. A girlfriend of mine is looking to do something similar for her daughter this year, so hopefully the girls might be able to go together.

As for me, I ended up having to quit my pole dancing. I developed bad RSI in my right hand and could barely carry the groceries, let alone hold myself up on a pole! Unfortunately I've become rather sedentary since then, but am going to try and get back into exercising starting tomorrow, even if it is just taking the dog for a walk!

More soon! Helen xx

Covered in Bruises

Well I've done 3 poledancing classes now. Wowsers. It is a LOT harder than it looks! The inside of my thighs are covered in bruises from the pole and I was so sore after my first class that I could hardly move! I did have plans to go every day during the week and take Becca with me on the days that she was home, but she had a complete meltdown last wednesday and I ended up having to leave. So I may end up only being able to do the classes mondays and tuesdays. Oh well, two days a week are better than nothing, and Brooke, my instructor, has given me exercises to work on at home. Looking forward to the next class though - lap dancing! lol

Look out Hubby!

Trying a new exercise routine! PMSL!

Well, I've pretty much had enough of being fat and frumpy. If I dont want to fork out $$$ for a new winter wardrobe (as tempting as that is), I've really got to shift some weight. So next week I'm doing.... A POLE DANCING CLASS!!! Yep, you read that right! A pole dancing studio has opened in town. I went and checked it out a week ago, and they rang up and offered a free class next week to try it out and see what I think. This should be interesting!

A Years Worth of Updates!

Oh boy, how slack am I! I just looked at my last update and it was over a year ago! Lordy, how time flies! So much has happened since then! Ok, family updates:

Chris - Chris got his MR licence and is now a bus driver! He started off working casually at Kynoch Coaches, but was then offered Permanent Part-Time at Stonestreets Coaches so switched there. He's been working for Stonestreets for a few months now and just loves it. He gets HEAPS more hours than where he was before, with lots of charter work etc, plus he has a school run morning and afternoons as well. He just loves his job!

Me - I've recently joined up as a Learning Ladder Sales Adviser. Learning Ladder are a Direct Sales company which specalises in childrens books. I've only just started, but am really enjoying it. I have another party tomorrow, so wish me luck!

Matty - He's going great! He goes to a mainstream kindy 2 days a week now, and to AEIOU 3 days a week. We have him enrolled at Gabbinbar State School for prep next year, as they have an awesome special ed section. He's getting big now (4.5 years!) and can be a ratbag sometimes, but he's generally a good kid.

Becca - Becca is over two years now! She is going great as well. She goes to daycare 2 days a week (the same two days as Matty) and is starting to talk HEAPS. I don't think we need to worry about her being autistic - she is such a chatterbox! Bec is VERY headstrong, and knows exactly what she does and does not like. For example, she already picks out her clothes for the day, and if you try to dress her in something she doesn't like - look out!!! She's a bit of a drama queen as well. What can I say? She's two! lol

We had a quiet Easter this year. We went over to Mum and Dads for lunch on Good Friday, then to Chris' Mum and Dad's for lunch on Sunday. BIL and the kids cousins were there, and they all had a good time. Got way too much chocolate! lol Not that I'm really complaining mind you, but the weight is starting to stack on!

Which brings me to my next subject - getting fit (yeah yeah Gail, I can hear you rolling your eyes from the other end of the country! lol). Guess what I'm considering doing. POLE DANCING. Yep, you read that right! There is a ladies only pole dancing studio here in town. I've been up to have a look and it looks fantastic! $15 a session, or $12.50 a session for a 10 session pass. Seriously considering it! Heck, I need to do SOMETHING, and it looks like a lot of fun. Chris is VERY supportive of the idea (typical bloke!). Just got to find the funds!

Well, that's it from me for tonight. Will try and update this once a week (really, I will try! lol). Hope everyone had a great Easter. Love and hugs! Helen xx

Heaps of News!!

Becca's Birthday

Rebecca had her 1st Birthday on the 28th. We had a party at home with the relatives and she was spoilt rotten. Lots of new clothes, some toys, and a funky My Little Pony cloth nappy! (that was from us). Can't wait to put it on her!

Great News!

We had a meeting with Matty's teachers at AEIOU today. They have recommended that after the Easter holidays that he move to a part-time placement at AEIOU of 3 days a week, and to a mainstream kindy for the other two days! They said that the progress he has made is just amazing.

Another thing that they said - apart from his speech, which obviously needs work, he really has no other autistic traits. In fact, they said that were he to be assessed today, they seriously doubt that he would be diagnosed ASD at all! It is true that the other kids there are a LOT worse than he is. His teachers have said that what he really needs now is to be mixing with neuro-typical kids so he can observe behaviour and speech and hopefully learn from them. He'll still go to AEIOU 2.5 days per week to access the speech and OT, and the other 2 days to get interaction with NT kids. He's just outgrowing the other kids at the centre, they said!!!!

Well, this is the whole point of AEIOU - to get the kids into mainstream!!!

So excited for him!!! We have 2 kindys in mind - one next to the school where Chris starts work after easter, and another one that we looked at last year which we also like. We've got an appointment on monday to go to the one near Chris' work.

Chris' New Job

Other exciting news: Chris got a job! It's only casual, but its a job! Its a crossing supervisor at one of the primary schools. Not just any school mind you, but the one that we are hoping to send Matty to! They have an excellent rep for dealing with special needs kids, particularily kids with Autism. In fact, their rep is so good that the ECDU (Early Childhood Developmental Unit) moved premises to be closer to the school.

More importantly than the money though (although that is great!) is the confidence boost that Chris has gotten from getting this job. He is just over the moon.

Finally things are starting to come together!

Geez I'm slack! It's been a whole month since I updated this! lol.

Well, our news this last month - Becca now has 3 teeth, two at the bottom and one at the top which has started coming down. The other top front tooth is starting to cut through now too.
Matty started back at AEIOU this week. I think he's glad to be back. A boy that he used to go to Special Ed with last year has started this term, so there are 5 kids in total now. The occupational therapist has also started there full time, and they have a part time speech therapist starting up this term too. We've got parent-teacher meetings next week, and then some of the big bosses of AEIOU are coming up the week after for an info and "meet and greet" night. And its a kid free event, so that should be good!

Christian had a great birthday! We went out to the park in the morning with some of the mums and kids from AEIOU. The kids all had a blast playing on the swings, slides etc. After that we went back to one of the mums' places for coffee and a chat. That night we went over to Chris' parents place for dinner. Of of Chris' cousins was up from Melbourne and was there, so Chris was thrilled! He hadn't seen his cousin for over a year.

Other news - Chris has had 3 job interviews in the last week! Two were for the City council (water management and I.T. Both were traineeships), and the other interview is for a cleaning company servicing their high pressure cleaners. He's really hoping he'll get that one, as its full pay plus a company car! So fingers crossed that he gets that one!

Becca will be one year old on the 28th. How time has flown! We better start organising a party I think! Anyway, that's about it for today!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope you all have had a great holiday break. Back to the daily grind tomorrow! lol

We've had a wonderful Christmas! Matty and Becca scored very well indeed with all the presents from Christian's side of the family. Clothes, toys, books, more toys - you get the idea! Matty got a HUGE Tonka truck from Grandma and Grandad, playdoh stuff, just heaps of things. Becca got a few new outfits which is great. The size 00's are getting a bit tight around her belly! Plus she got some stacking cups, a pull along caterpillar thingie, 2 dolls, and a cd as well. Becca loves kissing people and things, and one of the dolls she was given makes kissing noises and says "I love you"! Bec thought it was wonderful, and kisses the doll every time it made the kissing noises. Everybody together now: "Awww!"

We ate way too much food! There were 15 of us for lunch at the in-laws, and we had everything - turkey, ham, pork, veges, salads, plum pudding, brandy custard, rum butter, icecream, chocolates... the list goes on! Had a sandwich for tea! We gave Matty a Raggs DVD, the book "Animalia" by Graeme Base, and some of those magnetic letters for the fridge. He loves those letters! Becca got a dress, a matching cloth nappy, and the book "Cinderella". Mum and Dad came over on Boxing Day for another feast / Christmas. More presents and more food! Christian gave me the book "Eldest", the sequal to Eragon. In hard-cover, limited edition! Its all gold and embossed etc. Looks really cool! I can't wait to start reading it, but am being good and resisting until I finish reading my current book, The Mists of Avalon.

New Years was a bit of a non-event for us. I was in bed by 10:00pm with Becca, and Christian climbed in around 11:45. Neighbours down the street let off some firecrackers at midnight, and I could hear "Happy New Year!" being yelled far in the distance, but that was about it! Damn we're getting old!

Mum and Dad are coming over for tea tonight. It's Christian's birthday tomorrow, so we're having tea with them tonight so they can give him their pressie, and going over to Christian's parents place tomorrow night (on his birthday) for tea. His cousin Robert will be up from Melbourne, so Christian's really looking forward to that! We haven't seen Robert for nearly over a year.

Oh, and another event (sort of) - today is exactly 11 years since our first date!

Becca is finally cutting her teeth!

Well, FINALLY! Becca's teeth are finally starting to come through. Her two bottom front teeth are peaking through the gums. I thought she was going to be a little gummy-bear forever!
Lets hope she doesnt decide to start biting when she's feeding though!

Matty's sick!

Poor Matty is sick! He woke up at 10:00pm last night vomiting. None of us got to bed until 2:00am this morning. He's thrown up twice today as well. He's refusing to eat, although he has been keeping down fluids so that's good. Hopefully he'll get a full night's sleep tonight. No school for him tomorrow unfortunately. Poor little bugger!

Funding Approved!!

Matty got the funding approved for AEIOU!!!! The funding covers half the amount ($7000), Centrelink picks up another huge chunk with the childcare rebate, and then with however much is left over AEIOU is going to work out fortnightly payments for us, instead of having to pay for it all upfront. Finally a break at last!!!

So happy!!! Now we know that he'll be right for all of next year. What a relief!

Well, Matty never ended up being on TV! :( What a bugger! Ah well. He's starting going there officially this week, from 9 - 12 every day. The poor kids - the four of them have never been away from their parents before, except to stay with their grandparents, so they are all feeling separation anxiety really badly! I keep trying to make it sound fun, and say things like "So you're off to school today to play with "x"". Matty shakes his head and says "No!". Its so heartbreaking dropping him off and hearing him screaming "Mummy!" as I'm walking out the door. But as hubby said, its either do it now or when he's five and about to start school!

And at least he's saying Mummy now! lol

His teachers said he had a lot of fun outside today though, playing with water etc. My parents came over this afternoon and played with him some more. The poor thing was stuffed and fell asleep on the loungeroom floor at 7:15pm!

Matty on TV tomorrow night!

Well, Matty had his first chance to be in the paper today, and he blew it! The Chronicle came round to AEIOU to take photos of all the kids, and Matty was not having a good day and wouldn't stop screaming. All he wanted to do was go outside, but they couldn't let him out because the builders were still out there and the fences were down, therefore too dangerous. But, he may be on TV tomorrow night! Win TV came round after the newspaper guys had left, and luckily it was just as the builders had finished and the kids were going out to play. He got heaps of footage of Matty on the fort and playing with Dianne (his teacher) so cross fingers that will get on the news tomorrow night. The official opening is tomorrow, so the TV guy said that they were going to edit the footage from today with the stuff that will be taken tomorrow. Here's hoping it all goes well! Tomorrow is going to be a huge day for the kids. The AEIOU team from head office are coming up, and I think that there are going to be politicians, possibly the mayor etc in attendance. Should be good!

Pissed Off !!!

Oh man, what a day Friday turned out to be! We went to have a look at AEIOU, Matty's new daycare centre. While I was talking to the teacher, I said, "So, the funding is good to go, isn't it?". She said "I'm not sure, give head office a ring and check with accounts". So I did and they had no idea what I was talking about! Apparantly WE have to apply for the funding, after being told that they were organising it. So he's supposed to start in a week and we have no idea whether we will get funding or not. Had we been advised of this we would have organised the funding application a month ago!!! At least he's allowed to attend until whether we find out about the funding or not. *Sigh* Talk about stressed!