Burrr....

Wet, windy and cold...... and isn't it great!!! I love the wood fire going, snuggling on the couch with a book...

But today, I have been cleaning out cupboards. I have bags of kids clothes that they have grown out of. We have playgroup in the morning and will see who wants them. I would normally give them to the op shop, but with so many farming families struggling at the moment, I am sure someone will love our hand-me-downs.

The girls are sitting quietly watching Kath and Kim on DVD... I wonder what they think when they watch if... i wonder if they get the humor... or they think it is serious... they don't laugh, but they call my sister's boyfriend "Brettie"

I love winter cooking... you know the stuff that you can cook all day and tastes delish.. yummo.

WW weigh in tonight (if Jack gets home in time) and just plain old pasta for tea.

Jack's brother and his family is coming over from Adelaide for the weekend to get a tractor going, swimming on Saturday morning, bonfire Sat night. Narelle, the mother of little Prem baby, Amelia is coming home for the weekend, so we are having an afternoon tea for her on Sunday. I organised for some prem clothes to be sent to them at hospital. VERY impressed with the service. Ordered it Tuesday afternoon and it was at the hospital the following morning.. Earybirds in case anyone is interested. Narelle rang last night and sounds fantastic. Amelia has lost a little weight (now only 616g) but that was expected. It will be a long few months in Melbourne for them, being so far from home, but still exciting at the same time.

Ok.... better go and cleanout the toy box.. again...

On a lighter note...

Oh My God...

I am still laughing...

Check this post out.. Thanks Steph..

RAIN FOR NOWHERE

This was just sent to me.. please read...

Muzza (Murray Hartin) has been asked to pen something for the Salvation Army that can bring awareness to the general public about Rural suicide.

In recent months in the drought areas of NSW and Vic there is on average one case a day of rural suicide.

Its a bit of a read, but worth the read, at least to reflect on how lucky you may be.



RAIN FROM NOWHERE
Murray Hartin February 21, 2007
His cattle didn't get a bid, they were fairly bloody poor,

What was he going to do? He couldn't feed them anymore,

The dams were all but dry, hay was thirteen bucks a bale,

Last month's talk of rain was just a fairytale,

His credit had run out, no chance to pay what's owed,

Bad thoughts ran through his head as he drove down Gully Road


"Geez, great grandad bought the place back in 1898,

Now I'm such a useless bastard, I'll have to shut the gate.

"Can't support my wife and kids, not like dad and those before,

"Christ, Grandma kept it going while Pop fought in the war."


With depression now his master, he abandoned what was right,

There's no place in life for failures, he'd end it all tonight.

There were still some things to do, he'd have to shoot the cattle first,

Of all the jobs he'd ever done, that would be the worst.


He'd have a shower, watch the news, then they'd all sit down for
tea

Read his kids a bedtime story, watch some more TV,

Kiss his wife goodnight, say he was off to shoot some roos

Then in a paddock far away he'd blow away the blues.


But he drove in the gate and stopped - as he always had

To check the roadside mailbox - and found a letter from his Dad.

Now his dad was not a writer, Mum did all the cards and mail

But he knew the style from the notebooks that he used at cattle sales,

He sensed the nature of its contents, felt moisture in his eyes,

Just the fact his dad had written was enough to make him cry.


"Son, I know it's bloody tough, it's a cruel and twisted game,

"This life upon the land, when you're screaming out for rain,

"There's no candle in the darkness, not a single speck of light

"But don't let the demon get you, you have to do what's right,


"I don't know what's in your head but push the bad thoughts well away

"See, you'll always have your family at the back end of the day

"You have to talk to someone, and yes I know I rarely did

"But you have to think about Fiona and think about the kids.


"I'm worried about you son, you haven't rung for quite a while,

"I know the road you're on 'cause I've walked every bloody mile.

"The date? December 7 back in 1983,

"Behind the shed I had the shotgun rested in the brigalow tree.


"See, I'd borrowed way too much to buy the Johnson place

"Then it didn't rain for years and we got bombed by interest rates,

"The bank was at the door, I didn't think I had a choice,

"I began to squeeze the trigger - that's when I heard your voice.


"You said 'Where are you Daddy? It's time to play our game'

I've got Squatter all set up, you might get General Rain.'

"It really was that close, you're the one that stopped me son,

"And you're the one that taught me there's no answer in a gun.


"Just remember people love you, good friends won't let you down.

"Look, you might have to swallow pride and get a job in town,

Just 'til things come good, son, you've always got a choice

"And when you get this letter ring me, 'cause I'd love to hear your

voice."


Well he cried and laughed and shook his head then put the truck in gear,

Shut his eyes and hugged his dad in a vision that was clear,

Dropped the cattle at the yards, put the truck away

Filled the troughs the best he could and fed his last ten bales of hay.


Then he strode towards the homestead, shoulders back and head held high,

He still knew the road was tough but there was purpose in his eye.

He called for his wife and children, who'd lived through all his pain,

Hugs said more than words - he'd come back to them again,


They talked of silver linings, how good times always follow bad,

Then he walked towards the phone, picked it up and rang his Dad.

And while the kids set up the Squatter, he hugged his wife again,

Then they heard the roll of thunder and they smelt the smell of rain.

photos...

My three beautiful kids.. butter wouldn'melt hey...

Hughie... quite happy with his efforts in painting the house in mud..

Hugh in his Skinny leg rocker jeans (see post below...)

Laura... princess Laura as she like to be called..

My big girl... all grown up...

Sunday....

Hi guys..

Just having a little break between rooms!! Have a huge house clean today. I have spent about 3 hours alone in the kitchen... but it is done and dusted!! I usually find myself doing this in the change of the seasons... and we have had a change!! it has turned cold. Time for nice vegie loaded soups!! Have a large pot on at the moment.. yummo! By the end of winter I will be again craving salads, but it is nice to change.

Little baby Amelia is doing ok, and yes Linda, she is at RWH. Her sister-in-law, also a good friend of mine, headed over on Friday to see them, so hopefully will have some photos soon! The baby shower we where planning has obviously put on hold until they return home.. whenever that will be!

Had my first 'real person' reference to my blog from the real world yesterday. I guess it is always at the back of my mind that this is an 'open' publication and anyway can read it, I guess it was a matter of time....

A few months ago i hooked in a link to a new kids clothing store in Horsham that are now online for you all to check out.. TOFI.. (they have some new stock in BTW), anyway, I was in the shop yesterday and the one of the owners of the store said that their web designer asked who "yummy mummy" was... They must track how people find their web page... funny hey!! If you did pop by... thanks... they have the coolest clothes! I brought Hugh a pair of skinny leg rocker jeans from there.. I must post a photo. A friend said Hugh looked like Brian Mannix (uncanny X men.. for those from the 80's..) So cool...

Starting to do a few things around our house... I ripped up the carpet from the bathroom..(yes, you did read right... shag pile at that..) for the boards to be polished. We have a 33 year old house, and it still has a few strains of the 70's left. Mind you, the blue light shades, velvet curtains and lime green shades went even before we moved in, there are just a few things left. Before we brought he block up the road, we where looking at another property with a house, so things where put on hold for a little while unitl we knew what we where going to do. But we are staying put, so things will begin to happen again.

This week is the last week at kinder for Em... seems to have gone very quickly. We had our first 'open day' at the kids primary school this past week (catholic education week).. freaky thought. Will happen before we know it.

I have had the hugest shop this week.. I think I have enough meat etc for a month. Will just be fresh fruit, veg, milk and bread to be brought. the pantry is overflowing (also got a clean out today..) So much easier to prepare healthy meals when everything is at my finger tips.

Hope everyone else is having a great weekend... beds to be re-made!

Almost forgot.. Bec.. we went to the speedway in Horsham last night.. was your Dad over there??

One of those days.....

I have been in tears twice today.... it is going to be just one of those days.

The telephone rang this morning and it was the husband of a couple that are having baby. They where flown to Melbourne on Monday night. We have been VERY worried about the mum and bubs since. Mum was at 26 weeks and not feeling well. An ultrasound revealed that the baby was small and they where concerned that the cord blood supply mightn't be that great. Anyway... that was Tuesday and haven't heard since... so.. the phone call went like this...

Me - "Hi D, we have been worried. Hope all is ok.."
D - "Yeah.. things are fine.."
Me: "N getting some rest??"
D- "Yeah R and I are resting"
Me: "Is the baby okay??"
D - "Yep, the baby is fine"
Me: How much longer will you guys we down in Melbourne then??"
D - "Until Amelia is strong enough to come home.."
Me - stunned.. took a little while to respond.. "Amelia?? Have you had the baby??
D - Yep!!

I was on another plant... Little Amelia was born on Tuesday morning at 2.30am at 26 week!! They waited three days so all of the tests etc. could be done before they told anyone other then family.. She is fine, just needs to grow and get bigger then her 600 odd grams that she currently weighs...

Total spinout...

Anyway.. that didn't make me cry. But I have been thinking about them all the time. So I was totally relieved that everything was ok... early, but ok!!

Then.... this is what started the tears! While in Warracknabeal, I run into one of my dad's 2nd cousins and she had her mother with her (my grandmother's cousin) My grandmother passed away in 1999. She was a very beautiful, well presented grandmother. Always had nice clothes, beautifully presented house and garden, wonderful cook.. miss her terribly.. We lived with them almost through all of the holidays. Have nothing but great memories of Lanie...

Anyway, my this old lady has never seen my kids. (I only had Laura and Hugh with me) Her Daughter is one of Hugh's carers at occasional care. Hugh walks up and sits on her lap for a cuddle and Laura starts tailing 100 miles an hour... This lady says to me "Your grandmother would be so proud of you. I can remember you coming up to Hopetoun for holidays when you where little. You children are beauitful. Laura looks just like Laine.."

The tears well up in my eyes, then she grabs my hand and repeats that Laine would be proud... No hiding my tears then...

Anyway.. on to playgroup and I must have looked like I had been crying and a good friend asked what was wrong... I start to tell her what happened and started to cry again!!!!

Should make that three times today... tears again now!!

So... relief that Baby Amelia is here (even be it is she is under 700g) and well as can be expected, Her mother is ok and really feeling blessed for my beautiful family.

It is is most vile day.. windy, hot and the kids are all a little cranky like they get on days like this. We having swimming lessons tomorrow morning in Horsham and the hunt begins for the smallest baby girl clothes i can find to post to Melbourne next week.

Ok.. time for a coffee... Have a safe weekend..

burn baby burn....

Exciting day here today.... Jack has taken the day off work and we are burning the stubble in the paddocks!! the kids LOVE it... I get a little scared, worried about fences, cars etc.. but to date, nothing has been hurt! It is an amazing thing to watch, a stubble fire. Just makes you realise how powerful fire is!

We have just brought some more land, and that is the one that is going to be burnt today, so it is about 10km from home. Not many famers burn much anymore, but it is good weed control and helps sowing the next crop. The water tanker is ready to go and Jack has just left to make a fire break between the fence and the paddock!! I should take some photos to share, but the recharageable batteries in the camera a stuffed!

I took wedding photos on Saturday. Very lovely wedding. They have two little girls and they where devine! I so want my girls to be flowergirls!!!!! I was when I was in grade two. There is hope. Both my brother and sister aren't married!! I will have to start nagging!

With a busy weekend, I ate pizza for tea on Saturday night, drank too.. which I hardly EVER do. Woke up feeling crap, more from the food then anything, and that was enough to pull my head in.

I have also had a huge warerobe cleanout and given even more clothes away. Things that I couldn't get rid of in the first take. Things that I might have brought to wear once, but then became too big. ALL of my jackets are way to big and feel funny on. Might have to buy a nice jacket this winter and get rid of them also. Some people initially told me to hang on to the clothes, just in case I needed them!! (HA HA... I laugh now, but at the time I was quite upset by the suggestion that I would put the weight back on...) But over 12 months at this weight, I am happy I have control.

My house is full of dust that is nearly driving me to the brink, but nothing can be done about it and everyone else living out of town is having the same trouble.

Need help also, planning a baby shower for a friend and need some games. I have NEVER been to a baby shower... help here please..

Also... looking for single blokes and sheilas for Dimboola's Beaut Blokes weekend.. click on the link... my best friend is helping organise is event and many long term relationships have been made from these weekend... and a few babies!!! enrole and come on over!!!

Take care all..

he he he....

More trolley snooping going on here....

In Horsham last night and did a quick shop at Safeway before I came home. Lining up at the checkout, in front of me was a larger couple.. (OK... quite large...) They had total shit in the trolley, Easter eggs, chips, frozen chips, soft drink, donuts etc... gross (and not to mention expensive!!!) anyway... the husband was emptying all of this shit onto the checkout and she is reading the back of a "Slimfast" 200 ml milkshake that she must have found in one of the aisles....

Some people don't get it and never will....

Almost...

That is how I feel...

"Almost Happy with my weight"

"Almost happy with how I look"

"Almost in control of my feeling and what I eat"

"Almost making enough time for myself to exercise"

"Almost feel like I am working at 100%"

Almost....

The ONLY thing that is stopping me from getting there is me!! I have had a couple of crazy food days and I feel yucko for eating crap and not exercising enough.. so why do I do it???

I think I have said this before, but I am a emotional eater... When I first started WW, I remember telling my WW buddy that I wasn't an emotional eater.. that I just loved food. Well "HELLO SUNSHINE!!! WAKE UP!!!".. i think it took me 3 or so months to realise what I ate and when, why and I am a emotional eater...

The best thing about realising that I am is that I don't let it get out of control like it would have once done. I recognise the signs and do something to distract myself from food. Like ironing.. gardening... visit a friend... seems so basic but it is so true!!!

So... a little emotional eating going on it I am stopping myself from getting to where I really want to be. I have had more tone in the last 12 months and I WANT IT BACK!!! If anyone find it, please make sure you send it my way!!! Things are settling down again a little. A good rain will help also... but I am sure that it coming!

Other things going on??? We got a very pleasant report from the kinder teacher over the weekend, that Emilie is a delight to teach, and does the most amazing pictures... :) Can you just imagine the shoulders of Jack and myself, chest puff out with pride! And Little Laura has calmed down just so much... different girl since Emilie has gone to kinder!. We are so proud of them! Hugh.. Well he is just a shithead... 2 years old and thinks that he is the boss.. gotta love that bit of spirit... still mighty cute!

Ok.. lunch dishes are calling my name.. ever so faint.. but I can't ignore them forever! Have a great day!