Well today was another huge day.
Another graduation.
Another tear.

Liv graduated today. Granted it was only Prep at daycare but it was so emotional. Off to school next year. Its a huge thing for Liv.

She did well to walk in and shake Miss Shelly's hand, and then sit down and try to keep her cap on.

They all sang for us, there was loads of camera's flashing and loads of teary mums and dads.

Then onto the food. Pre-school kids with tables of food and none of the normal manners that apply at home



The end of another era....
Bring on big school now....

Take care everyone

Being the next to last week of school, the kids asked to stay home today. All they are doing is watching DVD's so they might as well be here, doing the cleaning and washing for me


Yesterday I bought a Gingerbread house DIY kit. So this morning the girls decided that we were going to make it. I really thought it was going to be painfull. It wasn't. It was so much fun, I might go and get a few more and make them for family from the girls.

April was quite impressive with the piping bag, and Liv went to town with the piping bag too, as you can see in the background! Sam decorated the tree. Its really cute.

Not many sleeps to go until Christmas.. kids are getting really excited. And we pick up our tree today, so Monday nite when everyone is here, we will decorate it -

Driving around at night looking at Christmas Lights and Christmas Carols next weekend. Time to get into the Christmas Spirit!

Take care everyone

This is a crack-up. Just one of the examples of my smallest baby girl's innocent humor.

Sam, Liv and I went to the shops to pick up some bits and pieces yesterday. We had finished all we had to do and had an hour to spare. So I decided to shout Sam and Liv a drink.
On the way thru the food court, we went past the Christmas Nativity Scene. Liv then explained to us that Daddy had told her all about this.. eager to find out just how much she knows we listened.

"I know that baby" She said.
"And whos that Liv?" Sammy and I seemed to ask in unison. "Its the baby Jesus!" Liv said very proudly.
"And whos holding Him?" Sam asked. "Oh thats Mary" Liv answered her.
So we sit down to have our drinks.. and I have to say, coffee for me these days is disappointing. There are only a few places that consistently make nice coffee, but like an average meal, I drank it.


Once we had finished our drinks, Liv's $2 was burning a hole in her pocket and she just had to spend it on one of those rides that I am sure are sending most parents and grandparents for that matter.. broke!
We had to walk past the Nativity Scene again, this time I asked her a question. Fully expecting a perfectly normal answer.
"So Liv..... Who is Mary?"

Pause... you can hear the cogs...

" Oh.... Mary had a little lamb...."

Complete innocence. Needless to say Sam and I cracked up like you wouldn't believe. People must have thought we were nuts, we got some strange looks.
I then told Liv the difference between this Mary and Mary with the little lamb. She took a few mins to soak it in, but she gets it now.

This morning she told Bill all about the 3 kings and what they bought Jesus. I was very proud. Shes like a little sponge, you only need to tell her something once...


Smile everyone..

Through the Eyes of Proud Parents

The day has finally come
It seemed like it took an eternity
We've all been waiting for this day
To see our precious daughter
Walk down the aisle to get her high school certificate

We all sit anxiously awaiting to hear her name called
So much work that we have done
So many problems that we have overcome
Now we can put that all behind us

For now is the time for her to shine
To become an adult and make a future of her own
At last the principal calls her name out loud
And we stand up tall and proud!



My darling little young lady, Samantha, graduates this week. Its a pretty special and emotional time in her life. Not to mention my life. 17 years ago I could never imagined my life taking the turns that it has. Children, marriage, divorce, another child, separation, to finally find my self happiness. A wonderful man, who cares deeply for me and my babies. Thats what they will always be in my book. My babies.
When I talk about Sam to other people, I say 'my baby girl' and get this look, wondering how old she is. When I mention that she is 17, they seem somewhat confused. How can a 17 year old be a baby? But its not just Sam, they are all my babies.
If you know me, you would know most of the pitfalls of our life. The kids have come from a 'broken home', but you wouldn't be able to tell. They are the most grounded, easy going children you will find around. My life has always been about them, even more so as they get older and I mature.
So watching 'My baby girl' walk onto a stage at high school and graduate is a huge thing for all of us. Its not to say I couldn't see it happening, because she's a very smart and mature young lady. Its just so much could have got in the way of that. As a family, we are a very strong unit. There is alot of trust, and our family values are important. Seems to be lost on alot of the world. So sad...

Upwards and onwards as they say. Where Sam's life takes her from now on is mostly up to her. Me, her Dad, Step mum and Step dad have done the ground work. All the foundation is in...
I feel like a mother bird watching her baby try to fly out of the nest.. and yes, I have tears writing this. All you have to do now Sam, is spread your wings and fly.....

Love you Sam...

Hey Guys..

I know its been along time since I posted. In fact the last time I posted was back in July about the Medieval Festival. So I thought it was about time for an update.

Heaps of changes.

Sam graduates in a few weeks. Shes not entirely sure what she wants to do, so we have encouraged her to take a year off, get a feel for who she is as a person and sort out what she wants to do.
Levi is playing Touch this summer. Thank goodness its only one day a week. I don't have a problem with taking him but it all gets a bit much sometimes.
The girls are swimming. April is swimming 4 times a week, yes 4. She started late, but shes good and they can see that. And Liv is just being Liv. I watch her, she says something to her teacher, and they both burst out laughing. Shes quite a hoot to watch.

A few things have changed in my personal life. Nothing too major, and you learn to cope with the things you don't like. Making the things that you do like count even more.

But life is good, great in fact. Trying to keep up with my children is another story all together..

Bee good and take care everyone, I promise I will keep this a little more up to date.

The Abbey Medieval Banquet was on the 30th June. I have to say we had the best time! The entertainment was awesome. The costumes ranged between the run of the mill renaissance costumes ( which technically aren't Medieval ) to the most extravagant Jesters and Knights. There were even some Vikings. These guys were having a ball! Dressed in fur (not sure if it was real) with massive horns on their heads. When I asked if I could take his picture I was told if I gave him a hug I could take it. Then when I got around the other side of the table he then tried to run off with me He was a sweety, not at all like I would have imagined a Viking to be.
Dinner was served on bread plates. Half a very large cob loaf, no fork, just a knife and spoon. There were some rules that had to be followed. The food was beautiful, and lots of. My words here really can't describe just how truly awesome it was. There were maybe 6 people that didn't dress up. We think it was well worth the effort to get dressed up and I am already planning for next years one.

The same day we went into the city for the costumes, we walked past a cycle and skate shop, which Bill nearly pulled my arm off to get into. We have been wanting to buy skates for me for a while, but the best shops for skates are in the city, and we just don't go in very often. So I got my skates and saw Craig Lowndes in there buying skates for himself and his little boy. A little bit of excitement for a little lady like me
So off to Southbank on Friday nite for a skate with Bill. Should be good for at least one sore bottom!

Take care guys and remember to smile, it makes people wonder what you are up to

Oh my gosh! How cold is it?? The winds remind me of home. I have even taken to wearing a hat. Albeit Sam's hats, but its keeping my noggan warm!! Bill even bought me a thermal to wear... and I am seriously thinking about getting another one... TWO THERMALS!! Yeahah!

So we are in day 3 of the school holidays. No one hurt or tied to the clothesline yet
I took the girls to Hippo House (one of those indoor play centers) today after shopping. Last night April had a friend to stay, and I have my best friends son over during the holidays and after school, so that made 6. Some may say mad, but doesn't bother me one little bit.
They ran around, up and down slides for a few hours and had a ball. Its a great sanity saver. Only thing is its loud... very loud. Can't hear yourself think.

Pretty sure we are going bed shopping tomorrow!! Yay! At the very least we are going into the city for our costumes for the Banquet on Saturday night. We may just have to have a coffee at the Gardens Cafe. ( Lots of memories, its where Bill and I met, almost 2 years ago)

Ok guys, take care, rug up... snuggle with someone, keeps you warm

Heaps of things going on in the life of Jacs. I firstly would like to commend myself on finally finishing my thank-you cards from the wedding. Only took me 8 weeks!! But they are finally out. I got some awesome feedback from them. It was my fav photo from the whole shoot. It was a 4x6cm photo stuck on brown card with small gold hearts. Each one was hand written by me and I was proud. And one piece of useless information, I won first prize at the Caboolture Show for our invitations. I was stoked. Other news, April had a blast in NZ with Aunty and Uncle Mario. And I know Nana and granddad were happy to see them all. They crammed heaps in the 10 days. Glad shes home tho

Thursday nite bought tears to my eyes. My beautiful baby girl ( shes 17 ) had her school formal. Oh my gosh. I don't know how any other parents feel.. and I know I have 3 to go, not sure that I am going to handle it! She looked stunning. There is really no other word. Nothing was over the top, beautiful lace and sequined dress, silver accessories. I did her hair and makeup and she looked amazing. Her sweet boyfriend couldn't take his eyes off her. It was so sweet.
Lots of beautiful girls, very dashing guys and some damn hot cars!! I saw my dream car. Bill isn't that impressed it being a ford, but we have already priced one, and Levi put in his order for it to be ready for his formal..... hurry up Babe!

Some health issues hanging around at the moment, a small operation this week and am awaiting the results. Hopefully, fingers... toes and anything else crossed that it all comes back good, because it could go bad. Positive waves ... I have heaps.

On a really cool note, Bill and I are off to a Medieval Banquet this weekend. I am so excited. I think we both are. We went into the city on Friday to look for a costume for Bill... hehe.. didn't want to go as a prince, so hes going as a woodchopper. I have also hired a cloak for me to wear, not sure if I am going to get cold, and I already have a dress that suits. Should make for an awesome night.

So everyone take care. Remember that family is important, and make sure you tell someone you love them and mean it.

Byeee

P.S. I know people read it... Leave me some feedback.

With one of my babies in NZ, probably getting a shock to the system with the 6 oC heat or cold should we say, the onset of winter here in Aus would be the topic of the moment. Its all of a sudden very cold here. They are saying that we are going to have a mild winter. I'm a sook! Grew up in NZ, should be used to the cold. NO WAY! I guess I have gotten soft in my years here, but I think if you ask any Brisbanite, its cold. The wind is cold, the nights are cold.
So the shopping list has changed. All those winter yummy cooked things that make you feel good, until you realise that you have put on some unwanted kilos.

I cooked or rather made Pumpkin soup on Saturday afternoon, only to be told it was the best pumpkin soup ever tasted. Then I made home made Sausage Rolls, which were good! Tomorrow night is slow cooked Lamb Shanks. Yummo.
One night this week we are having Sam's boyfriend over for that first nail-biting experience. Not for us of course. We have already met Steve, and he appears to be a very nice boy. Sam had her 'dinner' with Steve's parents the other night, so it would be our turn next. I do think that Steve is a little nervous. How mean do we be? Or rather how mean will Bill be??

Sam likes to stir the pot by adding that Bill was in the Army for 7 years... Do you think Steve will still want to come? Oh the joys of life......

Off to sort out the ruckus thats going on in the bedroom, Liv seems to think shes got more say than Sam on what pj's she's going to wear!
Bee good.. Keep warm April!!

Well, we did it.
I know its been a while since I posted. I actually think the last time I posted was a few days before the wedding.
It was awesome. Start to finish. The whole day went without a hitch.

My babies were beautiful, the ceremony was perfect, and my husband looked so handsome.
We saved so much money by doing everything, well most of the things we could do, on our own. My wonderful sister and hubby were just fantastic!! She captured the day so perfectly. I have so many wonderful pictures, I will treasure them forever.

The staff at The Plaza where perfect. They coped with the fact that all our guests arrived early, they fussed and cooked and ran around after us all night. They just couldn't be faulted.

We spent 5 nights up at Tamborine Mountain, staying at Lisson Grove. It was wonderful. Waking up to the birds, and only the birds. It was a little hard to come back to reality.
But the reality of it is... I am married to a loving, caring man, who endures my busy life, running my babies everywhere they need to be, doing this that and everything for anyone I can, and looking after him too. I love my life. It gets a little hectic sometimes, but I think it makes us stronger.

I now have a 17 year old with her learners licence which I might add I am so not ready for. I also have an uprising footy star which involves training twice a week and a game. Its awesome.
April is cool. Very grown up. Very much wanting to be part of the crowd. Shes very zesty, loves life and its awesome to watch her. And there is our Liv. Shes Liv, shes smart. They all are, very. But Liv is a kindred spirit.
Life is great.

5 sleeps to go!
You wouldn't imagine how excited I am. I feel like a child at Christmas time waiting for the morning. You know there will be so much to unwrap and enjoy.. and the more people around the better the day gets.
The final things have fallen into place, which is a great feeling. I have confirmed all the bookings I need to and there isn't really anything left that needs to be done.
I have spoken with my photographer, who is very excited and we have discussed some amazing shots, which I know will be something for us to cherish forever.

Its just started to rain here, and with the drought in mind its a good thing, I just don't need frizzy hair. Although a little light rain will help.. Please no down-pour

Dad is here, other family members from Bill's side arrive this week. Its all very exciting. They haven't been together for a while now, and there are a few new additions to the family, so the cameras will be snapping happy!
I have all things that I don't want to forget, in a box. All safe and in one piece. I have my something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
I have borrowed my mums pearl earrings, and my dress is new My engagement ring is blue ( Ceylon Sapphire) and my something old is the cuff off my grandfather's shirt. Sewn on the underside of my skirt. Bought a few tears to my eyes when I did it.

So there you have it. All organised.
Roll on Saturday!

Bee good, take care.

17 days and counting!

Would you believe I have all bases covered?? Me either. Which would be the precise reason I seem to think I am forgetting something....
But Bill seems to think no. I just have it all under control. I am waiting for Bridezilla to come out and start biting heads off people. I have shoes, all the girls are covered, so is Levi, cake is under control. Ringing florist, buying alcohol and picking up my veil.

It would appear you can plan a wedding calmly... I still have this feeling.

Tomorrow is Friday the 13th

Unlucky some think, not sure on that one, perhaps I will post at the end of the day and let you know. We have a trip to Mama's planned for tomorrow. Liv loves to go and turn mum's place upside down, and mum seems to find some comfort in it too..

On other news, I went shopping today. I got a way massively cool long RED trenchcoat. A very nice red and black top. A black jumper and a new pair of jeans. But.. the best news of all is they are a size 14!!!!! I can't remember the last time I bought them. I have been at the size I am for such a long time, and I just went for the bigger size, Bill said no these ones. I really didn't think they would fit. I am happy!!

Anyways.. everyone take care tomorrow... no black cats ....

How to tame a very logical 4 year old in one easy step!

Would you like to hear the funniest but slightly cruel story? Ok.. I'll tell you..
Liv has been nothing short of a rat bag for the last few days, she is missing April I think, who is away camping with a friend from school. Very lucky little girl. I also think Liv has been showing off for Sam's friend, and then Levi's friend last night.

Anyways.. back to the story.
I told her that if you didn't behave, the easter bunny wouldn't come. Now.. I KNOW I am not the first parent to threaten these kind of things. I bet you hear it in any house at anytime of the year.
Her attitude continues to go down hill and over the rails. Shes out of control. So ...
I get the phone from the kitchen and sit down on the lounge, calling the house number because you can't get away with just talking.. because she knows you haven't dialed! So here I am talking to an engaged signal.

"Yes, I would like to talk to the Easter bunny please"
"Hey Liv, they are playing easter bouncy bunny music!!!" Shes looking at me with daggers in her eyes. I don't think she was happy with me at all!

"Yes Mr Bunny, I am calling to talk about Olivia, shes being naughty, and I told her that you wouldn't come around tonight if she kept it up. Yep, Ok, I will tell her"

Now keep in mind the horrified look on her face while I am doing this. Once she realised that I was talking to the bunny she went off!!!

"Give me the phone, I want to talk to the bunny, you don't know what you are saying, I am not naughty, GIVE ME THE PHONE!!!"

Sam and Levi are cracking up in the background, while I am trying to keep a straight face. Its not really working. So I decide to say goodbye and hang up.
Well.. thats when the fun really started.

"Give me the phone, I want to call him back. Tell me the number!! I know what it is, its 1, 2, 3!! Give me the PHONE!! When I talk to him I am telling him what you did!! "

At this stage, I can't stop laughing. Shes in a huff big time, and walks down the hallway with one hand on her hip. Sam, Levi and I are just wetting ourselves.
Shes a darling, but you just have to be cruel to her to get through to her, shes just tooo smart for anyone.

Happy Easter everyone!!

Been thinking about a few things over the last few days.

Times have changed. Traditions have really gone out the window or happen that rarely we don't often see them. Is the tradition of getting married effected by this? Should you just have a 'BBQ' if you are doing it a second time around?
A lot of questions, no real answers. Socially its OK. Even in the catholic church. Are you allowed or should you wear white the second time around? Should it matter? If you are paying for it, shouldn't you be allowed to do whatever you want. Why do people have to "put their 2 cents in"
And having children from a previous marriage, what does that make me? What does that make them? Most people who meet my children are impressed. I think I still have some old fashioned values left in me. We sit down to eat as a family. Children are children and Bill and I are the adults and the kids know where the line is.
I guess when you are marrying into a family there can be no real easy way, but when there are children involved people want to all of a sudden pick your life apart and tell you were you went wrong.
Shouldn't it come down to who's happy, and that should be all that matters?
Just in case there was any doubts. I am having the dress.. and the veil. And the rose petals. Nearly the whole "shebang" but with our own little twist. I think the first time around I possibly did it for the wrong reasons, even tho I had children, it seemed like the final thing I could do to save what was left of my marriage.
This time around, its so different. Life is different. I have a 17year old for petesake! I have matured, I have found the things I want and distanced myself from the things that I don't want.
I guess at the end of the day it doesn't matter. As each bride will say..... "Do what you want...its your day" So that's what I intend to do.

Its not about the wedding. Its not about the trimmings. Its not even about the presents. We have everything we need. Its about telling the man that I love that I want to get up for the rest of my life at 4 in the morning to pack his lunch and have a cup of tea with him. Telling him that I will be there waiting up when he gets a call out in the middle of the night

We have had a pretty cool eventful last few days since I posted last. Lots of things have happened.
The boys won their Friday night game! Was a good game this week. They played as a team and managed to defeat Arana Hills 26-20.
April stayed at a friends house, so it was just Bill and I, Samantha and Liv. Liv was happy enough to be there just for the lollies and the half time run on the field. She pretended to support her brother with the occasional "Go Levi" but it was obvious that she was more interested in the boy next to her. Funny child.
Sam and 15 or so of her friends headed off to Iceworld for her party on Saturday night. I was the driver of course. "Mum, do you know where you are going? Do you want the map to check? How about we call Bill?"
Don't be silly, of course I know where I am going. But... maybe we will call Bill.. just to make sure. Little tip. Don't get Sam to take directions. You will end up at Redcliffe!! No where near Bracken Ridge!! The 6 giggling girls that I had in the van thought it was quite funny, I am sure I would have be the joke at school on Monday! They decided when I went back to pick them up that they wanted Maccas.. so off I go. Geeze, I am not sure if I would go back and do 17 again. Looked like fun, but I am just tooo old to be part of it. Although Sam always says how cool it is when her friends ask how old her Mum is and she says 34
Sunday we took Levi, April and Liv to the Sunny Coast for a swim at Kings Beach. Was nice. I didn't swim, no where near warm enough for me to get in the water, but I did throw the footy around with Levi for a while. Liv made sandcastles, and April got heaps of praise from the boys for her boogy board abilities!
Sunday night we decided to take the kids out for a "Surprise" Liv was sooo sure that it was High-5 and tried to tell us all just how much fun it would be. Boy... was she disappointed when we rocked up at Lonestar for Steak and Mashed Tato! Yummy!
"That's it.. that's the surprise... just a star???? High-5 was much better!!" Lets just say the nuggets, chips and lemonade were still not enough for her to be impressed as she was still going on about High-5 on the way home! All you hear is someone say "Liv?" "Yeah?" "SHUTUP!!"
Monday Bill and I did some last minute things for the wedding. Downloaded and paid for an amazing piece of software that just made doing the seating plan sooo much easier. You can say who you don't want next to who, those that like each other and those that do.
Perfect Table Plan just made life so much easier.
So its all go from here. I am getting so excited, and so is Bill. ... yay!!

Bee good everyone, take care