Don't say...it's a stick.
"We don't want a Christmas stick !" they all chanted as we discussed plans to start decorating.
Last year we found a really groovy branch that we decorated to serve as our Christmas Tree much to the disgust of the kids.
As this is only sometimes a dictatorship, we agreed to compromise on a living Christmas Tree.
I drove ahead to the garden shop (so that we wouldn't have to carry it home) while the others walked.
As I drove past them up the hill - I waved (as this is the polite thing to do, is it not ?) and I am not sure why they didn't wave back ?
Don't say...they aren't brave.
As the Class Play finished and the students took their curtain call I felt really proud of R.
We hadn't seen a single glimpse of the rehearsals and had no concept of how she would really go with such a large speaking part. She played Odysessus' wife, Queen Penelope and the part was HUGE. In fact, the entire first scene is simple Penelope alone on the stage.
Seriously, I wouldn't even be able to read the lines fluently - let alone standng in front of all of the parents and visitors.
I am not one of these - "oh-my-kid-is-so-great" types - I just think give credit where credit is due.
Isn't it astounding how much more capable, confident and fearless our kids (or kids in general) are in comparison to what we were ever brave enough to do ?
Don't say...you can POP up just anywhere.
Getting ready in the mornings is not a particular drama and the system works well with me leaving early with the girls.
Often Leesy and the boys will come out and wave....but today everyone else was busy so we got in the car and I started the engine.
Suddenly up POPPED X sporting a yellow bucket on his head, shouting "Pay the Sergeant Major!".
We laughed and I told him to stand there until I got a photo...then I cautioned him that although this was indeed very very funny I didn't want him to be playing hiding games near any kind of large vehicle.
Don't say...it's back to work.
I am on the countdown now - back to work on Monday.
How can I go back to work now that Ivy is doing this ?
Don't say...croissant.
See the croissant I am eating ?
I can tell you right now - it's the last one I'll be having for quite some time !
About 2 hours after this photo was taken I was unwell....yes, with 'spills' galore. The kids have all just recovered and I haven't been sick like this for years (seriously, years and years) - so I just assumed I was immune.
Don't say...Broncos players.
I picked up the pace as we walked through the pokies to get to the Coffee Shop at the rear of Broncos Leagues Club.
I remarked to Leesy "Even though I have an addictive personality, I don't think I could ever become addicted to pokies".
We popped in this morning to visit the Broncos Mechandise Shop for a specific Christmas request. There was nearly no one there (as you can see) so we sat by the window and watched as footy-types walked across the training oval. Not to take away from the game of Rugby League but the players are the antithesis of 'role-models'.
Don't say...giggling is a bad thing.
After dinner I heard giggling coming from the lounge room.
I walked over to have a look and this is what I saw.
The oldest was giving foot massages to all of the others in turn....including Leesy. Not sure exactly how it all came about. I didn't line up for any kinda foot rubbing action - not my scene at all.
Don't say...you have to do everything !
A 3 year olds 'Pirate' themed party this arvie.
I practiced much-needed restraint at the party.
I accept that I am compelled to 'help' organise everything....so when the party hats were made, that familiar urge came up to race over and start teaching the kids how to fold them correctly...but I stopped myself and had a handful of chips....this was follow by the boat making - once again, I stayed back and watched - and ate a homemade patty cake...all the while I did NOT pick up a plate and start offering it around - then the Pass the Parcel was set up with no one stepping forward to do the music.....I looked at my feet and instead scoffed a cherrio (don't think I have had a cheerio in over a year).
I have never been the bystander in family matters...I wonder if I can sustain the restraint.
Don't say...shopping centres.
On a mission to start some Christmas shopping at Indrops today...that doesn't sound like fun at all, I know. I seriously hate spending long periods of time in shopping centres....I think I go stir crazy.
The incentive was to get lunch at the Phuk Deli...it never disappoints.
I dare say that it is the BEST fast food available !
Don't say...read out loud.
Leesy almost always reads the bedtime stories these days.
Since she's been feeding Ivy around bed-time, the duty has fallen back to me.
G & X are reading "The Book of Brownies" by Enid Blyton.
I am always reminded when I read to the kids that I have never been a particularly fluent oral reader. Reading out loud has always been one of my greatest challenges. One I don't wish to conquer.
I don't think they notice that I leave words out, stumble over phrasing or substitute words that were never there. Remember - this is a children's book !
I don't recall reading an entire novel at school....at all, ever. Don't really know how I scraped through and got into College. I think perhaps I did just that - scraped through.
Don't say...footy on the road.
I could see the dark storm clouds blowing in and Leesy confirmed that the weather forecast was for Tuesday afternoon storms.
Perfect ! I unselfishly and strategically suggested that we play footy on the road.
That's where we play - on the road....I like to think of it as the acreage we don't have to mow.
It's hard for me to normally build sufficient enthusiasm to suggest a game of footy....however, most afternoons we play. I've worked out if I let them win and I say "First to 30" that we can have it all over in 20 minutes.
Normally when they ask me (and I am not exaggerating that it is EVERY afternoon), my heart sinks...I pause, summon a smile an say 'yes'. I wasn't expecting to breed a family of sport nuts.
Oh, and by the way...the game wasn't cancelled due to rain !
Don't say...lightening doesn't strike twice.
I've done it again.
I cannot really believe that I could be this st*pid.
You may recall I told you about an unfortunate self-inflicted incident that occured as a result of consuming too many sugar-free lollies.
In my defense, that was some months ago.
So, in order to get back on track with reducing my after-dinner chocolate consumption I bought and ate an entire packet of sugar-free mints.
All I'll say is - it was much worse than before, much worse.
