My Hopes For The New School Year

 

 

So we're all organised for back to school! The supplies have been purchased, covered & packed. Lunch boxes & drink bottles labelled & uniforms washed, labelled, ironed & hung.. It is with sadness the school holidays draw to a close, I looked forward to them for so long & now they're over, it's just gone way too quick for my liking. I'm not one of these Mums who count down the days till school goes back because I enjoy the freedom of no routine, I enjoy spending time with the kids and it takes 1 million worries off your mind when their close by rather than out in the big wide world. So no, I'm not really looking forward to them going back at all. However, I know they love it.. They thrive on learning and the interaction and they have become bored of the holidays.. 7 weeks to them must feel like forever.

I didn't enjoy the kids school last year, not at all. I didn't like the kids Teachers nor the overall atmosphere of the school or the way it conducted many of its program's & events. I bit my lip through assemblies where I felt like bursting into laughter or yelling back at the Principal at times out of the sheer frustration of how useless I felt the school had become. I gritted my teeth when I paid the fee's each term as I felt it was money better spent elsewhere.. But we will still be returning.. Why? Because my kids love it & I wonder if I missed something?

So it is my hope that this year I can find some joy in the school. Staff left in droves at the end of last year & I wonder if this will freshen things up? I hope that I will love my kids Teacher's this year & that they will seem excited to be there {the Teacher's that is} I hope we as parents will be made to feel comfortable within the school as I felt far from welcome last year. I hope that the School has tweaked their motivation, behaviour & rewards program so that it will be more inclusive of the whole school population & that kids who do the right thing all the time won't be ignored as I felt they were last year. And at the same time I hope those kids who struggle to achieve & do the right thing are given the opportunity to shine. I'm going back this year with an open mind but have decided if I am still not happy by the end of this year I will change schools. I'm not looking forward to that so I hope my faith is restored in the school during 2013. These are my hopes for the kids this year;

I hope that Mr 12 has a smooth transition into high school & that he makes new friends quickly, that he stays safe in his new found independence & makes the most of his new Highshool despite not wanting to go there. I hope that others are kind to him & that he works hard to achieve. I hope that he is able to find himself this year & make the most of every opportunity that arises.

I hope that Miss 12 enjoys year 7 and the leadership that comes with being the highest grade in the school. I hope we are able to find some peace with her ADHD this year & find a happy balance for her medication & an end to the tumultuous behaviour that seems to have emerged of late. I hope that she can tell the truth & that she regains the trust and respect of her peers. I hope her Teacher is firm but fair & that she finds her work easier to understand than in the previous year. No one likes to see their child struggle and success would be fantastic for her self esteem. I hope that she finds a hobby she loves and that she takes many happy memories away from her last year at Primary School.

I hope that Mr 9 starts to mature this year & that he loses the 'class clown' facade that he puts on. The sooner he realises he is worth far more than everyone laughing at his expense the better. He has friends that are no good for him, yet he plays with them despite knowing they are bad news. I hope in 2013 he has the courage to break out of his comfort zone and find new friends. I hope he experiences many great things & enjoys his first school camp later year.

I hope that Mr 7 continues to grow in confidence & that he continues to try new things. In the past, shy and unsure he has been unwilling to 'have a go' and easily embarrasses when trialling new things. I'd love for him to feel courageous in all that he does. I hope the Teacher's don't continue to 'tar' him with the same brush as my Step kids as each is an individual & should be treated as such. Thankfully the teacher he has this year hasn't taught any of my Stepchildren so he may be on a fairer wicket. I hope he stays connected with his friends even though they have been dispersed throughout different classes & I hope the emotional roller coaster he has been riding of late (school holiday boredom I hope?) will soon come to an end & he will feel excited to be going back to school once more.

On the whole I hope that their school year is fun, exciting & filled with many memories that will last them a lifetime. I hope they are eager to go to school each day & have a look of contentment & inspired awe when I collect them each afternoon. I hope they get every opportunity to learn, share, express themselves & succeed. I wish them a fantastic year of school in 2013 because school is meant to be exciting & memorable for all the right reasons.

 

Linking up with Jess @ http://essentiallyjess.com/

Day at Dreamworld..

Today we awoke to SUNSHINE! So we decided it was a great day to head to Dreamworld on the Gold Coast.  I thought our annual passes were to expire tomorrow, being the last day of June, however, upon presenting them to the ticket office this morning I noticed we have a 'bonus month' so they don't end until the end of July! (even better)...  

We have only made it there 3 times before this visit, so I was very impressed today with all of the changes that have been made to the younger kids area in the park.  The last few times I have been I felt the area that was formerly home to the Nickolodean characters was dismal and depressing, bordering on dirty.. but today there was no sign of that, with the new Dreamworks branding the area was beautifully finished, colourful, vibrant and overall IMPRESSIVE!  The kids absolutely loved the ride's and didn't even harrass us to go on the scary rides (that I loathe..)  I was a little perturbed by the fact the children's rollercoaster was missing it's last 2 seats and the 2nd last row had two crash test dummy's sitting in them (needless to say the kids didn't go on that ride today!).   Even our little one got to go on the Merry-Go-Round, which he looked rather concerned about, but thought it hilarious when his Brother's and Sister went on the Flying Dronkey's (very cute). 

We checked out all of the animals, had lunch in the all-you-can eat restaraunt and Hubby and the kid's even got a go at the Alien Vs. Predator Vs. You laser tag, which we hadn't played before.. they had a ball.  When it was time to go home, we got the usual 'Can we please go to the gift shop' whine's from all of the kid's (well at least 3 out of 5) and luckily we had a quick (lengthy) stopover in the gift shop because when we came out, the lights & laser show was about to start (we didn't even know it was on?)  So all in all, it was a great full day out..

glad the rain P.O.Q'd and let us have this lovely day out.. it was just the break away from the house that we needed..

Rain Rain Go Away!

Well we are six days into the school holidays (Yippee) and we haven't seen much sunshine.. The kids have been unable to go out into the rain to play (for fear of melting) and we hadn't ventured far as my eldest Son was visiting with his Dad for the first part of the school holidays (also on a rained out holiday!) so we were waiting for him to rejoin the tribe before visiting the school holiday regulars (museum, art gallery etc). 

It has given us time however, as my hubby is also on 2 weeks holidays to get the odd jobs that have been niggling at us around the house.. I am well and truly on a decluttering mission and for the first time ever, WINNING!

Talk about winning.. I won a double pass to see 'What to Expect when you are Expecting' through the Safe n Sound Facebook page.. I was so stoked and had all of these lovely visions of me, myself and I sitting in the cinema relaxing and kicking back to my own company and enjoying the movie i'd been hoping to see, but each afternoon when I check the mail box i'm deeply depressed because they're not here yet!  They told me they would be posting them on Thursday! I hope they show up soon, I would love a little 'Mummy Break' right about now.. 

It's been odd having all of the kidlet's home for not 1 but 2 whole weeks these holidays.. We made an agreement with their bio-Mum last year that we would take a 2 week block each and split the other holidays 50/50.. it's worked out well so far, but means the next term (when we don't have them) we won't get to see them as much.. but it is much better for organising trips away etc (maybe next year when we have the warmer 2 week break!)  

Oh well id best get a little snooze in before my bed is invaded by not only 1 but 2 children each night now! More on that bad habit another post... 

A Lovely Break Away from the Daily Grind..

Moffat Beach, Caloundra QLD. 

Last week, Hubby had some time off from work, the sun was shining and the coast was beckoning.. so on the spur of the moment I made the decision to take the family away on a mini-holiday.  We found a gorgeous holiday home in Caloundra on the Queensland Sunshine Coast where we relaxed, unwound and didn't do much for 4 whole days!  *Bliss*  

Kids and us literally 'chilling' in the pool.. it was a bit cold.. 

Playing a game of trivial pursuit, Disney edition.. even the baby played. 

 On the way to the coast we made a detour to Alma Park Zoo, we'd never been there before and found it a good day out for the kids as it wasn't highly commercialized.  We wandered about for 3 hours checking out all of the animals, the Marmoset's were a hit, particularly the twin baby Marmoset's, the kids (and adults) adored them!  Another fun part of the day was when the kids got to pat the Koala, Crocodile and Snake after the reptile/koala show and all 4 of them were brave enough to give it a go! (This is highly unusual as 3 of them usually refuse to pat a Kangaroo).  As a Mum to a large family, I loved that you were allowed to bring food into the premises and they had BBQ facilities and tables/areas set up to encourage you to bring along your own food.  The kids enjoyed a picnic style lunch on the grass and saved my wallet a whole heap of $$. 

At Alma Park Zoo, Dakabin QLD. 

Other highlights of our week were the fantastic house! I truly loved the holiday home we stayed in, well priced and so well set up.  I found the house through the Stayz website, with 4 bedrooms, a heated pool and fantastic facilities and mod con's (Even a Wii for the kids) it turned out to be a real home away from home.. I could have stayed there forever.. I will definitely be making a return trip that's for sure.  If your ever on the Sunshine Coast, check out Alicia @ Pelican Waters on Stayz, you will not be disappointed. 

The Beautiful holiday home we stayed in. 'Alicia' at Pelican Waters,Caloundra. 

The beach! I love the beach.. I could spend a whole day just staring out to sea.. Although I would rather the sand not be there... (as would the car) But I loved taking the kids to the beach to collect rocks (there weren't many shells) walk through the water (it was a bit too cold to swim) and just chill out and made sandcastles on the shoreline.  

The food! our holidays always involve nice food, and in the absence of a buffet breakfast on hand (usually the draw card when we choose our accomodation) we turned to the good old BBQ for some beautiful meals.. love a BBQ.

The low light of my week was that we left our last night open to Fish and Chips on the beach. However, when we finally made it down to the beach it was dark and raining so we ended up buying some to take back to the house, I'm not much of a fan of fish and chips.. it has to be pretty nice to impress me as I'm not big on fried foods.. and this for the $60.00 we shelled out of it, wasn't all that nice.. BUT in saying that.. the ambiance was all good and it's just the done thing when you go to the beach.. I do wish, however, that Fish and Chip shop's catered for large families better.. Watching my Son and Eldest Stepson unknowingly eat a battered Oyster each (I didn't realise they were oyster's either until Hubby asked where they'd gone) was a highlight however, the poor things.. slimy slimy oysters, LOL.. good times. 

That's what families are made of.. :)  

We should do it more often.. xo

Good afternoon Blog, long time - No see..

Well, I can't believe its been a month since I last posted on my blog! How time flies, when your having fun (or keeping busy, as in this case!) I am so thankful that it is school holidays and life has slowed down to the crawl that I intend to enjoy for the next 2 weeks..  So what has been happening in our little neck of the woods?  
* I had been busy with work but i'm finished now.. I finished up last Thursday, but prior to this I was trying to do a few days each week of relief work. 
* The days I wasn't doing relief work I was attending events at the kids school, doctors appointments or shopping.. filling most of my days in nicely from morning til school pickup!
* We finished organising the nursery, Hubby did a fantastic job in setting it all up and we decorated it together.. It is just as we'd both hoped and always imagined - very happy with it all.
* My Mum spent a few days in the hospital with a bad back, so I was up visiting her and helping her out in the week after she came home.. thankfully she is on the mend now, which is nice.. awful to see someone you love in so much agony.
*And on the weekend my Mum and Aunty threw me a lovely baby shower! Which was a gorgeous day with lots of gorgeous ladies in my life. I was in charge of creating the games, so that kept me busy for quite some time..

So nothing exciting or glamorous, just the day to day activities that keep us all busy.  So here I am - Kids on holidays, me on maternity leave, 4 weeks to go til the little Mr arrives and planning on enjoying the next few weeks before we're reintroduced to the world of babies.. Hope you have all been keeping well too..

Back from yet another trip..

Anyone would start to think we were the holidaying type! but no, unfortunately it is rare for us to go on a holiday, let alone two in two weekends!  this time we travelled to Bundaberg QLD for my husband's, Pop's 80th Birthday and enjoyed 3 nights away with more swimming at the beach, collecting shells, going for walks, fishing and catching up with family..

Overall it was a lovely trip, but we are very happy to be home now with our pets and back in our own comfy beds.  For now we're going to hang up our holiday shoes and get back into reality.. that doesn't sound quite so fun does it? LOL.

Easter Long Weekend Camping.

A few weeks ago we decided we would give camping a go for the Easter long weekend, not having camped since my childhood and never having camped with children before, I knew it would either be an experience we would either love or loathe.  But it was an experience Hubby and I have been eager to embark on for the past couple of years, we just never got around to it (we always fell for the allure of hotels/houses for our past holidays instead!)  BUT I'm so glad we did give it a go, because thankfully we loved it & we're glad to have given the kids a different perspective on holidaying.  We headed to North Stradbroke Island, which is a short ferry trip off of Brisbane, Queensland - It's a gorgeous island, we fell in love with it last August when we stayed in a holiday home over there and so far to date it's my favourite holiday destination. 

Gorgeous weather for our first camping trip..

Our campsite, early morning..

We had the first night to ourselves as a family, which was nice to set up, explore and relax just the six of us and the next day we were joined by my Husband's family (they were the ones who initially invited us & had the two campsites next to ours).  We spent an enjoyable 3 days swimming at the beach, going for walks, eating yummy food and relaxing at the campsite and the kids got to enjoy time playing and fighting with their cousins ad mist all of this. 

Kids swimming at Cylinder Beach, our favourite beach, all time!

Easter Sunday was also spent on the island and the kids awoke to find the Easter Bunny had visited our tent and scattered mini crunchie eggs everywhere and left them a bag of goodies at the end of their beds.  They were rather excited. 

Carrots, Milk and Letters for the Easter Bunny

We headed back Sunday afternoon, so nice to be homeward bound - as relaxing as it is to be on holidays, it is always nice to return back home, my Brother had house/pet sit for us & as usual he'd done a terrific job and all of our pets were waiting for us, excited as ever..

So overall, we were blessed with great weather and great conditions for our first camping trip - I'll give it two thumbs up & definitely be back! 

Hubby overlooking the Headland @ Point Lookout.

One Happy Camper.. LOL

School Holidays.. *Bliss* & School Friend Gifts.

After a long and drawn out 12 weeks, we have finally reached the school holidays.  I love school holidays for their sleep in's, late breakfasts, extended PJ wearing time (particularly now it's getting cooler) and of course getting to do some wonderful activities and spending time with the kids. 

On the last day of school my Son took in a little present for each of his school friends and a chocolate bunny for his hard working teacher, I have made this a tradition each year for special occasions since he started Kindy 2 years ago and he really enjoys handing out these little gifts to his friends. 

Last year and the year before I used the little Easter marshmallow shapes and chocolate eggs, but this year I took a simpler approach and opted to use the little plastic eggs I have often seen at discount stores and we placed a chocolate egg and some easter stickers in each one, sealed them up with another easter sticker and sent them on their way :)  I also sent an additional bag of eggs for him to hand out randomly to friends (at $1 you can't go wrong.. )

My son said his friends loved them, they didn't take me all night to prepare (as these gifts often do) and it was something he could help me out with each step of the way!

Happy Valentines Day 2011

I think that Valentines Day has always held a soft spot in my heart & has been a day that I have always been happy to celebrate. I don't know if this is because I haven't really been single before on Valentines Day or because any day that is a day to express the love you have for those around you, is alright by me!

My Son was born on Valentines Day 6 years ago, which was such a lovely Valentines gift, my best so far (even diamonds wouldn't compare..) Usually my husband and I don't exchange gifts until the evening for this very reason, so we don't take away from the little man's birthday. But this year, I decided to include the kids into Valentines Day, as they too, get just as excited about it and after all, Valentines Day is about 'Love' overall.. our family of love.

So this year I bought all the kids a chocolate rose, I thought they were so cute (and tasty) and at only $1.25 each from Kmart, a bargain too! And a block of choccie, laid it onto their place mat with a handmade card and some Valentines Day themed balloons attached to the back of each of their chairs.  A simple gesture, but their little eyes lit up when they saw it in the morning.. It was nice to see them reading their cards and messages and sharing their chocolates around, my eldest stepson even gave me the chocolate rose back as a gift to me, very touching. 

That evening, being my son's birthday and Valentines Day, we went to see Gnomeo and Juliet at the cinema which was  a nice touch for both occasions we thought. 

For Hubby, I left out a little dangling heart at his coffee station for the morning (knowing full well i wouldn't be awake) and a very daggy, but heartfelt bag of lolly banana's..

We didn't exchange gifts in the evening this year as I fell asleep quite early on in the evening after the movie (who said your energy comes back at 12 weeks pregnant! 16 weeks and still exhausted!) And I awoke to find a delicious box of Lindt Desert Chocolates (how very evil) and a gorgeous card on my side table, how sweet.

So that's Valentines Day for another year.. but thankfully in our household it doesn't mean the love stops there :) 

A Little Mini Break..

We just got back this afternoon from a 2 night mini-break after heading to the coast with my Husband's family. It was nice to take time out and catch up with everyone, which is something we haven't done much of this year as life can sometimes lead everyone in very different directions and things get busy. But a couple of days of bbq's, swimming, fishing, chatting and a deviation away from the regular routine was nice and probably just what was needed. After all, who could say no to such a beautiful view...

As much as we love getting away, we are big homebodies and enjoy coming home just as much! My Brother stays at our place whilst we are away to both housesit and petsit and this is a wonderful arrangement that works for all of us. He does a wonderful job and we go away reassured that our pets are happy, fed and comfortable and that our house is in safe hands.

Another thing that made our homecoming so nice was being able to unpack our bags without the burden of a million loads of washing piling up as I thought ahead last night and washed and dried everything before we headed home. Something I will definitely do in the future! So nice to not have wet, sandy washing to wake up to in the morning!