Domestic Blizz

Monday, Monday....

2011-04-18T14:35:00.008+10:00

It is school holiday time and it is pouring with rain. The perfect kind of weather for curling up with a good book to read knowing that you don't have to be out and about in the pouring rain but can stay warm, snuggly and dry indoors.

Zac worked this morning and on his way home just couldn't resist buying himself two new PS3 games to play so that is keeping him busy and occupied. Doesn't he look so pleased with himself and his new purchases. Wonder how long these games might keep him occupied before he has managed to complete them. It never seems to be long enough compared to the $$$ is costs to buy them. Sigh..... Still one can't complain when he is out working and earning his own dollars to be able to buy what he wants.

Kyle got daddy to load some talking books for him to listen to on daddy's ipod touch so he has been busy playing them today.

Yes both of my boys rely on modern technology to keep them occupied as neither like the sound of silence. No matter what they are doing, they both have to be surrounded by noise at all times.

Even though it has turned rather cool today after the warm temperatures we have been used to lately Kyle is still happily munching away on iceblocks.

A peaceful and relaxing day. Just about to organise some Easter crafts for Kyle to make and then he wants to make some cupcakes. Cooking is always a great way to encourage Kyle to eat something. The school sent a flyer home advertising cooking classes for kids during the holidays which I am sure Kyle would love. Sadly we don't have the necessary $$$ right now to send him as not only would he be cooking which he enjoys but also a great way for him to socialise with other children.

If you are looking for a good books to read then you want to check out my latest read by Robyn Carr - Promise Canyon.

Promise Canyon is book 13 in Robyn's Virgin River series. This series of books is such a great read and I would highly recommend them to all.

Happy Monday everyone.

Happy Homemaker Monday - 18-04-2011

2011-04-18T12:10:00.003+10:00

The weather in my neck of the woods...

It is a rainy day here today. A great day to be inside curled up reading a book. Typical school holiday type weather.

Things that make me happy...

Watching Kyle playing and happily entertaining himself.

My washing and ironing piles shrinking.

Books I’m reading...

Raising Blaze by Debra Ginsberg. It is a book about a mother and son's long, strange journey into autism.

What’s on my TV today...

Nothing as we no long have a tv.

On the menu for dinner...

Crumbed fish, mashed potatoes, corns on the cob and mixed vegetables.

On my TO DO list...

make a doctors appointment

make some cupcakes with Kyle

New recipe I tried or want to try soon...

These cheese and bacon hash browns sound rather tasty. Going to have to add these into the menu to make.

In my craft basket...

is a cardstock packet I just picked up on clearance waiting for me to turn it into some cards.

Looking forward to this week...

I don't actually have any plans for this week. Just taking each day as it comes with it being school holidays and not having to be on any school schedule.

Tips and tricks...

If you have teenagers that have a love of hair gel - if they should run out then get them to try using hair conditioner instead as once it dries it sets like gel.

My favourite blog post this week...

I am loving Jade's craft room. She has made great storage use of such an open space.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers)...

A new blog I came across this week is Vegie Smugglers. Great ways to sneak vegetables into meals and snacks. These apple, pear and prune squares are on my TO MAKE list.

No words needed (favourite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share)...

SOURCE

Lessons learned the past few days...

The first day you don't take an umbrella with you that you are bound to get caught out and it rains while you are out and about doing chores.

On my mind...

It is amazing that 12 weeks of school have whizzed by already and term 1 is now complete. Shall be interesting to see what term 2 has to offer. Kyle is loving school and doing so well.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses...

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. ISAIAH 30:15 NKJV

If you would like to participate in Happy Homemaker Monday then visit with Sandra here.

Happy Homemaker Monday - 6 December

2010-12-06T18:48:00.002+10:00

The weather in my neck of the woods... is sunny when it isn't raining. The weather is so unpredicatable lately and can be raining one second and next thing you know the sun is doing its best to peek out behind the clouds and then it no sooner has spread a few rays of sunshine then down comes the rain again. Always seems to manage to rain at school drop off and pick up times.

Things that make me happy... random acts of kindness. Great to be able to bring a smile to someones face.

Books I’m reading... Next Of Kin - C J Carmichael

What’s on my TV today... Nothing as the tv hasn't been on today.

On the menu for dinner... Crumbed fish, mashed potato and salad

On my TO DO list... put up the Christmas tree and decorate it.

New recipe I tried or want to try soon... Shortbread

In my craft basket... it is lacking inspiration at the moment. My mind can't seem to focus on working on craft at the moment.

Looking forward to this week... school finishing up for Kyle on Friday. Roll on the summer school holidays.

Tips and tricks... when a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead - no white mess on the outside of the cake.

My favourite blog post this week... http://www.naturalnews.com/030074_Happy_Meal_decompose.html

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers)... this is a new blog site that is going to be launching in 2011 which looks to be promising. At the moment they are promoting Christmas gift ideas.... Simple Crafter

No words needed (favourite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share)...

Lessons learned the past few days... not to try and overdo things otherwise you can very easily crash and burn. Not a good time of the year to be falling sick.

On my mind... looking forward to 2010 drawing to a close and looking forward to finding out what adventures await us in 2011.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses... The joy of the LORD is your strength! NEHEMIAH 8:10 NLT

If you would like to participate in Happy Homemaker Monday then visit the host Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

Happy Homemaker Monday - 20 September

2010-09-20T18:15:00.003+10:00

The weather in my neck of the woods...

is dreary. Rain, rain and more rain. Typical school holiday weather.

Things that make me happy...

a clear and clean kitchen bench. My males are the king of dump and I like to have a clear kitchen bench to be able to work on without finding their dirty cutlery and crockery piled up because they haven't put their dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

Books I’m reading...

Attitude Plus - Tony Christiansen

What’s on my TV today...

Kyle has been playing a video. We don't have any storage space to keep videos so going through them during the school holidays to watch them and then we will find a new home for them for someone else to enjoy.

On the menu for dinner...

Pasta - something to try and tempt Kyle's taste buds.

On my TO DO list...

renew a library book that is due back and I have't quite finished.

searching for ideas for making a birthday banner as Kyle would like to make one to hang up across the front window.

New recipe I tried or want to try soon...

These honey and soda scones look interesting. Must get some runny honey and try them.

In my craft basket...

patterned paper and cardstock that I am sorting.

Looking forward to this week...

my birthday on Friday.

Tips and tricks...

If you have broken something that is glass in the kitchen and want to be sure that you have picked up all the shards of glass then use a piece of bread. A great way of collecting all the glass pieces.

My favourite blog post this week...

Not a blog post as such but Tony Christiansen website is worth checking out. He has done some fantastic achievements even though he lost both legs in a train accident when he was 9 years old.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers)...

The Paper Vairety looks like a cool new scrapbooking/papercrafters challenge blog.

No words needed (favourite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share)...

Lessons learned the past few days...

you never know when you might be gifted the very thing that you have been looking to buy.

On my mind...

menu planning and grocery shopping

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses...

Teach the righteous and they will gain in learning. - PROVERBS 9:9 NRSV

Happy Homemaker Monday - 13 September

2010-09-13T17:18:00.002+10:00

The weather in my neck of the woods.....

The sun is doing its best to try and peek out from behind the clouds.. Was a tad cool and overcast first thing this morning but has lifted for now although it looks to have the potential to be a largely overcast day.

Things that make me happy....

finding a bargain. Was at my sons school carnival yesterday as they were packing up. As I walked past the book stand they were calling out that you could buy a box of books for $1.00. Who could resist a bargain like that. I picked up a box of books that was sitting on the table and when I got home to count them found out there was 144 books in the box. What a score. Should keep me happily reading for a while.....

Book I’m reading...

Their Newborn Gift by Nikki Logan.

What’s on my TV today...

watching the finale episode of The Farmer Wants A Wife on the internet.

On the menu for dinner...

Devilled sausages, mashed potato and mixed vegetables.

On my TO DO list...

Think of some ways to entertain Kyle during the school holidays as school holidays start on Friday for two weeks.

Organise birthday present for Zac as it is his birthday in October.

New recipe I tried or want to try soon...

These chicken and mushroon filo rolls look yummy and going to have to make some of these just as soon as I buy some filo pastry.

In my craft basket...

Is the latest Stampin Up catalogue and a notebook that I am writing my wish list on......

Looking forward to this week...

school holidays starting on Friday. no school uniforms to have to wash and iron. No more school drop offs and pick ups for two weeks.

Tips and Tricks...

I like this money saving hint from the latest Simple Savings newsletter....

WEENY WEEKLY SAVINGS = AMAZING ANNUAL GAINS

I am saving $2860 a year by making ten simple savings per week. Every week, I
find one area in which I can cut $1.00 per week, one area in which I can cut
$2.00 per week and so on, right up to the tenth area where I cut $10 per week.
It's so achievable because I never have to try to cut more than $10 in any one
area in any week.

Our whole family is involved in looking for our ten weekly savings items and
we keep a list on our fridge, numbered 1-10 of the area we've chosen to make
the saving in. The system works best if you can find areas you can cut
CONSISTENTLY across 52 weeks of the year. For example, two of our regular
items are my $3 cup of takeaway coffee and a $7 sandwich I used to buy every
week - gone! We'll have weekly 'one-off' items though; my $1 item this week is
the two stamps I would have used to post some bills, which I now pay online.

Be creative; if there is a monthly bill you can reduce by about $20 per month,
count this as your weekly $5 item. If you can't think of anything at the
beginning of the week, set the challenge to look for the saving during the
week. I bought washing powder on special last week and saved $6.00, so it went
on our list as our $6 item!

By doing this, and fulfilling all ten items, our family saves $55 a week. That
works out to be a whopping $2860 per year - a reward we all get to share!

They have even created a form for you to print off and attach to your fridge here to keep track of your savings.

My favourite blog post this week...

She's No Bucket Dipper at The Write Mom For The Job. A very interesting post about bucket dipping. Going to have to buy this book. Might be a good book to donate to my younger sons school for them to read to children as part of a bullying discussion.

Blog Hopping - (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers)...

SU Only Challenges is a new blog which looks like it could be a great blog to follow. This is a blog that has been created for challenges using Stampin Up product only.

No words needed (favourite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share)...

Lesson learned the past few days...

always be prepared to be surprised. Unexpected things can happen at any time.

On my mind...

picking my two lay-bys tonight since it is late night shopping.

Devotionals, Scripture Readings, Key Verses...

Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 PETER 1:13 NIV

If you would like to participate in Happy Homemaker Monday then visit the host Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

Meet Me On Monday - 13th Edition

2010-09-06T22:42:00.012+10:00

Meet Me On Monday is a meme hosted by Java at Never Growing Old. Each week she posts 5 questions to be answered which is a fun way of getting to know one another.

Questions:

1. Do you wear socks to bed?
2. Do you have any pets?
3. What topping(s) do you like on your pizza?
4. What time do you go to bed?
5. Would you rather get free chocolate for one year or free potatoes forever?

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1. Do you wear socks to bed?

Yes but only in the cooler winter months. If my feet are cold then I am cold and it can take a while to warm up. I don't just wear any old socks though. I prefer the proper soft and fluffy bed socks which keep my feet snuggly warm.

2. Do you have any pets?

No we don't currently have any pets. We are renting at the present time and our lease won't allow us to have any pets. When we finally get a place of our own I would like to get a seal point rag doll cat. They don't come cheap though.

3. What topping(s) do you like on your pizza?

I like Hawaiian pizza with ham, pineapple and cheese.

4. What time do you go to bed?

It all depends. Usually I am in bed somewhere between 9.30pm to 10.30pm. The last couple of nights I haven't made it to bed before midnight.

5. Would you rather get free chocolate for one year or free potatoes forever?

I would opt for free potatoes forever. Always preferred savoury things over sweet. My three males are chip-a-holics. I love potatoes in many forms including roast, chips, wedges, scalloped, jacket etc....

Happy Homemaker Monday - September 6

2010-09-06T10:12:00.003+10:00

The weather in my neck of the woods...

rain, rain and more rain. After the warm and sunny days we have been getting it has decided to have a cool and wet few days. Rained steadily yesterday and looks to carry on today. Feel for those people in Christchuch, New Zealand, Victoria, Australia and in America who are all having some kind of storm issues to deal with.

Things that make me happy...

knowing that we have the money to pay our car registration bill that we just got in the mail. It isn't cheap at $630.45 odd for a 12 month registration. Certainly can't afford to be late paying otherwise they add a late payment free of $49.50.

Book I am reading.....

Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg.

What's on my tv today...

News of all the storm damage from the different places around the world.

On the menu for dinner...

Slow Cooker lamb shanks, roast vegetables and peas and corn.

On my TO DO list...

Rearrange the furniture in our lounge

Do some online research for a birthday present for Zac's upcoming birthday

New recipe I tried or want to try soon.....

Bread Machine Honey Oat Bread - I don't have a space on my limited kitchen bench space to keep my bread machine out to use regularly so haven't made any bread in a while. About time I dusted the cobwebs off and made a loaf and this recipe looks like it should work out well.

In my craft basket...

it is looking rather lonesome as I haven't had any time for crafting lately. Had flu bugs I was trying my best to fight off last week and didn't have the energy required to attempt any craft.

Looking forward to this week...

gave away on freecycle a futon sofa bed so I could free up some much needed space in our lounge area to rearrange things and make the area more spacious and clutter free. Need to go shopping to find the ideal computer desk so can move the desktop computer from the end of the dining table to a desk of its very own.

School Carnival to attend on Sunday. Always like to look through the second hand books and see what is on offer and how many might find there way home with me.

Tips and Tricks...

Removing Stubbon Stains - To save money on expensive stain removers, a cup of salt or sugar added to the wash removes oily or buttery stains from clothes or tablecloths. It is best if you can sprinkle some of it straight on the stains. Even old stains which have been washed several times already come out! Give it a try. It is a very cheap and effective remedy. - Helen Muscat

My favourite blog post this week..

A Blog Her post about the ipad and its uses for learning for children with autism. My youngest is 5 and in prep this year. He loves to use the computer and I think that he would really take to being able to extend his learning using educational learning apps on the ipad. He loves using his daddy's ipod touch and has asked daddy for one of his own. After reading this article daddy downloaded a trial version of one of the apps mentioned in the blog post to his ipod touch and Kyle loved using it and was instantly engrossed. An ipad is at the top of my wish list. My partner and both sons are all on the autism spectrum and computers and all modern aids like the ipod touch get a great workout in our household and prove to be great value for money.

Blop Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers)...

I seem to be one of the few that don't own an Apple iphone or ipod touch or equivalent even though both my partner and eldest son both own ipod touches and a day doesn't go by that they don't give them a good work out and would be totally lost should anything happen to them. However with considering purchasing an ipad I came across a link to Moms With Apps which looks to be a great site. Will definitely be bookmarking this site for future reference.

No words needed (favourite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share)...

Lesson learned the past few days...

That when you are hit hard by the flu bugs do rest up at the start and don't try and keep going and push yourself to do your usual workload if you don't have the stamina as utlimately it will take you longer to fully recover.

On my mind...

My oldest son having school hassles. Roll on the school holidays in a couple of weeks.

Devotionals, scripture readings, key verses...

The Spirit of God has made me: the breath of the Almighty gives me life. - JOB 33:4 NIV

If you would like to participate in Happy Homemaker Monday then visit the host Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

Tell Me More Tuesday - August 17

2010-08-17T22:20:00.002+10:00

Today's ?s

1. If you could have a super power what would it be?

2. What are your thoughts about 2012? (My hubby came up with this one).

3. What is your favorite winter past time?

4. If you had a personalized license plate...what would it say?

5. Chevy or Ford?

*******************************
My answers:

1. If you could have a super power what would it be?

I would like to be able to do Random Acts of Kindness for people and make their wishes come true. To be able to help them and surprise them with something to make their life that little bit easier when they least expect it.

2. What are your thought about 2012?

I don't have any particular thoughts at this point in time. I would like to think that my partner and eldest son would be in full paid employment in jobs they love and look forward to going to each day. I would also like to have bought and be living in my own home and no longer have to rent.

3. What is your favourite winter past time?

Snuggling up with a good book to read when it is wet, windy and miserable outside.

4. If you had a personalised number plate...what would it say?

Would have to think about that one. Maybe DIGI GAL.

5. Chevy or Ford?

Chevy

Tell Me Tuesday is hosted by Traci at Traci66. If you would like to participate then sign up here.

Meet Me On Monday - August 16

2010-08-16T22:34:00.001+10:00

Questions:

1. What is your favorite dessert?
2. What do you wear to bed?
3. Do you get regular manicures/pedicures?
4. Did you play any sports in high school?
5. Do you have an iPod?
---------------------------------------------------------------
My Answers!

1. What is your favourite dessert?

My favourite dessert would be a choice between cheese cake or pavlova but it would probably be pavlova. I will choose this when I see it on offer for desert as it is not something I get to eat very often.

Photo couresty of Best Recipes

2. What do you wear to bed?

Both summer and winter I wear pajamas. In summer usually a knit top and pants and in winter flanalette pyjamas.

3. Do you get regular panicures/pedicures?

No I don't? I don't like to have long fingernails as I tend to find them annoying when typing on the keyboard and I very rarely wear nail polish. I also don't like the strong chemical smell that wafts out of the doorway when you walk past a manuicure/pedicure store front.

4. Did you play any sports in high school?

Yes I did. I was on both a hockey and soccer team.

5. Do you have an i-pod?

I was given an ipod shuffle for Christmas last year. It is great to listen to when I walk my son to and from school. I regularly travel on the bus and the majority of passengers on board the bus all have their ears plugged in listening to their i-pods, mp3 players, mobile phones etc...

Photo Courtesy of Apple

Would you like to participate in Meet Me On Monday? Java is the host and you can check out the Meet Me on Monday links at her blog Never Growing Old.

Have a great week.

Happy Homemaker Monday - August 16

2010-08-16T19:50:00.004+10:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:

A hot and sunny day today. A great day for getting lots of chores on my TO DO list completed.

Things that make my happy:

Comments on my blog.

Books I'm Reading:

Lifted by Wendy Toliver. I haven't read a young adult fiction book for a while and this is a great read as the story covers a situation that many teenagers could find themselves facing.

What I'm enjoying on tv:

The Farmers Wants A Wife

On the menu for dinner:

Fish and chips

On my TO DO list:

Complete an online book order

Ring the dentist

Rearrange the pantry

New recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Just came across this recipe for Glazed Lemon Cake that I am going to have to try.

In the craft basket:

a catalogue that I keep browsing through and adding to my never ending wish list of craft supplies that I would like to buy. Maybe one day.....

Looking forward to this week:

Have a few things happening this week but not exactly anything special that I am looking forward to.

Tips and Tricks:

Put half water half lemonade in a vase of carnations and they will stay fresh for weeks.

My favourite blog post this week:

I love everything about this Just Believe set that Angela has created. Love the colours, design and how they all cordinate together.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog that you would like to share with the readers):

Beauty that moves is a blog that I have just found and one that I intend to visit regularly. Love the idea of the cash budget pouches she sells in her Etsy store.

No words needed (favourite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lessons learned the past few days:

I find it interesting that people find it easier take the easy road and go with what the majority thinks instead of speaking up and disagreeing and saying what they truly believe to be the best thing. Further down the track will they wish they had spoken up or just try and make the best of a difficult situation?

On my mind:

Parent/teacher interviews at my sons school on Thursday night.

Devotionals, Scripture Readings, Key Verses:

God will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely.

2 Corinthians 9:11 NCV

Tell Me More Tuesdays - August 10

2010-08-10T18:45:00.000+10:00

?s for 8/9 are:

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1. Can you swim?

Yes I can swim. I am not the best of swimmers but can swim. Don't get to go swimming very often though. Would love to swim with the dolphins one day.

2. Is telling a lie ok?

As a rule no. We are all guilty of telling a lie or two from time to time. Honesty is always the best policy. You can be sure that your lies will always be found out.

3. Do you have any body piercings?

The only piercings I have is that I have my ears pierced once in each ear.

4. Are you related to anyone famous?

Not too sure on that one. Will have to do some research.

5. Do you have any tips on approaching companies about sponsoring reviews and/or giveaways?

No. It is not something that I have had any experience with.

6. What is the best thing you have ever won?

I once won $800.00 playing Lotto.

7. Is sex ok before marriage? (I kinda borrowed this one).

It seems to be considered the norm these days. Makes you stop and wonder how many have regretted their decision and wish they had waited. I think if you are going to it should be with someone special and in a meaningful way. I am not one for one night stands.

8. If you borrow something for someone should you return it? And in what shape?

Yes you definitely should return anything you borrow. Something was lent to you in good faith then the decent thing would be to return the item you borrowed. Sadly this has not worked out for me. I have often lent things out to people but unfortunately they do not return them. I have lost many books over the years that I have lent out to people and they haven't returned.

This meme is being hosted by Traci and to check out her meme and participate you can visit her blog Traci 66.

Meet Me on Monday - 9th Edition

2010-08-09T18:25:00.004+10:00

Questions:
1. Do you watch any Soap Operas?
2. What appliance is used the most in your house?
3. Do you wear make-up every day?
4. What is your worst pet-peeve?
5. What is your favorite lunch meat?
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My Answers!
1. Do you watch any Soap Operas?
No I don't want any soap operas in fact I very rarely watch any tv at all.
2. What appliance is used the most in your house?
My most used appliance would probably have to be my Miele washing machine. It seems to get a good workout most days. Having three males in the household produces quite a bit of washing to deal with.

The microwave would also come a very close second as that is used often for the reheating of meals.
3. Do you wear make-up every day?
No I don't. Shock, horror I don't even own much in the way of make-up.
4. What is your worst pet-peeve?
This would have to be when you go to ring a company and you have to go through an automated answering system where they ask you questions, you answer them and then the repeat your answers back to you for you to confirm and then you get transferred to the department you need only to be placed on hold for what seems like forever until you finally get to speak to someone. Then there are those company numbers you ring and get transferred through only to receive a voice mail message to which you leave a message but never receive a reply back to your call.

5. What is your favorite lunch meat?
Chicken. I prefer white meat and everytime I choose I filled roll or wrap I choose chicken. These are always the most popular and the ones that everyone sells out of first.

Meet Me On Monday is hosted by Java at Never Growing Old. Feel free to check out other entries and to sign up yourself.

Have a great week everyone.

Happy Homemaker Monday - August 9

2010-08-09T09:32:00.003+10:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:

It is a rather gloomy kind of morning weather wise. We have already had a brief shower of rain and it looks like it would like to rain further but it might just blow over. If it is going to rain it often just rains during school pick ups and drop offs and then is fine the rest of the time.

Things that make me happy:

Having an empty ironing basket.

Book I am reading:

A Summer In Sonoma - Robyn Carr. A great book that I would recommend. Robyn does not disappoint.

What I'm enjoying on tv:

The Farmer Wants A Wife

On the menu for dinner:

Crumbed chicken breasts with mashed potatoes, mixed veges and a salad.

On my To Do List:

Declutter Kyle's bedroom. He has got some new storage for his toys so need to rearrange things in his room and go through his toys and see if there are any he no longer needs.

Washing, washing, washing. It seems to be never ending.

Collect up the library books that are due to be returned this week.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

I look forward to trying out this recipe for Apricot and Sour Cream Slice.

In the craft basket:

I have a pattern for some crochet that I would like to attempt. Now I have to find the right colours to work with before I can get started. It has been a while since I have attempted any crochet.

Looking forward to this week:

The boys have Wednesday and Thursday off school this week as it is a public holiday on Wednesday for Ekka show day and Thursday is a student free day at school.

Friday morning I have our monthly Aspergers support group meeting and this month we are meeting at the local Coffee Club.

Sunday we have been given free tickets to see Circus Quirkus. We are members of Asperger Services Australia and they very kindly supplied us with free tickets which were donated to them by a sponsor of the show Closeburn Rural Fire Brigade. Circus Quirkus tours Australia and New Zealand offering circus style entertainment to Special Needs Children.

Tips and Tricks:

Cloudy or dull glassware will come out of your dishwasher crystal clear and sparkling if you add approximately one tablespoon of Epsom salts to your next wash cycle.

My favourite blog post this week:

I love this idea of making gift bags out of envelopes. Nothing quite like being able to make your own personalised gift bag.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):

Frills In The Hills is a great blog covering a variety of topics such as recipes, parenting, domesisticity, frugality, gardening and season savvy. I love her tips and have quite a few of her recipes that I am keen to try.

No words needed (favourite photo or picture yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:

Never plan on your schedule working out 100% as you have planned as something unexpected can and will happen to end up cancelling or having to postpone your original plans.

On my mind:

Parent teacher interviews at oldest sons school next week.

Devotionals, Scripture Reeading, Key Verses:

"Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord!Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter."

Matthew 7:21, NLT

2010-08-03T22:47:00.003+10:00

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1.Other than your marriage or the birth of your kids, what has been the happiest moment of your life?

One of the happiest moments of my life is when Kyle tells me that he loves me. He has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and has developmental delay so to do something like tell me that he loves me isn't something that has come naturally too him and is something that he has had to learn. The first time he told me he loved me without having had any prompting to do so was a great feeling.

2. Do you use coupons regularly when shopping?

No. We don't have coupons for shopping here in Australia like they do in America.

3. Would you consider yourself to be a frugal or extravagant spender?

Frugal. We are classified as being low income earners so it is a matter of being able to stretch our hard earned dollars as far as possible.

4. Are there any magazines or written publications that you regularly read?

I don't tend to buy many magazines. I do borrow some from the library from time to time. I have started to buy That's Life and Take 5 magazines so I can enter their weekly competitions and I enjoy the recipes and articles they have. I often borrow scrapbooking magazines from the library like Scrapbooking Memories and Scrapbook Creations.

5. Do you host any blog hops or memes?

No. I am just in the process of reviving my blog so participating in a few blog memes but have never attempted to host one before.

6. Are you glad school will be starting soon?

Living down under in Australia the school year started for us at the end of January. My two sons are happy to be at school as they like to be stimulated and learning new things. Zac has a radio traineeship that he attends for a full day every Wednesday that he loves and helps break up the school week for him.

7. If you were to win the lottery, say 1 million dollars, what would you do with it?

I would love to buy a house and have it freehold so that I wouldn't have to worry about paying out money for a mortgage. I would then put money aside for my two sons future and my retirement. I am sure that would take up a large chunk of my winnings. It would so good to have peace of mind that you always had money in the bank should you need it and not have to worry about trying to get by from pay day to pay day and how you are going to pay for any unexpected bills that might happen along the way.

8. When and where did you get married? Or are you planning to get married soon?

At the moment I am not married. We have been together 9 years and attempted to get married a couple of times but it just hasn't happened.

This meme is being hosted by Traci and to check out her meme and participate you can visit her blog here.

Happy Homemaker Monday - August 2

2010-08-02T21:46:00.005+10:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:

The weather has been a real mixture lately. The weekend was lovely warm weather which was ideal t-shirt and jeans weather. After been used to a couple of warm days today it was a rather cold wind blowing this morning and bending all the branches over on the trees as Kyle and I walked to school.

Things that make me happy:
Seeing Kyle happy and excited to tell me all about what he has done while at school during the day.

Book I'm reading:

Currently 3/4 through reading The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews. This is the first book that I have read by this author and has been a great read and I intend reading more books by Andy when I am able to find them.

What I'm enjoying on TV:

I very rarely watch tv. I just saw an ad in a magazine to say that a new season of The Farmer Wants a Wife has just started on Wednesday nights so I might just have to go online to watch episode 1 that I missed and then start watching this show on Wednesday nights.

On the menu for dinner:
Apricot chicken with mashed potato and vegetables.

On my To Do List:
3 loads of washing

Ironing

Finish my library book

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Have added this Mince and Potato Hotpot recipe to my menu list to try just as soon as I buy a tin of mushrooms.

In the craft basket:

I am gathering some ideas of cards and papercrafts that I would like to create.

Looking forward to this week:

On Wednesday night I am going with a group of woman to listen to Sue Dengate talk about the Failsafe way of eating. Living with three males that are all on the Autistic Spectrum I am always keen to learn more about diet and healthy eating free of all the nasty colours, additives etc...

Tips and Tricks:

I came across this hint on a website which I have saved as I never know when it might be useful. Both my OH and son have dropped their mobile phones in water in the past.

Waterlogged Cell Phones

How many people have ever dropped their cell phone in water
and figured it was finished? This is what I did the other day.
My son, who is an auto mechanic, said to wrap it in mesh (like
hose) and bury it in rice. It worked! The phone is now 100%
working.

My favorite blog post this week:

After reading this blog post about the book In A Heartbeat: Sharing The Power Of Cheerful Giving I am now keen to find a copy of this book to read and then watch the movie The Blind Side.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):

Just came across the blog of mommy to two boys and I intend to visit regularly. Great to come across another mom on the autistic spectrum that I can so relate to the everyday things that she experiences.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:

You can't rush things. No matter how keen you might be for something to happen there are times when you can't afford to be impatient. Everything happens for a reason, even if you can't understand why it may be so at the time.

On my mind:

Just been looking at houses for sale in our area and wondering if and when we will be able to buy a home of our own and not have to be paying off someone elses mortgage every week.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Matthew 6:3-4, NLT

Meet Me On Monday

2010-08-02T08:06:00.000+10:00

Questions:

1. What is your favorite holiday?
2. What color clothing do you wear the most?
3. What is your heritage?
4. What is your middle name?
5. What is your favorite cookie?

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1. What is your favorite holiday?

I would have to say my favourite holiday is Christmas. I love seeing all the festive Christmas decoration, Christmas lights and displays people do to decorate their homes, Christmas music and the bringing together of friends and family. Nothing quite like seeing the excited enjoyment on little childrens faces as they open their Christmas gifts.

That is not to say that we over look the real reason for Christmas and the birth of Jesus.

2. What color clothing do you wear the most?

My favourite colour is blue. I love my denim jeans, capris and shorts.

3. What is your heritage?

Irish. Our family tree goes back to Co Mayo in Ireland.

4. What is your middle name?

My middle name is Patricia. I am named after my nana as her middle name was also Patrica although she was always known as Pat.

5. What is your favorite cookie?

I am not a big cookie eater. My favourite cookie at the moment are Squiggles. Ideal to have on hand if you are in the need of a chocolate fix.

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Meet Me Monday is a fun meme hosted by Java at Never Growing Old. If you would like to participate then check out the links and sign up here.

It's Been A While....

2010-08-01T00:00:00.002+10:00

It has been quite some time since I last posted to this poor neglected blog.

Another new month has rolled around so decided it it time to try and revive this blog. I have been seeing some great memes mentioned on different blogs in cyber land so thought it would be fun to participate.

I really do need to start recording a few more of lifes little moments that happen every day before they pass on by and tend to be forgotten forever more no matter no much you think you will remember them in the future.

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 5 October

2009-10-05T16:32:00.003+10:00

For Today...

Outside my window... it is overcast and starting to turn a little cool. Seem to be having a bit of a cooler week weather wise this week after the warmer temperatures we have become used to.

I am thinking... about how many weeks there are left between now and Christmas and how far the money needs to stretch to meet all our expenses.

I am thankful for... each new day and the opportunities that it presents. This year is just whizzing by so fast. Kyle is due to start school next year and I am enjoying every moment of his remaining time at home.

From the kitchen... I an on the search for a chocolate chip cookie recipe. Does anyone have one to share?

I am wearing... a blue embroidered top and denim capris.

I am reading... Daddy's Little Matchmaker by Roz Denny Fox.

I am remembering... Kyle's younger days as I look through some of his photos in his photo album with him.

I am hoping... to come up with some ideas to make some Christmas cards. Fast running out of time to get creative.

I am creating... a clutter free desk. Things seem to be piling up on it and I need to get it cleaned off. Can't think creative thoughts while being surrounded by clutter.

On my mind... Zac only have 5 more weeks off school before they break for the summer school holidays. Wondering where Zac might be able to apply to put his name down for a part time job.

Noticing that... the grass has dried up and turned brown. Won't need to worry about having to mow the lawn for a while. if we are in for another long, dry summer.

Pondering these words... Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. - John Wooden

Around the house... there is Thomas the Tank Engine train set sprawled all over the lounge floor. Kyle loves nothing better than tipping over last piece out on to the floor before he can start playing with it.

One of my favourite things... a clean and tidy kitchen bench to greet me each morning.

From my picture journal...

Zac loves his wrestling and was beside himself with excitement to receive the complete Summerslam Anthology for his birthday.

Peggy of TheSimpleWoman'sDaybook is the host for this meme so if you would like to participate or read other daybook entries then please visit her site.

QUOTE OF THE DAY - A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. - Sir Winston Churchill.

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 28 September

2009-09-28T09:49:00.002+10:00

For Today...

Outside my window... it is a hot and sunny day which is a great start to another new week.

I am thinking... about what this week might have in store for us all. Zac is eagerly awaiting Saturday as it is his birthday and he will be turning 16.

I am thankful for... Daryl going to the doctor to have his eye checked out and find that it isn't something that requires surgery and will hopefully fix itself with time.

From the kitchen... I am desperate for tempting food ideas for Kyle. There is so little variety in his diet and it is so hard to try and tempt him with new foods to try. If it involves a lot of chewing then he doesn't even want to attempt it.

I am wearing... a navy t-shirt and denim shorts.

I am reading... The Quilter's Homecoming by Jennifer Chiaverini. Have enjoyed this series of books. If only I could quilt myself. I would love to own a hand stitched quilt.

I am hoping... that Zac has a fantastic day at Dreamworld on Saturday.

I am creating... a list of things to organise for Zac's birthday.

I am praying... that it won't be much longer before Kyle is fully toilet trained.

Around the house... we are having trouble with Kyle at the moment with his toilet training and hoping that it won't take too long for a break through. At night time lately when he is in bed reading his books before lights out we find out he is doing otherwise. He has taken to wanting to paint his bedroom walls with his poos. Not quite sure how to prevent this from happening. Open to any and all suggestions.

One of my favourite things... making sure our bills are all paid.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Not too many plans for this week. It is Zac's birthday on Saturday and he has arranged to go to Dreamworld with a couple of his friends.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Kyle must be looking forward the temperatures getting hotter and hotter this summer so he is coming up with creative ways to help keep himself cool. LOL....

Peggy of TheSimpleWoman'sDaybook is the host for this meme so if you would like to participate or read other daybook entries then please visit her site.

QUOTE OF THE DAY - You must do the thing you think you cannot do. - Eleanor Roosevelt

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 21 September

2009-09-21T10:24:00.004+10:00

For Today...

Outside my window... it was a beautiful fine day. Perfect weather for school holidays which started today for two weeks.

I am thinking... about what school to send Kyle to next year. I don't think that there is going to be an easy answer. I thought I had an ideal school picked out but now I am not so sure. I just don't want him to get lost in the classroom environment and not be able to reach his true potential.

I am thankful for... having nearly all my Christmas presents organized for this year. Just have to get Daryl's present. I know what to buy him, just a matter of buying it. Thank goodness for lay-by and being able to pay things off instead of having to pay out money all in one go. We were lucky enough to get a bargain at Target. Zac has been wanting a DS so he can play his beloved wrestling on it. We were looking at the DS's in Target and they happened to have the limited edition Guitar Hero DS package on special. It was reduced from $256.00 to $199.98. We thought we would buy that one as it was a great price to come bundled considering the console on its own sells for $199.00. We got an extra bonus at the checkout when we went to buy the DS to find that it scanned for $139.91. Some much needed dollars saved which allowed extra money to buy the two DVD's Zac also wanted at $8.99 each. Gotta love that. Not often I am able to pick up an bonus bargain like that and especially something that Zac has wanted for a while.

From the kitchen... now that the weather is really warming up more and more and it is getting so humid and hot and muggy I need to change over to more summer type recipes. Just makes it awkward when my males are not ones to eat salad.

I am wearing... a navy and white striped top and denim capris.

I am reading... Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps To Living At Your Full Potential by Joel Osteen.

I am hoping... that Daryl manages to get his essay written for uni and not struggling to still work on it and get it sent at the very last minutte. He is a great procrastinator and actually admits to being a just in time learner. LOL....

I am creating... some water play activities for Kyle and he is loving it.

I am praying... that Daryl is able to quit smoking permanently. He just isn't able to give up his dependency just yet.

Around the house... I am most grateful that the delivery man delivered a brand new ironing board to me last week. So good to be able to catch up on Mt Washmore that had been waiting to be ironed.

One of my favourite things... time out for myself to sit in peace and quiet.

A few plans for the rest of the week... to collect and put together a desk we have ordered and paid for to put in Kyle's bedroom. Was going to try and get the boys haircuts on Tuesday but Zac got rung up and invited to the movies so that will have to wait until another day now. It is not easy to get my boys to the hairdressers and get their hair cut at the best of times. It is my birthday on Thursday. As for the rest of the week there are always plenty of chores to be done and trips into the city to be made.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Kyle was so tired while trying to eat his dinner that he fall asleep in his chair. Most unusual for him.

Peggy of TheSimpleWoman'sDaybook is the host for this meme so if you would like to participate or read other daybook entries then please visit her site.

QUOTE OF THE DAY - Don't follow your dreams; chase them. - Richard Dumb.