So we have bugs again. This time, they are not in the boys’ hair. They are just in our home. I don’t even have to feel guilty because I forgot to check the boys’ hair. I just feel bad because I forgot to check the house! Who knew?
We began our spring cleaning a bit early this year and noticed a couple of holes. The first clues were the holes in the door. No, not where the glass bit goes, I mean the wooden bit!
As a responsible tenant, I phoned our real estate agent and explained the situation. Naturally, they doubted my opinion, and asked me, “Would I pop my finger in the hole to see what crawled out?”
I politely declined that offer and asked them to do so instead.
After a quick discussion, the job was delegated to a junior. Luckily, she was in the area and turned up within 20 minutes of my phone call.
She took one look from across the room and promptly fell to her knees.
Bless her!! But she didn’t want to pop her finger in the hole either. She confirmed we did have termites!
We’ve now had headlice, wild mice, cockroaches and termites...
Not everyone can say they have pets that feed themselves! How awesome is that?
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Foal’s Birthday (9)
Foal turned 9 a couple of weeks ago. Awesome!!! (I haven’t killed him yet – Yay me!!!)
He decided he wanted a party and invited 3 of his closest friends. All three RSVP’ed but only two kids turned up. I’m still not sure what happened to the third but I have my thoughts. That was the call Dad took when I wasn’t home. The mum probably said they couldn’t make it and he heard the opposite. Honest mistake for a deaf person.
The two who did turn up were absolutely feral. And I say that in the nicest possible way. My first clue should have been when the parents dropping off their child and their last words were, “BEHAVE YOURSELF!!!”
We had hotdogs, party pies, sausage rolls, KFC Chicken, watermelon, popcorn, chips, icecream, lemonade, lollies and, of course, cake. They complained about the food. One child kept trying to sweep the food off the table and I had to tell him off. He didn’t eat anything except the lollies and cake.
The same child kept trying to go into Pup and Cub’s rooms. Even though their doors were closed. I ended up telling him to stop trying because they were closed for a reason. He finally got the idea to stay out!!!
The other child complained about the food too, but somehow managed to suffer his way through.
Both of them thought it would be a brilliant idea to break Foal’s birthday presents. I told them otherwise.
Both of them thought it was fantastic fun to throw stones at each other. I told them otherwise.
Both of them complained about being bored even though we have a huge backyard, a toy-filled rumpus room, Playstation and Xbox. I ignored them and started counting the minutes.
Thankfully, both of them were picked up on time. When the really naughty child was picked up, I told his mum that he didn’t eat any lunch even though we had plenty of choices and I offered to make him a sandwich of his choice. You know, just in case he went home and said there was nothing to eat. She gave him a really odd look so he obviously does eat the food we had. And besides, I’d done the right thing when they were dropped off and asked the parent if their precious had any allergies or foods they shouldn’t eat. Both replied that they ate anything.
Afterwards I asked Foal if they normally acted “that crazy” and he said no. Even he was disappointed in their behaviour. I told him that maybe they were just very excited.
Much later, I asked Foal if he’d had fun with his friends and he replied, “Yes. Best birthday party ever!” I guess that makes it all worthwhile...
He decided he wanted a party and invited 3 of his closest friends. All three RSVP’ed but only two kids turned up. I’m still not sure what happened to the third but I have my thoughts. That was the call Dad took when I wasn’t home. The mum probably said they couldn’t make it and he heard the opposite. Honest mistake for a deaf person.
The two who did turn up were absolutely feral. And I say that in the nicest possible way. My first clue should have been when the parents dropping off their child and their last words were, “BEHAVE YOURSELF!!!”
We had hotdogs, party pies, sausage rolls, KFC Chicken, watermelon, popcorn, chips, icecream, lemonade, lollies and, of course, cake. They complained about the food. One child kept trying to sweep the food off the table and I had to tell him off. He didn’t eat anything except the lollies and cake.
The same child kept trying to go into Pup and Cub’s rooms. Even though their doors were closed. I ended up telling him to stop trying because they were closed for a reason. He finally got the idea to stay out!!!
The other child complained about the food too, but somehow managed to suffer his way through.
Both of them thought it would be a brilliant idea to break Foal’s birthday presents. I told them otherwise.
Both of them thought it was fantastic fun to throw stones at each other. I told them otherwise.
Both of them complained about being bored even though we have a huge backyard, a toy-filled rumpus room, Playstation and Xbox. I ignored them and started counting the minutes.
Thankfully, both of them were picked up on time. When the really naughty child was picked up, I told his mum that he didn’t eat any lunch even though we had plenty of choices and I offered to make him a sandwich of his choice. You know, just in case he went home and said there was nothing to eat. She gave him a really odd look so he obviously does eat the food we had. And besides, I’d done the right thing when they were dropped off and asked the parent if their precious had any allergies or foods they shouldn’t eat. Both replied that they ate anything.
Afterwards I asked Foal if they normally acted “that crazy” and he said no. Even he was disappointed in their behaviour. I told him that maybe they were just very excited.
Much later, I asked Foal if he’d had fun with his friends and he replied, “Yes. Best birthday party ever!” I guess that makes it all worthwhile...
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Midnight Conversation
We have always had an ‘open bed policy’ but now the boys are bigger, our current rules are:
- We need to check the time. Dad gets up just after 3:00 am so if the time is nearly there, the following rule doesn’t apply, we’ll just wait. (Very important when it’s the middle of winter)
- Child must help me find the spare mattress and make up a bed next to my side on the floor
Recently, Foal had a bad dream and suddenly appeared next to my side of the bed. This is what followed:
Dad’s alarm did its thing, Dad got up and left.
Foal rolled over, So did I.
We both stretched out.
Foal asked, “Where are you going?”
I replied, “Nowhere!”
His retort, “Yes, you are! You’re going to sleep!”
- We need to check the time. Dad gets up just after 3:00 am so if the time is nearly there, the following rule doesn’t apply, we’ll just wait. (Very important when it’s the middle of winter)
- Child must help me find the spare mattress and make up a bed next to my side on the floor
Recently, Foal had a bad dream and suddenly appeared next to my side of the bed. This is what followed:
Dad’s alarm did its thing, Dad got up and left.
Foal rolled over, So did I.
We both stretched out.
Foal asked, “Where are you going?”
I replied, “Nowhere!”
His retort, “Yes, you are! You’re going to sleep!”
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Idiots and Fools
People fascinate me.
Take the neighbours for example. Not the good ones, I’m talking about the strange ones. There’s mum, dad, five kids, a mean dog and some bloke who stays there on and off. I’m not sure how he’s a related, and I mean this in the nicest possible way, but he’s an idiot!
Guess what he did today. He bought all the kids out into the backyard and told them to run around and scream. I think it was some sort of competition to see who could be the loudest. Now I could understand if he wanted them to burn off some energy but he actually joined in!
He declared himself the winner and then got cranky when the kids wouldn’t shut up. Seriously, who in their right minds encourages children to make a noise? Fool.
Another example is the silly driver from yesterday. Dad was about to reverse parallel-park and he actually did all the right things. You know, indicate, pull up alongside the car in front and then reverse in. Stupid woman behind us obviously doesn’t know the procedure because as he’s started to reverse, she’s planted her hand firmly on the ‘warning device’. He stopped, looked at her and then carried on. She did it again. I’m not sure why because our car was nowhere close to hitting hers but to make her feel safer, we both yelled at her to MOVE!!! Not that she needed to but she finally did.
The really funny thing about that whole incident was when the silly driver hit the ‘warning device’ she was alongside a friend of ours. The friend got a fright at the noise and yelled out, “MOVE” too. She had a few more choice words added though…
Take the neighbours for example. Not the good ones, I’m talking about the strange ones. There’s mum, dad, five kids, a mean dog and some bloke who stays there on and off. I’m not sure how he’s a related, and I mean this in the nicest possible way, but he’s an idiot!
Guess what he did today. He bought all the kids out into the backyard and told them to run around and scream. I think it was some sort of competition to see who could be the loudest. Now I could understand if he wanted them to burn off some energy but he actually joined in!
He declared himself the winner and then got cranky when the kids wouldn’t shut up. Seriously, who in their right minds encourages children to make a noise? Fool.
Another example is the silly driver from yesterday. Dad was about to reverse parallel-park and he actually did all the right things. You know, indicate, pull up alongside the car in front and then reverse in. Stupid woman behind us obviously doesn’t know the procedure because as he’s started to reverse, she’s planted her hand firmly on the ‘warning device’. He stopped, looked at her and then carried on. She did it again. I’m not sure why because our car was nowhere close to hitting hers but to make her feel safer, we both yelled at her to MOVE!!! Not that she needed to but she finally did.
The really funny thing about that whole incident was when the silly driver hit the ‘warning device’ she was alongside a friend of ours. The friend got a fright at the noise and yelled out, “MOVE” too. She had a few more choice words added though…
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Mother's Day 2011
This year’s was fantastic! I did the usual and gave Cub and Foal $5 each and off they went to school. Unfortunately, the Mother’s Day stall ran out of stuff but promised they’d restock for the next day. Foal’s money was also stolen so I gave him some more money. And off they went again. The Mother’s Day stall ran out of stuff AGAIN! What a shame…
Dad decided he’d take the boys to the local shopping centre on Saturday because he also needed to pick something up for his mum. So far, so good…
Dad bought me an electric frying pan,
Pup came home with a present for himself – a donut maker,
Cub chose a chrysanthemum, and
Foal was empty handed and in a filthy mood.
Apparently Dad and Foal had a bit of an argument and they ended up being really angry with each other. Once we’d sorted out the confusion, Dad agreed to take him back to the shop on Sunday. This time was a success. Foal chose the most beautiful, handmade glass dolphin figurine. It was such a thoughtful gift because years ago the two of us were lucky enough to see a mother dolphin swimming with her baby. It’s one of my favourite memories but I was surprised that he remembered the experience.
A family friend flew up from Melbourne to visit for a week and she arrived on Sunday. The mothers in the family decided we wanted to go out for lunch and that’s what we did. No cooking or cleaning. Bonus!!!
All in all? The Best Mother’s Day ever!!!
Dad decided he’d take the boys to the local shopping centre on Saturday because he also needed to pick something up for his mum. So far, so good…
Dad bought me an electric frying pan,
Pup came home with a present for himself – a donut maker,
Cub chose a chrysanthemum, and
Foal was empty handed and in a filthy mood.
Apparently Dad and Foal had a bit of an argument and they ended up being really angry with each other. Once we’d sorted out the confusion, Dad agreed to take him back to the shop on Sunday. This time was a success. Foal chose the most beautiful, handmade glass dolphin figurine. It was such a thoughtful gift because years ago the two of us were lucky enough to see a mother dolphin swimming with her baby. It’s one of my favourite memories but I was surprised that he remembered the experience.
A family friend flew up from Melbourne to visit for a week and she arrived on Sunday. The mothers in the family decided we wanted to go out for lunch and that’s what we did. No cooking or cleaning. Bonus!!!
All in all? The Best Mother’s Day ever!!!
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Lessons My Mom and Mum Have Taught Me
1. If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. (An everyday thing)
2. Don’t make me come back there. (Especially important in a long car drive)
3. I don’t care who started it, I will finish it. (Ditto for the long car drive but also important for everyday life)
4. Wear clean underwear in case you get run over by a bus. (Or… in case I throw you under the bus because now I’m cranky)
5. Don’t chew with food in your mouth (Oh! Sorry, I meant ‘talk with food in your mouth’ and yes, I’ve actually said that)
6. Talk with your mother, not at her. (She’s your safety rope, are you hers?)
7. If she’s not a current part of your life, honour her memory because without her, you would not be here.
8. If she is still a part of your life, call her or give her plenty of hugs. (She seriously deserves them.)
9. Compassion is everything.
10.So is dignity.
I have 2 mothers, one dead and one living – I love them both. (And no, they never met -sadly)
2. Don’t make me come back there. (Especially important in a long car drive)
3. I don’t care who started it, I will finish it. (Ditto for the long car drive but also important for everyday life)
4. Wear clean underwear in case you get run over by a bus. (Or… in case I throw you under the bus because now I’m cranky)
5. Don’t chew with food in your mouth (Oh! Sorry, I meant ‘talk with food in your mouth’ and yes, I’ve actually said that)
6. Talk with your mother, not at her. (She’s your safety rope, are you hers?)
7. If she’s not a current part of your life, honour her memory because without her, you would not be here.
8. If she is still a part of your life, call her or give her plenty of hugs. (She seriously deserves them.)
9. Compassion is everything.
10.So is dignity.
I have 2 mothers, one dead and one living – I love them both. (And no, they never met -sadly)
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Massive Knots
Well, Foal has finally progressed to shoelaces! I know, he’s 8 (nearly 9) and really should have passed that milestone years ago but (and I stress the but) he’s very stubborn. We’re talking about a child who is an angel at school and then has the massive possibility of turning into a demon at home.
He’s the same child who takes most of winter to convince to wear a jumper and the same child who takes the most of summer to get out of it.
Anyway, he finally decided that he did not want to be the last one in his class still wearing velcro-tab shoes! (Bonus!!! Especially since his shoes were already falling apart and we haven’t even reached the end of the first term yet)
So, we bought him shoes with shoelaces. Then he had to learn how to tie them. I’m a girl, so I was taught to make a cross, tie, then make butterfly wings and then cross and tie them. I showed him the same way. He almost fell over he was laughing so hard!
Him: I can’t make butterfly wings.
Me: Yes. You can, it’s not that hard.
Him: No, I’m not calling them that. What about bunny ears?
Me: I guess that works too...
So we did. He’s pretty much got the hang of tying shoelace. Now he just needs to work on undoing them. Guess what massive knots I’m off to undo…
He’s the same child who takes most of winter to convince to wear a jumper and the same child who takes the most of summer to get out of it.
Anyway, he finally decided that he did not want to be the last one in his class still wearing velcro-tab shoes! (Bonus!!! Especially since his shoes were already falling apart and we haven’t even reached the end of the first term yet)
So, we bought him shoes with shoelaces. Then he had to learn how to tie them. I’m a girl, so I was taught to make a cross, tie, then make butterfly wings and then cross and tie them. I showed him the same way. He almost fell over he was laughing so hard!
Him: I can’t make butterfly wings.
Me: Yes. You can, it’s not that hard.
Him: No, I’m not calling them that. What about bunny ears?
Me: I guess that works too...
So we did. He’s pretty much got the hang of tying shoelace. Now he just needs to work on undoing them. Guess what massive knots I’m off to undo…
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