Bec's Babies

Birthday's

2009-07-16T01:45:00.000-07:00

Hi All

As I said in my last post, I would share some pics with you all of the girls birthday parties. Mickalee turned 3 in March and Brandy turned 2 in April. Both girls got very spoilt and had a great day! I even baked their birthday cakes!! I know.......Very domestic of me isn't it!! Mickalee's birthday cake was a barbie cake. and Brandy's cake was a turtle. Originally it was going to be a lady bird but it just didn't look quite right so I divided a donut into quarters and used it as legs. It turned out very well!

Mickalee with her very lovely gift's.

Mickalee's BARBIE cake

Brandy Opening the 1st of her MANY presents :)

Brandy's TURTLE cake

Both girls celebrated their birthdays with a little party, surrounded by their friends. They played and ate and had a great time! I even made a pass the parcel for Mickalee's birthday party, however I forgot about it, so I saved it for Brandy's birthday party!! All the kids got a chocolate prize!

Hope you enjoyed the pics.

Bye for now and Happy Blogging.

Bec

I AM SLACK........But don't worry I AM BACK!!

2009-07-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone
It has been 6 months since my last confession!! I mean post......lol. I am not exactly sure what happened, I just stopped blogging! I am trying to think? Did I stop blogging when I started facebooking?? Who knows but I think I need to try and find time to do both!

The girls are doing great Mickalee is now three and enjoyed her birthday in March, and Brandy had her little party a fortnight later in April!! I will post pics when I get the chance and share them with you.

Tony is back in South Australia for the moment working on a wind farm close to home. Not sure how long we will have this luxury, however we will enjoy it while it lasts! Our most recent purchase was 40ft coach that we plan to deck out as a motor home, so he has mobile accommodation, when he is away from home, or in turn we can travel with him when the opportunity arises. I will post pics of the bus when I get the chance also!! It has been appropriately named "Hillbilly Deluxe".

I have started working again, which I am enjoying very much. It gets me out of the house to socialise which I enjoy. I am working at the local Establishment every Friday night and pick up a couple extra shifts here and there when they need me. Now that I am working again I am meeting new people and my friend network is increasing slowly but surely.

I have been making the fortnightly trip to Port Pirie to do my food shopping, I find it make my $ go a little further. It also means I do not need to go to the local foodland and buy unnecessary items. The new foodland store has opened up here though and it is wonderful.

Since I last posted 2 of best friends have had babies. Little Mackenzie was welcomed into the world on Brandy's second birthday. Amanda was due in late March but I told her when she first got her due date that she would have her baby on Brandy's birthday. I was right!!! No prizes for guessing though :(. Hayley then joined all her little girl friends the following day!! Only 6 hours short of sharing her birthday with Brandy and Mackenzie!! Both health adorable little girls! I have decided that I can no longer trust the water here in Jamestown, I have 6 friends currently waiting for new arrivals!! I wish them ALL, all the best!!

I had better sign off now and get my blogging butt into bed!! Stay tuned I am going to try harder :)

Bye For Now and Happy Blogging!!
Bec

Uni Exam Complete

2008-12-07T03:24:00.000-08:00

Hi All
I would firstly like to thank Pete and Tracy fo their much needed help on Friday. Pete supervised my exam and Tracy, even though she was not feeling well, baby sat my crazy children. I really appreciated it guys THANKS AGAIN!!
I hope I did well and feel reasonably confident with all area's but the essay. I have still not fully grasped what they expect of me. I will let you know the result when they are in.
Bye for now and Happy Blogging.
Bec

Dance baby, Dance.

2008-11-30T17:40:00.001-08:00

Hi All,
After watching Brandy dance I can't decide if she has obtained her talents from me or her dad. I know for sure I have no rhythm and if I try to shake my bootee like Beyonce I look like I have something shoved in an uncomfortable place. Tony looks like a frog in a blender, so I guess she gets it from him! You be the judge.

Very cute all the same, no matter where her inspiration comes from. Excuse the bad filming I was copying her, so she would keep doing it for the camera. As usual when the camera came out she stopped dancing. Some of you may also wonder why my kids were in their PJ's at what seemed to be the middle of the day. It was actually about 7pm and they were getting ready for bed, it is daylight savings in S.A at the moment and the transition of getting them to sleep while it is still daylight is difficult.

Bye for now and Happy Blogging.

Bec

Christmas Preperation

2008-11-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

Hi All
I am officially FINISHED, and all before the calender ticked over to December 1st. Presents bought AND wrapped, check. Cards written out, letter and photo included, and cards actually POSTED, check, Christmas tree, decorations and lights ALL up and working, check. It's over. All that is left to do now is assemble the swing set on Christmas eve and do a food shop and I am all set. VOILA!!
Bye for now and Happy Blogging.
Bec

Christmas cards, letters and the PHOTO!

2008-11-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have spent the last 6 years in the middle of nowhere at Christmas time.

In the middle of nowhere the mail plane would come to take out going and deliver in coming mail every Wednesday unless rain had wet the the dirt strip and they were unable to land. Usually if I needed stamps or had a letter to post without a stamp I would either include the 50c with the letter in the mail bag, or I would send in money prior to needing the stamp and they would send out stamps the following week. When it came to Christmas cards however I was VERY UN-organised. I thought it rude to send in 50 cards unstamped with the money attached and getting someone else to lick and stick for me. I also just never got around to sending in the money for the stamps to be sent back to me. SLACK I know. This "slackness" of mine resulted in literally hundreds of Christmas cards being written over time and NEVER posted. One year i found a pile of cards squashed in the glove box of the Toyota about September the following year.

Now I am living in town and the post office is literally walking distance from my house I am organised. I wrote out all the cards making sure not to seal them because I wanted to include a universal update letter of the all happenings in our little family, as well as a nice photo of the girls. I spread the picture taking out over two days and the end result wasn't perfect or what I wanted but it was OK.

As you can see, on the first day I dressed them both up and tried to use a table cloth to make a decorative back drop. On the second day I just washed their faces. I really couldn't be bothered.

Don't get get me wrong I did NOT expect perfect model type photo's, all I wanted was the both of them looking at the camera AT THE SAME TIME, and smiling. Mickalee kept saying smile every time i said it, so me trying to get them to smile resulted in me making all types of weird noises, shouting and waving my free arm like a mad woman. The neighbours must think I am crazy. Eventually I got one picture.

I ordered copies on-line last night, and I printed off the universal letter yesterday so as soon as the prints arrive look out post office here I come.

Bye for now and Happy Blogging.

Bec

I'm Gonna Miss you Mate!!

2008-11-21T01:42:00.000-08:00

Hi All

When a part of your family has to go and meet it's maker, no matter how big or small their role in your family was it is a sad loss. On Wed the 19/11/08 I had to make to gut wrenching decision to put my best mate of 6 years to sleep. Bonnie was a kind, gentle natured dog, however her instincts to hunt were always in the back of her mind. On Wednesday morning she jumped the fence and mauled a goat in the vacant lot next door. I apologised to the neighbour and immediately offered to pay all vet bills incurred from the attack. I coped a $210.00 fine from the local council, and made the terrible decision to put her down. People who knew and loved Bonnie could not imagine her doing such a thing, but a dog like her has instincts that she obviously could not control. Even though this was the hardest thing yet I have had to do, I decided it was for the best just in case one of the girls was her next target. Don't miss understand me, she NEVER showed aggression towards the girls and if she had of I would have made this choice a long time ago. I just couldn't trust her after this.

I will remember teaching you how to shake hands with small pieces of kit-Kat (before I realised chocolate was bad for dogs.) I will remember waking up in the swag with you when I was sure I had gone to sleep with Tony, you always had a way of squeezing in there somewhere. I will remember the day you dodged 6 bullets fired at you from Tony's gun after stealing a whole rump out of the camp kitchen. I will remember how you played. I will remember how you barked like you had something to say. I will remember how you barked to let me know there was a snake under the house.

I WILL REMEMBER YOU!!

LOVE YOU BONNIE!!

Christmas

2008-11-18T15:03:00.000-08:00

Hi All
Yes I am one of those annoying people who loves Christmas. I love shopping for gifts, decorating, wrapping, writing cards and everything. I am officially weird.

My last six Christmas's have been spent in the Gulf Of Carpentaria and have been great but this will be the first Christmas in about 6 years that I have spent with my mum and brothers. It will also be my FIRST ever Christmas spent with Dean. I am really looking forward to it and went overboard as usual. I also found out on Monday that Tony, Mum and Dean WILL be home for Christmas. I will explain the situation a little more for those who don't know it. Dean, Mum and my hubby are all away in N.S.W working on the construction of a wind farm near Goulbourn. Dean and Tony rotate on the same roster they work 4 weeks on and 1 week off, having a day off mid shift. Dean, Tony and mum were all due to fly back to N.S.W on Christmas eve. So to have our family Christmas we were just going to have it a few days early. However on Monday we found out they do not have to return until Boxing Day. HOORAY for us!!

We moved to Jamestown in June and in July Big W had a HUGE toy sale, so I did what any anal planner would do. I got in the car, drove to Port Augusta (were our nearest Big W is) and put all the goodies I wanted on Lay-by. I have been making regular payments and this Saturday just gone mum and Dean had the kids for the day and Tony and I drove over to Port Augusta with the trailer in-tow to collect the lay-by. I said earlier I did go overboard, but I do have a reason for it. Last year "Santa" bought my girls a trampoline for Christmas, but when we moved from QLD to S.A we did not have enough room for it and sold it. We did have full intention of replacing it however when we came across the Swing sets in the Big W catalogue we spend a little extra than planned to get it instead of a replacement trampoline. I was sure they would get more fun from a swing set anyway.

I have no idea why the picture is turned it isn't on my computer but for some reason when i uploaded it, it turned and I have no idea how to change it. I have decided not to put the slide on until the girls are bigger, I think this could cause injuries because they are only 2 and 1 and have not perfected the art of climbing yet. Those who know my girls know they are good at it, but they aren't perfect.

Here are all the presents waiting to be wrapped, there are gifts here for my nephews as well as the girls. All that is left to do now is wrap the presents and double check the battery situation. There is nothing worse than opening a toy that does not include batteries. I am sure these toys however will get pushed aside once the swing set is discovered.

I have done my tree but I the screen around it isn't doing as planned and the girls keep pushing it over. So I will redecorate the tree Christmas Eve before I put all the gifts under it. Putting any presents there early is just asking for trouble.
I have also decorated the back patio, it is hard to see but there is Christmas lights everywhere!! Bring on Christmas and the heat!! I'm sick of being cold!!

Merry Christmas Everyone

Bye For now and Happy Blogging

Bec

First Unit Nearly Over!!

2008-11-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

Hi All
I am here, I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I have just been busy, very busy. I have completed all the set assignments for my introduction to university course all I have left to do is the exam. That is set to happen on Friday Dec 5Th and Tracy aka Mad Quilter has kindly volunteered (after I begged and promised to babysit) her husband Pete to supervise me. This of course was a huge relief to me because it meant something less to worry about.

So even though the hard part is over, my life is now revision, revision, revision. I had to resubmit my first essay because I was WAY off track but I did a lot better second time around I got a pass. The second Essay is not back and marked yet so I will keep you posted.

Bye for now and Happy Blogging
Bec

Sunsets

2008-11-02T21:05:00.000-08:00

Hi All

I managed to get a few pics of the sunset her on Friday night, as I said my camera is not the best but they turned out OK. Finally a sunset almost worthy of those we experienced in "The Gulf of Carpentaria".This one was taken about 7pm
This was also around 7pm

This was taken later about 7.15 and I was standing on a chair so I could get a good shot.

This is the cropped version of the photo above, this is my favourite one.

This was the last one I took, after bathing the girls, it was about 7.45pm. A little blurry but you get the idea.

Bye for now and happy blogging

Bec

Dora Concert

2008-11-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

Hi All
I know we went to the Dora concert nearly a month ago now, but I have been meaning to blog about it ever since and just have not got around to it.

Firstly I will say I am SO glad I organised a baby sitter for Brandy there is no way she would have sat through it as I had expected. As it was I had difficulty getting Mickalee to keep still. She saw all the kids and just wanted to play with them and run around. To solve this I folded her chair up so she could jump and dance in the little space in front. I was amazed at how many people struggled to get little ones to sit and watch, some babies surrounding us were under one. They were with their mums and in most cases were not accompanying an older sibling as one would have assumed. I will say though that I never heard a peep out of any of them. At a kids concert you expect a certain amount of ruckus, crying and screaming, I never heard any. Except of course when it was over and it was time to leave, lots of tots wanted more of DORA.

The performance I will say was GREAT however it was not what I expected, I assumed it would be like the pirate play DVD, which my girls have watched a million times, they know all the songs and love it but it wasn't the same. Mickalee loved it just as much though. The costumes were excellent, but I have just one question "where was Benny the bull?".

There is a little red glow above Mickalee's left shoulder, that was the stage, my camera did not like taking pictures of something so far away in the dark.

Bye for now and Happy blogging

Bec

Visitors

2008-11-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

Hi All

It seems that this past month I have done more kilometers than you average truck driver. OK, OK that was a major exaggeration but I have been to Adelaide 3 times in for weeks. The girls and I went down for the Dora concert, which also happened to time in with Tony flying in from Canberra, so we stayed for two nights so we get some much needed summer wardrobe updating done.

I then went in again a fortnight later to pick up Tony's mum from the airport, she stayed with us for 8 days and the girls enjoyed having nanny Betty visit.

I then returned to put her back on the plane. As she had a 10 am flight we went in the day prior so we were sure not to miss her plane, I knew my kids can be unpredictable and didn't want to risk travelling from Jamestown. I pre booked the accommodation for 2 nights, as my mum was due to fly in the day Betty flew out, so the girls and I were going to spend one night with mum. As it turns out her reason for travel was cancelled and her visit fell through. I had booked accommodation at "Adelaide Shores Caravan Park", so we could be close to the airport, and when mums visit fell through I thought rather than cancel the room I would arrange to catch up with some friends instead. The facilities were wonderful and the girls had a blast in the pool.

The pool we went swimming in was .5m deep and that allowed the girls to walk freely without being held, they both fell over a few times and couldn't find there feet, but myself or friends were right behind them to pick them up.

Mickalee with my cousins Lisa and Jessie

We also had a major break though in the toilet training the day we went swimming, I thought there was no way Mickalee would tell me when she needed to go, so I just asked her regularly and hoped for the best. After being in the pool about 20 minutes she came up to me and said mummy I need to do a wee. By the time I organised someone to supervise Brandy and got out of the pool, she had gone off again with Bradley. So while Zack watched Brandy I sat with Carol thinking Mickalee had either forgotten what she needed to do, or had done it in the pool. Then to my surprise she came up to me again and repeated her need to go to the loo. So I took her. I honestly thought to myself that this would be one of those times you took her and she didn't do anything, but to my surprise she did. My two and half year old got out of a pool to wee. OMG!! I was so excited for her.

Anyway, back on the road again next week, need to go back in on Wed to get Tony off the plane, then he is home for a week, so back in again to put him back on it.

Bye for now and happy blogging

Bec

My baby is talking

2008-10-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

Hi All

My Weenie One is not so Weenie anymore

Brandy is now 18 nealry 19 months old and is finally getting some more words out. I am sure Mickalee was talking in sentences by this age, but she was always a chatter box. Brandy has been saying mum and dad for quite a while, but it seems in the last few weeks she has come along in leaps and bounds. So I thought I would share a video with you all of her new found words. Enjoy!

This video is probably more for those who know us and have not seen the kids in a while. Brandy now weighs more than Mickalee but is not quiet as tall as her yet. They share clothes and Mickalee hates it. I am sure this drama will only get worse as they get older. LOL!!! I shall look forward to it. NOT!!

Bye for now and happy blogging

Bec

Ram and Ewe Ball

2008-10-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hi All

On Saturday night a majority of our small town got "frocked" up for the "Ram & Ewe" desperate and dateless ball. Yes I know I am married but I just couldn't pass up a night out complete with a chance to wear a pretty dress. I got to wear a red arm band to show others I was spoken for. The tickets prior to the night were $40.00, then on the night at the door they were $50.00. I am still not 100% sure what I expected on the night, but I do know the function we attended wasn't it.

To begin with the single people were all given green arm bands with a number on them and if you found your matching number you both went to the bar and received a free drink. OK sounds easy, right!! It wasn't!! The arm bands were covered by shirt sleeves, facing the wrong way or completely missing. When they were visible you had to be about 2 Inches from the band to read the number in the dark. Ridiculous!! The food for the evening was "Generic" brand chips in plastic containers randomly placed around the venue. Or you could get a satay stick or steak sandwich from the food tent out the back. A steak sandwich is just what you feel like eating when you dressed up in a ball gown. Someone obviously thought this through also. I hate to whinge but it really has put me off even thinking about attending next year, also people who I see between now and then who ask will no doubt get my honest opinion. There was no best dressed awards, or lucky door prizes, and the only attempt to raise money was a very small people auction consisting of 4 entrants. If there was a little more planning I am sure local businesses would have happily donated items to be auctioned for the chosen charity, (which I won't name) but I only heard it mentioned once. Drinks were purchased with a ticket system, which I found had good and bad points. The bar people didn't have to handle money, so that meant quick easy service, however I came home with 5 tickets, as I found I couldn't exchange them before I left.

I have to share a story with you regarding an incident on the night, this could not have been avoided by anybody, except the man with the vulgar mouth, but I thought I would share it all the same. My feet were getting tired and very sore from heels, as I don't often wear them and my friend and I went to find a seat. When we went outside we saw a bench occupied by 2 men. I approached them and asked if they would mind scooting over so we could also sit down. To which I got "That depends do you swallow?" needless to say we didn't sit there. Also point out that this guy went home ALONE!!Any guesses why.?

Me with Mickalee before I had gone out.

I wore my wedding dress, I knew having a different colour to white would allow me to wear again.
MissA having a ball

I would like to finish on a high note, all the volunteers behind the bar, in the food tent, on the door and tickets sales were all very nice and did great jobs. The band also was very good and everyone had a good time dancing and singing along. My highlight of the night however was crawling or was it falling into bed at 3am.

Bye for now and happy blogging

Bec

My new outdoor setting

2008-10-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hi All

As some of you may know I have been baby sitting "Smiley" for about 5 weeks now and I have been putting the money I earn away to buy myself something. Seeing as my husband is very bad with things like this I thought I would finally just stop whinging and do something about it.

This setting cost me $400 from the local hardware store and it is my new favorite place to sit. I have also included a photo of the fish pond garden, that is currently 'fishless' due to Mickalee throwing rocks, dog biscuits and a whole tin of fish food in it. The poor fish just had no hope. We have decided to keep it 'fishless' until the girls are old enough to appreciate them a LOT more.

Bye for now and happy blogging

Bec

Toilet training update and ABC'S

2008-10-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hi All
Mickalee has had a few dry days in row now and all seems to be going very, very well. She is still wearing a nappy at nap time, and wakes up dry most days, and of course is still wearing one at night. She has yet to use the loo for number two, but I am sure that will happen when she is ready, I am not too worried about it. She is going on her own without my help and isn't even using the potty seat anymore just the normal seat. Her climbing up onto it is a funny site, and she has almost fallen in once. I have also decided to buy some one ply toilet paper for her as we are going through SO much paper at the moment. I will of course keep the good stuff hidden away for me. Very cheeky I know but she does not understnad the meaning of a little bit, yet!.

I have added a video of Mickalee saying her ABC'S for you to enjoy. When you ask her to say her alphabet she says "alphdabet" but when you ask her to say her ABC'S you get this!!

So cute!!

Don't ask why she was laying on the floor because I still can not work it out.

Bye for now and Happy blogging.
Bec

51 st Post

2008-10-20T02:59:00.000-07:00

Hi All

I can not believe I used my 50Th post for Mrwannabethebossofeveryone's demise!! Oh well I will pay more attention when I get to the 100!!!

Thanks for reading about us and out little world!! A few pics for you as celebration!!

Our first family photo Brandy was 2 weeks old and Mickalee was 13 months old! very cute

Mickalee at Playgroup "Outback" styleThis photo was taken when Mickalee was about 13 months old but I love it and wanted to share it. For those of you who love dogs his name is "Jimmy".Mickalee at the show in JamestownWhat happens when a 2 year old and a 1 year old get there own breakfast. That is a 6 pack of yogurt I should be grateful it wasn't a 6 pack of beer.Both my beautiful girls after bath time about a month ago

Bye for now and happy blogging
Bec

Karma is my friend

2008-10-20T02:31:00.001-07:00

Hi All
I am going to tell you a story that has made me smile, for obvious reasons I will not use real names but all I will say is "It couldn't have happened to a nicer person and Karma is my friend."

I regularly keep in touch with friends from up north and like nothing more than my sometimes more than weekly updates on the little towns gossip. It is like my version of "days of our lives". I will start from the beginning and hope for you sake this all makes sense.

There is a man in town who thinks he owns the place, he has a business in town and when I first moved to "the middle of nowhere" I worked for Mrwannabethebossofeveryone and his wife. I had a very bad experience and Mrwannabethebossofeveryone tried to put the moves on me after only a month of employment. After putting up with 3 more months of being treated very badly I got the sack because the oldest daughter told them I was hitting her and her sister in the class room. I had a major personality clash with this child and she lied to her mother because she didn't like me, however now that I am a mum I understand where the wife was coming from. If I thought someone was hurting my children I would show them the door also. To tell you the truth I was glad I got fired, even though the reasons were wrong. That is how I came to work at the local hotel, where they were regulars . I put up with Mrwannabethebossofeveryones torment for the next 5 and a half years, he tried to break tony and I up when we got together among lots of other terrible things. I ignored this behaviour and never let him see me cry, he was being childish and I often used to say to friends when will he get his Karma?.

Since moving we have been kept up to date on his nastiness and about 2 months ago we heard he got in a fight at the pub with one of Tony's mates Frank. Frank was sitting quietly in the pub having a beer and "Mrwannabethebossofeveryone" walked in with "noodle". "Noodle" proceeded under Mrwannabethebossofeveryones orders to call Frank a "useless black c*#t" and knocked his hat off his head. Frank was surprisingly calm about it and asked politely for it back. Noodle said "come and get it." So Frank followed noodle and when his hat still was not returned after several nice attempts to get it back Frank knocked noodle out. This however was not the end of it Mrwannabethebossofeveryone told Frank "I am going to get Thehorsewhisperer to sort you out for knocking out noodle". To which Frank replied "I don't think so I am related to Thehorsewhisperer and he would back a brother before you any day".

That was part one we have heard nothing else about this until today. Chillilady rang me to fill me in she knew it would make me happy. I in turn rang publady and she filled in the banks.

Mrwannabethebossofeveryone was at the pub enjoying a beer when youngone started to pick a fight with him over another incident which had occurred sometime prior. Publady broke it up and calmed youngone down. While she was calming down youngone she heard breaking glasses and and all mighty thud only to turn in time to see Mrwannabethebossofeveryone old cold on the concrete. She looked up to see who had been his demise only to see Frank with Thehorsewhisperer standing behind him as back up.

OK OK, I will say at this point I hate fighting, however in this case it was about time someone stood up to the bully.
I told publady to buy Frank a carton and give it to him with lots of hugs and kisses from Bec and Tony.
We love you Frank!!

Bye for now and happy blogging
Bec

Break through on the loo!!

2008-10-20T02:07:00.000-07:00

Hi All

I am not sure if I mentioned in a previous post or not but we have started toilet training here. It has taken a lot more than I thought it would, I had a feeling Mickalee would be very easy due to her being so vocal. Mickalee will be 3 in march and since the weather has warmed up here we started. I also started baby sitting for another 3 year old (for the sake of my blog I will call her "smiley" as I have not asked her mum's permission). "Smiley" is toilet trained but needs to be reminded and sometimes still has accidents, so I thought the girls would encourage each other.

To start with I just stopped putting Mickalee in nappy's and let her wear "knick knicks" her words not mine. I would then ask her if she needed to go. She would sit on the loo and nothing. We had several accidents which I expected and when this happened I just said things like "oh well" and "maybe next time". Reminded her to tell me if she needed to go, and also that wet "knick knicks" didn't feel nice. I think we have been trying for about 3 weeks, and I will admit the last week I have been very slack because I felt like I was getting no where and didn't want to push her.

Today we went to the park and due to all the fun the kids would have I put a pull up on Mickalee. When "Smiley" and Lily went to go to the loo Mickalee said she did too. I put her on and she did nothing. I kept praising and said "maybe next time". This afternoon after her nap "Smiley" needed to go to the loo and so did Mickalee. I thought this would be the same as the other attempts and was not paying attention, until I asked her if she had done a wee and she said "yes" (she has always said "I got no wee's mummy" or "no" before), I started cheering and clapping and high fiving and then told her she got to put a special sticker on her rewards chart. Which has been on the fridge for about 2 weeks with no stickers, she chose Dora of course. She went once more before her PJ's and got the same reaction from me she was very very excited. She even rang daddy and nanny to tell them of her accomplishment. Fingers crossed this was her "ping" moment and the run continues, we are yet to do a number 2 so maybe that will be a different challage all together.

This photo is one of my favourites, It was taken about 12 months ago (remember the date on my camera is wrong.) Mickalee used to always pee before she had a shower so I used to make her wait on the loo while I got it ready. She never went while sitting there though as luck would have it. This particular night she decided she wanted to read just like daddy. I have been meaning to send it to outback magazine for ages.

This is one I took about a week ago, when I purchased this beautiful training seat from the local "op shop" for a grand expense of $2.00. She loves it.

I am sure Mickalee will appreciate these photo's when her 21st comes around. **rofl**

I will keep you updated on how it all goes fingers crossed.

Bye for now and happy blogging.

Bec

Tattoo Pictures

2008-10-14T01:01:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Well getting my blogging organised didn't happen I have been meaning to do it and then something else comes up as always. I find this a real shame because I enjoy it. Anyway as promised here are two pictures of Tony's newly acquired art work.

As you can see Mickalee couldn't resist showing off her new "tattoo" too.

Sorry about the picture quality my poor old camera has nearly taken it's last picture, I'm afraid.

Bye for now and happy blogging.

Bec

Powers from above

2008-09-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I have been meaning to write this post for a while and as you can see today has been my catch up day. I need to be more organised with my blogging rather than bombarding you with so much information all at once.

Last Sunday night I was getting ready for bed about 10pm and was hit with a wave of worry. I felt like something was wrong, I checked the kids, all OK, I then felt sick, this was the worst worry I had experienced in ages. I called mum, in tears and told her I felt something was wrong. She said to relax and she was sure it would all be OK.

I need to explain, I am not psychic by any stretch of the imagination but I have some dreams come true, and then my "feelings" can tell me like last Sunday when something isn't quite right. Last time it happened one of dads work mates, was diagnosed of a brain tumour, two weeks later I had the same feeling and he had passed away.

Back to the original story. I went to bed uneasy, and tried to sleep. About 3 am I think I eventually dosed off. I spoke to as many people as I could contact on the Monday and everyone was OK. I tried to forget about it as best as I could but the familiar lump kept rising. For some reason I kept being drawn back to think about my ex boyfriend. I have dated him in nearly 10years, it ended badly and he is a person I would rather forget, I never think about him. By Wednesday I had enough and rang his mother. I have not got her number written anywhere and I do not phone her. I remembered the number out of the blue as soon as I decided that I would call. When she answered she started to cry and said out of all the days, what made you call today. I told her about the feeling and she told me about "Cabbage" (A friend we had back when we dated, when we split he got to keep him. I only saw him occasionally if I happened to run into him.) He died on Sunday and they buried him on Wednesday. OMG!!!! Spooky!!! She also told me that at the funeral "Bill" my ex's step dad asked if anyone had thought to call me, then I called her!! I had a good but sad catch up with her, sent my condolences and ended the call.

When I called mum and told her about it, she said I was unbelievable and if I ever had a "feeling" about her, could I call so she could park at the hospital.

Trust your instincts!!
Bye for now and Happy blogging.
Bec

Tony and the Tattoo

2008-09-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hi All
My husband is officially hopeless. He is in Canberra away working on another wind farm and doesn't really like being away from us, or so he says.
In the last couple of months my husband has been VERY spoilt, and being away in Canberra has not helped his habits without me there to supervise him.

His latest purchases are listed below.

Fathers Day: $300 Hoist. Excuse: I need it to get the welder off the back of the Ute, it has been there since we have moved to S.A and it is costing me heaps in fuel carting such a heavy object around all the time. (Wife agrees, then drove to Adelaide to pick it up. Before he went away)
First year Anniversary: $280 Flying lessons (Gift from Wife)
Springs for car: $900 Safety Issue (Wife agrees, ordered, VISA'ED, Had another day hubby less while he fitted them.)
Fishing Rod: $100 I am in Canberra and need something to do on my afternoon off. (Wife didn't know until a week after purchase.) Wife wonders what is wrong with the 3 fishing rods you already own? He Forget them!!
Glasses $450 He really needed these they shouldn't be counted.!!
New Tattoo $250 The phone call went a little like this.

Him: Hi

Me: Hey what you up to?

Him: Just waiting for the optometrist to open

Me: Oh OK, so you got an appointment then?

Him: No not yet I am waiting till they open.

Me: Oh so you didn't call?

Him: No I am waiting till they open.

(this went on for a while I couldn't understand why he didn't call a few days prior to his day off and arrange an appointment.)

Me: OK then no worries, good luck call me after.

3 Hours later another call comes in from him.

Him: Hi

Me: How did you go?

Him: Oh my appointment isn't for another half an hour.

Me: See I told you to call.

Him: Never mind I just window shopped. Liked some of the rings and things I saw in the Jewellers.

Me: Really? and..........

Him: You would like them, they were nice.

Me: Oh OK I guess I had better let you go if you have to go to the eye docs.

Him: I was just ringing to ask you if I could get another tattoo? I want to get the girls names tattooed on my arm.

Me: Can you wait a few more weeks I want to build the savings up again, wait till pay day.

Him: Oh please it is only $250.

Me: Oh really, do you have to now, can't you wait.

Him: Well no I can't wait.

Me: The tattoo shop is not going anywhere.

Him: I can't wait I sorta all ready got it, while I was waiting for my appointment with the optometrist.

Me: WHAT!!!! What would you have done, if I had of said no?

Him: I just would not have told you.

Obviously the conversation didn't end there but you get it!! My husband is officially an IDIOT!!! He sent me some pics via his phone and I do like it but that is not the point. I will share them all with you once he is home and I can take some cool ones with the camera. I can't get the others off the phone for some odd reason. I told him that night when he called he owed me BIG TIME!! I need a bit of spoiling and he said "Oh don't worry I got you another Jewellery box." Your all probably thinking Oh how nice but That is the 3rd one he has bought me in 6 years, don't you think he could start buying me jewellery to put in them?? I WANT DIAMONDS!!!! Men!!!!

Bye for now and Happy Blogging.
Bec

I am still here

2008-09-27T20:41:00.001-07:00

Hi All
Just a quick little update on the happenings around here in our little world. Mickalee is in the process of toilet training : (. No luck as of yet but I am trying not to rush her I am sure she will get there when she is ready. So far it has created more washing for me and that is about it.

I am still on the uni train, although I will admit I am struggling at the moment. I have an assignment due on Friday and only started it today because I was waiting for my great mates Ryan and Kim to visit and install the necessary program because I am hopeless when it comes to that sort of thing. I have decided no t.v for me until it is finished. Focus, focus, focus.

Dora live is in Adelaide on the 8Th of Oct so we will be heading in the day before for that also and Tony is due home then too. Hooray!!! I miss him heaps!! Can't wait.

I weeded the garden this week. The weeds were up to my waist, I have been putting it off and putting it off so it my own fault that it got that bad!! I am suffering for it now though it took me all afternoon and I have been stiff ever since!! Thank god it is done though. I ma investing in a little spray bottle for round up, and I plan to spray the suckers as soon as they appear from now on. I think that will be better I didn't want to use the big weed sprayer in that garden because I didn't want to accidentally kill the roses. I have also come the conclusion that if and when we get around to buying a home of our own it will be all concrete, fake grass and PLASTIC plants. LOL!!

Bye for now and Happy Blogging.
Bec

The Doggy Dollar!

2008-09-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Thanks to my wonderful dogs "Bonnie" and "Hippy Chic" I am now $85.20 poorer. They are lovely dogs and I wouldn't be without them but some days I wonder why I put myself through the stress and aggravation. Of course I knew when I got my dog, there was costs involved and of course time and love, but lately I have had a run of Houdini acts by "Bonnie" and I am annoyed at her. Why did she stay home when we had no gate, then all of a sudden when a gate is built she decided that her fat arse could jump and she goes on walk abouts.

Anyway, since we have been in S.A the dogs have been in Clare with Tony due to me not having an enclosed yard. This is why we refrained from registering them. We needed to wait until we had come to a more permanent arrangement. This arrangement presented itself when Tony was told he was off to Canberra, it kicked him into action to finally build the gate I had been asking him for. The dogs came here permanently the day Tony left and it has all been going very well.

Tony has been gone a week tomorrow and I thought when I woke up how slack I had been for not registering the dogs yet, so I got organised and went down and did it before I forgot again. I paid the fee's "Bonnie" was $20.70 because she is spayed and "Hippy Chic" $34.50 because she isn't. No problems, I got the tags went to Venessa's for a coffee then went home about 12pm to get the girls lunch and settle them for a nap. The day was normal!! Or so I thought! I got a phone call about 2.30pm from the council saying that they thought they had "Bonnie" in the pound, sure enough I looked out the back and she was gone. I told the lady I would wait until the girls woke up and be straight down. I had not even had a chance to put her new tag on her so it was lucky that one of the ladies who worked for the council had been to my house with Venessa before and recognised her.

I went to the council office because that is where they told me to pay the pound fee's. I was very lucky as they waved the "no tag fee", knowing I had been in just 4 hours before. It cost me $30.00 to "post her bail (giggle). So all up today not including the usual food my "girls" cost me $85.20. You will be happy to know they all are home and doing well, and displaying their new I.D tags proudly.

Bye for now and Happy blogging

Bec

Blah, Blah. Blah and other irrelavant nonsence!

2008-09-17T04:50:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I have been keeping up to date with all the little or sometimes BIG blogs I read, and my day does not feel complete until I have checked up on everyone. I went away last week as you know and I came home to about 30 new posts in my reader for me to enjoy. Despite being absolutely buggered I sat up and read every last one. So much happened in the 3 days I was away I was amazed!

I have come to a dead end in blogland at the moment, my house is relatively quite by comparison and nothing much has happened around here in the last few days so I have had nothing to post about. I am sure now that I have said it though a freak tornado will rip my roof off tomorrow and I will have heaps to talk about.

The girls are being their normal destructive selves, I am sure they think that they need to mess the house up once I have cleaned it just so I don't get bored. They conspire against me I am sure of it (NO I am not just paranoid!). I can picture the conversation now "Hey Brandy mum just picked up all the toys in the playroom.". Brandy is watching Dora. "Yeah so?". Mickalee walks to the toy room, and up ends both toy baskets. "Hey Brandy quick come here you have to see this." Brandy runs to Mickalee. "See what?" Mickalee yells "MUM!! Brandy just tipped all the toys out." OK OK they are only little but seriously that is what it is like. Mickalee is a schemer and Brandy falls for it every time. Where do kids learn this stuff from? Mickalee did something naughty the other day, for memory it had something to do with drawing on something she shouldn't of and she said "No not me mummy it was the monkey." I know I have bad days but if we had a damn monkey in the house I am sure I would have noticed it!! I don't lie, and my husband doesn't lie (except for when I ask him if my butt is getting big. I don't care how big it gets!! He better lie.!!) So why is she lying. I just don't understand. She is socialised with other kids but the kids she plays with have been taught the same values, as her and have never lied to me. She watches Nick Jr and I have seen a couple of shows about lying but it has always been related to how wrong it is. Where is she picking it up? She has also discovered how to say "NO WAY!", "No"came a long time ago but this new vocabulary is driving me insane. I hope it is just a phase and i prey for the day when she says "sure mummy!" Wishful thinking on my part I know but I can dream can't I?

Tony left on Tuesday morning for the Canberra wind farm job and will be away this stint for 4 weeks, then home for one. This is no different to the roster he was working at Snowtown except due to him being a lot closer he was able to come home during his weeks at work to have dinner with us and see his beautiful girls. Tony suffers more than we do when he is away, I am so pre-occupied with the girls, uni and house things I don't have time to focus on him not being here. I can have endless phone calls with him at night, so this helps and makes it seem like he is close by. The girls are too young yet to realise he is away, and when Mickalee does ask where he is I tell her "Daddy is at work." and she simply says "OK". One day she got mad and said "NO mummy, daddy is at school not work." I thought it was so cute I never corrected her. I also get to see the girls everyday. On a bad day with the girls I envy him 3 weeks away is my idea of heaven.

I would love to say CONGRATULATIONS to Mel from "A Dream come true" on the safe but hectic arrival of her little baby boy Ashton Blake, who weighed in at a TINY (not) 11 pounds. WOW!! Hope all is going well with your new bundle of joy!.

I hope to be back soon with something more interesting for you all.
Bye for now and Happy blogging
Bec

Travels, catching up and reminising!

2008-09-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I have not fallen off the face of the earth but I have been busy and away from the computer so I have not been able to fill you in on the latest happenings in our little world.

This is where my family gets complicated. We were once the traditional family unit but we are now made of much more than that. Since mum and dad split up they have both found happiness elsewhere and with that comes more brothers sisters. So we what once started out as 3 (Me, Dan and Josh), became 8. Deans 3 kids (Tara, Kim and Jock), and Ange's 2 (Ryan and Olivia). I am happy to report that I am still the oldest. This also means more grandparents, more uncles and aunties and of course more cousins. Anyway there is a point to telling you all this, My step dads, step dad passed away on the 1st of Sept. "Pom" (that was his well known nickname) was with Deans mum for 28 years and they were planning to get married later this year. We all knew Pom before mum and Dean got together as he was a local Owner/driver in Bordertown and with Dad being in the tyre industry we got to know a lot of the drivers. As it turned out mum and Dean had other prior commitments and couldn't attend, so I travelled 600k with the girls to attend the funeral, not only for myself but also on their behalf. The service was held on Thursday Sept 11Th 08' and was very lovely. It also meant that I got a chance to meet people in Deans family I had not met yet, As we all came from Bordertown I knew of Deans brothers, but I had not officially met them. I was also saddened by the fact that you only catch up with long lost relatives and friends at the loss of another, but it was nice to see them even under bad circumstances.

I stayed with my Auntie Suzie and her kids in Bordertown for the time I was visiting and it was great to catch up with everyone. All the kids enjoyed playing together and it was great for my girls to get to know their second cousins. After returning from Naracoorte we went out for dinner with everyone for my birthday. We all had a good time and all the kids behaved perfectly. Auntie Suzie and her family live in the same house that I grew up in as a kid and it was a little weird being there with my kids. I also couldn't get over the fact that a room that seemed so big when I was a kids was really only tiny. Also the fence at my other Aunts place that took up ages to climb over was only up to my knee. I have not been back to Bordertown in 6 years and it is amazing how much changes in that time.

While we in Naracoorte for the funeral I called around to visit my God mother who I have not seen since my 18Th birthday and she looked after the girls so we did not have to take them to the service. She spoilt them rotten, like she used to do with us when we were kids and they had a great time visiting with her. Mickalee didn't want to get in the car when it came time to leave, she was happy to stay. I said to my god mother "If that doesn't prove she had a good time I don't know what does." This trip was unfortunately very rushed but I plan to do it again with Tony as he has not been there yet. I also have family members he is yet to meet. I am sure it would be nice for him to finally put faces to names.

Bye for now and happy blogging.
Bec

Farewell POM. You will be dearly missed!! I hope there is beer in heaven!!

I am no Mona Lisa ........... BUT!!

2008-09-07T03:27:00.000-07:00

Hi All

We had a great night Friday night and both the girls had a great time with their respective baby sitters and families, Thanks Tracy and Vanessa! I really appreciated the time out.

Tony and I dropped off the kids, drove to Clare and boarded an old big yellow school bus!! Gee that bought back memories. We arrived at Snowtown and enjoyed a wonderful meal, a few (too many) drinks and a great chat with lots of people. All was going well until.......... I ran into a guy that works with Tony. (I have seen a few of you lay out a conversation like this so thanks for the idea I am going to copy.)

Him: Hi

Me: Hi I am Bec, nice to meet you.

Him: Aren't you that girls from channel 10.

(I have never worked for a t.v station so)

Me: No

Him: Yeah, yeah you have to be your that chic of channel 10.

(I am sure if I worked for a t.v station I would not be in Snowtown pub)

Me: No really I do not work for channel 10.

Him: Yeah, you are your that girl from channel 10 (Elbows his friend) Shes that chick from channel 10.

Friend: Which chick from channel 10.

Him: You know that, that, that. oh whats her f*#^ing name, you know the one I mean.

Me: I seriously do not work for channel 10.

Friend: No mate can't help ya!

Him: Yeah, yeah I remember that's who "YOUR UGLY BETTY!!"

(At this point I wanted to punch him. HOW RUDE!!)

Me: Oh gee thanks!! but I AM NOT Ugly Betty.

I walk away and hear him chattering to his friend that he can not believe he met UGLY BETTY.

Here is a pic of me on an ordinary day! No make -up or going out clothes!! Put here solely to gain your opinion, or comparison. Do I look like Ugly Betty?

I do realise that she is a fictional character and "America Ferrera" who plays that character is very beautiful. I just want to know why is "Ugly Betty" ugly? I personally don't think she is but I obviously someone thought so. Is is her braces? or glasses? or bad dress sense? She is smart, maybe it's that? She cares about her family and work friends maybe that's ugly? I have no idea. I am not even sure why I took his comments as an insult. Maybe it was a compliment? I was drunk so maybe it was just the word ugly that got me cranky? I did have issues at school about how I looked, but only because the kids at school (kids are too cruel) had an issue it and I was constantly teased. Now I am an adult I have come to realise that the people who do care about it are not worth talking to anyway. None of my friends are going to race "Tyra Banks" down the catwalk any time soon, but they are my friends and I love them. They are ALL shapes and sizes and ALL have issues with their own bodies but I don't think any of them are ugly. I am certainly no "Mona Lisa" but .......... I am funny, My hubby says I'm sexy (his opinion is the only one that really counts RIGHT. Oh and I am happy with me.), I love and care about my kids, my family and my friends, I LOVE chocolate, I wear glasses, I am not a size 10 and NEVER will be (trust me my body and my brain came to terms with that A LONG time ago), I live in Jeans, and anything else I can get to fit my boobs right, I love my boots, my dogs, and country music....................................................... If any of those things make me UGLY!! I guess He was right!! I AM "Ugly Betty".

Bye for now and Happy blogging
Bec

I'm going out tonight

2008-09-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hi All
Tony and I are going out tonight by ourselves for the first time in a few months, This will also probably be the last chance we get to in a while also. Tony is off to Canberra on the 15Th for work and Mum and Dean are also going around the 10Th. So I will be deserted for 4 weeks out of 5!! Thank-god I have made friends is all I can say.

Tonight we are off to a work party, it is an end of job celebration, as they have finished at Snowtown. I have organised baby sitters for the girls and I don't have to pick them up until tomorrow morning. It is the first time they have stayed away from home over night without me. Mum and Dean have stayed out our house and looked after them while I went to my brothers 18Th and we have spend nights away from home together but this is to be their first independent, SLEEP OVER!!!

I am confident that the girls will be fine, and the chosen people to care for them have years of experience with children and will cope very well. I just can't work out why I feel so funny about it!! I am not sure what it is, I announced when I was pregnant that I was going to take up ALL offers of babysitting, I wasn't going to be one of those mums that stayed home with my kids and missed out on the fun! By the way there is nothing wrong with being one of those mums, but that's just not me. They go to occasional care and they don't miss me, they are having so much fun they don't even notice that I'm not there. I think I just need to toughen up and appreciate the fact that my kids are socialised enough to be able to spend a night with someone else, while I endeavour to get my groove on!!

Wish me luck!! I was never that good at dancing!! Frog in a blender is more my style.
Bye for now and happy blogging
Bec

I made a scarf!!!

2008-09-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

Hi All

I finished my first scarf it is for Mickalee and she loves it. She even wanted to wear it to bed. I of course didn't think this was a good idea, I was worried about her accidentally strangling herself.

I have seen other blogs were people tell you what kind of wool they used how many stitches etc they used to create their masterpiece. I am not that clever yet or in tuned with my crochet. I know the wool was red, and I know I used a number 4 hook. I also know I used a triple stitch which is the Australian term. Anyway I have included a couple of pics for you to see what a great job I did!! I am so modest aren't I?

I have started a scarf for myself, which keeps getting ripped, as I am not as good as I would like to be at counting my stitches!! Stayed tuned for the pics of that!!
Bye for now and Happy blogging
Bec.

Haven't they grown!

2008-09-01T16:44:00.001-07:00

Hi All

The girls were playing this morning with a "nappy" box, and when Mickalee hopped into it I thought, Oh quick were is my camera? I put Brandy in her lap and these are the results.

These photo's were taken today as you can see the date on my camera is VERY wrong but compare them to the original "nappy" box photo which was taken I guess about 12 to 14 months ago, THEY HAVE GROWN HEAPS!!

Bye for now and happy blogging.

Bec

Tantrums!!

2008-09-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

Hi All

As you know my girls are 18months and 30 months, so tantrums are very common in my house. I do not give in to their every whim and thus we get a tantrum. I just thought I would share a couple of the best ones we have had in the last few weeks.

Please imagine a high pitch scream to accompany this photo! For memory she wanted a circle biscuit and I said no, as she had already had one. I offered her a banana and a pear and she screamed at me!! Two year olds are so pleasant. ; )

This is when she had calmed down and decided that maybe a banana would be nice.

Brandy has not started to kick her legs yet when she throws herself on the floor, but I am waiting for it. I am sure it will start eventually. I can't remember how this started but I assume it may have something to do with me telling her for the billionth time not to play in the cupboard!

We start on our front normally then roll over onto our backs to see if anyone is watching. No-one normally is at this point. I try to ignore it not encourage it however this time the photo op was too good to miss.

Tantrums are an odd thing to blog about and I talk about my girls all the time but I decided I would share some of the BAD things with you all. I feel that when I was pregnant no-one told me the truth about children. I was ripped off and lead into a obscure version of the truth. I was told about the birthing process, the PAIN, the sleepless nights when they are babies (I was a lucky one I had sleepers so this was never a HUGE issue.) and endless nappy changes, feeds and burps but no-one talked about the toddlers. Not one person told me that I would have days where jumping of a cliff seemed like a great idea, just so I could get peace. No-one told me that I would NEVER pee alone again. No-one told me that a two year old will repeat everything she says a million times (in-case you didn't hear it the first hundred times) just because she can. No-one mentioned that they would scream at the top of their lungs as soon as I am on the phone, or that they get even louder when the call is important. Consider this my WARNING to those who have not had babies yet OR have babies that are not "EXPLORING" yet. GOOD LUCK!!!

I will also say all the things I mentioned above will happen ALL on the same day just to really test you, but it makes it ALL worth it when they say something like. "I love you mummy." Or

They sit and eat their breakfast quietly so you can enjoy your first cup of coffee in PEACE!

Bye for now and happy blogging.

Bec

Activities

2008-08-28T00:55:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Just thought I would share some photo's with you. Mickalee had occasional care today and she was in a good mood this morning so I was able to try something new with her hair. She sat quietly and watched Dora, while I tied and brushed. She loved it that much I have had no luck getting her to let me take it out yet. I was also busy shopping and banking this morning so Brandy and I didn't get to do an activity alone so I bought the girls some scribble mats today and we drew on them this afternoon after their naps. These mats are great, normal place mats you colour in your self 4 crayons are even included in the pack. You can them wipe them down and they are like new again. so they will provide hours of fun.

Too Cute!! Even if I do say so myself. This kept Brandy occupied for about 5 minutes, she had more fun throwing the crayons away and laughing when I picked them up and gave them too her. OK she wasn't colouring but she had fun just the same.
This is the ABC mat, I got a dinosaur one too but for some reason the photo won't load. Oh well!!

Bye for now and Happy blogging

Bec

It's a SMALL world!!

2008-08-27T03:09:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I was watching Nick Jr with the girls again today and they were watching a show called "The Big World." It is a show about all these animals that live in the "world tree", there is a sloth, a couple of monkey's and an ant eater among others and it got me thinking about things that have happened and had me saying "WOW it is a small world."

I moved with my family from Bordertown to Adelaide when I was 13, as I had grown out of my Barbie dolls and didn't play with them anymore mum suggested instead of taking up precious space in the moving truck how about I pass them on to some other little girls who would enjoy them as much as I did. So I decided to give them to Tara and Kim. Tara was in my brothers class at school and was about 5. My mum and Dad were acquaintances with the girls parents and one afternoon we went over to their house and dropped them off. I moved to QLD in April 02 when I was 19 and went home the following November to attend a cousins engagement Party. Long story short mum met up with Dean at this particular party and they are now engaged. So Tara and Kim are now my step sisters.

When I was 4 I lived about 40k out of Bordertown in a place called Bangham. It consisted of 3 houses and everyday I would catch the bus into and home from Kindy. For memory we only lived there for a short amount of time, but I remember it well. When I was at the pub in Gregory working one day, a tourist couple stopped buy for a drink and we got to talking. They asked the usual tourist question, "How does a young girl like you end up working in a place like this?" I told them I was original a country girl from S.A and when my family relocated to Adelaide I hated it, got a job in outback QLD fell in love with the place and haven't left yet." They said oh well we are from S.A originally too where are you from?". I say "Bordertown." They reply "No way, we used to live near Bordertown in a place called Bangham." I was shocked and told them "I used to live at Bangham too. It turned out they had lived in the same house I did only 23 years before. WOW, and of all place to meet them was Gregory Downs!! AMAZING!!

*Insert music* It's a small world after all. *do de do de do*

Bye for now and happy blogging.
Bec

HELL is going to freeze over .............................'cause I BAKED!!!!

2008-08-26T02:08:00.000-07:00

Hi All

I just thought I would share that I baked cookies this afternoon. I do admit it was a Green's packet mix that I bought last time I went shopping, but a milestone for me just the same. They were supposed to be fairy wand cookies, but they turned out just to be star (cutter inc in the pk) cookies, it was just too hard to add the sticks (also inc in the pk).

Mickalee helped and even stole a cookie, of course hoping I wouldn't notice her over full mouth, while they were cooling. She also kept saying "mmmm mummy me love eating star fish." I told her she could have one after dinner if she ate it all. I love bribes. *I know naughty*

And that is the face she pulled BEFORE she stole the cookie!! *Heehee*

Ta Da!!

Bye for now and Happy Blogging

Bec

The Ball is Rolling.........Finally

2008-08-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

Hi All

My Uni welcome pack and information kit arrived today. Hooray!! I was thinking of posting a picture of my hair, so we can compare when I finished and see how many grey hairs I earned myself. I was to ashamed to do this in-case I earn too many!! So instead you get a picture of all my papers. Talk about info overload, once I started reading.

I am sure I will cope with this once I have settled into a routine of study. I am only doing one unit at a time which requires between 8 and 10 hours a week study. So instead of watching T.V (old me time) in the afternoons while the girls have their naps I can now study (new me time), I also am a night owl and the girls are in bed by 8pm so night time also offers a few extra hours if I need it.

All I ever wanted to do was have kids, from the age of eight I decided that was why I was here on earth. Mum and Dad had a few rough patches and arguments throughout my whole child hood but I recall after one argument while I was about this age, I told mum and I quote "I am NEVER getting bloody married, ALL men are stupid." Mum then said "but Becky what about your babies?" (Mum gave me the birds and the bee's talk very early as she got her periods at age 7 she wanted me to be prepared. I was one of the lucky ones though. I started about 16) "That's OK I will find a man to give me a baby then piss him off." Number 1: Swearing wasn't a huge taboo in our house, number 2: My husband is totally scared that now I have had his two kids I am going to pack him up and ship him out. I reassure him that I was only a kid, and if he ever attempted to leave I would tie him up with the dogs. Anyhow back to my original point, now that I have had the girls I feel like I need to do something for me. Not to mention that with 2 and a half years of repetitive routine I feel like my brain has gone numb. Don't get me wrong as I have said in previous posts I am one of the lucky ones who doesn't have to choose between work and kids, but really it doesn't take an Einstein to change a nappy or make a cheese sandwich. So to prevent my brain from turning off indefinitely I decided to study.

One thing I could not understand was the fact that I did not have to complete year 12 to start at Uni. Hello, Why didn't someone tell me this 1998, I would have left in year 10, made a heap of money, travelled and enjoyed the world. I left High School in year 12, which was Sept 2000, only a few days after I turned 18. Prior to turning 18 I was working at a local Hotel after school as a waitress and when I turned 18 they promised to give me hours serving behind the bar. So unfortunately the prospect of making $18.00 an hour and getting a loan for my first car, totally out weighed school, which I was failing anyway. I am not an idiot I can do well when I apply myself but when I finally reached year 12 all my friends had either dropped out or were on a different schedule to me, so I had no fun and didn't want to be there. I had, had enough of school, show me the money!

To start with I hadn't decided what exactly I was going to study so the a helpful lady suggested I start with an "Introduction to University Learning" The one I received today that begins on Sept 1st. Then do a base unit "Social Science in Australia." The base unit is a unit in 3 subjects, so it gives me three options to choose from. I can either do "Criminology and Criminal Justice", "Community Services", or "Psychology". I am hoping to either try and get a government based job when I have finished or study more. I have 10 years to complete this degree, so I can stop and start and have more babies if we decide to which I think was a great idea.

I will try and give you all regular updates on how I am going within my posts. Bye for now and happy blogging.

Bec

The Girls

2008-08-24T00:39:00.000-07:00

Hi All
The girls are doing better. There is a lot less coughing and a lot less of wiping noses, so hopefully we are off to Playgroup tomorrow. God knows they are sick and tired of being in the house with me. Yesterday was a good day for them daddy was home and they got to play in the shed with him. I was glad it was not raining as it would have been an absolute nightmare trying to keep them inside while he was outside. They love time with daddy.

Mickalee is going through a terribly bossy phase at the moment, including bossing me. If I am not within her sight she runs around the house until she finds me then says "mummy you need to be in the kitchen." I am not sure why I need to be in the kitchen, but for some reason that is where she wants me to be. She is nasty to Brandy and doesn't want to share. Everything Brandy has she wants, and this includes cuddles from mum. I of course don't mind the cuddle part. Mickalee isn't a cuddly kid but Brandy is, so it is good to see a more affectionate side of her.

I am having a real issue at the moment with repeating myself, Brandy is generally good when we are at home however into everything when we go somewhere new. She loves exploring and touching things she is not supposed to. She is great at running in the opposite direction to everyone else, so this means I have to carry her when we go somewhere, or have her in the pram. She has also started to defend herself when Mickalee is bossy. She used to just walk away but now she pushes, pulls hair and screams. Mickalee is just at the peak (I hope) of the terrible two's she does things over and over even though she has been told repeatedly not to do them. I think that due to her speech being so good I forget she is only two.

Listed below is 3 reasons I know the kids are sick of being cooped up inside.

#1. This morning while I was in the toilet they pulled everything they could reach out of the fridge. No they were not hungry, they had just eaten 3 weet-bix each, in-case that didn't fill them up I offered them a banana each and they said no.

#2. While I was in the shower, Mickalee poured the whole contents of my large salt shaker all over the carpet. Normally I would make her help clean up a mess she has made but she is only 2 and petrified of the vacuum cleaner. So I vacuumed again even though I did it yesterday.

#3. I went outside to take the rubbish out and they decided it would be fun to empty there drink bottles onto the floor in the kitchen. Sticky orange juice everywhere, and I had to mop again, even though I did it yesterday.

I have not been very good this week with my planned activity lists for them, however with me and them all being sick I think I am excused. I am starting fresh tomorrow with playgroup. Wish me luck. I have kept up with most of the house work except for the clothes I am having issues with drying them all, but that is natures doing not mine. I need a clothes dryer but am not planning to buy one because if Matt and Carla move in with us as planned we will end up with two of them.

Bye for now and happy blogging.
Bec

In the Spirit of the game.

2008-08-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I checked my e-mail just a minute ago, and there was an e-mail saying there was a comment on my blog. It was from Cheryl aka The Daily Blonde saying I tagged you on my blog your it. I was lost. Completely I was thinking OK I will have to call Tracy maybe it is blog term I have not heard before. I know, I know I am an idiot. Cheryl was playing virtual tag and I am it. So I have included all the rules for those of you that I have tagged. Have fun.

Here are the rules...straight from Cheryl who got them from Beth, or so I read.

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. List 6 unspectacular (or spectacular!!) quirks you have.
4. Tag 6 bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on each tag-ee's blog to let them know they've been tagged.

Her are my tag-ee's
Tracy aka Mad Quilter
Lori aka A Cowboys Wife
Mel at A Dream come true
Corrie aka Retro mummy
Rachel aka A juggling mum
Rebecca aka Diary Of an obsessed knitter

OK now for my 6 Quirky tid bits.
# I am addicted to the phone. The mobile the land line and the Internet I need to talk and talk constantly. I am a communication addict. I call mum and Tony more than 3 times a day each and I am constantly texting. I talk so much I am convinced Telstra is still operating because of how much I spend. *GIGGLE*
# I have a "thing" about tea bags being left on the sink, it drives me crazy. The bin is 2 steps from the kettle, is it really that hard??
# I love driving as long it is to a place I want to go to. The music needs to be on and loud!
# I bite my nails to the point of no return and have done it for long now I don't think I will EVER stop unless I am hypnotised.
# I can't wear socks to bed. Don't ask I have no idea why.
# I hate people touching my feet. The kids, Tony, anyone. I could never have a pedicure for this reason.

Anyway now I have shared I think I need to talk some things over with a shrink. *laughing*

Bye for now and happy tagging
Bec

Undies

2008-08-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I went down to Adelaide yesterday and picked up and engine hoist for Tony. Since we have moved here his huge welder has been on the Ute as we had no way of taking it off. So he needed it to get the welder on and off the Ute. Due to the lack of weight on the Ute now he will use less fuel. Which is a good thing for the pocket.

Anyway while I was in Adelaide I went to K-Mart and bought myself some new underwear. I am usually a G-String girl but due to the cold here I thought I would buy some "normal" undies to help keep my butt warm. For some strange reason this is where I feel the cold the most. Anyway I bought 2 x 3 packs of "normal" at $12.95 and 1 x 3 pack of G-Strings also $12.95. They were made buy the same company and were apart of the same line.

Can someone tell me how G-Strings which are made up of WAY less material cost the SAME as "normal" undies????

Bye for now and happy blogging
Bec

I miss Tony.........I need him to do boy stuff.

2008-08-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I am feeling a lot better today and ventured out of the house for the first time since Sunday and went and had coffee with Venessa. It is still cold here and surprise, surprise it's raining AGAIN.

I am one of the lucky mums who has a choice whether or not to stay home and play home maker or go back to work. Tony earns enough for me to stay home and most days I enjoy it. There is the odd day where I would love to have my brain ticking faster, so to fill that craving I decided to start studying. The only down side to this is the fact that for Tony to earn the bigger $$ he away for 4 weeks at a time then home for a week. I miss him of course when he is not here but we knew that was the arrangement when we took the job. We decided it was a good offer and the money was great. It has given us the opportunity to knuckle down get out of debt and even perhaps start saving to buy our first home. I am not about to sit here and tell you that I have it as hard as a single mum for 4 weeks out of 5 because I don't, but having him away certainly makes me sympathise more with them. I miss him even more when the roses need pruning or the weeds need spraying, and of course when something goes wrong with the car. However it has also taught me I can do those jobs without him if I have to.

As you know I went away for the weekend, well while I was away the indicators on my car stopped working. Now I am not a total idiot when it comes to cars, I can change a tyre, check the oil and water, and I can change a fuse. I thought that the indicators were simply not working due to a blown fuse. I pulled off the fuse panel, checked which fuse it was and replaced it with exactly the same type of fuse out of the spare fuse section and thought right they should not work. They didn't. I called Tony and he said other than the fuse I have no suggestions so you will have to stick your arm out of the window till Monday when you can get it checked out. I have been sick all week and have not gone anywhere, so today was the day I got it checked out. I am still finding my feet in Jamestown and I thought while I am having a coffee with Venessa I would ask her where would be the best place to get such a problem checked out. She told me the Toyota dealers should be able to help. Then said oh wait hang on, one of the guys that works for us is a mechanic. We will take the car over to him and get him to check it out. My car wasn't even in the shed for 2 minutes and he had my indicator working again. I asked him what he did and all he had done was turn the hazard lights off. Apparently my hazard lights are the ones not working, so I never realised they were turned on. As soon as he turned them off again like magic the indicators worked. I felt like such an idiot. I assume Mickalee has been "driving" again and was pushing buttons like a crazy person.

The indicators are fixed and I am happy I managed it without having to wait for my knight in shinning armour to get home.

Bye for now and Happy blogging
Bec

Family matters

2008-08-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hi All
As you know I am sick, so not leaving the house. Nothing much can happen when you don't leave the house so I thought I would share a few funny things with you that have happened over the years. I needed cheering up and writing them did just that.

I have a very dysfunctional family, We would make Dr Phil have a heart attack and the people on Jerry Springer have nothing on us. However that is a story for another time. I am the eldest of three children, I have two brothers and several step brothers and sisters. It is also a possibility that I have half brothers and sisters I don't even know exist considering my dads indiscretions. Anyway when you grow up with so much going on in your family life you develop a good sense of humour, well at least I did. It was my way of dealing with the constant rubbish at home. Keep in mind this didn't happen ALL the time. It was really only in my years at high school. I was also the plump straight A student with glasses so that didn't help either, gee kids can be cruel.

Anyway on to the funnies. My younger brother Josh was always a joker. He still is and him and I are always getting in to trouble due to our inability to think before we speak. Josh is eight years younger than me and I recall one day we were treated to an all you can eat dinner at Pizza Hut. This didn't happen often as money was tight, so you could imagine our excitement. We walked in the door, and Josh who was only about 5 at the time spotted two rather robust women sitting in a booth. He looked up at mum and in his quietest (which was rather loud) 5 year old voice said "Looks like they've been here a while." About half the people in the restaurant heard him and either choked on their food or laughed. Mum was shocked and embarrassed and didn't know if she should walk out again or pretend he didn't say it. Needless to say he got a good talking to when he got home.

My brother Daniel is the quiet one out of us three, he is a two pot screamer and Josh and I (me not so much now) can drink with the best of them. Daniel is now the father of two beautiful boys and has had to do a lot of growing up, as did I when I had my kids. I can just recall one night when Mum and Dad had friends over for a BBQ, Daniel would have been about 10 or 11 and he was standing next to the fire with one of Dad's mates (for arguments sake we will call him Fred). Fred turned to Daniel and asked in front of everyone "Hey Mate have you ever been caught wanking in the cupboard." Imagine a horrified 10 year old, and a gathering of about 20 people looking at him. Number one they were amazed that the initial question had been asked. Number 2 they were waiting to see what the response would be. "Dan screwed up his face and answered "NO". With that Fred replied "It's a bloody good place to hide." The whole gathering cracked up laughing. I don't know if Dan laughed but I remember looking at him and laughing because to me it looked like he was seriously considering how to execute it. MEN, well back then BOYS!!

Mum and I share a good sense of humour, she is my Mum as well as my best friend, I call her several times a day, which I am sure Telstra are grateful for. Even in the bad times Mum still knew how to laugh. I am trying to think of something outrageously funny she did and I am struggling, nothing stick out in my mind with her. She was always cracking jokes and laughing with us, but I can't think of any particular incident. She did once set her hair alight while lighting a cigarette, we found that funny but she didn't. She also accidentally kicked my brother off the bed once when she got a leg cramp. Those sort of things are only funny when your there though. I think Mum is funny all the time and it is small personal family jokes that makes hanging out fun.

There are of course heaps of funny things I can remember about myself but only A few springs to mind that I want to share, the rest are either embarrassing or happened in less than perfect situations. Mum and I were getting ready to go out, and I couldn't decide what to wear, I was in an unusually silly mood and was making jokes about my spare tyre being 14" and hers being a 17' and things like that. When I was finally getting dressed into my selected outfit I said "Oh shit", to which she replied "What now", I then said "You know you are having a bad day when you put your bra on backwards and it fits better." Mum was in stitches and told nearly everyone we saw out that day about my wardrobe malfunction. Keep in mind that I am a size 12F, So this made it even more hilarious. She would tell people and they would look at my boobs then at each other and laugh. My bra's and boobs size has always been the butt of many jokes, for instance Mum once told me never to bend over and walk backwards, because if I did someone may try and milk me. On a reasonably recent trip to Roxby to visit my brother, I misplaced a bra, I assumed I had left in the bathroom or it was mixed up with other dirty washing in the laundry. I told my brother if he found it to keep it for me as it was expensive. As are all my bra's due to the size. He then asked me how he could tell if it was mine. I told him if he can fit his head perfectly in the cup it was mine. His mates laughed the house down and found it highly amusing that Josh would have to put a bra on his head. To this I responded, That is how I check the size if I am rushed for time and can not try it on. They were amazed and didn't believe me.

I hope you all got a good laugh, bye for now and Happy Blogging
Bec

Lost in Blogland

2008-08-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I am still sick and while the girls were sleeping I had some me time on the computer. I did sleep yesterday while they were sleeping but suffered for it most of the night last night. I tossed and turned all night, and was generally restless I never thought it possible but maybe I slept too much. Today I felt like sleeping again due to the dreaded head cold but I thought about last night and decided I had better occupy my mind with something other than sleep. So I got lost in BLOGLAND!

I have been browsing before and for some odd reason I stumble onto blogs in any other language than my own. Although I can't read them I make an effort to look at the pictures because someone has story to tell. The pictures can help you get the general idea.

Today I found some GREAT blogs. Don't ask me how I did it because I am not sure. I never was a computer whizz. After reading the few blogs a came across I realised I didn't need a theme, or a particular topic. My blog is my blog and I can write about what ever I want. I have few faves I subscribe to that are in the side bar so be sure to check them out. I was also thinking of starting a new blog with a joke of the day. I get so many great jokes e-mailed to me and it would be nice to share them with those of you in BLOGLAND!! Let me know what you think about this.

I can understand now why people who blog have more than one. It is addictive. I am hoping my uni stuff arrives soon, so I have another reason to be online ;).

Bye for now and Happy Blogging
Bec

Organised mums Update..........sick

2008-08-18T01:56:00.000-07:00

Hi All
After such a nice weekend away, I was a little annoyed at the fact the girls had runny noses and coughs and I woke up this morning feeling all stuffed up too.
I went to the chemist to stock up on medicine this morning and bought the girls some dimetapp, found out due to their ages cough medicine is not good for them, so I got them some natural cough lolly pops, some more panadol as Brandy has a small fever with her cold, some Chemists own cold and flu tablets for myself. $50 later I came home. I couldn't believe it. I am just hoping that this is the last round we get this winter. It feels like we only just got over the last round. I felt better after having some flu medication but I still enjoyed a good sleep this afternoon while the girls had thier sleeps. Mickalee slept from 12.30 till 5 o'clock and I broke my own rule and woke her as I was worried she wouldn't sleep tonight. So due to us feeling yucky we had no play group today, I didn't want to go and get everyone else sick. Despite feeling like curling up in a ball and going to sleep I kept up my organisation routine and we played with some play dough at home. Tommorrow I think we might read some books, I wanted to go to the park weather permitting however with them already blocked up I re thought my plan.
Bye for now and Happy Blogging.
Bec

Going Away

2008-08-18T00:57:00.000-07:00

Hi All

The weekend away was great, except as usual I forgot the camera so sorry no photo's. The camera got put into the car but unfortunately that is where it stayed I am officially hopeless.

I had packed nearly everything the night before, so Friday morning all I really had to do was feed and dress the girls and we were on our way. They travelled well as usual and this made it all very easy. We got away from Jamestown about 8.30 am and made it to Port Augusta to pick up my brother Josh about 10.30 am. The girls were so excited to see "Uncle Joss" Mickalee can't quite get the "sh" out properly. It was so cute. We went to Big W to make a payment on my Christmas lay-by then we were on the road again to Port Broughton. I treated the girls to Happy Meal, for being so good in the car.

We arrived at Brougton to see mum and hung out at the van all afternoon, Josh had a sleep and mum and I went to the op shop. I bought a top each for the girls and I got an Ironing board for $1 It needs a new cover, but who can whinge when it only cost $1.

We went out for dinner on Friday night and I had oysters and salt and pepper squid. It was all delicious and I ended up getting some of the salt and pepper squid wrapped up to take away, because as usual my eyes were bigger than my stomach. The girls behaved very well and we had a good dinner. It was getting late and I wanted to settle girls so I left mum, Dean and Josh at the pub and went back to van to get the girls to sleep. Mickalee hadn't had a sleep all day and was very, very tired so she went to sleep almost straight away. Brandy however was a different story. She doesn't like being away from her own bed and worked her self into a state which made settling her harder. With my frustration growing and her getting vibes from me this only added to the problem. Dean, mum and Josh had got back at this stage and Josh and I had planned to go out with mum once I had settled the girls and Dean was going to baby sit. He told me not to worry about Brandy he would manage and to go out. I left but I felt bad leaving him with my screaming baby. I knew he could cope you just feel like you are passing off your problem to someone else. We had been at the pub for about 2 minutes and mum got a message saying, she's asleep, I couldn't believe it. We all had a great night out and had fun listening to the music on the jukebox.

We got up when the girls did Saturday morning and made them breakfast, then all got organised and drove over to Kadina for the annual show. I have been looking forward to it for a few weeks now as I have not been to a show since about 2001. I was sure the kids would love it, and looked forward to browsing and showing them the animals. I am not sure if it was the weird way the show was set out, but it looked more like a market to me. There was stalls and stalls of scrap booking papers and such for sale, others with Garden ornaments, a few Jewellery ones and clothes. The arena was being used for horse events which is what I expected but not my scene and I did not see 1 animal. No petting zoo, sheep or shearing contest and no cows I must be mistaken but I thought that was what a country show was. Anyway the girls played merry hell the whole time we were there, they wanted to run around but due to the rain and mud I decided the pram was the best place for them. It was also right on their normal nap time when we got there so that didn't help. They both were also showing signs of a cold. We took them out of their pram to feed the clowns the ping pong balls. Mickalee loved it and was delighted when she won a stuffed fish, however Brandy wasn't too sure and wouldn't put her hand to the clowns mouth. She won a stuffed animal and we can't tell if it is a frog or a cat. Anyway after putting up with screams for about an hour we decided to get out of the rain and went back to Port Broughton.

I booked into the cabin for the second night, I had hoped to get one for both nights however they were booked Friday so we stayed in the van with mum and Dean. I stayed in the cabin with the girls Saturday afternoon and they played while Mum took Josh on a tour of the wind farm. Dean and My hubby Tony both work out there and it was good for Josh to see it. They are so majestic, some days due to fog you can not see them but you can hear them. They make a vwop vwop sort of sound as the blade goes past. The photo below is of the wind farm at "Hallet" this was in the early months of the year before we had all this lovely rain. The country side looks a lot greener now. The second is just an example of how the windmill can not be visible in the fog. You can not see the top of the crane, lifting the blades up to the top of the tower.

On Saturday night I had a quiet one and played a friendly game of Poker in the cabin with Mum and Dean, Josh and another guy from the wind farm Steve. We ordered in Pizza and made pigs of ourselves.

On Sunday we slept in as much as the girls let us, which was about 8.30am then we cleaned up and packed all our gear as we had to be out of the cabin by 10am. Mum had been called into work so we went for a drive and got some breakfast while we waited for her. Then we took Josh over to Snowtown. This was where he was meeting his lift back to Roxby. We had lunch at Snowtown while we waited, then once Josh had gone we headed back to Broughton. Mum and I had a coffee once we were back at the van while the girls had a sleep in the car (I leave it running so they get the air-con) then I headed home. I got home about 4.00pm and had to start the seemingly never ending task of washing all the clothes. We had a great weekend and it was good to catch up with Josh.

Bye For now and Happy Blogging

Bec

My First Project

2008-08-14T02:15:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Thanks to Tracy I have completed my FIRST EVER crochet project. A head band for Mickalee. She gave me a hook and some wool, she had left over and had dyed herself. She showed me a slipknot and how to make a chain. She also showed me a double stitch? I think? I can't remember what it was called. Anyway I practised and pulled it apart, practised again and pulled it apart. I did this for a day and a bit and Tony couldn't understand why I would go so far and start again. I had a lot of trouble matching it up. I would end up with too many stitches, then not enough, so I had a really wavy edge. The finished product is not perfect as the wavy edge is still apparent in some area's. However it isn't THAT bad for a first attempt even if I do say so myself.

It can double as an ear warmer too.

Check out the lump on her cheek. She had a fall at occasional care today, I think she will get a shiner out of it too. She didn't even cry just got up rubbed her cheek and kept going. I told the lady who runs occasional care that we breed em' tough up north!! I also noticed when we got home she had chipped a little off one front tooth.

Anyway I am pretty proud of what I managed to do and I plan to get a ball of wool tomorrow in Port Augusta and make myself a black one. Are you happy now Tracy?? (giggles)

Bye for now and Happy blogging.

Bec

Art time with Lilly

2008-08-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Day two of my organisation spree went well. I made Rachel's finger paint, and Mickalee and Lilly had a great time. I forgot to take into account Rachel has 5 children and I was only making paint for two, so you could imagine how much was left over. (giggles) I thought I would share a few photo's with you.

Please take note of the intense concentration on their faces.

Thanks for coming to play "Miss Lilly"

Mickalee had a BALL!!

I do not own a table cloth, I know very slack of me. I have been meaning to buy them and get a plastic one too for when the girls do crafty mess things. I have not got around to it, so we still do not own a table cloth. I figured the mess would be pretty big considering how much paint I made and I had wiped down the bench, the mess I made while making the paint and wet flour does not wipe up easily. So i decided the best way to protect the table would be to glad wrap it. I have done this before and generally have a pk of cheap wrap in the draw for this purpose. It worked great and when they were finished I just rolled it up and put it in the bin.

Today we did not do art, we played hide and seek and Chase instead. The girls don't really play properly but they have their own little version. I think this is great because we were all laughing and still running around so that was great.

Tomorrow Mickalee has occasional care and I think Brandy and I will try and do some reading. We may even visit the library. Fingers crossed I may be able to read a book to her with out Mickalee running around and distracting her. Who knows, we will probably just end up opening and closing books because she loves that.

I am going away for the weekend!! Hooray!! I am going to Port Augusta on Friday to get my brother then we are going to stay at Pt Brougton with mum and Dean for the weekend. We are also planning on taking the girls to Kadina show. I hope the weather stay nice like it was today. Still chilly but NO RAIN!! I will try and take some photo for you all why I am gone. Have a good weekend.

Bye for now and Happy Blogging.

Bec

Update

2008-08-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

Hi All
Just letting you know I found more pics today and updated some of my previous posts with more pics for you all to see enjoy.
Bye for now and Happy blogging.
Bec

Play group

2008-08-10T23:10:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Just waned to drop in and let you know that day one of my organisation and the girls activity plan was a success. We went to play group and the girls had a great time. Mickalee painted a picture and let me read half a book to her. This is an improvement normally I only get to read the first page. I also tried to read a book with Brandy but she had more fun turning the pages so we just did that. The team from community health was there today and they had some great idea's of fun things to do without spending heaps of money, just using things you have at home. Unfortunately I missed out last week as the girls had high temps but they promised to cover everything again next week, which I am looking forward to. It will give me some more ideas for activity time. Brandy ran around the place the whole time not doing much, she loves the toys and generally just following the other kids around. Mickalee especially enjoyed "Crocodile lake" (a blue sheet spread out on the floor with pictures of crocodiles on it, then stepping stones to get across it before they nipped at your toes.) I found this amusing, after living in "crock country" for quite along time I found myself smiling at the description of a crocodile nipping. I have heard a lot of other descriptions about crocks, but nipping is a new one. I was once told by someone when I first moved to Gregory that if I was ever taken by a crocodile all I had to do was play dead and it would let me go. He went on to explain that a crocodile will roll with it's "prey" until the "prey" is dead, let it go and leave it to rot a little before it came back. HA!!! I am sorry but playing dead would be the last thing on my mind. Crocodile boots, and a purse? maybe but playing dead I don't think so.

I love the girls going to Play group as it is $35 a year for insurance purposes, then $1 per family each time you attend. You also take a piece of fruit per child to share. It is cheap outing and they love it. The interaction they get with other children prepares them for kindy and school and I get to have a coffee and a chat with the other mums too. It has also given me some great ideas for activities to do at home.

Tomorrow, Brandy is at Occ care from 9am - till 11.45am and Mickalee is having painting time at our house with Lily. I may even make finger paint for them. I got a good recipe for it from Rachal aka juggling mum. I also have some large butchers paper left over from packing a saved specifically for this purpose. The girls will have a great time while Tracy and I enjoy a coffee.

I hope I can stick to this activity plan, It will give me quality time with the girls and help them learn new skills as well as reconfirming old ones. I can not wait for the weather to warm up a little so they can do more outdoor activities which they love. Wish me luck.

Bye for now and happy blogging.

Bec

Getting Organised

2008-08-10T03:24:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I am joining Tracy in her organisation spree, I pretty much have a routine already for house work. I tidy everyday, dishes in the mornings, washing everyday, sweep after every meal because it is needed and mop every second or third day depending on how much mess the girls have made. I clean the whole house Saturday mornings loo, bathroom, vacuuming etc.

The meal side of the house is semi organised I just need to shop better. We get paid fortnightly and I have plenty of freezer space so instead of shopping every couple of days and buying things I don't need need to do one big shop a fortnight and freeze more.

My issue is with the girls they have a great routine for meal times, sleep and bath times. I just have issues entertaining them. I need to plan a daily activity with them to stop boredom. The t.v needs to go off while we do the said activity and I need to do it for at least an hour. The t.v is an issue in my house because of me. I have it on ALL the time (except at night when I am asleep), I like the back ground noise. The girls watch it in between playing, they walk past watch for 5 minutes go and play come back and watch again for a while then go and play. I have pay t.v and they watch Nick Jr so the type of programs they watch are great, It has helped reinforce Mickalee's colours and counting skills and she enjoys watching "Dora The Explorer" and "Go Diego Go" she even says some words in Spanish from watching these shows. They are great but they need more stimulating activities rather than just t.v and free play.

So far this is what I have, obviously it is subject to change if there is a trip away or shopping excursion. It will be good to try and keep it going for the week when Tony is home so he can participate too.

Mondays - Playgroup 10am-12pm
Tuesdays - Brandy Occ care, Mickalee park or craft activity with Lily. (every second week)
- Painting (Every other week)
Wednesday - Play dough or shaving cream (finger painting with it mixed with food colouring)
Thursday - Mickalee Occ care, Brandy reading or building blocks (every second week)
- Craft activity, gluing, drawing, making shakers, music day (plastic container drums)
Friday - Kinder gym (every second week)
- Park on nice days with Tracy, or Painting/drawing. Sidewalk chalk outside. Hopscotch.

Weekends are free because I am hoping to get into a bit of a routine with going out activities. We are home all week, so I will let you know once I have decided what I plan to do.

Hopefully I can stick to this. My girls are very inquisitive I am not saying I have child geniuses on my hands but I think due to the rain and no gate to keep them off the road, they are missing out on valuable outdoor time. So once it is sunnier these activities will be done outside. Oh and I think Santa has a swing set coming this year.

I also need to start doing Pilate's while the girls sleep. I will never ever have a Bikini body but I do desperately need to try and tone up a bit, OK I lied A LOT. Wish me luck.

Bye for now and happy blogging.
Bec

A walk in the park..... I mean Forest

2008-08-10T03:05:00.000-07:00

Hi All

It has been a very difficult week for us this week, I am sure the farmers are happy and I am not saying the country side doesn't look better for it, however we are just not used to it YET. It has rained nearly every day since we have been here and I don't want to pat myself on the back or anything but I am convinced it followed us. So with the weather being NOT QLD, along with Tracy's photo's from her trip to N.T I felt a little home sick.

I have no clothes dryer yet so for the past week my lounge room has looked like a Chinese laundry mat.

I desperately needed cheering up and needed to get the girls out of the house, they were bored, sick of being inside and I am sure sick of seeing just mum. I was thinking about what I could do today when Tracy called and said her and Pete were taking their kids out to The Bundaleer Forest for a walk and a sausage sizzle and invite us to join them. It was fine and sunny when Tracy called and I thought what a great idea. We went out and had a great afternoon. We had a little bit of drizzly rain, but not enough to make you wish you were inside, on one trip to the car to get drinks I even got a few little hail stones on my jumper. Pete cooked a ripper BBQ and the girls had an absolute ball. I gauge how much fun they had by how dirty they get and they were pretty dirty. Another bonus was wearing them out they slept for 2 hours when we got home.

We had a great day, go to Tracy's blog to check out some very cool pics I only had my phone camera today and the pics from that just wouldn't do it justice.

Bye for now and Happy Blogging.

Bec

Jamestown

2008-08-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hi All

We have been in Jamestown now for about 3 months now and so far so good. The girls attend occasional care once each a fortnight, Brandy on a Tuesday and Mickalee on a Thursday. We go to Play group on Mondays and to Kinder gym on Fridays so most weeks they have something to do. Mum is also only an hour away so we go and visit her often also. I think it is great to have some one on one time with each of the girls while the other is not here, Mickalee and I go to the park if it is fine enough and Brandy and I catch up on chatting, napping and reading. Her motor skills aren't quiet advanced enough for her to enjoy the play equipment as much as Mickalee, she just runs up and down the ramp, or climbs up 2 steps, down 2 steps. The park is great for the to run and wear herself out too. I would have done it weekly however the facilities are to be shared and once a fortnight is as often as they can be slotted in, other mums need time out too not just me ; ). The preschool just does not have the facilities for bigger groups, and I am sure staff per head is also an issue. I believe this is soon to change with a larger facility and day care being introduced, I have not been given any thing official to confirm it though. If it is to go ahead I assume due to extensions being built it may take a while. I also understand that not all the funding has raised. So only time will tell.

Now that I have caught up to the present I will be able to post every couple days with things we are doing, place we have been and interesting things the girls have done. I have no idea what possessed me to go back and start where I did. I just think I wanted some sort of record for the girls I guess. I have attempted to make baby books and scrapbooks for the girls but they have only been half finished or things collected with good intentions and never started. I am sure I am not the only person who does this.

Tony is still housed in Clare and we are currently renting in Jamestown, he is housed there with his job and travels to the wind farm daily from there. It is closer than travelling from home, and he is able to come home twice a week to have dinner with us. We see him a lot more often now than we did when we were living in Virginia. It is 70k from Clare to Jamestown and it takes him about an hour. The current roster with the wind farm is 4 weeks on 1 week off. This suits us heaps better than the prior of 2 weeks on 2 days off. We could not achieve anything with such a little break and it was not worth packing up and going anywhere. Next break off lines up with the Adelaide show so we are hoping to go. Fingers crossed the weather holds up for a couple of days and it isn't raining. For the farmers out there please note I am not telling the rain to go away I know you really need it ; ) but even if it held up for two days that would be great.

I have made a couple of friends since being here and thanks to Tracy I am now a blogaholic, she is trying to get me to knit, but really I don't think so. I am going to do some sewing with her though. I can't wait until I get to spotlight and get some material to start the quilts I have planned for the girls. Of course I am a beginner and have no idea what I am doing so Tracy is going to be on hand to help me. Thank goodness. I met Lisa through Tracy and she is a very nice person too. I little bit too keen on exercise for me (laughs) but I can deal with that. I have also met friends of mums, that she made while she was living in the van park. Rod owns and operates "Jamestown Tourist Retreat" he has been very accommodation on occasions by letting me use the laundry facilities to get my clothes dried. I have also met Damien "Pee Wee" Clarke, an iconic Jamestown resident who puts a lot of time and effort into community based projects especially his love of football. For those of you north of the S.A border, yes I mean AFL football, the ballet kind. Our landlords Tim and Vanessa have also been very helpful and welcoming. I can call with a drama and they do everything they can to help me. The first morning I was here I ran out of gas for the heater and did not even know where to start in regards to getting a new one so I called them only to discover they were in the business and delivered it for me.

I had not up until about a month ago had a chance to meet my neighbours with the girls being toddlers in destructive mode I didn't want to impose only for them to trash the place. The lady next door another Tracy is a nurse at the hospital and works nights so she also did not have a chance to come over to meet me. Our dogs are normally in Clare with Tony as the yard there is fenced. Our yard needs a gate to keep them in. However one weekend when Tony was at home he bought the dogs as normal and Hippy ran away. As a general rule they don't roam however when you get complacent it will happen. I put up signs, contacted the pound, told everyone I knew she was missing and basically sat back and waited. She was gone 6 days when I received a phone call from a lady saying she thought the dog she had found belonged to us. Long story short it turned out Hippy had been next door the whole time. One way to meet the neighbours I suppose.

I look forward to making more friends here it is a nice place, however as with any small town it will take a while. Wish me luck.

Bye for now and Happy Blogging

Bec

Happy 2nd Birthday Riley

2008-08-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Just wanted to say

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

RILEY

Riley is my gorgeous nephew and he turned 2 today. We sent him down some wiggles books I hope he likes them. I also wanted to share these great pics with everyone.
Bye for now and Happy Blogging
Bec

The Mini Move

2008-08-08T03:19:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I am not sure why I have called this the mini move we had twice as much stuff, but I guess we didn't travel anywhere near as far.

Mum and Dean were both away working and I was at the house in Virginia, so it made sense that I packed everything I could rather than them taking days off. I personally didn't like this idea because I HATE PACKING. It isn't a hard job, just tedious and time consuming. The girls loved it, any excuse to use a box as a cubby house. Moving has taught me I should go directly to the toy manufacturers and buy the boxes rather than the toys. I tried the best I could to clean each room as I went and mums friend Carol came out one day to help me. She packed up the linen closet, while I cleaned around her. Sometimes you just need someone there to talk to you why you do what your supposed to, it helps to motivate you even if they don't do anything.

Mum and Dean had hired a truck from Port Pirie and bought it down to Virginia we hoped it would fit in everything and thankfully it did but not before a lot of swearing, re-arranging and bitching at one another. Ryan helped Dean the night before with a couple of heavy items and the rest was left to us the following day. With only the three of us it was a huge day and it was made a little harder with my two little cyclones weaving in and out of everything.

My Nissan was towing the same green trailer it had when I left Gregory and it was very very heavy. I had all the guys tools in it and Tony's tinny on top. Mum and Dean were in the truck behind me. We left Virginia about 4.30pm Tuesday afternoon the 3rd of June. For those of you who wonder why I am so specific with dates it is for my own reference in the future. I have a very good memory but I write it down in-case the kids decide to read it when they are older. All was going OK until I turned onto the Balaklava to Byth Road and blew a tyre on the trailer. Mum even commented to Dean as I rounded the corner "gee that tyre looks a bit spongy." Then with a little cloud of dust my blinker was on and I was pulling over. I drive a 4WD and of course for the first time ever I had no spare for the trailer. Of course, Murphy's law!! When you have a spare you WON'T get a flat. First we called Tony, he couldn't really help as he didn't have a tyre, then we called the RAA, I am a member but they couldn't help they don't DO tyres. So then mum called a tyre shop in Balaklava, the guy came out and fixed it for me what a life saver. He ended up swapping our rim with theirs and it cost $50.00. Including call out fee, what a BARGAIN. The tyre was on good and tight but needless to say I went very slowly from then on as I was scared due to weight it would happen again. Thankfully it didn't.

We arrived at Jamestown about 8pm and we were met with 4 warm chicken burgers, and helpers to unload the truck. Tony and Peewee were there to help and we finally finished taking everything out of the truck about midnight. We had a small incident while unloading, there was a ramp on the back of the truck you could move up and down and it was completely level with the back of the truck to avoid a step and someone lowered it a little. We still don't know who, but mum stepped on it and slipped causing her to fall and hurt her hip and ankle. Not badly but it still bloody hurt all the same. I was so happy the final move for a while (I hope) was OVER.

Mum and Dean headed off early Wednesday morning to return the truck and Tony and I started the seemingly never ending job of unpacking boxes. He sorted out all the boy things in the shed and bought boxes in that I asked for. I was so sore from the day before I didn't want to lift anything. The girls were happy to get their t.v back and of course more boxes to play in.

Bye for now and happy blogging.
Bec

Life At Virginia

2008-08-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hi All
We had settled in reasonably quickly at Mum and Dean's rental house in Virginia, for those of you who don't know Virginia is a Suburb of Adelaide South Australia. We had decided only to unpack the necessities as we knew this was only a temporary arrangement and we would be renting a place of our own soon enough. We just needed to decide where.

The girls having a bath in the UGLY purple bath in the Virginia house.

The girls on the "LOVELY" carpet that almost cause a break down trying to keep it clean

I am not sure if I mentioned this in a previous post however the day before we left we realised there had been a mix up in communication on Tony's part and he didn't in fact have the job at the wind farm. As far as the site boss knew he was coming down to look around and to see if it was what he wanted to do and they were going to basically have a job interview. I will warn you all that this is what happens when you deal with more than one person. We decided it didn't matter we had already given our resignation and packed up and said our goodbyes, so if the wind farm job did in fact fall through, which we were quietly confident that it wouldn't he would find something else. Tony called when we arrived and organised for his interview and all went very well. He started work about 3 weeks after we arrived.

So please consider this, we had just travelled 2800+K's for this job, spent up to and above $3000 to get here and keep our heads a float before his first pay check only to find out that the company he would be working for payed monthly and were 2 weeks behind in their rotation so it was going to be 6 weeks before we were paid. Oh My God what were we going to do?

I usually get my Centre link payment withheld throughout the year and get them in one lump sum once we have done our tax return. I do this because at the farm Tony was getting paid by the hour and it was very hard to estimate how much he would earn. Crops, rain, harvesting and watering affected everything. If they had rain he didn't have to water so less hours less pay. If they had good enough prolonged rain they couldn't harvest and bail. You get the idea, very unpredictable and I didn't want to get into a situation where I owed Centre link money as this would have made things even harder. So at the end of the financial year 06'/07' when we got a lump sum, I paid off the rest of the car. Anyway back to the original story I called Centre link and asked them if I could please receive my payments for the next 6 weeks. I do not know what we would have done without this money or money loaned to us from Mum and Dean. Tony also asked for a weeks advance after he had been working there for 3 weeks so that helped too. Mum and Dean were also letting us stay in there house rent free so that also made a HUGE difference.

Mum and Dean had moved the van to Port Broughton and were staying there as they were both working on the wind farm. Dean is a crane operator and Mum worked in the smoko van. So Port Broughton was there home away from home. Tony was housed in Clare so he was also closer to the job site in Snowtown and the girls and I were in the house at Virginia by ourselves. The house looked very nice, however it had white carpet so you could imagine the drama's I faced with two toddlers trying to keep that clean. It was also very, very cold at night and very noisy it was located on a reasonably busy road and I don't think it had insulation. Every time a car drove passed it sounded like it was in the house. I would take the girls down to the local shopping centre everyday just for something to do and Mickalee would say Hi to everyone and it amazed me how many people ignored her. She is two! What is she going to do Steal your purse? I don't think so!! Needless to say I HATED IT!!

Mum and Deans lease was due to run out at the beginning of June so we started looking for another house to move into. We considered where all the up coming jobs were going to be and decided Jamestown was reasonably central to all of them and by moving here I was guaranteed to be one place for longer than 6 months. We looked around all the rental websites and organised to view a few that let us have pets outside. One house had wooden floor boards and as soon as the girls heard their stomps echo I couldn't stop them so I had to say no, then the other had a yard but it wasn't fenced really well and was on a corner block with 2 reasonably bust streets surrounding it and I saw it as a danger. Mum and Dean had stayed in the van park in Jamestown for a few months while Dean was working at Hallet and made some friends. One day while mum was visiting one of the ladies told her about a private rental. So we called the number viewed the house and I fell in love. It was perfect.

The house was a cream demountable with four bedrooms, new kitchen and very tidy bathroom, loo and laundry. It has carpet throughout but it a burnt colour older style short shag so very easy to keep clean. I loved the black lino in the kitchen and dining area, and I knew Tony would love the fact It has a HUGE shed. There is no lawns to mow, only 2 garden beds with roses, and a nice mini oasis with ferns and a fish pond. We had found our new home in a nice small country town. I was happy.

Goodbye Virginia!!! I will not miss you!!
Bye for now and Happy Blogging.
Bec

The BIG move

2008-08-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

Hi All

My car was all packed up and hitched to it was a green trailer filled to the top. I had both the kids asleep in their car seats and nearly every available space was taken up with something. Tony had his Ute and a blue trailer, both were completely overloaded, very full with heavy items. He had his motorbike, welder, both the dogs and other "man stuff". We left Gregory hay farm at 4am on Friday morning the 28Th March 08'. We had planned to get to Camooweal to feed the girls breakfast then try to make it Alice Springs that night. I followed Tony the majority of the way down the dirt road. It wasn't in it's best condition but we had been on it when it was worse. There were two boggy patches on the road and for those of you who know how I feel about wet dirt roads you would have been proud. I drove through a HUGE muddy patch while towing a trailer and I DIDN'T cry. About 10k from the bitumen Tony pulled over to visit a tree, I asked him if he was OK and he yeah stop at the turn off and I will meet you. I waited at the turn off for half an hour and decided to turn back and find him. I had only done 5k, which was half way back to where I had left him when I met up with him again. He had done a tyre and the spare he had needed more air due to his excessive load, and I had the air compressor with me. Tony's car is old but there is nothing wrong with it. She runs well and considering the trip she did we were proud of her. She is a little noisy and with the load she had her top speed was only 80kph but we got to S.A, so we can't complain. While I was waiting for Tony at the turn off I had given the girls a snack, and a drink and I had also done the rounds of my trailer to check the ropes. The back window of the Nissan was fine and all the tyre were good. However when I found Tony and got the air compressor out for him, I noticed the back window was smashed. This often happens when you tow a caravan or trailer on a dirt road rocks flick up from the trailer and smash thing. We weren't even 200k from Gregory and already he had done a tyre and I had smashed a window. We continued onto Camooweal where I changed the girls and fed them breakfast while he bought a new tyre.

At Camooweal we decided that now we were on a reasonably busy main highway I would go ahead at my own speed and drive while the girls slept and stop when I needed to and Tony would just cruise along at 80 in Speedy. I had an UN eventful trip and made it Alice Springs Friday night the 28Th of March at 11.30pm. I pulled into the van park and found our cabin and then attempted to sort the trailer out so it was not in any ones way. I can reverse a trailer eventually and when it is day light it is so much easier, the tail lights were not at all helping and the man in the cabin next door had parked his car the wrong way so essentially it took up 3 parks. I had received a MSG from Tony saying he was rolling the swag out at Barrow Creek as he had hit a Donkey and he would meet up with me in Alice the following morning. So there went the idea of waiting for him to do it for me. I had also in my sleep deprived state that I should UN hitch it and push it in. YEAH RIGHT!! What a moron. I moved the loaded trailer around at the farm quite easily as it was on solid red dirt, The van park at Alice was rocks so this made it a lot harder. I was so Glad to see Dad, Pa and Ange in Alice thankfully they were there on the bash and Dad backed the car and trailer in for me so it was out of the way. The girls had been asleep but woke as soon as I tried to move them and didn't like the idea of sleeping in a strange environment. I think I eventually fell asleep about 3am.

The following morning Tony arrived about 10.30am and we headed off. Myself and the kids only had a little day on the Saturday compared to the day prior as we only made it Cadney Homestead. Tony had come from Barrow Creek so that made it a reasonably big day for him. We had crossed the border and were on the home stretch now as far as we were concerned. I was over driving, I ached all over and had a sore bum, and the girls were sick of being in the car I am sure they were stiff too. I will say right here and now "I LOVE MY PORTABLE DVD PLAYER." I honestly don't think the kids would have coped so well if it wasn't for that.

On the Sunday Tony drove out of Cadney at about 4am and I reset the alarm for 5.30am as I knew I would catch up to him. 20k before Coober Pedy i pulled up on the side of the road and had a small nap in the car, I was yawning and thought this was safer than trying to stay awake. I napped for 20 minutes while the girls watched "Dora". I drove to Coober Pedy where I fed the girls breakfast and got a much needed coffee. I caught up to Tony in Glendambo, where he was fixing something on the Toyota. I told him I would keep going while the girls were quiet and I would meet him in Port Pirie where I had to pick up my brother. I made it Port Pirie about 3 o'clock and it took an hour and a bit of re-arranging to collect Josh and his gear. Josh lives in Roxby where he is doing an electrician apprenticeship and I was taking him to Adelaide to attend a funeral. We met up with Tony just out of Port Pirie and then travelled together until we reached Virginia, a suburb just out of Adelaide where mum and dean were renting a house. We all pulled up together about 7.30pm on Sunday the 30Th of March. We had travelled just over 2800K's. Boy was I glad that was over. I had driven that road 3 times in just under 12 months. I could never be a truck driver, and I do not envy them. We were at our new temporary house, and excited to start the next chapter in our life.

Bye For now and Happy Blogging.
Bec

Still At Gregory

2008-07-30T23:48:00.000-07:00

Hi All
Tony moved to the Gregory Area in 01' He had been working on Nardoo Stn prior to that fencing with a contractor and decided to return and start his own contracting business. I moved there in the April of 02' and had Brandy 5 years later to the day!! That has nothing at all to do with what I am talking about but an interesting fact all the same. I had moved there in the beginning to be a governess and I was teaching 3 girls aged 10, 8 and 4. After 4 months I decided this was not the job for me and I missed the pub life and approached Jo at the Gregory Downs Hotel for a job. I had worked in bars prior to moving to QLD so I did have a bit of an idea as to what I was getting myself in for. We had done the pub thing, the contracting thing, the baby thing and the hay farm thing and after we returned to Gregory after our wedding we had talked endlessly about what to do next. The farm wages were OK but with 2 little ones and all our expenses and the new car payment we were living from fortnight to fortnight and not saving. We were missing out on fun things and often had to postpone payments on bills. This probably would not have happened if both of us were working. I was doing odd jobs here and there and I think I earned all up $1000 last financial year. We had decided it was time for a change however we were not sure where we were going to go or what we were going to do.

Around Jan 08' mum called and told us that Dean had got a crane operating job working on wind farms, and that they were moving from Roxby back to Adelaide. The money was good and they were both really happy. I told her that we still had not decided what we were doing but we did know it was time to go. I had looked on the Internet and we had been keeping an eye out in the local papers to see if anything suited us, but our biggest drama was no knowing what we were looking for.

I ended up applying for a job in Port Lincoln on a tuna farm for Tony as the aquaculture industry had always interested him and he had previously done work on a prawn trawler, the only catch was I didn't tell him I had applied. For those of you who don't know Tony there is no urgency in ANYTHING he does. He isn't slow when it something he wants to do but you can not rush these things. It was now the end of February and after talking about moving for about 6 and a half months he still had not done anything. I was sick of being cramped in a 2 bedroom house with 2 small kids who had to spend a majority of time inside because of the heat, so I did something about it. About 2 weeks passed and we had heard nothing so I assumed they had filled the position and thought nothing of it.

I called mum and was having another whinge about life on the farm, when she suggested I e-mail Tony's resume to her and Dean can give it the foreman on the wind farm. Tony is very mechanically minded and we thought this sort of job would suit him. I spoke to him that night about it and he said why not!! It was a HUGE move but really what is the difference between packing up everything and moving it 500k or 2500k you still have to pack it all and move it. Anyway I e-mailed it, that night then got a call from mum the next morning saying start packing they want him down here A.S.A.P. I had started packing about 2 weeks before as I knew something was going to happen I just didn't know when. Tony called the Foreman and arranged everything, he said yeah how soon can you get here. Tony allowed for 2 weeks notice and 3 days to drive there and gave him a date. He said cool see you then. Word spread like a bush fire and before we knew it everyone in the Burke shire district knew. Tony was working at the farm during the day and packing his shed at night and I was packing in between looking after the kids. I was also cleaning like a mad women to get the house perfect before we left. We were both very busy but managed to get it all done in time.

Those of you who know me and those of you who have read previous blog entries know I am a cryer. I did well when I said goodbye to Jo, (she left on holiday's a couple of days before we left.) I did really well at our going away party at the farm, I didn't even cry when there was a speech. I cried more at Bec and Marty Dixon's going away party than I did at ours. The day before we left Sheldo had come to get some more of Tony's things for us and when he said goodbye I couldn't give him a hug or even look at him, so I just waved. I knew the water works were coming and I was afraid if I started I wouldn't be able to stop. All was OK until Billy and Amanda who were helping us pack the last few things and clean went to leave. Billy started then I started then Amanda stared it was all over. Billy was worried Tony would think he was a sook but Tony held his tears back until they had pulled away. Gregory was a great place and Kasey Chambers said it best in "Southern Kind of life". "It wasn't easy to stay but it was harder to leave".

I will always remember Gregory Downs, "I had nights I can't remember good friends I'll NEVER forget (Toby Keith, Shoken Y'all) There was fun times, sad times, happy times and hard times but all rolled in to one we had a GREAT TIME!!

Bye for now and Happy blogging.
Bec

Our Wedding Day

2008-07-28T00:33:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Our wedding was a long time coming. Tony and I got engaged on July 5Th 04' and didn't get married until Sept 8Th 07'. We had our two kids in between and neither of us was really in a rush as we didn't and still don't get how a piece of paper changes everything. Nothing has changed since we got married I still were my engagement ring (As my wedding ring needed re-sizing and is packed away in a box somewhere.) Our kids are still our kids and our relationship is the same. The one and only thing that really prompted me to go and jump was the fact that my surname was different to my girls. I would call centre link or go to the doctors and felt like I was forever explaining that even though my surname was different I was still their mum.

As we had sold the car we had the funds to do it and originally we were just going to go to the registry office in the court house followed by a nice dinner somewhere. Tony's sister heard of our plans and in turn offered for us to have it at her place in Ravenshoe. She has a lovely garden and we jumped at the offer. This offer immediately made it a bigger more expensive ceremony than we had originally planned but as we had sold the Ute we had a bit of extra cash. I looked on e-bay and got a beautiful dress, It cost me $80.00, then I bought both our rings from e-bay, Tony's was a stainless steal one it cost $0.99 Everything else we bought while we were in Atherton the day before. Carla and Matt were our Matron of honour and Best Man respectively and Carla also got her dress off e-bay. Matt and Tony were going to be wearing blue jeans, white shirt and their cowboy hats. I decided Tony not wearing his hat in our wedding would be like Superman with out his red undies.

We had about 30 people there on the day and only a few people in Gregory knew we were going away to get married. We kept it a secret because we didn't want a HUGE affair, and we also didn't want to have to explain to the people who were not invited as to why they weren't. Logistically it was difficult given the time frame for my family from S.A to come and also it would have boosted the numbers by about 50 so I neglected to tell anyone about it. I wanted Mum to be there for my big day so her and Dean and my brothers were the only ones who knew. My cousin was due to be married in Oct so I also didn't want to take the spotlight off her considering her wedding had been 12 months in the planning. Everyone found out about Oct the day after Christine and Daniels wedding. I had also decided to ask Dean to give me away as he had been apart of life more in the years leading up to our wedding than Dad had been. He had looked after Mickalee and took time off work while I had Brandy he let us all stay in their house in Roxby for 8 weeks and didn't whinge and he had driven the 2000k to Gregory to bring mum and the boys up for my 21st. The day I gave birth to Brandy Dad drove 3 hours to Bordertown for a school reunion when he just as easily could have driven the 3 hours north to Port Augusta to meet his new baby grand daughter.

The secret in Gregory latest about a fortnight, and we had another fortnight to wait until we got married. This was holy and solely Tony's fault. I can understand why he did it though, he wanted that cake. We had travelled 120K's to Burketown for the annual art and craft show and one of the sections was cakes. That year there was one beautiful wedding cake entered. After all the exhibition is over if people wish they can donate their entries people buy them then the money is donated to the R.F.D.S. I was already at the car loading the girls in while Tony watched the auction. The next thing I know there is cheering and clapping and Tony is running down the stairs saying Quick Bec I need a $50. As soon as he said that I knew what he had done and I asked him "You didn't", he said yes "I did". I missed it all but he tells me he was bidding on the wedding cake and it was going up and up then he yelled at the top of voice, "Let me have the damn cake I'm getting married in a fortnight." So that explains the clapping. I was SO annoyed but happy at the same time. The phone at home rang hot for two days with people congratulating us as well, as asking why they couldn't come. Bloody men!!! For those of you who don't know you can not put this sort of cake in a fridge if you want it to survive, so I nursed it home along the bumpy dirt road, in it's big box then we stored in on top of the freezer in the air-con for the 2 weeks before we left then it sat between the two car seats for the 1000K trip to Ravenshoe. It was a very well travelled cake and survived. Or well so we thought. It looked good and it served it's purpose for the photo's but no-one could eat it. : )

Our ceremony was very simple and worked out very well and I actually promised to love honour and E-Bay in my vowels. Then when it came time to kiss the bride our glasses met before we did, which made everyone laugh. The girls behaved like angels and for memory Brandy slept most of the day. The only thing I regret is not getting a family photo of the 4 of us as she was asleep and I didn't want to wake her. Except for that we had a good day, and if I could do it all over again I wouldn't change a thing.

Bye for now and Happy Blogging
Bec

Life Back at Gregory #2

2008-07-23T02:48:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Brandy settled into our family very well and we all adjusted very quickly to having a new baby. Mickalee didn't at all seem to mind that my attention was not 100% on her anymore which was one thing I was worried about. The swing we bought was very helpful as Mickalee would want to cuddle and jump on Brandy if she was on the floor and of course I couldn't hold her all the time. At this stage Mickalee was still having two day time sleeps one at 10am and one at 2pm so Brandys floor time was when she was napping in the mornings. Or I would put Brandy in the play pen and leave Mickalee out of it, this worked until Mickalee discovered that it slid across the floor. Neither of my girls liked being on their stomachs when they were tiny (as I was instructed to do by the child health nurses to help them develop strong neck muscles,) so I used to put them on their backs so I didn't upset them. They both learned to roll from back to front very quickly and once they rolled on to their tummies by them selves they were OK with it. By the time Mickalee was in the routine of having only one sleep a day at about 12.30pm I had also synchronised Brandy's afternoon sleep so that I could get things done around the house. They still have an afternoon nap at this same time now and I have me time.

I was so determined that having a baby, (well now two) was not going to keep me from going places. I was not going to miss out on having a social life because I was a mum. The only difference was went somewhere there is a lot more things I need to take. The girls went to BB Q's the local horse races, gymkhana's, and to visit friends. There where times that I did miss out however it was due to the weather being so hot and it wouldn't have been fair on the kids to suffer in heat like that. I didn't care though when this was the case, who hates watching movies in the air-conditioning!! Not me!!

May weekend at Gregory is a HUGE event there is the local races at the show ground on the Saturday, the canoe race on the Gregory River Sunday , and then the bull ride on the Sunday night. We had made it back to Gregory just in time for the races etc and friends came up to part take in the festivities. On the Saturday at the races, Tony had a few too many XXXX Golds so he was not reliable at all to look after Mickalee and Brandy was only tiny, so both girls sat in the pram all day!! They did so well. They watched everything going on and even napped at one point!! I was amazed. As there were so many intoxicated people around I didn't think it was safe for Mickalee to be running around and I also couldn't chase her as this meant leaving Brandy in the pram unattended. My worst fears were confirmed when a fight broke out at this mini tornado of men headed straight for me and the girls in the pram. Amanda and her little boy Darcy were sitting with us and Amanda and I were both dragging the prams backwards as we kicked chairs out of the way so the group didn't squash the kids. HOW RUDE!! They didn't even know why they were fighting! Anyway that was enough for me and I took the girls home. I left Tony to his own devises and for memory I think he walked the 2K's home, serves him right! On the Sunday night we headed out again to the rodeo and the only place we could find was near the speakers, this was very very loud and I was worried this would stop the girls from sleeping. To my surprise it didn't and Mickalee didn't even see the first ride!! Once the rodeo was over Matt & Heidi and Louisa offered to take the girls home for us so we could stay and listen to the band. We great fully accepted this and got home to a house of sleeping babies about 2 hours later. I promised myself while pregnant to accept help when it was offered, and to this day of someone offers to watch my kids I never turn it down. Even if it is only for 10 minutes while I pop to the bank. If people didn't want to help they wouldn't offer.

One weekend we had decided to pack up the girls and head to Quamby about 3hrs from us for the Rodeo. I had packed the swag for me and Tony and a little mattress to set up in the back of the wagon for Mickalee, Brandy was only 3 months old so at night she just slept in her car seat. Brandy slept most of the day in the pram while we watched the riders and we made sure we followed the shade, even though there is a shade on the pram, we were making sure they wouldn't get burnt. Quamby rodeo is usually in July so it was warm but not hot and humid like in the summer. We all had a great time, the only hard thing was sterilising the bottles in a HUGE boiler over the fire. Mickalee had a great time on the bouncing castle and chair'o'plane, and we were planning to go again this year due to it being such a great family event but we moved before it came around again. One day we will be back there in time for it. There were also your usual, birthday parties, Christenings, baby showers etc that we attended and we also had are own fair share of BB Q's hosted by yours truly! Life back at Gregory was great!!

Tony and I had 3 cars. We had the Land cruiser wagon, which I drove most of the time, It was about a 1992 I think, and it had almost 500,000 K's on it. This is not her finest moment either but I love this picture and what a day to remember!! She never did quite make the half million before we got rid of her but it wasn't far off. Tony also had is 1997 Land cruiser Ute, that used to be the work car when he was fencing, and then there was his pride and joy another Land cruiser Ute but it was about a 1975 model. He stripped it and painted and and to this day it is still a U.F.O, but all the same he loves it. We call her H.S.V Speedy! Her top speed is about 80k, but I am sure with a few modifications Tony can change that. Anyway I am drifting off track, As it turned out after Tony stopped fencing the 97' Ute rarely went anywhere. If we went anywhere together we took the wagon. Number 1 it wasn't safe for the girls to be in the Ute and of course there car seats didn't fit, and Number 2 The wagon was better on fuel. Then if Tony went anywhere alone he took the older Ute, because he preferred it. So we decided to sell the other one. We got $9000 for it and this helped pay out some debt and we also decided to use some of it to go away and get married.

I will tell you all about my wonderful wedding Day next time.

Bye for now and Happy Blogging.

Bec

On The Road Again

2008-07-22T19:41:00.001-07:00

Hi All
We left Roxby Downs about 11 am on Monday morning. We knew we had a long trip ahead of us and it was going to be very difficult with a 3 week old baby and 12 month old. For those of you who have seen my car, we didn't have the DVD back then, and oh my god those of you who travel big K's and have kids GET ONE! We spend $250.00 on the one we have at Christamas 07' and it was the best $250 we have spent on anything. Tony drove and we made it as far as Pimba before we had to stop. We both needed coffee, and Brandy needed a change. The poor kid had mess from the back of her neck, to her toes so I basically has to bath her and finding a change of clothes was also a huge effort as they were all in the back of the car with everything on top of them. We headed off again and drove all day, the kids went very well considering the amount of time they were in the car, I would sit between them occasionally and keep them occupied and we also had the music going and they liked that.

Mickalee napping in her car seat.

Brandy snoozing in her car seat

(please take note that the date on my camera has always been wrong!! I lost the instruction book and don't know how to change it : )

I can't remember exactly where it was but either just outside Tennant Creek or just outside Alice but we came across a broken down car. They were travelling from town back out to the camp and there were 4 adult and a few kids, waiting there and they waved us down. We couldn't fit anyone in the car but we offered to pass on a MSG if they needed us to. They said no someone was coming along soon they just needed some water. Luckily when I left Roxby I had filled up 2 2 litre bottles with boiled water for Brandy's bottles, As we were also buying water along the way we had plenty and gave them some.

We made it Marla Road house for tea and slept in the car at a rest stop Alice Springs side of Kulgara. We made it to Alice Springs about 10am Tuesday morning, booked into "Stuart Range caravan park" I did some washing and some shopping, as we knew it was the last major town we were going through other than Tennant Creek and we didn't want to turn around and drive to Mt Isa to get stores as soon as we got home. Tony tried to get to bed reasonably early but unfortunately Brandy had other idea's. She was on the bottle, and was sleeping better but she had been in the car for so long and had slept most of the time she was over sleeping! I eventually settled her and got some sleep myself. We left Alice Springs at 4 am and planned to go straight home. I think it is about 1300K's. Give or take a few. The road from Alice to Gregory is pretty boring, there is basically nothing to look at and the more often you do it the more boring it was.

We stopped in nearly every town to either get a drink, feed or change the girls, get fuel or just stretch our legs, so this did make the trip drag on, however we needed regular breaks as we were doing such a long haul. There is no way in the world I could be a truck driver. At Three Ways Road house I went to the loo and was amazed to find a vending machine with travel nappies in it. I had never seen anything like it before. I had seen ones for tampons, and condoms but never nappies, so I bought one for Mickalee. We reached Camooweal before dark, and as soon as we crossed the QLD border we knew we didn't have long to go now. The car and the trailer had not failed us and considering the amount of K's we had done we were surprised. We turned onto the Camooweal road and were on the last stretch home when we did a back tyre on the car. This would have been no worries normally but because the kids were over being in the car they were crying, Tony was having trouble getting the jack out of the tool box and everyone was tired. We eventually got the tyre changed but not before a lot of swearing and yelling!!

We arrived back in Gregory Downs about 11 pm Wednesday night and drove straight past the Hay Farm to see our friends at the pub! After 6 weeks away for Tony and 8 weeks away for Mickalee and I we had to go and see everyone and catch up on the local town gossip as well as show off our new beautiful baby.

After saying our hello's and receiving a few welcome back's we headed back to the farm, unloaded the girls and fell into bed for a well deserved sleep. Brandy must have known we were tired because we gave her a last feed about midnight and she slept till 8am. WOW!! I really appreciated nearly 8 hours straight sleep. I had hit the baby jackpot and got two good sleepers.

Bye for now and Happy Blogging.
Bec

Still in S.A

2008-07-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hi All

We spent 2 days in Roxby after returning from Port Augusta, we then loaded up the kids and headed to Adelaide. There was still many of my family Tony had not met and we planned to stay in Adelaide for a week so he could meet some of them. The ones that were able to, travelled from Bordertown to Adelaide to see us and our new little family. None of them had met Mickalee either, and of course the new addition bought with it a lot of excitement. I loved the attention, common who wouldn't. : ). We stayed at my brother Daniels, and his partner Danyell's place and it was great to spend some time with my then 6 month old nephew Riley.

We had a family catch up at Aunty Cathy's house and it was good to see everyone, Nan O, Auntie Suzie and her kids Kyra, Lexie and Blake were there Uncle Al couldn't make it as he was up north working. Uncle Mark, Auntie Sue, Nathan, BJ, Matt, Jason and a friend Chris also were able to come. We also travelled to Murray Bridge to catch up with Nan & Tom, Cal took some photo's of Nan, myself and Mickalee and we planned to photo shop mum in at a later date. We thought it was nice to have a photo of the four generations. Mum was Nanna's eldest I was mum's eldest and Mickalee was my eldest and all girls. Nanna and Tom had only just recently moved to Murray Bridge and didn't have their furniture set up in the spare room yet, so we stayed the night in a motel and it was THE WORST NIGHT EVER. To begin with I had forgotten to pack Mickalee's port-cot. How you forget something so important I will never know, but I managed it. So we set up a makeshift bed for her on the floor. It was cold but the little fan heater did a good job once it had got going, and no-one was getting any sleep. Brandy was restless, which I now know was hunger and she was keeping Mickalee awake, so that meant all of us were awake. I decided it was a good idea to take Brandy into the car I could feed her and settle her while Tony sorted Mickalee out. I think I was in the car for about 4 hours and we did sleep. I just woke with a sore neck. I had a huge coat covering us and Brandy was swaddled and had her fave blankie with her. Which is still a necessity when she sleeps. Looking back on the whole stay I think if Brandy was not so hungry all the time and so restless and I was bottle feeding I would have enjoyed the trip a lot more. The next day caught up with Pam & Charlie who had driven from Kingston, we had a picnic on the river and Mickalee had a great time on the playground.

Tony and my brother Daniel went crabbing at St Kilda, which Tony really enjoyed. I reversed Daniels car into the street sign out front of his house. We had a whole week basically filled with huge days catching up with everyone and sleepless nights with our new little bundle of joy. I am yet to work out where this phase came from because my babies were anything but a bundle of a joy for the first few weeks: ). Lisa and Matt joined us for a BBQ on night, and so did Auntie Cathy, Auntie Suzie, Tegan, Steven, Natasha, Kyra, Lexie and Blake another night. Auntie Gab, Uncle Steve, Lisa and Jessie also came to Daniels for a visit. We had a great week but we were very tired at the end of it.

Our last day in Adelaide was a Saturday, and my baby bonus had gone in so I dropped the girls off at Auntie Cathys and Kyra and I went to Tea Tree Plaza and bought some things I needed. My first purchase was a double pram, I was going to get a toddler seat to attach to my original pram however Mickalee was only one and often still napped in the pram so I needed one that had 2 reclining seats. I bought a baby club one and it cost me $170, I was wrapped. Tony had gone crabbing again with Daniel while I shopped and I told him what I planned to do and he said fine, go for it while there is a store close by, then he asked how much a double pram would be and I said joking no more than a thousand. So he was very pleased when I only spent $170. Men are so easy to fool. I told him a thousand in-case I saw one I really liked around the $350 mark. He would have still been happy : ). I also decided to buy a swing chair for Brandy, I looked at all the ones they had and they were all basically the same, except for price and I figured if it wasn't safe they couldn't sell it right. So I chose one that was on special for $99. It had previously been $189. How they can mark things up so much I will never know. Anyway I asked the sales lady if I could have one and she said that the one on display was the only one left. I said I would take it, but due to it being floor stock could she discount it anymore and she said yeah OK I will take another 10% off it. So I got a great $189 swing for Brandy for $89.00. What a bargain.

I went back to pick up the girls, and Tony and Daniel were already there with their catch of Crabs, I think they got about 40, that is the bag limit for 2 people. We said our good byes and loaded up the kids, headed back to Daniels house to get Riley and Danyell then headed off to Port Pirie. We had organised for Mum, Dean & Josh to meet us there and we had planned a family day for the Sunday. We stayed in a nice large cabin and basically spent the night eating pizza and chatting. The next day we took the kids to the park then ended up at some kind of music festival. We had a great day, and now we are back in S.A are planning to do something similar again soon.

Uncle Josh with Riley and Mickalee, My self and Danyell waiting to catch!!Uncle Josh and Riley pretending to be "Spider man"

Uncle Dan & Mickalee on the swingBrandy sleeping through ALL the excitement. So cute when they are asleep!!!Riley trying on Poppy's hat!! He wasn't to sure about it!Nanny and Riley

After our family day, Daniel, Danyell and Riley headed back to Adelaide and Mum, Dean, Josh, Tony, Me and the girls headed back to Roxby. I will say I am a cryer, I will cry at the opening of a door if it is needed. I said good bye to Daniel, Danyell and Riley and was very proud of myself because I didn't get all teary, I was not sure when we would be back and always howled when I left my family. I was all excited about not crying as we were heading out of Port Pirie and then Daniel got on the two way radio and said "love ya chook bye," Then the water works started.

We spent one last week in Roxby with Mum and Dean before we headed back to Gregory. It was a very quick week, we were ready to go home but at the same time I hated leaving. The Sunday before we left Josh went to trade school in Port Augusta, so I waved good bye once again with water works, Then the day it came to say good bye to Mum and Dean they started again. I was never and still are not good at goodbyes. Our trip home to Gregory was very eventful but that is another story!

Until next time bye for now and Happy blogging

Bec

Birth #2

2008-07-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Tony, Mickalee and I left Roxby, and headed the two hours south to Port Augusta to stay in the van park and wait for the birth, Tony was ecstatic because the beach was 2 minutes walk and it turned out Mickalee and I couldn't go to the beach with him because as soon as Mickalee saw the water, the first time we walked there, She wanted to go for a swim and it was just too cold.

My due date was the 10Th of April 07' this we worked out to be the Tuesday after Easter. I had one week to go and I was OVER IT!! We were cramped up in a tiny room in the van park, and it was cold. It could have been worse though. It could have been raining. Luckily for us our little room one to one side of the park and it was not a high traffic area so Mickalee could play outside. We would follow her and not let her go far, she was very preoccupied with all the stones that were in the garden. We had some lovely neighbours in the park Mr and Mrs Brooks, they were from Mildura and were travelling around Australia. Tony would often have a beer and a chat with them in the afternoon. One up side of being in such a small room was the fact I literally only had to take three steps and I was standing next to the loo, so by the third night I don't think I even had to open my eyes. I am sure when you are nearly due and constantly waking up to go to the loo it is your bodies way of training you. It is a gentle reminder... Hello I am your baby and I am keeping you awake. : ).

I remember wanting to walk a lot, I am not sure though if it was because I knew walking helped with Mickalee or if it was because I knew we had only booked and paid for a week and I was to stingy to pay for more accommodation. On the Thursday before Easter Tony myself and Mickalee in her stroller went for a HUGE walk, we walked from the van park about 2km's to the foot bridge that crossed the inlet, crossed the bridge, watched some boats for a while then turned around and walked back. On the way home, as usual when you are that pregnant I needed a pee and I needed it now. Unfortunately for me there were none in the vicinity and Tony covered me while I not so graciously hid behind a tree. I will say that up north this is normal behaviour when your so often so far from nowhere. I also understand that this is why toilets are used but for those of you who have had babies you will understand when you gotta go you gotta go!! we were about 1k either way from a loo and as far as I was concerned wetting my pants was not an option I had come this far. I will also point out that an old law still stands today that if you are pregnant you are legally able to pee in the gutter anywhere. So if I really felt the need I could go in the middle of Rundle Mall if I wanted to. I will also say we were on semi secluded walking track near the beach and no-one was coming. We got back to the van park and I was exhausted, Mickalee wanted to run around though as she had been in her pram the whole time. Tony stayed outside with her while I relaxed and watched some t.v.

Mickalee settled well that night she was beginning to get used to the little room we were in and got used to being able to see the t.v as she slept. Tony and I went to bed early for memory a little annoyed that nothing had happened yet. It was about 2 am on Good Friday that I started to get contractions, They were only dull, but once again in my back, so I went back to sleep. I figured my water would break as it had with Mickalee and then I would go to the hospital once i couldn't deal with the contractions at the van park any more. I rang Mum and Dean about 6 am and told them it was time, I told mum not to rush as they were not to severe I would call her when my water broke. They were travelling from Roxby so Dean could look after Mickalee while Mum was with me and Tony at the hospital. My contraction were still very dull at 8 am when Mum and Dean arrived. "I was not expecting them and said to mum I told you not to rush, her reply was that is why we left when we did, so we were not breaking the speed limit to get here when you finally did feel it was time. All four us hung around the van park all day, Mum, Dean and Tony took turns in chasing Mickalee while I walked laps of the car.

Finally at 2.30 Good Friday afternoon I decided that my contractions were strong enough and regular enough to go to the hospital. I had a contraction in the car on the way there, a contraction in the car park and another in the hallway into the maternity ward. They showed me to my room and hooked me up to the heart monitor machine thingy, and proceeded to tell me that I was in early stages labour nothing was going to happen for ages and to go home. I said no thank-you I want to stay here I have been in labour for 12 hours and as soon as my water breaks this baby is going to ride the wave and you won't know what hit you. About 3 o'clock I went to the loo and had two contractions in the bathroom, walked back to the bed and had another. I was squeezing Tony's hand and felt like I had to push. I remember saying to Mum and Tony this is way worse than it was with Mickalee. Mum laughed at me and said it is no different we were there remember. My midwife was a tiny Japanese lady who was very nice and in general conversation she told us she had delivered over 500 babies. I remember thinking to myself in my labour state. "Thank beep I didn't give birth to all those." Knowing it is impossible for one person to have that many babies I have no idea why I though that. Anyway she checked everything and said I will be back soon. Tony asked if I was OK and if I needed anything as he was going to get a drink. For memory i had two really big contractions while he was gone and had to hold my breath to stop myself from pushing. The midwife rushed back through the door and asked me if I felt like I had to push and I said yes, so she closed the curtains and checked to see if I was dilated. "She goes oh quick you are eight and a half centimeters we must get you to the birthing suite." Poor Tony got a bit of a fright as he was walking back up the hallway she was waving him to hurry. He told me after he thought it was all happening there and then.

I don't remember much after going into the birthing suite I am sure your brain blocks it out on purpose so that you have more. I do remember fighting with mum over the gas. I wanted it and she had to take it off of me for the contractions so I would concentrate. I would take a puff and want to go to sleep. I was on the bed this time which was a bit more graceful than the first time and the midwife put on her gloves to reach down and see how much further along I was. It was at this time my water broke. It gave her a fright, she screamed and Tony joked oh no did it bite you. I laughed at him then I started to cry because it honestly sounded like it had hit the wall, roof and floor, I made a mess I made a mess I kept saying. Anyway it turned out my earlier prediction had been right the baby rode the wave, and Brandy Ellouise came into the world at 5.28pm Good Friday the 6Th of April 07'.

I can not fault the Port Augusta hospital or it's staff I loved every minute of my stay, they even gave us a family room the first night so that Tony could stay with me and the Brandy It was lovely. Tony was that happy with the dinner we got he took a photo of it, It was a HUGE meal of apricot chicken. Mum went back to van park and got Mickalee and Dean and bought them up the hospital to see the new baby and I think Mickalee pulled her hair. They headed off not long after that to head back to Roxby, and Mum and Dean were pleased to spend some time with Mickalee. I spent all of Easter weekend in hospital and Tony bought me some Easter eggs. We were aloud to go home on Easter Monday and headed back to Roxby.

The second time around was so much better, I am just trying to time the next one a little better as I am finding it very wearing now with a 2 and 1 year old. So I think if I go off the pill when Brandy turn two, hopefully all going well the next one will arrive around her third birthday. fingers crossed. Look out Port Augusta Hospital. Now we are living in S.A I would really like to go back there.

Bye for now and Happy Blogging.

Bec

Pregnancy #2

2008-07-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

Hi All
My first recollection of this pregnancy is being on my hands and knees next to the loo, yelling and Tony between purges. "When I said I wanted another baby why didn't you just beat me about the head with a baseball bat!!". It amazed me how quickly I forgot! The morning sickness was no-where near as bad as it was with Mickalee but like 99% of people on this planet I hate being sick. Also I also didn't have the luxury of sleeping when I wanted like I had the first time, so I found that hard. I was one of the lucky ones though. Mickalee was sleeping through the night, so I did get good sleep then. Keep in mind though she did have bad night, when teething etc but I was very lucky as this was rare. Everyone pointed out that my next baby would be a bad sleeper as surely I couldn't get that lucky twice.

About a week after I discovered I was pregnant, Mickalee was christened at "Gregory Station", we had nice little gathering on the banks of the "Gregory River", and Aiden Munchinerg was christened with her. Father Jerry had travelled out to the station for the double event and made it a great day. Mickalee looked very cute in the O'Brien Christening gown and slept nearly all day. Heidi and Matt Bruce are her God parents along with Kevin Anderson, and Jo who insists she is not a godparent but a "fairy god mother". Shona Huggard took some lovely pics for us and I will put some on here as soon as I get organised and retrieve them from the laptop.

I had a reasonable smooth pregnancy, I was making trips into Mt Isa for my ultrasounds, and got a bit scared with my first one, as I saw two heads, so there was about 2 seconds of "Oh shit I am having twins". It appeared like there was two heads for a split second as the image appeared double and UN-clear as she had not pushed hard enough and it made a double vision effect. WOW was that scary!! Everything was fine though and I calmed when she reinforced the fact there was only one baby in there.

I was in my second trimester 4Th of September 06' Mickalee and I travelled over to Tarzali. I remember the date because it was the day Steve Irwin died. I had just driven through Georgetown, when I heard it on the radio. We left Gregory about 8.30am and arrived in Milla Milla at Judith and Lindsay's about 8.30pm. I surprised them, they had no idea I was stopping there. The girls were very excited to see Mickalee and were also glad that we were staying in the area for 3 weeks. They got to spend some quality time with their new little cousin. Tony's mum Betty had a knee replacement and this was the purpose for my visit, I had planned to stay with her for 3 weeks to give her a hand, while she partly recovered. Mickalee travelled very well for a 6 month old baby I am sure she slept for 8 hours out of the 12 hour trip. I also found it easier for me to drive and not get tired as I was stopping at every town for little walks around the car, as well as stopping to feed and change her to keep her comfortable.

The three weeks dragged on as I was missing Tony and he was also missing us, Mickalee more than me I felt at times : ). However we did have a lot of fun at Betty's, I don't think I really did much while I was there that was extraordinary however it was just the small things she couldn't do yet. I helped with the chooks, the dogs, cat and birds. I would go into Atherton and get her shopping for her and I would cook tea at night. While I was feeding and watering the animals Betty would feed Mickalee, so I was not doing anything extra than I would do at home, however it was a huge help to Betty. Tony came over at the end of the three weeks and took me on a belated dinner date for my birthday. He took me to "Nicks restaurant" in "Yungaburra" while Judith and Lindsay looked after Mickalee. We didn't leave Mickalee with Betty as she couldn't bend her knees enough to lift her in and out of the porta-cot. The food was great, however a little on the expensive side. Tony had crocodile I think and I stuck to plain old ordinary steak. We had a great night.

General everyday things continued when I got home, Mickalee started crawling not long after we had returned from the tablelands and she was now on three feeds of solids a day. Like any kid once they start crawling she was into everything and to protect her from falling down the veranda steps Tony made some gates. These were great as it meant she could play outside, but still be reasonably protected from the elements. It also meant I could shut Bonnie down stairs so she couldn't lick Mickalee's face. I have had no trouble with Bonnie ever showing aggression towards the kids, and if she ever did I would find her a more appropriate home, however her size at times did pose a problem. She would want to play with the kids and knock them over when she walked passed. I also never leave the kids UN attended around the dogs, at times Mickalee has pulled tails and tried to climb on Bonnie, so I always tell myself kids will be kids and dogs will always be dogs, so their instinctive nature at times can take over. If I was a dog and someone tried to pull my tail I think I would snap. I think it is also important to educate my kids on how to treat and behave around animals.

Tony and I were supposed to spend Christmas that year with Tony's family in Tarzali, however we had discussed it between our selves and decided that having bub number 2 in S.A at Roxby Downs with my mum and step dad, would be our best option. So we put off our Christmas trip to save our money for our trip in March. We decided to do it this way because we had no-one to look after Mickalee when I went into labour in Mt Isa. All our friends had full time jobs, and it wasn't fair to ask them to take UN paid leave. Also the cost of living in Mt Isa for 4 weeks before and often 2 weeks after the birth was expensive. I know you are probably thinking, It would have been more expensive to drive across the country and yes it probably was but essentially we were killing two birds with one stone as Tony had not been to S.A before. Also accommodation at mums was free :) .

Tony drove me and Mickalee to Alice Springs when I was 36 weeks and Mum and Dean met us there and picked us up, as he did when I had Mickalee, Tony went back to Gregory and worked for two more weeks before he came down to S.A. It was good to have a mini break in Alice Springs we went to the truck museum and also did some sight seeing. The same day Tony went back to Gregory, we headed to Roxby Downs. I was so uncomfortable by about the 3rd hour as I was feeling really huge and didn't want to be in the car anymore. Mickaleee travelled very well and I am sure like the rest of us she was glad when all the travelling was over. When we actually left Gregory Mickalee was almost walking but was as the stage where she would take 4 or 5 steps then give up and crawl because it was faster. When we took her out of the car at Alice Springs she just never crawled again. I think being in the car for 12 hours was enough to help her find her feet, she was 11.5 months old. We all arrived in Roxby very tired, but glad we were there. We still had four weeks to go before bub number two was due and I was so over being pregnant. Something I had not realised in all my trip planning was the fact that Roxby was a bit like Gregory with the rules. They had no birthing facilities in Roxby and you had to be out of there by 36 weeks also. So we had to organise regular trips to Port Augusta and I would have to give birth there. Port Augusta was 2 hours on a slow day from Roxby and I decided I would be safe if I went early because I knew mum would get me to the hospital in time. I was planning to stay in Port Augusta for my last week, when Tony got down here. Mum and I went to Port Augusta once a week for check ups and the midwife tried to convince me to go to Port Augusta sooner than I had planned but I told her it was not an option as I couldn't look after a one year old while I was in labour. Mum and Dean had spoken to there boss's and had arranged time off to look after Mickalee for me while I was in labour and in hospital however it was a bit of a financial ask for them to take two or three weeks off to look after her. I assured the midwife if I t did happen the two hour trip to Port Augusta would be executed quite quickly.

Tony arrived in Roxby in one piece and was very tired, and the first thing we did was hold a late 1st birthday party for Mickalee. She actually turned one on the 19Th of March however we figured as she was only one she wouldn't know the difference if we waited a week till Tony arrived for us to celebrate her birthday, he didn't want to miss it. Uncle Josh's mates even enjoyed the festivities.

As I was with Mickalee I was a lot more relaxed once Tony had arrived, it didn't matter now when I went into labour. The day before we left to go to Port Augusta I mowed the lawn again, as I had done with Mickalee, I just wanted the baby out. All in all pregnancy number two was a lot easier, as I was not so sick, but it was harder because I had a baby to look after. In both pregnancy's I lost weight and actually weighed less on my last day of the pregnancy than I did when I fell pregnant. I said I never did things by the book and the only time in my life I loose weight is when I am pregnant, how backwards.

I will tell you all about my second birth and our stay in Port Augusta next time.

Bye for now and happy Blogging.

Bec

Gregory Hay Farm

2008-07-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

Hi All

We settled into life at the farm very smoothly, Ashley and Wendy made us feel at home and Tony really liked the mechanical side of his job. He hated the endless hours on the tractors because of his bad knees, however as with any job you take the good with the bad!! The little house was great for the three of us and I enjoyed having a home with a toilet :). We were getting paid fortnightly and were catching up slowly on the debts we had created while Tony was not working. The farm was a reasonably small operation considering the comparison in size to surrounding property's. The farm mainly grew crops of Rhodes grass and sorghum and occasionally they grew oats. All crops were flood irrigated from the Gregory River which ran right behind the compound where the houses and sheds were. This often required Tony to go and check waters and start syphons in all hours of the day and night. This was done on average twice per paddock, per crop and they were trying to get 4 or 5 cuts a year. The Hay Farm supplied the local stations as well as keeping the AA Co stations in stock, it was very rare for there to be hay on the ground, due to such a high demand.

In our pay package, we were being supplied food from the farm, so this saved us many trips to town, as well as freight costs if we were buying our own food. The only things we had to buy were our little naughty treats like chocolate and chips all well as formula, nappies and other things for the baby. This was a great set up for us as I would just go to Wendy's every few days and take what I needed. The farm was also only located 2 km's out of Gregory so I continued to work for Jo. Mickalee was only little and enjoyed sitting in the pram behind the bar while I served. Due to Gregory being a tourist area in it's own right, because of the river it was also on the road to "Lawn Hill national Park", and "Adels Grove", so many tourist called in. A considerable number of them were "Grey haired no-mads" retiree's who are apart of one club or another. I had heard of "S.K.I" (spending kids inheritance) and Tracy informed me of one other day S.A.D.S (see Australia die soon). So as you can imagine a lot of them were grandparents and were delighted to see a baby, some times I worked for 2 hours or so and didn't see her, she was passed from one person to the next. They loved it and so did she.

I think it was approximately 3 months after Mickalee was born that we decided condoms were uncomfortable and we needed to consider something a little more permanent, so I went to the R.F.D.S. clinic and got a pill script. I filled it at the chemist when I was next in town and bought it home. For some reason or another we went to the pub the night I returned from town and had a I had a few drinks. As you can imagine after 9 months off alcohol while pregnant and 6 weeks breast feeding it only took a couple to tip me over the edge. On returning home tipsy I told Tony that I thought having another baby would be a good idea. Considering it took 6 months to conceive Mickalee I figured in my drunken state that it would take 6 months the second time. I am warning you it was more like 6 minutes. I did a home pregnancy test in the July of 06' and it confirmed I was pregnant!! Hooray!!!!

Bye for now and happy blogging
Bec

Life Back At Gregory

2008-07-17T00:59:00.000-07:00

Hi All
Jo was very angry with us for showing up UN announced, she reinforced the fact she hated surprises and told us we should have called. Although we got a small lecture I knew she was really happy to see us. The last couple of months had been rough on her after losing Paul and it was good to see some familiar faces. She gave us and our entourage a drink, showed them all where to lay their swags and told us all to feel at home. She had heard about Tony's lack of employment from my many phone calls and told us we could stay as long as we liked and we knew the rules. For those of you who don't know Jo. The rules were simple!! She helped you, you helped her. We were back at Gregory and happy so we didn't care what the rules were, and we were more than pleased at Jo's offer. I was worried at first that Mickalee might not like all the noise of the pub, but soon realised it wasn't going to affect her. I should have guessed she had slept through a cyclone. We settled back in and it was like we had never left.

Tony, Shaun and Jacko helped in the yard, by slashing, mowing, weeding and whipper snipping, they also made sure they drank their fair share of XXXX Gold!! Alyssa and myself helped in the bar and kitchen. At one stage I served a beer while breast feeding Mickalee. The gulf was still getting a lot of rain off cyclone Larry's depression and the dirt roads were boggy and holding up trucks heading to Zinafex mine, 70k west of the hotel. So truck drivers were our customers as they were stranded. The locals also were still ever present and happy with the HUGE wet season we had.

I breast fed Mickalee for 6 weeks, that was all I could stand. She was a terrible feeder and was emptying me both sides every half an hour. I was emotionally exhausted and sleep deprived as she was always hungry and not sleeping. So I changed her onto formula and after her first feed she slept through the night. Well from 9pm to 4am anyway so that was close enough for me. She never looked back and mother and baby were happier with the sleep.

Easter come around very quick that year and Mickalee got to have some chocolate via her breast milk as I had eaten my fair share, we spent the day at the hotel with friends and had a great feed of red claw yabbies. That Tony, Shaun, Jacko and Alyssa had caught out of "Barkley Gully". It took them a very long time to get there and back on the boggy black soil road but it was worth wait. Jo's sister Angela was visiting from Brisbane and let me put it this way, Angela is not used to the "hands on" way we do things out here. However she thought it quite an experience to peal and eat her own yabbie. She had told us prior to the yabbies arriving that she had not done that module. I am still trying to figure how she managed with those long manicured nails. Jo's good friend Charles from Mt Isa refused to have any part of it and ate a meat pie. We told him it was his loss and to enjoy his pie. Another good Friend Sharon who also lives in Gregory helped with the eating of the yabbies and she has a great time fiddling with the claws so those of us who couldn't be bothered with the fiddly bits gave our claws to Sharon. She was eating claws for hours.

There were a lot of new babies in the Gregory area when Mickalee was born and they seemed to be increasing nearly monthly. Either someone was pregnant or had a new born baby. So the semi regular trip made to Gregory from R.A.F.S (remote, area, family, services) was always a good catch up and gossip session for us mums. It was also a great chance for us to discuss milestones our kids had reached and problems we were experiencing as new mums, so we helped each other out as most of us were up there with out constant family support. Monthly clinics held by the R.F.D.S were also great catch up days.

Mickalee went for her 6 week check up at exactly 6 weeks because as it just so happened the flying doctors were due. So I took her to see the child health nurse and everything was OK, they were happy with her weight gain and said they would see me next month for her to have her 8 week needles. I was a little worried at first because I assumed these immunisations had to spot on time wise, I was a new mum and had not heard any different. The nurse assured me getting them done at 10 weeks was no problems and it would save me a trip to town with a new baby by myself.

A month went by very quickly, Tony was still filling in at the farm, Shaun, Alyssa and Jacko had gone and I was helping Jo as much as I could. Tony or Sharon would nurse Mickalee while I cooked at night. Jo had to go away, so I tried to run the place and I think for memory Ben had come back to help. The night of the clinic I also found a nice couple Jeremy and Shona who were camped on the river to work for Jo as we were short of staff. I took Mickalee to the R.F.D.S for her 10 week neddles and yes she cried but all babies do and other than that she seemed fine. She slept well and I had given her panadol as suggested when she got a temperature. The next morning I changed her and found blood in her nappy, and she still had a temp I think it was about 38. I phoned the doctors straight away and they said pack your things we are coming to get her. Obviously my first concern was Mickalee, so I organised everything I needed while on the phone to Wendy at the farm asking her to find Tony and tell him to get here A.S.A.P. I was very upset and Wendy radioed Tony, told him to go home then got in her car and came to check on me. I also called Jo's daughter Jackie as I couldn't get a hold of Jo tell her what was going on. I was very worried about leaving Jeremy and Shona who had only started that morning and Ben (who sometimes was a bit spacey) in charge of the pub. Jackie said the pub would still be standing and to not worry about it. Tell them they could call her if they needed anything and get on the plane. Tony got to the pub and I told him what was going on, so he loaded us up and drove us to the dirt strip to meet the plane. Mickalee still had a high temp but seemed happy enough and basically slept though all the commotion and worry around her. The nurse told me that she suspected it was probably just constipation and we would be there soon the doctors would fix it. As she was only a ten week old baby and such a high temp when we got into the Emergency room at Mt Isa hospital everyone was basically running around me, talking between themselves and focusing on what was wrong with her. I was not there main priority and explaining things to me and that point would have wasted time. They still didn't know what was wrong with her and the explanations were made later. I helped hold her while they made 3 attempts at getting a drip in, they also drew urine from her with a needle and then they told me they had to do a spinal tap to get fluid from her spine to check for meningitis and meningacocol. I think the nurse must have seen my face at this point and told me that no-one would think I was a bad mum if I took a breather and went outside. For those of you who have kids and have been in a similar situation you a very torn, the doctors are helping your child but at the same time sometimes they have to hurt them to get the required result. At times I wanted to just steal her away and cuddle her, then punch the doctor but I knew that wouldn't help. Jo flew into Mt Isa from Brisbane just as I flew in from Gregory, she arrived expecting a car full of fuel and all her belongings loaded in the car, she was in a rush to get back as she had left me there basically alone. She asked Jackie if she had filled her car and Jackie simply said "no", "what about all my things are they in the boot?", "no". "Jackie I told you I was in a hurry I want to get back to give Becky a break." Jackie told her what had happened and Jo came to the hospital. She found me outside by myself on the phone to mum bawling my eyes out. I told her about all the itisis the doctors were talking about and I was worried. She said not to worry as Mickalee is in the right place and everything would be OK. Mickalee's doctor was Mr Westmorland and he was great. He explained everything in terms we could understand and I really appreciated that. Mickalee spent 3 or 4 days in hospital and she was diagnosed with a case of salmonella. I found this confusing as she was not on any form of solids and he said it could have been something as simple as a fly landing on her bottle or dummy. He added no matter what I say you are going to go home and sterilise everything (which I did) but do not blame myself. Kids pick up bugs all the time and she was OK now so don't worry. All the staff and nurses were great to us during her stay and I was glad when it was all over.

The house in Mt Isa was an expense we didn't need and really needed to decide if we were going to go back there or stay in Gregory. Tony had been doing part time work at the "Hay farm" since about a week after we returned to Gregory and we were not expecting it to develop into full time work as Ashley really needed to put 2 workers into the accommodation they had. So we were out of the equation due to me not working but caring for Mickalee. Tony was basically working for them until they found full time workers again. So it looked like we needed to keep the house in Mt Isa until something permanent came up. During this time AA Co (who owned the Hay farm) sold one of it's property's and Ashley acquired an old caravan from there and planned to use it as more accommodation. So Tony was offered a full time position at "Gregory Hay farm" and we were delighted to accept as It meant we had our own little two bedroom cottage.

We had made several trips into Mt Isa to collect all our belongings and to tidy the house for the new renters to move in, as we were cutting short our lease so I had arranged for some friends of some friends to take it over as they were currently in the market, so it all worked out for everyone and we got out of it reasonably well. We lost our bond as it was used for the carpet cleaning, yard to be mowed and weeded and the pest spraying however that was only due to lack of time on our part and us not being able to get there to do it ourselves. We were just glad to be rid of it. Once we had everything we moved into the little cottage at the farm.

I feel at this point I should mention the other family members we had at the time, Bonnie & Clyde (no pics on digital camera of clyde they are all on film) who were Bull mastiff cross dogs who were also brother and sister and a little soon to be big puppy who was a cross of some sort called Barkley. When we moved to the farm we had some major hints dropped to us that this many dogs were not welcomed and seeing as two of them were male they would only cause trouble with Ashley and Wendy's UN spayed bitch. So after the hints we decided it would be best to give both males away and keep the peace. We gave Clyde to a friend called Gene and he soon traded him to a man in Normanton for a motorbike, and we gave Barkley to a friend across the river called Munchie. Both boys lived up to their parents reputation and became great hunting dogs. For those of you who are a little UN educated in the hunting department, dogs are used to catch feral pigs, so the hunter can keep them live until they get close to a freezer truck. The pigs organs are kept so they can be checked for disease and if they pass disease free then they are exported for meat. This give the hunters pocket money and the grazers happy because the feral's are being removed. Clyde met his end when he ate a bait, these are 1080 poison hidden in pieces of meat to kill Dingo's and Barkley overheated when doing what he loved, on a very FNWQ (far north west Queensland) day. We still have Bonnie (Clyde's sister) and gained a new addition "Hippy chic" when we got back to Gregory after having Brandy.

Bye for now and Happy blogging.

Bec

Cyclone Larry

2008-07-16T00:35:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Cyclone Larry hit Inisfail in the early hours of Monday morning the 20Th of March 06'. I was tucked up cosy and warm in my bed at my mother-law Betty's house in Tarzali. Tony was snoring next to me, and as far as our new baby was concerned, what was all the fuss about? I was very lucky with Mickalee and had about a three day honeymoon period with her, where all she did was sleep. I definitely knew I had a baby after the three days though. I had a very weird sensation after I had Mickalee for some reason it seemed like a dream, I wasn't her real mum and her real parents would come eventually and pick her up to take her home : ). It was really odd I think I will still in a little shock and of course sleep deprivation does strange things to your mind.

The wind got stronger and the rain began to fall at about 7.30 am and as the time wore on the weather got more fierce, we were as prepared as we could have been, as far as cleaning up the yard and securing things went, however things we thought were structurally sound weren't. About an hour into the cyclone the garden shed blew to pieces and was spread all over the lawn, and a few branches came down but other than that we were safe. I am convinced that Betty's stone house was the best place to be. Our windows were bending in with the force of the wind but none of them actually broke. I remember all of us standing at the bedroom window watching things blow past which I now know probably wasn't a good idea. Mickalee slept through the whole thing. The eye of the cyclone passed right over Tarzali and it was really surreal because it was instant silence and the rain stopped, I can't remember how long this lasted for but then it all began again however the wind was blowing in the opposite direction. Cyclone Larry was a category 5 and caused as much if not more damage than cyclone Tracy it was just spread over a much wider area. Rain off the Cyclone caused rivers to break their banks and stranded many people on the side of the roads as they couldn't cross them. Fallen debris caused a lot of traffic hold ups also.

By the way i forgot to mention that Betty has a smallish 3 bedroom house, at the time there was me, Tony, Mickalee, Betty, My mum, Tony's sister and her two brat kids all in this one house. To begin with everything didn't seem so bad, all that had happened at Betty's was few fallen trees and of course the garden shed, so we escaped reasonably unscathed, and we knew the power would be out. We just didn't realise it would be for quite so long. Just be chance Tony had bought a welder/generator over with him to take to a friend, so we got that started, to run the freezer and a light, we had heaps of candles and food and a gas BBQ so we were going to make it through the night. As far as we knew the power would return in the next day or so.................but IT DIDN'T!! The generator Tony had fixed and got running lasted the first day, then decided it didn't want to go anymore. I was breast feeding by candle light at night and suffering with swollen engorged boobs during the day. Usually when power goes out so does the water as there is no pressure pumps to push it through the line, we had water in the tanks but no pressure and no electricity for hot water. So we were filling buckets and heating water on the BBQ for APC'S (arm pits crutch). Two days after the cyclone our power came back on only to be turned off again as the connection lead to Betty's house had fallen down and was dangerous. To fix it we had to call a certified electrician who fixed it then called the power people to come and restore power. This took another day. Don't get me wrong here I am not at all complaining about the service we received from the electrician or the power company. Everyone was in the same position as us and also was with out power. They were doing as well as they could with the man power they had. Some men we spoke to had not slept in two days as they had been busy helping to restore the power. There was also all the SES and other volunteers that worked tirelessly to help others. Two days after the cyclone I was desperate to have a proper shower and as all the other homes in the street had got their power back I popped next door and used their shower to help relieve the pain I was feeling with engorged boobs. We all survived and it something I hope not to ever do again.

With all the excitement of the birth, then the cyclone, we soon realised Tony was due back at work, and we had not spoken to anyone to explain that I was over due and we were expecting a Cyclone. So we got a calender checked the dates and he was actually due back the day I gave birth. The first 3 days after the cyclone we had no phone contact in or out so he couldn't even contact his boss to let them know where he was, or why he was running so late. So needless to say when we finally did get in contact with his boss, he was not happy. Told him all he wanted was an extended holiday, the roads were not closed and not to bother coming back as he didn't have a job to come to! So on top of the cyclone, Tony had no job, we had a new baby, were paying rent on a house in Mt Isa we weren't living in and were basically stranded at Tony's mums house because all the roads heading west were blocked from swollen creeks. Then we got a phone call to tell us Tony's equipment on the fence line had all been submerged when the Gregory river flooded and the funding for the fence was running out. So all in all we had, had a very bad week.

We stayed at Tony's mums and got given some government relief funding from loss of income from the cyclone and the baby bonus from having Mickalee helped us get through. 3 Weeks after Cyclone Larry we packed up everything and started to head home as we had heard along the grape vine the creeks were subsiding. We got at far as the "Norman river" 20k Croyden side of Normanton, the first day and had to turn around and drive back to "The Club Hotel" in Croyden. We had travelling companions who were mates with Tony and combined we had 5 adults a new born baby and 14 Dogs. We also had 1 4WD towing a trailer with a motorbike, Tony's 4WD with a boat on the back and my little Camry. The boys were pleased they got to spend the night at the pub and enjoy a few ales, but I was mad as my new baby was not taking to the breast very well and was waking every hour or so.

The next day we set out again hearing the river had gone down a little more, so we raced back out to The Norman river crossing only to find the people who were camped there the day before had gone and the river was on it's way back up. The boys walked the crossing (which I will add is a known area for salt water crocks) and decided that if they locked the hubs in the 4WD's with all the weight they were carrying we would get across with no problems. I didn't like this idea but also did not like the idea of waiting by the river again for another day. So I hoped in Tony's car with him, put Mickalee's capsule next to me put the seat belt around the car seat but UN buckled my baby in case the worst happened. I will also say this is not the proudest moment of my life or the most responsible thing I have done but I had faith in my husband and our car. He would not have put me or his baby at risk if he thought there was a chance it could go wrong. I am just a pessimist and prepare for the worst. We followed Shaun across the river which we could now see was .8, as he had the trailer and a lot more weight on so he pushed a bough wave up for us. I videoed us crossing the river and have only watched the film once as it makes me want to throw up. Jacko Shauns worker stayed on the opposite side of the river with my Camry.

We drove the last 20 kms in silence and stayed at the "Purple Pub" in Normanton. Later in the afternoon Tony and Shaun left myself Alyssa and the baby in Normanton and went back to see if the river had gone down any and to collect Jacko with the Camry. Our previous luck should have gave an inclining that the river had not gone down but had in fact risen a touch, so the 2 mad bastards decided to cross the river, to talk to Jacko and then decided between the 3 of them that it was now or never. Hooked the Camry to the 4WD with a chain and towed it across the river!! About halfway across, so I am told my car started to float as the flow of the river was very strong so the boys opened the car doors to let water in to help the car sink back to the bridge. I was NOT HAPPY!! All the babies things were in the boot of the car and they were soaked! Books and things I had been given were ruined and all the babies clothes had to be re-washed, when we eventually got home. Tony got the car going again and we all headed out to dinner at the "Albion Hotel" none of us had eaten anything decent all day. I was squashed into a sz 12 pair of jeans as all my clothes had also had a bath, while the Camry was learning how to swim.

The next day we left early as we had heard the "Flinders River" was rising again, crossed it no worries but due to there being a lot of flood plains from Normanton to "Burke & Wills Roadhouse" it was a very slow and steady trip. It took 8 hours to get to "Burke & Wills" from Normanton. Keep in mind our home technically was in Mt Isa because all our belongings were there in the house we were paying rent in but not staying in. When we got to "Burke & Wills" Tony asked me where we were going and I burst into tears and said take me home! We arrived at "Gregory Downs Hotel" at 11.30pm with our entourage!! Jobless and penny less but TOGETHER! We were HOME!!

Birth #1

2008-07-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hi All

We finished off last time with me mowing the lawn, to try and induce me labour so I will pick up from there. A lot of woman have reached this point! It goes a little like this... "I AM SO SICK OF BEING PREGNANT......GET THIS KID OUTTA ME NOW......GRRRRR". I mowed the lawn in the mid afternoon on Friday the 17Th of March 06', then we got ready to go out. We met friends for "St Patrick's Day" at the "Round Yard" in Tarzali. I was nominated designated driver and ended up driving "Shawrie" home as he had enjoyed a few too many pints and started to pick fights with people in the bar! Mum and Tony followed in my car to "Shawries" house and we stayed there for about an hour convincing him to go sleep. For memory we got home about midnight.

At about 2.30 am on the 18Th of March 06' I began to get small contractions in my back, I was one of the lucky ones (NOT) who got ALL back pain in my labour. I have been told by woman who have experienced both that back pain is worse than front but as I have only had back pain I can't tell you. Any way I went into mum and told her I was beginning to have pains and she told me to try and get some sleep as I would need it. I don't think I slept much but I layed there till about 5.30 am. At this point I felt a little pop and quickly realised my water had broken. So I arched my back trying to lift my bum in the air and quietly said to Tony "My water has just broken" He jumped up in shock, hit his head on the cupboard as he dived out of bed, and was in a mad panic. All I could think about was the bed not having a mattress protector on it and yelling at him to hurry with a towel. My contractions were mild at this point but they were 5 minutes apart. So we called the hospital and they said to come in when ever we wanted, but not to rush, have a cuppa and some brekky then make our way in. Mum was a bit stressed at this stage and was worried that due to her 3 VERY quick labours mine may be the same. So as the contractions were 5 minutes apart we went to the hospital and skipped breakfast. As soon as we got to the hospital everything STOPPED! They checked the baby and everything was fine, they said to try and relax and it would happen when it happened. The doctor came and saw me and said "Since your water has broken we will let it run it's course and as long as the baby is not showing any signs of distress we will let you go for 3 days before we help you." I was floored with this comment, as far as I knew from ALL the reading I did while pregnant water broke baby came, very hard work. 3 DAYS!! I didn't want to be in labour for 3 DAYS!!

As the day progressed, we ate, rested, and I walked up and down, up and down the same damn corridor to get the baby out!! My contraction started again about 1 an hour after getting to the hospital and were all over the place ALL day! some were 20 minutes apart, some were 5 some were 8. As I said all over the place. On dark after all my walking they began to come regularly and were getting more severe. I felt like had no skin left on my lower back from mum and Tony rubbing it to help me get through contractions. I am not sure when we transferred from the room to the birthing suit, I was a little out of it at this stage. I had not slept since about 2 am and was very very tired. I had also decided in my wisdom that I had to stand so people could put hot towels on my back, and I also figured by standing, gravity was doing it's job! I still had not had any assistance with medication at this stage, and I was told later by mum I had cracked the shits with my clothes and was completely naked! I have NO memory of this. : ). So you can picture the scene there I was one HUGE pregnant naked lady standing at the end of the bed leaning on 2 pillows. My contractions were a steady 4 minutes apart and I was about 4Cm's dilated, when the midwife said to me you have a while to go yet it is about a cm and hour usually!! I was so mad I was NOT doing this for 6 more hours. I went from 4cm to 10cm in an hour. I had to change positions because my legs were buckling under me every time I fell asleep between contractions. I gave birth kneeling on a Matt at the foot of the bed, At some point I was given gas but I couldn't taste it or feels it's affects and was told by my husband later on it was not on properly as the regulator was not moving. Tony cut the cord then excused himself and went outside, It was very over whelming. I was moved onto the bed the placenta removed and the doctor called. It between me getting on the bed and the doctor coming a nurse change over occurred and I was given the gas once more to help me through pain. This time I took the biggest old breath, and nearly passed out!! I am sure I just layed there with a huge smile on my face. The doctor came to check me and I remember saying to him "Your late it's all over".

Mickalee Che was born at "Atherton Hospital" at 2.45am on Sunday Morning the 19Th of March 06'.

We were discharged from hospital at 8.30 pm on Sunday night the 19Th of March 06' as Cyclone Larry was expected to hit Inisfail in the early hours of Monday morning the 20Th of March 06' and they needed beds in Atherton for critically ill patients being transferred. I opted to go home as I wanted to be with my family if their was a cyclone coming rather than at the hospital alone.

I will tell you next time about the cyclone, a new baby in a crowded house with no power or water.

Bye for now and happy blogging.

Bec

Pregnancy #1

2008-07-14T04:36:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I fell pregnant in July of 05' after 6 months of practicing and a week away!! They say absence makes the heart grown fonder. At the time Tony was contract fencing and I had just moved onto Nardoo station to be with him after working for 3 years at the local watering hole "Gregory Downs Hotel" 70km's away.

To help you imagine our "bush camp" I will give you a few details. There was an old Atco hut/Donga depending on what state you a from up on stilts, a concreted veranda area with a shaded area, coming off that. The shaded area was a timber frame with chicken wire stretched across it covered in sticks, they call it a bough shed. We had no toilet or proper shower, but we had a generator, which ran for 12 hours of the day usually at night. We used it most at nights because we needed lights and of course the air-con because it was so damn hot!! Compared to a lot of other "bush camps" ours was luxury. We had the geni, 2 air cons, t.v, DVD, fridge, freezer, PlayStation, laptop, and gas BBQ! At night we would even heat an old keg filled with water on the fire fill the camp shower bag and suspend it from the tractor bucket so we could have a hot shower. We would stand on a pallet so we didn't get muddy feet and this took skill if you had visited the bundy bear earlier in the evening.

Anyway back to the pregnancy! With no toilet as you could imagine executing the initial home pregnancy test kit was amusing. However it made morning sickness and constant loo trips difficult but I survived. When I was in my second trimester the job on Nardoo station finished and we moved into a "shack" owned by a friend, in Gregory Downs and the boys along with Tony started another fence about 40km's away. The boys would take their swags with them and camp on the fence line to save fuel and because I was starting to show and swinging fence posts was a little dangerous I was to stay in the "shack" by myself. The "shack" had no power so once again the geni was my saviour, when it rained more water ended up inside than out. We also had no toilet, but lucky for me I was friends with the local teacher across the road and she let me use hers. The tin roof was very low so during the day the "shack" was hot I would go to the school and read to the kids so I could sit in the air-con. We saved our geni for night time so we could get a proper nights sleep.

One night while the boys were on the fence, and I was at the "shack" a huge storm came in just before dusk. (I will add here technically I was not alone we had 4 large dogs 11 puppies and a pig!) Anyway back to the storm, The wind blew up something fierce and as I raced around trying to cover all our things before the inside rain ruined them I noticed the large black plastic water tank (which was empty) starting to get blown off it's stand. So here is me about 7 and half months pregnant standing in the tank landing zone thinking to myself, I will just push the tank back on the stand. I am still not sure what made me change my mind but I jumped out of the way just in time as the HUGE tank landed on it's side on the ground. My next fear was having the wind blow the tank right through the "shack", so I raced around looking for rope in the pelting rain to tie the tank to the stand. All I could find was thin black twin stuff used for mending holes in commercial fishing nets, but it did the job. While I was sorting out the tank the pig pen blew away and 4 rather large dogs were trying to catch the pig and eat it. I eventually mustered the dog under the tank stand with all 11 puppies and shut them in, caught the pig and and ended up huddled up cuddling it, in the corner of the "shack" which was the only dry place I could find. The storm ended right on dark and all the animals were returned to their respective homes and I went to start the geni. No problems, until I walked back into the "shack" and could smell electrics burning. So I raced outside switched of the geni and contemplated going to bed with no dinner, as the boys pulled up!! They thought there was something highly amusing about a soaked pregnant woman crying!! Me personally I couldn't see it!! : ) But they saved the day! The electrics I could smell was a power board that had gotten wet, and burnt out when the power came back on.

I had to travel to Mt Isa 500km's away for my regular ultra sounds but my monthly health check were done at Gregory clinic courtesy of the R.F.D.S. Clinics were held monthly and the doctors would fly in to see patients. They were very helpful and saved me a lot money and travelling as I didn't have to travel to town monthly to get checked. In a remote area like Gregory Downs it is recommended to you that you are near a hospital by your 36 week mark. So I had made plans to stay with my mother in-law in Tarzali on the Atherton Tablelands. This would cut costs a little for us as it could get quite expensive paying for accommodation in Mt Isa for up to 6 weeks. Also with the mines in Mt Isa accommodation was sometimes scarce as they would fly in specialists for mine shut downs on regular occasions, so these men would often book accommodation months in advance and you would miss out. As it turned out We moved to Mt Isa and Tony began working underground in February of 06' so I was close to a hospital. We had decided that contract fencing and constant moving would not be good with a new baby and relocated. We got a nice rental and Tony began work. I didn't like being in Mt Isa I knew very few people and I was very, very pregnant and the heat was almost unbearable.

All though we were in Mt Isa I decided that due to this being my first baby I still would go with the original plan and go to Tarzali. I felt like I could use the extra support from family and it was a lot cheaper for my mum to fly to Cairns from Adelaide than it was for her to fly to Mt Isa.

About a week before I left to go to Tarzali I met up with Jo the owner of "Gregory Downs Hotel" for lunch as she was in town. We met at "The Irish Club" for lunch and I was a little early so I put $1 coin I had into a poker machine. I won $10 collected it and put the coins in my purse. We had a great lunch and a catch up and I went home with sever heart burn : ). That night while Tony was on night shift I met up with another friend also at "The Irish club" where she worked, for mock tails, as I was pregnant no alcohol for me and she was about to start work down stairs in the night club so she was also not having any. We chatted till 10 when her shift started and said our goodbyes. As I walked out to go home to an empty house I passed the pokie room and remembered my winning from lunch and decided what the heck I would play. I won on every machine I touched and put the winnings in my purse and kept playing with the original $10. I played for about an hour, and when my luck seemed to change and I only had $5 left out of my $10 I thought to myself this is it then I am going home. I put the last $5 into a machine and won a $2600.00 JACKPOT!!! I was so ecstatic, and rang my mum crying because I was alone and had no-one to share my excitement with! Needless to say I cashed my winnings and went home on a HUGE high! When Tony got home from work at 6am I was still awake thinking about how I was going to spend my money and waiting for the shops to open! I went out and bought a $40 wooden cutting board I couldn't afford the day before. : ) Then saved the rest for my trip to Tarzali.

I had packed the car, said good bye to Tony, (as I was only 36 weeks he was working 3 more weeks before he made the trip to Tarzali) and off I went. The first day I drove from Mt Isa to Normanton about 6hrs and stayed at the "Albion Hotel". The next day I drove from Normanton to Tarzali about 8hrs. My mum thought I was completely crazy at 8 and a half months pregnant to drive alone across the state. I told her, the Aboriginal women used to give birth under tree's and if the needed arose I to would find a tree! : ) She did not see the funny side of that but I arrived in one piece very tired but I made it!

I stayed with Betty for about 3 weeks before Tony got there and spent time helping her look after our two nephews Benjamin then 4 and Mitchell then 16 months. I also spent time with Tony's sister Judith, her husband Lindsay and there four girls Adrienne, Megan, Susan and Barbra. We went shopping in Atherton and once went swimming at "Lake Eacham". I had a wonderful timebeing a town girl for a while but I found it hard with Tony not being there and missed him heaps as it was the longest we had been apart. I spoke to him every day on the phone but it wasn't the same.

Tony's father passed away when Tony was 18 so I never got the chance to meet him and from what I hear we would have gotten on well. Tony had actually struck up a fine friendship with Jo's (My boss at the pub) partner Paul. I was unaware of quite how close they were. I knew they were great friends and they often chatted over several beers about fencing and Paul's surveying as regular blokes do. It wasn't until I received the call from Tony to tell me about Paul's accident that I realised what a huge part Paul played in our lives not just Tony's. As Paul was older than Tony by several years Tony looked up to him and saw him as a bit of a mentor. Paul died in a fatal Helicopter crash on the 21st of February 2006. As I mentioned Paul was a survey yer and often did aerial surveys on mine sites and in other areas. The day he died he was 1 of 4 passengers in a Robinson R44 helicopter. They say weight of fuel, passengers and equipment as well as heat off the rocky terrain contributed to the helicopter going down. I made regular calls to Jo after I had heard and from what I could understand she was not coping at all. I felt very upset for our loss as well as not being there to support Tony or Jo, I felt helpless. As they needed to piece everything together to work out what happened it was a while before Paul's funeral. However a nice service was held in Mt Isa for him on the 9TH of March 2006.

All in all my pregnancy dragged as all first ones do, I did not participate in anti natal classes nor did I have a birthing plan, but I survived. I had morning sickness for my first trimester, and all I wanted was can of coke. I also remember waking up one morning and (due to the fact we couldn't just pop down the shop and buy some my request was very difficult for Tony to full fill) saying to Tony "I don't care if you have to beg, steal or borrow but I NEED weet-bix NOW!! For memory I think he got some from the pub but they cost him $10.00 and I ate one vomited and the puppies got fed the rest! He was not happy.

My due date for Mickalee was the 16Th of March 06' and I remember mowing the lawn to try and make her hurry up, so Tony wouldn't be late getting back to work! That however is another story I will tell you next time.

Bye for now! Happy Blogging
Bec

Introduction

2008-07-14T03:50:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I would like to start by introducing myself, my name is Bec and I am a 25 year old mum of two beautiful daughters. Mickalee who turned 2 in March 08' and Brandy who turned 1 in April 08'. My girls keep me very busy but I needed something to do while they are sleeping and blogging was suggested to me by a friend, Tracy. So bare with me as I am new at this and I am sure my entries will improve with time. : ).

We have just recently moved to S.A for my husband to start work with a new company and so far all is going very well! Other than having to adjust to the cold weather. Tony is away for 4 weeks at a time then he is home for 1. So we plan to do a few trips away on his time off, so keep checking back to read about our daring adventures, be warned though I don't think we have been away anywhere yet with out their being some sort of drama!!

I am originally from South Australia but I moved to Queensland 6 years ago to try out the wide open spaces, fell in love, had 2 babies and got married. I know that isn't in the right order but I never have done things by the book. : )

I am hopefully going to explain in my blog general things that happen in my family's day to day life as well as sharing with you my personal birthing experience with each baby, personal hurdles in child rearing, as well as isolated life in the bush with a baby, I am not the first to do it and will not be the last. God knows how woman with babies survived in the outback before phones, internet, R.F.D.S and weekly freight deliveries. : )

I will start with the births and try to work in order to where the girls are now, as I said they are 2 and 1. Please leave comments as I am new at this and any advise or criticism will be helpful. Obviously all kids are different so do not use my blog as gospel, I am just telling you my story.

Bye for now and happy blogging!
Bec