Where did that week go? Well it actually zipped by at a great pace with Justin and I flying over to Perth to attend Nana’s funeral. It was mayhem getting it all sorted, but it was totally worth it – being with family at these times is really important, and seeing as thought I have the best parents-in-law in the entire world, we wouldn’t have dreamed of not going.

The funeral itself was lovely and a terrific tribute to her life. It was emotional and funny, sad and yet a happy time. A mixed bag really. I’m so glad we got to go and see the rellies so soon after we’d been there at Christmas. Kudos to Maureen and Mum who looked after the kids at short notice and my gorgy friends who did the school and preschool pick ups and drop offs. Couldn’t have done it without them all and certainly wouldn’t have had such a carefree time if I didn’t have them to count on. MWAH!

Now it is back to the everyday stuff, like dancing and swimming, making dinners and lunches. I ran this morning after not having been all week, and did a 40minute set. I’m building up for that 10km run in under a months time. I feel good!

Thanks Adas and Lin for having us this week. Hope you won some money on the scratchies.

No more slacking off, I’ll be back blogging consistently tomorrow. 🙂

Canberra had THE most beautiful weather this weekend. Sunny, chill in the air, but glorious to be outside. We took the bikes round Gungahlin Lake yesterday, had a BBQ in the picnic area then came home to sleep.

Today Justin took H and J to the pool and water slide, while I took M to a party and A tagged along. Didn’t really need to stay at Meg’s party the chance to catch up with the girls and have a gossip was too good an opportunity to miss. Loved it. My girl friends are wonderful. Say “help” and they are there. Have to be appreciative of that.

Ok, so just a quickie to get me to the end of my first week in the challenge of blogging everyday. I can hear Justin upstairs with the girls. They play a game where they turn the lights out, freak each other out and try to sneak up and scare someone. Hilarious game?? They seem to love it!

Our Darling Nana Helen (Justin’s Nana and the girls Great Grandmother) passed away yesterday.

I will always remember her as a very dignified, serene lady, with a great sense of humour and lots of charisma. We will cherish our memories of her and feel blessed that we had the chance to get to know her and be a part of her life. She was an amazing lady with an inspirational life story.
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We love you Nana.

Holly and Meg were in the school sports carnival today. I was a time keeper so got to see first hand how my little runners went. Holly got a 1st and a 2nd (from memory) and Meg got 2 1sts. They were chuffed, I was proud and it was all over by lunchtime.

I’ve not yet signed up for the Canberra Times 10Km Fun Run, but will do it soon. I’d lost a bit of my running enthusiasm, but got back on track by starting a new route this week. It takes about 25mins (the old way was about 17 mins), and it is a lot less hilly which I am hoping is better training for the long distance. It is getting lighter earlier and not as chilly, so conditions are right.

We are going to give Little Athletics a try this season too. The girls are keen, and Justin wants to get involved too, so this seems like a good option. We’ll see where it takes us.

Thank goodness it is Friday – I love the weekend.

PS Just had a email about the new job. Got an interview next week. Fingers crossed 🙂

2 weeks ago, the ENT specialist that I work for discussed with me the possibility of a new job. The Canberra Hospital is finally opening an Audiology Department (it is the only major hospital in a capital city that doesn’t have one). So after many years, this is going ahead, and he is on the panel that is driving its implementation. He asked if I wanted the job as Audiologist which would entail 2 half days a week. Perfecto! This is just what I need – a few hours now, so that I can build up and by the time Amy is at school be working nearly everyday. Sweet.

So I have been calling and emailing the project officer and haven’t heard back from her once. I am a little nervous that someone will sweep in and take the job from under my nose, but on the other hand, I know how hosptials work and that they never do anything till the last minute. So I have my fingers and toes crossed that it will all come to fruition and that in a few weeks time I’ll be working in my new job.

I also figure that the only way for me to be thin is to work. Too much eating while at home!!

I love having things hanging up on the walls, and always admire it when I go to someones house and they have paintings and artwork on display. To me it makes them seem very sophisticated and grown up! I can never replicate that kind of glamour in my own home! However, Mum gave me some money for my birthday and said to me as I opened the card “This is to spent on YOU” ie, not groceries, not petrol, not a nice dress for the girls! Oki doki.

My first desire was so purchase some skinny jeans. Jess came with me, we squished into the changroom and I tried on aa pair. The look on her face said it all, but she added “Mum they are horrible”. And she was right! Blunt, but right. Everyone needs a Jess to go clothes shopping with them!!

So then I decided I would try to find a piece of Artwork to hang on the wall, so that as you come in the front door it is the first thing you see. Everything I buy is from Hot Dollar or The Reject Shop, but this time I was determined to get something classy. Out of the blue on Sunday Justin tells us we are going to the Bus Depot Markets. Rubbing my hands with glee, I jumped in the car ready to find gold. And gold I found. Check out this beauty which is what I purchased and hung proudly on the wall.

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The Artist is Naomi Crowther and she does lots in this flower range. I love it.

Before the sun came up this morning, Jess comes bolting into our room, waking us up with a delighted yelp “My tooth is Wobbly!“.

And it really is.

She even holds her head still with her hands so that you can get maximum wobbliness when you touch it!

Edited later to add….

Jess couldn’t wait to tell everyone about this tooth. One friend said “That is early isn’t it?” . Yes, she is only in Preschool and yes, I am very touchy when it comes to this little girl. She is tall and strong, more like a 7 yr old than 5. But pretty! OMG she is gorgeous and intelligent and will go far in life. I want to protect her forever. Anyway, I digress (I am a bit emotional today!!). This email came from Kate when Jess told her about the tooth…

Dear Jessica,

WOW…you have a wobbly tooth. That is great news, it means that your adult tooth is now big and strong and ready to come to the top, so it is going to make your baby tooth pop out.

It means that you are getting older and wiser…and growing way too fast….I think I will definately have to put that brick on your head to stop you from growing!!!

lots of love
Kate xxxxx

Thank you Kate. I couldn’t have put it better myself xxxx

…when Jess yells out to me while watching Playschool…”Mum, today is Monday!”
…..when Amy sings Mama Mia, Material Girl and Rock DJ in the car
…when Amy dresses herself and is so proud to wear polka dot tights with a red stripey skirt and pink top.
…when Amy says “Goodnight Mummy” and then does the kiss ritual – cheek, other cheek, forehead, nose and chin.
…when Jess sounds words out and then reads them
….when Meggie laughs her Marg Simpson laugh
..when Holly stands so tall at Physie
…when Jess does freestyle at swimming lessons
….when a friend calls out of the blue to check on me
…justin
…..Mum minding Amy while I go to work
….hearing the girls giggle from the belly
…..probably one million other things but that is enough for now or dinner will never get cooked!

Back-tracking a bit here. Haven’t written about my birthday that was about 3 weeks ago.

When I was writing out invitations to Jess’s birthday, I got to thinking how good it would be to have my friends gathered at a party for mine. I’m always organising a party for someone or rather, so why not for me! I’d been to a few jewelery parties and a liquor party even, but the demonstrators couldn’t do the weekend of my birthday. Kate was going to be in town so too were James and Sascha as it was the weekend of Adele’s Christening. So it became an afternoon tea, ladies only (and a few kids hanging on).

The table was groaning under the weight of cake, slice, biscuits, mini quiches, breads and dips. The wine was a-flowing. Justin, the only male, turned up Abba Singstar and some belted out the tunes. About 20 of my friends, from various parts of my life came along and it was the loveliest afternoon I’ve had in an age. With my sisters (I’m including SIL’s in that), Mum and Kaye, and these gorgeous friends it was a real affirmation of the importance of gathering to celebrate. My girlfriends appreciated some time away from their small children and I appreciated them taking some time to join me, because I know how hectic life can be. So my 37th birthday was memorable and delightful.

Next party is the big 4 – 0.