Aussie or bust

Pinch Punch First of the Month

2012-01-02T15:32:00.001+11:00

9Hello 2012. Yep thats right folks we live to fight another year. Only The fighting part might have to wait. Parents of this many small children really should know better. Up all night partying away even if it was at home does not mix well with demanding babies and children. We could quite happily climb into bed and write the entire day off but alas Its not to be. They demand we feed them entertain them and referee there fights. Ughh. Oh well at least the kids are entering 2012 all bright eyed and bushy tailed unlike the parents that entering it with sore heads and large eye baggage

My baby

2012-01-02T15:27:00.000+11:00

So Yet again I have failed to keep up with my blog! Its been over a year. What a year its been. Shall I recap from where I left off? Ok well shortly after my last post a light switched on for Gal and pretty much over night I had my husband back. I will say there were black moments before reaching that point including me reaching the point of arranging to go back to the UK. However none of that matters My husband came back from the bleak place he had been and over a year has passed.

We found out in December 2010 that we were expecting baby NO5. A happy accident. I spent early 2011 getting slowly fatter. The scans didnt reveal babies gender but hey we were gonna be the family with 5 boys and were quite ok with that. Gal treated me to a 3d scan at 33 weeks as I had not had one before. OMG the baby was a girl. Shock does not come close. She was due the 8th of August and was told she could arrive anytime BUT not on the 9th as that is Ks birthday. I went into labour proper early on my due date but she didnt arrive until 00.55 on the 9th contrary madam!. Lillian Elizabeth was 9lb 5oz of perfection.

We moved to a bigger better place by the beach. Our new gaff is so homely and we love it.

In November we got a call that as parents you do not ever want Kieron had been hit by a car and rushed to hospital. He had a compound fracture to his right tib and fib and as I type is still wearing a cast but hey a cast is great compared to the first weeks in a wheelchair.

So that brings us up to the end of 2011 which was a great one I still have 4 healthy happy sons and now I have a perfect baby girl too.

By the light of the moon

2010-11-24T12:52:00.000+11:00

Every evening as night starts to fall,
I look at the moon and think of you all.
Separated by oceans and many miles away,
you enter my thoughts at the end of each day.
How I miss all the things we used to share,
How I miss simply having you there.
So now when I am lonely or feeling blue,
When the craving hits to share things with you,
I look at the moon shining up there,
The very same moon that we all share.
So the next time you look up at the end of the day,
Be sure that I am thinking of you half a world away.

2 years down the line

2010-11-08T18:16:00.000+11:00

Today sees me celebrating or perhaps commiserating. Why you ask? Well today marks the 2 year anniversary of landing in Australia. I can clearly remember the excitement mixed with trepidation as we disembarked the flight at Sydney. I managed to forget I had baby food in my hand luggage whoops! It was a warm evening and there were palm trees blowing gently. As we climbed into Gals mum and dads car I felt terrified. What the hell had I done. I did not know this branch of his family. I had no idea how I would cope in warm weather and I was terrified of creepy crawlies.

I can still remember the incredible tiredness that lasted a few days. The fact that I checked my shoes before I would put them on and gave the bathroom a thorough inspection before I could bring myself to use the loo. The terror was mingled with an incredible excitement. We had done it. We were all embarking on a new life in Australia. Things slotted into place quite nicely in those first few months and despite the gut wrenching feeling of missing loved ones I was optimistic about our future.

I have told before how it didn't quite stay like that. Its been a tough 18 months financially and emotionally. So two years in how do I feel? I'm hoping easier times are around the corner. I could easily blame Australia for the bad time we have had, but I wont. Whatever happens I am still glad of the chance to live somewhere this unique glad that my children have experienced this.

So I shall drink a toast to celebrate how strong I am to have coped with all I have had too. I will drink a toast to celebrate how well my children have adapted. I hope Australia will forgive me if I also shed a few tears for what I lost and left behind.

Christmas is coming and with it people sickness.

2010-11-02T17:28:00.002+11:00

Its the one thing everyone mentions when you move a fair distance. Its something you are aware of from day dot. YOU WILL MISS PEOPLE. You never realize how much until you have actually moved.

I am fine most of the time. I just get on with life. Then something happens, something good, something bad just something and the people you want to share it with most are so very far away.

With Garry and his mental health issues It was the isolation that made it harder for me to handle. The people I know would have been able to help me cope or talk to Garry were all on the other side of the world. Some people really have no equal.

I am constantly amazed at how much I miss Garry's Nan. That women is fantastic shes loud shes brash and she is one in a million. I will never ever forget how she welcomed us into the family. Uncle Gal and his brood. I miss him even though when I first met him I thought he was an obnoxious bellend! He is like mould he grows on you hahaha. My boys adore this man. The feeling is mutual. They don't have anyone like that here and that makes me sad.

I miss my Jojo I don't have that all holds bared female friendship over here and cannot see me ever loving another friend like I love Jo.

I miss my grandparents. They are growing old and frail. It scares me I may not see them alive again. My grandparents have probably been the biggest influence in my life.

I miss my mum. That's all I need to say.

I am missing out on my sisters Children. I have never even met Harry. To them me and mine are not family they do not know us.

My brother has his engagement party this weekend. I would kill to be able to be there. They told me today they are expecting there first baby. Such joyful news. Yet its had me on my knees crippled by what I refer to as people sickness. Ah well tomorrow is a new day.

Things to be thankful for

2010-10-23T13:11:00.003+11:00

Its very easy to slip into a woe is me mentality. I should know. I have spent the past 8-9 months thinking moaning and lambasting what is WRONG with my life. Well the sun is shining and my mood is uplifted by it. So today I am going to count what I have to be thankful for.

Four healthy children. The thing I should be most thankful for. From four pregnancies I have four healthy babies. I see people who would make the most fantastic parents struggling to conceive and realize the world is an unfair place. I see women lose longed for babies before they even have a chance to meet them. So yes I am thankful for my boys. They may drive me to distraction at times I may want to throttle them on occasion but they are also the single biggest joy in my life. They provide me with more love than I ever knew was possible. They can make me roar with laughter well up with tears and pull my hair out with frustration.

I am thankful for my friends. They say friends are the family you choose for yourself. The friends back in the UK that I may not speak to every day or even every month anymore but who will always be at the end of a phone when I need them and vice versa Jo I mean you. The new friends here. I really should make more of an effort with you but life has a habit of getting in the way on both sides you guys have really helped me feel happier here. My mum friends and friends that live in the computer. I would seriously be lost without you lot. You offer unbiased broad spectrum opinions very large shoulders practical advice practical help and are there with a pull yourself together when needed. When I get back to the UK there are a number of you I intend on visiting be warned.

My health. I am physically healthy. I have had no major health concerns. There are brave people out there battling with illness and ill health and every time I look at them I am in awe. I am also mentally well although i am sure there are those who would challenge that. I love the saying Mental illness is not a sign of being weak. Its a sign you have been strong for too long.

So there we have it 3 things I can be thankful for. I could of course carry on but 3 is enough for today I don't want to overwhelm myself now do I

Skipping way ahead of myself

2010-10-17T15:12:00.003+11:00

I completely forgot about this. Well Okay I was to lazy to bother. Whats been happening? I shall update without giving too much detail otherwise I will be here for hours. Then from here on in I can carry on as normal

Husband was diagnosed with depression suspected Bi polar. He was not in a good place. Had to give up work was a total mare to live with.

I returned to the workforce so we were not destitute. This was nice I enjoyed it. been at home however seemed to worsen husbands condition. So we swapped back again

Marriage is stuck between a rock and a hardplace right now uncertain what the future holds.

Kids are all still alive and kicking.

So we reach October 2010 hopefully I can pull my finger out and keep on top of this now.

Laid up ramblings

2009-04-29T16:59:00.002+10:00

So I have Phlebitis. Or as prefer to call it old lady leg. Sunday I couldn't walk at all. Had to be pushed round on a flaming computer chair. It hurt so badly I was a teary mess. Monday it was still bad. Dh and mother bullied me into seeing a Dr. Turns out its a good job they did. A weeks bed rest anti inflammatory tablets and blood thinning things. Joy. Now usually I would kill to laze around in bed. Its a whole different ball game when you have no choice. 2 days in I am bored out of my tiny mind.
The Internet can only amuse me for so long. However on the plus side my new sofa arrived today. Farewell manky tatty leather hello swish suede corner sofa. I heart it very much. I am now awaiting a rug I have ordered and my lounge will be wonderful. Oh and I would rather like a new side board too but I best not push my luck. The older boys now have Liverpool stickarounds in the bedroom which help make it brighter too.
Hubby has no work so financially we are struggling. In fact its all a bit depressing and just typing it brings me down. So ill gloss over it and paste on an optimistic smile. Oh and look at my picture. The first decent school photo ever.

Busy having a life

2009-04-24T14:32:00.003+10:00

Sorry I have not updated in a while I have been busy. I have friends here now and a social life and its sunk in this is home for the foreseeable future. 6 months it took but I am now at the stage This is home. I still miss the UK. I probably always will. I'm not crying when I think of it now. I'm no longer spending evenings on google looking at pictures of the places I lived.

So what am I doing? I spent a hell of a lot of time doing Easter things with the kids. Making bonnets in school for the parade. So cute but so competitive thank goodness I was warned! We also had to decorate hard boiled eggs for the traditional egg roll. Then each child needed to make an Easter egg model. I am all egged out.

The house is coming along nicely. I finally ordered a sofa. 6 weeks they told me. By my reckoning I should have it next week. I hate parting with money and not having anything to show for it straight away. It will be lush though Chocolate suede corner lounge. Downstairs the studio room is coming along nicely too. The roof is fat batted and gyp rocked. Hubby still has to finish plastering it though. I'm not holding my breath. I have ordered stickarounds for the kids rooms because all this cream is a bit bland. Paint costs a bomb here. DIY is not cheap. We need a b and q.

We took the kids to Blackbutt. Oh my I loved it and it was all free! The wombats are quite excellent and most amusing to watch. The Kangaroos are the boring small ones. I wont feel happy till Ive seen a great big boxing type one. I was convinced the koalas were teddies stuck in trees as the lazy buggers don't do anything then one scratched its arse and i felt satisfied they were real. Charlie argued everything was a doggie woof woof. Daniel got fed up looking at birds "we get in the garden anyway". Then we came across the emus. I am not liking emus much. They have beady eyes. They are to large and they smell. Boy do they smell. Kieron was not at all keen to photographed with them and informed me he does not want to be reincarnated as an emu??? Odd child.

Now to the weather. Oh lucky me living in the land of sun. One word. Balderdash, OK the days are not to bad. Even when it rains its still warmish. Early morning and evening though. Different story, I am to be found wearing knee high socks trousers a jumper and on occasion a duvet as a shawl and Ive even considered gloves INSIDE. Basically our house is a pigeon hut with windows. No insulation at all. I am considering hot water bottles electric blankets and thermal underwear all things I coped without in the UK.

My first deadly encounter

2009-02-12T16:08:00.002+11:00

Having been here just over 3 months I was feeling charmed. I had seen nothing of great danger. Well apart from the storm drains which I am terrified of falling down. A break in the weather this afternoon meant a dry walk to collect the small people from school. We get there. I free Charlie from his buggy so he can go run around with his mini pals. I take a call on my mobile. After getting off the phone I see Charlie in a dusty corner of the playground shelter and go to fetch him. Hes pointing at something. A bloody spider. Now I know nothing of spiders here other than I don't bloody like them. This one however has a red stripe on its back. Now call me a fool but that to me means RED BACK. That means a bloody nasty bite that can kill although there have been no recorded deaths for some years these Aussies keep telling me. I snatch baby and strap him back in just as first Kidlet is released from his classroom. Mrs Stewart his teacher sees me looking antsy. As parents disperse I grab her arm in a pleading fashion. "Mrs Stewart I don't know anything about your wildlife but can you tell me what that is?" "Ohhh Its a bloody great red back!" she explains. "Can you stand there to make sure no one goes near whilst I fetch someone to deal with it" and off she goes.

Now I don't do spiders. In fact up until A certain Scottish friend of mine gave me some relaxation things to do I was inclined to scream and run and generally make a tit of myself. That was just with your common British house spider. Here I was faced with guarding a Bloody Aussie legend AND not letting on what I was doing. I watched it not that it did a lot but I wasn't taking my eyes off it just in case it decided to launch an attack. I even took a photo. Thank all things holy she was quickly back with a man. "you can move away now Mrs B" he chirruped. No idea if they said anything else. I was off quicker than a sprinter out of the starting blocks.

Australia the land of sun

2009-02-12T12:52:00.003+11:00

I feel deceived. In all the emigration books on all the Australian soaps they show sun sand and sexy people. What a lot of crud! I am sat on my bed tapping away at the keys on my lappy freezing to death. I am wearing a nice woolly jumper and fluffy socks and still I feel chilly. The average Australian home does not have central heating. Nor do they have double glazing. Its been bucketing down for hours. When it rains here it really rains. Now OK the incessant sunshine does get wearing but hells teeth a jumper in February in Australia?

If I ever achieve my dream and build or renovate my own home here I know one thing. I will budget for double glazing. It will keep the 5am chorus out if nothing else. I shall also incorporate heating.

Daniel the eldest child had his Birthday yesterday. He has been hugely excited at the thought of a sunshine filled day as opposed to the usual UK wash out. You guessed it. Yesterday it rained from dawn till dusk. I was fully expecting the house to float away. More birthday hiccups the husband had to work late. By the time he rolled through the door at gone 7pm the kids and I were ready to eat each other. So we ordered take out and had Dans birthday cake. Then the small people where ushered to bed. Still Daniel did not complain. with his DR who DVDS and his I-pod he was one happy little solider.

I however see his entry into double digits as a turning point. He no longer wants plastic tat and toys where you can spend a pittance and have a mountain of gifts. No we have no entered the age of hi tech High cost and tiny piles. An era has ended for Daniel but it seems only I view it with sadness although I am sure my bank manager feels my pain.

Back to school and stuff

2009-02-10T17:54:00.002+11:00

So I haven't updated for a while. Real life has a habit of getting in the way. The kids have started back at school. Which is great. It means adult conversation at home time for me. Its amazing how much diffrence speaking to unrelated adults can make. The kids have settled back in well. I cannot get over how much homework they get though! Much more than back in the uk. I have started to get chatty with a few of the mums. Ones been round for a drink and chat. She also gave me some summer clothes. How lovely is that? Well it would be apart from they are a size 18!! Bloody hell I was a bit gobsmacked to say the least.

Saturday gone we had a child free night. The lovely in laws took the kids for the night. We were supposed to be attending a doof in the bush. Neither of us fancied it so Gal called a taxi and had it drop us at Bar beach. Stunning! Then we had a walk up the main drag for something to eat. Yum I can still taste the soup. We spent the rest of the evening in a bar with friends of Gals. Had a ball and felt like something other than a mum. Amazing what a night out can do.

The news has been full of tragedy. Floods to the north bush fires to the south. Theres been a few bad fires here in NSW but nothing like whats happened in Victoria. Whole townships wiped from the map. Great loss of life. They think they where started deliberately a concept i cannot get my head round. My heart goes out to those affected. My admiration is with those both paid and volunteers who have fought this hellish fire.

And he broke the bank

2009-01-24T13:26:00.003+11:00

You know when you think every things going to be OK. Well its not. I am not in a happy place right now!

I last night curled up in bed thinking happy thoughts cos the husband would be home tomorrow. Only he screwed up in most spectacular fashion. At 2.30 am I was rudely awoken by my mobile. Check the bank account barked a pissed husband I think I have overspent. So I log in and check stuff thinking wtf have you dipped into the account for. He was given $300 for expenses. He also had $300 dollars of my money on him because we didn't know he got expenses upfront. He had taken $500 so that's $800 in total that he shouldn't have spent. Pissed up a fucking wall.

My sofa money gone. Children's uniform money gone. Gardeners wages gone. Pissed off does not even come close. I am livid. We now have hardly a bean to see us through till pay day. How can he be so irresponsible? Why do I have to sort out the mess. I will be the one who has to juggle things cancel things and generally go without. I was so cross last night especially since he kept phoning me been remorseful one moment and yelling at me the next. I even looked up where I would stand if we split with regards to my visa conditions. It could go one of 3 ways really. I would either have 2 weeks to leave the country. I could be granted residency as we have a child. He could take me to court and stop me leaving the country even if I wanted to as we have a child. OK so looking up that stuff was a major overreaction on my part. I know this. But god there is only so much I can take. I was in bits last night / this morning. Tearful panicky but the lovely ladies of my tinternet home sorted me out. Yes I'm cross but I'm no longer emotional. I love the man but right now I want to kick him in the teeth.

Fridays Frustrations

2009-01-23T13:03:00.003+11:00

So I am missing the Husband. Quite a lot as it goes. Yes I gave him The I will miss you speech but I wasn't 100% sure I actually would. I had this lovely idea of lazy days with the kids eating lots of pasta and doing very little followed by a whole night diagonal across the bed. Reality is I do miss him an awful lot. I have no one to play with. No one to make me giggle. OK the kids play and make me laugh but its just not the same. G shares my twisted humour. Actually scratch that he knocks my twisted humour into a cocked hat!

I was up and tackling the garden at 9am. This consisted of moving all the fallen palm branches into a pile. Palm trees are a pita. I have grown to hate them. They shed entire branches that do not break easily. I also picked up fallen leaves and cut back a green thing that was encroaching onto the path. I pulled a few things that "may" have been weeds up. Its hard to do such things with just a pair of gardening gloves some kitchen scissors and a sweeping brush. Me thinks perhaps I need equipment. Ugh I don't want to be a gardener. Luckily my AWOL gardeners called they will be here on Tuesday. They forgot about me. I hope I get a discount after tackling it myself!

I have also been hasty. We still need a sofa. The one we did want will take 8 weeks from payment to arrive. Too long. So I found another shop and it has a very trendy 2 and 3 seater combo at a good IE we can afford it price. It is very nice to look at but I have a feeling its uncomfortable. Anyhow I also had a look on eBay. Ohhh I found my dream sofa. A corner suite only 1 year old and in a lovely plum colour too. Oh and it turns into a queen bed. It was lust at first sight. I have bidded on it. With no idea how I will get it if I win. Luckily It is after checking in the same state as me and in driving distance. I fear If I win I may have to grovel to the in laws.

In between all my activity this morning we sat on the deck for a bit. 10 whole minutes. Its too bloody hot. Or maybe its the humidity but I felt my insides cooking and have retreated back to my lovely air con side seat. I may just sit here till my husband returns.

Chasing things with rolling pins

2009-01-22T15:19:00.000+11:00

I am alone. Well actually that is a lie. There is me and 4 small people. The Husband is working away. This means I am trapped in a strange country with no one to keep me amused. Get a grip I hear you shout. Well I did get a grip. At 2.30am convinced there was something out there. I got a grip of the rolling pin. I went outside took a few steps and then thought sod this I can't see the creepy crawlies! So I came back to bed armed and ready.

Today it is raining so we are house bound. Deep joy. My Gardener has still not shown up. I am almost tempted to do it myself. I need a hobby. However are hobbies not things boring people have? I have the attention span of your average nat. I could look into taking up riding again but what will I do with the children? Would I still have the knack or has mothering made me soft. Something I can do from home then. Remembering I am not creative. Well I am stumped. I can't cook, I can't draw and I can't escape these chains sorry children.

Its the same world over

2009-01-20T19:16:00.000+11:00

Today I lost 3 hours of my life. 3 long hours I cannot afford to lose at my age might I add. There's a lot you can do in 3 hours. A grocery shop a whole house blitz if that's your bag. Hell a concert a movie some morning delight. Alas I spent 3 long tedious hours trying to sort out family tax. Now I know they are incompetent monkey fuckers in the U.K. but ho hum I was armed with knowledge that this was the case. I expected it to be simpler here. Oh how I could laugh at myself. Nope my claim has cancelled. Why because the tax office insist I have the correct TFN but the centrelink people argue the computer says no. Still not sorted and unless they figure out the glitch will cancel again in 28 days. Then I had to phone CS and confirm I was who I said I was and then they could contact CL and do the same. Stressed? Oh there was smoke rising everywhere although that could of been the fact I burnt my precious raisin toast whilst arguing the toss with a voice on the end of a phone who couldn't give a monkeys if its there fault.

The afternoon improved. I went back to bed with my littlest man whilst the elder monsters watched a movie. Refreshed I rose to welcome home the bread winner from work. He is working away from tomorrow. The moneys good it earns him brownie points but I am still not impressed. At home. 4 days. 4 kids. Arrrgh. It didn't help when he told me Friday after work they are heading to the casino.

I buggered off into the garden to talk to Fletcher the frog mouth. The little bastard has shit under my tree! So I went for a bounce with the bub instead and he filled his nappy. I want my mum. Oh bugger shes miles away back in the U.K I shall have to find solice in a wine glass instead.

whens an owl not an owl

2009-01-19T14:34:00.000+11:00

When its a tawny frog mouth apparently. It all started Saturday night. I had come upstairs for a glass of something white and got sidetracked by the mighty Bmc. As I went to head onto the deck and downstairs in the dark a pair of beady eyes blinked at me. I been the brave sole I am yelped. There on my patio furniture sat an owl. I hurried down and told my husband of my encounter who promptly took some photos of said owl who was now perched on my washing line. I named him hoots. Thought nothing more of it.

Sunday I'm in the garden and spot a dead branch hanging from my tallest palm I grab it and pull There is a mad flapping noise. Perched at top of said branch is the damn owl. Only its not an Owl my Internet tells me. It just looks like one and doesn't even hoot.

I have to change his name to Fletcher. Fletcher the tawny frog mouth. I spend the day taking pictures of him. He spends the day ignoring me or peering from one beady eye. Fletcher is my friend even if I don't think he is too keen on me!

The general consensus of the folks back home is I have now had my brain addled by the heat.....

The ups downs and round and rounds

2009-01-19T14:22:00.000+11:00

I've had one of "those" weekends.

Friday: Its hot 41. Hubby is sent home from work as boss says its too hot to work. Neighbour Bob brings us a bowl of homegrown tomatoes. How nice to have good neighbours. Then other neighbour John invites us over to swim in pool. Kids have a ball I am one happy Mummy.

Saturday: I more or less wake up crying. I don't know quite whats wrong. Only that it seems like everything. The good people of POP do there best to make me feel better but the feeling wont pass. I make myself sick from worry and crying. Its hard been in a country and knowing no one. I feel isolated even though I love it. I sob virtually all day and am in no mood for planned party in the evening. However the show must go on. I had a blast. I adore B and his girl L friends of my husband. L makes me feel human again it was so good just to kick back and have a giggle. Stumble to bed at 3am feeling decidedly better.

Sunday.
Woken at 6 after 3 hours kip and snuggle on sofa with kids and DVDs all morning feeling tender. Neighbour John invites us round to pool again. We have a blast. The kids are getting more confident in the water and the bub loves it. I guess this is how its to be. Most days I will be fine then wham the distance hits home and knocks me for six.

2009-01-11T20:55:00.000+11:00

There are no footpaths in the burbs... Why? I have to walk in the road

Bread has hard plastic sealer things like the UK 10 years ago. Makes me feel all nostalgic

They don't knock here they just walk in I have been caught in a towel twice. Lucky for them I had a towel

Ants are everywhere. Big ones small ones look down the ground is alive.

Spiders I have yet to see a big one or a dangerous one its a lie to keep Brits out

Frozen food hardly exists. I am having to cook Its an experience.

They don't look like the do on home and away... I have encountered many a mullet and moustache. Even mullets with checked shirts its very scary....

You cant buy booze in the supermarket

you take your own booze to restaurants

They are bloody friendly these Aussies and boy can they talk Our neighbour keeps bringing us food parcels from her garden. Tomato's and the like

Crisps are called chips sweets are called lollies and you get 5 crisps to a bag of a chips. Handy for a pig like me.

Palm trees are a pita and keep shedding branches. These branches are huge and will not fit in my bin. I have a pile in one corner of my garden that i will never touch cos anything could be lurking..

Daycare is dirt cheap but hard to get I have been advised to put my name down whilst pg.... I'm not having anymore been pregnant here would be hellish well more hellish than i find it usually.

Hospitals are spotless Really clean.

The money looks like monopoly money and you can wash it and everything cos its plastic Its also impossible to copy

They round everything up or down to the nearest 5 cents so people who don't know better like me stand like fools waiting for change

I can buy fish and chips for 6 of us for under 15 quid Not sure what the fuss is though

The local 7 eleven shuts at 6???? go figure... I discovered this by assuming it shut at 11 and visiting at 8pm. No fags all night

My kids know the Australian anthem already because they have to sing it every morning at school along with the school anthem

They have started to call football soccor The football is crap here even crappy 1st division UK football is better.

The grass is spongy and hard and spiky all at the same time.

Parrots and cockatoos and such though very pretty to look at make you murderous at 6am when they are squawking outside......

Fruit bats are huge. Serious. I half expected it to be Kiether sutherland ala Lost boys...

A day at the beach and getting LOST

2009-01-11T20:35:00.000+11:00

Last week we had a day at the beach. Nothing unusual there its now a regular past time. This however was a bit different. Husband was armed with camcorder and English relatives in tow. Now firstly there are some rules to follow Beaches at midday when its 37 and school holidays is not a wise idea but try telling that to the rellies. Any how we jump on the train all 4 adults 6 kids 4 body boards 3 rucksacks one eskie one pushchair and a toy truck of us. We get there. It is packed. So we head for the toddler enclosure since we are unlucky enough to have one. Everyone peels off there clothes. Kids head straight for the toddler sea pool. The men follow. We women open the eskie and settle back to catch some rays.

Anyhow all is well. I try body boarding. It ends with me deciding its to much like hard work. I notice hubby is filming so decide to give folks back home a giggle. Board under arm I start a slow mo run through the surf with lots of hair tossing.... Hubby egging me on. Suddenly i notice giggling My boobs are flopping around and not encased in bikini top as one would hope. It would never happen to pammy!!!

Later when I am feeling brave and sure everyone who saw my white tits flopping all over the place is gone I venture back in the sea for a swim. I emerge like a drowned rat and realise i didn't bring a hairbrush. BUGGER!!!

The following day I need to visit a Dr and sort out my contraceptive jab. everyone is at work. The nearest Dr is in a suburb I have never been to a bus ride away. Feeling brave I grab all 4 kids dress em slap sunscreen on em and head for the bus. Easy as pie what was i worried about? See Dr am baby proofed. Miss bus there is not another for an hour!!! Ah its only 1km we can walk it. Only I am not great with my sense of direction and get us all lost down a back road with no people in sight. 2 ffing hours to get home ...... and I had not put any sunscreen on me so from white tits to burnt tits in one easy move¬

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

2009-01-07T17:28:00.000+11:00

A little musing on our first Christmas down under is in order. Firstly it did not feel like christmas. Having a tree and decs up and blazing sunshine felt wrong on so many levels. Cards with snowmen and winter scenes just look bizare. Even visiting santa in his groto was a strange experiance. Poor old fella in his fat suit must be sweltering. Mind I guess this justifys the extortionate charge to see the man in red. Its danger money!

The kids however did not seem to mind. They got heaps of outdoor stuff for christmas and happily spent all day in the garden with it. Bonus! I spent all morning cooking a traditional christmas roast. The yorkshires where not the only thing baking. We sat down to eat and no one could manage it. My advice Aussie christmas and turkey dinners do not mix well. Next year we will throw something on the barbie and prehaps hit the beach in the arvo. Ohh look I sound like a local!

New year was a family bbq and I had a blast. These here Aussies sure know how to see in a brand new year! Seasons greetings one and all and heres to a prosperous 09!

One month

2008-12-11T14:59:00.000+11:00

So now been here over a month. We are in our house now. I love it. The boys love having a garden too. We have our services conected finally. Foxtel tv basic package is $40 a month. Just short of £20 however the tv is quite bad! Electricity has to be set up DD or else you must pay them a $200 bond. Phone took nearly 3 weeks and costs $40 a month and internet to get a decent allowance and speed costs $50 a month. My home insurance was $405 for the year. Equivelent to what i would have paid back in the uk.

First post AUS side!!

2008-11-21T15:24:00.000+11:00

So here we are. Nearly 2 weeks in. I thought an update was in order!
THE FLIGHT: We arrived at Heathrow early. Straight to check in the luggage. I had a tearful moment not brought on by what I was leaving behind but by shear fear! After check in a fag was in order. Then upstairs to check ourselves in. Easy peasy. Airside at heathrow is a souless place I hated it and could not wait to get going. We where boarded first onto the new airbus. Take off was nothing to write home about. Nothing at all to worry about so god knows what I was paniking at. Turning.... well thats another matter till I got used to it my heart was in my mouth. The actual flight was a nightmare. Older lads where excited and spent 13 hours eating and on the loo! Baby was an absoulute pleasure and screamed for 90% of the flight. Deep joy. Landing was easy and I was gagging for a fag. We collected our buggy and off we went into singapore airport. Found smoking area and had a quick puff in what seemed like paradise. Then back to get connecting flight to Sydney. That was better and the baby slept thank god. Clearing customs was easy and straightforward apart from me forgetting to declare baby food! Mil fil bil and sil all waiting for us in arrivals and then a long drive home.
Stepping out of the car in Kotara i looked down to check for a frost. There was no frost but the grass is so diffrent underfoot all hard and crunchy.

The jet lag wasnt to bad just a few early starts and afternoon naps.

OFFICIAL STUFF: On monday 10th we made a start on getting the official stuff started. We went down and registered for medicare. I ordered a tfn. We opened a bank account. You know the fun stuff. I have to say I was amazed in the bank by how polite and helpful the staff where. Same with medicare never before have I encountered government staff so happy to help and easy to talk too. she also helped us sort out our centrelink stuff.

THE BEACHES: are amazing. Clean sand and beutiful and oh my when can I go back! The bub loved the sand. The kids got wet through thanks to super dad throwing them in water without the bathing cossies on!

THE SHOPS: are yeah ok. Its not oxford street but the local mall is good. Noticed some price diffrences but nothing major. The regular offers and sales are great! I love kmart and target much to hubbys disgust.

THE GREAT RENTAL HUNT: Well in the time we have been here, what 13 days. We have viewed 4 houses. The first was too small, tiny bedrooms I believe it may have once been a large two bed but some bright spark decided to devide the bedrooms. The second we liked but were a little wary as the garden isn't fenced but we applied anyway. The third was great perfect inside but had a postage stamp lawn so that was a no. The fourth I fell in love with but we didnt get. We did get no. 2 though and sign the dotted line next week.

SCHOOLS: We only viewed one. The head did such a good job on us the boys start monday. School seems more relaxed here. Not so structured but very child friendly. The grounds of Kotara south are huge. Uniform is astonishingly cheap. The canteen seems amazing. All in all I think the boys will be very happy.

WORK: Well husband dearest has started work. He was in 5 days after we arrived! At the moment he is doing all his saftey courses and site inductions. Seems keen which is good. i think for now I shall stay home with baby so hubby can work longer hours and do overtime easily.

All in all I am happy we came yes I have pangs of homesickness but the boys are so happy and both Garry and me are more relaxed.

cry me a river 4th November

2008-11-05T05:58:00.000+11:00

So I am there again. In pieces. Blotchy eyes runny nose and heavy heart. I feel so raw and emotional almost like I am grieving. Perhaps in some way I am. I am angry and I don't know why. I am weepy and scared. So scared. Am I doing the right thing taking the boys away from family. Am I strong enough to get used to a whole new way of life. I cry every time I let myself think about things. The only way I can function is to ignore it. Yet Garry reminds me. It is his way of not letting me bury my head in the sand. I need him close yet feel he has never been further away. Maybe we are wrapped up in our personal battles. Who knew what a head screw this would be?

There will be tears before bedtime

2008-10-30T18:22:00.000+11:00

What a hideous day today will be. I can feel it in my bones and my snotted up nose and watery eyes. Not a cold, a tearful farewell. Mother arrived on Monday and admirably has held it all together whilst spending time with the boys. I have had to leave the room on occasion to give myself a slap and a mental "pull yourself together" lecture. As everyone else in the house lies sleeping I am awake and dreading these final hours together. Ive already had a sob on Garry's shoulder but hes had to go to work now. How I wish he was here to hold my hand.
I chickened out last night and came to bed early so I did not have to witness his goodbyes. This morning as I blew snot into his shoulder and my lip trembled he told me of Mum making him promise to take care of us. That finished me off.
She says she will try visit only its not so simple as they are disabled and on a low income. I will put what I can aside. I just know its going to be some time before we see each other again.
I have coped by submersing myself in organising this move and not actually thinking about it. Now there's nothing left to do, I am trying not to think about it. Saying goodbye though that will tear me in two.

TBC.....

PART 2

Its right when they say saying goodbye is the hardest part. I type this through tears. We held it together all morning by keeping busy. My house has never sparkled like this before. It was every bit as awful and gut wrenching as I had imagined and then some. My boys are breaking there hearts and I can't comfort them. I've tried but I cant even stem my own tears. Connor is laid with his head on my lap and I can feel his tears seeping through my trousers. Kieron held it together till we got in the house. Now he just wants to be on his own and cry. Tears are theraputic right?

Mum held me and sobbed and told me how proud she is. I love her all the more for not asking me to stay. She had a hard time accepting our decision so that means a lot, away now to hold my boys close and hopefully we will find comfort in each other

Too late now

2008-10-07T19:40:00.000+11:00

Sunday 5th October. Husband had a mighty wobble wondering if we where doing the right thing. If prehaps we where making a very expensive mistake. What if things didnt work out? He and Daniel are still having issues. I wonder if prehaps husband is too tough or maybe I am too soft with him? Maybe they have just got into a rut antognising each other...

I hope with all my heart they can become close again. Daniel worships Garry and tries so hard to engage him but both are big grudge holders so no ground seems to be gained. Dan does not help himself with his silly mistakes and Garry seems to be especially tough on him because of previous mistakes. A vicious circle I hope can be overcome. Two people whom are scarily alike and whom I love equally it pulls me in two when they have spats.

I am concerned about the husbands wobble too. Its me that is ment to have wobbles. All along Garry has reassured me this is the right thing to do and that everything will be fine. I am not comfortable in the role reversal. I am selfish prehaps needing Garry to be the strong certain one... I know he too is entitled to his worries but he is my rock and it shakes my foundations when he is uncertain. His concerns are just as valid no less so for him knowing what he is going to. Maybe he worries as to how we will settle. Maybe he worries people will expect him to still be the guy who left and for him to still be the tearaway they knew? Maybe I should stop trying to second guess him!

He is the person I have come to depend upon. He is the foundations of our family. I know with him we will be safe. I hope he has no regrets. We have one chance at this life I should tell him I guess that if it doesnt work its not failure. Maybe that is his worry.

Monday 6th October: I offered to call everything off. Before we where in too deep. However we are going to see it through. We shall try. I will give 100% to make this work. I am told these feelings are normal a part of the process. That makes me feel no better. This time these feelings are ours and ours alone.

The removal men arrived at 9.30. It was all done by 1pm. They where fast and proffesional. My stomach is still in knots. Our life is in boxes. Our tresured memories are insomeone elses hands. Years of photos. Cards and outfits from the children as babies. My husbands irraplacable record collection. All entrusted to strangers to get them safely to our new life.

It feels strange in a house thats stripped of the personal touches is no longer a home. This waiting game we are playing is harder than I expected. This is probably the toughest thing we have faced as a family starting again in a strange place. Its an adventure yes but a scary one nonetheless.

38 days and counting

2008-09-30T17:14:00.000+10:00

Well as the title says we have 38 days left before we depart these shores.
The removal men come in 6 days. I am trying to be helpful and move everything thats going into one room. This means the house looks bare. It also means the boys are sleeping all together on a mattress. Not much sleeping is getting done but lots of giggling.

All the cases are lined up neatly in our bedroom. Still need to find new homes for heaps of stuff too. Washer fridge microwave sofas bed drawers desk all not coming with us.

This still doesnt seem real. Who would have thought little old me would emigrate! Thats something other people do. Proper grown ups.

The man from down under he say yes!!!

2008-09-13T02:57:00.000+10:00

Whoop!!! On Thursday afternoon I got the golden email. My visa has been granted. I screamed I cried I panicked. It was always unlikely that it would be denied but nothing prepared me for feeling so pleased.

Evening Thursday 11th: Garry made the call to his uncle to see if the work was there for him. It was! Another hurdle overcome. Another jig danced.

Friday 12th September: I am weary. Kept awake by a 5 year old whom does not belong to me. Booked one way flights to Aus. We leave on the 7th November. Now it feels real. Booked one way travel insurance too. Cancelled home insurance. Sent a notice letter to landlord. Cancelled tv liscense. Nipped to town bought 2 large suitcases. Still need another large and a medium case. Have packed some of the boys clothes that they can live without. Told my mum she was not a happy mummy. What can I do? I want my children to have a better life. They wont get that here. It breaks my heart to upset people but I have to do whats right for my little family.

Moving goal posts

2008-09-05T23:25:00.000+10:00

The other evening Hubby suddenly announced he wanted to go asap. November not April as he didnt think he could stick out his current job that long.

Cue me frantically arranging on site qoutes from removelists and cheking airfares. So far we have had two removelists round. The first the baby bit! The second was slating other companies not very proffesional. Waiting on the qoutes but fingers crossed it wont be too bad since we are taking so little.

HMCS letter confirming sole pr arrived this morning so is now on its way to Aus house. Fingers crossed for me please!!!

Summer Holidays medicals and all the rest.

2008-08-31T20:26:00.000+10:00

Upon our return to London my first job was to wade through 698 emails. All junk. Bar one from our c/o. She was requesting medicals and proof of my sole PR of older boys. Have sent of to HMCS for a search into pr with a bit of luck it will be back next week.

Ds1 and hubby went to wembely to watch England. I shall not comment futher as I am insanely jealous I could not go.

We had our visa meds on the 27th. I was mortified as had to strip and was wearing granny pants. Also quizzed on sexual history. Please read following conversation.
DR: "Have you ever had High risk sexual intercourse"
ME: "what? Like in a public place"
DR: "no with a homosexual or intrevenious drug user" whilst peering over glasses with a look of disgust.

Ah well I think it went ok other than that. Now we just wait. Hahahaha waiting is not one of my strong points. I am not a patient person.

Kids also went London zoo with there uncle. Again i am not jealous. That is all I have to say about that!

Are you going to Scarborough Fair

2008-08-31T20:18:00.001+10:00

So we went ooop North for a week. The aim of the visit to relax and see the rellies. Two phrases that do not gel well. How was Scarborough people ask? WET. It rained all bar one day. I had packed myself floaty summery things of course. Still we got to see my grans. Gran 1 had just had an op and was not doing so well. Gran 2 is still as mad as a hatter. The boys got to go to the seafront on the one nice day we had. They found a tardis and that made the holiday for them.

They spent time pottering about on Auntie amys farm. Rode horses fed cows and genrally tried country life. Me I realised I cannot live in somewhere so quiet. I need civilisation. I need an internet connection!!! Still a good time was had by all. I didnt turn into a teenager and argue with my brother and sister although it has to be said there where times it was a close run thing.

Fingers crossed its gone to the immi gods

2008-08-06T03:51:00.000+10:00

So I have sent it. It has gone. Our fate now lies in the hands of the immi gods at Aus house. Yesterday was a mad one. Had a dash to the local solicitors office to get a certified copy of Hubbys passport and visa. My god that women scares me.

Came back and rang Aus house. Spoke to a nice man called Bjorn. He told me if I have sole PR I dont need exes permission to take the kids. Just to write a letter stating I have sole PR. So I stuck it all in the post and got it sent. It was delivered today. Excited you better belive it. Nervous well my stomach resembles a washing machine on spin cycle. I am impatient this is going to be living hell!

Stress and progress and a few grey hairs

2008-08-01T01:21:00.000+10:00

So I posted Gals Resident return visa off to get his passport re evidenced. Whoop that means progress on the visa for me front. Should take about two weeks.

Spoke to a lady at Australia house and got some bad news. I need to go along with the consent form my ex signed a certified copy of his passport or drivers liscence. So I had to call him and hear his latest sob story. I need it within the next two weeks so my application can get started without a hitch. He however is as not a reliable fella. I gave his sister a ring too in the hope she coud chivvy him along. So keep your fingers crossed for me. I need this in asap so we can start to book flights and the like.

I am worrying about the cost atm so feel like I have aged years over the past months.

Gal and Charlie have the new liverpool shirts though I am such a soft touch

5 Today

2008-07-28T23:20:00.000+10:00

So my little boy is 5 today. Never has anyone been so excited about a birthday. He has been counting down for weeks. He got heaps of cool stuff. Smart clothes and trainers a ds and games. Jigsaw wall-e remote control, Dr who figures. Lovely to see him so pleased. Have to go choose a birthday cake soon. Here is the birthday boy

Also the 888 forms arrived from MIL. Yay!!!! Dh can get his Visa in new passport now and I can then get the application in. Wow. I am sick to the stomach thinking about it. Not second thoughts just am I doing the right thing nerves. God I cannot have second thoughts we have spent a fortune On this already what with passports police checks sunsuits for the boys a laptop.

Arrgh oh well its all worth it in the end I am sure!

I want to bury my head in the sand

2008-07-19T03:49:00.000+10:00

Firstly the police check certificate is back. I am not a criminal. No crime lord has stolen my identity. I am not going to need the A team. So that means if I get my visa I will have to enter Australia by 17th June 09.

I am not feeling too chipper. In fact I could quite happily climb into bed and sob. I think its a combination of stuff. I am one of lifes worriers I could make it a national sport and win olympic gold.

I am worried about money which seems to have taken on a water like ability to flow away. We are dipping into our Aus fund. I am worried about Australia. Will I settle? Will I make friends? Will I cope with the heat, the spiders? Will we be able to afford to live comfortably with all the extra expenses.

I am worried about our upcoming trip to Scarborough. It feels like the final goodbye. It will quite possibly be the last time I see my grandparents and that breaks my heart. Probably made worse by my grans current frail state. I know she must be getting worse as mum has cancelled her visit. Who knows when I will next see my Mum my brother and sister, We wont be able to come back for quite some time there are too many of us and flights are so expensive.

I worry about dan at school what with his current problems there. hopefully they are under control but I still have a niggling worry.

I worry about my sister and her daughter. She doesnt seem to have taken to parenthood. She struggles. So my mum takes over. Nice. I call my sister the part time parent. Everyone bending over backwards to help and I cant help feeling she will never learn unless she is made to get on with it.

I am worn out to be frank. I have so much on my mind so much to organise. I never get a day off. I never get a chance to just be me. Sometimes I am not sure who "me" is anymore. I never get time out just to chill. Even when the kids are in bed stuff needs doing organising cleaning. I have not felt so lousy for a long time. Its like I am treading water how long can it continue before you just get too tierd and sink?

I know deep down the feeling will pass. I have a lot to be thankful for. So go on tell me to get a grip

Nuclear explosions Toxic spillages and so forth

2008-07-17T16:53:00.000+10:00

So I stayed up past my bedtime last night. Cuddled on the sofa watching crappy tv. God I wish I had gone to bed early. Really struggled to wake up this morning. Went through to baby's room. It hit me. The pong. He however was oblivious sat in his cot gurgling and chewing his cuddly. I lift him up at arms length. Shit! Literally everywhere. A toxic leak a nuclear explosion call it what you will. It was bloody everywhere. First things first. A fishwife yell brings eldest son running to see what the commotion is about it. Even he blanched as he entered the room of doom. Open a window quick I mumble whilst trying not to breath.

How to get a shit covered vest off a wriggling child is one of life's great conundrums. Now I cannot employ hubby's method as I nearly combusted with outrage when I saw his answer a few weeks back. Hubby tackles this problem by snatching the scissors and cutting the baby out of his soiled garments.

I decide to mop up as much excess as possible with baby wipes. Then stretch the vest to its limits to take it off over the head. Result - a baby streaked in excrement from nappy to nose. A quick wipe of the really bad bits and a jog with smelly one at arms length to the bathroom. Shower on baby dangled in stream of water. Jobs a good un. Well apart from Stinky is now outraged and screaming loud enough to be heard in the southern hemisphere.

I bundle screaming baby in a towel and dry him all the time aware that its 7 am and the noise level is rising. I resort to bribery nappy on biscuit in mouth silence. I pay my 9 year old to strip the shitty cot whilst I go rouse the other boys.

Connor and Kieron have pillows over there heads. Connor mumbles about the noise but with the promise of jam on toast leaps from bed. Kieron however does not move. I prize the pillow off his head. Deathly white face peers back. Mummy I feel sick whimpers the bed ridden one. Oh bloody great I think. I have a meeting with the head teacher at 9 and a parent teacher conference at 9.20. I also have a mound of shitty bedding to sort out. My patience is wearing thin so I march out then back again with a bowl and a glass of water. If you vomit make sure you hit the bowl I mutter. Then I am attacked by guilt as a result of my appalling bedside manner so spend all of 20 seconds stroking his cheek and frantically mumbling soothing things.

Back to the stinky baby who left to his own devices has de nappied himself and weed on the kitchen floor. Dan my eldest takes charge and starts ordering Connor to get washed and dressed. He passes me the disinfectant and I stare in awe at him until he barks "the floor mum" onto the knees and a half hearted mop up. Get baby dressed in record time maybe he senses I am a women on the edge because he lays still and it all goes smoothly.

I am now sat here drinking the coffee my Boy made me. Its 8.20am I want to go back to bed.

Passports kid trouble and other musings

2008-07-15T16:52:00.000+10:00

So firstly the passports arrived. Well all but hubbys renewel which is due today. So I get out the visa application to fill in passport numbers. I also put it all together with the evidencing. Discover we need certified copies. A quick post on PIO to discover what this is and how to get it. Phone round local solicitors. Am qouted between 5 and 25 quid a document! Some diffrence. Anyway am going down on Wednesday to get it done. Husband has got my police check thingy whatsit countersigned so that can go in the post today. Still no word from the MIL as to if she got our stat decs witnessed and posted. So thats the Aussie news. Oh and I have run out of ink again in the damn printer. What do I expect when I am forever printing stuff for this visa. More costs that I had not factored in.

Now onto the children. Eldest son is having troubles at school. Has been going on for ages which I guess explains his behaviour. We only found out third hand via a classmate. Sickening considering I have been asking his teacher for months. still I went in last week and had a good chat with the deputy who promised action.

Then last night I sent eldest to the shops for milk and bread with a tenner. What happened is still unclear as I have now heard 3 stories. The facts are one of 3 kids took the money off my son against his will. He then had to beg to get it back and was subjected to much teasing. He came home upset. I saw the kids outside my house and went to have a word. They did not deny it. Instead my sons old mate who is 9 and one of this group told me to F off and what the F was i going to fing do about it.....

I phoned the youth club the kids attend and asked them to deal with it. An hour later the girl from the group was at my door saying it wasnt R but her who had taken the money and she wasnt stealing it just playing. I don't know but if this is the case you would have thought r would have said so rather than swear and carry on. Also she was begging me not to speak to the school as she would get the blame..

I do not want to make things worse for D at school but I do want this sorting. Whatever the story I will not be spoken to like that by kids of 9. If my son used that language I would be mortified.

I refuse to let my bright little boy have his school life made a misery by these little monsters.

Playing catch up

2008-07-14T16:34:00.000+10:00

So I thought we best do a quick catch up so my blog from here on makes sense.

Me and the husband got married in November 2007. Great day even if I was a nervous gibbering wreak. We had our first dance to the birdie song. We got together in 2005. have never looked back. He raises the older children as if they were his. He is daddy as the ex is noticable by his absence.

After the wedding Hubby started talking about taking me and the kids back to Aus. His reasoning was to raise them in an environment thats more family friendly and wil let the kids remain kids for longer.

I was very anti. I did not want to leave England. I would miss my family. I was scared it wouldn't be for me. I terrified of spiders I hate flying and am crap in excessive heat. We talked and talked and talked.

I really am not sure what changed. I guess I came to realise you only get one chance at life. That my home would be wherever the boys and hubby was.

So we did costings and research and decided it was possible. I broke the news to my mum whom shall we say took it badly and put the phone down on me. My gran however was fantastic. Without her backing I doubt I would have been able to do this. Mum is slowly getting used to the idea. I think.

So the first step was to sort out 6 passports. The kids and I all needed first passports. Hubby needed some details on his changed. So we had to get pictures done. To the magic booth. Me and hubby go first and pay good money for pictures that make us look like convicts. then the kids in age order. Have you ever tried those booths with small people? Balancing on a wobbly stool on their knees. Trying to keep heads straight eyes open. We took the baby to a photographer. eventually with a lighter wallet we returned home with our delightful photos. I am not vain but hell fire I have to show people this photo!!!

After weeks og nagging hubby finally got the forms counter signed by his boss. Off we sent them. Then i had to go for an interview last Thursday at the Elephant and castle office. Wow what a lovely place. I am sure I got my mothers DOB wrong. So am waiting anxiously to see what happens now.

As for the visa application. The forms are almost all filled in ready to go. We still need hubby to do his bit. Ex has signed consent forms but not given me a copy of his drivers lisence yet.He has promised to email me it today. Mother in law needs to return stat decs. She tells me she is visiting a jp today to get them signed. Husband has taken my police check stuff to get his boss to counter sign today. So next step once passports arrive send off police check and get hubby to go to Australia house for his residents certificate and to get his visa transfered to his new passport.

Then with a bit of luck the stuff we need from MIL and ex will be here. so I can go ahead book medicals and send in the damn form. My head is spinning.

Me myself and I

2008-07-14T16:15:00.000+10:00

So this is my blog. A place for my ramblings. I am me. I am 29 a wife, mother, housekeeper, laundrette, chef, financial, manager, teacher, the list goes on. I like to read. I used to like to ride. I have a passion for music the good the bad and the downright awful. I am a northerner in London. Most of the time I am out of my depth. Welcome to the world of parenting!

There is my husband. He is 27. He works in the building trade. He is my scaffold the thing that holds me up. His outlets are he DJs and produces music. A noisy expensive hobby. He can have me in stiches with his warped sense of humour.

THE SMALL PEOPLE

There is eldest son. 9 going on 19. To give him a label "the bright one". He like many 9 year olds adores gaming with fifa and lego star wars been firm favourites. He is a sci fi nut and says he wants to be a time lord or jedi knight when he grows up. Who are we to disalussion him.

There is son number 2. Nearly 6. The "cheeky" one. He has a butter wouldnt melt face. DO NOT be fooled. He is cuddly and loving. He loves peter pan and the lion king. At one stage we had to call him Peter.

Son number 3. Nearly 5. Our little "tough nut". Very sure of himself. Wants to be just like daddy. Loves to dance. Has a lazy streak.

The baby. He is 1. He completes our little unit. Who knows what he will be. He crawls around at 100 miles an hour refuses to walk without holding on and has the entire family wrapped around his chubby fingers.