NOT MUCH HAPPENING...
Or maybe there is and I just can't say!

Lol, just the usual here. The boys have been bouncing off the walls the past couple of days and driving me crazy! I think I'll appreciate my work days this year (maybe). I only had one day of work this week - and it was before the children returned to school - so the real test will come Monday!

Daniel dropped his water bottle on his toe last night and he was howling in pain...then it started to go black. All I could think of was Thomas' fractured toe... Luckily, the pain seemed to subside so we didn't take him to the hospital. It's still black and a little swollen. Will have to keep an eye on it.

The boys started swimming lessons again and I was hopeful of no tears, especially with Daniel who loves the water and will happily stand under the shower with water running down his face. But no such luck. It was back to the usual tears for Daniel with a helping (ie full-on screaming) of "I want my Mum" and similar 'they're torturing me' sounding screams from Thomas as he shouted "Hold me!" and "I want my Mum!" However, I shall perservere in the interests of water safety!

My eye is bothering me. It has looked bloodshot for some time and I just assumed it was a burst blood vessel, but it hasn't gone away, even with anti-bacterial drops. The Dr at the local medical centre scared me a bit with his line of questioning and said I may need a blood test if the drops didn't work (which they haven't). So today I trudged off to my "serious" doctor who is a little further away...I go to her for the "serious" stuff. Anyway, she wasn't so scary and said I may need some steroid drops if I have something or other but first we have to determine if I have that thing. So tomorrow morning I'm off for a blood test. Hopefully, the person will know what they are doing. My friend Sarah recently had a blood test and ended up with a black arm! I thought my eye dramas would be over after I had the laser surgery!

Do you want to know what's annoying? The bloody oven timer which keeps going off (like right now at 9.54pm) because Thomas decided to touch it earlier tonight! I don't know how to turn the stupid thing off!! I just keep re-setting it (not intentionally)!!!

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!

I should be in bed (I start work tomorrow)! But I think I may just get this post in in the nick of time! HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY to one and all! Hope everyone had a fantastic day :)

For once, we didn't have a family or friends' BBQ planned...and Sam got home at 5am after an all-night Chinese celebration. Him and his brothers took his cousin Pasquale, visiting from Italy, out to Chinese and it just so happened to be Chinese New Year's Eve... (most photos on this page are from mobile phones)

Anyway, he surprised me by getting out of bed before lunchtime and suggested we take the boys bowling. Thomas has only been once (for my nephew Jack's birthday) and Daniel has never been. They had a blast...and may I just say I am the AMF Bowling Champion! I beat Sam, beginning with 2 strikes that left him stunned! lol

We then went to lunch at a local restaurant. We didn't quite make it to dessert (I was craving their crepes) because the boys were getting restless, but we had a very yummy lunch just the same!

There was much debate today about whether Australia Day should be moved because today's date represents the day Australia was invaded. I have an opinion on all this but it's too late in the night to go into it now! So I shall spare you! However, feel free to let me know what you think about it all...

I also completed this canvas for Jada Ashley - I love that photo of her sleeping - how beautiful!

And finally, today is my cousin Cathy's 19th birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! This was the only photo I could find of her alone at her celebration last night! You look gorgeous Cathy!! But why are there lots of people dressed in leopard prints behind you?! And what is that woman directly behind you wearing (not much it seems)!? Lol funny what you notice when you really look at a photo...

LOVE AND MADNESS
I thought I would start off this post with the photos I was too lazy to post in the last post! Here are some of my recent projects - the first couple of photos are courtesy of my sister-in-law who discovered what I already know - it's hard to take photos of this kind of stuff! No need to apologise Carmelina...photos are fine :)

Here's a Mexico and Las Vegas honeymoon album for Natasha and Peter:

And an engagement album for Annmarie and Nato:

A digitally designed 1st birthday invite for Yianni (how cute is he?!):

And finally a digitally designed 1st birthday invite for my niece Alessia:

Okay, now on to other matters. I thought I would pictorially explain why this blog is called what it is...

Here is the LOVE...

Brothers playing happily in rock pools, enjoying the water and the sunshine...

Being all grown-up and so proud to get haircuts "at the hairdressers" (Thomas has been telling anyone who will listen and Daniel has been copying). My sister in-law is a hairdresser and usually cuts their hair at home, but she seemed busy so we decided to take them down to the local hairdressers...

Playing outdoors for a whole day in the warmth, splashing about in their giant blow-up pool, supervised by Aunty Rosie (not pictured). So worn out and tired that they fell asleep straight after their shower and before dinner...they slept through to the next morning :)

Having fun rumbling, as brothers do...

And here is a small snapshot of the MADNESS...

The washing all pulled off the line and lying on the floor, just because it was "fun" to do...

Daniel deciding to have an impromptu shower with all his clothes on...and Thomas going in after him to close the water. I'm still not sure which one turned the water on...

A six-pack of yoghurt, attacked and left half-eaten on the step, after being stolen from the fridge... at least they didn't eat it with their hands...

No such luck with the margarine, which they stole about 5 minutes later...

So much more madness to share, but I don't always have time to pull out the camera. Actually, there's an abundance of love too...if only I was quick enough to capture hand holding, private conversations and giggles galore between Thomas and Daniel...they would make your heart melt :)

THE BIG UPDATE (again)
People who read my blog regularly (all three of you lol) know that I sometimes fall off the blogosphere...and then I return with a rambling post that barely makes sense, where I try and fit 3 weeks into a few paragraphs. Well, here I am again. I don't have anything too earth shattering to share but the update goes like this:

Birthdays
My sister in-laws started a tradition last year whereby for our birthdays we go out for lunch or dinner (without husbands and kids). Brilliant idea. We recently had a very yummy lunch to celebrate Gina's birthday. Sam took the kids out so Daniel wouldn't holler and/or whimper "I want Mummy".

Anyway, the surprise part was where he took them - to a big shopping centre so that he could finish his shopping spree! And even more astonishing - he sewed a button (very well, I might add) to Thomas' shorts to stop them falling down before they left. Those shorts have been without a button for a very long time! I don't know why he didn't just go and get another pair of shorts...he actually searched for a needle, thread and button and sewed. I'm still bowled over by this!! Simply mind blowing!

We also celebrated my father in-law's 71st birthday...endless food courtesy of my mother in-law...I tried not to commit the sin of gluttony...

Anniversary
Hard to believe but on Monday that just passed we participated in a mass to remember the anniversary of my Nonno's passing. A year ago we were shell-shocked by the news of his sudden death in Italy and it's still hard to comprehend. It still pains me that I never got to know him. Rest in Peace Nonno.

This part might make you laugh though... I was scheduled to read the 2nd reading in the mass and of course, we were running late. Sam got stuck in traffic on the way home from work and Thomas refused to eat his dinner. Sam had to drop me off at the crossing in front of the church while he found parking. I sprinted (in glorious athletic form haha!) into the church, down the side aisle and into the pew next to my family. Literally 2 seconds later I had to go up onto the altar to read! Thankfully, my cousin read first and there was a short song between our readings which gave me a chance to regain some of my breath! Talk about cutting it fine!!

My Shopping Expedition
You may recall Sam's insistence that I go on a shopping spree (yes, great husband) - well, this time, I actually did!! So very proud of myself :) I didn't match his time record but I came home with a good haul...not everything I wanted/needed but a few things that I was in desperate need of...new jeans, a new everyday handbag (My old one was given to me by my gorgeous Godson Giuseppe and served me well - I used it until it was worn out and every zipper was broken!) and a new wallet. Didn't find much in the way of work clothes so I'll still be turning up in ancient gear there but I got some new casual stuff. Yay!! I shopped like I was on a mission. Shopping is good for the soul (not so good for the hip pocket)!

My Other Resolutions
Well, having got the "shopping for me" resolution out of the way (at least for now), I guess I better report on my other new year's resolutions. It sounds like I'm doing well, but remember I pledged my resolutions a little late.

Losing weight/getting fit: half check. I've been watching what I eat and trying to exercise and since we can't avoid social functions with our huge family, I just resolve to eat less than I normally would at those events. I LOVE FOOD so no point banning all the good stuff. I do the WeightWatchers points thing and make sure I leave room for all the naughty stuff :) At last weigh-in, I had lost 2 kgs (but so had Sam...remember, we are in competition).

Heating milk on stove: Check. Haven't faltered yet.

Use dishwasher: Have been trying. Have used it about 3 times since I wrote the original post. It almost all went to buggery tonight when I discovered the ants had infiltrated the dishwasher! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... I hate ants with a deep passion! We are on a mission to seek and destroy!! That's a whole other post...

Use the good stuff: Am still wearing my diamond earrings and bracelet. Good stuff.

11pm bedtime: Ummmm...not happening much. It's 11:03pm now lol and still have to finish this post and catch up on some blog reading. On a brighter note though, the boys have still been staying in their beds and sleeping through the night!! I still love Richard Ferber!! And I hope Sarah will love him too in the not too distant future!

Barack Obama
He's only the biggest news story in the world at the moment, so I had to mention him. News reports depict such hope and renewed enthusiasm for making needed and valuable changes in the world. Let's hope his term in office proves just as historical and memorable as his election and inauguration speech. So many shades of President John F Kennedy, but hopefully with less personal weaknesses. It's so refreshing to see a young family and particularly young children in the White House again. The next few years will be very interesting.

Poo and Wee
Whilst the world is consumed by Barack Obama, in my household it's still all about poo and wee wee. Anyone asks a question and Thomas answers cheekily with "poo" before collapsing into uncontrollable laughter. He is then joined by Daniel who adds "wee wee" and we have a circus on our hands :) They think they're the funniest people on the planet! Gotta love the unabated joy that they display (although we are trying to avoid such displays in public places).

School
A return to school (ie work) is looming. Trying to get everything sorted! Excited about my new class and the difference Sarah and I can make in their lives. Teachers always start the year with such hope...all this could collapse in a heap after the first day lol! Will keep you posted. Can't believe a year has flown by. It was on the eve of my return to work last year that Thomas suffered the febrile convulsion - the most terrifying moment of my life thus far. He has been okay ever since. I'm now super vigilant with fevers!

In Between Stuff
And in between all of the above, I have also completed a few scrap projects which I'm too tired to upload pictures of now...a couple of digital invitations and a couple of album covers. I have yet to complete a canvas which my friend Geni has ordered for a Christening, but will get started on that shortly.

So that's it - "the update". If you stayed awake through all of the above, then you're a true follower lol. Everyone else, if you even bothered to skip to this ending...that's okay, you're forgiven. Return next time for maybe a shorter post.

I'm off to blog hop!

SOMETIMES I WISH I WAS A GUY

Actually, more than sometimes lol, but sometimes the divide between the sexes really stands out!

A couple of days ago, Sam went shopping and bought the following:

2 pairs of shorts

2 pairs of dressy pants

1 pair of jeans

8 T-shirts

3 dressy shirts

1 jacket

2 pairs of shoes

1 pair of thongs

2 belts

1 CD

...in an hour and a half!!! Is that even humanly possible? And he bought all of the above from about 3 shops and got most for good prices. I was astounded! He shops like this once a year. Is it any wonder he hates shopping with me, and can't understand why it takes a whole day to buy one thing?!

Sam has encouraged me to go out and do the same. I highly doubt I can match the above effort, but in keeping with my new year's resolution, I'm going to give it a go! I have a shopping date planned for next week. Wish me luck!

I LOVE RICHARD FERBER!!!
Yes, I confess - I love this man...

Dr Richard Ferber is the director of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at the Children's Hospital Boston and author of Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems, which was updated in May.

As you may recall, I bought the book on a whim back in October last year. I don't want to jinx myself, but it has actually worked! I love the fact that the book explains sleep cycles in both adults and children and then goes on to cover the many reasons children don't sleep at night...everything from sleep associations to routines and circadian rhythms. I'm glad I read the whole book. Once I understood the particular reasons for my children waking, it was a lot easier to put a plan into action. And whilst the book advises that the process will take a few days to a week (or two weeks at most), I seemed to have lucked out and accomplished my desired aim in one hour! Albeit, it was an hour fraught with screaming...loud screaming...and a few forceful "raspberries" blown at me (by Daniel)...but mission has been accomplished.

I'm still waiting for it all to fall apart again, but so far both Thomas and Daniel have been going to bed without a fight and then staying in bed once their bedtime story has been read to them. And they stay in their beds all night (well last night there was a bit of rising but they went straight back to their beds). It has been absolutely blissful! I have my evenings back and I have my pillow all to myself!!!!!!!! Loving this to bits!!!!!!! As a bonus, Daniel is also taking an afternoon nap without a fight (except for today, when I could see he just wasn't tired).

For anyone who is experiencing sleep problems with their children - whether it be babies or teenagers - I highly recommend the book!

I've also managed to do some other reading these holidays. I read this book and it had me chuckling out loud... Compiled by Rita Arens, it is basically a collection of blog entries from mothers (and one father) about raising children. Parents will all be able to relate.

These two books were given to me as gifts for my birthday and Christmas. My family knows that I love autobiographies and biographies. I'm glad I read them, although I probably wouldn't have chosen them for myself. Even the covers are heartbreakingly sad. Nobody Came is the appalling true story of 3 brothers cruelly abused in a boys' home told from one of their perspectives and Damaged is a foster mother's story of the shocking sexual abuse she uncovers in relation to an 8 year old girl placed in her care.

Both stories left me sickened and chilled to the bone. Both involved pedophile rings run by adults in positions of power - parents and carers. To think that there are children out there right now living this nightmare makes me want to cry. Very sad stories. And the endings, although providing a resolution of sorts, left me with a hollow, sad, empty feeling. I realised there was no happy ending for these kids :(

Okay, onto brighter things. I have finally decided to make some new year's resolutions. What? I'm only 13 days late! Here they are, so you can all keep tabs on me... (warning: some are very selfish...and I don't care!)

1. Lose some weight/get fit: This resolution makes an appearance every year around this time, so couldn't leave it out. No doubt it will be the first to fall by the wayside... This year, Sam and I are locked in battle. We've turned it into our own competition. Each of us has a prize in mind should we win, but so far neither of us are telling. Weigh-ins will be Monday morning. Why we do this sort of thing at this time of year is beyond me though - we have social events every second day!

2. Heat milk on the stove: Daniel will drink his milk cold, but Thomas likes his warm most of the time. It's very easy for me to be lazy and stick the bottle in the microwave. But I'm determined not to.

3. Use the dishwasher more: I have a dishwasher and rarely use it! I tend to use it only when we have people over and hence a lot of dishes. I rarely use it on non-event days, but I think I will start doing so. Might save me some time :)

4. Spend more time and money on myself: I'm forever shopping for gifts for other people, which I don't mind doing most of the time. But I rarely buy myself anything. So this year I'm going to. Simple as that. I have Sam's full encouragement on this issue, but I just never seem to follow through. Sam even gave me a whole wad of cash as a gift once and told me to go shopping...I know, every girl's dream...but I returned from the shops with one or two measly items. Hopefully, I won't get too excited with this resolution and send us spiralling into debt...lol

5. Use stuff: This probably relates to number 4, but I often don't use stuff like jewellery that I own. I keep it put away and I wear it on special occasions. I have a pair of diamond earrings and a diamond bracelet that Sam gave me for my 30th birthday (I think) and I was always scared I would lose them. But now I'm wearing them every day. Life's too short, right?

So that's it. Let's see how long it takes me to break my resolutions. Isn't it funny how we all feel the need to make a new start at the beginning of the year, and then most of us fall back into old habits...

Additional Note: It's 12:19am and I thought I would log on to let you know I forgot one of my resolutions... to go to bed by 11pm...there goes that idea!

SANCTUARY POINT -
A GORGEOUS SUMMER HOLIDAY

I've almost settled back into reality after a wonderful break at Sanctuary Point, which is situated down the south coast from Sydney. We have always holidayed up north but we absolutely fell in love with the beaches down south. Just look at that soft white sand (top picture is the beach accessible from Plantation Point Reserve and the bottom is Hyams beach, fabled to have appeared in the Guinness Book of Records for having the whitest sand in the world) and that crystal clear water. How lucky are we to live in this country? It was heaven and just the break I needed from my mundane life. It gave me the energy boost I needed to get on with 2009!




Unfortunately, we were only down there for a few days and didn't get to tour even half of the beautiful beaches that are nestled there. We will have to explore them next time. When we weren't indulging in "beach crawls", we were relaxing at Palm Beach, part of St Georges Basin - the perfect location for small children (and even big ones)!



Upon arrival, we walked straight down there. Daniel was mesmerised by the swings in the adjoining playground and refused to put his swimmers on or go in the water! No trouble later though -we couldn't get him out of the water which was just the right temperature! We quickly settled into holiday mode and virtually lived in our swimsuits for the next few days as we were blessed with glorious Summer weather!

The boys splashed, "blew bubbles", collected shells and built sandcastles to their little hearts content!



Our first evening was spent at Plantation Reserve which in itself was beautiful. We learnt a little about the birdlife there and saw a shark egg! We enjoyed a yummy BBQ and fellow house guest, Mark, taught the boys to give a thumbs up while swinging snakes from their mouths :) Thomas also learnt the thumbs down signal and used it to hilarious effect one night when he didn't enjoy the dessert served up (it wasn't his cup of tea, but it was definitely mine)! I also have to give a mention to the strangers in the background of the picture below - they were just one of the many families that Daniel befriended on our holiday! He would just saunter up and make himself at home - and of course, everyone loved him! What is it with this family and strangers?

My sister Rosie, whom we jokingly dubbed "The Nanny" had a wonderful time as well! She adores the boys and they adore her. They followed her everywhere - even into the shower one night much to her dismay! She is pictured below finalising plans for the 7 day holiday she embarked on the day after returning from our holiday! A holiday to recover from a holiday - now doesn't that sound nice?!

Rosie also took an additional gazillion photos so can't wait to see what beauties she has. I think she may have taken these absolutely beautiful photos of my boys. I know I'm biased but I just love their little faces framed by the glint of light reflecting off the clear water!

I know Rosie definitely took this family photo! Not the perfect one I'm always chasing but pretty damn close!! I love it!

Sam also had a ball fishing, off the boat and off the beach. Under the watchful eye of master fisherman, John, he managed to catch this beauty! I really wanted to see the Banjo shark he reeled in, but being boys, they didn't think to take a photo! They only took this one when they returned home. Rosie also went out on the boat fishing and the boys got to stand in it - lol that was enough for them! John and Natalie served up a succulent fish feast on our last night there - we ate until we were stuffed full!


And here are the previously mentioned John and Natalie, our WONDERFUL hosts! We stayed at their house and we couldn't have asked for better tour guides! They shared their extensive knowledge of the area, pointing out everything from sea creatures to the kangaroos that frequent the front yard (unfortunately we only saw the kangaroos from afar because they are scared away by holiday makers' dogs during peak periods).


John and Natalie were only too willing to take us on a personal tour of some of their favourite beaches and even showed us the sights of Husskinson, where we indulged in ice-creams and experienced a Thomas tantrum when he insisted on carrying my huge tote bag (I loved it too). Our funniest adventure though was "The Night Walk" to the end of the street and back....hahahahaha I hope those suitcases only held clothes (walk participants will know what is meant by this)!



John and Natalie did scare the living crap out of us with their ghost stories...seems they have many friends on the "other side", including "Roger" who died in and perhaps frequents the house we were staying in!! I had trouble going to sleep on our last night there lol, as did Rosie who feared we had channelled him with all our late-night discussion!


But in all seriousness, a big huge thank you to John and Natalie for being so kind and generous and for making us feel so welcome! They have adult children but were still very understanding of our toddlers and their fascination with sliding doors, blinds, tissue boxes etc etc. They made our stay at Sanctuary Point very memorable!


P.S. It's times like this I'm glad I blog. A great way for me to remember our holiday but also something the boys can look back on one day and hopefully enjoy as well.

We're all going on a Summer Holiday...
Did you sing it in tune to the song?

Everytime I say the word "holiday" I have a little chuckle! The kids are coming with us...so don't know how much of a "holiday" it will be! I'll probably just be saying all the usual stuff (see last post "7 Things I Always Say") but in someone else's house and in front of a different audience!

My sister is coming with us, and then heading off on her own holiday. Wish she was our nanny...hehehe. Hmmm...wouldn't that be nice...someone to chase the kids whilst we lay about doing nothing! Not going to happen.

But hopefully we'll all have a splendid time anyway! See you all in a few days...I'll be having blog/internet/facebook withdrawals so please comment heaps, write heaps, do heaps so I have lots of interesting stuff to read when I get back :)

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER I SUPPOSE
About a month ago I was tagged by Caitlin, so here (finally) is my probably less than thrilling response ;)

7 Things to do before I die
* update my children's photo albums
* put all my photos into albums and label them
* complete a photography course
* win one of those really big Lotto draws!
* complete my RE course (a necessity rather than a desire)
* build a home to grow old in with my husband and children
* meet my great grandchildren :)

7 Things I do now
* spend too much time on my computer
* procrastinate (I stole that one from Caitlin)
* teach (I'm a teacher and I still love my career change)
* scrap (as in scrapbooking, but not enough for myself)
* take millions of photos (want to learn to do it properly, photography would be my dream job)
* eat (one of my great passions in life)
* avoid exercise (not a good thing)

7 Things I can't do
* speak another language fluently (I speak an Italian dialect)
* cook for a hundred people spontaneously
* sing in tune (oh, how I wish...)
* play a musical instrument (acoustic guitar, piano, saxophone)
* take photos without resorting to automatic camera settings
* dance like no one is watching
* keep up with my filing, ironing, housework etc etc

7 Things I find attractive in the opposite sex
* sense of humour
* kindness and empathy
* loyalty
* shared goals
* spontaneity (to a degree)
* contagious laugh
* cute smile, nice eyes, broad shoulders (had to resort to the physical lol)

7 Things I say most often
* Get down!
* Stop running!
* Stop that now!
* Don't hit him!
* Close the door!
* Sit properly!
* No!
(this category was way too easy! I do say nice things as well, but I ran out of *'s)

7 Celebrities I most admire
Like Caitlin, this one has me a little stumped...I'm going to try and think of some, in no particular order...this is a bit lame but I'll go for...
* couples like Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, Michael J Fox and Tracey Pollan, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward...who have beaten the Hollywood relationship odds and stayed together. Some of these people also do a lot for charity and their communities, proving that celebrity can be used for good!
* I already thought of 8, but I'll add Catherine Zeta Jones for fulfilling my husband's fantasies (lol he wishes!)

7 Favourite foods
* Potatoes (in any and every form)
* lasagna
* chocolate
* seafood (cooked)
* pizza
* cake
* any type of stew served on boiled rice
(this category was a bit unfair...I'm a lover of food and could have easily named 100 favourite dishes!)

Okie dokie, I just realised it's nearly 2am so I'm not passing this on to anyone! My husband has run off with wife number 3 (my brother in-law and he's due back tomorrow) and my boys are fast asleep on my bed so here I sit wide awake after getting through a mountain of ironing... what to do now? Sleep? They say sleep is for the weak...

Happy Birthday to gorgeous Giorgia - can't believe you are 4 today! Seems like only yesterday that we were here celebrating New Year's Eve and marvelling at the fact that your parents didn't have packed bags in the car (just in case you decided to arrive that night)!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009 is well and truly here! Wishing you all good health, happiness and much love.

May the new year bring you all that you wish for! xxx

P.S. Thanks to Rob and Maria for hosting a great New Year's Eve party, allowing us to be with friends as we welcomed in 2009 :) May I just say, it was quite tame for Rob's standards... don't tell me he's gone and turned all mature on us?!