The life and times of Libby Withnall

Woke up around 6am – a sleep in for me – but not surprising after I had to be at the hospital last night from 7.45pm – 9.15pm having an MRI. Have to go back later today for part 2. We had cuddles with the dogs this morning. They aren’t normally allowed up on the bed these days but we’re stocking up on extra cuddles this week .

Eventually I got out of bed and headed downstairs and let the dogs out.

Both the girls were already up. Amy, because she has to be ready to leave just after 7am and Christy because she has an excursion today and has to be at school early

.

I had a cup of tea and sat for a few minutes before making Kevin & Amy a green smoothie for breakfast- which I started doing this week when they were both sick. Once Amy & Kevin had left I made some toast for Christy and left her eating breakfast while I went up to have my shower and get dressed.

Then it was time to drop her off at school.

Of course, Bailey had to come along for the ride.

Back home I unpacked the dishwasher

fed the animals, put on the first load of washing and made myself some breakfast – I’ve been on a real bagel kick lately and can’t wait to enjoy some in the USA – they are SOOOO much better than what I can buy locally.

While eating I made our finally booking for the trip  – our airport pickup I also signed a few things supporting Animals Australia’s campaign to ban live animal export – something I am very passionate about – and it finally seems to have upset a lot of Australians. The videos are absolutely heartbreaking and sickening but it’s something everyone needs to know about. I truly can’t believe that Australian animals are allowed (by our government) to be treated in this manner. Even more-so that people could be so cruel as to torture an animal that’s about to die. Looks like I’ll need to reapply my mascara as I’ve just cried it all off.

On a happier note, I hung out the first bit of washing – Christy’s quilt, and put on another load. It was so weird that all this was done by 9am!!!! I then took the laptop into the laundry so I do watch some youtube videos while doing the ironing

.

I went to start packing our clothes (I did my toiletries yesterday).

while the pups had a snooze.

Then Mum & Dad came to take the dogs on walk.

I had a chat with Mum & Dad when they dropped the dogs back. Then time for some lunch. I wasn’t that hungry so just a bowl of Potato and Leek Soup. Then headed off for my MRI appointment at the hospital.

I had left 15mins to get parked but the parking lots was FULL. I didn’t know where else to go  and after driving around for a bit ended up getting a bit claustrophobic and having a bit of a panic attack – a first for me. I couldn’t stand the thought of going back through the parking lot so just waited by the entrance. After about 5 mins I saw someone leaving and their car was RIGHT in front of where I waiting – how’s that for luck. Unfortunately I ended up being 15mins late for my appointment but what could I do???

I had a canula (sp?) put in, and was then taken to the MRI room. Today I had my right hand and foot done (last night was the left side). It’s noisy (even with ear muffs) but it’s surprising relaxing just lying there. I did start to cry at one stage when my thoughts had returned to the cows I watched earlier this morning. So I had to turn my thoughts to our upcoming trip .

An hour and half later and I was done. I was hungry so bought a packet of chips which I ate on the way home. Thankfully I was close to the exit of the car park.

Christy was due to be picked up at 4pm so I just waited at the school even though I was 20min early. The bus arrived and the kids had to get marked off, then we headed home.

I folded up the clothes from the dryer and put in another load so I get everything ironed and put away tonight. Then it was time for a cup of tea and to read some blogs. Dinner tonight was Mexi-Bean Burritos – which we haven’t had for ages. Since Christy was just finishing up her bath and Amy watching TV we decided to have a casual dinner tonight…in front of the TV.

Christy came down and we watched Got to Dance UK – about the only show she likes to watch with me. Tonights episode was all about the selecting the performers for the semi-finals.

Next we put on the Dog Whisperer and the girls wrote up their lunch orders for tomorrow. They don’t get them very often so it’s a big deal when they do.

Rosie seems to have a lot of lose fluff so I thought I’d better giver her a brush…

which was obviously VERY needed…

Later we had some ice cream and Rosie & I snuggled on the couch.

We all headed up to bed. I read to Christy, said goodnight to Amy and read on my kindle for around half an hour before going to sleep.

I’ve been waking up around 5.30am this week and not able to go back to sleep and this was the case today. After letting the dogs out I made a cup of tea, which I enjoyed while watching youtube and reading blogs while waiting for the household to awaken.

Eventually they did surface and Kevin was greeted with hugs from Rosie.

Amy was kind enough to make breakfast for us…

Spaghetti on toast today.

I then did a bit of washing up….

and fed the dogs their breakfast – do you think they’re excited?

I then made the bed..

found Christy practicing her choir songs…

had my shower and got ready for the day.

Nan & Pop came to get the dogs to take them for  a walk. I’m so lucky they are able to do this with my feet causing me such grief.

We had been going to stay home for the day but I really needed to get the girls some Winter shoes so decided to go into Wollongong.

First stop was Gloria Jeans (neither Kevin or Christy had eaten breakfast).

I enjoyed a very yummy HOT chocolate.

Then it was time to shop for shoes.

Both girls ended up with new boots.

They also got some new clothes. Kevin scored some new DVDs and I got an empty wallet! Oh wait, I did visit Darrell Lea to pick up some more of my favourite chocolates .

Kevin had heard good things about the new Indian place in the food court so we decided to get lunch there.

But rather than eat in the noisy food court we took it home to eat. It was REALLY yummy.

I then hemmed two new cargo pants I bought for Kevin yesterday.

Just as I was finishing Kay dropped off Emerson to hang out (I don’t think they “play” once they’re in high school). Kay stayed for a drink and a chat. Once she left I got stuck into doing a bit more planning for our trip (just 3 weeks and we’ll be on our way) while Kevin played War of Warcraft.

The girls made some mars bar slice (but burnt the chocolate for the top )

The pups hung out with us…

and we enjoyed a cheese and dip platter for afternoon tea.

We had been planning to go out for dinner so had organised for the girls to have dinner at Nan & Pops. But our plans were cancelled so Kevin and I decided to have a spa.

Amy came back from Nan & Pops – Christy is sleeping over. I got the dogs their dinner…

and organised our own dinner. Kevin had leftover Indian and I had leftover mexican .

I then painted my nails…

before settling down with Kevin (and Rosie) to watch The King’s Speech.

Very good movie. I can see why it won so many awards. Then it was time for bed. With all my early mornings I didn’t even end up reading tonight – just went straight to sleep.

Slept into 6.30am, which is amazing for me. Then had cuddles with Bailey and Rosie before getting up. There was a lovely sunrise this morning which made me miss my morning walks with the dogs.

After saying goodbye to Kevin and Amy I made myself another cup of tea.

When I went to check on Christy she was already up and dressed.

I reminded her to have her asthma medication as she is suffering a bit at the moment (due to having a cold).

I then made us some breakfast. Plain toast for Christy and toast with marmalade for me.

At 8.15am Christy (and Shantel) left for school on their bikes.

And I headed upstairs for my first workout on our new exercise bike.

I felt quite at home since it’s exactly the same as the ones at the gym. And boy did it feel good to sweat – it’s been such a long time since I was able to workout. Here I am nice and sweaty . The best part about exercising at home…. I could stay in my pj’s .

I showered, dressed, made the bed and came downstairs to put my feet up for a bit.

Then it was time to tackle cleaning downstairs. With my feet so swollen and painful and my heel spur acting up I had to take it easy. I did half of downstairs, had a rest, then finished downstairs. Upstairs will have to wait if I want to be able to walk this afternoon.

Ah, gotta love a clean and tidy house.

My favourite falafel salad for lunch – looks a little bland as I was out of tomato but it still tasted yum. I ate it while watching a Trinny & Suzannah in the USA that I had recorded a while back.

One of Bailey’s many snoozes.

After lunch I made some vegetable soup for Amy to have after school.

And went to do a few layouts. I’ve been really struggling with my scrapbooking lately and have been trying to decide whether to continue with it. I think I just need to try and do some each day.

As usual the pups joined me and enjoyed a sleep on the lounge.

I had to go pick up Amy from the bus stop at 3pm. She spent the afternoon packing for a music camp she’s going on tomorrow and Christy went to ride her horse (ie. bike) with Shantel. Just as I was preparing dinner the post lady (who usually comes around lunch time) arrived with a parcel from Crush Cosmetics.

Before dinner went in the oven I made a batch of banana muffins.

Then time for dinner. Tonight was a veggie snitzel, mashed potato and veggies.

Over dinner we had our Monday night family meeting.

While Amy went up to have her bath and I did the washing up….

Kevin played with his new toy that he got at Questacon…

I then painted my nails

and settled down to watch some Dog Whisperer….

with my puppies….

I put Christy to bed at 8pm and read her some stories, then had another cup of tea before heading to bed around 9.30pm. I read a few chapter of the Pioneer Woman romance story (loving it) and had to laugh when I found Bailey like this . I think he missed (his bed). Not that he minded he was like this for ages.

Woke up at 5.30am, dragged myself out of bed to get the camera, took the above  photo, said hello to Amy, took this photo of Christy asleep as I closed her curtains,

took a photo out of my side bedroom window – loved the sunrise hitting the front glass of the Q1,

and went back to bed (and to sleep) for another hour. When I finally got up it was the usual – computer time, girls to get bread from the bakery and Iced Chocs from Gloria Jeans today. I got a load of washing done and around 9am we headed downstairs to the pool.

I caught up on some magazine reading…

Christy went in the pool but said it was very cold,

so instead she prepared some sand meals for me to eat,

then joined Amy in the spa when it opened. We then headed to the indoor pool where I discovered the sauna.

After cooling off in the pool the girls wanted to try out the sauna as well. They enjoyed it more than I thought they would. Around 11am we went back up to get ready for today. Unfortunately the girls weren’t being the most co-operative today. Luckily I had checked up the website last night and discovered we all needed closed in shoes for todays activity. I had some, but the girls did not. So we had a side tour to Harbour Town to get some.

Amy got some boots from Adidas and we found these cute shoes for Christy. Of course when we saw the style name we knew it was meant to be .

We then drove up to Tambourine Mountain. I’ve not been here since I was a child. It’s always on the to-do list but we never seem to make it. Of course, when I read about Thunderbird Park (which I had visited as a child) I knew we had to make the trip as Christy is mad about rocks. It was a lovely drive through the rainforest. So many amazingly tall trees.

And finally we had arrived, much later than planned.

Since it was after 1.30pm, first stop was lunch.

I had THE most delicious vegetarian warp. It was so big I kept half and ate it on the drive back home.

Luckily the food was good as the service was  a little slow. Christy went off to play on the swings while we waited and Amy & I met a few of the locals.

And yes, that’s a real bird peeking over the top of the sign – so cute.

Before leaving we had to visit this place and Christy took a photo of the sign .

The finally the rock shop. The attendent tried to talk us out of going (or rather warned us) because he said most kids need around 2.5 hours on the mine site, and it was only open for another 1.5hrs. Since we had made the trip we were not discouraged, and got our picks and buckets.

After the safetly talk and being shown what to look for we huffed and puffed our way up the hill to the mine site. Goodness me I didn’t realize my fitness level had gotten so low . We found another friend… see him lying on the fallen tree…

Then it was time for more exercise in the form of digging.

Within 15 min I had two blisters on my hand – I had to laugh as Kevin always says I have delicate hands – I guess he’s right . So worked for a bit longer then had to down tools and enjoy the scenery while the girls continued digging.

The hour on the site was definitely enough for Amy & I, though I think Christy could have kept on digging. Unfortunately we didn’t really know what we were looking for so I’m pretty sure we just had buckets of rocks.

We walked back down the hill and across this river. Check out the views on both sides. The Australian bush at it’s best.

Then back to the shop to have our haul inspected. Amy got two thundereggs worth opening. Which we did so they could each have  a half (I forgot to get photos so will do so tomorrow). Christy was still happy with her haul of rocks, and did in fact have a thunderegg – it was just a small one. I had NOTHING…. except blisters .

This is what the big eggs look like when opened. Aren’t they gorgeous?

We debated doing the skywalk but everyone was a bit tired and grumpy so we decided to leave it to another trip – they also wanted to visited the adventure park (but we had arrived after last entry). We were looking out for a famous cheese shop but didn’t find it. We did however, find this gorgeous spot to enjoy the view. Hard to believe this is just 50mins from the high rise of the Gold Coast. I know where I’d rather be .

Then it was back down the mountain to the bright lights of the city. We got to enjoy a bit of a sunset on the way.

Back in our room the girls watched TV while I did my nails. This is new thing which you just stick on your nails. No drying time which was a plus tonight. I’m pretty happy with the result but time will tell (with regard to wear and tear).

Unfortunately Amy had a bit of a breakdown tonight – hoping it blows over and she’s back to normal tomorrow.

Tonights dinners was vegetarian nachos (made the quorn – our new favourite fake meat).

Amy went to bed and Christy & I watched The Never Ending Story.

Tomorrow : If moods have improved… Wet ‘n’ wild

Those of you who are friends with me on facebook will know that on Tuesday Rosie caused me to fall off my bike. In addition to grazed knees and elbows I’ve jarred my ribs which results in pain when moving, and breathing, so as you’ll see I’ve been taking it much easier than I normally do.

Surprisingly I’ve been able to sleep pretty well, provided I lie flat on my bad. Kevin had to go into work early this morning so the alarm went off at 5am! I stayed in bed having cuddles with the dogs but got up shortly after Kevin left at 5.30am. I let the dogs out, then made myself a cup of tea, which was enjoyed while playing on the computer.

As always the dogs went back sleep.

Amy was dressed and ready for her school excursion to Luna Park. Can’t believe she gets to go to Luna Park for a science excursion!

Finally the sun was up, and so was Christy.

I haven’t eggs for ages and we’ve got almost 3 dozen in the fridge so I thought I’d make some scrambled eggs for breakfast.

At 7.45am Amy went down the front to wait for her lift to school (since Kevin had left so early). Don’t you love her shirt – she picked out by herself on her first shopping with friends outing last week. It says Horror Movie in case you can’t tell – bacon and eggs on the plates. Pretty appropriate for a vegan .

Next up was the dogs breakfast. I got Christy to help me as reaching down to the ground is very painful.

Then Fudgie had to have his medication. Talk about fun.

I got dressed and kind-of made the bed, and once Christy headed off to school I sat down to enjoy my tea (and a couple of Easter eggs).

I played on the computer on and off for most of the morning. I find I can do a few jobs but then get a bit sore. When I’m sitting and nice and relaxed my chest/back don’t hurt at all. I had some raspberries to eat but they were a little tart so I added a bit of cream – then they were perfect .

With doing so much vegan baking these days I had a few lots of butter which needed to be used up so I thought I’d make some non-vegan chocolate chip cookies to take to Jamberoo tomorrow. Of course, with the girls not home, it meant I HAD to lick the beater .

Bailey was close by – hoping to get to lick the bowl.

While the cookies were baking I did a bit of ironing. I had taken some Panadine and it seemed to be helping with the pain.

And naturally I had to sample one (or two) of the cookies when they were done.

Nan & Pop came and took the dogs for a walk and run at the park. So grateful they can do this when I can’t.

Lunch today was leftover Sweet Potato Rissoto while watching a bit of TV. I’m trying to get through all the programs I’ve been recording. Today I watched Real Simple, Real Life – definitely my kind of show.

Then when the dogs got settled for the post lunch sleep

I did a bit of scrapbooking. Haven’t really found my mojo yet and it seems a struggle to get anything done but I seem to get 1 page done most days.

We had some books arrive in the mail. All three from the same place in the UK and all 3 in seperate packages!!!!! And another Judy Moody had arrived yesterday!

Christy arrived home from school but disappeared to play with Shantel. Amy arrived home about 4.30pm after her excursion and disappeared as well. I started to feel unwell but thought maybe I was hungry. I had some cheese/cracker/grapes and some lemonade and felt better . I really enjoyed the cheese and crackers – definitely a treat now I haven’t had for a long time. The only cheese I really buy now is Bambarah Organic (they don’t kill their male calves). It is so delicious (but obviously expensive) so I don’t eat it often. And the babybell has to be used up.

Kevin arrived home just before 6pm and we had dinner shortly afterwards. It’s been very easy meals this week. Tonight was veggie snitzel, corn and potatoes cooked on the George Forman Grill. So easy yet so yummy. Oh, Christy was having dinner and sleeping over at Nan’s.

Amy (and Britney from next door) were attending a fundraising rock night at school. When I said she could go we thought it was from 7-9pm. She now informed me it went till 11pm. Do you remember our alarm going off at 5am this morning? Kevin decided if he came back home he would not want to go back out so said he’d wait in the car (and play warcraft) until 10pm. I felt bad for him and had planned to drive in with him. But he seemed “reasonably” happy with this arrangement. The things we do for our kids. And I realized this is just the START of it .

Once they left I cleaned up the kitchen and went to get changed for bed. The dogs decided it was playtime.

I settled down with some knitting (finally started something – another scarf just to get something going) and more TV.

I watched an episode of Location, Location, Location, The Dog Whisperer and Build a New Life. Just after 9.30pm the heard them arrive home. Amy was tired so they’d left early (oh, forgot to mention earlier they’d had to return home because Amy forgot to take the tickets). I’m sure Kevin was glad to be back earlier. They headed up to bed. I finished off my show, let the dogs out and headed up to bed myself. I was so tired I didn’t even read tonight.

Had an early start this morning as Kevin had to head up to Sydney to have a medical test. He had to be at the hospital before 7am which meant a 5.30am pick up. Unfortunately the babysitters (Nan & Pop) are away so we had to pay for a pickup. As he was up and about, I got out of the bed as he headed off. Sometime today I have to go pick him up – but I’m not sure when.

First up I let the dogs out, then settled down with a cup of tea and Iditarod updates – the glowing things are the dogs eyes at night.

Amy woke about 6.15am and Christy shortly after, so I went to have my shower and get ready for the day. I don’t usually have a shower quite so early – it was still dark. When I came downstairs Christy was having a foot spa – as you do before heading off to school .

I made her some toast and drove Amy to the bus stop.

I had my normal companion.

When I got back I prodded her to finish getting ready for school. I’ve been very unhappy with the girls of late – they haven’t been picking up after themselves and are misplacing LOTS of things. So this week they are banned from seeing the neighbours after school.

At 8.15am Christy headed off to school with Shantel…

carefully watched by some puppies to make sure I wasn’t going anywhere…

I got the second load of washing started. The weathers looking a bit dodgy today so some went in the dryer and some was hung on the mobile hanger so it could be put undercover.

Then time for some breakfast. Oops, forget to get a photo before I started eating. I then made a shopping list – not a lot to get this week…

and headed to the mall. First up the newsagents – where I got the latest (British)  Country Homes & Interiors.

I then got my groceries, bread and fruit & veg and picked some some freshly made vegetable rice paper rolls to have for lunch.

Back home I collected the mail with my faithful helper.

Then discovered they had gotten so hungry while I was gone they ate the bird seed stick.

I’m pretty sure THIS one was the culprit.

I put away the groceries and emptied the dishwasher. Then it was time for a cup of tea while catching up on the race. My heel is sore again which makes for a good reason to hang out on the couch with my buddies.

As you can see Rosie has liked watching the Iditarod too .

Lunch was the delicious rice paper rolls.

And I did spend some time filling in notes and vaccination forms for the girls for school.

It was hard to get going on anything not knowing when I might have to head up to Sydney. I did end up doing some ironing. And then Kevin arrived at the front door. Apparently he had rung my mobile but it had been turned down and he didn’t leave a message. I was at home as it was just before lunch. Oh, well, it saved me a 3 hour drive but I do feel bad. I always tell my family to ring the home phone as I don’t carry my mobile around the house when I’m home. Poor thing has this tube into his stomach – he has to go back tomorrow to have it removed.

I made him a jaffle as he was hungry  and sat with a cup of tea. At 3pm I went to pick Amy up from the bus stop. You-know-who came for the ride.

Christy arrived home shortly after and I cut up some watermelon for her to eat. At 4.30pm I took her to dance lessons. Not a great photos (taken with the zoom on the phone) of her doing Scottish Highland dancing.

Came back and shared some more rice paper rolls with Kevin. Amy had Emily over to play and I found them making a BIG mess with paint! Kids!

Then it was back out again to pick up Christy. Then it was home to make some dinner. I had planned for home-made pizza but Kevin didn’t feel like that. So I was going to make rissoto – but only had enough rice for one.

So I made that for Kevin, Amy made nachos, Christy had pasta and corn, and I had a bread roll and some of Kevin’s leftover rissoto . After dinner we settled down to watch some TV. Since Kevin was playing on the computer we watched Get your face on with Napoleon Perdis… while watching the GPS tracker. As you can see the leader just left the last main rest stop. In around 9-10 hours the winner with be in Nome.

.

At 8pm I took Christy to bed and we read the last chapter of Judy Moody. We’ve only got book 4 left to read so I’ll need to track down some more since we’re enjoying them so much. Just after 8.30pm we all headed to bed. The race should finish around 4am and I’m planning to get up to watch the live finish. Kevin suggested I take my laptop up so I can check on the race if I wake up during the night.

NOTE: I checked the race around 3am and saw that John Baker was definitely going to win and I was sooo tired so just decided to sleep in as long I could… which ended up being 6.15am!

Don’t be scared – it’s not the 14th!! Because so many of you really enjoy my day in the life posts I’m going to do more of them. I’m aiming for at least 2 a month – around the 14th and at the end of the month. BUT, I’ll also try and do extra random days as time allows

So much for my plans to sleep in. I woke up at 5am and could NOT get back to sleep. I ended up coming downstairs (being careful not to wake up Christy – who was sleeping in my bed since Kevin is overseas) and getting a cup of tea. Amy was up shortly after and played World of Warcraft on her laptop while I watched some youtube videos and read blogs.

Later I let the dogs out, again. And bought in the washing that had been out overnight. It wasn’t all dry so I hung some out in the laundry.

Eventually I went upstairs to find Christy awake and we had some cuddles with the dogs.

We had a very lazy, slow morning. I fed the dogs their breakfast

and made some pancakes for us since that is that I was craving.

Afterwards I went backstairs to make our bed

and have a shower

This is our shower buddy ….

and two others….

Okay, please tell me I’m not the only who wraps a towel on her head to dry her hair . I have done this for as long as can remember, even when I had really short hair!

After I was showered and dressed I made some vegan brownies and healthy oatmeal cookies while waiting for Kevin to arrive home (after a whirlwind 5 day trip to the States).

I also helped Christy sort out some baskets. Love how she’s still got her roller blades on.

Around 10.30 I was getting peckish so made a green smoothie

And finally after 11am Kevin arrived home, and quickly made a mess of the bedroom

He partly made up for it by buying me this giant silicone cupcake mold – how fun!

Kevin showered, unpacked, had something to eat and went up to have a sleep (for just a few hours). I did some ironing.

The girls looked through some scrapbook albums.

I made Amy & I lunch. She had a veggie burger and I had a veggie snitzel. She got the last two pieces of bread so I made mine into a wrap.

I spent most of the afternoon playing on the computer and writing my Summer recap post.

I find I’m up and down all the time doing jobs like cutting up watermelon for Christy and feeding the rind to the chooks and filling up their food while out there.

Kevin woke about 2pm and Amy came to read us her autobiography that she had to write for school.

Of course, the dogs decided it would be a good time for a play.

My afternoon snack was some melon, a cup of tea and an oatmeal cookie.

At 5pm I went to get changed for the basketball, bought in the washing and got the dogs their dinner.

The girls were staying with Nan & Pop. We had to stop by Kevin’s office to collect our passes…

then it was onto the WEC. No courtside seats today .

The game started at 6pm so I had a salad wrap for dinner (oops, was so hungry I forgot to take a photo).

I was still hungry mid-game so had some popcorn.

It was a great game against the New Zealand Breakers. They are at the top of the ladder but were off their game, I assume, due to the earthquake in Christchurch earlier this week. We won by over 20pts and the Hawks played a great game, so I think we would have won anyway. They needed this win to have a chance of making the finals so that was good (the Breakers will be in for certain). We had a really loud, rude guy behind us tonight and I was glad we didn’t bring the kids – though I wondered if his language would have been as bad if they’d been there. He was acting like a teenager trying to impress his mates but he would have been well into his twenties. Naturally, there was no girlfriend!!!

We got home before 8.30pm – just in time to put the girls to bed. Unfortunately when Christy dropped her blind a “big” spider jumped down and scared her. She ran out of the room so we don’t know where the spider went. We think it was a harmless Huntsman but she refused to sleep in her room so I set up the bed downstairs, tucked her into bed. Kevin was already asleep by the time I got to our room. I did my evening skincare routine and crawled onto the bed and under the fan. It’s VERY humid still but as I read I cooled down. I turned off the light around 9.30pm as I was tired after my early morning.

Woke up just after 6am. Let the dogs out and got my first cup of tea for the day. Unfortunately my heel spur has been acting up lately so I’ve been unable to take the dogs for their morning walks. Luckily Nan has been able to take them.

Amy was already up when I came down.  In amongst getting ready for school she made lunch for Kevin.

Later Christy came down stairs all dressed for school with her dressing gown over the top. The mornings have been a little cooler but not that much . She proceeded in badgering me until I put her school shoes on for (she usually does it herself).

At 7.20am Amy and I head out. We pick up her friend on the way and I drop them at the bus stop.

Bailey loves getting to come for these early morning car rides.

Back home I find Christy packing her school bag.

I make her some toast for breakfast and a light one for me as I’m planning on going to gym shortly.

Christy leaves (on her bike) at 8.15am and I play on the computer and finish my cup of tea. At 8.30am I head to the gym. It’s sprinkling so I hope the girls got to school without getting too wet.

I did cardio – 15min on the eliptical and 15min on the bike. As you can see by the before and after I worked hard and came home red faced and sweaty.

Time for a shower before getting dressed and doing make-up.

Then off to the local shopping center. I was in search for a marron top for Christy to wear to school as a fundraiser for Queensland school. There was no marron to be found (except for school tracksuits) but I did find a smurffete top – which I just know will win me the Mummy of the Day award.

I then visited the supermarket, fruit shop and bakery. Before heading home.

I had help bringing in the groceries .

After unpacking I made a salad for lunch and sat and put my feet up for a bit.

During my lunch break we had a parcel delivery. Not sure how the dogs knew their dog food had arrived but the boxes sure got a good sniffing.

I scored a bargin on flowers today. These tulips were $20 for Valentine’s Day. Today they were $10!!!

After lunch I headed into the scrapbook room. I’ve lost my mojo again so I just worked on Project Life while listening to the paperclipping round table podcast

I had a break for cuddles on the couch with Rosie, and contemplated how nice the house looks from here.

The girls were supposed to walk home but I got a phone call from Amy asking to be picked up so just after 3pm and I headed out to pick them up.

Christy arrived home shortly afterwards and immediately put her new top on.

I seemed to be in and out, up and down all afternoon. The girls had dacing, and I was trying to get Christy’s Snapfish photobook for last year sorted so I could get it ordered.

I did enjoy another cup of tea and the last of the Valentine’s Day cupcakes.

Kevin arrived home from work around 5pm, which is rather early for him.

On my final car trip of the day I took Rosie. She wanted to come, but doesn’t enjoy it the way Bailey does. Kevin said he cried and carried on while we were gone.

I wasn’t organised with dinner tonight so we just had an easy one from the freezer.

We didn’t end up eating till after 7pm. I certainly need to work on having a precooked dinner on dancing night.

I got the kitchen all cleaned up, got ready for bed, took my make-up off, and work on the photobook some more. At 8.30pm I took Christy up to bed and read her some Judy Moody.

Finally I got the photobooks ordered around 9pm and headed up to bed around 9.30pm to read on my kindle (Deidre Martin) for a bit before turning out the lights.

*** I’m pretty sure Kevin has managed to fix to photo issue I was having. Please let me know if you have any more trouble. I’ve also fixed the scrapbook room photos so you should be able to see them now.

——————————–

Oops, I totally forgot about doing a day in life yesterday until we were at rollerskating with our friends. So it will have to be today instead. AND I’m hoping the photos will show okay – still no idea what is going on with that.

So today, Saturday 15th, I woke around 6am but due to the fact that I’d stayed up till mid-night watching the Hawks basketball game in Perth (we lost due) I put on my eye mask and went back to sleep till 8am. Now that is a real sleep in for me. Can’t even remember the last time I slept in that late.

Finally got up and made my way downstairs to put on a load of washing, let the dogs out and make my first cup of tea for the day which I enjoyed  while playing on my laptop.

Amy was already up (Christy had slept over at Nan’s) and was making her breakfast.

Kevin came down a while later and launched straight into World of Warcraft (which he’s been playing a lot lately) and Bailey looked longingly at his breakfast.

I caught up on facebook and some blogs and around 9am went to make myself some breakfast.

Still not sure if we’re doing anything today. It’s getting warm and supposed to be 29 deg. When Christy came home we had a “discussion” about what to do. Unfortunately the girls decided to whinge and whine so it was decided we’d just stay home – maybe venturing out to the shops for a few supplies and some lunch.  I also fed the dogs their vegan dry food – so love how this is heart shaped.

Nothing like a bit of dog drool with your breakfast .

I did a few jobs like emptying the dishwasher, hanging out the washing, and emptying the bin before having my shower. This is what I found as I left the bathroom . Bailey is such a strange dog.

You might also notice Kevin on the bed – he came back up to have a sleep. It’s only 11am but he’s been having a LOT of trouble sleeping and with being tired all the time. So I left him to have a nap and went downstairs. I tidied the kitchen…

and cut up some watermelon for Christy and I to have. I ate mine while watching some Youtube videos.

Then it was time to catch up on the ironing – so we pack for our holiday on Monday.

Just I finished the clothes, Kevin came downstairs and we headed (with Amy) to the Mall. First stop was Gloria Jeans for some drinks as it was 1pm and we were hungry. I got my usual iced chocolate (love these so much).

We then visited a few shops – getting a few TV games (including zumba for the kinnect) and a birthday present for one of the girls friends. We also picked a few grocery items and some bread.

We then bought lunch which we took to eat back at home. Kevin & I had vegetarian rice paper rolls and Amy got subway and we bought some plain rolls for Christy.

We had lunch while watching the last episode of Glee (we’ve been watching season 2 over the last few days). Now we have to wait for them make some more.

Amy is having a Glee birthday party in March so one of the TV games we bought was Glee Karaoke Revolution – of course, the girls had to try it out this afternoon.

I spent some time in my nice clean scrapbook room working on Project Life and a Big Picture Class.

Amy went to Nan’s for a sleepover so I got out the George Foreman again and made Veggie burgers for Kevin and I for dinner. Yum!

Since Kevin was busy playing warcraft I put on an episode of America’s Top Model to watch. I don’t watch many shows like this but for some reason I like this one – probably because the models are judged by a panel and not by each other – so they don’t have to resort to dirty tactics.

Later a bowl of ice cream was enjoyed and I put Christy to bed about 9am. Then Kevin and I watched a show on cruising the Mediterranean.

Golly gosh another year is nearly over. And we’re half-way through December – just crazy!

I woke up bright and early around 5.30am. I was feeling tired and crappy so decided not to take the dogs on a walk this morning. It’s been a REALLY busy week and I’m feeling rather exhausted. Thankfully after today things will quieten right down. Amy was already up when I went downstairs – making shortbread to give to her teachers and the office staff at school.

I started the day with tea, my laptop and my two sleepy pups. I worked on uploading photos of Amy’s formals and doing the blog post.

Once I had woken up properly I got the washing started.

Then I had my shower and got dressed. It was a bit of mad morning as I wanted to be out the door punctually to get my errands done. I didn’t get to have breakfast, and later discovered I hadn’t even put on make-up !!

Christy had mufty day and went dressed as a pirate for a play she’s doing at school. She headed off on her bike.

I drove Amy as she was running late and I was going to the school to do any last uniform orders. The units are currently in the maintainence shed and I’m always having to move things to get into my cupboards . Can’t wait to move to move to a new location in the new year.

By 9.30am I was on my way to the mall. The parking lot was pretty full but I managed to find a spot – I just grabbed the first one I saw to save drive around and around. First stop was the post office to send packages to the giveaway winners. I also had a parcel to pick up.

The next mission was to get a shirt for Kevin. He’d commented to me on Monday night (seeing the boys dressed for the formal) that checked shirts must be in fashion. Boy, was he right .

Next stop since I’d no breakfast was Gloria Jeans. I decided to be adventurous today and not order my normal Iced Chocolate. Instead I got the Christmas special – which I didn’t know was coffee flavoured. Seeing as I don’t like coffee this was suprisingly good and I drank it all.

Then it was grocery shopping.

Quite a bit today as I was stocking up for the school holidays.

Time to head home – thank goodness. I unpacked the groceries and hung out the washing.

Then time for some lunch.

and to put my feet up for bit while watching Great British Menu.

While watching I checked my e-mail and was pleased to see an e-mail from Berry Sports Camp saying both the girls had a spot for the camp starting on Saturday (they had been on the waiting list). They will be so excited.

Time to head out again – this time to the hairdressers. As I was sitting in the chair I realized I’d missed putting on make-up today .

Back home again…

Since it was nearly time for school to get out I decided to wait for Amy as I knew she was going to have a heavy school bag.

Poor Christy was not impressed that she had to ride home by herself. She was in a bad mood for quite some time.

I pottered around doing a few jobs – like bringing in the washing and making our bed (except our quilt cover wasn’t quite dry). Before long it was time to get ready for Kevin’s work party. Of course, I had to start by putting my make up on .

That’s better… except I’m sure I don’t have that many wrinkles around my eyes….must have been the glare making me squint….

All ready to go…. and Kevin wearing his new checked shirt. Maybe if I shut my eyes the wrinkles won’t show….

Dinner tonight was at Lorenzo’s Diner – one of the most fancy resturants in Wollongong. Not that you’d know it from the outside.

The inside is much better. And because it’s a small restaurant it doesn’t get noisy, thankfully.

This was our second year here and the meal was once again amazing. We have shared meals- excpet for me, being vegetarian, selected by the Chef.

My entree was zucchini with cheese stuffed flower – just gorgeous.

The main was the most delicious mushroom lasange. Kevin even liked this more than the meat dishes, though he said they were good too.

And the deserts were to die for. Have you ever heard of Chocolate pasta? Talk about yummy!

Panna cotta…

and my favourite…

All the food was presented well and tasted amazing. Everyone had a good time and seemed to enjoy the sharing aspect as you get to taste a lot of dishes. We headed home just after 10pm, feeling very tired. I did manage to read a few pages on the kindle before turning the lights out. Looking forward to a stay-at-home-ME day tomorrow.