Cleaning Day

Well today was cleaning day. All children sent to their rooms and I went to mine. After several hours I can see the floor and the bed. I don't know about you but when ever I start to clean the room gets really messy before I start to see any improvement. The children didn't do too well, however...they have had the threat that if they want a lovely Christmas day and they want to have presents, then their rooms must be cleaned.  They know I'm serious and there will be NO opening presents if not done!

One of my friends from dancing is up on Bribie for 10 days, so this afternoon I spent some time with her and her children. After drinks and icecream at scoopy's we sat and watched Declan, Tara and Liam junp off the jetty. Well Declan wanted to jump but chickened out. He couldn't even bring himself to jump off the pontoon. So Liam decided to sneak up behind Declan and pick him up and jump in with him!!! Declan went straight back for more, but still couldn't do it himself, so Liam to the rescue again, and again, and again.

Great afternoon, so thanks Val, Kerry, Lisa and Matthew. Before we knew it, it was 7pm before we started to head home (Thank Goodness we don't have daylight savings)

Christmas Hampers!

Bribie Bowls club hold an annual Christmas Hamper draw on the Tuesday night before Christmas. You have to be present to win. Last year we attended with Ardal's Dad (Grandad) and he won one of the 10 hampers. Which means we actually won as he gave it to us as he spends Christmas day with us.

Well tonight was the draw.        And YES.... he won again!

Tara and Declan are eyeing off what they would like from the hamper!

Time with Friends!

Thanks Girls for a wonderful morning. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing what each of use created for our secret santa gifts. Handmade is definately the way to go and I hope we can continue this tradition for many years to come. Thank you all for your wonderful gifts and I promise that next year I will organise my time better so that wach of you receive a wonderfully hand made gift from me.

My aim for 2010 is to remember everyones birthday and make that something special for each of you, as you are all treasured friends. Can everyone email me a list with your birth date and your children's birthday so I can enter them in my diary ready for the year ahead?

After reading Peta's blog, I have decided it is about time I did some cleaning myself and maybe I'll find more than a table but a whole entire house! Yeah...I have been a little slack since breaking my leg and my bedroom looks more like the junk room and we go away on holidays in 5 days! Well beter go and make a start....

My how time flies

Sorry Guys that it has been so long since I last blogged. Where shall I start....

HEADING TO GEELONG

On September the 26th, we loaded up our 12 seater hire bus and began our journey to Geelong, after a long compulsary practice day of dancing. We had to be there by Sunday night as Tara and Daniel were to compete on Tuesday and needed a practice with their teacher on the Monday morning. We were travelling fine until we were hit by a dust storm around Grafton. It was then a very slow trip to Sydney as the winds were gusting. Needless to say, a big bus like we were driving was easily pushed across the road.

We got a bit lost in Sydney and ended up crossing the Sydney Harbour bridge. I woke up all the children to show them the Opera house but unfortunatly it wasn't lit up so they really didn't see anything and now I had to put up with them being awake!!!!

Between Sydney and Geelong the winds were gail forced (up to 80km an hour) So our trip was very slow. We arrived around 10pm and within 40 minutes I decided to go sightseeing in an ambulance. I had broken my leg! What a great way to start our holiday!

AUSTRALIAN DANCING CHAMPIONSHIPS

They always say "break a leg" for good luck and that is definately what I did for my two youngest competetors. Tara was first up and she danced beautifully but so did 57 other 9 year old dancers.

Since most of you don't know how competition of this level work what happens is the children dance a hard shoe dance, then everyone dances a soft shoe dance. There are 3 aduducators from around the world who judge all dancers scoring them from 100 point downwards. Then all the scores are added up and the bottom 1/2 are elliminated from the competition. Then those children left dance a hard shoe dance. It is their own choice but must be a traditional dance.

The tension builds as they announce the recalled numbers numerically. Tara held my had tightly as the numbers were called .... I marked them off on the program and when they called 40, we both screamed with delight. I have been attending the Nationals with the older children for the last 9 years and this was the very first time one of mine had been recalled for their solos.

We now had to change halls, but Daniel was dancing in this hall. Who do I watch???? If I wasn't on crutches it wouldn't be a problem because I could go quickly. So with 2 dance teachers they let me stay and watch Daniel and Txt me 5 dancers before Tara to give me time to get to the other hall. I made it as Tara walked out onto the stage. She was fantastic and bubbling with joy.

I then headed back to watch Daniel's second dance. Again I thought he was great, but really I'm a little bias!

Before they called Daniel's recalls. Tara's presentation was on. All 28 dancers were called onto the stage.

All the girls on stage. The girls from around Tara have gone to get their award and she is still up there. We are down to the top 20, Now the top 15 and then Tara's number 40 is called. Tara had come 14th in Australia. I am such a proud mummy!!!! Well Done Tara. All the hard work has paid off!!!!!

Now Daniel's recalls. Dan is as cool as a cucumber but I know he really wants a recall. And YES!!! He had made it. And he is the only QLDer.

Dan made a little mistake in his final dance but what does it matter he will be placed anyway!

Daniel came 6th! That's my Dan! I love him so much, he is such a gentle caring guy. The young boy who came 1st at the Qld state titles where Dan had come third, came up to him and instead of congratualting him, said "Don't forget that I'm the State Champion and my trophey is bigger than yours!!!!" Talk about sour grapes. Dan didn't respond at all. But later said to me I should have said Good for you, I got a place at the Australians. YOUR TOO NICE DAN! The other photo is of Daniel and his friend Anneleise who came 24th in the 11 year old girls with their two teacher Anita and Kate.

All of the others danced well but 2009 wasn't their solo year. In teams we did awesome. All of my children came home with medals. Tara, Daniel and Tara's friend Kirianna, danced in the 3 hand choreographies in Under 13's and came 6th. Tara still has 4 more years in this age group and Kirri has 3 Daniel only 1. So next year we are aiming high!

That's enough for tonight. Except to say - THANKS DEB AND TONI for a fantastic night in on Friday night. I love getting together with all my friends!!!!

Finally!!!!

Well that is - Finally I'm posting on my blog and Finally my storeroom is clean.

Today I didn't need to go to school as I had done the required day at the beginning of the year, but YES I did still go in. For months I have wanted to clean my storeroom and today I was determined to get it done!

I arrived at school at 7.45am, and started pulling everything out.

I can't believe all this was in our small storeroom. Thank Goodness, I had some good helpers. Thanks Peta, Leoni and Pam. While Peta and I sorted, Pam and Leoni labelled all my containers containing fine motor activities and resources.

Meanwhile, I had set Di and Bernadette the task of cleaning out the shed.

By 2pm, things were starting to look like an end was near. Thanks to Dave and his lack of willingness to do a trip to the dump. We had to end up putting all the trash back into the shed until tomorrow when Kim has promised that Dave will go to the tip for us. But I'm still waiting for the vege garden, the sandpit cover and the watertank!!!!!

But check out the storeroom. Not only did we fit in all the stuff previously in the storeroom, but we also managed to include all the finemotor stuff in there aswell. All containers labelled and in alphabetical order (well that's today - maybe not by tomorrow)

Job well done if you ask me!!! Thanks Girls!

Assertive Annette - That's my new name!!!!

Another pupil free day about how to engage our students - but what about us?? Today I sat through 2 workshops that were not engaging at all. While the information was interesting, I did not feel engaged at all and could understand why students would misbehave. I felt like it!!

I also went to one about effective communication in school situations. Here it was highlighted to me just how submissive I really am! Well that's the end of me being submissive (at least for today), I'm being assertive.

With this in mind, I ditched my next two workshops (of which I didn't choose) and decided to go to one that I really wanted to go to! Pivot animation. I was feeling rather pleased with myself as I walked into the workshop I wasn't enrolled in, that was until they gave out the certificates of attendance - of course I didn't have one there. Mine would have been where I was meant to be. Opps! Hey, I'm being assertive here, I reminded myself and asked Felicity (one of the facilitators) to go and see if she could get mine from the other room. She went, but the doors were closed so she will find it and bring it to me at a later date.

At least I did what I wanted and bucked the system. Pretty impressive for me I think!!! (I'm sure it was Katrina's influence)

Back to the grind stone tomorrow! Have a great first day of the term!

Deb Ball

Just like the majority of my Saturdays, today was a dancing day. this time of the year is very stressful for the dancers as we head into our 3 major competitions - Mid year Feis (gives you an idea of where you are ranked in the state), followed by the State Titles and then the Australian Titles. So poor Tara's legs were aching so much from dancing today that she was in tears. Our day started at 10am with Declan's class. Then Tara, Daniel and declan had a teams class, followed by Ardal and Emilee's Intermediate team class followed by Cherree and Emilee's Senior Teams class. After teams it was Tara, Daniel and Ardal's Solo class followed byEmilee and Cherree's Solo class, the time now being 4.30pm. But no there is still more - Tara and Daniel had another 1 and a 1/2 hours for a 3 hand choreography for the State and Nationals.

We then had an hour to spare before we were required back to prepare for a display for the Pipe bands Debuton (can't spell) Ball! The children looked fantastic as they danced an eight hand to the bagpipes (not so easy). During Emilee's performance as she did a huge front click, Emilee slips of her toes and lands on the floor, she gets up, smiles and bows. Well done, Emilee!

Daniel and Tara dance like troupers - even though Tara's legs were absolutely killing her.
Ardal dances half of his performance and while focusing on the fact that Emilee slipped over and he didn't want to - forgets his dance and bursts out laughing as he tries to pick up the dance.

I'm so proud of my children. They dance all day, and all night and still come out laughing!!!
Declan has just stirred in his sleep and asked his Dad to dance for him cause he's to tired to do anymore today!

Sorry to bore you with my dancing day, but it definately plays a major part of my life! Anything for my children.

Out of the mouths of babes!

I don't really have much to update today, so I'll give you a snippet of my conversation with Declan last night as we drove into Caboolture to collect Emilee and Ardal from the train.



As we drove along, Declan was telling me what all teh trafic signs meant. "Mum you can't go any faster than 100." "It says 80 now so you better slow down". "That street is Peel". I was very impressed with his knowledge of the signs.



As we got close to the road work near McDonalds, Declan piped up. "I know why your not allowed boomerangs near here. They might get lost near the trucks!" What do you mean Declan, I asked. Look that sign says- No Boomerangs!

Declan was pointing to














Great thinking Declan!!

Rainy Days

Rainy Days are definately sleeping in days and that is certainly what my children have done today. Tara is still fast asleep at 9.30am. Make the most of it, because when school returns we are back to rise and shine early.

The boys are lazing around playing on the old game cube, since Cherree has borrowed the Wii. And I'm playing on the computer - One of my favourite pastimes. I was actually considering getting them all up to clean the house, but have decided I like the piece and quiet.

So I wonder what I'll get done today! I let you all know tonight!

Have a lovely Rainy Day, and Thank God it didn't rain yesterday!

Under 16's Play Date

Thanks for the fun filled day at Deb's with fabulous friends. I really appreciate the fact that I am part of this truly amazing bunch of girls! And thanks once again Melissa for allowing me to have the thrill of driving a new car!

Feeding the cows, was very interesting. Declan was petrified at first, but soon relaxed as long as the cow didn't come to close. Emilee enjoyed playing with the younger children - she's not quite sure that she enjoyed Double Caitlyn's jumping on her back! Tara loved the jumping castle and playing with Caitlyn on her bike. Declan enjoyed some time with his friend from Kindy - Blayne.

That was the finish of my wonderful day! I went to pick up my external hard drive with all of my work from the last 3 years. First the guy brought out to me a device that looked nothing like the one I took in. "That's not mine" I replied, "unless you put the data onto a different drive". "What did yours look like?" My heart sank, OMG! I described it to him, and he told me oh that's right yours is still with the data recovery team in Brisbane. "Then why did you phone me and tell me it ws ready on Friday". After a lot of discussion, the boss was phoned and it was discovered that the casing had been changed on my drive, but this one was the right one. I paid for it $97.50. I then asked if I could check that the data on it was all there. They plugged it into their laptop and as I had presumed, the files had not been recovered. Only 5 files there instead of about 50. I asked to have my money refunded until they fixed what I had asked for. I explained to them that if they had of sent it away as asked last Monday, I would have it back by now and ready to work, but instead it looks like I will be waiting a while, and I'm not paying for anything if they don't retrieve the files!!!!! I'm so frustrated - MEN, who think they know more than women when it comes to technology!!!!!

On the whole, I really did enjoy my day. Ardy was cooking dinner for the family when I arrived home, and now they are all in the lounge room together watching T.V like little angels. I really love all of my children - even LIAM!!!

I've done it!!!!

Well today is, of course, a dancing day, but I managed to convince Ardal to take the children. My promise was that I would clean up the house if he took the children to dancing. He agreed since really the house cleaning is part of his home daddy jobs!

I actually had other plans that he was totally unaware of. I tidied the lounge, dining and kitchen in a matter of an hour and then jumped into Cherre's car and headed off to Blossies. It took me ages to decide on some paper for my butterflies. After about 1/2 an hour to get 10 pieces of paper I headed up to the counter. For some reason my bankcard wouldn't work, and I felt like such a dill, but I was reassured it wasn't due to insufficent funds. I raced to the bank where my card worked fine and then headed back to pick up my purchase.

I hurried home to put on the dinner for tonight (Another one of Ardal's jobs). Once that was underway ( I decided on using the crock pot, so I didn't have to do too much except throw everything in and leave it), I was able to get started on painting my frames. While waiting for the paint to dry I cleaned my bedroom in between coats.

Well tonight I finally put two together. I love them!!!! Probably not that even or even Straight!!!!, but I can live with that. (Ha, Ha, Ha!- I think.)

What do you think???

Oasis!

Driving a nice car was such a pleasant change today, as I drove Melissa, Cadence and Suzanne up to Suzy's Oasis party. What lovely company. It took us no time at all to get there, probably due to the fact that we never stoppped talking.

Suzy and Gavin baked up a treat! I don't know why Suzy was stressed she did an awesome job. The house is amazing, considering it wasn't that long ago that it was a simple farm house. Well done, guys!

I must say, I was very impressed with my two little angels (Declan and Tara), who played so beautifully with the other children and really did stay out of everyone's hair. Sorry about your deck, Suzy!! At least he wasn't sick in Melissa's car.

I managed to get to the butcher's in time to pick up my 1/4 cow. It is enough for 30 meals in our household, so will last us just over a month when I throw in a few chicken and fish meals. I love the way my butcher vacuum seals everything and makes us bundles to feed 9. Definately worth the money!

I didn't manage to get to the IT shop to pick up my hard drive. They believe they retrieved all of my data. I hope they did because it is all my work for the last 3 years including all my smartboard activities that I have made. I guess I'll find out Monday when I'm $97.50 lighter.

Looking forward to Monday's play date at Deb's. See you all then!
Annette

What a bargain!!!

I finally got around to changing my background. I scrolled through and through the backgrounds and when I finally chose one I liked and downloaded it, it was the same as Toni's. So back I went and chose another one. Great taste, hey Toni!!

Today I decided I should actually spend some time for myself. So I headed off to the op shops in search of photoframes to copy Toni and Deb's butterfly pictures. I think I scored some very good bargains. I got all these frames for under $25. I can't wait to get started, so hopefully Toni will remember to bring the butterfly punch so I can get to work! These will be part of my Christmas presents for my family. I'll post some pictures when I complete them.

I am so looking forward to tomorrow's outing. I love getting together with all of you girls. Tara and Declan are excited about their trip to the farm.

See you all there!

Reply from the Premier

Hi all!
I know I only blog every now and then, but tonight I had to share. Do you remember the email sent by Suzanne around the strike time. Well I loved it so much that I forwarded it on to the Premier! Today I received a reply via email
I'll forward it to you as I'm not sure how to attach it to my blog. You will be happy to know that the content of your message has been noted. This matter has been referred to the Honourable Geoff Wilson, for consideration and reply directly to me. I will keep you all posted!!!

Sometimes I surprise myself at the things I do!!!

Well, I have now completed the AEDI surveys on all of my Preps - Very time consuming 1/2 hour per student. I wonder what they will ever be used for, or if they were just a waste of money considering the school gets paid for our time off once all are completed plus an hour for each teacher to read the C.D on how to complete the survey.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the holidays where I will sit and change my blog to a format I like, and add some photos, of what I actually do with my wonderful family!!!!

Annette

STRANDED!!!!

Hi All,
Looks like we are staying put for a while! I attempted to go to school yesterday, but didn't get far. The day begun with getting dressed in the dark using a birthday candle as my light (Thank Godness it was Emilee's 16th birthday and the candles were on the bench from the night before).

Once dressed, I tried to convince my children to stay at home, but Daniel insisted and so did Emilee, since she hasn't seen her friends since Monday and wants to show off her presents. We got saturated just going from the door to the car some 3 metres away. As we drove down the street, water was lapping across the road. I need to get there we are going on an excursion to the pet shop, who will look after the chickens (Peta of course!) As we neared the bridge 3 energex trucks came passed and my car was swamped by a sea of water. As I rounded the corner, all power was drained from the car and now I'm stranded on the side of the road.

I phoned school, to find out that Bribie Road was cut any way. I sat for nearly 1/2 hour waiting for RACQ when miraculously the car started, so I turned around and headed back home. Luckily I did, because within the next hour our bridge was washed away.

I have just walked down to have a look and I'm not going anywhere for a long time! Trucks were dropping rocks into the water, but I watched three truck loads and the hole was still not full. The rangers are stranded as well. They collected 500mls of rain. How unbelievable!

Thanks Deb and Suzanne for sending the email about "Teachers are overpaid!" I sent it to Anna Bligh. I hope she decides to pay us baby sitting rates!!! Oh well, better go and do some school work, since I'm meant to be working from home.

At least I updated my blog!

Happy Easter Everyone

Wow! A whole term finished already and I'm longing for my holidays. This week has been a very trying one. It seems ALL my children have to be off all at the same time!!!

It's Emilee I'm most worried about. I really need to spend some quality time with her. In fact quality time with all of them is just what we need. So.... this Easter weekend T.V, laptops, Ds and wii all off. Radio and family fun is all that is allowed.

We started Friday with sleeping in. Something I haven't done for ages. In fact I didn't get out of bed until noon. We cleaned for a bit and enjoyed playing Yahtzee. This goes for a long time when there are 8 people playing. But we all stuck in there. Of Course, Mum won!!!!

Saturday was a lazy day too. I am just about to do the dinner dishes as it is my turn. And Emilee is begging me for a game of Yahtzee.

Talk again soon!

Dancing, Dancing, Dancing

Friday night was a blast! Spending time with my friends. Having someone to do things for me (Thanks Peta). Disappointed Katrina wasn't there. She promised me a back massage and I was looking forward to it. Oh well, next time!



After leaving home at 8.30 am, we arrived at the venue (Lourdes hill Collage - Hawthorne) with plenty of time to be extra organised. Tara was relaxed as I shoved her head inside her wig, then pinned it there with at least 50 bobby pins. It's o.k tara that blood is running down your face, at least your wig won't fall off. (Just joking - the blood was all over the floor.) Maybe this is why Tara forgot her entire hornpipe. No it definately was not Tara's dancing day.



Daniel did well - a second in the intermediate hornpipe, second in the traditional set dance and third in the open reel. He was so happy!!! Expecially as he was competing against Tara in the traditional set.

I was there for so long that I actually read the rules at the front of the program and thought you might be interested in how stupid some people must be that things need to be spelt out.
*Appropriate underwear must be worn.
*The use of artificial arm aids are not permitted.

Can you believe that some parents would make a device on a dress that stops the children from moving their arms while they dance.? It is a real skill to kick your leg and jump around like the dancers do with out moving your arms. Try it!!! I'm so glad my children dance because they love to and not because I force them to. I ask them all the time if they want to stop, but they won't! Think how much I'd save - fuel to Brisbane, dresses, lessons, shoes that cost $250 a pair.
I'd be rich in no time!!

But if that's what they want to do, then every cent is worth it!

Sunday was another day at dancing. This time we left home at 6.30am. Ardal had plans so that meant everyone was coming, which meant constent asking for treats at the canteen. Lucky for me, there were lizards in the garden and Declan and Liam were kept very busy!

Emilee danced well, but slipped off her overtoes (This is where she dances on the tip of her shoes). She didn't place in anything. Ardal danced well coming fifth in the jig and first in the traditional set.

We arrived home around 6pm, had dinner and then finally sat down to plan for the week.

Yeah!!!! Four days left of term 1.

Dreading the Easter bonnet Parade, hope people don't blame me for the practice that Hayley (Music Teacher) wants to have. I think it will run just fine, but she wants it to be professional. I just want it to be Caboolture East style.

Talk again soon

Wow, I did it!

Thanks Debbie, Toni and Kristie for allowing me to view your blog. You have encouraged me to get around to compiling my own. O.K, so not very many people will probably want to read about what is happening in my life, but for those that do I'll fill you in!

My precious baby Cherree, is all grown up and has flown the coop. But luckily her wings only took her as far as Grandma's. She has begun her university studies in Applied Science, majoring in micro-biology and forensics. (Thank God it is her and not me!)

Emilee is definately a social butterfly. Between school, work, dancing, friends, parties, movies, iceskating, 10 pin bowling, there really isn't much time left to spend with her family. At this stage of her life, Emilee is planning to join the Navy. So I guess she better enjoy her social life while she can.

Ardal is his usual tease. He is so much like his father. Now in year 10 at Bribie High, he is wanting to be a pharmasist - well that's this week. A month ago it was a P.E teacher. Ardal is really enjoying dancing. I think it's all the girl attention that he loves!

Liam - Well, he's Liam!! Getting up to mischief both at home and at school. When will he ever grow up!

Daniel is in year 7 and is really excited and honoured to be the school captain at Cab East. He too loves dancing and is so keen that he practices way more than any of the others in his family.

Tara is really blossoming. While she has a few bad habits developed from following three brothers, she is very intelligent and has a desire to learn more. Only 4 weeks ago, she began playing the trumpet. I thought, oh no I don't know if I will be able to stand her practicing. But she is a natural and she is already playing beautifully, I don't know why I was worried.

Declan well he's my baby boy and always will be. He loves going to school and loves to do maths. He is keen to dance in a competition and has now begun dancing in teams. He loves it!!!

And my biggest baby of all - My dearest husband Ardal. I love him so very much, even when he is driving me crazy. I can't beleive that we have been married for nearly 18 years. That means I have been hooked on him for 23 long years. It really doesn't seem that long!!!

That's enough for now.
Talk again soon