To Market, To Market.

4am. Brandon's and my day begins. I just knew it would be a long day. But we had a great day. We all ventured to the local markets this morning. They were re-launching themselves and were going to have heaps of things for kids to do there. Here's what the 2 boys got up to at the markets.

We all had a great time. The 2 boys went to the barnyard babies and patted and ran after a whole lot of little animals. Then we saw the swans that live at the lake. They also had a jump on the 2 jumping castles. Brandon had a ride on Sebastian the pony which made his day. He had woken up this morning and must have just known that he would be riding on a horse/pony today as he had put on his horse riding shoes and wasn't taking them off. Brandon also had a jump on the bungy trampoline. The minimum weight is 15kg and that's exactly what Brandon weighs. So he just got a go.

Being a Sunday today it was also swimming lesson day. So at 10:25am we jumped back in the car from the markets to change the kids into their swimmers and get to swimming lessons by 10:30am. Sometimes it's amazing how fast 2 adults can move 2 kids. The kids were in the pool by 10:30am. The 2 boys did so very well in their lessons. It's great to see them growing in confidence each week.

Both boys  fell asleep today which was to be expected. Daddy and I had to recover from our very busy morning too. For the rest of the day we all spent the afternoon outside playing soccer, swinging, throwing balls, running, jumping like frogs, growling like dinosaurs and quacking like ducks. All in a days play.

This evening was pretty special because all 4 of us got to sit down and have dinner together. Normally I'm at work so it was really lovely. Strangely enough the boys were very calm.

Today was a great day full of wonderful adventures and experiences. I hope that the boys remember the lovely things that they did and experienced today.



Sun, Surf And Sand

We live in such a great place. Today the 2 boys and I were in the car by 7:30am to go to the beach. Daddy was already at work so we encouraged him to leave work early and meet us at the beach, especially since we were  not even 100metres from where daddy was working. We all had a great time. Before daddy arrived the 2 boys and I played with trucks in the sand, we dug tunnels, made sandcastles, buried everyone's feet and legs, and just had a fantastic time. It was a really hot day. Perfect weather for the beach. Once daddy arrived we jumped waves and daddy pulled Brandon across the sand on his surfboard. Lots of laughs all around. Venturing back to the car we then proceeded to collectively change 2 very wet and very sandy kids. It's like trying to dress an octopus. But we did it. Had a beautiful prepared lunch care of mummy catering.

Home we all came. Bailey slept while Brandon insisted on staying awake. He is infatuated with the show called " Lazy Town" at the moment, so we put that DVD on for him to watch. Daddy went off and did 2 quotes all the way down to the other side of the world. Meanwhile I cleaned some furniture that we are trying to sell as people were coming to have a look. I managed to sell 2 items but the big one I was really hoping to sell we still have. There is always tomorrow. We had some people come and look at it, but they were only doing research.

Slowly before our eyes Brandon started going down hill. He didn't want to walk anywhere himself. He didn't want to eat and his head hurt and he was starting to get a temperature. So he is in bed. In fact he fell asleep within the first minute of his head hitting his pillow,. Bailey on the other hand is still wide awake and eating what's left from our shopping yesterday.

The best part of my day today was spending time with my 3 men on the beach. Loved too having my feet in the water. Love the Sun and Surf. 

To My 2 Boys...

To My 2 little boys,

I just wanted to let you both know how much I love you and how happy you  make me. I hope that one day soon when you can read that you enjoy reading about our adventures. I am so very proud of you both. I think the world of you Brandon and Bailey, and think that you are both the most loveliest boys I could ever wish for. I look forward to always being a part of your lives. 

Love always,

Mummy xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Brotherly Love

Brandon and Bailey had a lovely day together today. I don't know what happened but this morning the 2 boys were just chatting away to each other, sitting calmly next to each other. There was no wrestling or throwing things at each other, it was just pure brotherly love.

Our day started by the 2 boys being little artists. This is their first artwork together.

We headed off to the shops again today to do our food shopping. I was determined to shop very cleverly today so as not to spend an excessive amount of money. I ended up spending $130.00 less than last week. Well done to me. The 2 boys and I achieved so much today.

What we did at the shops.

•  Spoke really nicely to the Trolley man who is the only person in the vicinity who can produce a double trolley from no-where for me.
•  Boys went on a Bat Man ride
•  Bought some swimmers and shorts for me.
•  Fended off Brandon wanting every single toy or lolly he saw.
•  Checked PO Box
•  Looked at all the animals in the Pet Shop.
•  Bought Fruit and Veggies at Aldi.
•  Veered back to the car to drop everything off and start fresh with a clear trolley.
• Went to the supermarket and bought up big, but smartly.
•  Piled everyone back into the car where the boys ate a whole lot of what we had just bought.

Home we all went. I drove around a bit hoping that the 2 boys would both fall asleep in the car and then have a long and relaxing sleep in their beds, but no, only little Bailey slept. Brandon has a new Thomas The Tank Engine tray table so that was all the justification he needed to stay awake. Rushed around washing, getting things ready for all my clients this afternoon, made phone calls, unpacked shopping, entertained a lovely little boy, had lunch, made lunch for Bailey to eat once awake, got all kids pyjamas and bath things ready, and dreamed of the Christmas holidays .

The 2 boys and daddy played outside all afternoon while I worked. The 2 lucky boys and daddy went and got noodles and veggies for dinner and came home to eat it back outside. Was a beautiful hot day and a great evening- perfect for outside dinner. Boys were great going to bed. Bailey ate his tub of yoghurt and fruit gel before bed and would have kept going back for more if we didn' eventually tell him he just had to go to sleep.

Tomorrow we are off to the beach again. Yippee! I look forward to seeing how the boys look after each other. They are the best of friends, or as Brandon would say-"He my best friend. My little Brother".  

Karate Chop!

"Very advanced" were the words that Brandon's karate instructor used when commenting on Brandon's ability at Karate today. How cool is that? I am so very proud of him. Today he was amazing at Karate. As I said last week, we have definitely found the right sport activity for him. Whether he keeps it up is up to him, but wow he is so good.

While still only early once departing Karate, I thought we might just post a letter and then go home. Surprise, surprise. Bailey fell asleep. He slept for 2 1/2 hours. Today was a day of amazing things.

Brandon and I hung out and had fun. Brandon actually said that he was tired. That's up there with the amazing things happening today. Brandon ate and ate and ate once home. After eating half the fridge he still wanted more food and 2 minute noodles were on his repertoire.

I forgot to mention that before Karate this morning we all had a lovely freshly squeezed fruit juice-orange and watermelon. Then the boys decided to get daddy's new esky and sit in it. Fun and games.

Bailey and I cooked banana muffins together this afternoon. We had a great time. It is amazing how such a simple activity can make a little person so very happy. Brandon didn't want to help today which was strange, but he said that he would eat them once cooked. So we all ate banana muffins  all afternoon.

Hopefully the 2 boys ate some dinner that daddy had made, especially after eating muffins. I had clients and it seemed pretty quiet with the 2 boys and daddy, so hopefully something nutritious past through their lips.

I am off to have some dinner and to regroup for tomorrow , and do several loads of washing. As I fall asleep here in front of the computer I can hear Brandon's Karate instructor shouting in  my head. Wake up. Don't sit down. Do it right now! And kick!

Island Dreaming

Today the 2 boys and I spent most of the day on an island. Daddy was there too but he was working, so it was just the 2 boys and I that got to experience the privilege of island life.

First up though Brandon had his sports coaching lesson. Today they played soccer.While it was good fun, I think the class moved a little slow for Brandon. He likes things to keep moving. I don't think any of the little boys were paying full attention so were all very easily distracted.

Once finished we ventured on over to the local library to use their computer and printer. Ours wasn't co-operating last night. It just knew we were very short on time. We printed off so many legal documents that needed signing by daddy and I. The 2 boys were so very patient, not a word I thought I would ever say about the 2 boys. We jumped back in the car and headed out to the beautiful island to get daddy's signature.

Extremely hot weather today so just the perfect day to be at the beach. We called in to see daddy on the job site which was wonderful. We just wanted to pick him up and throw him into the car and head over to the beach all together. Instead we said our goodbyes and drove to the water. It took me probably nearly 1/2hr to get kids in their swimmers and collect beach towels from the car. Why so long? A bush turkey has the answer to that. I was attempting to get Brandon dressed into his swimmers while reigning in Bailey at the same time. I looked up and there was a bush turkey about 1 metre from us. I thought by bringing it to the boys attention I might be able to get the two of them dressed quickly while they were fascinated and mesmerised. Did my plan work? No. Brandon tried running after it with clothes half on while Bailey just made a clean getaway. Little people can move very quickly, and always in opposite directions.

So eventually we got to the beach. It was just perfect. Beautiful clear, crisp water just inviting us to jump in. So we did. The 2 boys and I had a fantastic time. Words can't describe the immense joy in the boys faces and their little eyes. So good for the spirit. It's amazing that you need to be sitting in the ocean with half the beach in your swimmers to fully appreciate things. The 2 boys and I loved it. And it even reminded me to just breath. Making some resolutions to myself  we went back up to the picnic area to have some lunch. I had learnt previously that kids, food and sand don't mix and I swore to myself never again. We had picnic blankets and coloured popcorn and snake lollies, fruit salad, sandwiches and popper juices. Just delicious.

Heading home we drove past daddy's job site to see daddy just leaving. Of course both boys wanted to ride home with daddy. Highly encouraged by mummy. I drove home in silence. I also ate all the rest of the fruit salad.

I beat the 2 boys and daddy home. The silence continued. I was having a ball. Washed off half the beach I bought home with me and got ready for my next outing. My client had rescheduled for this afternoon so I was heading off to a kindergarten meeting at an earlier time than originally anticipated.

The kindergarten sounds great. The teachers sound amazing and their curriculum sounds like fun. A great way to learn. I even met one of my friends there. Last I had talked to her one of her boys was heading to a different kindy. Great news that he wasn't. We couldn't have planned it any better. Brandon and her little boy will be there at the same days with the same teacher. Amazing.

Came home to the 2 boys in the bath while daddy was washing off the other half of the beach from them. Everyone tired but happy with lots of adventure stories to tell.

I ordered takeaway for daddy and I once the boys were asleep. Daddy and I made some huge decisions and then when we both realised we could breath again we knew we had made the right decisions for us. It's amazing how spending a day on an island can change your perspective. Island dreaming. One day I will own my own.

Lists And Chores

Today was a rather uneventful day. I thought that because we had had a rather big hot day yesterday with the dinosaurs  that we would take it a little quieter. I would like to say slower but that wasn't a possibility. We had a huge list of things to do today at the shops. We got most things done off the list plus a whole heap more. And that was our day full of chores.

Roar!

Roar go the 2 little dinosaurs. Roar goes mummy. Today was all about dinosaurs. As it was torrential rain last night and this morning, I thought we might do something a little more adventurous and exciting and indoors. So we ventured into the city and went to the museum which has a really cool dinosaur playground.  I didn't get lost. Normally it's like a rabbit warren to get into the city but today it all just flowed really well. The 2 boys were so great today. Bailey spent most of the day walking freely around. I really don't know why I took the stroller. I think it's just to carry the hoards of stuff I feel like I take everywhere with the boys. In actual fact I think it's just food that I'm constantly carrying around. I should just put our fridge on wheels.

We discovered lots of wonderful things today. We started off looking at a dinosaur skeleton and then moved on to a marine exhibit, focusing mostly on turtles. We saw turtle eggs and eggs hatching. We saw baby turtles and people measuring them to monitor them. Then we moved on to another exhibit all about cars, trains and planes from the olden days, and then we moved on to an exhibit all about predators. When I say we moved on to another exhibit I mean Bailey ran and Brandon and I ran to catch him, and whatever area he ran to then that's what we looked at. We stayed there for hours. Eventually the 2 boys and I headed out of the museum down to the river where we found a nice shady tree and had lunch. I had made some delicious veggie wraps and fruit salad. This was our view that we sat looking at while eating lunch.

With full bellies the 2 boys and I went off on a huge walk. We walked through a rain forest. We walked through a Nepaleas pagoda. We walked up hills and down hills and went to walk up more hills but it was at this point that both boys decided to get into the stroller. So up the next hill we all go with me pushing probably close to 50-60 kg (remember I have a fridge on wheels with me). Nothing like a bit of hard exercise in about 35 degree heat. We found  the lolly shop so the sweat was all worth it, and the shop was air conditioned. Stocked up with sugar off we went to find our car which was about 10kms away underground. Eventually we found it. Turned air conditioner on full and tried to eliminate 3 very red faces. Mission accomplished so off we went.

Thought we would visit daddy on the way home which was lovely. Once home we drank about 2 litres of water each and then sat down for 30 seconds, and that's all that it was. We did have a fairly quiet afternoon, although it was late afternoon when we did get home so we were cooking dinner before we knew it. I cooked the boys dinner while daddy did book-keeping. The boys ate dinner outside and then actually had a play. Then the regular night time routine kicked in and so did the chaos and madness. Bedtime and then calmness.

Swim Little Fish

Today was swimming lesson day and it was a beautiful warm sunny day. That means we don't need 20 layers of clothes on the 2 boys before and after swimming. Bring on summer!

We all started our day with 4 very large glasses of freshly squeezed juice. Delicious! That compost of ours is filling up fast. Those Bunnings worms better keep eating. They certainly have a lot of food to get through. The 2 boys were fantastic at swimming. Brandon is swimming really well by himself and Bailey just loves diving in. The swimming classes seemed really busy today, and were filled with lots of new kids and their parents. There is this one little girl in Bailey's class that cries every week. She cries as soon as she gets into the pool until the moment she gets out 30 minutes later. Maybe one day she might enjoy it and the rest of us might all have some peace.

The boys' swimming teachers work them hard so on the way home little Bailey had a sleep. Mind you it was only a little one, but at least he had one. That just left Brandon to entertain.  Because I think we live in a whole lot of child's mess I told Brandon he could watch a DVD on the portable DVD player while I clean the kitchen. He loved it. Up on the bar stool at the kitchen bench watching Diego and the Whirly Bugs while eating lunch. Amazing how much you can achieve when kids are preoccupied.

Daddy took both boys to the shops to do some chores while I stayed home and, I would like to say I sat down, had a wine and read my property magazine, but alas I didn't. What I did do was vacuum, sweep and mop all floors. Then I cleaned 2 bathrooms, bought washing in and put all the furniture back in its place. It's amazing what you can achieve without children around. When all the boys came home the 2 boys and I went outside to play. I was snapping photos of the 2 boys all afternoon because I just think they are so very cute and lovely.

The night seemed to flow really well. The 2 boys ate so much for dinner and then Bailey did again just before bedtime, We truly need a cow and an orchard to keep up with food supplies,especially so that poor daddy doesn't have to go shopping and spend $350 on food. I look forward to seeing how long those supplies will last for. Hopefully for the next month, but I give it to Tuesday before we are having to buy fruit again.

Well today daddy and I were extremely proud of our 2 little fish called Brandon and Bailey. Well Done Boys. We love you. xoxo

Back To The Dirt

Today we ended up back in the dirt. Outside gardening in the veggie garden and the herb garden. The 2 boys and I could truly spend all day outside, with me enjoying the veggie garden and compost. We love our compost.

So the day began with me working and the 2 boys and daddy went food shopping. Then with half the day over and 5 loads of washing already done, the boys and daddy came home and our weekend begun. Little Bailey had a sleep while Brandon just continued to talk. He talks underwater in the bath (really he does), he talks with a mouth full of food, he talks while he's brushing his teeth, and he talks in his sleep.  Completely astounding.

If you have ever wondered what a whole box of tissues looks like out of the box here's an image. We are all pretty familiar in our family of this image. The 2 boys seem to find it hilarious.

Another beautiful day so I took the boys outside to play for a few hours. Thought we'd let daddy have a rest. He rested for 5 minutes before Brandon decided that daddy should look after Bailey while he and I  dug all the manure and fertiliser into the veggie garden. So daddy swung Bailey on the swing and Brandon and I dug and watered and admired all the flowers on our veggies. I am particularly excited about our 4 watermelon plants. They already have flowers on them and so too do the cucumbers, chillies and pumpkins. Actually all the veggies except the lettuces and carrots have flowers on them..

After several hours outside we initiated the going inside process, which always takes so long. So several hours even later we were all inside. Both boys very tired so didn't seem to be a hectic, stressed and frantic evening. Bailey again ate 1 kg of yoghurt before bed. I don't know where it all goes.  I asked him if he was full yet and he said no. More yoghurt. I asked him if his toes were full and he said yes. Hooray! Some part of him is full. Maybe now he might consider going to sleep.

Today we got back into the garden. What a wonderful time. To see the joy and happiness in the 2 boys faces as they discover the wonderful world of gardening and bugs and  insects and fruit and veggies. I just love getting back into the dirt.

Kindergarten Shopping.

Our sole aim of today is to find a kindergarten for Brandon to go to next year. My mission started early by ringing 7 kindergartens within a 20 minute radius from our house. There are absolutely no kindergartens apparently within our immediate and surrounding area. Maybe no-one is meant to have children in suburbia. Just as well I rang yesterday because admin are working out all the placements for next year. From the first kindergarten I rang which was the closest to our abode, I was told there was 150 other people on the waiting list ahead of me. So that's a no to having a spot for Brandon.

I managed to put Brandon's name down on 2 lists with 1 kindergarten sounding a little more promising regarding availability. Then I thought the 2 boys and I are going to jump in the car and go Kindergarten shopping. I rounded up the troops with ample supplies of food, water and conversation and off we went.

Our first stop was a kindergarten in an older suburb but it looked pretty big compared to the one we visited  earlier in the week. Winding our way through all the security gates we arrived. The kindergarten doors opened for us and in we went. The admin lady approached us and with hope and confidence in my voice I asked if they had any spots left for next year. YES!!! Hooray! They do. We looked around and played for over an hour there before I asked Brandon what he thought of the place and would he like to come here next year. Not understanding the concept of next year and time he told me he wanted to stay now. So we enrolled Brandon for next year, paid our $10.00, got our receipt and an introduction letter. Once I had that introduction letter in my hand I was relieved.

Well we had accomplished our mission and because I had anticipated a bit more kindergarten shopping needing to be done, I hadn't planned anything else for the day. Being a beautiful day we went home to play. We just played and played all day. We also did a whole heap of washing. An uneventful day but a successful day. Off to work I went while daddy and the 2 boys hung out. As neither boy had slept today you would think that they would be so tired that the would just fall into bed. But, alas they didn't.

And if you're wondering about my fairy tale story from yesterday, well none of it came try.  I suppose there is a reason why it's called a fairy tale.

How To Keep Boys Quiet.

After 3 1/2 years, today was the day I worked out how to keep my 2 boys quiet (at least for 5 minutes). Feed them 2 minute noodles for breakfast. Bailey chose them and I just facilitated the process. Quiet, oh so quiet.

5 minutes later
"I have noodles all over my pyjamas" and then everything went downhill from there, including all the noodles which were now all over the floor.
 I just realised why kids should never have 2 minute noodles for breakfast (apart from the health issue). 5 mins of silence against 20mins of cleaning up. They can have something else tomorrow.

We were going to kindy karate this morning. What a great name. It's karate lessons for kids from 3-5 years old. As it takes so much longer to get kids ready than what it truly imaginable, we were running late for our 1st class. 2 minutes later we were there. The class was a bit closer to home than I thought. And I didn't speed. I got stuck behind a concrete truck. Gave me time to remember to breath, and as it turned out the class started late because someone else got lost.

What a great class. I was so inspired I even contemplated joining up. What amazing discipline required and expected. There was only 3 little boys in the class looking so teeny tiny in this great big warehouse with this great big instructor with the most booming voice. Brandon did fantastically. It blew me away. I had said to him before we started if he liked it he could come back and if he didn't then that was fine and we had learnt something new. He loved it and he was so unbelievably good at it. I think we have found the perfect fit for him sport wise.

Once finished we drove around to a new park and played and played and played. Lots of other little kids there as well. Then we had to run and run and run. Then we super jumped and super jumped and super jumped some more. Then we walked and walked and walked. Then we found an underpass so we went back and forth many many times. Then we rolled down a hill and then the 2 boys stopped. I had worn them out. I discovered their stopping point. 3 hours of full on exercise and activity. Never sitting down once. What a day of discovery about my 2 little boys. Driving home we saw some kangaroos (as you do in suburbia). So we all got out of the car again and investigated and learnt.

Now I sit here by the computer with 2 boys asleep. Hooray!!!!  Mind you I'm tired. I think my stopping point had been at the 2 hour mark. The things you just do.

Everything I write now is pre-empting what will happen this afternoon. I am heading out tonight with some girlfriends to go to a Bunnings Ladies Night. I am in two minds about it because I have a whole lot of preconceived ideas as to what it may be like. But because I am trying to teach the boys never to presume and to always give everything a try, well the same applies to me. I can't say it and then not do it.

So this is what will happen this afternoon. Will let you know tomorrow if there was any deviation from my tale. The boys will wake up with their halo's shinning. They will tell me they love me and that I am the best mummy in their whole world. Bailey will change his own nappy and may even put powder on if he so desires. They will make themselves some lunch and will even make some for me too. They will clean up after themselves and not spill, or throw, any food on the ground. We will bake some banana muffins and they will tell me not to bother cleaning up because they are so happy to do it. After all, Brandon will say "We made the mess so we'll clean it up." Daddy will come home and the 2 boys will actually let daddy in the door before they start wanting to be thrown up in the air and taken for rides on his shoulders. They will understand that daddy works very hard and so they too will make daddy up some afternoon tea.

Seeming as the boys are still in the kitchen in my fairytale, they will cook a lovely gourmet dinner, cleaning up again after themselves, bath themselves, say goodnight to daddy only, because mummy won't be there, and go straight to sleep. Where they will stay sleeping until  tomorrow morning at a time that mummy deems as fair and reasonable.

Am positive that's how it will all pan out. After all it is my fairytale. I did learn today how to keep 2 boys quiet for awhile and it's not from giving them 2 minute noodles. It's simply having fun, having lots of adventures, answering a lot of questions and overall just being there.

No Bailey.....

No Bailey don't put sultanas up your nose. Up they go. No Bailey don't push Brandon off the lounge.  Down Brandon goes. No Bailey don't throw your food. Up in the air it goes. All day I found myself saying those 2 words- No Bailey. Today he was so super cheeky and destructive that it drove me bananas.

We didn't do much today. Brandon was just lacking his spark this morning, so when I asked him if he really wanted to go to Sports Coaching this morning  he said yes vehemently.I knew we shouldn't have gone. Brandon ended up in tears today which was heart breaking

We were going to do a whole heap of other things afterwards but I had the biggest headache that I have had for nearly 10 years, if not longer, and the boys were so very tired. Came home and wondered what we could do for the rest of the day. We had planned to visit another Kindergarten. but we didn't have any maps at all and we only had  40 minutes to get there.

For the rest of the day the boys just played around the house.

I have nearly just fallen asleep 3 times off this chair because I am so very tired. I think I am exhausted. Sorry but I just can't function any more. Brandon starts kindy karate tomorrow. Should be interesting. Hopefully I'll be able to stay awake. Hopefully I wont have to be saying "No Bailey".

How Far Can I Throw My Food?

 I am positive that this is one of Bailey's predominant thoughts for the day, particularly evident at big meal times. Bailey has the principle down perfectly that a lot of the time you can just see him go - What direction should I aim my food in today? I am convinced that he also thinks- Who should I aim my food at? How much of it can I get on them before they get cranky? Once my first target has moved off who then is next? Should I try 10 metres, 15 metres or just aim straight for that wall so I get to see the full impact? Yoghurt looks great with sausages let's put the 2 together and just chuck. Lucky Dip as to who and what I get.

So this is how our day goes all day everyday, especially now that Bailey has discovered the taste for food. Most days I am positive that sometimes all I do is prepare food  for the 2 boys, serve it up, and then clean it up off the floor. I know that Bailey will grow out of it, but if only someone would tell me when.

We discovered a new hairdresser last week so the 2 boys and I walked over to the next street for their appointment. The lady has a home based business with a really great setup. It took us 2 minutes to get there. The boys met the hairdressers little boy so they thought it was great. Made their next appointment for another 3 weeks and home we walked.

2 minutes later we arrived home. Refuelled boys, packed bags for the day and off we went. Had to drop off half a tree of signed paper to the lawyers- mission accomplished. Back in the car we drove out to a Kindergarten to grab an application form. I just keep calling it an entry form. I had spoken to a lady from the kindergarten this morning and she had mentioned that if we included $10.00 with our entry form we would be considered more highly. I felt like I was bribing the poor official as I put my $10.00 into the envelope and put it into the locked letterbox, unsure if we were even going to get a spot or if we even wanted a spot. But I had been ringing kindergartens for some time now and no-one had spaces. I didn't want this opportunity to pass by. We ended up being invited in to the kindergarten and both boys jumped at the chance. We stayed there for over 1 hour. Pretty interesting.

Eventually rounded up the 2 boys and jumped back into the car and dropped into the shops. Had to go back to BIG W to exchange a book for Brandon. Checked Po Box and homeward bound we went.

Bailey slept for awhile which was nice. I was hoping Brandon would but that thought never materialised. We played, ate lunch and then we did some things around the house. Daddy home and being a Tuesday we need to stock up on food and essentials.  I worked while daddy and the 2 boys headed off back to the shops.

Once the boys were asleep for the night (hopefully) daddy and I began the clean up of all the destruction left behind by the kids, especially all that food.Wiping the walls, wiping the floors, and wiping ourselves. Ready for the new day tomorrow.

We Are Going To Get A Cow!

We are also going to grow an orchard and a very big veggie garden for the 2 boys, and why not a vineyard just for me as well. The amount of yoghurt that little Bailey consumes is phenomenal. I'm surprised that he hasn't turned into a tub of yoghurt. Brandon loved cheese when he was Bailey's age, but wow, bring on that cow. The sooner the better.

What a beautiful day. The 2 boys and I were drawing and doing jigsaw puzzles by 6am this morning. I just knew we would be ready to start the day before anything would be open. So we played and drew and read and ran around, had breakfast and then went out. Had to pick up some work supplies first up and then off to the tip we went. Told you we would get back to that tip today. The que was only 4 trucks so I thought that was a bearable time frame with 2 boys in the car. Something fascinating about that tip. Maybe it's that it's always different every time you go, maybe it's that it's fascinating to see what people throw out, who knows but Brandon was gobsmacked by our adventure..

Assessed my energy levels to establish how good my coping skills would be taking 2 boys into the shopping centre without a stroller. Could I do it? Why not. I didn't know if I would encounter any other challenges along the day so why not just go for it. I lasted 15minutes without a stroller and then I got a trolley. Maybe I was tired. Did all our chores and then went to BIG W where I laybyed $171.00 of children's books. You name it, we got it. Guilt ridden about the cost I worked out how much I'd need to work to pay it off and then realised that it was obtainable. Brandon and Bailey chose the books so how can I resist.

Home we came and I had 2 boys asleep. YAHOO!!!!!!!

I don't think I have achieved so much in years as I did today in the almost 2 hours the boys slept. I made phone calls, checked emails, did marketing for my business. Wow I actually managed to spend some time working on my business.

The afternoon was spent playing out in the backyard with me and then when I went to work, playing with daddy. All the boys care about is that someone is pushing them on the swings. Pushing them so their feet are touching the sky.

After another tub of yoghurt bailey finally went off to sleep tonight. Our boys are funny. Bailey needs about 1 kg of yoghurt to go to sleep and Brandon needs a bright green light to sleep. Each with their own personalities. But tomorrow I will get a cow.

"I'm Not Putting The Washer In Your Pasta!"

"Peas don't go in plants.
 Trains don't go in food.
Very good, you ate off your spoon.
Don't lick the table."
These are my statements that I made whilst the 2 boys were eating dinner. Pre-children who says these things? Now with 2 boys I hear myself say these ridiculous things all the time. This would be a great example of our day. To sum it up, the things that the 2 boys did and said today astounded daddy and I.

The day started off early. Bailey decided not to bother sleeping last night so daddy and I were just some what exhausted. We decided that swimming lessons weren't on our agenda today so we rescheduled. So what do you think we all did now that we had a free Sunday morning without swimming lessons and hadn't slept last night? We went to the tip. What else would you do! We all packed my car boot of rubbish and boxes, shoving everything we could fit in. Daddy made the comment that a family that breaks boxes down together stays together.

Approaching the rubbish tip we noticed a traffic jam up ahead. Then we realised that it was a traffic jam to get into the tip. Are you kidding me? I have never seen anything like it. There was no way we were spending the next hour waiting in a line for the tip. Did a u turn and off we went. Mind you I still have a boot full of rubbish. Looks like we are venturing there tomorrow.

Off we all went to the fruit and veggie markets where we stocked up. Always great fun. Lots of seeds and nuts and yoghurt and cheeses and all sorts of different foods. Traipsed to the car with a huge box of fruit and veggies and then headed over to the bakery. Had the best pumpkin and ricotta pastry triangle. Absolutely delicious. The 2 boys and daddy had sausage rolls. Am sure if you questioned them they would say theirs was absolutely delicious too.

Spent the afternoon organising bills and paperwork and more paperwork. Bailey slept for nearly 3 hours which was great. Is completely horrible now as he is still awake this late at night. Had quite a productive day. Still can't remember what I did yesterday, but today was good.

Am looking forward to hearing what ridiculous things I end up saying tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Where Did Today Go?

I am still in disbelief that today has gone already. I don't remember what we did apart from shopping for food this morning. It has all just been a blur.

As I said we all went shopping this morning. I think we must have subconsciously waited until every known person was in the shops before we ventured out. I just knew it was busy even before I parked the car, considering that it took me 10 minutes to actually find a car park spot. Then when we got a trolley and there was only about 5 left, I thought yes shopping would be busy. Once we got into the supermarket I couldn't believe it. Why was every one needing to shop today? Why were we needing to shop today!!

And that was all I really remember about today, Oh actually the only other thing we monumentally achieved today was seriously folding 10 loads of washing. There is only so much rummaging in piles of clean clothes that I can handle before the issue needs to be dealt with. So we attacked it head on. Now we have 10 loads of washing folded neatly around the house. I wonder how long they might stay there before I find time to put them all away.

That's my day. The boys just did what daddy and I did. I don't think I had any strange and unique conversations with 2 boys today. I am sure that tomorrow will be different. I truly don't know where today went.

Undies Don't Go On Your Head!

"That's Gross. Quick, take your undies off your head" was part of my morning conversation with Brandon. Intriguing start to the day. Today Brandon was cheeky. Actually he was super cheeky. Bailey was a good boy but super destructive. Just a normal day in the life of 2 little boys.

Travelling to Bunnings again today made me realise that's it's actually been 1 week since we were last there. Normally I would have been at least twice. We were off to enjoy art and craft for the under 5's again. It was very busy. All these mum's have discovered it. Must be because it's fun and it's free. Today we all made coloured paddle pop stick boxes with lids. It started off as an activity for Brandon but then it turned in to mummy art and craft. Brandon lost interest today and so I finished it off. The Christmas decorations at Bunnings are pretty interesting, especially for a 3 year old.  We wondered around for awhile and then jumped back into the car and drove to Kmart.

Straight to the kids bike section to lay-by 2 big boy bikes. Santa was going to pick them up but daddy and I decided we might get them so the kids can enjoy them now. Their current bikes have seen better days and are now too small. We also bought heaps of gardening spades and rakes and also put on lay-by bike helmets.

Thought we should head home to refuel and refresh. I had purchased 2 advent calenders full of chocolate from Kmart for Christmas. In retrospect I shouldn't have, especially since it's several weeks to Christmas. Anyway let's just say that when I returned after 2 minutes from changing Bailey's nappy the chocolate advent calender was no more. Nor were the 25 chocolates! Check out the pictures.

For lunch I cooked up some pasta and cheese. It's Friday and I couldn't be bothered going food shopping so I cooked up what we had left and the boys love Parmesan cheese. This is how Brandon and my lunch conversation went, once he had come out of his room from eating the chocolate.

"Mummy, I'm running out of chocolate.
Will you be eating lunch with us today?
Oh yes,yes,yes. See mummy juice in my pasta. (He just tipped 1/2cup OJ into his pasta)
I love juice in my pasta.
Well eat it up then.
I don't like lettuce.
It's not lettuce, it's freshly grown basil.
I don't like basil".

My immediate thoughts went like this:  Are you kidding me? You just put so much Orange juice in your pasta that it's now floating in your bowl and you're telling me that you don't like basil?
But I said " So you're not eating lunch today?
No I'm not hungry".

And off he went.

Today I learnt a lot about what Brandon likes to eat and not eat. I also learnt that Bailey loves you to build train tracks so that he can destroy them and have you build them again. Hopefully Brandon learnt that you can eat too much chocolate and that undies really don't go on your head.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear daddy. Happy Birthday to you.

As we celebrated daddy's birthday with lollies and very yummy cake and lots of presents, it took the 2 boys quite awhile to go to sleep last night. Hence why I'm writing this the next day. Again I chose sleep over the computer.

Hooray for sunshine. The rain has stopped. Our grass is about 1 metre high but I think the lawn mower man is coming today to return our jungle of a garden back into a suburbia yard. A very sick daddy went off to work. No stopping the boss. At least he looked a little better than yesterday, which is a promising sign.

The 2 boys and I spent the morning at home as we had a tradie coming over to do some work. So we attempted to clean the boys' toy room (which is where the work was getting done). I thought I should be responsible and move toys back into a some what orderly fashion so the workman doesn't trip on Spider Man, or some equally large and noisy toy. Attempting to clean a toy room with 2 boys in there as well took a lot longer than I was hoping. As 1 toy went into the toy box 2 came out. But I did it.

The electrician arrived and was bombarded with the 2 boys. I managed to eventually get Bailey away from his tool box but Brandon parked himself up on the lounge and proceeded to tell the man about food scraps and worms and soil and very big veggies that go all the way up to the sky. Then he jumped like a frog all over the toy room and it was at that stage that I thought I should intercept. The electrician just smiled.

Now that we are tradie free the 2 boys raced back into their toy room and sat quietly watching their new TV. I couldn't believe how quietly they just sat and I don't think it would have mattered what was on TV. It was just new. Brandon couldn't believe that all his favourite cartoons were also on this TV.

Eventually we ventured off to the shops to buy a delicious Birthday cake for our little birthday party. We all decided on a Boston Mud cake. Now all I had to do was to make sure that I got it home without anyone, including myself, causing it any injury. It did survive the car trip. Every 2 minutes on the journey home Brandon wanted me to show him the cake. He didn't quite understand my defiant no I am not able to.

Once home we played and hopped and jumped like frogs. Bailey loves imitating Brandon. Sometimes it's a great thing and sometimes it's not such a favourable thing. Bailey loves being a frog as well. Then I remembered that we needed some lollies for our little party so the 2 boys and I jumped in the car to stock up on sugar.

Daddy had a great afternoon with presents and lollies and cake. As you know the boys did too so much so that they just didn't want to go to bed. Another year gone and another birthday over. That means that Christmas is just around the corner!

I Want.......

I want a tractor. That was Brandon's declaration to me as he sat watching Sesame Street. I'd love a tractor too I told him, if it could fit in our backyard. Little did I know that "I want..." would be said over and over and over again all day. I heard it in different volumes. I heard it with different emphasis. I think that was all I heard today. By the end of the day"I want..."  had become just as growled upon as a swear word in my world.

In retrospect I think I may have been an "I want.." culprit today. I remember saying to the boys just before we ran out the door, "I want to get moving". "I want you to go to the toilet" I want you to put some pants on". So off we went to go to Brandon's Sports Coaching. No stroller again for Bailey today. I think I must have forgotten my adventures without a stroller yesterday. Well I did remember eventually. Bailey just wants to play with all the sports equipment and the kids running around. He's just not quite old enough yet. Brandon played hockey today. He also jumped and hopped and ran through witches hats and then played with the big parachute and a whole heap of balls. A heap of fun.

Ventured in to the shops to get our presents off  layby for daddy. It's his birthday tomorrow and he is very sick. I learnt my lesson from 2 weeks ago when we went in to layby a present for daddy's birthday, not to tell Brandon it's a surprise. Because he then comes home and tells daddy what we bought for his birthday. No Surprise there!

Brandon and I hung out together as Bailey slept. I had just bought a kids baking kit and some Bee silicone moulds at the shops for Brandon. So we baked again. We found a recipe for cupcakes in our kids cookbook called " I Want To Be A Chef. Baking". Great book for the theme of the day. Quite fitting. Our cupcakes still remain un-iced as we ran out of time this afternoon, and they were also getting gobbled up pretty quick.

The 2 boys and daddy went to the shops altogether while I went off to work. Again it's so very late and I can hardly keep my eyes open. So goodnight I say. "I want.. ... to go to sleep!.

Off We Go Again.

There just wasn't enough hours in the day yesterday to fit in writing in here . The option last night at midnight was write here or go to bed, and I'm sorry to say bed won. So here I am today writing about our adventures from yesterday. It was still raining yesterday but occasionally it stopped and we saw what may have even been blue sky. But then the rain returned, Oh well. We had plenty of indoor activities planned but just not at home.

The 2 boys and I jumped in the car and went into the shops. Seeming as our food shopping was done 4 days ago it meant it was time to stock up. Food just doesn't seem to last long in our house. With 2 growing boys that do so much, as a result they are always eating. We raced around the shops doing all our chores.Dashing here there and everywhere.  By now the stroller was so full off food and mail and more food, and 2 boys, that we slowly headed back to the car to unload and head home. Once home we dropped off the groceries and literally threw all the bags of cold things into the fridge. Off we went again.

We had been invited to go and play with some of the boys' friends meeting up at Monkey Business Play Centre at 10:30am. Of course it was way past 10:30 am when we got there. We made a dash for the entrance as it started raining again. We were met be our friends. We also met some new friends and also a friend I hadn't seen for nearly 3 years. The world just aligned. The 2 boys and I had a great time. It's a hard balance with 2 kids but I just think the more we do things the better it will become. So Brandon decided he wanted to go to the toilet to do a poo. Of course it is the one time that I didn't bring a stroller for Bailey. So here the 2 boys and I are in the public toilet, me holding Brandon so he doesn't fall down the big adult toilet, while fending off Bailey because he loves toilets. Meanwhile both boys are squealing and yelling and having a great time. By the end of our experience I am near deaf and the boys have grossed me out (again!). I am sure they try and do something completely gross each day just so they get a reaction from me.

The kids all played for hours together. Bailey just wanted to play with the big boys, so in the end I just let him. He had a great time.And he didn't get squashed. By now I was convinced that both boys were so incredibly tired that we should all head home so that they could have a sleep. Do you think that's how it played out? No. Correct. So we baked. We baked individual milk chocolate cakes- or so the recipe says. The boys love cooking. They are truly fascinated. They even iced them and put some sporting cake decorations on the top. Of course most of them were eaten straight away, and the evening was spent fending Brandon off from the remainder of the cakes so that he would still eat his dinner.

Dinner came and went and not surprisingly, the boys didn't eat much. It's amazing though that no matter how full they are they would still always have room for ice cream. Luckily daddy only gave them some fruit and yoghurt.

So off we go again, daddy and I, to deal with all our paperwork that we just can't address with 2 boys running around. That's why it was midnight before I got to bed.

It's Raining, It's Pouring....Still!

Today was a home day. Not just for the morning or for the afternoon, but for the whole day. I have never seen so much rain in my life. We lost our backyard today. It was fascinating. 3 inches of water across our grass. Riveting. So we didn't venture anywhere. Just as well by the sounds of it as a lot of the main roads nearby had flooded and were closed. After spending 1 whole day inside with 2 little boys I can guarantee that no matter what the weather's like tomorrow we will be going somewhere. I went crazy today. We watched Wiggles movies, Thomas the Tank Engine movies and cartoons on telly. We also did drawing, watched the rain, and tried to keep pants on Bailey. For some reason he refuses to wear pants.

The 2 things we did do today that were just slightly exciting were to book tickets to go and see the Wiggles and to build a clothesline under the Alfresco area at home. It's not meant to stop raining for another 4 days yet and I truly don't think we'll have enough clean clothes for everybody to wear if we don't wash them. Especially since we usually do 2-3 loads of washing a day and it's rained for 5 days straight now. Doesn't take long to work out what's happening with the washing!

So we had a quiet day today activity wise, although it was certainly not quiet on the 2 boys volume monitor.

Bring on tomorrow I say with a fresh start to the day and hopefully some sunshine and somewhere in the house enough clothes to dress 4 people.

10 Things We Did Today On The 10/10/2010

Hi everyone. Today as we opened up our curtains hoping for lovely sunshine, we were greeted with more rain. In fact it's still raining- some 15 hours later. Let's see if we can find 10 things that the 2 boys and I did today to mark the significance of the number 10.

1. Started the day with a delicious juice. According to Brandon it was the most delicious juice that he had ever tasted. Made with 2 boys squashing as much fruit into the juicer as possible. Obviously successful because it was absolutely superb. Spent the next 20 mins cleaning up boys and the 5metre radius of floor around Bailey. It's amazing how far food and liquid can travel  from just 1 small little boy.

2. Went to swimming lessons. Now the school holidays are over normal life for those without school age kids can resume. The 2 boys went brilliantly. Brandon can successfully swim several meters on his own and Bailey just wants to dive in and swim. Bailey loves the yellow plastic ducks that always seem to pop up in his swimming lesson. I am sure they are never the same after he has finished attempting to eat them. The 2 boys just love the water.

3. The boys ate and ate and ate, and we were still in the car park for swimming lessons. Bought some lollies as a special treat and they went down so very fast- and that was just from mummy and daddy!!

4. Headed home while Bailey feel asleep in the car. No matter what we said or did we just couldn't entice Brandon to sleep. The rewards were obviously greater and life more interesting for him if he stayed awake.

5. Watched a new Thomas The Tank Engine DVD. Sometimes kids are so easily satisfied. Thought Brandon needed to have a sleep so off we went to his room with his hobby horse which I just knew would end up in bed with him. And it did. It stayed there for the whole duration of Brandon's sleep. Now Brandon hasn't slept during the day for so very long that I just can't remember the last time.

6. The 2 boys and daddy played. There is nothing like a daddy who can throw 2 boys up in the air 1 at a time, catch them and do it over and over again. There's nothing like a daddy who can have 2 boys draped all over him and make them giggle and laugh while pretending to be asleep.  Maybe daddy's not really pretending. I think if the boys listened close enough they might hear daddy snoring every so often.

7. We made banana muffins. Messy but heaps of fun. The boys love cooking and the muffins turned out really well.

8. Brandon talked to a nanny and poppy on the phone. Told them about banana muffins, compost bins, food scraps, art and craft from Friday, worms and everything that was going through his head. He just loves to talk. Once off the phone I asked him what he would like for dinner. His response;
 I want peanut butter
 I said "What do you want peanut butter on?
 I want it on toast and cotton.
 You want it on what?
No I want peanut butter on chicken.

9. Cooked dinner but there was no peanut butter, cotton or chicken on the menu. While dinner was cooking I began cleaning up all the cooking mess. I said to the boys they can lick the bowl from making banana muffins if they want. As I turned to the sink for 5 seconds and then back to the boys sitting on the bar stools at the kitchen bench I saw Bailey literally licking the bowl. It was so funny. I just imagined they would be civil and use a spoon to scrape off left over muffin mixture, not take me for my exact words.

10. Just before bed the 2 boys played a little animal piano, pretended to post letters to each other using under their doors as a letter box, and ran and jumped off Brandon's bed.

Finally they are both asleep. I wonder what 11 things we will be doing next year to celebrate 11/11/2011.