Mmmm!!!

As we were driving into Nowra for a look around we stopped at a boat shop and went and had a look at a few boats. You know tyre kicking and dream time for Troy. Anyway long story...... we are in the process of buying a new boat. An Allison something or another, 20 something foot with all the bells and whistles on it.

And as peer pressure has it (not really) the Field's ended up buying a boat as well. So morale of the story don't go shopping with the Cook family as you will be easily influenced!

Mrs and Mr Field and Grace enjoying their first boat ride after all the kids had loaded up for the very first ride in the boat. Smile Aunty Ro!

Boxing Day Activities

Well today we went to Sydney and spent most of the day at Darling Harbour as John gave Troy a flight simulator gift voucher from FLIGHT EXPERIENCE http://www.flightexperience.com.au/. It's apparently the next best thing to flying a commerical airliner.

So in english it is where your husband gets to pretend to fly a Boeing 737. Yep that's it! It's definately a guy thing, but it was interesting to see the whole set up of it.

Troy got to take the controls under the guidance of a real life instructor and actually taxi, take off, navigate and land the simulator. So apparently it is "as real as it gets" to flying.

Both Troy and John had a go at it and really enjoyed it. They both got to fly the notorious Kai Tak approach into Hong Kong airport.

Earlier on in the day we went and had a quick look over the "Endeavour" at the Maritime Museum. The kids loved that. It was really interesting and kids had a lot of fun. We ended up becoming members to the Museum so we would be more likely to come back and have a look inside the Museum and at the other ships.

On the way home we went and had a look at the Sea Cliff road (the road/bridge that goes around cliffs and over the waters edge) near Thiroull. We also went to the Stanwell Park look out and did the usually tourist photos. What a view you have from there!

As we were in the area I thought it would be a nice surprise to see the relatives at Bulli. So we made a surprise visit to find that all the Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles went home earlier in the day and all was left behind to hold the fort was some of the cousins, my brother, my two nephews and my father who has apparently had a big afternoon as was now sleeping! Right - big afternoon of something! LOL.

Anyway another good day had over the christmas/new year holidays.

What did Santa leave?

Well didn't Santa spoil everyone again this year!

AJ dearly wanted an Nintendo DS, a pink one and you guessed it Santa delivered. She also asked for tickets to go and see High School Musical On Ice and there thoses tickets were.

Matthew got a remote controlled Helicopter and some Lego Technics. Thank goodness Santa also left a lot of spare parts for the Helicopter as upon first flight it needed a few need blades. Matthew's flight time is determined by his crashes! Practice, Practice, Practice!

Mummy and Daddy got spoilted also with lots of lovely things.

It was a really relaxing and enjoyable day. Much to Amy-Jane's disliking we had ham sandwiches for christmas lunch and ham sandwiches for christmas tea. It was just great. Relaxing and no fuss!

Christmas Holidays!

We all packed up and headed off to Huskinson for our relaxing christmas family holiday. This meant that Troy and I packed the car to the hilt! We had to smuggle the christmas pressies along with the usually beach gear and clothes. Even the front seat had the pillows stacked on it.

Thank goodness Troy rode his motor bike down otherwise he wouldn't have fitted in! John came down to Goulburn and spent christmas with us. So "the boys" got all dressed up for the quick motorbike trip down the coast.

On Sunday we headed over to Callala Bay to see the Field's. We did the usually round up the kids and head down to the bay. It is absolutely a gorgeous place there.

We got the new kite out and everyone had a go at it. We also had the traditional game of beach cricket.

Another beautiful day on the beach.

Church Navity Play

Who would have thought that both my children would be apart of a church navity play! Yes both of them.

Amy-Jane and Matthew had quite a number of rolls in the play. AJ was the "Inn Keeper" and Herrod. Matthew was a Shepherd. Truth be known that Matthew did enjoy his role.

It was lovely to see them both enjoying the play.

A few of my favourite christmas things!

This is what I enjoy about christmas decorations.

Two posts in the one Week

Wow! How is that Ro! Two posts in the one week.

Goodness me....I best stop. That is just far to much time on my hands. See I must now be either finished work or procrastinating! What do you think? Definately not the first one. LOL!

Definately finding it easier to get side tracked.

Christmas Shopping is over rated!

Yuk! Christmas shopping. I am totally not enjoying having to think about what to buy for christmas.

I'll put it off and maybe it will disappear or a magical fairy or elf will come by my house and drop off all the presents, wrapped and all! Hang on.... isn't that what "Santa" is suppose to do?

So today I was in Shellharbour for a work related meeting and had a crazy thought that perhaps I could start my christmas shopping down here, you know get a couple of things. Well I made good progress.

Got a few things and now only have to get a few more! It is really harder and harder each year to think about what to get the children. I have go AJ's pressies and a couple for Matthew but have got him nothing from "Santa" as yet.

What to get??????????? Something that will get him outside and off the computer, playstation and walkman!

Mmmm, have to get the serious thinking cap on!

A Real Friend

Found this whilst Googling for obviously something that I got side tracked with……..and I thought it was nice!

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps themselves and doesn’t feel even the least bit weird shutting your fridge door with their food!

A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend’s shoulder is soggy from your tears!

A simple friend doesn’t know your parent’s first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in their address book or mobile phone!

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean!

A simple friend hates it when you call after they’ve gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call!

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks you help you with your problems!

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it!

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend calls you after you had a fight!

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

Who's Getting Old???????

My baby (well one of them) has now turned 13. The big 1 3! Oh my goodness! Where did time go. I'm to young to have a child that old and let alone in high school. Phew....what a big year for parents to handle. Your oldest child starting high school at the beginning of the year and the same child turning 13 at the end of the year.

I just can't believe it. My baby....well now not my baby! He is starting to turn into a beautiful young man. Troy and I are so thankful and blessed that we have a health and happy young man. I just don't want those hormones to kick in! I'm not ready to deal with that.

All he wanted to do for his birthday was have his special meal...... KFC .... lucky for Mum that I got out of cooking, but unlucky for Mum as she couldn't be bothered getting anything else for herself so the choice was KFC Twister. I can't be choosey when I can't be bothered. But he loved it all the same. Even the expensive Woolworths Mud Cake with Double Thickened King Island Cream. Impressed I know!





It has been pretty funny this year with Matthew starting high school. He has had his fair share of girl friends so far, well actually quite a few. He likes them taller than him, blonde and at this stage developed.

I think the longest girlfriend lasted for about 2 weeks and the shortest girlfriend lasted for about 12 hours. I just love his comments about them when I find out that these young girls aren't on the scene any more "It isn't leading anywhere and they want to hang around to much and kiss to much". The innocents of it all. To be young again.

Troy and I know that the next year will be quite a challenge for him (and definately us) as he is at that stage where kids stuff is still fun but just that "kids stuff" and he isn't quite old enough to do other things.

I think back to when he was a baby, the first born on both sides of our families and you want them to walk, talk etc. But now all I want is for him to stay exactly like he is. I don't want to lose that little boy who loves to give me cuddles and kisses (only at home) and not a chance when you drop him off at school. But you just never know, deep down I think when he gets much older he still will cuddle Mum.

And Matthew don't forget you will always be my baby boy, my little Man. I love you so much!

The Last Week of Teaching! Hooray or is it???? Goodness Yes it is....

Well we all have made it to the end of another year of teaching! And I know all my students (well majority of the them)are thinking that "thank goodness that is over with". LOL!

I am pretty lucky that each year I get to meet some really wonderful people whom I can share my knowledge and experience with as well as they are teach me a thing or two i.e. "the finer art of Bluetooth Ringtone Transfers"! As well as opening up my eyes with what happens in their industries of work.

Yeap! Not bad at all. So that is the stuff that I do miss this time of year but atleast I have extended my long list of friends.

After our last Monday evening class of Cert IV Business (Tuesday) evening we all went out for tea, which was really casual and pleasent. I wanted to give these ladies something special for all their hard work especialy over the semester so I decided to make small gift bags and fill them little chocolate truffles. I was very pleased with my efforts and hope that I feel this inspired when it's time to have Amy-Jane's party as the little bags were so cute. I even blinged them up! Surprised I know you are!



This is one of my favourite classes. We had a bit of a christmas party on Tuesday and I thought I best bring in the camera as a couple of my girls won't be coming back next year as they will have jobs in the local community. I miss Jessica and Leeander as I have had these girls in my class for a couple of years. But no doubt I will see them around the town.

What's Up!

Gee Whiz! What can I say in this update! Unfortunately nothing exciting, other than in my little world.

Was able to make church on Sunday for a change. It was wonderful to see so many people there as well as get something out of the service as per usual. We have had some beautiful and hot weather. But where is the must needed rain! Keep praying as normal, hey!

Well what can I say. The past week, what has happend... mmmm! Work, Work and Work. Yes I know you are all jealous. I wish, big time! But I have been flat out catching up on "make up classes". Yes a challenge especially when you are making up for 1 class with another that you are currently running. Challenge big time. And I haven't even mentioned all the variable of one of the classes. But as usual I am up for it and succeed with flying colours and a hugh headache!

So that is just one paid job. Not to mention the other job. But as I am an organise person (somethings just by shear luck! But don't tell anyone) I managed this afternoon to get all the accounts paid, banking done, invoices written up, sent away and the pays ready to be actioned on pay day.

And just think in the mean time of these couple of hours this afternoon, pick up the daughter's girlfriend and take two gorgeous girls to cheerleading class for 1 hour. Come back to work and tidy up the odds and ends and then pick up the girls, take the friend home. Actually get home ourselves, getting tea, 2 children bathed, eat tea, provide the dessert menu and serve, have relaxing time for the children, get them to bed and do some lesson planning as well as updating this blog site.

But always keep on smiling! Another couple of days down and just to think that the rest of the week is still to come! Over and over again.

Like of a working Mum, who tries to hard and never seems to reach that super mum status. But really who would want to. Life is far to short!

It must be bedtime soon?????????????????????????????????????????????????

Yeah Right! Didn't mention that I have washing, folding, tidying the kitchen or anything else that I may want to do for myself. HA!

Don't you just love being a Mummy!

I really do

Family Photos

Well after nilly 15 years of marriage, 2 children we finally have a family photo which is viewable by all to see. And without too much fuss of getting everyone together. Yes there were so "I don't want to have these silly photo's"! "Tough luck, I want them so just smile" kind of comments. But all ended well!

Thanks to Nathan Frazer, he managed to capture our children's personality in these couple of images. They are both fun loving kids, full of energy and spirit. Yes, spirit. I think that is a nice way to put it at times. You know those very special times when you have to stop and think that they are only children and you are the adult and they don't really mean it.

I love these photos as you can see that my gorgeous children are very loving, kind, caring, spirited (yes that word again) and have such an innocent I wish I could capture forever for them both. Time goes by only to fast!

Live for the day, as you just don't know what tomorrow will bring!

Callala Bay

During the holidays we also went down to Callala Bay to visit our wonderful friends the "Fields". We just love visiting them. They live in a beautiful part of the world. It is so calm, so relaxing and so friendly. We feel quite at home there. Well Ro and Bill you are like family!

Anyway I was very fortunately to have Aunty Ro show me the finer points of using a digital camera as well as wonderful tutorials on PSE. I thought I was a bit flash producing my own digital creations! Yes Aunty Ro, leave me to my wild imagination!

But anyway I got some very valuable lessons in using my digital camera and using the Photoshop Elements program. As well as obtaining some digital elements to use in the thousands of layouts I will be producing in the not to distance future! Yeah! Right! I hear Aunty Ro saying! Watch out Aunty Ro..! Knowing me, your pretty safe aren't you! LOL!

Next time we come down we will have to do the Thai Mill House without children. That was very very yummy!

Anyway check out my wonderous works! Thanks very much to the wonderful talents God has given my fantastic and true friend Rowee!

October School Holiday - Yippy!

Well how did we spend the October school holidays! Well to start with they just weren't long enough. I love holidays and spending the time with the kids and having the freedom to go away whenever we want and not have to rush back for work.

The October long weekend we spent in Far Western NSW starting out at Cobar and doing a lot of travelling through remote parts of NSW such as Louth for Friday lunch. We got to see the great Darling River. We then drove up through Fords Bridge, up through the Dingo Fence at Hungerford then onto Comeroo Camel Station. The kids thought that was going to be great, you know have a ride on a camel. But guess what? There were only about 5 camels roaming the huge property, so they were actually considered wild. On the Friday we were told that there was an Artesian Bore about 1/2 hrs drive away from the property. After about 1 hrs worth of driving around the same area, we found the bore. It was just amazing that water of 40`c can come from the ground. The person who owned the area had a huge 12 person spa shell where there was a tape running into the shell to fill it up. There also was the main bore. It was very relaxing, especially with a few champers!




On Saturday we travelled back to Hungerford where we filled up the petrol tanks, got a cold drink and an ice cream, then moved onto to see Lake Wyara National Park. Yeap, like everywhere else, no water, just dusty sand plains. We also went and saw a wonderful display of God's amazing talent, the Granites. In this area there was huge boulders of granite. Total amazing! The kids got to climb up to the very top and took some photos from their point of view.

Yes I did brave it! The big climb! OMG it was scarey! But I wanted a few photos and then I could get down. The legs started to shake, hot flushes, sweaty palms, yeap time to get down. But I got the photos and that's what counted. There is absolulately no way that I could climb Ayers Rock. No Way! There was also some amazing lizard life there as well. You were able to get so close to them and get some really good shots! The kids had such a great time there climbing and the rocks and exploring. Poor Mum was getting a little worried about the possibility of snakes!





So after climbing around on some really big rocks we made our way to Eulo via a quick swim in the Paroo River. We stayed overnight at Eulo which is a great little town. The people there were just great and who would have thought that we would meet people who had moved there from Mittagong just over 6 years and wouldn't move back for all the money in the world. The next day we went to the Eulo Date Farm where they make all sorts of things to do with dates. Yes even wine! So being a good tourist I thought it best to sample the wears. The wine is disguising, but the liquor is very very sweat and yummy! Mmmmmm!

On Sunday we ended up in Yowah, which is an opal mining town. Yes it was quite hot and extremely dry there. We didn't get to see many people there but we did get to see about 6 kangaroos hopping around in the town. We also did one of the main tourist activities in this little town. Yes we did an opal mine tour. We had the funniest man guide us, he was so unorganised, but so funny! It is pretty amazing that people actually do this for a living in such a vast and remote area. We even got attacked by bats! Yes, well not actually attacked, the poor little things were more scared of AJ and I then we of them! But they felt really really yukky when they hit our legs, head, face, hands, and where ever else.

That night we stayed at a working cattle station "Kilcowera". This is actually a huge station were they fly to the closest main town to purchase their groceries. Wow! Matthew did his usually thing and provided the entertainment for the evening by telling lots of jokes to a captive audience. The kid was on a role all weekend!

Well Monday it was time to start heading back to Cobar, so we ended up in Wanaaring for lunch and then headed back to Cobar in time for an evening meal at the Club.

It was an amazing trip, the kids enjoyed it. They were so well behaved, I was so very proud of them! Me well.... I did the remote bush thing and am glad it is over. I can't go to far without my heels, hairdryer and no dust and flys! So I am totally over red dirt and flys, oh yes and dry heat!

We did some miles but well worth the trip! Truth be known I actually thought I had enough of travelling by the time we got to Cowra on Thursday. Ha! Boy was I kidding myself.

Hockey and Hair

In Goulburn we have been extremely luck to have had a beautiful weekend. The weather just gorgeous. I enjoyed the time sitting outside and watching my crazy dogs play. They are just like children.

Gypsy is really funny, she tags to play tag with Cash and he starts to get to rough for her so she comes and tries to stand as close to me as possible. But that doesn't stop Cash, he just keeps on playing by trying to grab her ears or legs. It's hard to explain but it is really funny. But it not that funny when I try to hang clothes on the line and they both end up slamming into me. I go flying and so does the washing and the pegs. "Not Happy Jan"!

Troy played in his hockey grandfinal on Saturday. His team was luckly enough to win. It was a good game to watch 2-1, there was even a couple of players that got sent off. The heat of the moment and thank goodness it wasn't Troy.

The kids got embarrased as I kept on bipping the car horn the two times they scored. The best things about that, is one that I got to embarass my children (pay back of being a Mother) and that we were sitting right behind the opposing team families. Good stuff! Nothing like a good bit of stirring.

Amy-Jane also got her hair cut short. It is now in line with her gorgeous little ears. It just needed a good cut so bad. The bob style suits her. This morning she now complained of not being able to tie her hair up. Yeah right! Like she always wanted to. When it was long, it would drive me crazy, especially when we would have issues every morning when getting ready for school. But now it is all tidy and she looks just beautiful. Yes even more beautiful.

The bad part about the whole event was that Mum also promised to get her hair cut short. OMG! I can't believe that I made such a promise like that. What was I thinking. Well we will see, maybe over the school holidays. Maybe!

My beautiful family!

Well last weekend I had the chance to caught up with my gorgeous family. I drove my Dad back to Bathurst last Saturday and had the chance to spend some of the day with my beautiful niece Caitlin. It was her birthday and what better way to spend it with family. So as a dotting Aunty, I did what all Aunties need to do and brought the best present ever.... Yer right I hear my baby sister say! See that is the best thing about being the oldest Aunty, you get to buy all the really good noisey presents and no that it can't be returned on to your own children. Ha! Ha! Megan.

So as a wonderful and fun Aunty as I am I brought "Chicken Limbo". This is a game where you have to limbo under a battery operated chicken in which makes a wonderful musical sound whilst children are playing it until they hit the chickens tail and then it says "I got you" and the usual children sounds. Best thing brought ever to date.

So as all energetic children do... they play it flat out. Good stuff! It really drove me crazy in the first few minutes of it. But I never let anyone know until right now! LOL! It also drove the Mummy, the other Aunty and Uncle crazy as well. Like I said the best thing brought for a pressie since ages. I just have the gift of knowing what to buy. Right Aunty Megan?

Anyway during the afternoon all the children got to have a couple of rides of Grandad's harley, driven by Uncle Phillip. I don't know who got the most enjoyment out of this, Uncle Phillip (being actually allowed to ride the harley) or the kids. It was a great day and AJ and I really enjoy the couple of hours we got to spend with Dad, Megan, Caitlin, Ashlee, Phillip, Erin and Jackson. Oh of course we can't forget Cailtin's little friend Shinia who was was extremely energetic to say the least.

I am so blessed to have so a beautiful family. I mean that in the way we all get along no matter what we have all been/put ourselves through and that they look gorgeous. I know that my family breeds gorgeous children blessed by God.

Uncle Phillip showing all the kiddies how to do the limbo!

Amy-Jane showing the real way to do it!

Cailtin having a harley ride with Uncle Phillip

Ashlee getting ready! I think she was a little excited, but didn't want to show it.

Amy-Jane is always ready for a ride on "Grandad's Harley".

Utilising that "Inner Child" Hey Aunty Megan!

Smile and don't be silly! Yeah right!

Grandad and Basil (Aunty Megan's Dog) spending some quality time in the sun.