Sunday was a huge day for us. In fact we seriously had the most wonderful Easter Holidays this year! To start with our great trip away to Maclean and Qld for the long weekend, and then continuing with iceskating, movies, playdates, pools etc etc etc. Magnificent!!

 

Then Sunday the children and I went to Bankstown Sports Club to watch the dancing troupes in Dance Idol - a big competition. Connor and Darcy's groups weren't in, but the older ones were. So we sat with our RG friends and had a brilliant time. It was great to see the dances up on the stage and the dancers were brilliant!!

 

Mum came in the afternoon and dropped Mark off and picked up Dee. Then CJ, Con, Mark and I went into Are You Funnier Than a 12th Grader. Tina and Katie joined us in there too.

 

After watching it last week I knew that Connor would enjoy it. There are a few rude bits, but we had a big talk about how it was a bit M rated, but they were the adult bits and to just ignore that.

 

Well, it was a great great great show - very funny (again) and OMG - did Boy enjoy it!! He heckled the actors and got himself up on the stage a number of times!! LOL!! Ceilidh was so embarrassed by him - it was hillarious!! Katie loved it too!!

 

We'd really like to go back again, but will probably run out of weeks (and money! LOL)

 

Then of course, Monday night was the ballet for CJ and I

 

So truly and amazing 48 hours!!

Last Thursday night the children went with Mark to an Astronomy night run by the National Geographic shop in Campbelltown.

CJ had found the flyer when we were out at Mac Square the other day getting her Smiggle stuff. They asked me if I could take them, but I knew I'd be in Goulburn. So I told them to ask Mark to see if he could.

The children were with Mum and Dad all day yesterday, Mark came home from work a little early and picked them up to take them to Ctown.

They said it was fantastic! It went for about 1.5hours and they saw lots of models of different star systems etc.

 

Connor asked a million questions of the scientist,and Mark said that by the end the bloke would see Connor's hand up and say 'Yes Connor?' CJ really enjoyed it but did the shy girl and wouldn't be involved in the discussions etc. Dee was a good girl.

 

 

 

 

There's nothing like the excitement of a last minute surprise!

 

This morning at 8am my phone rang. I wasn't too happy as it was the last day of the holidays before school goes back tomorrow, so I was sleeping in!!

 

I answered it and it was a friend from Bathurst offering me 2 free tickets to the Dress Rehearsal of the Australian Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker!!!

 

FOR TONIGHT!!

 

I was so excited!!! Not just because I LOVE ballet but because there are about 10 RG kids in The Nutcracker (as there are 3 casts).

Tonight Ceilidh and I got all dressed up and off we went to the Sydney Opera House.

 

We saw 3 of the RG dancers, all of whom are CJ's age!! One of the RG kids is playing Clara, but she wasn't on tonight. However, it was still awesome to see the others!!

 

The show was WONDERFUL! So very different from the 'real' Nutcracker. This was Clara's Story and it's a production by Graeme Murphy, so anyone who knows about his Swan Lake knows that he does things differently. But it was still a real fairy story, and you got caught up in the imagination and fantasy of it all.

What was also wonderful was that we were AT a dress rehearsal. So the show often stopped and Graeme Murphy or David McCallister would call out to see a scene again!!

 

It sparked many questions in Ceilidh about the Russian Revolution and different styles of dancing etc etc.

A most MAGNIFICENT night!!!

 

OMG! What's wrong with me! I rarely miss blogging! LOL

 

I had it all ready at 'draft' stage. It was on Anzac Day but I was annoyed as I couldn't get the photos to flip and was trying to do it in another programme, then forgot!! OPPS!

Then went out to a bbq and got home after midnight!!

OH WELL!

I've only made it by 65mins this time, will blog again tomorrow with anzac day news, plus housewarming, plus dance idol plus 12th grader!

 

 

NiNi

44 years of wedded BLISS!!!

 

hahahahaahaha!!

 

Hope you've had a lovely day together!!!!heeheeehee!

(this is the only photo I can find of you together, and you're not even next to each other in it - and it is 4.5 years old!) UMAH!

 

 

 

 

Today I taught a SDAA Junior Dancers workshop in Goulburn. It was a really great and easy day. Easy as in it only took me about 1hr 15 to get there and I found the place easily and the road is nice and straight and flat. So I stuck my ipod on through the fm tuner and listened to an audio book the whole way!

Then I taught for 4 hours> WEll that wasn't easy!! The kids were great. They tried hard adn worked for me. But, when they're not your students they don't understand you as quickly so you have to actually DANCE for them and speak more and move around etc.

So I am BUGGERED!!

 

The first workshop was on exam work. I am passionate about exam work, so I really went in depth with them and taught alot. The 2nd workshop was on the Jig. Initially I wasn't to do the Jig one, another teacher was, but she ended up not being able to - so I did it. OMG - it was EXHAUSTING!! The jig is such an energetic 'cranky' dance and of course the kids wanted to learn ALL of the steps (there are 14!).

I was counting the minutes till the end!!

Then I did 10mins of RG stretches as cool down - that killed them!! It was lovely! LOL!

 

Another lovely peaceful trip home.

Popped into Sally and Sams and got fed dinner - YUMMMOOOOO!! THankyou so much for the lovely company and delish food!!!!

 

Picked up the tape of SYTYCD (I haven't checked it yet Sal!) and came home.

The kids weren't home from their wee trip out yet - so had the house to myself for about 30mins before the hoards came home.

They all in bed now and Im soon to follow them!

Will blog tomorrow on the kids excursion tonight!

WOW! What a magnificient way to spend the day!!!

 

When CJ had her birthday party at the Ice Rink Mandy found this flyer about a school holiday programme. It was $28 and was a day of skating, with a lesson, games, morning tea, free skate etc.

Well, we decided to do it!!

 

We arrived at the rink at 9.40am (for a 10am start) and they gave the kids their skates straight away, and sent them onto the ice. So they had a good 15min skate before the lesson started.

THERE WAS NO ONE ELSE IN THE LESSON EXCEPT FOR OUR GROUP!!!! It was Ceilidh, Leilani, Moo, Katie, Kaiesha, Connor and Dee.

But Dee was a ring in! She was too young for the day's skate school programme, but they had a $12 Playgroup on Ice on from 11-12. But because it was only our group and no one else they Dee a ticket to the other class also!!!

So she did the hour lesson (but really only did about 35mins of it as she was freezing and came off) then she went and did the playgroup lesson whilst the big kids went and played games iwth the other instructor. They played limbo and chasings and stuff.

Then they went inside and had a HUGE fruit salad, and drink and lollies. (Dee was still skating at this stage). Then Dee came off and got her hot chips and drink (plus she got the fruit salad from the other group!)

 

And then they all skated for about an hour.

Then they had a display at the rink of some kids routines, in their costumes, so we went and got lunch (chippies and hot dogs) from the kids and they ate that whilst they wanted.

Then they went and skated some more!!!!

 

Connor wants to go back tomorrow! For $5 (on top of the session) they have 'Ice Hockey Games' with a puck and stick!!

It was AMAZING!!!!!!!

The VERY BEST VALUE FOR MONEY!!!!!! We are certainly going to do it again next hols!!

 

Just had to add this photo. It's from the comedy show the other night!

CJ ran away when we had the big RG photo at the end, but G found her later and asked if he could have a photo with her!

 

Today Peta took CJ and Con to see 'Scooby DOo Stage Fright' live on stage. It was their birthday presents from her and John.

They loved it. Really really loved it!! Peta said that Cj couldn't stop raving about it, and breaking down the plot! LOL And Con was getting into the action at the show 'it's behind you it's behind you!'

 

Then tonight CJ and I went with 5 others (Jacob, Sal, Mandy, Leilani and Deb) to see Are you Funnier than a 12th Grader. Which was Mr G's Comedy show. There were about 50 RG people there I reckon!!!

 

It was very very funny! A little bit rude, but most of that part went over CJs head. She enjoyed it and was getting into the calling out part!

I am going to take Mark, CJ, Con to it again in a few weeks time. Connor would just go mad with it - he truly would! And I reckon Mark would enjoy it lots too!!

 

I forgot to take a photo whilst there - naughty naughty me!!

 

So here is one in the car on the way home!

A few belated photos of the last day of school at Hat Parade!

 

I have been feeling the 'ikea itch' for a little while.

 

I wanted to buy CJ a new mattress for her bed. Plus I just love their shop and their cafeteria and their play area for the kids.

 

This morning I said to Mark that I thought it might be good to go there today

 

So I went back to bed to read for an hour or so (as much reading as can be done with Connor and Darcy coming in to check on me and find out when we're going shopping!)

 

We then left and headed to Ikea.

Had a glorious CHEAP full lunch. Kids had fish and chips. CJ and Mark had meatballs and mash and I had salmon and mash and veges in a yummy chives sauce. Plus we all had drinks, plus we got 2 pieces of Dime Bar cake, and Mark got a muffin> All that came to $26!!!

 

Then I took the kids down to the play area and booked them in for an hour. And Mark and I went shoppping!!

 

Wqe found the $99 mattresses, but BARGAIN, when we got to pick it up they were having a special on other innerspring mattresses, which were thinner, but firmer than the $99 one - for $59!!!!!!!!! It's perfect for her. Up on her bed now! It means that her side railing actually does it's job (instead of being the same height at the mattress. She wont know herself tonight!!

We also wanted to buy some tall skinny drawers for Cons wardrobe. I was jsut going to look today and I found some really nice one, that the top shelf actually lifts up for a mirror, very skinny and about 6 or 7 drawers. But they were $299. So I thought 'well, I know they're here, will look about and come back if can't find anything in other stores.
http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/10158245

Then, again at the pick up section, where they have the 'damaged or store floor product' they had the exact drawers - not a scratch on them - display stock - for $135~!!!!! The only reason I got htem was because the man literally  just wheeled them out as I stood there looking around!!

Would you believe they fit in the wardrobe perfectly!!!

 

We also got a wee 'on the table' ironing board' as we have no room for our ironing board atm, and this way we can shove this one inthe pantry and just get it out and put it on the kitchen bench. And face it - I dont iron much! LOL!

 

Got some scissors - cause I love the cheapy scissors  from Ikea. Batteries, strainer, power boards. etc etc etc.

All in all -spent $240! And to think that those drawers were $299 to start with!!!!!

 

 

I just have to post this....

 

Today I wanted to go to aqua aerobics. I knew the kids would like to play in the pool too, but wasn't sure how I would do both.

Decided that we would go a bit earlier. They could have a play. Then they could sit up on the benches and watch the aqua class. If they moved or were silly then we would go home straight after class. If not, we would stay for a swim.

 

So. All went to plan...

They played. They then sat for FIFTY MINUTES and sang along to the Mamma Mia soundtrack that was being used for aqua. They were soooo good!

At the end all these old ladies told them what good children they were.

Then a lady came up to me and said...

"I just want to tell you that you have the most beautifully well behaved children and you don't see that very much these days so i wanted to let you know!'

OMG!

I said 'thankyou very much!! They were bribed to sit there, else they couldn't have a swim.'

She said 'But still, most children these days wouldnt. You should be very proud!'

And I am!!!

Con's birthday just seems to keep going and going!!

It started last Thursday when Mark and I gave him his main present so he could use it on the trip away!

 

Then Saturday night we had an icecream cake at the bbq at Janet's.

Sunday morning was present time at Janets. A wee one from us, one from CJ and Dee and the presents from Case and Danman.

Then of course, we were at Dreamworld for his birthday.

Got home to Sydney and yesterday he got Nanna and Poppa's present.

 

This morn he opened Leanne's!!

 

Then we went to the pool for a pool party with friends today!! And Sally made cupcakes and we sang happy birthday again!!!!

 

THis Sunday Peta is taking Ceilidh and Con to Scooby Doo Live on Stage, which was her birthday present to them!

 

What a great way to turn 7!!!

 

This is Con's tap costume. He did his tap for the first time today. He got HC - and more importantly - didn't stuff it! lol!

He's not happy because he 'only' got HC - boy is he going to get a shock now he is out of Babies!!!

 

 

We got up extra early yesterday - thanks go Boyo's bday and Easter day egg hunts!!! It was lovely!@!!

 

We then left Maclean and headed up to QLd. I didnt tell the kids that we would go to Dreamworld yesterday, cause I  didnt know how long it would take to get there. But we made great time, so I drove in the driveway. The kids went wild!!! Itwas sooo cute!!

This post is a tribute to my amazing little man, who turns 7 today....

 

People (especially my sister) think that I favour Connor above my other children. This is true in a way - but there is a special reason for it.

When I was pregnant with Rowan I didn't want a boy. I kept saying to people 'Oh gawd, I hope the baby's not a boy, I know nothing about boys, what will I do if he's a boy!' etc etc etc. So when Rowan died - and WAS a boy - the guilt I felt was overwhelming. Absolutely. And it still is....

 

I was glad that my next baby was a girl, as I didn't want my baby, who was born only a year after Rowan, to be a 'make up' for losing him...

 

Then I feel pregnant with Connor. I truly truly didn't care what he was - boy or girl - after having my innocence smashed when I lost a child - all I wanted was for this child to be ok.

 

At the 20 week scan we got a picture  - a very CLEAR picture that he was a boy.

 

And from a few weeks on from that we had chosen a name and the bubba inside of me was known as Connor Ryan. And although he wasn't to 'make up' for Rowan, I wanted to make sure that this time - I didn't ruin the chance I had been given. I wanted my boy to be just as special and just as loved and wanted - boy or girl - it didn't matter.

 

I was scared about having a boy still. I have witnessed my older male cousins have nothing to do with their mother or grandmother and I didn't want that kind of relationship with my son. They never ever ring my grandmother. They rarely ring their mother. I don't remember them ever being affectionate towards anyone - and we had a fair bit to do with them as we grew up. So this is something that has always 'worried' me about having a son. That I wouldn't have a bond with him, like I do with my mother - because he was a boy.

 

I remember distinctly, being pregnant with Connor and going down to judge in Tasmania. I stayed with a friend there and we were all sitting around the dinner table when her (then) 20 year old son came in. He came over to her, wrapped his arms around her neck, kissed her cheek and said 'Hi Mum!!! Have you had a good day? Love ya!!' and off he went. He wasn't embarrassed about doing it - it was normal to him. Even in front of total strangers.

 

I thought then and there - THAT'S the relationship I want with my son.

 

Well, 7 years on and we certainly have that relationship.

 

It brings tears to my eyes to think about what a loving, caring and affectionate child he is. But he's no sissy - no way - even though he's a dancer (lol) he is the grubbiest rough and tumble kid at school.

 

Never NEVER a morning goes by that he does not climb into bed with me and say 'I love you forever Mummy' and then fall back to sleep with his arm drapped over my body.

 

Every SINGLE time I see him after school he RUNS up to me with a 'MUMMY MUMMY MUMMY!'

 

Each night he calls me into his room, even though I've done the rounds of the 'ni ni's' and he says 'Huggie Mum!' and I have to give him that extra hug.

 

If he see's me upset, or his sisters upset he is the first to go over and put his arms around them. He cries when he sees me cry. He is intuitive and will often sense an emotion or situation even though I've not said anything. That was very apparent 3 years ago...

 

I watched him from a distance last Saturday night, continually hugging his God Mother, then going back to play with his friend, then turning around to wrap his arms around her waist again.

 

I hope he continues to grow into a caring, thoughtful, and loving man. I know we will have some battles ahead with the teenage years - but hopefully we'll get through them relatively unscathed!!

 

But for now, I wish my beautiful wee Connor Ryan Griffith a very happy 7th birthday.

May all your dreams come true.

 

Love

Mummy

xo

What a very lovely day we have had at Maclean Gathering tody!!! It was a sunny morning, and that lasted until about 11 - when it began to rain.... we were under cover thank goodness, but still out side so still wet wet wet!

 

Con had his last comp in Babies, he got 1st in Fling and Swords, and 2nd in Pdbs and Hcuts and 3rd in Pdbs.

CJ shocked the shit out of me! lol! She won her trophy dance flin g- 10 in the section!!! Then seh proceeded to stuff everything else up until the hornpipe at the end, which she got 4th in!!!

 

Dee Dee won the 2-5 years dash!!!heeheehee!

 

We came home very wet and bedraggled but in great moods! Having a bbq tonight. Kids are bathed and pj'd and ready to watch IceAge 2!

 

(can't get the photos to load atm!)

WE have arrived safe and sound in Maclean. Went down the the showground this arvo for a visit adn to find Janet and co. Back at the houes now - where the kids are having an ABSOLUTE ball, because, as you can imagine, Norman has built every shape and size of cubby house and swing in the back yard!!!! Duncan and Con getting on a treat - even though Duncan is more Darcy's age.

We are heading off to the Srteet ceilidh in a liottle while. I am excited because I danced at it and Casey has danced at it - now my kiddies get to do it!!!

 

Will take lots of photos - just not sure when I will get to blog them!

 

Con was so funny today. As we arrived at the gathering he said "I have so much to talk about at news when I go back to school, Mummy'. I said - 'what?" "WEll, Queensland and this place andt he motel'. I said 'what is this place' and he said' uiummm the dancing competition!!' lol

 

CJ remembered Maclean when she got here - well she remembered Janets house. Although it was a long time ago!!

 

Ok - off to check my 38 emails!!!