Life is a Journey not a Destination

Today I awoke about 5.30am (after a great nights sleep on our new mattress). It had cooled down overnight and was now quite windy. I debated going for walk but decided I’m feeling too lazy after my busy day yesterday (doing lots of baking). Instead I stuck to my usual morning routine of letting the dogs out to the toilet and getting a cup of tea to enjoy while playing on the computer. I check my e-mail, twitter and some of the my fav blogs. Saw that A Vision Splendid now has a e-book so I bought that (good value for $12 I think).

I then worked on our budget. It’s a pleasure doing it now that we’re on a cash budget and are moving forward rather than backward. Such a wonderful feeling, esp. at this expensive time of year.

And most of my little containers even have money in them :-).

At some point I put on a load of washing and at 8am I headed up to have a shower and get ready for the day.I found Christy out of bed so got her ready and told the girls to go check the advent calender. Todays treat was a visit to see Santa and go out for breakfast.

We left home just before 9am (to avoid the crowds).  It was great as when we arrived in David Jones their was only family having their photo with Santa so we didn’t have to wait long at all.

This is a great Santa - and one we’ve been too most years. He spent quite a bit of time talking to the girls - which Christy loved and Amy is still happy to do.

After photos the girls were allowed to pick a Christmas ornament. This was on the advent a few weeks ago but we didn’t manage to do it that day. I also got myself a nutcracker. For reason I decided I wanted one this year and thought this fellow was cute (but when I got home I realized he really needs a friends…oh, well, next year).

Next up was a quick trip to the newsagents so I could get some envelopes for my Christmas cards. The girls also got a kids magazine each. We bought some cheese rolls for Christy and headed to Gloria Jeans for breakfast. The only seating was in the smoking area but no one appeared to be smoking so we sat there. Kevin and I shared a cheese & spinach roll and we each had a small iced chocolate. Just as we were finishing some people sat near us and started smoking - so we quickly packed up and left.

It was a nice treat for us since we rarely eat breakfast out (though Kevin informs me he does). Christy was especially excited by the whole thing and I think this will become a new Christmas tradition for us.

On the way home I suddenly realized we should stop at another shopping center so I could pick up some frames I had had made. Since parking was difficult I just went in and got them while the girls and Kevin waited in the car.

We got home just after 11am and Kevin was good enough to put up the new frames.

I then finished putting together the gift baskets for today’s Christmas lunch with family friends.

I did all the baking yesterday, plus made a potato bake and desert. I also hung out the load of washing, tidied the kitchen (didn’t want to come to the mess) and unpacked the dishwasher.

Christy had fun rolling over the bubblewrap that had been around the frames.

Just after 12pm we headed next door to my Mum’s. We had a lovely afternoon with some very good family friends. Mum hosts this every year and we always a lovely time.

We sat outside to start with, then moved indoors for lunch. I forgot to take a photo but I had some potato bake, a bread roll and roast pumpkin salad.

For desert we had white chocolate and coconut cheesecake that I made, followed by tea/coffee. The tray below shows what I made for the gift baskets - shortbread, caramel fudge, cookies and xmas puddings (I’ll try and post some recipes later)

We exchanged gifts and chatted and laughed. Chirsty had a great time playing with a belated birthday present - Find it. The tube is full of things and you have to see how many you can find in a certain time. Apparently their is a penny hidden inside - which we could not find. Jenny, who gave the gift, was going to take it back to the shop. But when Kevin looked online apparently the penny is VERY hard to find and if you find it you can type in the details of the penny. So we will keep looking.

We eventually came home about 6pm. I bought in the washing and sorted it out.

Kevin replanted the mandarin tree he bought yesterday (and planted to close to our ornamental pear), and watered the veggies for me.

I started to upload todays photos so didn’t take any more. I got the dogs their dinner of leftovers (from Friday nights party) and a bowl of potato bake for my dinner. Then Kevin and I sat down to watch a couple of episodes of True Blood. I’ve been reading the books since the first one came out but the TV series is a lot more serious. Seems pretty good though (though some of the sex scenes are a bit too much).

We headed up to bed about 9pm and I put Christy to bed (Amy had fallen asleep on the couch and I’d sent her up to bed earlier). I read for a bit before turning out the lights and drifting off to sleep.

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When I woke up the clock showed 5.04am. Light was just starting to fill the sky so I got up and got dressed ready to take the dogs for a walk. Amy was already up and decided to come with us.

We had a lovely walk and enjoyed the beautiful sunrise. The dogs had so much fun - swimming in the duck pond and running through the mud :-).

It’s garbage day at our place and I’m lucky Dad always remembers to put the bins out for us.

When we got back the dogs needed a bath so I did that in our shower, dried them off and then had my own shower since I was soaked. and got dressed for the day.

My washing machine isn’t working so I took a basket of clothes over to Mums (how great that she lives next door) and put on a load.

Then I finally got to sit at the computer with a cup of tea.

When Christy came downstairs at about 7.30am we had breakfast. Today I had scrambled eggs and baked beans.

After clearing off the table I got Christy’s lunch organised (Amy does her own).

Then I went back upstairs to get Christy ready for school and to straighten my hair now that it had dried. Next up was hanging out the washing and putting Christy’s bedding in the machine. All the animals were fed and watered and bags made ready for school. When Mum came over at 8.45am we were all ready to go.

Mum and I both do reading with Christy’s class today. It’s been so great seeing them improve as the year has gone by.

From here I drove to the local shopping center and raced in to a present for my Uncle’s birthday on Sunday. Then I drove to the beauticians. Todays appointment was for my nails and eyelashes/eyebrows. After such a busy day yesterday it was so nice to moving at a slower pace today.

It was now 12pm and I was starving so I drove home, got Bailey his lunch and made myself a taco salad (with leftover TVP Taco mince from last night), which I ate while printing out this weeks lessons for my Big Picture Scrapbooking class.

I also ordered some protein powder online (since I’ve almost run out) and made a list of what food I want to have for afternoon tea at my Partylite Candle party tomorrow afternoon.

I made myself another cup of tea and went to work on the banking for the school uniform shop (we’ve had kindy orientation this week and have been open 3 days for the Mum’s to buy uniforms). Also placed an order for more stock.

At 2.15pm I left to go to bank, then to school.

I was a bit early but a friend I haven’t seen for ages was there so it was nice and sit and chat while we waited for the bell to go. Once home we unpacked the car and school bags.

II quickly washed up their lunch containers. We had a sprinkle of rain so I raced out to bring in the washing and as I was putting it away Kevin arrived home (very early for him). It’s been a stinking hot day here so the girls wanted icees to cool them down.

Then Amy got ready for her dance lesson, Christy had swim, and I enjoyed some hummous and crackers while making some tarts for tomorrow’s afternoon tea. I also watered the veggie garden - everything is growing so fast in the warm weather.

At 4.15pm Amy and I left for her private tap. While waiting and sat and read through a SImple Scrapbooks mag. I haven’t done any scrapbooking all week (with having the open the uniform shop in the afternoon) so I’m quite anxious to do some.

Here’s a shot of the passenger seat. It’s always full of stuff (normally more than this but I had Mum in the car this morning).

Back home at 5.15pm I enjoyed a lemonade ice-block while downloading some photos to flickr and starting work on this post.

I went and made up Christy’s bed (ready for when Poppy put her to bed), did a quick tidy up upstairs and got ready to go out. My car was nearly empty so we stopped to get petrol and could grey clouds moving in from the South,

We had dinner at our current favourite Lebanese restaurant. We get a wrap each and take half with us to have later. The meals cost us a whole $16, and we don’t feel silly not being able to eat very much. I love the falafel wrap with cheese and salad.

While we were at dinner it started raining in earnest. It was bucketing down and even with the umbrella we would be been drenched by the time we got to the basketball stadium. Luckily it eased off a bit when we had finished eating so we were able to get there without getting too wet.

The game was great, as usual, though we lost by 1 point in the last 2 seconds!!!!! It was funny in a way because it was a 3 pt shot by one of our old players that no-one liked. He used to get boo-ed by his own team supporters - which I never understand. How was he supposed to get better being heckled by the people were supposed to support him? Anyway, he got his own back tonight so I kind of didn’t mind that we lost.

We got home about 10pm (Dad had already put the girls to bed) and made a cup of tea. I read for a while before turning off the light about 11pm (which is a VERY late night for me). Unfortunately I was up at at 11.30, 1am, 2am and 4am taking Bailey out to the toilet (I think he drank too much duck pond water this morning!!!) Poor fella.

Anyway, that was a day in my life. Be sure to hop over to Little Jenny Wren to see what others were to today.

I nearly forgot that it’s once again my job to document A Day in My Life. I was up around 5.20am. Not that I wanted to be but Kevin had to leave early to go to Sydney and since our bedroom opens up to our bathroom there was no staying asleep for me. A shame. It’s rainy and overcast and would have been a great morning to snuggle in bed with Rosie (guess, I should have said Kevin ).

Downstairs to let the dogs out for the toilet. Then I made myself a cup of tea which I enjoyed while watching the slide show presentation for my Design Your Life class, and reading blogs in Google Reader.

Got Bailey his breakfast and watched him and Rosie playing. He’s growing up so fast and is nearly as tall as Rosie (esp. at the back end).

At 6.45am I headed upstairs to have my shower. Christy was already up so I helped her get dressed and put away some the girls clothes. I made my bed, not easy with the dogs.

Then had my shower and got dressed for the gym. I didn’t realize quite how warm it was and should have waited to shower AFTER my workout. I cleanse, moisturize and put on a bit of makeup.

Now, I’m all ready to face the day.

Back downstairs. I put the washing on - adult clothes today.

Help Christy organise her lunch and make breakfast. Really couldn’t decide what I felt like this morning. Ended up with cruskits and cottage cheese and a Milo (which I have about once every 6 weeks).

We had been planning to walk to school but it had started raining so we drove. I had to open the uniform shop at school. We had NO customers today. I forgot to take a photo until after I had closed up but here’s were all the action (!!!!) takes place.

Aren’t these flowers at the school absolutely beautiful?

Next stop was the gym.

Today was lower body workout so it’s a quick one and I was back home by 9.45am. The dogs helped  me bring in the mail.

Put the washing in the dryer. I don’t like to use it but the rain looks very set in and is supposed to hang around tomorrow as well.

Time to rest my jelly legs and enjoy a protein shake while reading blogs. If you’re looking for a good one to read go check out simple-green-frugal-co-op. It’s new but you can tell it’s going to be fantastic.

After recovering from my workout I ventured out into the garden to get some cauliflower for tonights dinner. We’re also having snow peas but I’ll go get them later when it stops raining. I bought them inside, removed the leaves (gave some to the guinea pigs) and washed the florets. I then took some leaves out to the chooks, who were in an area by the back door (where the’re not supposed to be). No eggs yet today.

I then did a bit of ordering for the uniform shop. We have the kindy orientation coming up in a few weeks.

I then made up some fruit loaf and got it started in the bread maker. Our machine is working out really well and even Christy likes “some” of the bread I’ve made in it.

I’m feeling VERY lazy today. Normally after my weights workout on Tues I do my groceries. I’ve worked out I never have a lot of energy for a while afterwards so I do my cleaning on days I do cardio early in the morning. However, I don’t think the weather is helping things today. So I made myself a cup of tea and wrote up some of this post. So many things I should be doing but I’m just in the mood today.

I ended up getting motivated enough to go and do an 1/2 hour of ironing and managed to get it ALL done. Now I just have to put it away - I hate that job way more than the ironing.

Time for some lunch. Today I had a grain roll with a slice of cheese and some pasta salad. I ate while reading blogs (bad, I know).

At 1pm I headed into the scrapbook room to work on some layouts from our big trip. I got quite a few done and am on the home stretch with the album.

At 2.45 I left to go pick up the girls from school. It had stopped raining but had turned quite cool. However by the time we got home and out of the car, the sun was out and it was rather warm (didn’t last long though). Christy played a bit of basketball outside and I sent Amy to pick some snow peas and broad beans.

She go the beans out of the pods for me, then upon doing some research I realized they have to be boiled slightly and then peeled again. I did this and it wasn’t as bad as I feared. The bread was ready and Amy enjoyed some for afternoon tea.

I got back on the computer (and a cup of tea) again and got side tracked finding photos for Kevin to print on canvas for our loungeroom (it’s been on my to-do list for some time now).

Time was getting away so I thought I’d better finish getting dinner made. I got the dogs their dinner, which they devoured.

Dinner tonight was cauliflower in the cheese sauce, snow peas & broad beans and honey carrots. Amy and I ate together. Christy had already eaten and was over and Nan & Pop’s, and Kevin was late home.

After dinner I got the kitchen cleaned up and Kevin arrived home. We sent Christy up for her bath and Kevin had his dinner. We settled down to watch and episode of the Tudors Season 2 and I finished up this post.

To read about others days make sure you visit Little Jenny Wren.

Wow, nearly forgot today. Christy woke up just after 3.30am saying she was scared. Her room was dark (which is normal) but her window was open (cause it had been so hot yesterday) and the wind had come up and was banging her blind. I got up, closed her window, opened her blind, put her music on and hopefully sent her back to sleep. Unfortunately for me, even though I went back to bed I was not going back to sleep. I got up just before 4am and took to dogs outside to the toilet.

Then I boiled the kettle and got myself a cup of tea and some birthday cake and settled in front of the computer. It rained for a bit but as the sun comes up it seems to have stopped and the wind has died down.

Amy came downstairs around 6am and is now settled in front of the TV. I was just reading through my favourite blog when I suddenly remembered it was “a day in my life” so run out to get my camera from the car (where I had left it after Christy’s party last night). So here’s the first photo of the day.

And a photo of what I see when I turn away from the computer…. guess what my first job for the day is?

I finally got up and moving around 7.30am - i mean it’s such a wet drizzly day and i had an action packed one yesterday so it’s good to take it easy. Anyway, I put on a load of washing (need to wash Kevin’s work pants for tomorrow), moved stuff off the kitchen table and bench, made breakfast - toast all around this morning (I had mine with marmalade).

The dogs polished off the girls leftover crusts.

I washed up, grated some cheese and put some eggs on to cook (for boiled eggs during the week).

Time for another cup of tea - I think it’s already my 4th for the day and to do yesterdays blog post.

I got Christy dressed, then made some Cheesy Potato Chowder (great day for soup for lunch), then chopped up some dying sweet potatoes for the dogs to have with their dinner.

At 10.30am the girls and Kevin headed off to indoor rock climbing. Kevin wanted me to go but I bargined that if I stayed home I could do what I wanted to get done (working on our budget, tidying the scrapbook desk and hopefully doing a page or two), then I’d watch a movie with him this afternoon (I really don’t like watching TV very much during the day). He accepted my offer. I helped them get their lunches organised to take with them and after they’d gone thought I’d better feed Bailey his lunch. Then I realized it was only 10.30am. I seem to have DONE so much (and drunk so much tea) already today.

Budget all sorted (we’ve recently gone to a cash only budget and it needed a bit of fine tuning), I realized I have already spent 4.5 hours in front of the computer today. Admittedly most of 3 of those hours were before 7am but still….. I’m now off into the scrapbook room.

As you can see my work area needed a GOOD tidy up.

At the moment I’m working on the travel album from our outback trip and also the daily assignment for my Have More Fun class. In the white desktop organiser I have put paper and things I am using the travel album. The little tub on the desk has photos I have layout ideas/plan for. Isn’t that desk light horrible? I’ve been looking for something better but no luck so far.

At 12.45 I stopped to have some of soup for lunch and wrote up this post to date. Kevin and the girls just arrived home but a friend is coming over so I should still be able to grab a bit of scrapbook time. So want to now that the desk is tidy.

I managed to spend a few hours scrapbooking which was very nice.

Around 4pm the visitors left (it was a friend of Kevin’s and his daugther) we had a spa which was nice and relaxing. We got into our PJs, made some popcorn and watched the small amount of video we had taken on our trip & Christy’s birthday. Kevin ordered me a flip camera today after I kept talking about them (after seeing them in action on quite a few scrapbooking blogs). Hopefully it’ll be as easy to use and upload as I’ve heard and I’ll therefore take more video. I don’t tend to take a lot as I focus on photos for scrapbooking.

After our home movies we were going to watch a family movie but Christy got bored and went off so we decided to watch The Mummy with Amy. I was surprised it’s only PG. She actually got a bit scared and went off towards the end. She watched Jurassic Park the other week and it didn’t phase her. I enjoyed it again. Being a BIG Brendan Fraser fan I’ve seen it many times before but not for a number of years.

I haven’t been really great documenting today or taking lots of photos but I did happen to notice the lovely sunset.

After the movie finished I tidied the kitchen (we had stopped to make dinner during the movie - brown rice, TVP favoured with taco seasoning, grated cheese, tomato and sour cream) and we watched a bit of the original Sabrina before heading up to bed. After my early morning it’ll be another early night.

To read more A day in my life posts please visit Little Jenny Wren.

Well, I can’t believe that it’s the 14th again. Just a month ago we were nearly the end of our trip out at Alice Springs. I’m still waiting on getting the photos printed and can’t wait to start scrapbooking them.

Anyway, on with today. Unfortunately Kevin woke the dogs up around 5am and that it was it - playtime had begun. I had really wanted a sleep in as I didn’t have great night and was awake for an hour or two in the early hours of the morning. Still, with them playing and me with a sore back, I dragged myself out of bed and into my dressing gown and slippers - it’s been very cold here this week. Bailey managed to wee and poo before I got him outside. Not great for the toilet training. On the plus side I didn’t have to go out in the cold.

I got myself a cup of tea, turned on the gas heater and settled in front of the computer for a couple of hours. I also wrote up a list of what I need to get over the next couple of days as we’ve got a busy weekend coming up and old friends coming for lunch on Sunday (when I say old I mean I’ve known these girls since I was 3 years old).

At 7am I went around the house and opened up all the blinds to let the sunshine in. I then had my shower and got dressed for the gym. It might seem strange to shower before the gym but today I’m doing weights and being Winter I don’t get sweaty.

I put on the girls clothes to be washed and took the dogs out for the toilet. Than I ate breakfast at the kitchen bench whilst unpacking the dishwasher and trying to get the girls to tidy up their things that are lying around. There isn’t a lot but it’s causing me some stress as Bailey eats everything he finds.

Having finally seemed to have motivated them (by threatening to put any there things that I find in the garage) I managed to also some washing up done and the bread started (I make the dough in the breadmaker but cook it in the oven).

I had hoped to walk to school but we didn’t have time so we drove.

After I dropped the girls off I went to the gym (which is right next door to the school). There was hardly anyone in the weights room today (in fact I was on my own for a while). I had a good upper body workout and drove back home.

My washing was finished so I hung that out (kids clothes today) and put on other load. I only usually do one load a day but Mum & Dad arrived home last night so I’ve got the clothes that we left with them to wash). The dough was also ready so I put in the pan to rise and put another batch in the machine to make some rolls.

I then made myself a protein shake (to aid muscle recovery) and sat at the computer for brief rest.

Next up was cleaning outdoors in preparation for our visitors on Sunday (hopefully the weather will be nice enough to eat outside). I got ride of some cobwebs, swept the patio/ pool area , hosed the patio/pool area (with tank water) and finally mopped the patio/pool area. It gets so dusty outside it’s mission impossible trying to keep it clean. I also cleaned the table and BBQ.

I then threw out some straws for the chickens to play and to check for eggs - none today (unless I got them earlier - can’t remember).

The bread rising was now ready to go into the oven. I sat for a few mins rest at the computer (while eating a banana) then the dough was ready to be made into rolls and left to rise.

Next job for this morning was to clean the guinea pig cage.

Then it was time for Bailey’s first bath - by me anyway. I usually wash the dogs in the shower but thought it might be best to do him in the bath. Not sure it was a great idea. He kept trying to climb out and I ended up just as wet as he did.

Then since it was such a nice day I thought I’d use our new hot water tap and wash Rosie outside. Got even wetter.

Time for some lunch. Had Cheesy Potato Chowder (this years Winter favourite) and a slice of my freshly cooked bread. I have been having lunch while watching the Olympics but I wanted to do some scrapbooking so thought it best NOT to put the TV on. Instead I started typing this up.

Bailey was very tired after his bath.

Somehow I ended up doing the ironing first.

Then I went and scrapbooked a layout about Bailey, and cooked the rolls, before having a visit with Mum & Dad.

I then brought in the washing and hung out the other load before going to pick up the girls. I was too tired to walk so took the dogs in the car and drove up to school.

Home from school we all had a quick snack. I then did Christy’s hair in a bun for ballet.

We drove to her class.

After dropping her off, Amy and I went to the dance shop to order a dress for her singing concert. The dress maker was very appreciative of all the notice we gave her (we don’t need it to Nov). We had about 1/2 hour to wait for Christy so I read through the Eat Clean Diet and drank my cup of tea.

Home again about 5pm. I had been feeling a bit sore and achy so decided to indulge in a bath. The girls went over to see the grandparents so I go to enjoy it in peace and quiet. It was very nice and relaxing.

I uploaded photos ready for this post. Kevin arrived home shortly afterwards and we went to watch the news to see the Olympic highlights. Then I organised dinner. An easy one tonight - Pumpkin Cannelloni and rice & veggies from the freezer. Worked out well after my busy day.

Dinner was cleaned up and I sat and watch TV while typing this up on my laptop. After my early start this morning I imagine I’ll be heading to bed rather promptly and hope to read a couple of pages.

Make sure you visit Little Jenny Wren to read other “A day in my life” posts.

I realized last night that I missed participating in the “A Day in My Life” on the 14th. With Kevin’s encouragement I decided to do it today. So to those new to my blog it just means I’ll be blogging in more detail about what I did today. For those who normally read my “A day in my life” posts, I’m on holidays at the moment - currently in Alice Springs (middle of Australia) so this is far from a normal day.

I awoke about 5.30am and sat out in the loungeroom of our cabin catching up on some blogs and enjoying a couple of cups of tea.

The girls were awake about 7.30am and quickly got dressed and had breakfast before heading out to play at the park. I had a shower and got dressed and about 8.30am went over to the camp laundry to do a big load of washing.

I came back and had some melted cheese on the yummy homemade bread we bought yesterday. Kevin got himself ready and we chased up the girls to come do their hair and teeth. Mum & Dad came over our cabin just after 9am. My washing was still not finished so we had to wait for it. It was finally done about 9.20am and I got it all hung out. It’s shaping up to be a nice, warm day so should dry pretty quickly.

We headed out to the Alice Springs Desert Park - about a 10min drive away.

First we saw a great film about the area. At the conclusion of the film the screen drops away and are met with this stunning view of the outdoors.

We then starting walking along the path, listening to our audio commentaries as we go.

at 11am we went to listen to a talk about Aboriginal weapons and lifestyle. It was very informative, though the girls did get a little bored as the guy seemed to want to keep talking. Us adults enjoyed it though.

By now it was nearly 12pm and we were getting hungry so we headed back to the cafe. I had a very yummy potato salad and some of Kevins corn cob.

We then headed back on our walk around the park. It was very interesting. So many beautiful flowers, trees, lots of birds.

The nocturnal house was especially interesting. I love the thorny devil.

About 2pm we bought an ice-cream as we walked around.

We completed our walk shortly afterwards and went to the gift shop to kill some time before the Birds of Prey show. This was also great. The birds were so amazing to see. The black kite actually catch food on the fly with it’s feet and put it straight in it’s mouth - so cool to see.

We left the park and arrived back at the cabin about 4.30pm. I went to get our washing off the line. So fun to use a big clothesline.

We then went over to Mum’s van for some afternoon tea of cheese, crackers and chips. It was nice to get off my feet and sit relaxing in the sun.

I was lucky enough to see a young kangaroo getting a drink of water.

Just before 6pm we headed back to the van, and the girls came back from the park. It was cold so I had a nice, hot bath (it’s a bit corner bath) and a cup of tea. All warmed up I got dinner organised. Tonight we had chilli con carne (cooked at home and frozen) with organic corn chips. Then Kevin hooked up Mum’s internet for me to use - mine takes far too long to do anything.

It’s nearly 8pm and I’ve been typing this up on my laptop while the photos upload to flickr and I watch some TV. Once this is published I’ll be heading off to bed to read Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon and enjoy yet another cup of tea and probably a Tim Tam.

Okay it’s taken me till 9.15pm and I’m finally signing off and heading for bed.

Woke up around 5.30am and laid in bed for a bit. Rather cold here this morning. Suddenly decided I could make some morning tea for Kevin to serve at the first aid course he’s teaching today (he’d been going to buy biscuits). That was the incentive I need to get out of bed. I spent the next hour making choc chip muffins, anzac cookies and weetbix slice.

Amy was awake and watching TV. She’s been home sick the last 2 days and is still not real great. I enjoyed a cup of tea (and an anzac cookie - had to do a taste test) and read some info online for a scrapbook class I’m taking.

Christy and I go outside to feed the chooks and collect the eggs. We got two (later I got another 3 so they did well today).

About 7.30am I went around the opened all the blinds, tidied the bedroom and tried to make our bed.

Ran Amy a bath, instructed Christy to tidy her room and get dressed for drama and went and had my shower.

After getting dressed, found Christy playing in her room with nothing accomplished. Went downstairs to package up the food for Kevin - he’d already left so I took them over to my parents who are doing the course today.

Make breakfast for the girls - toast for Christy and scrambled eggs for Amy.

Wash up the dishes from this mornings baking session and tidy the kitchen.

Send Christy up to get dressed (her room will have to wait). Ring my friend Leanne to let her know we won’t be able to come to her daughter’s birthday party - the girls are dissapointed but what can you do? I can’t even take Christy as all potential babysitters are at the same course.

At 9.15 I drop Christy off at her drama lessons (Amy is sad cause she has to miss out). I come home and get changed into a fleecy tracksuit as it is FREEZING cold outside (such a shock after a mild winter to date). Feed the budgies and guinea pigs and made myself a cup of tea to have with my “breakfast” (cruskits with spreadable cheese) while updating this blog post. Also hung out a load of washing.

Now that our plans for the day have changed I’m not sure what I’ll do. I don’t know whether to just appreciate the extra time and do things for ME or if I should use the bonus time to get more things DONE. Maybe a bit of both. I want to do some work in the household notebook and budget and I’ve got some ironing to do, then maybe some scrapbooking or knitting or watching some Perfect Housewife (though that will just make me want to clean). Anyway, time to go get Christy.

Okay, I’m back. I decided on working on a revised daily routine after being inspired by Carolyn at 5 minutes for Mum

I then worked on the budget - which wasn’t quite as fun.

Next was lunch. I made toast for Christy and cheese on toast for Amy. Since we were having such a relaxed, lazy day I let them eat while watching TV.

I had my lunch while playing on the computer. I had a veggie patty with melted cheese on top of a slice of bread.

Shortly after Christy crawled onto my lap to do her school home reader.

Needing to get off the computer for a while I headed into the scrapbook room for a few hours. I did 3 layouts and had some afternoon tea. Amy just watched TV and Christy went to our neighbours for a play.

Around 4pm I came back to the computer to start downloading photos. I stopped to make dinner - Pasta with a mushroom sauce - recommended by Bel. I sent some to Mum & Dad and they declared it 10 out of 10. Kevin came home around 5.30pm.

It’s now 6.30pm and I’m going to publish this post and go have my dinner. Gee, NO meals eaten at the table today - that’s not good. It’s family movie night and we’re going to watching Bailey’s Billions - it has a golden retriever in it so the girls are excited.

Edited to add the movie was a dud - we ended up watching December Boys - which wasn’t a whole lot better but I enjoyed Daniel Radcliff’s performance. Amy went to bed around 7.30pm feeling pretty sick, Kevin went about 8pm since he wasn’t enjoying the movie and was tired, and Christy flaked out sometime around 9pmso I carried her up to bed. It’s now 9.30pm and I’m heading to bed to hopefully do a bit of reading before falling asleep.

To read about others “a day in my life” visit Little Jenny Wren

Wow, can’t believe a WHOLE month has gone by since I last did “a day in my life” - seems like just a week or so ago - guess that’s what holidays do to you.

Anyway, had a bit of a sleep in till 5.30am this morning. Got up and boiled the kettle for a cup of tea, which I enjoyed while reading blogs.

Not sure of my plans for today yet. Mum & I were talking about a day out shopping so I might be doing that. If not I’ll be cleaning the kitchen (that will be an exciting post won’t it?) and getting the groceries.

It’s nearly 7am so time to go open all the blinds and let light into the house, then off to have my shower.

All dressed, it’s time to empty the dishwasher, feed the budgies and put them out in the sun, feed and water the guinea pigs, check the chickens and make up some banana muffins.

Breakfast for the girls, I eat Christy’s leftover french toast while tidying the kitchen and making lunch for Christy (Amy makes her own).

Once the girls leave for school with Nan(who is doing reading today) I take Rosie for a run to the park (I ride).

Check the house is tidy and beds are made. Get ready to go shopping with Nan. I pick Nan up from school and while she gets changed I hang out the washing.

We left around 9.45 and I enjoyed a cup of tea in the tea in the car before arriving at Miranda about 10.30am.

We went to Myer first - Nan was looking for some t-shirts for our Ayers Rock trip but being almost Winter there wasn’t a lot to choose from. She did manage to get a few items though and I picked up the peace t-shirt. I also got a new lipstick for Winter (my pink for Summer is a little too bright for now).

We then stopped for some lunch at Jamacia Blue. I had a yummy spinach quiche - the salad was especially nice. Mum really enjoyed her lunch too and I’m pretty sure we’ll be eating here again next time we come.

Next was Target. I managed to pick up some PJs for Amy and a couple of tops (all on sale) for myself.

Collected some rolls and bread for Christy, and couldn’t help but buy some low-fat butternut cookies from the Cookie Man. I was reminding Mum of how when we first moved to Wollongong our local shopping center had a Cookie Man and we used to get the best chocolate orange cream cookies - they were so yummy - but they no-longer make them - which is probably a good thing.

Anyway, our last stop was L’Occitane to pick up a face mask. I’ve only recently switched to this brand of skin care (after using Lancome for many years) but I’m really happy with that - the main selling point was that it’s mainly organic.

Here’s today haul - not including the new PJ’s for Amy (thanks to Nan for buying those for her).

It was then time to drive home. I dropped Nan at home, picked up Rosie and Pop drove us up to the school so we could walk back with the girls. Amy had a friend over from school and after having apple slinkies they happily played a few board games.

I bought in the washing (and the budgies), thought about doing the ironing but decided not to (it will still be there tomorrow).

Then I sat and updated this blog while enjoying a cup of tea (and I hate to say it, but a few of those cookies I bought today).

After Amy’s friend left, I made dinner. NOT what was on the plan as I seem to have run out of time and cause I went out with Mum I don’t have the red kidney beans needed for the bean patties). Instead I did baked potatoes with garlic butter (leftover from Sunday), mexican beans, cheese and topped with sour cream.

Also made Rosies dinner - pasta and tinned veggie soup.

It’s now 7pm. Kevin is home from work, Christy is in the bath and Amy is playing “MY” wii fit. Time to publish this post, have dinner and watch the latest season of House.

Be sure to visit Little Jenny Wren to see other A day in my Life posts.

Well, it’s that time of month when I join Little Jenny Wren in a day in my life. Today it’s school holidays and the main plan is the clean downstairs, take Rosie to the vets, then do some fun things this afternoon. It’s a wet, cold, drizzly day so perfect for being indoors.

I was up bright and early at 4.30am this morning. And once I wake there’s usually no going back to sleep so I got up and spent the next few hours on the computer reading blogs, uploading photos, working on my own blog and adding some blogs to google reader - this morning I added pickelbums (not too sure where the title comes from yet), vanilla joy, and whimsy & wonder (a great gal from the Frugal Aussie yahoo group).

At 7.20 I pried my backside off my seat. Both girls were now awake (Amy was up before me and Christy had just woken). I ran them a bath, made beds and went off my have my shower. Being Monday morning I hopped on the scales for my weekly weigh in and took my measurements. Not a lot happening on the scales but my measurements are continuing to drop.

At 8am I was all dressed, back downstairs to put on the girls clothes to be washed.

Amy made our breakfast, scrambled eggs and baked beans, and I made French Toast for Christy.

After breakfast I tidied the kitchen, put on some bread to bake for lunch, and got back online to get us tickets to go see Disney on Ice in June. After 15mins I managed to get us front row tickets - hurray!!!

Next up the girls helped me to clean downstairs - this includes tidying, dusting, cleaning glass surfaces, vacuuming and mopping the floors. With their help I was done in just over an hour.

I then hung out the washing and the sun was just trying to pop out through the clouds. I did our menu plan for the next 5 days.

At 11am we took Rosie into the vets. Poor girl had her bandage (and a bit of fur) taken off and has to go back tomorrow to have a drain put it, as she’s gotten a bit of an infection. Gee, do you think Rosie actually knows she’s a dog? She taken to hoping up on the seat beside me when we go the vets - too funny. One man was in stitches watching her today, then she tried to sit on my lap :-).

Stopped to get some rolls for Christy on the way home and treated myself to some fresh flowers (since the house looks so nice and tidy).

We had pumpkin soup and fresh bread for lunch.

Then cleaned out the guinea pig and bird cage. Decided to give the guinea pigs a bath while we were at it. I then had the pleasure of getting a delivery of scrapbook supplies. LOTS of goodies - so yummy I could eat them :-).

Next up was taking Rosie for a walk down to the lake. It was a windy and a bit chilly but nice to be outside. The girls rode their bikes and had a bit of a play at the park.

We got home around 2pm and after a drink of water (and a little rest) we made some homemade ice-cream to have for desert tonight. Next was some craft. The girls made some ribbon creatures and did some painting. I helped, enjoyed a cup of tea and a piece of choc. brownie slice that I made yesterday, while I unpacked my new scrapbooking supplies.

Time for working on a jigsaw. This is one I got for Christmas - boy is it going to be hard.

About 5pm I bought in the washing and folded it ready for ironing (probably tomorrow), then started to make dinner (Cherry Tomato and Feta Frittata). Kids were playing “camping” so I thought I’d sneak into the scrapbook room (while I have to myself) to do layout. That didn’t work out too well so I ended up doing a bit of ironing.

Kevin came home about 6pm so I finished off dinner and we sat down to enjoy it.

Cleaned up the kitchen, uploaded my photos for this post, then went to watch some TV with Kevin (at the moment we are watching season 1 of the Vickor of Dipley. Still so funny after 14 years) and enjoy the homemade ice-cream.

Feeling very tired. Up early and it’s been a VERY busy day. I think I’ll be asleep rather early.

Came across a great idea on Little Jenny Wren to document ” a day in my life” on the 14th of every month. Being a scrapbooker and blogger I immediately signed up for the challenge.

5.20am Up early again today. I often wake up around this time and with the sore back I’ve been suffering from find it impossible to go back to sleep.

Cup of tea while reading blogs/e-mail

7am Shower and get dressed

7.30am Feed and water all animals

Unpack dishwasher, make French Toast for Christy, help kids do lunches

8.30am Drop girls at school

9am Beauticians to have my gel nails reapplied - I love this time with Fran (my Beautician)- we get along so well and she’s become a real friend.

10.30am Drive to Shellharbour - more clothes shopping at Target and pick up basket from Howard Storage world

12pm Drive home, unpack car, hang out washing

12.45 Enjoy a yummy salad for lunch (esp. good as it’s nearly 30 degrees today). Check blogs/websites while having lunch

1.15 Head to scrapbook room work on assignment for my Library of Memories class.

2.45 Pick up girls from school

3.15 Home, unpack school bags

3.45 Take Amy to dancing lessons - made a mistake and got there for 4pm, not 4.3opm!!!! Read through The Big Picture by Stacy Julian while waiting

5.15 Home again. Say hi to Kevin (who is home early for a change)

5.30 Water veggie garden / check blogs

6pm Watch the Tudors with Kevin (girls go to Nan’s for BBQ night)

Dinner watching TV - leftover Soy Sausage Casserole

8.45pm Go to bed - read until fall asleep

9.30pm Lights out….