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    December 31

    big red

    Im a bl0ody idi0t! Yesterday it was pretty h0t. I lathered the kids in sunscreen.they lathered me 2. I had my 3/4 trackies on,so didnt think of my legs. Got 2 beach.took off trackies, swam & sat on sand for 2 hrs. Holy mother of god. I am in perrible tain! My legs r red raw, and its all al0ng the fr0nt fr0m top of thighs d0wn 2 my ankles. Big big ouchies. It hurts 2 m0ve,it hurts 2 walk, it hurts 2 breathe! It actually tingles & pins & needles c0nstantly! The kids arent burnt but are a tiny bit pink so we will stay away fr0m beach 2day.even tho its a damn stinker of a day.

    Dad is driving h0me 2day 2 feed their d0g & bird & 2 get the p0st fr0m his h0use & ours. He will c0me back on the morrow.

    Chew is in d0ggy paradise here! Walks on the beach, blamanging on l0unge, attenti0n 24/7! He d0esnt kn0w himself!

    So please excuse the big fat leg in the ph0to but,as y0u can see V red! V stupid me. I hope it settles quickly :(
    December 30

    blo0dy ridicul0us windy p0int!

    0k,so its real name is greenwell p0int,but it sh0uldnt be! We came here 0ne day last year & it was bl0wing a gale but we th0ught it was just a bad day. Nup,thats a n0rmal day! Our f0od BLEW OFF THE BBQ! We had 2 try & find a sp0t 2 sit where we didnt bl0w away,we sat on the gr0und,which killed my bad sunburn!
    The ann0ying thing is that out of the wind its a stinking h0t day.so because of that we came acr0ss to the 'village pool' so the kids r merrilly swimming atm & im bl0gging!
    The kids r having a l0vely h0liday. Cj is a little l0nely for friends bcs she likes 2go out ìn2 the waves & dee & c0n d0nt.darcy d0esnt like the water at all.c0n likes punching the waves as they break on the sand.

    December 28

    testing

    H0ping this will work.i tried 2 blog by email earlier but its n0t sh0wing :(

    n0t what u wana think ab0ut at the beach!

    My dearest dad is a dickhead! We were just sitting here watching the cricket (d0nt get me started on that!) & he says '0h,theres a really g0od moviè on 2nite.' Mum & I said '0h,what?' 'Tsunami' he said. My response... 'nö way am i watching a tsnumai m0vie while we're d0wn at the beach h0use! Its n0t what i want 2 b thinking ab0ut 500m from the Pacific Ocean!'
    '0h yeh',he says 'i f0rg0t ab0ut that!'

    December 27

    blogging fr0m the beach.

    well our h0l has startd,mum & dad have arrived & we r all relaxing.ive d0ne a bit fat n0thing all day,we r0de the bikes,had a swim & ive read all arvo!wo0oh0o
    December 26

    Always look on the bright side of life!

    This is what Peta is taking me to see in January - for my Chrissie Present!!!! We are flying down on the Saturday lunch time, making our our way to Rydges in Melbourne, then that night going to see Spamalot. Then going out to party! And back home again the next afternoon!!
     
    What a great weekend!! What a lovely sister!!!! I can't wait!!!! Im so excited! A holiday away, to see a show!! OH MY!!!!
     
    Melbourne is raving about the funniest show on earth!  Here’s what the critics have said about Monty’ Python’s Spamalot, now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre to standing ovations, knight after knight!...

    ‘Funny from start to finish’ - The Age
    ‘Silly, surreal and enormous fun’ -
    Sydney Morning Herald
    ‘Zany escapism and brilliantly madcap’ -
    Sunday Herald Sun
    ‘An enjoyable, entertaining and immensely silly romp’ -
    The Age
    ‘It’s a musical which will appeal to the blokes as much as the girls, if not more’ -
    ABC 774
    ‘The perfect show for the silly season! Go clap a lot, sign a lot and most of all, laugh a lot’ -
    Sunday Herald Sun

    Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the smash hit Broadway and West End musical, will be coming to Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne this November.  Directed by Mike Nichols and “lovingly ripped-off" from the screenplay of the Pythons’ best-loved film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, Monty Python’s Spamalot has been leaving critics and audiences in stitches.Monty Python’s SPAMALOT tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail and features a chorus line of dancing divas, serfs, cows, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and a legless knight.

    Monty Pythons Spamalot Print E-mail
    Written by Lola MacMillan   
    Saturday, 01 December 2007
    Monty Python's SpamalotThis is a terrible show, just awful. The acting is extremely hammy, the costumes are way over the top, the set verges on tacky and the script has been stolen from a movie.

    Monty Python’s Spamalot is certainly terrible, but it is gloriously terrible, it revels in the aspiration to be bad and as a result it is quite gloriously good.

    As everyone in Melbourne must surely know by now, Spamalot is a new musical production, based on the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Championed and written by Eric Idle, who along with composer John Duprez is responsible for the lyrics and music, Spamalot is a hugely successful, Tony award (2005) winning production making its Australian debut in Melbourne. Directed by the famed director Mike Nichols, Spamalot is a particular re-telling of the King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table legend, in which the noble King acquires his valiant knights and sets off to find the Holy Grail, as per god’s specific instructions. Along the way adventure ensues, as does a trip to Las Vegas.

    Monty Python’s Spamalot is a spectacularly entertaining production. It is fast paced, with never a dull moment and, for me, readily conjures up the image of a precocious school boy having been given access to all the best quality actors, technicians, designers and money available in order to stage the school spectacular he has written. Eric Idle balances along the edge of so bad it’s good brilliantly and consequently this is a high quality production. Idle uses a self referential style to fondly parody musical theatre icons and to parody Spamalot itself.

    Also, if you like to look at lovely ladies in skimpy costumes, with ample stage presence, then this is the show for you.

    For fans of Monty Python there are abundant familiar moments from the movie, Monty Python style projections (designed by Elaine J. McCarthy) are very cleverly used throughout and the orchestration (conductor Peter Casey) is enthusiastic.

    The cast, ensemble included, rise to the challenges of this production with great verve. Consequently it is hard to choose stand-out performers. I do though have a particular soft spot for Bille Brown. His King Arthur carries off a stunningly vacuous benevolence which is so joyous to watch. Derek Metzger, Jason Langley and Ben Lewis also did not put a foot wrong and were consistently captivating. It is unfortunately easier to choose a performer who didn’t quite seem up to it on the night, with Stephen Hall’s Sir Lancelot appearing a bit tired and distracted in contrast to the other performers. It should be said though, that his other characters, including the popular French Taunter, did not suffer from this seeming lack of focus.

    Monty Python’s Spamalot does require a lot of energy and versatility from its performers, with most taking on several roles, and for the most part the performers proved themselves well and truly up to the demands of this production, giving the audience the impression that ‘it must be fun to perform’!

    Special mention, I feel needs to be made of Lucinda Shaw as The Lady of the Lake, the only female character in Spamalot aside from the ensemble. She glamorously bulldozes her way on to the stage, gorgeously attired in an array of sparkling costumes (set and costume design by Tim Hatley), singing badly in that special way that only someone who can actually sing very well is able to manage.

    From the opening moments of this production it was clear that the audience wanted to love the show, and they were not disappointed. Monty Python’s Spamalot manages to fulfill the expectations of fans and novices alike; it even prompted a spontaneous sing-along moment prior to the scripted one. 

    Monty Python’s Spamalot is a wicked and delicious production, it feels like bad theatre turned good and I do encourage you to come and revel in it. As a piece of musical theatre, it is a mutinous laugh-riot, but one which showcases an impressive cast of Australian performers.

    slideshow.gifSlideshow


    MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT

    Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre | 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
    Season: Tickets currently on sale until May 25, 2008
    Times: Tues 8:00pm OR Wed 1:00pm*; Wed - Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 6.30pm; Matinees Wed* & Sun @ 1.00pm, Sat @ 2.00pm
    Bookings: Ticketek 1300 795 012
    www.montypythonsspamalot.com.au

    December 25

    What a wonderful day!

    Today dawned bright and early (and overcast! woohoo) and CJ was first awake - about 7am. She managed to stay in bed with me for another 20mins or so before I could not put her off any longer on waking up Con. They were very very very good and didnt burst into their chrissie sacks but just had a quick peek. They then saw in the back yard  that Santa had brought a Totem Tennis Game with THREE BATS! 100_3017(they were so excited that there were 3 bats! lol). So they went out and played with that for 5mins and then I said they could ring nan and Pop.. Again they were sooo good waiting. Mum and Dad were about 10mins and they just peeked in the bags.

    Now the messy fun began!!

    DeeDee went first!! 100_3019She was so excited with all her fairy and Dora stuff that she got from Santa, she couldn't quite believe it all.100_3020
     
    Connie then went through his and was very very chuffed at getting his Ben 10 watch 100_3018(although he told me a little while later that it didnt work. I asked him why not (cause it was making the appropriate noises) and he said that 'when I slam it the heads dont come out!' Poor dear - he expected the aliens that are IN THE CARTOON to come out of his watch - like they do in the cartoon!) He got lots of bits and pieces and espeically liked his dvd player and games for his DS.100_3022
     
    Then was CJs, She was such a good girl. She waited patiently until the other 2 had finished! I was very proud of her. Well - it was a HIGHSCHOOL MUSICAL christmas for her! Santa brought HSM Pjs, HMS Pens, HSM DS game, HSM Majic 8 ball, HSM2 extended edition, HSM trivia game, HSM Thumbdrive, HSM folder and books. Plus other stuff that was HSM!100_3023 And then, she squaled in DELIGHT when she got to the portable dvd player and THEN the pink DS!!
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    AND THEN we got to do it all again because Nanna and Poppa had spoilt them rotten and got them some wonderful things. Games, and clothes and books and toys and craft - lots and lots and lots!!100_3028 Mum and Dad gave Mark a little eletronic photo album for him to take to work, plus some golf stuff. I got some beatuiful jewellry and gift voucher (as well as my tv/dvd ealier in the year). Mark gave me a lovely 'good' watch and it fits perfrectly!~ The kids gave me a mini or micro sd card for my phone - very chuffed about that! The kids also made Mark and I pressies at school, but Im going to blog about them later - they deserve their own 'space'! Mark got a 'safe riding course' thing from me. Where he gets to go to a race track and learn stuff about how to be safer on the roads (i hope! lool). We gave Mum and Dad tix to The Hatpin at the Seymour Centre in March and the kids gave dad an Empire Strikes Back tshirt and Mum some cards.
     
    Then we opened our pressies from Casey and Danman!! I got a cooool tshirt from the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Mark got a cool hat from same place, that is stil on his head!. Connie got a tshirt that says 'my first hard rock tshirt Munich and Dee has a cute pink one. And CJ got a diary and the german ballerina toy pencils. Oh, Dee got the dolly of that as well! . It was Very lovely~!!!
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    MUM and dad then went home and we played here for a while. Played Kerplunk (which Grandma Beryl had given Connor) and Dora Trouble (which santa had given Dee) and HSM Trivia as well!
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    Then we spoke to Nannie Beau, Casey and Daniel and Peta.
     
    It was time to get ready and leave to Pauls and Karens by then. We arrived there just in time for a YUMMY lunch. And had present time with them as well! Peetie gave CJ a beautiful art easel and set, a watch as well as other stuff as well (please comment peta and tell me what!). Con got a mini skateboard which he has (in his words) already got some Moves for!' a game of which he had no interest because he opened the skateboard first!A watch and other stuff! Darcy got DORA roller skates (which she wore around with no undies or pants on as she had wet herself and I was drying them!100_3057) afairy puzzle book, a craft atvitity box, a watch and other stuff!! Mark got some lovely aftershave and I got - I got  - I got  - - - A weekend away with Peta!! We are FLYING to Melbourne, staying in a hotel, and GOING TO SEE SPAMALOT!! I am sooooo excited! I haven't even gotten to see the tix properly yet! Gotta do that when I get off here!!!
     
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    The kids then got really lovely presents from the aunties,uncles, cousins and grandparents, as did Mark and I! We were all very very spoilt this year! Nanna sobbed (and then Mum sobbed and then Jan sobbed and mine and Peta's eyes welled up) when Nanna opened her present from Casey (in fact my eyes are welling up now, just typing it). It is a locket on a long chain. And on one side is a photo of Casey doing her ballet and on the other side is a photo of Case and Danman.
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    Dee has crashed, Con won't be far behind, he is playing his new ds game atm(just got off the xbox from his new xbox game from Nannie Beau). CJ is still down at Paul and Karens, playing with her cousins. She is coming back with Mum and Dad.
     
    I am sure I have missed a million things. My mins is spinning a bit still!! I have started to pack for tomorrow, the clothes as least. I know the kids will wanna bring down everything they got - so that will be the hard part!
    December 24

    4 Wonderful Days - and Tomorrow to come!!!!!

    Wow! We have had 4 very busy wonderful days these past 4 days! ANd it's not even Christmas Day yet!!
     
    On Friday night, Ceilidh, DeeDee, Lauren (CJs friend) and Mummy went to watch Tayla, Leilani, Katie and Kaiesha in their dancing concert. We had a lovely time and CJ and Dee were very excited picking out the girls when they were dancing!! I forgot to take a photo of them all before we left! Opps!     
     
    Saturday night we went to town and had dinner with Sally and Sam (and exchanged pressies - oh wow!) and then Peetie arrived and we all went and saw Joseph and his Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat. The kids really really loved it, we had very good seats, right up the front. Even DeeDee watched it all!
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    Then Sunday it was a Wiggly Day! We drove into town and met Leanne, Brodie and Noah and watched the Wiggles. It was an AWESOME concert! Brodie and CJ enjoyed it more than the little ones we reckon! They were up and dancing in every song!!! We then went for a walk to the playground and had lunch at maccas then a wander through Paddys and home. Leanne met us at home to do our present exchange - again WOW!
     
    And today is Miss Skye's 2nd birthday!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SKYE!!!!! We're going to Camellia Gardens and meeting Mandy, Skye and Kadie for a birthday play. THen Peta and Rosemarie and Andre are meeting us there for more of a play!!!  GREAT FUN!!!!!!
     
    What a wonderful lead up to Christmas!!!!!
     
    AND SANTA COMES TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!
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    December 23

    The Prayer

    Dear All,

    My thanks to all those who have sent me emails this past year........

    I must send my thanks to whoever sent me the one about rat manure in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet towel with every envelope that needs sealing.

    I now scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.

    I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in hospital for the 1,387,258th time.

    In fact all my money is gone but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program .....

    Or, I'll receive it from the senior bank clerk in Nigeria who wants to split $7 million with me for pretending to be a long lost relative of a customer who died interstate.

    I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's Novena has granted my every wish..

    I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

    Thanks to you, I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

    Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca-Cola because it can remove toilet stains.

    I no longer buy petrol without taking a man along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl into my back seat when I'm filling up.

    And I dont go to shopping centres because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

    I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number and I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore and Uzbekistan.

    Thanks to you, I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my bum.

    And thanks to your great advice, I can't even pick up the $5.00 I found dropped in the car park because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.

    If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhoea will land on your head at 5:00pm this afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump.

    I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbour's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician.

    By the way.....a South Australian scientist, after a lengthy study has discovered that people with low IQs always read their e-mails with their hand on the mouse.

    Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.

    December 22

    Santa's Little Helpers

    On Monday night it was Carolyn's Dancing Xmas Party.

    We went to Castle Hill for a Build a Bear workshop.
     
    They had a lovely time, and the bears names are Wally (She is a girl Wally Darcy informed us!), Mr Looey (or something! - Connor's) and Crystal (CJs)

    At this moment they are supposed to be going to sleep but I can hear them playing bears in the bedroom!
     
     
    I took a photo of the kiddlets before we went into the party, they loooked so cute in their christmas shirts. And yes, CJ has had her hair cut SHORT! It was supposed to be to her shoulders, but it's a good inch above her shoulder! But it looks good, and looks very healthy, and it will grow. Will be good for her over xmas with swimming etc.
     
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    December 21

    Preschool Concert

    Dee had her Preschool Concert and Carnival Wednesday.
     
    She had a lovely time. They sang alot of songs- although it was very hard to decipher what some of those songs were! lol.  She was a bit tired during the concert, had a big yawn whilst we were watching her!
     
    Nanna stayed and looked after her at the carnival whilst I headed off to work.
     
    Here are some shots.. (she is next to her friend, Molly in the car and the teacup)
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    December 20

    We're all in this together!!

    CJ and Connor were not happy that I had only bought one gingerbread house. They wanted to have one each and were quite stroppy right up until it was time for them to make it.
     
    However, once we started they played very well together. Boy AM I GLAD that I only bought one!! It was a doozy to make!!

    But we all had lots of fun and it looks very cool!!!!
     
    Of course they want to eat it straight away! They are not impressed that they  have to wait until after Christmas!
     
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    December 19

    Letters From Santa

    If you would like your own santa letter, or wonderful santa games, visit Santa's special North Pole website - http://www.emailsanta.com/


    Dear Ceilidh,

    Thank you for sending me your email all the way from Liverpool!  The Net sure is wonderful because now I never feel lonely all the way up at the North Pole.  I can get those wonderful Christmas emails any time of the year now, but it's always special when I get one from you, Ceilidh. 

    Well bless my whiskers, Ceilidh, I can't believe you're 8 years old already!  You're getting to be quite a big girl!  I'm really glad you still wrote me though because I'm sure some of your friends have said things about me.  Of course, I'll bet they never got a magic letter like this directly from Santa Claus himself!  (*wink*)  I also hear you've been a good girl.  (Of course, you won't mind if I do a little checking, will you? HO!! Ho!! ho!!).  

    Let's see what you put in your letter for Christmas wishes: 1. wii; 2. portable dvd player and; 3. icypole machine.  Can I tell you a little secret?  I love playing games on my Nintendo Wii -- reindeer games that is!  HO!! Ho!! ho!!  They are a lot of fun aren't they!  I guess that's why so many good little boys and girls asked for the same thing as you!  I just wish there was room in my sleigh to give everyone one. 

    Oh no!  Rudolph just sneezed and now there's Nose Wax everywhere.  I'll see you soon but now I have to go clean off my computer because it's glowing like Rudolph's nose!  Take care Ceilidh and don't forget to come back and visit me here at EmailSanta.com on Christmas Eve!!  And remember...  only 10 more sleeps until Christmas!!

    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,

    SANTA CLAUS

    Thank you Ceilidh for thinking of me!P.S.   Why thank you for the wonderful hugs & kisses Ceilidh!  Here are some extra special hugs and kisses just for you from everyone at the North Pole!

    P.P.S.  I've attached a special postmarked copy of your email below so you can print it off and show it to all your friends or put it on your fridge.

     

     
    Hello Darcy!!

    Thank you for sending me your email all the way from Liverpool!  I sure do love the Net because now I never feel lonely all the way up at the North Pole.  An email from you, Darcy, really makes my day!  By the way, Rudolph just told me that the Boomers are all ready and excited to pull the sleigh over Australia.

    My goodness, Darcy!  I still remember bringing you your very first Christmas present and here you are 3 years old already!  I hope you are getting excited about Christmas because I am really looking forward to visiting your home!  Rudolph said he's really excited about visiting your home too!  I also hear you've been a REALLY REALLY good girl.  (Of course, you won't mind if I do a little checking, will you? HO!! Ho!! ho!!).  Well bless my whiskers!  Thank you for saying you love me!  I love you too Darcy.  As the elves would say, I love you lots like jelly tots!  HO!! Ho!! ho!!  

    Let's see what you put in your letter for Christmas wishes: 1. fairy money box; 2. fairy watch and; 3. dolly.  Those are such WONDERFUL presents that Rudolph's nose started glowing when he saw what you asked for!  Of course, the reindeer can pull my sleigh with only so many presents so I hope you'll forgive me if I can't fit all the presents in.

    Yum!  Smells like Mrs. Claus just pulled another batch of cookies out of the oven.  HO!! Ho!! ho!!  I'll bet she needs help eating them!  Take care Darcy and don't forget to come back and visit me here at EmailSanta.com on Christmas Eve!!  And remember...  only 10 more sleeps until Christmas!!

    Lots of Love,

     

    SANTA CLAUS


    Thank you Darcy for thinking of me!P.S.   YUM!  Those sure were some tasty goodies you sent me in your letter Darcy!  I hope its okay that I shared them with everyone here.  You should see how fast they disappeared!  Oh, wait!  You CAN!  HO!! Ho!! ho!!

    P.P.S.  I've attached a special postmarked copy of your email below so you can print it off and show it to all your friends or put it on your fridge

     

     
    Merry Christmas Connor!

    Thank you for sending me your email all the way from Liverpool!  HO!! Ho!! ho!!  We get wonderful Christmas emails from boys and girls around the world but everyone at the North Pole sure gets excited when we get one from you Connor!  By the way, Rudolph just told me that the Boomers are all ready and excited to pull the sleigh over Australia.

    Well tickle my whiskers, Connor!  Are you really and truly 5 years old already?!?  I'll bet you're really excited about Christmas!  Everyone at the North Pole sure is!  Are you looking forward to Santa Claus visiting your home?  Rudolph said he's really excited about visiting your home!  I also hear you've been a sorta good boy.  (Of course, you won't mind if I do a little checking, will you? HO!! Ho!! ho!!).  

    Let's see what you put in your letter for Christmas wishes: 1. new game; 2. batman motorbike and; 3. ben 10 watch.  HO!! Ho!! ho!!  I see there's a bike on your list.  That's a great present!  Of course, you'll have to promise me you'll always wear a helmet and follow all the safety rules.  Now one thing about a bike is that its very hard to fit a lot of them into the sleigh.  So, I hope you won't be too disappointed if we can't fit enough of them in for everyone this Christmas. 

    Well, it's time for Santa Claus to go do his chimney exercises.  Up!  Down!  Up!  Down!  Have to be in tip-top shape for the big night!  Take care Connor and don't forget to come back and visit me here at EmailSanta.com on Christmas Eve!!  And remember...  only 10 more sleeps until Christmas!!

    Forever and Always Your Friend,

    SANTA CLAUS

    Thank you Connor for thinking of me!P.S.   YUM!  Those sure were some tasty goodies you sent me in your letter Connor!  I hope its okay that I shared them with everyone here.  You should see how fast they disappeared!  Oh, wait!  You CAN!  HO!! Ho!! ho!!

    P.P.S.  I've attached a special postmarked copy of your email below so you can print it off and show it to all your friends or put it on your fridge

    December 18

    How Much Bragging Is Too Much??

    Well, if I'd stopped a week ago I guess that would have been about right!!  How much prouder can a Mum be!!!
     
    Today I worked at MRPS. It was the kids talent quest during the middle session. Connor did his solo and CJ did Marching Song Swords with Lauren. There were 18 finalists in the talent quest.
     
    CJ&Lauren were on 3rd, Con was on 9th.
     
    CJ and Lauren did great, they got a big clap and lots of questions about the swords were thrown about (I was working with Y6 and I could hear them saying' thos are real swords, look you can tell' lol)
     
    Con came on.

    He got a big lead up, Mrs Punch said about how this was their youngst entrant and that he was just a kindy kid so very brave.
     
    Then he started....
     
    But before we get to that let me tell you the lead up........
     
    He  hadn't wanted to go to school this morning, wasn't feeling well and was a bit hot. Im not well, my cough has developed into watery eyes and runny nose and thick head (thicker than usual). And Con sounded a bit like me. So I dosed him up on panadol and bribed him with one of the $10 gameboy games (star wars) and he was happy to go!
     
    I was working with Yr 1 this morning and I had to go past Cons room. I hear his music on. He was having a run through. Mrs Low said 'He's not very enthused'. I said 'he's not real well.' He is bribed though, so remind him if needs be!'
     
    We get to the time and on he goes.

    He did it GREAT. Lots of enthusiasm, but still not completely out there, with the funky faces etc. But it didnt matter. The audience loved it, the kids just went wild, the teachers were CRYING with laughter!! At the guitar bit they all just went crazy and the roar at the end was huge.
     
    So... we get to prize giving time.
     
    Ceilidh and Lauren got SECOND!!
     
    And Connor WON!

    The cheer from the kids was HUUUUUUUGE when they announced it, and because the Principal had missed Con's they got him to do an encore performance for everyone.
     
    Well, he was so stoked at winning (Mr Cool Dude just sauntered onto the stage, looking up at me in the audience!) He just loved the attention from the kids and he PLAYED IT FOR ALL IT WAS WORTH>
     
    Ive never seen him do it so well! He pulled the kooky faces, he went full out at the hands throught he hair bit. He crouched down really low at the crabwalk. His jack jumps were big with pointy toes. And then we got to the guitar part and HE WENT OFF! Rocked it for all it was worth!!
     
    The whole audience were standing and cheering and clapping throughout the dance!!
     
    I was then on playground duty at lunch time and EVERY KID in that playground came up to me to tell me 'Connor's your son, isn't he. He was sooo good!' And I got to say 'Thankyou, and my daughter got 2nd too!'
     
    So if no one knew who Con and CJ were before today THEY SURE DO NOW!!

    And he bloody better do the dance with that much energy from now on it!!!!
     
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    December 17

    Clever Boy Sam

    I got an email from Sal tonight to have HER VERY DESERVED brag of her darling boy!
     
    Sam won the award at his gym presentation this arvo.

    It was for: attendance and dedication to gymanastics!!
     
    Clever Boy Sam!
     
    ~ I am very proud of you too!!!~
     
    (BTW Mum - look at his rosette, I reckon you do an awesome job on your ones, cause that one for his gymanstics is by machine and it looks almost the same!! Thanks again Mummy for doing those wonderful rosettes for my awards xmas party yesterday!!)

    sam

     

    sam2

    December 16

    Busy Weekend

    Well this weekend is the start, no, not the start, but I guess when things start getting very hectic in the lead up to christmas. (although how much more hectic can we get after last weekends concert and all the stuff involved with that lol)
     
    Last night we got home at midnight from the RG awards night.
     
    The kids were up and out the door at 9.15 to go to the Mounties Carnival. Mark took them up and I had my last dancing lessons of the year.
     
    I was going to go up and join them when I finished but I had a bad headache I've not been able to shake for two days (it's either caffine withdrawral or a tumour!) so I stayed home, had some tablets and lied down whilst there was noone in the house (incidently, my god this house is noisy in the middle of the day when noone is home!!)
     
    The family got back around 1ish and at 3ish we left to head to Campbelltown of my Banksies Xmas party. Mummy had made my some rosettes for the kiddlets, to put with their exam results (I dont like to give them just the certificate, I think it's boring) Had a cuppachino & caramel donut from my darling friend Sally (and headache went away incidently!)
     
    The party was great, I love softplay, you do nothing, just relax and let the kiddlets play!
     
    Then Ceilidh went home with Lauren (party ended at 6.15) and we wandered through the shops and headed home as well (I bought 3 santa shirts from Cotton On for $5 each! very cute ones)
     
    CJ waltzed in around 8ish and the other 2 had been watching tv and playing xbox (doesn't take a genius to work out which one was doing which!)

    I let them continue at it for 30 more mins then said 'off to bed' and OFF THEY WENT!! OMG!! CJ into my room so she could watch a bit more tv, but when i checked on her 15mins later she was sound asleep!!
     
    Tomorrow is a busy day all round.

    Firstly CJ and I off to church ( for our reconciliation practise Masses!)  Then race back here in time for Dad and Mark to go to the SCG for the One Dayer game. Mark is getting to use his SCG Membership for hte very first time. Has an induction lunch to go to first, then the game.
     
    The rest of us (cept mum, I hope she is having a lazy day at home, enjoying the solitude!) are heading out to Campbelltown to have Santa photos, then on to Chez Toa for a Christmas 'Do' with friends. Kids are MIGHTY excited about this as it's a pool party!
     
    So they will be exhausted come tomorrow night - but mustn't be as Monday is Talent Quest at school (and me working up there too) so tomorrow evening I have to get their outfits ready
     
    They get their school reports today too.
     
    Monday night is going to be another late one as it's Carolyns Xmas Party - and its a Build a Bear workshop at Castle Hill (Mum is coming and building a bear also! of course! - I shall go and have a coffee whilst she builds hers - and Darcys!)

    Then Tuesday is Mulitcultural Day, where they not only have to wear their countries clothes, they have to take food in, talk about the language, songs and games!!
     
    Tuesday night they have lessons at Carolyns.
     
    Wednesday is Darcy's Preschool Concert and Carnival. Mum (and maybe Dad if he's not working) is coming too. So I can go to the concert and then head up to work for a few hours before I pick up Mum and Dee (and go and get my hair cut!)
     
    Thursday - Dancing at Carolyns after school
     
    Friday - Toa and Arnold Dancing Concert and last day of school
     
    Saturday - During the day - NOTHING!!!! HOwever, 8pm that night we are going to see Joseph and his Technicoloured Dreamcoat with Sally, Sam and Peta.
     
    Sunday - 1pm - Wiggles!!!!
     
    Monday - 11am - Playdate at Camellia Gardens with Mandy, Skye and Kadie as it is Miss Skye's 2nd birthday!!

    Tuesday - Oh - Christmas day!!
     
    Wednesday - Oh - BOXING DAY - Leaving for Beach House!! Must get to shops to do grocery shop sometime in past week of business, maybe Thursday during the day or Friday...
     
    Thursday - until the 5th January - RELAX RELAX RELAX (and be unable to check my email! OH MY GOD!! WHAT WILL I DO!!)
     
    AT LEAST I CAN BLOG FROM MY PHONE!!!!!! phew!
    December 15

    HOLY MOLY WHAT A WEEK!

    The amazing week of achievements we have had continued tonight!!
     
    Tonight was 'awards night and disco' at RGDANCE.
     
    THe kids were very excited about going. The studio makes a big deal of the children dressing up and coming in on the red carpet at the start of the night. It was held at Holy Cross at Ryde.
     
    Ceilidh wore one of her party dresses, Darcy wore her cinderella dress up dress, complete with fairywings and crown and Connor wore his kilt - with green hair!
     
    We arrived and the kids walked up the red carpet, it was lovely for CJ, she did it with her friends.
     
    Then it came to awards time.

    OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
     
    Darcy won an 'honourable achievement' award in Future Stars (only 3 given out for a class of over 20)
     
    Connor won the excellence award for Babies Tumbling.
     
    Ceilidh won an honourable achievment award for Junior Tap (this is out of over 40 kids - all children from beginners ranging through to performance group that fit into that age group are where they select the awards from. There were about 6 of these honourable achievemnents then the 2 trophies)
     
    And then - shock horror - COnnor won the Junior Boy Award for Excellence for 2007!!!!! LOL
     
    Oh and you know what is really lovely that they do. EVERY CHILD IN THE STUDIO receives a gift. If they attend awards night, their name is called out and they go up onto the stage and receive their participation award. This year they are funky shoe bags that say 'RGDANCE' and have a place for you to have your name printed. Last year it was a silver keyring. How lovely is that!
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    These are CJ's two good friends she has made at RG. Ashleigh and Natalie. Ceilidh is being silly in the first photo. They are really only a little bit taller than she is! Ashleigh is 9, turning 10 two weeks after Ceilidh turns 9. Natalie is 10 already.
     
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    Darcy dancing before the show started, and her on stage receiving her award. She was right behind the bannister!
     
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    Connor's award for excellence in tumbling  and his junior boys award.    Striking a pose for me afterwards!
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    The 3 clever sausages! Dee is holding the bag that they all received. Dee's certificate will be coming at Summerschool, they were about 15 certificates short on the night and Future Stars were one of the group that missed out.
     
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    With Miss Rebecca             Miss the Wonderful Miss Jenny! (who is due to have a baby NEXT WEEK!)
     
    After all the awards (Con also got his ballet exam results - he passed! (you can't really fail!) they had the disco.

    i had to drag the 3 kids out at 11pm because i was exhausted!!!
    December 14

    DeeDee's School Report

    I got Darcy Darling's report from Preschool the other day.
     
    Another 'proud Mummy moment'!!
     
    In Thinking and Reasoning Skills she got almost always for completing puzzles of 16+ pieces, and naming colours and shapes.
     
    In Motor Development the only thing she got 'somtimes' on was 'manipulating scissors' - and that doesn't bother me! lol
     
    In Language Development and Social/Emotional Development she got Almost always on all but 'am developing my self help skills' which was 'usually' (she had an accident at school the other week, too busy playing!)
     
    In Music and Art it was ' Almost Always' - which is no surprise! lol
     
    The comment below was:

    Darcy has made pleasing progress in all developmental areas, considering we see her just one day a week. Since last report Darcy is now able to pedal a tricycle, has significantly improved her puzzle skills, and is beginning to cut indepentently along straight lines. Well done Darcy! We look forward to seeing you in the new year.
     
    She will only be going one day next year too, at least for the first 2 terms. She isn't able to start school until 2010 so there is no way I am having her at preschool more days - or she will want to go full time by 2009! As it is, we have just started her at 'transition' (where Con went last year). She is only doing the 'maths and manipultives' class this term, but next term she will do the literacy class as well.
     
    The other 2 get their school reports on Monday........
    December 13

    School Infants Assembly

    Connor won the award for Academic Excellence in Mathematics!
    (wonder how long THAT will last! lol)
     
     
    This is to the Boy who I wasn't going to send to school this year! He has really thrived. Has had a wonderful teacher, who loves him, but doesn't put up with his nonsense. And the school really push their kindy classes. It's not just a year of 'socialisation', there is huge learning going on.
     
    He finishes Kindergarten reading Level 19 at school and Level 17 for his homereader. He writes full procedures, narratives and explanations. Does his homework without a quibble and with barely any assistance from me. And, as the award shows, he loves LOVES L.O.V.E.S Maths. He looks so tiny in his class, you can always pick where Connor is because it goes 'head,head, head, gap, head' and he is the gap! lol
     
    I am now really worried about who he will get as a year one teacher. Because there are some teachers who do have a personality clash with him (they see the Connor of the playground) and I want him to be in a class where, yet again he is nurtured and challenged. (Secretly I hope that CJ's teacher takes Year 1 next year! that would be awesome!)
     
    I am glad that, by default, he ended up going to MRPS. And I am very glad that I have changed CJ over to MRPS, as she too has been challenged and nurtured since she arrived there. I know she won't go into the GAT class for Year 4, but I hope that she gets a good teacher and a nice class....
     
    This week and next week are busy ones for the kids. They have an excursion to see the Bee Movie on Friday, next Tuesday is Multicultural day and the day before that is School Talent Quest (where CJ is doing a swords duo with Lauren - who I teach highland to & is in CJs class, and Con is doing his jazz solo).
     
    SmileHere are some pix from assembly!Smile
     
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    December 12

    Great Truths (stolen from mum!)

    GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED
    1.      No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats
    2.      When your Mum is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair
    3.      If your sister hits you, don't hit her back.  They always catch the second person.
    4.      Never ask your 3 year old brother to hold a tomato
    5.      You cant trust dogs to watch your food.
    6.      Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
    7.      Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
    8.      You cant hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
    9.      Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
    10.  The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap
    GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED
    1.      Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree
    2.      Wrinkles don't hurt
    3.      Families are like fudge....mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
    4.      Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground
    5.      Laughing is good exercise, its like jogging on the inside
    6.      Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy
    GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
    1.      Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional
    2.      Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get
    3.      When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there
    4.      You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster
    5.      Its frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
    6.      Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.
    7.      Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone
    THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE
    1.      You believe in Santa Clause
    2.      You don't believe in Santa Clause
    3.      You are Santa Clause
    4.      You look like Santa Clause
    SUCCESS
    At age   4 success is...not peeing in your pants.
    At age 12 success is...having friends
    At age 16 success is...having a drivers license
    At age 18 success is...going all the way
    At age 30 success is...having money
    At age 50 success is...having money
    At age 60 success is...going all the way
    At age 70 success is...having a drivers license
    At age 75 success is...having friends
    At age 80 success is...not peeing in your pants