Life and Red Play dough

Do you ever sit and wonder how you came to where you are today? As I wander through the house picking specks of red play dough from every place imaginable (two days after the event) I am amazed at how it makes me feel as opposed to how it would have made me feel 20 years ago. Back then I probably would have had a heart attack at the mess for sure! These days I was pretty relaxed about it.....

At first, I was amazed at just how much play dough there was all over the place considering there was still a large ball of it sitting on the kitchen bench, surrounded by a few little masterpieces. Then with each piece I found I remembered how it got there and started to smile and giggle and okay I admit even think up little thoughts of revenge on the perpetrator! Of course this made me giggle even more! hehehehehehehe!

You see on Friday night my good norty friend Kel came over to play! After dinner, her little girl Indica found the play dough tools and wanted to play. We did not have any play dough, but that was no problems. Aunty Karismas famous last words! "Oh we will just have to make some then won't we?"

So off to the kitchen and TBF helped out with the preparations and somehow we came up with some lovely RED squishy play dough. Once Indica gave it the Lick of Approval, the children proceeded to get creative and played with it for a while...making lots of play dough sculptures.....

And once Mr T-Rex was fed, all was peaceful in Karisma's world.......

That was....until some norty faerie took over and started a war! Now according to Kel, it was children who started it. But Aunty Karisma happened to have the camera in her hand and saw it all (ok well most of it).

One very little girl and one little boy were sheltering behind the kitchen bench and one grown up (namely Kel) was to be seen hurling a big piece of play dough from the lounge room in their general direction.

But what really convinced me as to who started it was her stopping for a moment to pose in the "who me?" stance, so not all the pictures would be incriminating!

And of course I consulted an expert, being Keanu! He saw EVERYTHING!.......he had no problems in pointing out the perpetrator! "It was HER!".......

Of course the children were not entirely innocent, they did choose to exact their revenge in a big way! Hence the reason, I found the horrible stuff IN MY CARPET, all over the kitchen, the lounge room, the front room and even a little bit outside the back door?

"She lies, it was all Kel! We were innocent!"

We followed up the play dough war with some karaoke! Hopefully the neighbours will forgive us! We got a tad noisy but in our own defence we were having such a good time we did not realise just how late it was!

MAN, playing at Aunty Karisma's house is exhausting!

"Tell me about it! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..."

Have a great day Everyone!

Hugs and smoochies xoxox

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to say thank you for all the lovely replies and emails yesterday. And especially all the happy vibes and good energy you sent my way. Very much appreciated.

We ended up spending the day running around a bit in the morning. TC passed her motor cycle test so now she just has to get her official learners permit from the RTA and she is set. Look out world.....yet another woman driver on the roads! LOL!

The boys and I conducted a little experiment which involved blowing up balloons by placing them over a test tube of vinegar and baking soda! There was lots of laughter when one of them actually blew up and exploded. (Don't think it was supposed to do that but they loved it!)

Went for a lovely swim at the beach, which was so crowded as many families were out celebrating Australia day. The water was perfect, it was such a hot stuffy day. Then after picking up CB and NB from a picnic we came home and had some family time ourselves. Nothing exciting just sitting around chatting and eating and listening to music. Zak and mama spent some time laying in the hammock making words on the Itouch, he is getting really good with spelling big words.

Today I am going out with my girls to do a little shopping and have lunch. Its the first day that ALL of them are free this holidays and turns out its the last day so off we go! Have a great day everyone.

Hugs and smoochies xoxox

WORDS

(They're just words.............or are they?) We use them everyday! We use them to get our point across. To ask for something. To express our opinion. To express our LOVE and even to express our disappointment or dislike for something or someone.

This week I have been continually trying to convince myself that words are just words. But I keep coming back to the fact that people say what they feel and therefore if they are constantly spouting negativity that must be want they want to give out to the universe. Very sad. Everyone has problems, everyone has sad days, hard days, indeed some downright crappy days! I have them myself and I do feel very sad for you when you take your turn. It makes me feel sad and in most cases I send out love and healing vibes or prayers in the hope it helps. I say most cases as lately someones words have become increasingly hard to deal with. I find myself starting to back away from them as they are so hurtful.

Some people are just not going to be happy, no matter how much sympathy, love or hugs we offer them. Im not sure what it is they are wanting. And Im sorry to say that I am getting really down with all the hateful, nasty and negative words I am seeing on a daily basis. (They are not directed at me personally, and I try not to take them to heart, but they obviously are meant for someone). One person in particular has been quite nasty lately and I feel so sad and sorry for this person but quite frankly I am no saint and my patience is starting to wear thin.

I wonder how many other people feel the same way and feel down when they read your hateful words? Do you even think about that when you write them? Or are you so wrapped up in yourself and blaming everyone else on the planet for your own misery that you can't see this? I do feel sad for you and wish I could fix your problems but I can't..only you can do that! Perhaps you need to start taking responsibility for your own actions and start injecting a little positive thought into your life instead of spouting hate so much.

I am a sensitive soul. I absorb a lot of the emotions around me and I can even feel your physical pain if I put my hands on you. This is not by choice.....it just is. I am trying so hard today to NOT feel anything for this nasty person, several other people genuinely need my sympathy right now and I am trying to focus on them. You my friend are making it very hard for me to do so. So I would like to start today with some words of my own, I send them out to you and everyone else today.

May your minds be free from sadness,

And your lives be free from sorrow!

May your Hearts be full of LOVE

And may you SMILE again tomorrow!

And just a few of my favourite words to throw out to the universe today.......

PEACE

happiness

LOVE

JOY

LAUGHTER

HUGS

SMOOCHIES

LIGHT

NAMASTE

Catch up

Its been another busy week here, busy but great. I have managed to catch up with most of my friends, either visiting them or them visiting here. I did not get much else done but it was fun.

TBF has been busy packing her things as she has decided to move to Melbourne with my sister. We knew it would come one day, so not too much of a shock. She loves Melbourne and the lifestyle so hopefully all will go well for her down there. She had planned on going in six months but has missed it so much already she is hoping to go in six weeks! We will miss her but I feel secure in the knowledge my sister will be with her and she loves her as much as I do.

CG is looking for a house in Newcastle to be closer to work and the Uni. The travel has taken a toll on her last year and I have to admit I feel a little easier about her being closer to it all. Its also not too far to visit often so I am confident she will do really well.

Its a little sad they are both leaving at once but they are grown ups now and it will be good for them to spread their wings and learn new things. I am so happy for them both.

TC is not going anywhere..other than school. She is in year 12 and studying for her HSC this year. She is also getting her motor cycle license and has bought herself a scooter.

As for the boys and mama, we will chug along with our home learning. Zak is still following the more natural learning approach and seeking out and exploring his own universe. He is actually quite demanding at times with MY time. LOL. When the boy wants to learn, he wants to learn NOW. Too bad if mama is tired and wants to sleep.

Gameboy will be still doing that but we are leaning towards a slightly more classical approach for some of his work as he tends to be a bit lazy and does not seek out much at all. If he went to school he would be in year 7 this year so I went ahead and bought him some text books at grade level. Ridiculously enough both he and Zak have already covered a lot of the science and English work. I am starting to think grade level work is utterly ridiculous. When a child is interested in what they are learning, it does not take a lot of effort at all. We did find a good art book though and are looking forward to trying out some new techniques. He will also be taking guitar lessons to get him out of the house a bit. Zak is doing baseball, motor cross riding and he is thinking of trying out a dance class like hip hop or rap. (all of his own choosing).

Ok I am finally starting to miss my computer, mainly because its where I keep all my photos and my writing etc. Visitors at the door! Catch you later.

Hugs and smoochies xxx

A sad day....

Yesterday, mother nature was at her wildest as far as the ocean was concerned. Among other things (we ran around quite a bit yesterday), we stopped off at one of the local beaches in the hopes of a quick swim before collecting TC who was off learning to ride motor bikes. The ocean of late has been quite smooth and almost like a lake.

What confronted us when we got there was a huge swell, quite rough and very frothy at the front. We opted to go in anyway, just for a quick swim at the front, afterall its a bit like a spa bath and loads of fun to jump over the waves etc. We went in and laughed a lot. Within about ten minutes though the waves got bigger, rougher and stronger. I was in up to my knees when one wave knocked me flying. Barbie was standing not far behind up to her ankles and was swept off her feet. This was my queue to get out. I did.

Sadly, further up the coast, another family were holidaying with their children and playing on a beach that was not patrolled. Like most tourists unfamiliar with the ocean and its ways they probably thought that the spot to send the kids in was the bit that looked a little calmer. The bit where the waves were not crashing to shore. This is the spot where the rip would be. We see it here every summer when the tourists arrive. Luckily our beach IS patrolled and there are always people on standy by to pull them back in when they get pulled out to sea!

This family were not so lucky. Yesterday 3 children stood and watched not one but both of their parents drown in front of them. Such a useless tragic accident. And so very very sad. Today I can't help but think about those poor kids and wonder, what would happen to our kids if it was us? Its bad enough to lose one parent, but both at once? How awful. Today my heart goes out to those children and I ask all of you, when you visit the beach. Please swim between the flags and if you can't, go for the spot where the waves are coming in nice and straight towards the beach. If you do get pulled in, don't panic. Swim sideways with the rip (Letting it take you rather than fighting it...It really will not pull you too far out) and then move back in to shore and walk back up the beach. If you cannot swim, stay out of the water, especially on days like yesterday. For one family it is too late.....

Click here to read the news story

Today life goes on as normal for most of us...but for these kids...life will never be the same. Hold your kids close to your hearts today....enjoy your holidays but please keep safe.

Hugs and smoochies xoxoxoxoxx

hello

Hi all,

Life is busy as usual down here! I have not had much in the way of computer time at all. Been clearing the house of all sorts of junk and loads of toys. My computer died again and funnily enough I have not really missed it so much. I am trying to remember to check mail etc but forgetting for days (so please do not be offended if it takes me a few days to get back to you in the next week or so :-) ).

Apart from clearing, I have been knitting a lot more than normal and reading books. I have knitted up another baby jumper which has already been delivered to the expectant mama and decided to knit up a more challenging one with lace etc. Im hoping to get back online a bit more soon. But for now, life is keeping me very occupied.

Hope all is well in your part of the world. Hugs and smoochies xoxoxoxx

Knitty Madness

Well, it seems I have been in a bit of a knitting mood lately. Here is a little cardigan I finished last week for my niece who should be arriving in a few weeks.


I found this pattern in an op shop, it was really easy to knit but I did not like the fact that the neck was knitted first and then the front bands. If I made it again I would do it the other way, it looks much neater. I also changed the button holes to smaller ones as I did not like the cast off and on effect. Much easier and neater to yfwd k2 tog.

While deciding what to knit next, I whipped up this little pair of slippers in plain garter stitch.


I have since started on another newborn sweater for another friends baby who is due a few weeks after my niece. Its almost finished so I will show you that one another day! Hope everyone is having a great week!

Hugs and smoochies xoxoxox

Cutting the Apron Strings???

As a new year dawns upon us..I am dealing with a little separation anxiety. I mean one would think I would not notice if one of our large household were not about! Its always a full one after all isn't it? I have to admit, I am slowly learning to deal with my oldest being away for part of the week. Working, studying and coming home when she can, but hey, she is only an hours drive away and I know she is fine and growing up so fast.

Her sister, TBF, however, is generally, always here. So when she ups and aways for a little holiday with her aunty for a couple of weeks, we tend to notice a big hole in our household. We know she is having fun, but we miss her. TC has been moping around all day and admitted she wants her big sis back RIGHT NOW. (Yes, TBF she is making puppy eyes at us and whinging!)

Last night as I sat watching a little TV and knitting, having a little quiet time to myself. I could hear my kids, the girls upstairs, laughing and watching some funny film, the boys, downstairs with a friend, playing games....I felt content for a whole two seconds...I was thinking...my kids are happy and having fun, they are all laughing! How much better can it get? Hang on! Ones missing! I actually got a little teary for a while and then laughed at myself. The girl is only on holidays, she went to Melbourne with my sister for a two week visit. She arrived safely and messaged me when she got there. She was alive but hungry! LOL! I told her to eat something already!!!!

The Book Fairy as we lovingly call her in this bloggy world is very much like a little fairy! She flits around the house, popping up when you least expect it, with a big smiley HI, watcha doin? (several times during the day and night!) She has been known over the years to hide out in her room a lot (typical of most teens at some stage), reading, writing or creating some artistic endevour but then when you least expect it, she will pop out of her room full of chatter to engage you in a lovely story or if you are lucky, bake you some cookies or cakes! (She is the best at this!)

Today we had a little giggle as we wondered how much fun she was having and everyone commented on her antics that we were missing, such as her habit of running around the house at night in the pitch black, tripping on the stairs and calling "Im Okay!" (She does it so often, that, when we hear a bang we actually wait for the "Im Okay" before breathing and going on with things!)

TBF was my only baby that was bottle fed, the only one I did not cart around in a sling as she preferred her own space and liked to crawl and walk on her own feet. She crawled at 5 months and walked by 8 months. But at 19 years old she sure makes up for it with her big hugs and smoochies for her mama. I sure am missing them! Its only been two days! How ever will this mama survive for two whole weeks?

Oh Im sure I will survive. After all, this is NOT the first time she has run off to Melbourne! One can only hope she will not run off there to live in the future! Its too far away!

Hug your babies close to you my friends! Before you know it, they will grow up and fly free! Big hugs and smoochies xoxoxoxxo

Resting

Hi all,

Hope your new year is sliding along nicely, I am busy hanging out with my kids at the moment, catching up on some knitting and finding the house after such a busy time. Last night we saw the most amazing rainbow. We thought we would go for a walk on the beach after dropping TC at work at 7pm. It was still light and although its been raining all week we thought we would go for a quick walk anyway. When we started to walk it started to rain again and as it was quite warm we thought we would go for a quick swim.

The rain was so soft and made the water look like velvet, thunder started rolling in and there was a little lightening (but not near us), I turned around and saw not one, but two rainbows out over the ocean. One of them made an arc then went behind the clouds and reappeared at the other side completing an arch. It was amazing. Shame I was in the water and did not have a camera along. So beautiful! I think my new years resolution may just be to look for the beauty in everything!

Zak had us all in stitches as each time I pointed out the rainbows development, he was not listening and discovered it all by himself a few minutes later. It was too funny! Of course he saw it first! Who is arguing?

Have a great day everyone! Hugs and smoochies xoxoxoxox