Thursday, August 30, 2007
Early Start
I had to get up at 01:00 to start work at 02:00 this morning. I'm going home soon :-) I'll need to get some sleep today - the work I was doing didn't pan out as expected and we (there's a group of us covering 4 different sites and 3 companies) need to have another crack at it tomorrow. Bugger.
I'll put up some more pictures later today.
I'll put up some more pictures later today.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Smiling LGR
We went to a 5th birthday party on the weekend which ended up covering two days and approximately 15 hours .... LGR had a ball. So did Hayzey. They got to hang out with their mates for a very long play, dress up, eat cake, have a BBQ, jump on a superhero jumping castle and completely and entirely wear themselves out.
Mr and Mrs Gazzarus had a good time too.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Snow Day?
We got busy again today - this time going up the mountains to Katoomba for what had been advertised (in some very professional brochures) as 'Snow Day'.
I have never felt more ripped off in my whole life - and everything at 'Snow Day' was free. It turns out that 'Snow Day' actually meant a couple of chunks of ice in front of an inflatable snowman, 4 small fans blowing 'snow flakes' and a game that involved throwing a ball through a hole in some plywood.
Geez. Not good.
The rest of the day was ok however. We cut our losses pretty quickly and went driving out to Blackheath and out to a place called Anvil Rock. It was magnificent. I lived in the mountains for approx 12 years and never knew this place existed. More people should know about it - but maybe it's better they don't. The vista was amazing - vertical orange and sandstone cliffs topped by rolling mountains and intermittent views to the horizon. Fantastic. While there we also visited a spot called the wind eroded caves which are also quite amazing. The 4 of us went for a bit of a clamber on the 'cave' and there should be some reasonable pics out of the adventure.
Best of all LGR has decided that driving on rough dirt roads, walking through the bush, looking at views and climbing rocks is all pretty ok. We now called it 'adventuring'.
I have never felt more ripped off in my whole life - and everything at 'Snow Day' was free. It turns out that 'Snow Day' actually meant a couple of chunks of ice in front of an inflatable snowman, 4 small fans blowing 'snow flakes' and a game that involved throwing a ball through a hole in some plywood.
Geez. Not good.
The rest of the day was ok however. We cut our losses pretty quickly and went driving out to Blackheath and out to a place called Anvil Rock. It was magnificent. I lived in the mountains for approx 12 years and never knew this place existed. More people should know about it - but maybe it's better they don't. The vista was amazing - vertical orange and sandstone cliffs topped by rolling mountains and intermittent views to the horizon. Fantastic. While there we also visited a spot called the wind eroded caves which are also quite amazing. The 4 of us went for a bit of a clamber on the 'cave' and there should be some reasonable pics out of the adventure.
Best of all LGR has decided that driving on rough dirt roads, walking through the bush, looking at views and climbing rocks is all pretty ok. We now called it 'adventuring'.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Delayed
I've missed a few days - sorry. Been busy.
Going back to the weekend ..... We had a good one. The kidlets were back to swimming lessons on Saturday morning. The kids are in their own class now - just the two of them. The both loved it and neither of them have suffered too much from the break.
The afternoon was spent at the Chef's place - mainly so the kids could all ride their bikes around the park. It was a beautifully sunny day but quite a chilly breeze. Nobody was overly upset when the kids decided they would rather play inside.
Afternoon tea turned into dinner so our night out at a local pizza restaurant was missed. No biggy - it was cheaper this way and the kids probably had more fun.
Sunday was a similarly mellow day. We did the groceries in the morning (incredibly expensive this week - but we did stay buying stuff for LGR's pending 5th birthday ...) and had a visit from Aunt BJ in the afternoon. What happened during the visit? Not a lot really. Aunt BJ and I went out with LGR while he rode his bike (I was surprised by how much stronger he has gotten in the space of a few short weeks), and then some time was spent on the back deck enjoying the sun. Very mellow; quite nice.
The work week has been a mish mash. I've personally gone from having nothing to do to (seemingly) every person int he company suddenly converging on me telling me their issue is the most important thing in the world. Mrs G missed most of Monday because poor little Hayzey was throwing up everywhere. She's got yet another ear infection and also had some sort of tummy bug ... She seems to be getting much better now.
Our air-con is still broken. The manufacturer is coming out next Tuesday to take it away and completely rebuild it. On a positive note we are certainly saving on electricy costs (and being a bit 'greener' I would imagine) bu I guess it goes without saying that it's missed quite a bit - particularly on those mornings when you get up and there's a frost outside and the radio says it is 0 degrees. I'd prefer it happened now than in summer however ....
What else? I've booked most of our accommodation for our trip to NZ later this year. All of my enquiries have been via email and it's amazing to see the range of responses. Some businesses just don't respond at all - which to my way of thinking is as rude (and stupid) as not returning a phone call. Why would a business advertise a contact method and then not reply to information requests via that medium? I dunno .... There are some who reply but are very short in their reply (I got one that simply said 'Can't help you') then there are others who are prompt and very helpful - even if they don't have vacancies.
Suffice to say I've gone with the businesses who are more friendly.
I owe some people some phone calls. I'll try to call tonight but can't make a promise ...
Going back to the weekend ..... We had a good one. The kidlets were back to swimming lessons on Saturday morning. The kids are in their own class now - just the two of them. The both loved it and neither of them have suffered too much from the break.
The afternoon was spent at the Chef's place - mainly so the kids could all ride their bikes around the park. It was a beautifully sunny day but quite a chilly breeze. Nobody was overly upset when the kids decided they would rather play inside.
Afternoon tea turned into dinner so our night out at a local pizza restaurant was missed. No biggy - it was cheaper this way and the kids probably had more fun.
Sunday was a similarly mellow day. We did the groceries in the morning (incredibly expensive this week - but we did stay buying stuff for LGR's pending 5th birthday ...) and had a visit from Aunt BJ in the afternoon. What happened during the visit? Not a lot really. Aunt BJ and I went out with LGR while he rode his bike (I was surprised by how much stronger he has gotten in the space of a few short weeks), and then some time was spent on the back deck enjoying the sun. Very mellow; quite nice.
The work week has been a mish mash. I've personally gone from having nothing to do to (seemingly) every person int he company suddenly converging on me telling me their issue is the most important thing in the world. Mrs G missed most of Monday because poor little Hayzey was throwing up everywhere. She's got yet another ear infection and also had some sort of tummy bug ... She seems to be getting much better now.
Our air-con is still broken. The manufacturer is coming out next Tuesday to take it away and completely rebuild it. On a positive note we are certainly saving on electricy costs (and being a bit 'greener' I would imagine) bu I guess it goes without saying that it's missed quite a bit - particularly on those mornings when you get up and there's a frost outside and the radio says it is 0 degrees. I'd prefer it happened now than in summer however ....
What else? I've booked most of our accommodation for our trip to NZ later this year. All of my enquiries have been via email and it's amazing to see the range of responses. Some businesses just don't respond at all - which to my way of thinking is as rude (and stupid) as not returning a phone call. Why would a business advertise a contact method and then not reply to information requests via that medium? I dunno .... There are some who reply but are very short in their reply (I got one that simply said 'Can't help you') then there are others who are prompt and very helpful - even if they don't have vacancies.
Suffice to say I've gone with the businesses who are more friendly.
I owe some people some phone calls. I'll try to call tonight but can't make a promise ...
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Proud as Punch
This is LGR's first medal. He went up on to the stage in the auditorium to receive it. He has since told me he was very nervous about going on the stage in front of all the people, and he thought he might have to 'somersault all around the stage'.
All parents involved were proud as punch.
I chose this picture because it also shows some of LGR's mates. They were all thrilled to do this together.
All parents involved were proud as punch.
I chose this picture because it also shows some of LGR's mates. They were all thrilled to do this together.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Dad and Truck
This is a picture LGR drew a while back. He's moved on quite a bit from this type of picture now - they tend to be much more detailed and a lot neater. This one is Dad and Truck - apparently it's me. I don't have a truck. I suspect it's our recently acquired SUV ...
There's not much art comes home from kindy these days - for either of the kidlets. I think they are far more interested in socialising and performing.
There's not much art comes home from kindy these days - for either of the kidlets. I think they are far more interested in socialising and performing.
Sweet and Sad
Hayzey is very sweet. While I was cooking dinner tonight she was playing with her stove set. She was crouched over and fussing around quietly; then suddenly stood up and walked over to the kitchen bench. In her hands was a little toy saucepan with some toy veges in it. She reached up to give it to me while saying "For you to cook. Don't burn yourself."
Fantastic :-)
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Some sad news. One of the fist at kindy died this week. The kids had a little funeral for it. They made a small cross out of paddle pop sticks and buried Mr Fish (apparently the fish was a male) in the garden. LGR tells us the fish died because nobody in his class fed it in the morning. He was very solemn when relaying the story to us and concluded with "Sometimes sad things happen."
Fantastic :-)
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Some sad news. One of the fist at kindy died this week. The kids had a little funeral for it. They made a small cross out of paddle pop sticks and buried Mr Fish (apparently the fish was a male) in the garden. LGR tells us the fish died because nobody in his class fed it in the morning. He was very solemn when relaying the story to us and concluded with "Sometimes sad things happen."
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Sleep Walk
I'm not 100% certain but I think LGR had his first sleepwalk last night. At about 22:00 we heard him start yelling out "Mummy, Mummy." He sounded a bit worried but not scared, not agitated. I wandered out of the adults bedroom to find him standing at the top of the stares apparently thinking Mummy was downstairs watching TV.
I'm a bit vague on what was said by me (I probably told him Mummy was asleep); but LGR said nothing. I took his hand and walked him back into his room and without a single word he climbed back into bed. No conversation, no requests. Nothing. As soon as his head touched the pillow he was straight into his sleep breathing rhythm.
LGR can't remember a thing about it.
I'm a bit vague on what was said by me (I probably told him Mummy was asleep); but LGR said nothing. I took his hand and walked him back into his room and without a single word he climbed back into bed. No conversation, no requests. Nothing. As soon as his head touched the pillow he was straight into his sleep breathing rhythm.
LGR can't remember a thing about it.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
I Forgot To Add ...
I was in a bit of a hurry last night. So I should add some things.
LGR's medal is now sitting very proudly around the neck of the teddy bear we got you all to sign when he was born. It's quite cute and was all his own idea.
The other thing I forgot was that LGR made us a salad last night. The whole thing. He chose the ingredients, cut them up (under supervision) and put all in the bowl. I don't think he actually ate any of it but that's not what counts. It's his first full 'dish' of food and we all though it was fantastic.
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Hayzey has started doing something new when we take her to bed. As we prepare to leave the room she asks for a cuddle and then stands up on her bed. She puts both arms very firmly around your shoulders and squeezes very tight while lightly tapping on your back. After some time (anywere between 5 and 20 seconds) she will let go and pucker up for a kiss.
It's all very sweet.
LGR's medal is now sitting very proudly around the neck of the teddy bear we got you all to sign when he was born. It's quite cute and was all his own idea.
The other thing I forgot was that LGR made us a salad last night. The whole thing. He chose the ingredients, cut them up (under supervision) and put all in the bowl. I don't think he actually ate any of it but that's not what counts. It's his first full 'dish' of food and we all though it was fantastic.
---
Hayzey has started doing something new when we take her to bed. As we prepare to leave the room she asks for a cuddle and then stands up on her bed. She puts both arms very firmly around your shoulders and squeezes very tight while lightly tapping on your back. After some time (anywere between 5 and 20 seconds) she will let go and pucker up for a kiss.
It's all very sweet.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Missed a few
We had a very long and busy weekend. Sort of. Saturday was long and busy. Sunday not so much.
We woke up feeling pretty good on Saturday morning. It was cold but that's ok. I was up by 06:00 and the others wandered on down whenever the mood took them. By 09:30 we were up at the library and by 10:00 at Kindy for a working bee. This went on until about 14:00 (?) - the kids got too tired. I think they had a buzz banging around in the Kindy playgrounds with hardly any kids around to get in the way.
The afternoon was fairly mellow. We all recharged a little and then headed on out to LGR's athletics presentation. It was worth turning up. He got his first proper medal and was pleased as punch about it. All the kids were. They were so excited.
After the presentation we all went back to the Chefs place and had a bit of a celebratory party.
Sunday was slow. The kids ended up staying at the Chefs place (they went to sleep and it was easier just to leave them) so we picked them up on the way to the shops for some food. What next? Back home for a snooze for most of us then a bit of laizing around the house. LGR and I went out for a bike ride at some point and Mrs G cooked up a delicious roast chicken dinner.
Today we had the air-conditioning repair man come to look at our machine. I think it's a bit cactus - because they've offered to completely rebuild the internals in it. The only downside is that they have to cart away the entire external unit to do it. Which means we'll be cold for longer. It's still not fixed - just to replace the valve would have taken about 4 hours apparently.
The silver lining is that should be quieter due to some new piping and better insulation - and also a bit cheaper to run.
I heard a rumour it's supposed to get cold soon :-(
We woke up feeling pretty good on Saturday morning. It was cold but that's ok. I was up by 06:00 and the others wandered on down whenever the mood took them. By 09:30 we were up at the library and by 10:00 at Kindy for a working bee. This went on until about 14:00 (?) - the kids got too tired. I think they had a buzz banging around in the Kindy playgrounds with hardly any kids around to get in the way.
The afternoon was fairly mellow. We all recharged a little and then headed on out to LGR's athletics presentation. It was worth turning up. He got his first proper medal and was pleased as punch about it. All the kids were. They were so excited.
After the presentation we all went back to the Chefs place and had a bit of a celebratory party.
Sunday was slow. The kids ended up staying at the Chefs place (they went to sleep and it was easier just to leave them) so we picked them up on the way to the shops for some food. What next? Back home for a snooze for most of us then a bit of laizing around the house. LGR and I went out for a bike ride at some point and Mrs G cooked up a delicious roast chicken dinner.
Today we had the air-conditioning repair man come to look at our machine. I think it's a bit cactus - because they've offered to completely rebuild the internals in it. The only downside is that they have to cart away the entire external unit to do it. Which means we'll be cold for longer. It's still not fixed - just to replace the valve would have taken about 4 hours apparently.
The silver lining is that should be quieter due to some new piping and better insulation - and also a bit cheaper to run.
I heard a rumour it's supposed to get cold soon :-(
Friday, July 27, 2007
Chinese
We went out for dinner tonight with my Dad and his wife, and Aunt LJ (who is not an LJ any more but will continue to be in this blog) and UA. It was good. The kids were great. They sat down for pretty much the whole meal and ate plenty. And they were funny.
I had a good night.
I had a good night.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
A Long Day
My day started at about 03:00 (work....) and I feel as though I've been going ever since. In reality I have been; but not all for work.
Today was the day I finally booked us on flights to/from NZ for our 10 year anniversary holiday. The kids are coming with us so it won't be overly romantic but there's no way either of us would consider leaving them behind.
I also booked a car, got travel insurance and registered with the Oz Embassy in NZ as a traveller. This all took a surprising amount of time.
Mrs G is out tonight - working just south of Wollongong and won't be home until tomorrow evening. Had a nice evening with the kids. I played some dominos with LGR and Hayz was content to sit around doing not much at all. There was no whingeing or crying and it was very much appreciated. Bedtime was very sweet - LGR read Hayz some books while I watched from a distance (they were both sitting on his bed) and then Hayz called me back (twice) for a kiss when I was putting her in bed. It's things like that which reaffirm why life is fantastic.
Today was the day I finally booked us on flights to/from NZ for our 10 year anniversary holiday. The kids are coming with us so it won't be overly romantic but there's no way either of us would consider leaving them behind.
I also booked a car, got travel insurance and registered with the Oz Embassy in NZ as a traveller. This all took a surprising amount of time.
Mrs G is out tonight - working just south of Wollongong and won't be home until tomorrow evening. Had a nice evening with the kids. I played some dominos with LGR and Hayz was content to sit around doing not much at all. There was no whingeing or crying and it was very much appreciated. Bedtime was very sweet - LGR read Hayz some books while I watched from a distance (they were both sitting on his bed) and then Hayz called me back (twice) for a kiss when I was putting her in bed. It's things like that which reaffirm why life is fantastic.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Grrrr .....
We've heard it said that you can tell when your kids are ready for school by the sudden changes in behaviour - they get bored and into all sorts of 'mischief'.
LGR is there. Big time. He is massively bored by kindy and is getting into strife almost every day. He still does the most incredibly sweet things but is now mixing it up with some horrible things. 6 months 'til school .....
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Congrats to the folks in my family who are popping out kids. Lots of boys!!! We hope to catch up with the various guilty parties before to much longer for a bit of a look/see and a chance to re-affirm that we are definitely not having any more babies ourselves (not that such a chance is needed).
LGR is there. Big time. He is massively bored by kindy and is getting into strife almost every day. He still does the most incredibly sweet things but is now mixing it up with some horrible things. 6 months 'til school .....
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Congrats to the folks in my family who are popping out kids. Lots of boys!!! We hope to catch up with the various guilty parties before to much longer for a bit of a look/see and a chance to re-affirm that we are definitely not having any more babies ourselves (not that such a chance is needed).
Monday, July 23, 2007
Travel Agent
I went to visit a travel agent today. We discussed airfares for a pending holiday. I was given some very specific information which I decided to cross-reference for my own benefit.
Interesting .....
The price I was given for airfares was about 30% higher than what I can get, for the same airline and same flight times, over the Internet. I wonder which option I'll choose when it comes time to book?
The sad thing is that after talking to other people this experience is not uncommon. I guess the agency has to earn a commission somehow :-)
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I let the kids choose what we were having for dinner tonight. Between us we arrived at pumpkin soup, garlic bread, tomatoes, cucumber and sausage. The tomatoes and cucumber turned into a salad with red and yellow cherry tomatoes, capsicum and cucumber and the sausages were the always popular chorizo. A bizarre meal but you do what you can ....
Interesting .....
The price I was given for airfares was about 30% higher than what I can get, for the same airline and same flight times, over the Internet. I wonder which option I'll choose when it comes time to book?
The sad thing is that after talking to other people this experience is not uncommon. I guess the agency has to earn a commission somehow :-)
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I let the kids choose what we were having for dinner tonight. Between us we arrived at pumpkin soup, garlic bread, tomatoes, cucumber and sausage. The tomatoes and cucumber turned into a salad with red and yellow cherry tomatoes, capsicum and cucumber and the sausages were the always popular chorizo. A bizarre meal but you do what you can ....
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Slow Sunday
Today was a bit of a nothing doing sort of day. We all got out of bed in dribs and drabs - as usual I was up first, then LGR then Hayz and eventually Mrs G. It was cold - air con is busted (did I mention that earlier? Can't remember).
We bought some suitcases today. They're quite bag - they could easily fit one of the kids inside them. They were also surprisingly cheap. Also picked up a couple of funky locks which should tell us if someone has opened them (allegedly all airports have a master key for them??? If you don't have a 'master key lock' any lock you use just gets smashed open in the event of a search ....). Not overly exciting but enough to keep us amused.
The afternoon consisted of a long ride for LGR (at various points he was convinced he couldn't go any further but he managed) and a nice walk for me.
At some point Aunt LJ and UA arrived to 'borrow' our cot and, in turn, loan us some camping gear. We also had some dinner and all watched in amusement as the kids ran riot through the house :-)
We bought some suitcases today. They're quite bag - they could easily fit one of the kids inside them. They were also surprisingly cheap. Also picked up a couple of funky locks which should tell us if someone has opened them (allegedly all airports have a master key for them??? If you don't have a 'master key lock' any lock you use just gets smashed open in the event of a search ....). Not overly exciting but enough to keep us amused.
The afternoon consisted of a long ride for LGR (at various points he was convinced he couldn't go any further but he managed) and a nice walk for me.
At some point Aunt LJ and UA arrived to 'borrow' our cot and, in turn, loan us some camping gear. We also had some dinner and all watched in amusement as the kids ran riot through the house :-)
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Almost forgot ....
I was just about to go to bed and remembered that I had to post. Wouldn't want to break my pie-crust promise so early on in the piece :-(
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Our air-conditioning is busted again. I'm hoping the motor has run out of gas and it's an easy fix. Time will tell I suppose. In the interim we just have to hope the kids sleep under the covers and don't lose their slippers and dressing gowns.
LGR went for another bike ride today. He learnt a new skill - how to skid. He was quite excited when he looked behind him and saw a black line left on the concrete. Today was also a nice chance to explain the concept of steep in relation to hills. He definitely understood the difference between uphill and downhill - but also pointed out that when you're in a car it's just as easy to go up hill as down hill :-)
Hayzey has begun to transfer her thoughts and emotions to her Dora doll. There are definite advantages to this - it becomes much easier for us to determine what she is thinking and how she feels about things. LGR is also doing it with Tommy but in a different way - he is Tommy's Mum/Dad and the way LGR treats/relates to Tom is how he views Mrs G and I relating to him. It's all very interesting and a nice way of getting honest feedback from someone who doesn't know they are giving it.
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Our air-conditioning is busted again. I'm hoping the motor has run out of gas and it's an easy fix. Time will tell I suppose. In the interim we just have to hope the kids sleep under the covers and don't lose their slippers and dressing gowns.
LGR went for another bike ride today. He learnt a new skill - how to skid. He was quite excited when he looked behind him and saw a black line left on the concrete. Today was also a nice chance to explain the concept of steep in relation to hills. He definitely understood the difference between uphill and downhill - but also pointed out that when you're in a car it's just as easy to go up hill as down hill :-)
Hayzey has begun to transfer her thoughts and emotions to her Dora doll. There are definite advantages to this - it becomes much easier for us to determine what she is thinking and how she feels about things. LGR is also doing it with Tommy but in a different way - he is Tommy's Mum/Dad and the way LGR treats/relates to Tom is how he views Mrs G and I relating to him. It's all very interesting and a nice way of getting honest feedback from someone who doesn't know they are giving it.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Bike Ride
LGR went for his first 'proper' bike ride today. It was only 2km (or maybe a bit longer) but he rode all the way - up and down hill. He chatted the whole way and has a habit of putting his heels on the pedals. For some reason he doesn't understand that you have to watch where you are riding. If I walk/jog next to him he always steers towards me. But he loves it. Riding bikes is great. I think he has found a passion.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Rabbit Mask
The kidlets had a visit from the local police at kindy today. Apparently the police lady had a rabbit's mask and sang songs while she was wearing it. It was 'cool'. LGR wants to go to a jail now .... Sometimes I want him to go to a jail also :-)
Hayzey, LGR and myself have all had confirmation in the past 2 days that our passports have been issued. My own is currently at the post office waiting to be picked up. Now all we have to do is decide where we are going and how long for. Decisions, decisions everywhere.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Beautiful
I love this picture. So does Mrs Gazzarus.
I'm sure you can see why :-)
I can hear a certain reader asking why Hayzey has a Tigers jersey on. Simple answer - I love the Eagles and am thrilled to hear Hayz wandering around the house yelling out 'Go Eagles'; but I also believe the kids should make up their own mind about who they support. So we have an Eagles and Tigers bean bag and now an Eagles and Tigers jersey.
It must be said though - it's fantatic to hear Hayz say 'Go Eagles' while she's wearing the Tigers kit!!!
I'm sure you can see why :-)
I can hear a certain reader asking why Hayzey has a Tigers jersey on. Simple answer - I love the Eagles and am thrilled to hear Hayz wandering around the house yelling out 'Go Eagles'; but I also believe the kids should make up their own mind about who they support. So we have an Eagles and Tigers bean bag and now an Eagles and Tigers jersey.
It must be said though - it's fantatic to hear Hayz say 'Go Eagles' while she's wearing the Tigers kit!!!
I Promise to Do Better
Sounds like something a kid would say .... doesn't it? I've been slack.
Not really. I've actually been really busy. Work is extracting it's pound of flesh and by the time I get home each day I feel as though I'm ready to pass out. Such is life. It only takes 5 minutes to update the page so "I Promise to Do Better".
Is that a pie-crust promise?
----
What's been happening?
Hayzey is developing into a very determined and assertive individual. She really enjoys having things go the way she wants and isn't shy in pointing out why things are not to her liking - and directing how they could be made to her liking :-)
LGR has developed passions for the Eagles and bike riding. He thinks a 4 year old with training wheels can ride a half pipe or do the Tour de France .... I've trained to explain why he might need to wait for a bit but who wants reality?
He's also been accepted into the school we were after - meaning moving is no longer on the agenda.
Mrs Gazzarus is moving along nicely in life. She's currently on a study break but should be back into it quite vigorously in the next few weeks. Work is pretty good for her - a promotion was just offered (not applied for but offered).
I'm busy. My brain hurst mostly and there's been a lot of early starts. I'm still in physio for my latest knee injury but should be able to begin jogging (I hate the word jogging but it's very appropriate for my condition) in the next couple of weeks. Maybe.
Not really. I've actually been really busy. Work is extracting it's pound of flesh and by the time I get home each day I feel as though I'm ready to pass out. Such is life. It only takes 5 minutes to update the page so "I Promise to Do Better".
Is that a pie-crust promise?
----
What's been happening?
Hayzey is developing into a very determined and assertive individual. She really enjoys having things go the way she wants and isn't shy in pointing out why things are not to her liking - and directing how they could be made to her liking :-)
LGR has developed passions for the Eagles and bike riding. He thinks a 4 year old with training wheels can ride a half pipe or do the Tour de France .... I've trained to explain why he might need to wait for a bit but who wants reality?
He's also been accepted into the school we were after - meaning moving is no longer on the agenda.
Mrs Gazzarus is moving along nicely in life. She's currently on a study break but should be back into it quite vigorously in the next few weeks. Work is pretty good for her - a promotion was just offered (not applied for but offered).
I'm busy. My brain hurst mostly and there's been a lot of early starts. I'm still in physio for my latest knee injury but should be able to begin jogging (I hate the word jogging but it's very appropriate for my condition) in the next couple of weeks. Maybe.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Portrait
This is a picture LGR drew. It's me. It's about 6 months old and he was very proud of it at the time. I would imagine a picture of me now would look substantially different.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
A Sign of Advancement
LGR's pictures are getting much more detailed. Below is a case in point.
What the picture doesn't show you is how much he has advanced in his other passions - 'playing' guitar, singing and telling stories.
He pens his own lyrics and has figured out that strumming a guitar makes a nice sound. It's very common to hear him singing a song whilst making up the lyrics as they go. And they're real lyrics telling a story. He usually gets a rhyme in while doing it and there is a definite rhythm to it. You have to see it to fully appreciate how amazing it is.
What the picture doesn't show you is how much he has advanced in his other passions - 'playing' guitar, singing and telling stories.
He pens his own lyrics and has figured out that strumming a guitar makes a nice sound. It's very common to hear him singing a song whilst making up the lyrics as they go. And they're real lyrics telling a story. He usually gets a rhyme in while doing it and there is a definite rhythm to it. You have to see it to fully appreciate how amazing it is.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
x4nex
LGR's Story:
His name is John Funny and his special name is Michael Tickle. Tickle.
He tickles everyone. He tickles all around the world.
He lived when dinosaurs were around. And the dinosaurs wanted to eat him. Then Batman flew in without a cape; with his Bat Rope. He thought the 'X' was a goodie and he was and Batman said "You are like an X-ray."
And then Robin flew in with a cape, and then Superman flew in with a cape and then the 'X' said "Hello. What's your name?" And they said "I'm Batman" and "I'm Robin" and "I'm Superman".
Robin and Superman thought he was a baddie and then Batman said "No - he's not a baddie."
The Jones' House
LGR's Story:
This is a picture of when we were going to have a dog. His name was Boonie. We didn't get Boonie because I was too scared. Boonie was a little dog and he is yellow in this picture.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Growing Up
My kids are getting so big. At times I feel quite sad and melancholic about it - particularly when we stumble across an old photo album and flick through it. The kids love it. We all love it. It's fantastic to look back and remember times gone by. At the same time it's quite sad to think that those versions of our children now exist in our hearts, minds and various pictures and videos but we can no longer hug them or play with them.
Then we remember that life is truly a journey and our's is still in it's early stages :-)
---
Our weekend was quite busy. It all started on Friday night when Clan McK visited for some dinner and a game. The kids all made a lot of noise and a lot mess and had a lot of fun. For some reason they all chose to walk around the house with no shirts on - including Hayzey. I'm convinced she thinks she's a boy ...
Saturday started off with some swimming lessons. Again. LGR reckons he doesn't have to go any more. He readily acknowledges that he can't swim properly yet but for some reason seems quite content with what he can do. I think it's because he can stand up in the pool now. Cheeky bugger. Hayzey is quite happy. It's still a game for her.
From swimming it was up to Katoomba for Grandma's birthday. First stop was her home for swim quick cake (and banana and grape and cheese if you're aged 4 or less); then a walk up to the top of Katoomba St for lunch. It was a nice, leisurely old stroll and the kids handled it very well considering the massive hills we had to traverse.
We did run into a little issue at lunch time - the place we wanted to go was shut!! No matter. Plan B swung into action and we ended up at the Carrington. I've never eaten there before - but have had plenty of loud, long nights there in a life long since past. The food was good - cafe style unfortunately at restaurant prices. In balancing that out the serves were generous and it was tasty. The kiddies loved the little play area near where we sat - so we all got something out of the meal.
The afternoon consisted of a quick snooze, some games and a run in the park before packing up and heading over the Nanna's for dinner. The kids continued a very active day by heading out into the backyard to ride bikes, throw balls and generally keep moving. A bath was very much required (Hayzey had all sorts of stuff in her hair - mainly from the park) and very much enjoyed. The bath toys were quite novel and Nanna's bath is a touch bigger than ours.
Dinner was eaten (Hayzey was thrilled - the salad had fetta, tomato and olives), dishes done and a further bit of gamery had before we began the not too long but very weary trip home.
Sunday ....
Sunday started very early for me. At about 04:00 we heard a very loud bang inside the house. We got up to investigate but couldn't figure out what it was. Alas my sleep was disturbed so I stayed up. Mrs G had no such issues ....
LGR wandered downstairs at about 06:45 and Hayzey and Mrs G joined us at about 07:45. LGR had a crack at some American style brekky pancakes but I got some quantities mixed up and they ended up tasting terrible. Better luck next time. It was fun making them and that's what I really wanted to get out of it.
The day was busy - grocery shopping with some side trips for birthday's, Mum's day and whatever else is coming up. Lunch was quick and easy. LGR and I then mowed the grass while Mrs G and Hayzey went out to a party. After the grass mowing we had an 'Eagles party' which was really just the two of us eating some corn chips, sipping a drink and watching the footy. This lasted for about 20 minutes and then it was off for a shower and some house work.
The rest of the day was more of the same. Dinner was anything but ordinary.
While out shopping we bought a nice, fat round of beef. LGR and I marinated it and then we roasted it up with some potato, pumpkin and onion; boiled some broccoli and cauliflower and ate it. The meat was fantastic. We were a bit unsure when we bought it but in hindsight we can see where the extra money that we paid for it was spent and were well satisfied.
Then we remember that life is truly a journey and our's is still in it's early stages :-)
---
Our weekend was quite busy. It all started on Friday night when Clan McK visited for some dinner and a game. The kids all made a lot of noise and a lot mess and had a lot of fun. For some reason they all chose to walk around the house with no shirts on - including Hayzey. I'm convinced she thinks she's a boy ...
Saturday started off with some swimming lessons. Again. LGR reckons he doesn't have to go any more. He readily acknowledges that he can't swim properly yet but for some reason seems quite content with what he can do. I think it's because he can stand up in the pool now. Cheeky bugger. Hayzey is quite happy. It's still a game for her.
From swimming it was up to Katoomba for Grandma's birthday. First stop was her home for swim quick cake (and banana and grape and cheese if you're aged 4 or less); then a walk up to the top of Katoomba St for lunch. It was a nice, leisurely old stroll and the kids handled it very well considering the massive hills we had to traverse.
We did run into a little issue at lunch time - the place we wanted to go was shut!! No matter. Plan B swung into action and we ended up at the Carrington. I've never eaten there before - but have had plenty of loud, long nights there in a life long since past. The food was good - cafe style unfortunately at restaurant prices. In balancing that out the serves were generous and it was tasty. The kiddies loved the little play area near where we sat - so we all got something out of the meal.
The afternoon consisted of a quick snooze, some games and a run in the park before packing up and heading over the Nanna's for dinner. The kids continued a very active day by heading out into the backyard to ride bikes, throw balls and generally keep moving. A bath was very much required (Hayzey had all sorts of stuff in her hair - mainly from the park) and very much enjoyed. The bath toys were quite novel and Nanna's bath is a touch bigger than ours.
Dinner was eaten (Hayzey was thrilled - the salad had fetta, tomato and olives), dishes done and a further bit of gamery had before we began the not too long but very weary trip home.
Sunday ....
Sunday started very early for me. At about 04:00 we heard a very loud bang inside the house. We got up to investigate but couldn't figure out what it was. Alas my sleep was disturbed so I stayed up. Mrs G had no such issues ....
LGR wandered downstairs at about 06:45 and Hayzey and Mrs G joined us at about 07:45. LGR had a crack at some American style brekky pancakes but I got some quantities mixed up and they ended up tasting terrible. Better luck next time. It was fun making them and that's what I really wanted to get out of it.
The day was busy - grocery shopping with some side trips for birthday's, Mum's day and whatever else is coming up. Lunch was quick and easy. LGR and I then mowed the grass while Mrs G and Hayzey went out to a party. After the grass mowing we had an 'Eagles party' which was really just the two of us eating some corn chips, sipping a drink and watching the footy. This lasted for about 20 minutes and then it was off for a shower and some house work.
The rest of the day was more of the same. Dinner was anything but ordinary.
While out shopping we bought a nice, fat round of beef. LGR and I marinated it and then we roasted it up with some potato, pumpkin and onion; boiled some broccoli and cauliflower and ate it. The meat was fantastic. We were a bit unsure when we bought it but in hindsight we can see where the extra money that we paid for it was spent and were well satisfied.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Happy Birthday Fafa
Hi there Fafa (aka Grandma). The Jones Clan of Prestons wish you a very happy birthday and an outstanding year to come.
We'd like to sing you a song but I understand that's already been done ;-)
We'd like to sing you a song but I understand that's already been done ;-)
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Bonfire
LGR still hasn't managed to finish telling his last story. Every time we decide to do it he tells me he is 'too tired'. I guess that's a phrase he has heard Mummy and Daddy mutter from time to time ...
Over the weekend we had the bux night for UA. Over the course of the previous weekend a bonfire building exercise had been held - but Saturday night was the first time I'd seen it. Impressively tall.
What to say about the night? I liked the bonfire - a lot. I met some interesting guys and learnt a thing or two about UA's past. Nothing bad or embarrassing - just stuff about when he was a kid and some of his growing up experiences. I learnt the thrill of being a hunter/gatherer type of guy and appreciated some quiet, reflective moments when I could look up into the clear, cool sky and see stars.
I enjoyed it.
Sunday was a bit hard - due to fatigue and not the mildly anticipated hangover (I drank 3L of water during the course of the evening and this seems to have helped out a lot). I had to leave the farm early in order to be home for a 3 year old's birthday party. At the Wiggles play centre of all places.
We had a great dinner - although it won't sound like much. It was some teriyaki beef and fried rice - all home made. LGR gulped the meat down. Massive surprise - he usually won't even try red meat. The rice was liked by all and a 30cm fry-pan of it was consumed during the course of a single meal. I may have had 2 or 3 serves but I wouldn't be alone in that regard.
I was shot by this time; and I ended up passing out while watching a show on SBS at about 19:50 .... I'm not sure if Mrs G was amused or horrified.
----
LGR is convinced I'm the funniest guy in the world courtesy of my outstanding knock knock jokes and something I unleashed in the car yesterday. On the way home from Kindy Hayzey was asking for her blanket (which is still called a mimi). I got a bit frustrated and uttered some words to the effect of "I can't just pull one out of my ..... nose."
The effect was instantaneous - a riot of laughter from a 4 year old boy. He would start to slow down - then say "Out of my nose!" and start up again. It was a real deep, full throttle laugh which I love hearing. It got even better when Hayz picked up on it and started saying "Mimi nose; mimi nose". More hilarity followed.
Over the weekend we had the bux night for UA. Over the course of the previous weekend a bonfire building exercise had been held - but Saturday night was the first time I'd seen it. Impressively tall.
What to say about the night? I liked the bonfire - a lot. I met some interesting guys and learnt a thing or two about UA's past. Nothing bad or embarrassing - just stuff about when he was a kid and some of his growing up experiences. I learnt the thrill of being a hunter/gatherer type of guy and appreciated some quiet, reflective moments when I could look up into the clear, cool sky and see stars.
I enjoyed it.
Sunday was a bit hard - due to fatigue and not the mildly anticipated hangover (I drank 3L of water during the course of the evening and this seems to have helped out a lot). I had to leave the farm early in order to be home for a 3 year old's birthday party. At the Wiggles play centre of all places.
We had a great dinner - although it won't sound like much. It was some teriyaki beef and fried rice - all home made. LGR gulped the meat down. Massive surprise - he usually won't even try red meat. The rice was liked by all and a 30cm fry-pan of it was consumed during the course of a single meal. I may have had 2 or 3 serves but I wouldn't be alone in that regard.
I was shot by this time; and I ended up passing out while watching a show on SBS at about 19:50 .... I'm not sure if Mrs G was amused or horrified.
----
LGR is convinced I'm the funniest guy in the world courtesy of my outstanding knock knock jokes and something I unleashed in the car yesterday. On the way home from Kindy Hayzey was asking for her blanket (which is still called a mimi). I got a bit frustrated and uttered some words to the effect of "I can't just pull one out of my ..... nose."
The effect was instantaneous - a riot of laughter from a 4 year old boy. He would start to slow down - then say "Out of my nose!" and start up again. It was a real deep, full throttle laugh which I love hearing. It got even better when Hayz picked up on it and started saying "Mimi nose; mimi nose". More hilarity followed.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
The Batman
LGR: Knock knock
Me: Who's there?
LGR: Justin
Me: Justin Who?
LGR: Justin the neighbourhood - thought I'd drop by!!
----
LGR's story for this evening:
One day there was a person called Batman and then he told a joke. He said "Knock knock" and then said "Just in the neighbourhood - thought I'd drop by!".
The person inside that costume is actually called LGR.
And then that's the end.
The end.
Me: Who's there?
LGR: Justin
Me: Justin Who?
LGR: Justin the neighbourhood - thought I'd drop by!!
----
LGR's story for this evening:
One day there was a person called Batman and then he told a joke. He said "Knock knock" and then said "Just in the neighbourhood - thought I'd drop by!".
The person inside that costume is actually called LGR.
And then that's the end.
The end.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Emotions
We only had one Anzac Day adventure (well - there were two outings but only of immediate significance) but it's worth telling.
At about 17:00 we departed our little house bound for an unknown (to the kids) destination. At about 17:15 we were next to Sydney Airport and LGR was excitedly remarking how much he'd like to visit. Next thing you know - that's where we are.
LGR was fascinated by the whole thing. He loved the check-in counter and the security booth's and in very short time declared it 'the best adventure' of his life. The food area overlooked a bunch of plane loading areas and both he and Hayzey were fascinated.
This theme of fascination continued until LGR realised that Mummy had brought along a big red bag for a reason - she was going away. He already knew she was going away but apparently it didn't occur to him that she might be catching a plane!!!
What followed was one of the sweetest conversations ever.
LGR: "Why does Mummy have to go Lemon?"
Daddy: "Lemon? Do you mean Orange?"
LGR: "Yeah. Orange - not Lemon!!"
Just retelling makes me get a big, goofy smile.
The departure was quite dramatic - with both kids chasing Mummy down to the departure gate and letting rip with a wall of tears. We watched Mummy get on the bus to the plane (only very small planes fly to Orange) and Hayzey quietly whispered "I love you Mummy".
It was very beautiful and more than a bit heart-breaking. I think LGR summed his feelings up very nicely when we got home (about 15 minutes back) - "It feels like we left Mummy behind."
We love our kids.
At about 17:00 we departed our little house bound for an unknown (to the kids) destination. At about 17:15 we were next to Sydney Airport and LGR was excitedly remarking how much he'd like to visit. Next thing you know - that's where we are.
LGR was fascinated by the whole thing. He loved the check-in counter and the security booth's and in very short time declared it 'the best adventure' of his life. The food area overlooked a bunch of plane loading areas and both he and Hayzey were fascinated.
This theme of fascination continued until LGR realised that Mummy had brought along a big red bag for a reason - she was going away. He already knew she was going away but apparently it didn't occur to him that she might be catching a plane!!!
What followed was one of the sweetest conversations ever.
LGR: "Why does Mummy have to go Lemon?"
Daddy: "Lemon? Do you mean Orange?"
LGR: "Yeah. Orange - not Lemon!!"
Just retelling makes me get a big, goofy smile.
The departure was quite dramatic - with both kids chasing Mummy down to the departure gate and letting rip with a wall of tears. We watched Mummy get on the bus to the plane (only very small planes fly to Orange) and Hayzey quietly whispered "I love you Mummy".
It was very beautiful and more than a bit heart-breaking. I think LGR summed his feelings up very nicely when we got home (about 15 minutes back) - "It feels like we left Mummy behind."
We love our kids.
Reading
There's been some fantastic material in the Sydney Morning Herald over the past two days. There always is - but this stuff is worth repeating and/or referencing.
---
The first (in order that I saw them) is the article here. It's a cut-down guide to growing food in your backyard - or on your balcony. It really captured my interest because of my recent dietary advice; but also because if it works out I could save a few $$ and also participate in a small fashion to the growing move towards 'planetary responsibility' and self sustainability.
---
The second is a quote. I'll give the quote first:
"Australia at its best would see every single individual, irrespective of their gender or race or ability or country of origin, achieving their full potential and using their greatest strengths in the service of something bigger than they are, that they believe in."
I really like the feel of this. You hear our leaders (and perspective leaders) talk of opportunity and aspirations and hope - but nobody has managed to put into a single, elegant phrase like this. Where did it come from? A lady by the name of Therese Rein. For those who further care it should be pointed out she is the wife of a chappy called Kevin Rudd.
---
The last thing that I feel is particularly worthy of mention is the following letter. No commentary will be needed:
"Just before dawn in the darkness of the trees on the hill behind the Australian War Memorial in Canberra is a treasured time and place for me. As the pinpoint lights of a thousand candles flicker in the War Memorial service down the hill, I stand among the shadows, the whispers all around me.
Shadows of my father, my uncles, my mother, who all served in World War II and Korea. All gone, but there beside me in the trees. All whispering to me of the Australia they helped to keep safe.
The murmurs of the candle bearers faintly waft on the morning chill and slowly hush to silence as the bugler sounds The Last Post. The notes float clearly up through the trees, and the kookaburras stir from their slumber in the softness of dawn's early light.
It is at that moment that I see, hear and feel the great legacy left to me and to all Australians by those who went before us. God bless all those wonderful men and women whose sacrifices allowed us to prosper."
---
The first (in order that I saw them) is the article here. It's a cut-down guide to growing food in your backyard - or on your balcony. It really captured my interest because of my recent dietary advice; but also because if it works out I could save a few $$ and also participate in a small fashion to the growing move towards 'planetary responsibility' and self sustainability.
---
The second is a quote. I'll give the quote first:
"Australia at its best would see every single individual, irrespective of their gender or race or ability or country of origin, achieving their full potential and using their greatest strengths in the service of something bigger than they are, that they believe in."
I really like the feel of this. You hear our leaders (and perspective leaders) talk of opportunity and aspirations and hope - but nobody has managed to put into a single, elegant phrase like this. Where did it come from? A lady by the name of Therese Rein. For those who further care it should be pointed out she is the wife of a chappy called Kevin Rudd.
---
The last thing that I feel is particularly worthy of mention is the following letter. No commentary will be needed:
"Just before dawn in the darkness of the trees on the hill behind the Australian War Memorial in Canberra is a treasured time and place for me. As the pinpoint lights of a thousand candles flicker in the War Memorial service down the hill, I stand among the shadows, the whispers all around me.
Shadows of my father, my uncles, my mother, who all served in World War II and Korea. All gone, but there beside me in the trees. All whispering to me of the Australia they helped to keep safe.
The murmurs of the candle bearers faintly waft on the morning chill and slowly hush to silence as the bugler sounds The Last Post. The notes float clearly up through the trees, and the kookaburras stir from their slumber in the softness of dawn's early light.
It is at that moment that I see, hear and feel the great legacy left to me and to all Australians by those who went before us. God bless all those wonderful men and women whose sacrifices allowed us to prosper."
Monday, April 23, 2007
A Good News Day
Today we were 'invited' to lodge an application for LGR to attend the school we have both decided we would like him to attend. The application was at great pains to stress that this was not a guarantee of acceptance - but they also went out of their way to explain how much we would owe and when it would be due ....
This is good news. We were giving very serious thought to moving to a new location to get the kids into a more reputable school than our local public school. We have been told by all and sundry (including teachers, social workers and even police) that our local school is not very good and has a deserved reputation. We were naturally concerned about this - more so when you think about how placid and shy LGR can be.
We couldn't even get an out of area enrollment - the other local schools get swamped because of the school we didn't want LGR to go to and so they don't accept any out of area enrollments that fall into the area we are in .... Bugger.
Now we don't have to move. Obviously we still can if we want to but at the moment we don't want to.
All we have to do now is get a bunch of information together, attend an interview and commit to pay some money.
---
I got some magnificent video of the kids dancing tonight. They love it - and also love putting on a show for the camera. The only downside was the dancing was about 15 minutes before bedtime and it took a lot of calming down.
Hayzey does some cute things in bed. The sweetest is the habit she has developed of laying one of her blankets across the pillow and then laying her head on the blanket to go to sleep. Once she does this it's a fair sign that she is well and truly on the way out.
This is good news. We were giving very serious thought to moving to a new location to get the kids into a more reputable school than our local public school. We have been told by all and sundry (including teachers, social workers and even police) that our local school is not very good and has a deserved reputation. We were naturally concerned about this - more so when you think about how placid and shy LGR can be.
We couldn't even get an out of area enrollment - the other local schools get swamped because of the school we didn't want LGR to go to and so they don't accept any out of area enrollments that fall into the area we are in .... Bugger.
Now we don't have to move. Obviously we still can if we want to but at the moment we don't want to.
All we have to do now is get a bunch of information together, attend an interview and commit to pay some money.
---
I got some magnificent video of the kids dancing tonight. They love it - and also love putting on a show for the camera. The only downside was the dancing was about 15 minutes before bedtime and it took a lot of calming down.
Hayzey does some cute things in bed. The sweetest is the habit she has developed of laying one of her blankets across the pillow and then laying her head on the blanket to go to sleep. Once she does this it's a fair sign that she is well and truly on the way out.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Weekend
It's been a busy couple of days. I've personally been crook but am on the mend - some cold and flu tablets, a fruit based diet and some sleep have taken care of that.
Where to start?
The kids are still doing swimming lessons - and are coming along nicely. This week Hayzey showed her first signs of truly swimming by moving about 5m through the water (with face in) while kicking and paddling. It was quite impressive. LGR is learning how to dive. Unfortunately he has discovered he is now tall enough to stand in the pool and is starting to take the easy way out.
My afternoon was spent out on the UA family farm helping to get ready for the boys night out prior to the wedding. We picked what I though was a lot of wood for a very large bonfire - only to find out we only have about 1/4 of what is actually needed .... The kids came with while Mrs G studied and they had a ball out there. They like the farm a lot and are very curious about why we don't have chickens, roosters, cows, horses etc.
Saturday night was spent at home with the kids. Mrs G was out and about on Aunt LJ's hen's night. Fortunately the kids were very, very tired because I was feeling very, very crook. Breathing was becoming an issue and getting upstairs felt like a marathon.
I woke on Sunday and felt a lot better - but not completely better. Breathing through my nose was once again possible. We were all very excited about our big day out in Wollongong. But not for long. It was canned due to a combination of other people having hangovers and some not so good looking weather. A quick ring around saw a second family drop out of the day's festivities so in the end Clan Jones and Clan McK boldly ventured over to Penrith Panther's for some fun.
The trip over was bizarre. We had all four kids in our car and 3 of them loved. LGR and Corky sat in the 3rd row of seats and nattered away merrily. Hayzey told me several times she was tired but never managed to go to sleep and AMcK assumed a buddhist meditative pose for the whole trip and didn't say boo.
Panther's was exactly what you'd expect - cheap and cheerful and a place where you don't have to worry too much about the kids getting into mischief. We had some lunch and the kids played in the playground and we hit some golf balls and that's about it.
---
So that's the weekend. In retelling it doesn't seem like much but in the doing it felt a whole heap busier.
---
I'm having some issues uploading pics for LGR's stories using Picassa's 'Blog This' function - it reports the upload has worked but when I view the page a day later the image is gone. I'm hoping I've fixed the issues now but if you something that doesn't look right let me know ....
Where to start?
The kids are still doing swimming lessons - and are coming along nicely. This week Hayzey showed her first signs of truly swimming by moving about 5m through the water (with face in) while kicking and paddling. It was quite impressive. LGR is learning how to dive. Unfortunately he has discovered he is now tall enough to stand in the pool and is starting to take the easy way out.
My afternoon was spent out on the UA family farm helping to get ready for the boys night out prior to the wedding. We picked what I though was a lot of wood for a very large bonfire - only to find out we only have about 1/4 of what is actually needed .... The kids came with while Mrs G studied and they had a ball out there. They like the farm a lot and are very curious about why we don't have chickens, roosters, cows, horses etc.
Saturday night was spent at home with the kids. Mrs G was out and about on Aunt LJ's hen's night. Fortunately the kids were very, very tired because I was feeling very, very crook. Breathing was becoming an issue and getting upstairs felt like a marathon.
I woke on Sunday and felt a lot better - but not completely better. Breathing through my nose was once again possible. We were all very excited about our big day out in Wollongong. But not for long. It was canned due to a combination of other people having hangovers and some not so good looking weather. A quick ring around saw a second family drop out of the day's festivities so in the end Clan Jones and Clan McK boldly ventured over to Penrith Panther's for some fun.
The trip over was bizarre. We had all four kids in our car and 3 of them loved. LGR and Corky sat in the 3rd row of seats and nattered away merrily. Hayzey told me several times she was tired but never managed to go to sleep and AMcK assumed a buddhist meditative pose for the whole trip and didn't say boo.
Panther's was exactly what you'd expect - cheap and cheerful and a place where you don't have to worry too much about the kids getting into mischief. We had some lunch and the kids played in the playground and we hit some golf balls and that's about it.
---
So that's the weekend. In retelling it doesn't seem like much but in the doing it felt a whole heap busier.
---
I'm having some issues uploading pics for LGR's stories using Picassa's 'Blog This' function - it reports the upload has worked but when I view the page a day later the image is gone. I'm hoping I've fixed the issues now but if you something that doesn't look right let me know ....
Friday, April 20, 2007
Fireworks
LGR's Story:
This one is called MOC. (Pause).
Once upon a time there were some people called Corky, LGR, Wim, Mummy, Daddy and AMcK and Hayzey. At the end of Australia Day there some fireworks. And then they all needed to go home. But they took a slice of cake and before that they had a little of a play outside. And then they needed to go home for a sleep. The end.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Smiley Face
This is the most recent LGR. Quite elegant in it's simplicity. This time the paper is sky blue and the crayon used is a vivid orange.
LGR's Story:
This one is called 'Timbuktu'. All right? Once there was a person who ate too many sweets. His name was LGR (Dad's edit there!!) and one tooth of his got wobbly. Just like the one right now. So he needed to go to the dentist and then he was going to go his best mates house and that's the end.
Tree In A Cave
This is the first LGR picture that I ever scanned. I'm particularly proud of this one. As always it's very literal and quite abstract. The original colouring was black pen on blue lined paper.
LGR's Story:
Ok. Let me tell you. Once there was a big tree in the forest and one person came and chopped it down so, and then, they popped it in a cave and then - guess what? Then they ate it and took the leaves off and some white parrots came and sat on the branch of it and then guess what happened? And then, actually, they flew the cave out and then a clever person, who made the tree, put it back to pieces.
Almost a Month
It's been a while. But I'm back. There's been plenty happen and I won't bother to try to cover it all. We've finally got our new car. It's nice. I found out my family history of heart disease may come home to roost if I don't sort out my diet. That's not nice. Easter was 4 days off and we did nothing apart from a quick trip up the mountains. That was very, very nice.
I'll put up some pictures for everyone to see. LGR drew them. I like them.
I'll put up some pictures for everyone to see. LGR drew them. I like them.
Monday, March 26, 2007
More of the same
Hi Folks. I'm back. Not much going in the world of Clan Jones.
Let me see ....
About 9 days ago I took the kiddies up the mountains to visit Nanna. When we got there Clan Cuc were already in place and shortly after Aunt LJ, UA and great Nanna all arrived. It was a good afternoon. Plenty of rain, plenty of noise and heaps of food. Best of all it let Mrs G do some study and the kids wore themselves out playing.
Not much happened during the week - I made some enquiries about the car and got nowhere. Still no date on when it's arriving.
On the 23rd Mrs G and I celebrated 6 years in our house - by going out for dinner. Seems slighly ironic but it was a nice evening and we used it formulate our plans for our next family holiday. We also got to eat some nice food and drink some very nice wine.
Saturday was quite laid back. We did not much in the morning - most of us lay around the house being lazy but others did more study. In the afternoon Mrs G and LGR went to the Chef's house - one for an undies party and the other to play in the pool. Hayzey stayed with me and also had a sleep so I had a few hours of doing not much time.
Aunt LJ and UA arrived at our place late in the afternoon and next thing I know I'm best man at their wedding. Quite an honour.
Dinner turned into a BBQ with the McK family. It was fun. The goods all played and many tantrums were had. It was all quite sweet and considering the lateness of the evening they were very well behaved.
Sunday was just another day. The morning was spent grocery shopping and in the afternoon Mrs G went out with Aunt LJ to look for wedding dresses. I used the time to figure out which settings were required for me to burn my video's to DVD via the PC - it only took about 2 hours and 4-5 discs to get it right ....
But I did get it right and I can see my next project taking shape nicely. Maybe I can put video editting on my CV?
Let me see ....
About 9 days ago I took the kiddies up the mountains to visit Nanna. When we got there Clan Cuc were already in place and shortly after Aunt LJ, UA and great Nanna all arrived. It was a good afternoon. Plenty of rain, plenty of noise and heaps of food. Best of all it let Mrs G do some study and the kids wore themselves out playing.
Not much happened during the week - I made some enquiries about the car and got nowhere. Still no date on when it's arriving.
On the 23rd Mrs G and I celebrated 6 years in our house - by going out for dinner. Seems slighly ironic but it was a nice evening and we used it formulate our plans for our next family holiday. We also got to eat some nice food and drink some very nice wine.
Saturday was quite laid back. We did not much in the morning - most of us lay around the house being lazy but others did more study. In the afternoon Mrs G and LGR went to the Chef's house - one for an undies party and the other to play in the pool. Hayzey stayed with me and also had a sleep so I had a few hours of doing not much time.
Aunt LJ and UA arrived at our place late in the afternoon and next thing I know I'm best man at their wedding. Quite an honour.
Dinner turned into a BBQ with the McK family. It was fun. The goods all played and many tantrums were had. It was all quite sweet and considering the lateness of the evening they were very well behaved.
Sunday was just another day. The morning was spent grocery shopping and in the afternoon Mrs G went out with Aunt LJ to look for wedding dresses. I used the time to figure out which settings were required for me to burn my video's to DVD via the PC - it only took about 2 hours and 4-5 discs to get it right ....
But I did get it right and I can see my next project taking shape nicely. Maybe I can put video editting on my CV?
Friday, March 16, 2007
Today is the day ....
We were supposed to get our new car today. But we're not. Why? The only explanation I have received from either the lease providers or the manufacturer is 'factory delays'. I can't help but wonder how it is related to the same manufacturer making 600 people redundant last week.
The other possibility is some sort of fault/recall situation but there's been nothing in the media. The truth is I don't know. I'm a touch upset about it - we've already been waiting 3.5 months and the best guesstimate I can get now is 4-6 weeks ....
---
The kids have been very, very sweet this week. Hayzey has learnt to say 'I love you' and repeats it every night when we put her to bed. She continues to take a particular delight in reading her books to her dolls when she goes to bed - last night I saw her sitting up with her dolls all around her gleefully pointing out the Mummy, Daddy, LGR and Hayzey characters in her book. It's a bit of a mystery how she decided who was who - the book was full of cartoon pictures of zoo animals.
LGR surprised me last night - we put on a Pete Murray CD (again) and he started singing along to the choruses while strumming his guitar. Very unexpected and very sweet. He was also pre-empting the words I was reading to him out of a book earlier this week. Apparently this book is read to the kids at kindy ...
I went for my first semi-run in 2 months earlier this week. It wasn't much - run a couple of hundred then walk a couple of hundred. I have to start somewhere and at some time. This time around I need to respect my limits and/or respect the inevitable interruptions to the training routine. My ankles only blew out this time because I missed a bunch of sessions but trained as though I wasn't missing them. Stupidity/impatience on my behalf really; and an oft repeated mistake.
The other possibility is some sort of fault/recall situation but there's been nothing in the media. The truth is I don't know. I'm a touch upset about it - we've already been waiting 3.5 months and the best guesstimate I can get now is 4-6 weeks ....
---
The kids have been very, very sweet this week. Hayzey has learnt to say 'I love you' and repeats it every night when we put her to bed. She continues to take a particular delight in reading her books to her dolls when she goes to bed - last night I saw her sitting up with her dolls all around her gleefully pointing out the Mummy, Daddy, LGR and Hayzey characters in her book. It's a bit of a mystery how she decided who was who - the book was full of cartoon pictures of zoo animals.
LGR surprised me last night - we put on a Pete Murray CD (again) and he started singing along to the choruses while strumming his guitar. Very unexpected and very sweet. He was also pre-empting the words I was reading to him out of a book earlier this week. Apparently this book is read to the kids at kindy ...
I went for my first semi-run in 2 months earlier this week. It wasn't much - run a couple of hundred then walk a couple of hundred. I have to start somewhere and at some time. This time around I need to respect my limits and/or respect the inevitable interruptions to the training routine. My ankles only blew out this time because I missed a bunch of sessions but trained as though I wasn't missing them. Stupidity/impatience on my behalf really; and an oft repeated mistake.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Races
Over the weekend Clan Jones headed off to Queanbeyan with a couple of other families for a bit of a weekend away and to attend some speedway races.
We all arrived at our motel at about midday - which is quite amusing because we all travelled down independently but arrived within 5 minutes of each other. We checked in, and got moved to another room after unpacking (grrr ....) and then went for a swim. The pool at the motel was quite a good size and everyone had a go. It was fun. The kids loved it.
After a short while, amidst much protesting from the kids, it was off for some lunch and some grocery shopping - mainly for brekky things and some stuff to take to the races. We also picked up a few beverages for a lazy afternoon by the pool.
A mid afternoon swim was had with a few less participants. Some parents were responsible enough to try to get their kids to go sleep but we didn't even try. We've been there before with Hayzey - as tired as she is she just won't sleep in an unfamiliar environment during the day.
At about 17:30 Grandpa, Aunt J, Aunt LJ and UA all rocked on up to join us for a walk over to dinner - at the Leagues Club. It was only 3 blocks but for some reason took us almost 30 minutes. Probably due to many kids with little legs :-) When we got there we met up with a good portion of the Hobson clan and we all proceeded inside.
Dinner ended up being quite a lot of fun - we ended up in a semi-private room which had 3 TV's, a bunch of very plush and comfortable arm-chairs and plenty of tables. Food and drinks were ordered and all parties settled in for a night of 'hair letting down'.
Quite possible the sweetest part of the evening came when LGR sat down with his 'girlfriend' at their own little table and they had a meal together. Nobody else was allowed to sit near them. LGR said it was fun but he wanted some candles!!!
We ended up getting back to the motel at about 23:00 and some adult members of the group very, very generously volunteered to look after kids while others in the group kicked on a bit. I managed to kick, as did Mrs G. The kick on was fun - and at times very, very amusing.
We all ended up going to bed at about 02:00 - and I was awake again at about 05:30. I don't know why - the kids weren't stirring and there was no noise outside. LGR joined us in bed at about 06:30 and sweet little Hayzey woke at about 07:45. She was filthy - she had dirty and food all over her and was in dire need of a wash. She looked very, very tiny in the shower by herself :-)
Breakfast was a BBQ - pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausages etc. Tasted great. Mostly everyone was quiet - from fatigue more than anything else.
Next stop was the races - theoretically the whole reason for being there. We rocked on up expecting something like Goulburn but it wasn't quite the same - the faster, more impressive vehicles (not withstanding the HQ's) hadn't turned up and the facilities were bare - even by country standards. The track was a really weird shape - or perhaps dimension? I've never seen a speedway track with a hill in it before .....
We watched some races. Hayzey in particular loved it - she clapped and cheered and strutted around the place as though she owned it. LGR paid some close attention for a while but drafted off eventually.
The races were a bit of an anti-climax but at least we got there. The highlight of the meet was when Uncle P gave LGR a racing helmet. LGR loves it. He hugged it all the way home (except for when he was asleep) and every now and then put it on in the car to tell us how cool he looked. When we got home he wore it while riding his trike around the house. The only other item he had on was his boxer shorts and it was a very surreal sight.
The kicker was when he went to bed - he took the helmet with him. The last time I saw him awake on Sunday evening he was quietly laying in bed with his helmet and blanket. The blanket was wrapped around LGR and his helmet and he was patting/stroking the helmet.
We all arrived at our motel at about midday - which is quite amusing because we all travelled down independently but arrived within 5 minutes of each other. We checked in, and got moved to another room after unpacking (grrr ....) and then went for a swim. The pool at the motel was quite a good size and everyone had a go. It was fun. The kids loved it.
After a short while, amidst much protesting from the kids, it was off for some lunch and some grocery shopping - mainly for brekky things and some stuff to take to the races. We also picked up a few beverages for a lazy afternoon by the pool.
A mid afternoon swim was had with a few less participants. Some parents were responsible enough to try to get their kids to go sleep but we didn't even try. We've been there before with Hayzey - as tired as she is she just won't sleep in an unfamiliar environment during the day.
At about 17:30 Grandpa, Aunt J, Aunt LJ and UA all rocked on up to join us for a walk over to dinner - at the Leagues Club. It was only 3 blocks but for some reason took us almost 30 minutes. Probably due to many kids with little legs :-) When we got there we met up with a good portion of the Hobson clan and we all proceeded inside.
Dinner ended up being quite a lot of fun - we ended up in a semi-private room which had 3 TV's, a bunch of very plush and comfortable arm-chairs and plenty of tables. Food and drinks were ordered and all parties settled in for a night of 'hair letting down'.
Quite possible the sweetest part of the evening came when LGR sat down with his 'girlfriend' at their own little table and they had a meal together. Nobody else was allowed to sit near them. LGR said it was fun but he wanted some candles!!!
We ended up getting back to the motel at about 23:00 and some adult members of the group very, very generously volunteered to look after kids while others in the group kicked on a bit. I managed to kick, as did Mrs G. The kick on was fun - and at times very, very amusing.
We all ended up going to bed at about 02:00 - and I was awake again at about 05:30. I don't know why - the kids weren't stirring and there was no noise outside. LGR joined us in bed at about 06:30 and sweet little Hayzey woke at about 07:45. She was filthy - she had dirty and food all over her and was in dire need of a wash. She looked very, very tiny in the shower by herself :-)
Breakfast was a BBQ - pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausages etc. Tasted great. Mostly everyone was quiet - from fatigue more than anything else.
Next stop was the races - theoretically the whole reason for being there. We rocked on up expecting something like Goulburn but it wasn't quite the same - the faster, more impressive vehicles (not withstanding the HQ's) hadn't turned up and the facilities were bare - even by country standards. The track was a really weird shape - or perhaps dimension? I've never seen a speedway track with a hill in it before .....
We watched some races. Hayzey in particular loved it - she clapped and cheered and strutted around the place as though she owned it. LGR paid some close attention for a while but drafted off eventually.
The races were a bit of an anti-climax but at least we got there. The highlight of the meet was when Uncle P gave LGR a racing helmet. LGR loves it. He hugged it all the way home (except for when he was asleep) and every now and then put it on in the car to tell us how cool he looked. When we got home he wore it while riding his trike around the house. The only other item he had on was his boxer shorts and it was a very surreal sight.
The kicker was when he went to bed - he took the helmet with him. The last time I saw him awake on Sunday evening he was quietly laying in bed with his helmet and blanket. The blanket was wrapped around LGR and his helmet and he was patting/stroking the helmet.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
More Than I Thought
I mowed the grass on Tuesday afternoon. The section underneath the trampoline was long enough to reach the mat of the trampoline itself.
It took a while to get the job done :-)
It needs doing again :-(
---
We've had a mellow sort of week - nothing much happening (nothing that's out of the ordinary that is). I feel as though I've eaten a ton of paella, Mrs G probably feels like she's done 1000 hours of study and the kids feel like they get put into bed too early. We all have our little gripes ...
I've becoming increasingly, over the past couple of months, that I'm becoming increasingly more fascinated by the art of politics. Not necessarily the getting things done/processes of politics but the game playing and general silliness that is becoming increasingly more prevalent. Nothing seems to happen or get mentioned unless there is the chance of sticking it to someone else in the opposition. The language used is incredibly deliberate and, wherever possible, vague. It's very seldom that a question gets answered - and even when a question is answered the smalles, most trivial piece of it will be taken by the opposition/media/whoever and twisted around to suit a very specifc and pre-determined agenda.
I can't help but watch it - and admire the way in which 'they' seem to get away with it. I don't aspire to politics in any way, shape or form but the game itself is fascinating.
Maybe I should have studied sociology at Uni?
It took a while to get the job done :-)
It needs doing again :-(
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We've had a mellow sort of week - nothing much happening (nothing that's out of the ordinary that is). I feel as though I've eaten a ton of paella, Mrs G probably feels like she's done 1000 hours of study and the kids feel like they get put into bed too early. We all have our little gripes ...
I've becoming increasingly, over the past couple of months, that I'm becoming increasingly more fascinated by the art of politics. Not necessarily the getting things done/processes of politics but the game playing and general silliness that is becoming increasingly more prevalent. Nothing seems to happen or get mentioned unless there is the chance of sticking it to someone else in the opposition. The language used is incredibly deliberate and, wherever possible, vague. It's very seldom that a question gets answered - and even when a question is answered the smalles, most trivial piece of it will be taken by the opposition/media/whoever and twisted around to suit a very specifc and pre-determined agenda.
I can't help but watch it - and admire the way in which 'they' seem to get away with it. I don't aspire to politics in any way, shape or form but the game itself is fascinating.
Maybe I should have studied sociology at Uni?
Monday, March 05, 2007
3 Foot Pigmy; 3 Foot Grass
We've got some long grass at our place. So long that the bottom of the swings on our swingset ar obscured by grass. So long that are solar powered nightlights no longer get enough sunlight to work at night. So long that Hayzey managed to disappear into the grass along the side of our house :-)
I cut the frontyard grass yesterday. This involved emptying the catcher 4 times - and that was using the highest cut possible. So much grass, and it came so suddenly. I'm hoping to get the backyard done 'soon' but there's storms forecast all week so we'll see what happens. At least the house looks like someone lives in it again.
---
We had a pretty big weekend. Swimming lessons first - and the kids are definitely improving all of a sudden. Then it was off to the optometrist. My eyes have barely changed over the past two years. It's nice to know that at least one part of my body is decaying ....
I spent a good chunk of the afternoon on the phone working. It was kind of amusing - the phone was on speaker and the kids kept walking over and talking to me and into the phone. It was even better when they started telling me it was time to go out :-)
Saturday night was a party. LGR has his first proper girlfriend. Sort of. He's smitten by a 7 year old. Apparently he has lots of girlfriends. Just ask him - he's quite candid about it. He doesn't know which one he wants to marry yet ....
At the end of the night LGR wanted to give his girl a kiss, and she wanted to give him a kiss but they were both to shy to do it. It was so innocent and beautifully sweet. Hayzey just wanted to eat lollies. They both passed out in the car on the way home ... which was a relief for us.
Everyone slept in on Sunday. I woke at about 07:00 and Mrs G woke at around 07:45. LGR stumbled downstairs at about 08:15 and Hayzey was woken at 08:45. After a quick bit of brekky and a wash (Hayzey had a complete meal plastered to her hair) we were off to the shops for some groceries and then off to visit Aunt LG and UA. Turned out Nanna was there too.
So we had lunch and some chats and generally sweltered. It was nice. We got home and I mowed - which wasn't nice. Then I showered and that was very, very nice. Both kids helped me cook dinner (paella) in their own special ways and then LGR pronounced he didn't like it. Again. He seems to look at food and then decided it's no good - without actually eating any of it.
And that was about it.
Until 21:30 - when the first flashes started appearing way off to the West. Mrs G and I sat on the deck watching it for a while (and while getting eaten by mozzies). The storm proper arrived at about 22:30, and it was fantastic. There was so much lightning it was like strobe lighting and the thunder sounded very crisp, very 'tearing' and very, very proximal. The house shook several times. It even rained.
LGR woke up and was a bit scared - he wasn't crying or anything but we could hear him calling out for us. I brought him into our bedroom and all three of us watched the storm (Hayzey slept through the whole thing) and then LGR lay down to sleep. I lay next to him and he hugged me as tightly as he could. I loved it. It made me feel very special.
Eventually he nodded off and the storm moved away. I picked up my sleeping boy took him into his bedroom and got told that he loved me. What else do you need in life?
I cut the frontyard grass yesterday. This involved emptying the catcher 4 times - and that was using the highest cut possible. So much grass, and it came so suddenly. I'm hoping to get the backyard done 'soon' but there's storms forecast all week so we'll see what happens. At least the house looks like someone lives in it again.
---
We had a pretty big weekend. Swimming lessons first - and the kids are definitely improving all of a sudden. Then it was off to the optometrist. My eyes have barely changed over the past two years. It's nice to know that at least one part of my body is decaying ....
I spent a good chunk of the afternoon on the phone working. It was kind of amusing - the phone was on speaker and the kids kept walking over and talking to me and into the phone. It was even better when they started telling me it was time to go out :-)
Saturday night was a party. LGR has his first proper girlfriend. Sort of. He's smitten by a 7 year old. Apparently he has lots of girlfriends. Just ask him - he's quite candid about it. He doesn't know which one he wants to marry yet ....
At the end of the night LGR wanted to give his girl a kiss, and she wanted to give him a kiss but they were both to shy to do it. It was so innocent and beautifully sweet. Hayzey just wanted to eat lollies. They both passed out in the car on the way home ... which was a relief for us.
Everyone slept in on Sunday. I woke at about 07:00 and Mrs G woke at around 07:45. LGR stumbled downstairs at about 08:15 and Hayzey was woken at 08:45. After a quick bit of brekky and a wash (Hayzey had a complete meal plastered to her hair) we were off to the shops for some groceries and then off to visit Aunt LG and UA. Turned out Nanna was there too.
So we had lunch and some chats and generally sweltered. It was nice. We got home and I mowed - which wasn't nice. Then I showered and that was very, very nice. Both kids helped me cook dinner (paella) in their own special ways and then LGR pronounced he didn't like it. Again. He seems to look at food and then decided it's no good - without actually eating any of it.
And that was about it.
Until 21:30 - when the first flashes started appearing way off to the West. Mrs G and I sat on the deck watching it for a while (and while getting eaten by mozzies). The storm proper arrived at about 22:30, and it was fantastic. There was so much lightning it was like strobe lighting and the thunder sounded very crisp, very 'tearing' and very, very proximal. The house shook several times. It even rained.
LGR woke up and was a bit scared - he wasn't crying or anything but we could hear him calling out for us. I brought him into our bedroom and all three of us watched the storm (Hayzey slept through the whole thing) and then LGR lay down to sleep. I lay next to him and he hugged me as tightly as he could. I loved it. It made me feel very special.
Eventually he nodded off and the storm moved away. I picked up my sleeping boy took him into his bedroom and got told that he loved me. What else do you need in life?
Friday, March 02, 2007
The Epic Continues
Our floor is finally, almost, fixed. Mrs G negotiated with the floor company to have all our skirting boards replaced - mainly because the knob who did the original work, and then started to pretend to fix it, snapped several of them and the rest are starting to consist of more wood putty than any other material ....
At least the floor is level now. And there's no gaps between them. Or air bubbles.
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The other frustration in my life ..... Where's the new car? If all goes well it will be in our driveway in two weeks. Fingers crossed.
---
Something better? LGR went on his first, unassisted, play visit with a mate today. His mate and his mate's Mum rocked on up to our place for reasons that I don't know and LGR ended up leaving with them. By his account it was a terrific day. They watched half of Batman and went for a swim. Best of all - he's knackered and we might get a sleep in out of him.
At least the floor is level now. And there's no gaps between them. Or air bubbles.
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The other frustration in my life ..... Where's the new car? If all goes well it will be in our driveway in two weeks. Fingers crossed.
---
Something better? LGR went on his first, unassisted, play visit with a mate today. His mate and his mate's Mum rocked on up to our place for reasons that I don't know and LGR ended up leaving with them. By his account it was a terrific day. They watched half of Batman and went for a swim. Best of all - he's knackered and we might get a sleep in out of him.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Retro
LGR has been taught some new dances at Kindy - YMCA and Agadoo. He's quite proud of them. Now all we have to is find those songs so he can show us how he does it :-)
It's been pretty mellow so far this week - not much happening at all. We got a bit of rain yesterday and it seemed as though the kids were well impressed by the accompanying lightning and thunder. LGR very seriously informed me that they weren't allowed outside when it was raining.
Hayzey has learnt a new phrase - 'Go away'. She uses when she is upset with people. I remember LGR using the same phrase at about the same age. It's no less distressing the second time around - but still somehow quite cute.
It's been pretty mellow so far this week - not much happening at all. We got a bit of rain yesterday and it seemed as though the kids were well impressed by the accompanying lightning and thunder. LGR very seriously informed me that they weren't allowed outside when it was raining.
Hayzey has learnt a new phrase - 'Go away'. She uses when she is upset with people. I remember LGR using the same phrase at about the same age. It's no less distressing the second time around - but still somehow quite cute.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Not Again
I have to work tonight. I'm helping to back out the changes made on Saturday night & Sunday morning. I left work at 05:45 thinking everything was blissful - and at that point it was. Turns out there were some .NET errors on some server and everything turned to crap and blah blah blah ....
Woe is me.
Sunday was pretty cool in spite of my lack of sleep. I got home in pretty quick fashion and went to sleep quite quickly. LGR woke me up at about 08:20 courtesy of a massive tantrum but I was back in bed and asleep by 09:00. I heard Mrs G and the kids leave at 09:36 (the front door closing woke me up) and then I went back to sleep. I got up at about 11:45 and showered. I was just settling down to watch some intelligent TV (I taped Difference of Opinion last week - they were discussing water) when everyone got home. LGR took charge of the TV and Nick Jr was on very shortly after.
The afternoon was spent doing not much. It was good. We cooked some food and played some games and watched some music videos. LGR got his first glimpse of Peter Garrett dancing and since then he has been impersonating him.
I guess it goes without saying that I was very glad when the kids went to bad, and even happier when I went to bed :-)
Woe is me.
Sunday was pretty cool in spite of my lack of sleep. I got home in pretty quick fashion and went to sleep quite quickly. LGR woke me up at about 08:20 courtesy of a massive tantrum but I was back in bed and asleep by 09:00. I heard Mrs G and the kids leave at 09:36 (the front door closing woke me up) and then I went back to sleep. I got up at about 11:45 and showered. I was just settling down to watch some intelligent TV (I taped Difference of Opinion last week - they were discussing water) when everyone got home. LGR took charge of the TV and Nick Jr was on very shortly after.
The afternoon was spent doing not much. It was good. We cooked some food and played some games and watched some music videos. LGR got his first glimpse of Peter Garrett dancing and since then he has been impersonating him.
I guess it goes without saying that I was very glad when the kids went to bad, and even happier when I went to bed :-)
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Stuff
This is a bit like a return to the bad old days of jobs long gone for me. It's Saturday night, 21:00 and I'm at work. Bugger. Such is the life of the IT guy - and in all fairness it's been a long, long time since I've had to work on the weekend (a bit over a year now and that was a Saturday morning ...)
What's been happening? Not a lot; but plenty. Cars first. We still don't have our new car. We've only been waiting for a tick under 3 months and this doesn't seem to be long enough. If we knew way back then what we know now the metaphorical coin toss between our selection and the alternate may have gone differently. I'm sure once we have it all will be forgotten but in the interim there's the frustration of knowing it's coming but not quite being able to see it.
Work. It's nuts for both of us. You already know that I'm at work right now (a bit of quiet time a possibly very long and busy night). You don't know that this work I've also had a 02:00 and 04:00 start and a couple of 12 hour shifts.
Thrown into the mix Mrs G's busy work schedule (she was at Coffs Harbour this week and in the couple of weeks is off to Cobar and Merimbula) and you can see what I mean by busy.
I think Mrs G is back at Uni in the very near future also. That should be very exciting. For all of us.
The kids are great. Champions. With a couple of minor foibles I don't think I could have asked for any better out of them. LGR seems to have tried to step up a notch in his aims to be helpful and considerate and still has the biggest heart in any person I know.
Hayzey is truly crazy. She knows very little fear and intrinsically trusts that I will get her out of whatever situation she puts herself in. Not to long ago I put her on the boot of the car. She stood up and jumped off it - straight into my arms!!
We still get out and about a bit. Two weeks ago we were up at The Entrance to celebrate UA's birthday. Nanna stayed with us and the kids loved it. Especially LGR. He was well chuffed that he was considered big enough to sleep in the same room as Nanna.
Last weekend it was off to Aunt BJ's birthday party. Interestingly she is the same age as UA. (Maybe that's only interesting to me ...). This one was at Bondi Bowls club and it was fantastic. The beer was quite cheap and lawn bowls is a game well worth getting acquainted with.
This weekend is a touch quieter. We did some garden type work today and actually managed to achieve a couple of aims. A nice feeling.
So that's it for now. I promise (again) to try to be more regular with this stuff. Really - I do.
Hooroo.
What's been happening? Not a lot; but plenty. Cars first. We still don't have our new car. We've only been waiting for a tick under 3 months and this doesn't seem to be long enough. If we knew way back then what we know now the metaphorical coin toss between our selection and the alternate may have gone differently. I'm sure once we have it all will be forgotten but in the interim there's the frustration of knowing it's coming but not quite being able to see it.
Work. It's nuts for both of us. You already know that I'm at work right now (a bit of quiet time a possibly very long and busy night). You don't know that this work I've also had a 02:00 and 04:00 start and a couple of 12 hour shifts.
Thrown into the mix Mrs G's busy work schedule (she was at Coffs Harbour this week and in the couple of weeks is off to Cobar and Merimbula) and you can see what I mean by busy.
I think Mrs G is back at Uni in the very near future also. That should be very exciting. For all of us.
The kids are great. Champions. With a couple of minor foibles I don't think I could have asked for any better out of them. LGR seems to have tried to step up a notch in his aims to be helpful and considerate and still has the biggest heart in any person I know.
Hayzey is truly crazy. She knows very little fear and intrinsically trusts that I will get her out of whatever situation she puts herself in. Not to long ago I put her on the boot of the car. She stood up and jumped off it - straight into my arms!!
We still get out and about a bit. Two weeks ago we were up at The Entrance to celebrate UA's birthday. Nanna stayed with us and the kids loved it. Especially LGR. He was well chuffed that he was considered big enough to sleep in the same room as Nanna.
Last weekend it was off to Aunt BJ's birthday party. Interestingly she is the same age as UA. (Maybe that's only interesting to me ...). This one was at Bondi Bowls club and it was fantastic. The beer was quite cheap and lawn bowls is a game well worth getting acquainted with.
This weekend is a touch quieter. We did some garden type work today and actually managed to achieve a couple of aims. A nice feeling.
So that's it for now. I promise (again) to try to be more regular with this stuff. Really - I do.
Hooroo.
"Sometimes I Let Them Brush My Hair"
Anybody who has been in our house when we have tried to brush Hayzey's hair knows how much she 'loves' it happening. Kindy have no issues at all, but Mum and Dad aren't allowed within 5 feet with a hairbrush or hair-ties. After much questioning we finally determined the only difference, apart from the family relationship, is that Kindy brush Hayzey's hair in front of a mirror.
So we tried it. And it works!! She will sit there and stare at herself for as long as it takes. Sometimes she gently pats her hair and calls herself "Beautiful."
This picture is the proof that it can work. On occasions.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Brown!!!
Happy birthday UA (or Brown, or even U Brown - whichever you prefer). Hope you have a great day.
A friend, not to long ago, asked if 30 is the new 20. Since you're a bloke I'm guessing you don't really care :-)
Best wishes from Clan Jones.
A friend, not to long ago, asked if 30 is the new 20. Since you're a bloke I'm guessing you don't really care :-)
Best wishes from Clan Jones.
Orange Skies
We had a bit of rain in Sydney last night. Not a lot, and certainly nothing worth getting excited about. There was something very interesting about it however. At about 20:00 the light outside turned orange. It was very surreal and very bizarre - almost the type of orange light seen when the sun shines through bushfire smoke. The biggest difference was the quality - this one seemed to be a more vivid, but not more bright, type of orange - almost as though it was wet :-)
Either way it was fantastic, and as best as I know I'm the only person who picked it up. LGR was still awake but didn't really care and Mrs G was trying to get a cab from the airport in order to come home ....
Mrs G did make it home at about 20:45 - just after the orange light had turned a distinct shade of night time. Not surprisingly she was very talkative and full of enthusiasm for her trip and her job in general. It's great to see so much passion and enthusiasm. Especially if it means I can play the role of toy boy in the years to come (even though I'm definitely no longer young - or even younger than Mrs G for that matter ...).
---
I saw the two extremes of dangerous drivers on the way to work this morning. The first was a red P-plater driving with one arm hanging out the window at a leisurely 40km/h in a 70km/h zone. His slow speed was blocking up a lane of traffic very nicely and causing those behind to take risks to move into another lane. It also caused the other lanes to begin to back up. It is possible to drive too carefully and too slowly - although I find it hard to call someone who is driving with one arm hanging out of the car 'careful'.
The second was a red P-plater. This guy was driving a very slick looking Monaro GTS and he was quite clearly enjoying - accelerating extremely hard, changing lanes randomly, revving the motor at lights. As with the guy who was driving very slow this chap was also causing traffic chaos - by making others vigorously brake when he suddenly veered in front of them. The irony is that he wasn't really getting anywhere. I could also point out how much petrol he would have wasted but I will make a presumption Mummy and Daddy are picking up the tab ....
---
I had a couple of politicians make some very interesting points during the week.
The first was Morris Iemma saying NSW had an impeccable record when it come to negotiating public/private contracts. I guess he's forgotten the Cross City Tunnel? Plenty of others won't.
The second was John Howard stating that the 'jury is still out' regarding the impact of human activity on climate change (this was in response to a question without notice during parliament). It seems he was reminded by his helpers that the current Liberal policy is one of pretending to care - because he returned to parliament a short time later stating that he had misunderstood the question. He did believe there was a significant chance human activity was influencing climate change.
Edit: I'll have to give benefit of the doubt here. While answering the original question on 6th February John Howard did make reference to a connection between drought and climate change. It's on Page 10 of Hansard.
Either way it was fantastic, and as best as I know I'm the only person who picked it up. LGR was still awake but didn't really care and Mrs G was trying to get a cab from the airport in order to come home ....
Mrs G did make it home at about 20:45 - just after the orange light had turned a distinct shade of night time. Not surprisingly she was very talkative and full of enthusiasm for her trip and her job in general. It's great to see so much passion and enthusiasm. Especially if it means I can play the role of toy boy in the years to come (even though I'm definitely no longer young - or even younger than Mrs G for that matter ...).
---
I saw the two extremes of dangerous drivers on the way to work this morning. The first was a red P-plater driving with one arm hanging out the window at a leisurely 40km/h in a 70km/h zone. His slow speed was blocking up a lane of traffic very nicely and causing those behind to take risks to move into another lane. It also caused the other lanes to begin to back up. It is possible to drive too carefully and too slowly - although I find it hard to call someone who is driving with one arm hanging out of the car 'careful'.
The second was a red P-plater. This guy was driving a very slick looking Monaro GTS and he was quite clearly enjoying - accelerating extremely hard, changing lanes randomly, revving the motor at lights. As with the guy who was driving very slow this chap was also causing traffic chaos - by making others vigorously brake when he suddenly veered in front of them. The irony is that he wasn't really getting anywhere. I could also point out how much petrol he would have wasted but I will make a presumption Mummy and Daddy are picking up the tab ....
---
I had a couple of politicians make some very interesting points during the week.
The first was Morris Iemma saying NSW had an impeccable record when it come to negotiating public/private contracts. I guess he's forgotten the Cross City Tunnel? Plenty of others won't.
The second was John Howard stating that the 'jury is still out' regarding the impact of human activity on climate change (this was in response to a question without notice during parliament). It seems he was reminded by his helpers that the current Liberal policy is one of pretending to care - because he returned to parliament a short time later stating that he had misunderstood the question. He did believe there was a significant chance human activity was influencing climate change.
Edit: I'll have to give benefit of the doubt here. While answering the original question on 6th February John Howard did make reference to a connection between drought and climate change. It's on Page 10 of Hansard.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Energy Crisis?
Over the weekend Hayzey put on a wonderful demonstration of how the world can be powered over the course of her lifetime - via methane. She had the most amazing period of 'trumpet' on Saturday evening. To make it even better each time she 'got one off' she let out a little chuckle and grinned from ear to ear.
I love my little girl :-)
---
Life is still busy. Possibly even more so. Last week I started at 02:00 on Tuesday morning and 04:00 on Friday morning. Today I started at 04:00 again, and Mrs G is off on another business trip today and tomorrow morning. This will be the pattern of our lives for the next while - for the next very long while.
So what's happened in the middle of it all?
Not much during the week apart from the mundane tasks of life. There are more than the odd moments of fun and excitement because of the kids but all in all we all have our little routines going and are well and truly into the new year.
The weekend just gone was cool - sort of. I was quite crook on Saturday and LGR managed a massive chuck also. But we also had a play in the pool and both kids managed a good sleep. I used close to a box of tissues and finished the day with a very red nose.
Sunday was better. Aunt LJ and UA came around for a BBQ lunch. The kiddies were very, very excited about this and made it quite apparent when they arrived. LGR was also impressed with the new car. So were we - but because it's big and it's red it's twice as good. Right LGR?
I'm going to blow my own trumpet for a bit now .... Lunch was great. I cooked up some smoky (sort of) Portugese chicken with a Moroccan carrot salad and a tomato/capsicum/olive salad. We were also drinking Rum and Cokes (Jamaican rum in case you are interested). It was all quite tasty. In my opinion.
After lunch Mrs G and Aunt LJ shot through for a bit of shopping and left the kids with myself and UA. Hayzey made it quite apparent she wanted to go with Mum. We ended up separating the kids - I took Hayz upstairs and LGR and UA stayed downstairs. And then the sweetest thing happened.
Hayzey curled up into a little ball on my chest (I was sitting in a recliner/rocking chair) and went from screaming to crying to sobbing to sleeping. I can't remember the last time she let me hug her to sleep - and I believe this may be the last time I get to do it. I enjoyed it so much I stayed in the seat for a touch too long and also had a snooze. This was good because, unbeknown to me, UA and LGR were doing the same thing downstairs.
The rest of the day was a combination of some drinks, some pool time and a pretty average dinner (cooked by me - lunch was much better). We all had fun and it must have been good because the kids were exhausted and went to sleep very easily.
I love my little girl :-)
---
Life is still busy. Possibly even more so. Last week I started at 02:00 on Tuesday morning and 04:00 on Friday morning. Today I started at 04:00 again, and Mrs G is off on another business trip today and tomorrow morning. This will be the pattern of our lives for the next while - for the next very long while.
So what's happened in the middle of it all?
Not much during the week apart from the mundane tasks of life. There are more than the odd moments of fun and excitement because of the kids but all in all we all have our little routines going and are well and truly into the new year.
The weekend just gone was cool - sort of. I was quite crook on Saturday and LGR managed a massive chuck also. But we also had a play in the pool and both kids managed a good sleep. I used close to a box of tissues and finished the day with a very red nose.
Sunday was better. Aunt LJ and UA came around for a BBQ lunch. The kiddies were very, very excited about this and made it quite apparent when they arrived. LGR was also impressed with the new car. So were we - but because it's big and it's red it's twice as good. Right LGR?
I'm going to blow my own trumpet for a bit now .... Lunch was great. I cooked up some smoky (sort of) Portugese chicken with a Moroccan carrot salad and a tomato/capsicum/olive salad. We were also drinking Rum and Cokes (Jamaican rum in case you are interested). It was all quite tasty. In my opinion.
After lunch Mrs G and Aunt LJ shot through for a bit of shopping and left the kids with myself and UA. Hayzey made it quite apparent she wanted to go with Mum. We ended up separating the kids - I took Hayz upstairs and LGR and UA stayed downstairs. And then the sweetest thing happened.
Hayzey curled up into a little ball on my chest (I was sitting in a recliner/rocking chair) and went from screaming to crying to sobbing to sleeping. I can't remember the last time she let me hug her to sleep - and I believe this may be the last time I get to do it. I enjoyed it so much I stayed in the seat for a touch too long and also had a snooze. This was good because, unbeknown to me, UA and LGR were doing the same thing downstairs.
The rest of the day was a combination of some drinks, some pool time and a pretty average dinner (cooked by me - lunch was much better). We all had fun and it must have been good because the kids were exhausted and went to sleep very easily.
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