I hope to be a better friend to those around me.
I hope to be a fantastic lover to my loving partner.
I hope to become a wonderful and loving wife.
I hope to be the best role model and mother that I can be.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Poor English Rant...

I really hate people who CAN spell properly but CHOOSE not to! I mean, how hard is it type - sorry, yes, you, your, anyway, because... I just don't understand the need to shortcut and why you'd want to practice poor language skills.
What was the point of 12 years of schooling to be just as inconprihensible as a 5 year old? And school students, why practice poor English while your learning it? I'm pretty sure when your doing your QCS test "OMG why are u doin that 2 me 4?" won't get any marks what so ever!

I don't know, maybe i'm not cool enough to understand why on Earth 'net slang' is so popular. I think 'yer' is such a bogan thing to say. "yer boi" "rite on" "bcoz" "soz" Yup... I can't stand it.

xx

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Early Birthday Surprise!!!!

Well i havn't posted in a while, since Miss Stalker showed up. But I just could not resist sharing my awesome birthday surprise!!!

My birthdays on Wednesday (4th) but Dan decided that he wanted to give it to me early. He approaches me and ask's if I wanted to play a game. I'm intrigued but I had a feeling he was being silly and would end up being a prank. So I said no! But came around after some convincing. He hands me an envelope and gets down on his knees.
Inside is the most gorgeous card and message from him. It's for my eyes only though! I also notice a peice of paper with the strangest message!
"Yours goes slow, mine goes fast, why not look inside, and prepare to have a blast"
Ok, what is that supposed to mean. I'm told to figure out the riddle and follow the clues. Ok, so what on earth do I have that is slower than his. A lot of things! I finally realised that he was talking about our cars. So I went and searched the cars. Low and behold, under the passengers chair was a golden wrapped gift. Within is a G5 Gaming Mouse! With another clue!! Wow! He has more than one gift?!?!
So the next one reads, "They're usually Green, But ours is Black, I'll give you a hint, It's around the back!"
Seriously, what? What on earth is green but ours is black? And it's outside? Well this took quite a while, but I realised he was talking about our greenhouse. Ours has black meshing instead of the traditional green. It was like that when we found it.
I search for a while (he is good at hiding things!) and find yet another golden wrapped gift. Inside is a G15 Gaming Keyboard! YAY! How wonderful. A new mouse and keyboard, and, another clue! I was getting rather nervous, he didn't get me another present?! Surely!!!
"Did you think that was all, did you think I was through, one more to go, just because I love you!! p.s. it's in the carport"
I couldn't believe it! So I floated into the carport and searched for ages, ended up asking him to play hot and cold as I couldn't for the life of me find it. He'd hidden it in the cupboard that was on it's side. Silly me! Another golden wrapped gift. It was huge. And heavy! Oh my goodness! Inside was a 22" LCD monitor!!! Oh my goodness me! How lucky am I?? I also recieved another note, "This is the last one, for this year at least, but always know with each passing moment, my love for you is increased."

I love my man...

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

It's been a while...

Well I haven't posted in a while, and maybe it's because I have forgotten (most likely) that I was supposed to keep posting. And also I didn't want to fill it with negativity as everything else in my life seems to be these days. I want things to be better, I want to be happy I really do! But there just seems to be so many changes, so many things go wrong that it gets really hard to see the bright side. How I miss the days when I was always able to see the sunny side and be bright and cheery. The good old days I guess.
Well what's getting me down? There was an 'incident' that happened last year when Asuka was quite young where people went off the rails over a comment I made on a forum. Yes, I can understand why people were concerned. But I never deserved the crap that followed. I have never felt so horrible in my whole life. And that sent me into a spiral of depression. It was only yesterday that I was able to realise, that that point in my life was where it all started. The self doubt, the loss of self confidence, the depression. Why speak about this now? Well I have recently found out that one of these "women" have been 'keeping an eye on me'. by Someone on my friends list has been passing along information (mainly status updates) to her from Facebook. Now is it just me or is that considered stalking? After the incident I was petrified of going to the shops, changed my phone number and hid inside my house. I didn't want anyone to identify me, I can't even gather the courage now to go to a damned playgroup.

I am, however, happy I found the source of the depression. So now hopefully I can start crawling my way out of it all. I already do feel better, thanks to the love and support of my fiancé.


And a message if this gets passed on:
I hope you are happy lady. You are a vulgar and venomous person, I hope you change your lifestyle before your son starts mimicking your behaviour. Stay away from me and my family. It is not your duty to 'check up' on me. I will go to the police against you and that horrible website you are affiliated with. Cyber-bullying, character defemation and stalking should not and will not be tollerated.

By the way I have evidence how inappropriate you really are and have copied all your posts and the foul language. I dont think this is appropriate for a catholic school teacher.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Burn Baby!

I gotta shed this excess weight already! I mean, common!
I am a little worried though, as my muscles arn't repairing the way they're supposed to. It's all a little funny. After having a bit of an argument with Dan over how much I can actually physically do, I researched up some special programs for poor post-pregnant ladies like me. I envy you mumma's who look so fab after childbirth!! *Stares at quite a number of you!*
Those of you like me check out here and here.

Gentle tummy exercise:
Pregnancy splits your abdominal
muscles down the middle. It is important to make sure your muscles have healed
before you do any vigorous abdominal exercises, such as abdo crunches. In the
meantime, you can tone your tummy by performing an exercise that strengthens the
deepest muscle layer (transversus abdominus).

Be guided by your doctor,
midwife, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, but general guidelines
include:

You can perform these exercises lying down, sitting, standing
or on your hands and knees.

  • Keep your lower back flat.
  • Breathe out and draw your belly button back towards your spine. Your
    lower back shouldn’t flex or move.
  • Hold this position and breathe lightly. Count to 10.
  • Relax and repeat up to 10 times per set.
  • Do 10 sets, as many times per day as you can.
  • You may like to perform your pelvic floor exercises at the same time
    (see below).
I think i'm still at stage one unfortunatly. 6 months on and my muscles are still split! I have been doing these excersices at least once a day. Twice if I remember! I jumped on Wii Fit while Lil D was asleep and got about 12 minutes of hula-hooping and stepping before I was stuffed (and Lil D woke up!)
Unfortunatly my weight has only changed by 0.1kg. LOL! Oh well, staying the same is better than putting on!

I set a new goal on Wii Fit to lose the 10kg in 6 months. That's 0.8kg per fortnight. Do-able I guess if I try! Seems like a small enough goal! It's not like I don't already get buttloads of excercise every day, lifting 7-12kg, walking up and down the stairs, sometimes with both weights in hand! Running after children... But i'm sure someone is going to tell me that it isn't classified as exercise. Well at least i'm not sitting around all day, or sleeping, oh how I wish I was sleeping... Sleep! Oh how I miss thee! Why doth though taunt me with lazy thoughts and pleasant dreams.

For my birthday can I have 6 hours sleep? KTHNXBAI

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Finally some good advice!!!

As you all know we've been having a hard time with Lil' D, a __really__ hard time! I have seen a few doctors about him (notice everytime I desperatly go see a Dr our family Dr is not available!) and all they could say is bullshit. One even told me that he had nappy rash and I should put cream on it. (Note: Danté did not have nappy rash). So when it came time for me to freak out and make another rash Dr's appointment knowing my GP would most likely have no appointments free, I was told to try a Child Health Nurse. Now I never thought much of CHN's because they're not Dr's. They can't help you if the child isn't sick. But I called up anyway. After speakin to an absolutely faboulous nurse, Lisa, she explained that around this age babies develop the seperation anxiety and it will last about a month. She also pointed out that Danté was not getting enough sleep during the day! I should've been on top of that! To be honest I had no idea that he was only supposed to be awake for 1.5hour periods of time. And you know what... It's worked! Just by giving him more sleep during the day, he sleeps better at night. It still takes me quite a while to _get_ him to sleep, but nowhere near the hour and a bit it used to take. Actually at the moment I am up and down to get him down for his midday nap. It's running on about 20 minutes now, so lets just hope he settles. She also suggested I stop rocking him to sleep if I can (which I am more than happy to stop doing as he just wakes up when I put him down) and allow him to whinge/cry a little bit before rushing in. I'm really amazed at how he has been self settling. He will start screaming and give me the cue to come settle him again, and sometimes, by the time I get over to him he has stopped and starting to sleep. I think my boy just likes to cry? Although I hate seeing him do so. I don't want to sound cruel, but I really have to make sure that he's happy and healthy before worring about myself, and sleeping more is going to make that happen.
Oh and is he every happy now?! It's been 3 days since I talked to the CHN and it has been so much better. I am feeling like a human being again, instead of this mindless zombie that just goes on auto-pilot and forgets whole days. Oh yes, I have forgotten days. To be exact, I have lost last Monday. I cannot for the life of me remembered what we did! Just gone, a whole day! I'm sure it's not a good sign. I should start planning my holiday, my escape. Jeeze I need one. Maybe I can do that for my Birthday, it's coming up in a few months. Although I doubt Lil' D would've given up breastfeeding by then, he'll only be, say, 9mo. Yeah, don't think that's going to happen. Oh well, I'll keep dreaming of it...

xx

PARENT - Job Description

I've seen a lot of these types of 'jokes' about parent-hood. It's all true though, unfortunatly!

POSITION :

Mum, Mummy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging
Permanent work in an,
Often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
And organizational skills and be willing to work
Variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
And frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
Primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities .
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
Until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
Pack mule
And be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
In case, this time, the screams from
The backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
Such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
And stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
Coordinate production of multiple homework projects.

Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
For clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute,
An embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
Half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
The quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
Janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updat ing your skills,
So that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
Of the assumption that university will help them
Become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
You actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
No tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
No stock options are offered;
This job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth
And free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
And in the end, you will learn unconditional love and how amazing it really is!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Wedding Update

Well I finally got my shit together and got a folder and an awesome guide from - http://www.elegala.com/pdf/Wedding_Planning_Workbook.pdf. Fantastic and thorough "what you should be doing" guide. With everything from Ceremony+Reception to Jewellery+Cakes. Elegala's website has a multitude of printable questionnaires and handy hints to make sure you get just what you want out of the big day. LOL! I sound like a sales rep. I don't get paid from these guys, but I do love their website! It's the only place I've been that has easy to access no bullshit information. Just what you need when you have little time to look at things.

So far our budget is already over by $1110 and that was only in the estimate! Holy moly Weddings cost a mint! I think within the next few months I should be able to do some sort of paid work. Hopefully from home, or maybe one day a week when Dan is home. Not sure what just yet. I just know we could use some extra money for the wedding, and all the fun things life throws at us.

Hmmm my tea doesn't have enough sugar this morning, but I *did* put 3 in it! Maybe one more might sweeten it up a bit. Although I do have to start trying harder to lose weight. Danté is almost 6 months and that's when I'm allowed to start exercising. I have been a little naughty and done VERY light WiiFit stuff, like hula hooping and basic yoga. Feels really good to stretch muscles I didn't thought worked anymore. Here's a laugh, my osteo wanted to give me some light muscle building exercises to do. He shortly realised I could only do one. Now imagine this... Lie on your stomach, tighten your stomach and pelvic floor, slowly lift one leg off the floor and hold for 5 seconds. Lower and do the other leg.
Well, Jade's got no stomach muscles whatsoever. The last few nights that I've done them I can *barely* get my toes off the bed! And afterwards I'm absolutely wrecked! Feel like I've done 50 sit-ups. Which is good, but also really, really, really sad at the same time! I'm sure most of you out there could run rings around my poor effort!

So yes, checklist for Wedding:
  • Build muscle control and Lose Weight
  • Goal - 60kg and Size 12 (that was pre-pregnancy weight and size! Well 59kg to be exact!)
  • Set date for Engagement Party
  • Finish Invitations to Engagement

Well the monkey has had enough of banging on my pots and pans! Time to get back to it!

xxx

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Go go go car!!!

Yes, her new words are... GoGoGoGo Caaaar!!! Oh and Bay-beeeeee! Such a darling, and being both well behaved and extremely frustrating! I think she's hit that 'terrible-two' phase already. Pushing a lot (i mean a lot) of boundaries. Ranging from climbing onto the coffee table and playing in the fish tank, to eating her crayons until they become face paint! But she's learning, slowly but surely.
As for the little man, his sleep patterns are all AWOL! I think he must be teething, as he is getting extremely hard to settle to sleep. Just needs a lot of help relaxing his body, and even after he settles he still whimpers a bit in his sleep. Poor dear! Panadol helps him sleep instantly, but I can't see myself giving him panadol for every nap! We just have to struggle through it. Just like everything else!

So as a summery:
  • Danté started commando crawling
  • Danté started sitting up
  • Asuka's new words - Baby, Go, Car, Cat (?? maybe it's just car?)
  • Asuka is very mischievous.. oh we already knew that ;)
I have been Bento'ing as well, just havn't been taking the photos. Trying to make 100! I'll get there. Jazz, I still have your stuff! I have to get it to you someday, maybe we can arrange a dinner here one night with Nash, Lester + Simone?? I don't know if you can make it all the way out here though. Live so far apart, sadface!

Oh also, keep an eye on this space for updates on the Engagement party. I think we are finally getting it together, just working out minor details before sending invites. Yayz! Finally! It will be a joint housewarming/engagement party, seeing as it has taken us almost 2 years to have one! Holy moly it has been a long time!!! I can't wait for the wedding!

xx Jadles

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Bento (#012 - #017)

Well I havn't updated in a while so just going to group them all together. There are more on my other camera but can't find the cord since the move. I hope you get some inspiration!!

Dans Lunch (#012):
Ham + Cheese Sandwiches, Wasabi + Ginger Sakata, Mixed Nuts (under the crackers), 1 Chicken Enchalada surrounded with Baby Spinach and Cherry Tomatos. And a yummy Chocolate Cupcake!!




Asuka's Lunch (#013):

Honeydew Melon, Grapes, Strawberries, Snow Peas, Cheese, Sakata's and Peanut Butter sandwiches.

Asuka, Tristan and Noah's Lunch (#014):
Mini Pizzas!! French stick slices toasted with tomato paste, herbs, ham and cheese. Pikelets, Strawberries, Apples, Grapes, Rockmelon and Honeydew Melon.
I believe almost all of this was consumed between the 3 of them! It was so much fun to make 3 Bento lunches!!

Asuka's Lunch (#015):
Sandwiches, Apple Stars, Snow Peas and Honeydew Melon. Rather boring day...

Asuka's Lunch (#016):
Oranges, Bunny Egg, Toast Soldiers and Cheese



Asuka's Lunch (#017):
Leftover Beef Goulash, Yoghurt and Bunny Sandwiches.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Gone Commando!

That could be interperated as a bad term, but be rest assured I have only good intentions! Our little boy is commando crawling around . I don't understand what happened and when he decided it was ok to grow up! My 4 month old baby has become more mobile. He still struggles to sit up, so I'm a little surprised he is crawling before sitting. He is a very strong willed little boy. Even as I write he is inching closer and closer to his big sister with giggles and smiles. His big sister however is being naughty and eating her crayons. Thats the problem with wall washable crayons, they react well to water and result in a multi-coloured mouth. *sigh* Children... messy no matter what you do!

We're having a bit of trouble with the little ones sleep patterns, seems they both have agreed that sleeping is no longer cool during the day, and therefor fighting me tooth and nail for the right to stay up. I'm not giving up very easily kiddies, so watch out! That's one thing nobody needs to deal with, overtired and grumpy children. There is just no reasoning with a child that has no idea about cause and effect. Telling her she'll be tired and grumpy when daddy gets home just results in her running to the stairs to check out if daddy is home. Yes, no reasoning with toddlers... Oh and telling them that you can't stand on a toy car because it will go from underneath them doesn't work eaither. She can thank daddy for that new trick... She picks up things too quickly.

Oh well, the little grumpy on my lap has decided that he doesn't want to be here anymore, so I'm off to bounce him back to sleep. If he will let me.

xx

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Keep rollin!

Well it has been quite an eventful month!
  • We purchased and moved into our very own home (yay!)
  • Danté rolled over front-back and back-front
  • Danté started to wriggle around and get up on all fours!
  • Danté started solids
  • Asuka's new words - Car, Dum ear (come here)
  • Dan and I have been sick with the flu (most likely swine flu)

Yeah that's about it in a nutshell! I can't begin to explain how exciting it was to see my little boy get up on all fours! He's only 4 months old! (5 months next week) But still, he is growing up faster than Asuka did. She is quite excited about it too, she is constantly trying to play with him. They get along really well, even if Asuka plays mummy and puts his binkie in when he is crying. It's cute but tends to make Lil' D even more upset. Oh and Lil' D has this horrible smelling poop! It seriously smells like dog poop. Gross, eww, disgusting!

Everything is going fairly well. We're slowly unpacking and getting things organised. I've had the student nanny around helping out and that has been amazing. She's great, and I wish she didn't have to go! Hopefully I've been a good teacher and we can have another student around. It's been good to have a helping hand, and I think my sanity is slowly returning. My patience certainly has!

Well that's all from me for now, Missy has finished her lunch and is now waiting for me to release her.

xxx

Friday, July 10, 2009

Riceballs (Onigiri)

Well here are my first attempt at riceballs. Fillings were Tuna+Mayo
and Peanut Satay Chicken. The cheat with marinated chicken for sushi
or onigiri is to buy pre-made kebab sticks. They are already marinated
and chopped up. Also there is a small enough portion to satisfy!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Moving

Argh! Could it get any harder? We thought hiring removalists was a
pain in the ass... Well doing it yourself is worse! Although, nothing
has gone missing and nothing has broken (yet). Wheras last 2 moves
removalists have done both.
The house is nice, once you live in it you really notice all the small
things wrong with it. Like cracks in the wall, crap chipboard
cupboards, not enough light in the living area!! That's the one thing
I wanted dammit!!!
*sigh*

On the bright side we do own our own home. Even if it is a little less
than perfect!

Sent from my awesome iPhone.
Jealous?
>.<

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Bento (#011)

Vegemite samdwich, kiwi fruit, rockmelon, cheese and sausage rolls
(not pictured)

Bento (#010)

Meatballs, potato, vegemite sandwiches, tomato, rockmelon and cheese

Bento (#009)

Rockmelon, egg, cheese, manderine and chicken

Bento (#008)

Meatballs, egg, rockmelon, banana and manderine.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Oh let them play!

Well what a day it has been today! We started the morning a little rough with lots of grumps and no morning nap from Little D. If I was just planning on going shopping or visiting Dan I would've stopped in my tracks and said, "Forget about it!" But this morning was different. I wouldn't say it was all my idea, but damn the suggestion to go to an enclosed play center was ingenious! Never have I been so relaxed while I was out with the children. Yes, there were tears, but I wasn't having to watch my little monkey while trying to settle the grizzle bear. (Monkey = Asuka-Marie and Grizzle Bear = Danté, just if you were wondering). There was an entry fee, a gate and plenty of climbable, movable, playable objects at my toddlers disposal. I think she had a blast! I believe this will become a weekly occurrence! Oh and the staff were lovely! I think I will be bringing my own lunch next time though. As chips and nuggets just don't cut lunch for Asuka, she likes cheese and fruit and vegetables to go along with it. I'm sure they can't protest that seeing as they didn't sell anything of the like.

Asuka had crashed as soon as we got home, and gave me 2 hours of peace! She doesn't usually sleep for that long. Bliss! That was worth the $60 (entry+coffee+wedges+iced tea+other items I should probably not have bought but did anyway). Now all I want is a hot cup of tea, but i've run out of milk. Boo. This has to be the best Thursday ever! Lets just hope the energy draining morning allows for a breezy afternoon. She's already playing quietly by herself. I'm letting her have some alone time. She seems to appreciate that.

In other news, I keep looking at my new rice cooker (thanks to my lovely Daniel), wondering what the heck i'm going to make with it. Well yes, the easy answer to that question is 'rice'. But I don't think I have anything to go with it at the moment. While I want to head down to the shops and pick up some more things, i'm tyring hard to hold off until we move. Less we have the less we have to move right? Oh jeeze I am NOT looking forward to moving. As it is it all looks fairly complicated. Lucky for me my main job is to look after the children. I don't mind that at all, just hoping that the move doesn't throw them out completely. I know how cats react to moving, they go absolutely crazy! I would hold a glass of wine up to myself and say, "here here" but i'm going off wine for a while to see if it helps with Little D.

I should be going, my little princess is blowing me big kisses!

xx Jadles

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

It just is....

I knew it would happen quite quickly, the time to actually sit down and post something has eluded me. I do have some spare time, but it's usually done lazing on the couch, checking Facebook or plodding around cleaning something or other.
Recently there has been a lot of drama surrounding our lives. Banks loosing paperwork, my milk supply suffering due to copious amounts of stress, moving dillemas, sleep deprivation... You name it, we're doing it.
I need a holiday, a day off... Parenting isn't easy! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. All day it's a constant learning curve, some days are easier than others. And then you just have 'one of those days'.
I hate complaining about my lifestyle, and in a sence i'm not complaining as such. More trying to make people understand how hard it is. I'm unreliable, forgetful and stressed out most of the time. I don't need excuses, I'm living one.

I have no idea where I am gong with this, just jotting down every random thought that pops into my tired little head. Isn't that what this medium is good for? Stress relief... Ahhh good old stress relief...

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Over-Exhausted... And Over Being Exhausted...

Lets start with a giant sleepy sigh.... Oh boy, am I bloody tired! You know I was hoping that after the previous nights efforts, the children may have had a one off bad night. But apparently I was horribly mistaken. Last night, low and behold, they did it again. Both children, up at least 3-4 times, for reasons unknown. I have been telling everyone that Mr D has been sleeping so well, and then he goes and pulls this 2 day stunt. Yes, he is an infant. Yes, he gets hungry. Yes, he's driving me insane. I feel even more sleep deprived than when he was first born. How is that even possible? It's not fair, on any parent, to have to deal with the both of them up all night.



And he's still at it...



Tell me what child dislikes sitting or lying on his back? The only time he's happy is on his stomach or being held facing outward with pressure on his tummy.

I must go...

Friday, June 19, 2009

Bento (#007)

As you can see Asuka couldn't wait for me to take the photo.
Today we have:
Chicken, avocado sandwich and cucumber flowers, cheesy hearts and
carrot sticks.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Bento (#006)

Photobucket
Dan's Lunch:
Leftover Chicken Burritos on a bed of Baby Spinach and Cheesy Hearts.
Pikelets and Frozen Strawberries and some Honey


Photobucket

Asuka's Lunch:
Potato, Cheese and Carrot with a Baby Spinach, Cucumber and KiwiFruit Salad.


Photobucket

My Lunch:
Potato, Cheese and Cucumber Salad. (Just made some extra for myself! It was yummy!)

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Mummy's Mini Meatballs

Mini Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • Mince (1kg makes a lot!)
  • Grated Vegetables (Carrot, Zucchini, Squash, Onion... Whatever you have in the fridge)
  • 2 Eggs Beaten
  • Tomato Sauce/Purred Tomato
  • Herbs/Salt and Pepper (Just for a bit of extra flavour)
  • Flour
Method:
  1. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Get your hands dirty!
  2. Roll meat mixture into balls, if using for lunches make small enough to fit 2-4 on a skewer.
  3. Toss in plain flour.
  4. Heat a little oil and fry in frying pan until cooked through.
  5. Keep adding oil as needed.

To Freeze:
  1. Seperate into equal sized lunch portions (I do 6-8 for both me and Asuka)
  2. Put in either zip lock bags, freezer bags or seperate in large tupperwear container. They do stick together so cling wrap will keep them seperate.
  3. Defrost before putting in lunchbox. These arn't too bad at room temp. Otherwise chuck them in the microwave on a paper towel for a couple of minutes until hot.

Serving Suggestion:
Make 'Meatball Burgers' using skewers. Cut a cherry tomato in half, and use them as the 'hamburger bun'. Start with the bottom of the tomato, add a chunk of cheese, meatball, cheese, meatball, cheese then the top of the tomato. Nice presentation and a yummy cheese+meatball lunch treat!

Bento (#005)

Missy is back to her normal self today (thank goodness) although I have to admit that I did enjoy the quietness. She didn't really eat a whole lot. I ate the leftovers though.


Handy tip!

Use cookie cutters on sliced kiwi fruit to remove the skin. So much easier than peeling each slice!(just to clarify I did this after taking the photo)

Asuka's lunch:Kiwi fruit, raisin toast, roast beef, shaved ham and cheesey stars.

Somewhat down on food. Fortnightly shopping sounds better in theory. Problem is you need to get basics and fresh fruit/veg every week. When I'm living 5 mins away from Dans work I'm sure it will be a bit easier. Just have to get packing!!

xx

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

You give me fever...

Well, I don't have it. Poor little Asuka does. Been very quiet today which is very abnormal for the little monkey. Temp around 38, up all night grizzling. Yup. She's unwell.
And I really don't have much to say. I'm tired, haven't showered yet, and just very blazae.

D&D was great fun on Sunday. Made awesome nacho's for everyone, and I can even say that some went to waste. I don't think it was because they weren't good though. I think I just made too much. Have been comtemplating starting to write my own campaign that would probably be finished in a good 2-3 years. Who knows.

Feeling somewhat out of sorts today. Didn't make any Bento, as Asuka is barely eating dry toast. Have been wanting to make Onigiri for a couple of days but it seems like it will take a good couple of hours to prepare. I don't think I have that kind of time when I'm home alone. I've ostrisized myself from Asuka so she can rest a little. Hasn't been sleeping that well, so I made her a pseudo bed in the loungeroom. I've been with her most of the day, she just talks to me and lays on me. She also then gets very upset when I have to leave to get Danté. So I decided to take some time out while the Master is asleep and leave Asuka alone to rest quietly. Last time I peeped in there she was climbing on a box.

Oh and now I've been spotted... My me time is up

xx

Monday, June 15, 2009

Bento (#004)

Asuka's Lunch:
Roast Beef, Smoked Ham, Cheesy Hearts, Manderin Peices and a Boiled Egg (not pictured)

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Bento (#003)

Today was interesting! I got some marinated chicken peices on special at coles ($8 for about 10 peices) So I cooked them in the oven and froze them.

Asuka's Lunch Today:
Cream Cheese Sandwiches, Honeydew Melon, Chicken Drumstick and Rice Crackers.

Not very exciting today, no shapes. Was in a bit of a hurry. I did make Dan lunch today too, but can't remember atm what I made him. I can't wait for the Bento items from Japan to come. I'm very excited!

Tomorrow we're having D&D at our house and I kinda suggested that I'd make everyone Bento lunches. That's like... 6 extra lunches to make! I'm going to see if I can make Onagiri, maybe a tuna+mayonnaise one. See how I go.

Location Dillemma!!!!

Oh me oh my! I think I will cry!
Mt Cotton Gardens have closed! So we don't have a venue for our engagement party. Boo! I don't know what we're going to do now... Pretty dissapointed.

But I shant worry too much. After a quick word to Mr Ben, he's already come up with a heap of ideas to explore. Boats, hotels, gardens... Hopefully there are some bookings open for the end of the year.

I did come across Boulevard Gardens, which are gorgeous! But I might keep them in mind for the wedding instead of the engagement. Just divine!
http://www.boulevardgardens.com.au/index.php

What a mess...

Friday, June 12, 2009

Some kind of Doctor...

Let me just say, "AHHHHH!!!!"



Now that's out of the way, lets review today's little trip to the doctors. It was, well you could say, a waste of damned time! She didn't listen and didn't help me at all.

Lets start with me; I explained I am having troubles dealing with the stress, I feel like I'm going to break down. I don't know how much more I can take. Quote, "When your feeling sad, just think positive thoughts. You have 2 beautiful children, you wouldn't want to leave them. It's your responsibility to look after them. You can't die."
Thanks Miss Doctor Lady, I kinda already knew all that. I already practice the, try to stay calm deal. Here have some money for telling me things I already knew...

As for my poor son...
I have been behind in my washing and he was wearing the last of the cloth nappies. And because it was a little wet I thought I'd do the right thing and change him. I threw on one of Asuka's night time disposables, which just fit him, and ran out the door.
I explain to Miss Doctor Lady that he has been unsettled and screaming for about a month now, and that I think his medication isn't working the way it should. It's Losec, apparently the best reflux meds out there. So I hinted that he may need a higher dosage. She checked his temp, heart beat ect. usual stuff. She then checked his nappy, well, he had broken out in a horrible rash in the last 30mins. "Oh it's the nappy rash, you should try nappy rash cream. That will make him happy and he won't scream as much."
NO! He doesn't have nappy rash (usually), today was the first time in a disposable! Listen to me! This has been going on for months!
Again, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
She then wrote me up a referral to see the psychologist next door, who only works wednesday afternoon and friday. As I said to the Dr, I don't have an hour to go talk to someone. What are my children supposed to do in that time? A 15m old and a 3m old sit quietly for an hour? HA! Sif...

But... I do have some good news (thank goodness!)
A while ago my mum clued me in on a company called Charlton Brown. They were looking for prac schools for their student nannies. I put my name down about 2 months ago.
Today I got a call asking if I was still interested in being a prac family. Of course!!! Why would I say no to a 'free' nanny! She will be starting in July (the new house) and will do Thurs/Fri for the first 2 weeks then do full week blocks! Can you BELIEVE IT!?!
I was praying for an answer, and this happens. I'm usually not so 'religious' as such, but thank you God! What amazing news!

<3 I'm off to meet my man
xx

Suicide Mission

Gah! I have to venture out to the doctors today. I'm praying that the Dr has some answers. Danté is unnaturally unsettled, maybe a UTI, maybe something else, I don't know. All I know is that I cannot handle him anymore. And well, I can't handle it anymore so I'm hoping the Dr has a solution to my problem. Two children both fighting for your attention all day wears you down. I'm sleep deprived, my body aches, I'm malnourished and at wits end. It's hard to admit, but I feel I'm in over my head. I try so hard to keep up with everything, and Dan tells me that I'm doing well. I probably am doing well. I just know I could do better, I want to do better. I really need a day off. One day where I just do nothing. Maybe I should hospitalise myself, forced to lay on that hospital bed, do nothing but rest and relax. Sounds like heaven. But, what is the likely hood of that ever happening. I mean really, what mother does get a day off? Especially one that's breastfeeding.
Oh don't get me started with that. I hate thinking about giving it up, and I have to remind myself what happened last time with Asuka. Dan promised he'd help out with the feeding, and all that happened was he'd make the bottle while I fed her. Not I get to sleep in while Dan gets up and feeds her. It's an unrealistic expectation to believe that someone who has to get up to work would get up and feed their daughter at 1am in the morning.
Oh, why is this a suicide mission you might ask? When your son doesn't enjoy being in a carseat one bit, and the drive to the doctors is 20-30 mins down the road, you have to expect to stop at least well, 4 times? He screams! From the moment I lay him into his capsule he screams. Just goes off! I pull over every 5-10 minutes depending on how distressed he is, to take him out and settle him down. When he is quiet and calm I lay him back into it. 9/10 times he screams again. Then it's another 5-10 minutes. I hate driving! But I also refuse to be housebound because of a picky child!

So all, which me luck in my venture today. I might dose him up on panadol before we go so hopefully he is more calm for the drive. **sigh** How crazy is that? Have to dose my son up before going out.

I'll send out the results of our app. later today.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Mummy's Chicken Nuggets

Mummy's Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients:
  • 2 Chicken Breasts (or more if you like)
  • 3-4 Slices of Bread (I use Helgas)
  • Cornflakes
  • Seasoning (I use Vegetable Sprinkle from Masterfoods)
  • Eggs (beaten)
  • Flour
Method:
  1. Grab your whizzer and buzz up the bread and cornflakes. Try to make a 50/50 consistancy.
  2. Lay out your stations for; flour, egg, crumbs.
  3. Chop up your chicken into little kidlet peices.
  4. Roll the chicken in flour, dunk it in the egg and then roll it into the crumbs.
  5. Throw them into a freezable container for later on.
  6. If you want to cook them, chuck em in the oven for about 20-30 mins. The smaller the peices the quicker they cook. Don't forget the baking paper!

Bento (#002)

Well I actually had a few minutes to make Dan lunch this morning. He ate all his lunch yesterday, and got a big yum yum from Gulio (the manager) in regards to my meatballs. YAY!

Dans Lunch:


Chicken Nuggets (recipe coming soon!), Roast beef and cheese Muffin (for toasting at work), Rice Crakers, Cheesey Hearts, Carrot sticks and Mini Roma Tomato's.

Asuka's Lunch:


Chicken Nuggets, Banana sandwich fingers, Roast Beef and Cheesey Flowers.

Daily Grind

So today we have people looking through the house. I'm feeling very anxious about it, even though it's not a real estate inspection. I think everything is slowly setting in and the realisation that we're moving in 2 weeks is hitting me. Wow! 2 weeks!! We haven't even started packing yet!

Just out of curiosity, when would you start packing? Ok, we have packed like... 4 boxes of things that we don't need for the next 2 weeks. Like the nick knack things, which is obvious. But what about the big stuff? A week? A couple of days? The day before?? It's all too confusing. I have to calm down before I shake myself to death. Dan is probably right that I might be anaemic again. I'll just start taking all my vitamins again. Bloody horse sized tablets!

I had a brain wave to! I'm going to make some carrot and zuchinni cupcakes! They'll be (somewhat) healthy and good snacks for all of us. I'm sure Dan could be swayed to eat some at work. Asuka eats anything, and well me... I forget about eating half the time, then wonder at the end of the day why I have no energy and feel ill. It's a vicious cycle! Any mum will agree with me here that there is some 6th sence infants have that goes off whenever you try to eat! I start making a sandwich, cup of tea, put something in the oven... Wham! Hit with the grizzle monster! Sandwich goes stale, tea goes cold and well... anything left in my oven mutates into what I call, crispy critters. Yes, cupcakes will be a good 'grabbing' food. But will wait until the children are asleep tonight before attempting them.

Well, that's it from me. I have had my 5 min break and am now being summoned to help rocket blast off! Pat pat pat pat pat!!
(Little Einstiens reference for non-parents... in fact, lets get the theme song...)



Mummy's Mini Sausage Rolls

Mummy's Mini Sausage Rolls

Makes this many:
50-100

Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry (4-6 Sheets)
  • Grated Carrot
  • Grated Zucchini
  • Grated (whatever other vege's you can throw in)
  • 2 Eggs (beaten)
  • 1 kilo of mince, must be fresh!! (Otherwise it won't work)

Method:

  1. Place pastry sheets on bench to defrost. Keep the plastic film that seperates them!
  2. Mix all your ingredients into a big bowl. Get your hands dirty!
  3. Slice each sheet of pastry in half. (Just do one at a time. Sometimes you need more, sometimes less)
  4. Line up the mince in the middle of the pastry and fold over the pastry. Make sure that the ends overlap! Try and smush them together so they won't come undone.
  5. Cut the rolls into mini rolls. These can be as big or little as you like. A sharp knife works better.

To Cook:
Place in oven for about 10-15 minutes on baking paper.

To Freeze:
Find a large enough container to hold all these little babies! I use the jumbo tupperwear freezer ones. Use the plastic film from the puff pastry to keep the rolls seperate. I'll post a pic to show you what I mean.
When it comes to cooking them, put them in a little longer. They taste great fresh from the freezer!

Notes:
My little monkey LOVES these! And so does Dan. ^_^
Use whatever mince you want. I have had success with the following combinations:
Chicken and Pork
Beef and Chicken
Straight Beef

Most of all, enjoy!!!!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Bento (#001)

I actually made Dan lunch today also. But I didn't get a chance to take a snip snap.
Asuka wanted lunch early, she was running around hitting her mouth (the sign we made up for hungry). She ate most of it...
Asuka's Lunch:

Meatballs (I made them last night)
Piklets (Left overs from Sunday Morning)
Kiwi Fruit
Cheesey Hearts
Little dollop of Tomato Sauce

Dan Lunch:

Meatballs
Turkey and Cheese Sandwich
2 Cherry Tomatos
Honeydew Melon
Cheesy Hearts

Morning struggles...

Last week I wrote about the morning struggle... Doesn't everybody have one? Most people have to get out of bed and go to work. Others, start the day at work, like me.

My futile try at getting Danté down for his morning nap at the same time as Asuka, has failed. No shower, I did scoff down some cold english muffins. And now, I have now resorted to bouncing him on my knee, while trying to stay calm. A child who is pretty much only quiet while being held. Do you have any idea how hard it is? And Hark! I hear Asuka calling. 40 minutes of trying to settle this grizzler to bed, and he's still awake. Now I have to deal with Mr Grumpy and Miss Attention Peeeeeeeeeesse.

Well I should go and get her, no doubt there is a stinker awaiting me in that nappy of hers.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

A New Day, A New Blog...

A fresh start! A new blog to share whatever I wish. It's linked to Facebook so friends and family do not have to sign up to another 'blog' of mine. When I am able to I will port over my previous blog. I like to keep everything in one place.

I will be aiming to share my thoughts, feelings, accomplishments, doubts, worries, recipes, hobbies, photos and videos.

The name sums up who I am, and what I am hoping to achieve...

I hope to be a better friend to those around me.
I hope to be a fantastic lover to my loving partner.
I hope to become a wonderful and loving wife.
I hope to be the best role model and mother that I can be.

In life, these 4 things are the most important things to me. And I plan on spending the rest of my life growing and learning to achieve my goals.