The Sleepover!!!!

Kara's bestie slept over last night and they were sooo good. It was divine ~ I could hear them giggling and talking from Kara's room and in the morning, they got up, turned the tv on and ate roll ups .... Kara knows they are not allowed before breakfast but tried her luck LOL.

LMAO at Kara's face in this one.......

We then dropped Kara off at kindy and Evan wanted to stay ~ I am soooo happy with the pic of Monique, Kara and Evan ~ they are bloody gorgeous!!!

Smile Babe....

...... that's what I asked Kara to do and this is what I got.....

She's adorable, in a strange way LOL

We made 'muffins' today. I add the "" because they were a disaster!!! I couldn't find my recipe so googled one ~ I need to delete it from my fav list. Kara had fun though and I love this pic of her......

My Angel

There is something about watching my baby sleep ~ I just love it.

I took this a few minutes ago and adore it ~ soooo sooooo gorgeous!!!

My Happy Girl

:)

I took this late last night and even though it's not a 'great' photo and Kara's hair is a mess lol, I just love it. She looks sooo happy (which she was) and in part, that's because she was doing something she shouldn't have been and was caught!!!!

Let the Sewing Begin!!!

After much encouragement (thanks Sarah xxx), I have decided to start sewing again!!! It's been a looooong time since I have been serious about it but I really do love it when I get into it and it's inspiring me to get this house into order so I can set up a permanent sewing table. That's what stops me... having to take the machines out and pack them away all of the time, it's a PITA.

Soooo, project number one is a size 00 twirler for baby Ted :) It is going to be DIVINE (if it works LMAO) and if I am happy with it, I am making some for people who have already asked. It's all very exciting!!! It will save me money too, because Kara loves to choose fabrics and when we made an outfit for her a couple of months ago, she wanted to wear it daily :)

This will be another reason for late nights ~ once I start making something, I have to finish it that night....

The "Tagging" Game

There are a few tagging games happening atm via blogs and I was hit by my sis. Here is the deal...

I have to list:

1. Four of my favourite jobs
2. Four of my favorite local places
3. Four of my favourite foods
4. Four of my favorite international places
5. Four people who I am tagging

Four of my favourite jobs

1. One of my first real jobs was being a part-time nanny. The kids were almost 3 and 5 and they became 2 very important little people in my life, as did their mum!! They are now 16 and 18 and oh my how time has flown......

2. Teaching. I just loved it. I taught for a couple of years at uni ~ first and second year physiology in a tutorial and practical setting. At first, I was simply terrified. Most of the students were my age and it was quite a daunting experience at first but once you realise you DO know a little more than them, you learn to relax and watch them learn. I really did love that and maybe will go back to in the future. It was very rewarding.

3. Sleep lab at the Childrens' Hospital. This was a short - term placement (for my honours year) and I was there for about a year all up. In some ways I hated this job but in others it was one of the best experiences ever. Most of the children I dealt with were very ill (and consequently had sleep issues) and it was very distressing at times. I always wanted to do paediatrics though and this placement gave me the opportunity to realise that it would be such an emotionally difficult career ~ perhaps one that wasn't for me after all as I get too close to children!

4. Of course I have to add motherhood here! Nothing will ever ever compare to what Kara has brought into our lives. Yes it is challenging at times but more often, it is overwhelmingly rewarding.

Four of my favorite local places

1. Waterfall Gully. It's a local spot with falls and tracks and we love it there. There are areas of overhanging trees and mushrooms and of course, we go fairy spotting. It's great in summer and winter and just divine!

2. Beach. We live there (not literally) ~ all year round LOL. In winter, we rug up and walk along the jetty. Kara looks in all of the fishing buckets and occasionally gets the chance to pick up a fish or squid!!

3. Shops!!! I am addicted although I am trying soooo hard to curb that addiction. Actually, I have no choice at the moment!! Coffee shops are high on the list too ~ love them.

4. Our backyard. It's like a park lol. We play in the cubby a lot in winter, especially when it's pouring with rain. It's just going to be one of those memories Kara and I will always cherish I think.

Four of my favourite foods

1. Chocolate!! Loooove it ~ good old Cadbury's will do but Ferreros are a fav...

2. Pickled Octapus. OMG it's the BEST!!! I will buy it in bulk sometimes to save money but it doesn't work, because I just eat it all within a few days.

3. Butter Chicken ~ I make this heaps but love a traditional one from time to time.

4. Twisties ~ have to be cheese!

Four of my favorite international places

1. Venice. We went there 18 months ago in very stressful circumstances, so I would love to take Kara back when she is older and we don't need permission from anyone!!! We had some time on our own there and we had a ball together. I will definitely take Kara in the future.

2. Paris. Loved it. Once again, we went there but I would love to go back. It was sooooo as I expected, although nowhere near as expensive as I thought it would be.

3. Malta. My father is from there, so I have always been curious about it.

4. Ireland. No reason really ~ just want to!!!

Four people who I am tagging

Still working that one out, as everybody has been tagged lol.

Too Important for words.....

Kara and I are very lucky......we have 2 very special people in our lives (more than that LOL but 2 ESPECIALLY important people LOL) who both of us would be lost without.

Tanya and Evan have been friends of ours since Kara was 12 weeks old. They bring us SO much support, happiness and friendship and we are just truly fortunate to have met them 4 years ago.

Tanya ~ your little man is such an important member of our 'family' and you equally as important to me. Thanks for EVERYTHING you do for us ~ I can't even begin to explain what that is.

For those of you with a true friend, let them know how you feel because I don't think we let each other know enough.

Meet Violet!!

Well, we now have a zoo LMAO.

Last week, we got a budgie from Kara's kindy ~ a friend had a spare cage and the kindy was giving Lilac away, so Kara was soooo rapt she got her :) Within an hour though, she announces "all I need now is my rat Mum".

Well, being the patient shopper that I am NOT, we went looking at cages and when Kara discovered rat cages came in hot pink, her little face errupted in smiles. She stood there begging for the cage and it was on sale, so we grabbed it. Then the hunt began.....

When I had my rats a few years back, they were everywhere. Just about any petshop had them. Not so now....... we drove around for hours and Kara suggested we just go home and ring some places. We ended up finding a shop nearby with live rats (after being offered a few frozen ones PMSL) and Kara was doing happy dances when we found a baby one. She just adores her ~ more than she ever has the cat, dog, fish and bird :)

She has named her Violet (she decided to ignore your suggestions Eden :P) and is taking care of her so well.

Edeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen

:P

How many days now??????? It's getting close.....

One of my Weaknesses.....

..... and yes there are many!!! At least I can admit that lmao.

I read something tonight which instantly hit a nerve.... it was the term 'Welfare Mum'. It wasn't so much the words as they stand alone, but more the connotation that came with them... it's always the same ~ negative. My reaction is always the same too ~ frustration at the stereotyping!!

For me, I suppose it means that I have chosen (as I have mentioned on here previously) to raise my child MYSELF and try to provide her with what I feel is the most important thing any child can have ~ a loving, constant environment in which she thrives. Why then, do I feel guilty when I read those 2 words strung together in a negative light? I shouldn't, I don't want to but I do.

It's funny. I believe that the formative years are the most important in a child's development. I believe that if a child is happy and confident they are more likely to grow into happy, independant adults who rely less on the government for money. I know that in 2, 5, 10 years down the track, I will not regret being a 'Welfare Mum', as I will know I was there for my girl when she needed me most. In addition, I will be paying it all back in taxes when I start work again next year (and my Mum has paid enough taxes for me to be on Welfare for at least another year :P)!!!! Even so, many make 'Welfare Mums' feel guilty for the choices we make for our kids. We love our kids as much as parents with money!!! Sure, there are some of 'us' who could do better, but there are also some working parents that could improve.

OK ~ I have released now and I feel better for it!!!!

I'm so Lucky...

....to be able to celebrate tomorrow!

My gorgeous girl went shopping with my Mum last week and of course, Kara couldn't wait until tomorrow to had over what she chose. When they went into the gift shop, Kara walked straight up to the flower soap and said "this is it ~ I want to get Mummy this" or words to that effect. My mum persuaded her to look at some other things as well and I ended up with soap, a beaded notebook and lipgloss. I also got a hand made decoration (which is in the car and it's too cold to get lol) and a card ~ I just love getting cards from her.

Kara bear ~ I am proud to be your Mummy....I will always be here for you, even if we are not together. Like you always say ~ nothing will ever part us. Love you SO MUCH baby. xxxxx

:(

Those who know me know what is happening in our lives at the moment and it's the most challenging situation I have EVER been faced with. I just don't know what to do. I don't know if I can do anything but I need to try.

I am in a space at the moment where everything just seems so pointless. PLEASE please send some positiveness our way ~ I believe it has to help some way.

My Baby Girl

I've been a little reflective of late (just a phase....) and I was looking at Kara's photos today ~ pre-digital. I decided to scan some into my puter just in case and then did a quick montage. I stopped at age 1, as after that, we have thousands of digital images..... too hard to choose.

I cannot believe my daughter is 4 1/2 now ~ it's gone so so fast....

My Favourite Mug....

The other night, I was reading Sue's blog and Kara spotted a picture of a mug. Soooo, it has been requested that I post a pic of mine :)

Last Christmas, Kara went shopping with a friend to choose me a pressie and she came back all excited, as she chose this mug and some divine body creams all by herself. She insists that every coffee I drink come from this cup and I must admit, I do love it :)

Good Luck Mum!!!

I know how much this new job would mean to you and I am sending HEAPS of positive vibes your way. xxxxx

Oh Noooooo.....

I am fast becomming BLOG OBSESSED. It all started with Sheye's blog ~ I followed a few links and some more and more and more..... I just find it so interesting to read others' perspectives on a variety of topics and before you know it, you're reading about the lives of others across the other side of the world.

Such a great concept ~ off to Google who started it all :)

"A recent study by the Pew Foundation finds that 8 million people have created blogs, a 58% jump in the past year, and about 25% of all Internet users read them".

My Sister Must have Sensed.....

...how bad I was feeling tonight and she sent me an email. Do you ever get a message, or sign, or anything that comes at the PERFECT moment? Well, this did for me.

I suppose most of us already know this but sometimes reading something reinforces it for me. Why oh why was this not sent to me months ago LOL. Maybe it's because I am in a better (or worse?) place to absorb it.

"Here is a metaphor I think we can all learn from....Buddha is renowned for responding to evil with good.A man heard about Buddha and what he stood for and decided that he would try his hardest and put Buddha to the test.Whilst in Buddha's presence this man verbally insults him over and over again, to which Buddha remains unmoved. Buddha then say's to the man " Can I ask you a question?" the man said "What?" Buddha said " If someone gives someone a gift and they choose not to accept that gift , who does it then belong to?" the man responded with "Well of course the person who first tried to give the gift" Buddha said " That is right, so if I reject your insults and abuse , does it not then belong to you?"

Thanks so much for the email Rachael ~ I love you sooo much xxxxx

Oh, as a side note. Twelve months ago today, I was served with THE papers that I thought would be the end of me LOL. Well, I am so glad the worst is over (hopefully) and to those of you who have helped me through such a difficult phase, I am so so grateful. It truly was just an awful time in my life and I know I have complained a lot about it but so many of you have stuck by me every step of the way ..... MWAHHHH to you. xxxxx

Why do I miss this?????

I have deleted this post. I have deleted it because I feel my point was made and the views of others also expressed. To those of you who had the aim of making me feel like shit and having others believe your lies, well you win.

I have had enough.

I lost a good friend because of what you have done and for that, I am sure you are all giving yourselves a pat on the back ~ well done.

What Now?

It is pouring with rain outside, Kara is with her dad and I am sitting here drinking my coffee LOL ~ I looooove winter when I don't have to do anything (although I have plenty I SHOULD be doing......)

I found out yesterday that Kara is able to attend a school which I was hoping for. I am so so happy. It's got me thinking though ~ what will I do next year!!!

I made the choice, pretty much the moment I saw Kara, to have little money and stay at home with her until she reached school age. It is perhaps the ONE thing in my life that I will never ever regret. I will always look back on these years with happiness knowing Kara's first 5 years were the best I could make them and that I was there to witness every amazing thing she has achieved. Nothing, in my opinion, could ever give me more happiness.

Now though, I need to get back on track with some sort of a career and I am at a stand still. I studied for 6 loooooong years at uni ~ I emerged with a Science Degree with first class honours and withdrew from my PhD after 2 years when Kara was 2. Now however, there is no way I want to re-enter that world. Perhaps in the short term as an assistant of some sort, but never as a long term career. What will I do instead ~ I have no idea LOL.

I've been tossing around the idea of midwifery but I haven't looked into it at all ~ that's this week's job. I need to find out what credit I would get, if any, given the study I have done and also need to look into the hours involved. For the first year of schooling, at least, I do not want Kara in before and after school care, so that is limiting in some ways.

It's just all so hard. When I entered uni, I had clear goals but they have shifted substantially. Now, apart from knowing I would love to work with children in some way, I am struggling with which direction to take.

Totally OTT, I was going through my photos today and I just love this one!

Amazing Ava....

...... will be remembered by so many and her family in the thoughts of thousands around the world for years to come.

Sheye and Crayton ~ this tribute to your Princess is just beautiful. I sat and went through it last night and it's such a beautiful site. Always thinking of you both xxx

http://avarosemeyer.memory-of.com/

Another Day at the Beach...

Kara and I loooooove the beach. We would go every night if we could and now that winter is coming, we are making the most of the last days of warmth.

These were taken yesterday. We took Charlotte (our puppy) for her first 'off the lead' walk (allowed after day light savings!!!) and it was just a great day. We had heaps of fun!

Kara found a few dead crabs and before we left, we walked along the jetty. She loooooooved the squid pictured below and was rapt when the boy who caught it let her pick it up and put it in the bucket :)

As usual, I had trouble choosing which pics were my favs.....sorry!!

Surely this is not true???

I cannot stop laughing!!

Japanese fooled in poodle scam

April 26, 2007 - 8:59PM

Thousands of Japanese have been swindled in a scam in which they were sold Australian and British sheep and told they were poodles.
Flocks of sheep were imported to Japan and then sold by a company called Poodles as Pets, marketed as fashionable accessories, available at $1,600 each.
That is a snip compared to a real poodle which retails for twice that much in Japan.
The scam was uncovered when Japanese moviestar Maiko Kawamaki went on a talk-show and wondered why her new pet would not bark or eat dog food.
She was crestfallen when told it was a sheep.
Then hundreds of other women got in touch with police to say they feared their new "poodle" was also a sheep.
One couple said they became suspicious when they took their "dog" to have its claws trimmed and were told it had hooves.
Japanese police believe there could be 2,000 people affected by the scam, which operated in Sapporo and capitalised on the fact that sheep are rare in Japan, so many do not know what they look like.
"We launched an investigation after we were made aware that a company were selling sheep as poodles," Japanese police said, the The Sun reported.
"Sadly we think there is more than one company operating in this way.
"The sheep are believed to have been imported from overseas - Britain, Australia."
Many of the sheep have now been donated to zoos and farms.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Japanese-fooled-in-poodle-scam/2007/04/26/1177459875122.html

This is Amazing.

I just watched this and although it's heart breaking, it's also just amazing.

Gosh, to Lily and family, thanks for sharing xxxx

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5892030206214460724&pr=goog-sl%22

Karla...

Kara was sitting on the couch tonight and noticed a HUGE ant on the couch. She freaked out and then almost immediately, remembered she now owns a bug catcher :) We caught (the poor) thing and she loves it! She has named it Karla and when I checked her tonight, this is what I found....

We spent today with some friends (haven't asked if I can post pics yet, so I won't!) and the girls had a ball! We took them to a park and Kara looooooved this circle of clover ~ she was looking for fairies in it LOL. I love her so much.

I am sick of listing already LOL!

Those of you who know you know that I am an obsessive shopper ~ I used to laugh at this but not at the moment! I have accrued a bit of a debt lol and am in the process of selling (or sorting which to sell) Kara's clothes. She has wayyyyyy too many. My aim is to list 150 a fortnight and thus far, I am at about 105 and already sick of it!!! If you are into Ebay and have a little girl, check out my listings!!!!

http://search.ebay.com.au/_W0QQsassZfredbare!QQhtZ-1

Today, we spent the day with a great friend (Melissa) and her divine little boy, Ben. He is just the sweetest child and I worry that Kara's influence will see an end to that LOL. Just kidding ~ how could I say that about this face???? Perhaps I was thinking of the screaming tantys she was having this morning ....

Kara with her new Glo Bear she named Little Daisy x

This Won't Happen Often BUT.....

...... I am so happy with this photo of Kara and I that I had to post it!!!

Yesterday, Kara looked soooo cute and I started taking some pics. She wanted one of both of us which was a little difficult, given that it was me and her at home LOL. Soooo, I had the camera balanced on some DVDs on a bench and set the timer. I told Kara to get ready and that I was going to run over and lift her onto my lap....... I really didn't think both of our heads would be in it but there they are lol and I LOVE the photo!




Today was GREAT!!! Tanya and Evan came for the day and stayed for dinner and the kids were pretty good (most of the time LOL). Kara's been off colour for a few days so it was the first day of her kindy holiday that she's been able to enjoy ~ poor bebe!!!


Last night, I felt unusually domesticated LOL and rearranged and cleaned out Kara's room. Her bed is on the other side of her room and at bed time, everytime I walked past, this is what I see.... gotta love her (she is on her bed which is around the corner LMAO) xxxx

Isn't she Lovely?

After her weekend visits, Kara is more than happy to go to bed and falls to sleep within minutes! Tonight, she was laying down in my bed and playing with her teddies and when I went in to check on her, she had taken her PJs off and made a little bed ~ I love her soooooo much and have a renewed sense of just how lucky I am ~ another gift from Ava xx

I Miss My Baby

:(

It's been about 3 months since Kara started spending full weekends at her Dad's and whilst it is way easier compared to what it was like at the beginning, it's still hard. We had a bad day yesterday ~ unsually so. Kara screamed and carried on for a couple of hours saying she didn't want to go and after 2 hours of telling her it would be fun and her Daddy loves her, she finally calmed down. I just hate it. We went through this for a few months when overnights started but it had calmed down a lot over the last 2 months. I just hate that I have to even go through that with her. It's apparently in her 'best interests' to spend time with her father and whilst I do see the positives in that ( I try hard to anyway!!!), how is it positive to enforce 2 sleepovers when she clearly is not wanting them? It's horrible watching her leave knowing she just wants to stay home.

I don't know. I just want my girl to feel secure and happy as she has always been and hate that I have to stand by and watch her go through stress.

A Beautiful Day :)

The past couple of months have not been easy for a few reasons but today was superb :)

Kara had kindy and then we went to an indoor playground with some friends ~ she had a ball!! Evan and Tanya then came over and after a play outside, we took them to Maccas. It was just so nice watching them play so nicely all day, with the night ending in them kissing and embracing!!! I won't go into the part where they wanted to knock each other out because of some Maccas napkins LMAO.

Isn't she divine? (and Evan too of course!!!) I really am so very lucky and sometimes wonder what I have done to deserve my girl.

Oh ~ I just added the Carlton one cos I can!!! Fingers crossed Kara isn't brainwashed into supporting any other team!!!!

I LOVE this picture!!!!!

Easter...

Kara and I celebrated Easter a few times this year, to make up for her not being home on Sunday! It began at Bonython Park on Saturday for a public egg hunt and it was crazy! There were 3 times as many people as expected and lines galore but she still had fun ( a little bit according to Kara!). The highlight was having her face painted as a ladybug :)

Sunday began with Kara searching for a sickening amount of chocolate. It was EVERYWHERE and she was in her element. She then spent the day with her father and when I picked her up, we went ot Nanna's! The Easter bunny left choccies there too, so all was good :)

One more week of kindy and Kara is on holidays and I cannot wait. I am sooooo looking forward to having some down time with my baby and just having fun :)

Saturday ~ My Ladybug

Sunday Morning...

Nanna's House.....