Jump Boys, Jump!

Trampolines are the best invention ever for boys. Probably for girls too, but I will never truly know. Today was the day the trampoline went up. The boys love it. It has completely paid for itself already in the sheer enjoyment we have all got out of it so far. What great exercise, especially as it was so incredibly hot today. It must have been 100% humidity.

Anyway, our day started by trying a brand new hairdressers out for the boys. It is solely a kids hairdressing shop. It is fantastic. There was toy trains and a huge big set up for it all. There was plastic pink cupcakes and teapots, which the boys just glazed over. There was a huge big plasma TV on the wall above the play area which was playing a kids DVD.  The hairdressing chairs were little for kids and they even had seat belts on them. All 5 chairs had their own TV, each playing a different kids DVD. I was in awe.They even had distraction toys- 1 for boys and 1 for girls. What a great business. I was talking to the owner and she is not even a hairdresser, she just has 3 kids who had so many dodgy experiences with their haircuts. So much so that she just opened the business a week ago. The boys are already booked in for another 3 weeks.

I was trying to avoid the lunatic shops but we just had to duck in today. I can't remember what we had to do, but at the time it was important. That's right- do money stuff, buy fruit and check the PO Box, then we were off. I was hoping that both boys would have a sleep. Brandon didn't but Bailey did. Brandon followered me around while I tidied the house very briefly. We did washing and more washing and yet another load of washing.  The trampoline installer came and began what I would say to be the most arduous of tasks-putting it all together. Not once did he even look at the instructions. It still took him nearly 2 hours. That reassured me that I had spent my money wisely. The boys sat inside almost with their faces glued to the window watching the installer do his job. Thanks to Brandon I was given a constant update on the trampolines progress. "It's taking shape mummy" was yelled at me every 3 minutes. "That's great" I responded with every 3 minutes.

Now the time had come to release the boys from inside. Off they went. They pretty much stayed on the trampoline all afternoon. Daddy and I took shifts. I jumped for ages and then I went to work and that's when daddy jumped for ages. Once I finished work, daddy was attempting to make dinner while fending off 2 boys from the kitchen cupboard and the fridge and the freezer. So I rounded the boys up and off we went to jump some more. We didn't finish until 6:30pm when daddy pronounced the boy's dinner ready. No-one ate, everyone was hyperactive and hot. But daddy and I eventually rounded up the 2 boys to feed them, wash them and convince them that sleep was the best and only option for them. Tomorrow I am anticipating that I'll be spending the day jumping with 2 little boys who will be giggling and squealing and rolling around with laughter, taking great pleasure in jumping and squashing their mummy.

Stickers Rule!

Today I learnt that my 2 boys can actually concentrate. I did always wonder whether I would ever witness it from the boys. Their concentration stemmed from stickers. If I'd known how much stickers would improve our lives I would have bought them for Brandon from the day he was born. Stickers are the 1 thing that Brandon and Bailey get lost in thought and play with. Sure we all end up with stickers stuck in the most ridiculous of places- under feet, on bottoms, Bailey likes to stick them on his doodle (!!!), and in the kids beds. They are covering half of Brandon's bedroom door and then nearly all of one wall in his bedroom. They do feel like they occasionally take over the house, but if it means the 2 boys sit and concentrate then so be it.

This morning we de-cluttered the kids toy box. Hooray! This is something that I have been trying to do for so long. Eventually I have got through to the boys that we could give all the toys that they don't play with anymore to kids that might really enjoy them but not be able afford them. We have bags and bags of stuff to give away. Funnily enough a lot of the toys are soft toys. The boys never really got into soft toys. Of course there is the exception, and a few slip through that have sentimental ties. We have someone coming around tomorrow to pick up all the stuff. By the end of de-cluttering the boy's toy box, I actually had Brandon eagerly looking for more and more toys to give away to other kids. I was so very proud of him.

We didn't venture out today until 11am which for us is pretty late. Just thought we had to spice it up a bit. Actually it took us so unbelievably long to get organised. The boys kept finding things to do, books to read, mess to make, food to throw, and things to be destroyed. Once we finally got out we went off to a shopping centre that we don't usually go to. One of my clients had mentioned that they had bought 6 metres of Christmas wrapping paper there for $1.00. Sold. I bought 6 rolls and even now I'm not positive that's enough. The boys had a ride on a mechanical ride. It was called "Rescue-air, sea, land" Brandon thought the title was very important so he just had to have a ride with Bailey.

From there we travelled to a fruit and veggie shop to get some essentials- watermelon, strawberries, chocolate biscuits and grapes. By now it was very hot so once back in the car we turned up the air conditioner and cruised home. No-one slept. Once everyone was fed and Brandon had stuck about 200 stickers all over himself, his bed, his wall and his brother, the boys sat and watched some TV. That lasted about 2 minutes, just long enough for me to make a phone call to organise someone to put the trampoline together. I have enough sense to know when something is out of the realm of possibility. I know my strenghts and weaknesses. I also have the memory of having to put 2 kids bikes together 2 weeks ago. The memory is still fresh in my mind.

Daddy ran in the door and I went to work. By now the 2 boys were very tired so apparently they just stuck stickers everywhere. It only took about 10 minutes before both boys were snoring. Hopefully there is some stickers left for tomorrow so they can concentrate again while I attempt to make phone calls or clean up the destruction left behind after breakfast.

Sleep, What's Sleep?

I live in a household with little people that aren't keen on sleeping. They never have. Maybe when they are 18 they might be keen to sleep. When Brandon was born he would only ever sleep for 40 minutes and then he would feed for 40 minutes and then go back and do it over and over again. I never slept, and very rarely did daddy sleep. So take today. It's a Sunday and daddy and I have to go back to work tomorrow so Sunday is a pretty special day. Yes we are always doing things, but it's just at a good flow. So when 2 boys decide (and I'm sure they discuss it together) not to sleep, the afternoon just goes down hill fast.

We did start the day with the boy's swimming lessons which they enjoyed. I spent the whole 1/2hr trying to enrol the kids for swimming lessons next year, as I was so cordially instructed to do by the swimming instructors. Daddy and I have decided to move their lessons to a Friday morning so that it frees up our weekend a bit. Yes it will be a juggle for me, but I have done it heaps of times so I know what to expect and how to eliminate (to a point) potential disasters.

We headed home with 2 boys wide awake. I even drove around for 20 minutes thinking that might encourage them to sleep. It didn't work. I had no other tricks to encourage sleep so daddy and I just went with it. I gave the boys a beautiful lunch which ended up all over the floor. Such a shame. They just have an aversion to eating a meal. They just can not and do not stay still so food ends up everywhere. After cleaning the floor again, daddy had a sleep and I took the boys outside to play. By now I could see the cracks appearing in Brandon. I thought we had another 15 minutes before he'd loose the plot from no sleep. I was wrong. It was 5 minutes. There was tears and screaming and things being thrown everywhere and that was just from Brandon. Bailey and I just watched, waited for a second for him to pause before he started screaming again, to quietly reassure him that everything was all right. It took awhile, but we got there.

Daddy emerged at the end to hear the screaming Brandon, and then I went and did some financial organising. Or maybe that was escaping from the 2 sleepless and exhausted boys.

No-one was interested in dinner, or maybe they were just too tired to open their mouths, although they still talked and talked and talked. So now both boys are finally asleep. I hope they stay there all night and wake up at about 7:30am tomorrow morning. I can at least dream. I'd settle for 6am. I know that one day daddy and I will get a chance to sleep. Maybe when the boys are off travelling the world, or buying their own houses to live in, daddy and I will get to go to the tropical island sanctuary that I dream about and just sleep.

"You Go To The Tip!"

This was the insult that Brandon flew my way when I had reprimanded him because he drew all over the black leather lounge with a yellow texta. The rest of the insult then followed as "You go to the tip nude mummy!" I had to walk away because I couldn't resist laughing. Brandon was so convinced that he had given me the ultimate in insults.

I was working by 7:30am this morning so I couldn't really tell you accurately what daddy and the 2 boys did. I do know that they all went food shopping and that it took them 2 1/2hours. Not a good sign, considering the shops are only 10minutes away. I know that daddy said it was the worst shopping experience he has ever had with the boys. Apparently Bailey cried the whole time. Luckily Brandon was a good boy and apparently helped daddy and Bailey. It wasn't until 1:30pm that I was blessed with the ability to see my lovely family. Bailey was asleep which sounds like it was the best place for him. Brandon just kept talking- doing what he does best.

Daddy went off to have a haircut while the 2 boys and I went outside and played. Brandon is almost flying on his bike now. He absolutely loves it. I love watching him on it and running after him on it. All 4 of us ventured down to the park at the end of our street this afternoon. The boys and daddy and I had a great time. Brandon rode his bike over and over again while Bailey ran and then rode his tricycle again and again. The boys did so well. I had visions of 2 boys being so incredibly tired that they would just fall in to bed saying "Mummy I love you so much and all I want to do is just go straight to sleep"  In reality they just kept going and going and going. I truly don't know when their batteries wear out. It took Bailey 1 and 1/2 hours to get to sleep which equates to 4 tubs of yoghurt, 1 fruit gel, 1 dorito chip and about 1 litre of water.

Finally daddy and I are actually putting our feet up. I'm having a glass of wine and daddy has had a beer. We are reflecting upon our lives and realising that things are all pretty great. Even though I have been relegated to the tip in Brandon's eyes, I am still thankful for our 2 beautiful healthy boys.

Faster, Faster, Faster!

This was Brandon's mantra as he went around and around and around the inside of the house today on his bike. He got faster and faster and much faster and a lot more confident. He was doing really well. It's amazing how quickly the improvement happened. Once he had finished riding his bike and Bailey had finally ceased doing his nudie runs we headed off to Art and Craft at Bunnings. Today the boys made a noughts and crosses game. Brandon was very serious all morning. He must have been tired because he didn't talk much and he wanted to wear a big Toy Story jacket all day even though it was very hot. He perked up by the afternoon.

From Bunnings we went off to the shops to finish off my Christmas shopping and to send some Santa photos to Nanny and Poppy C and Nanny and Poppy A. They should arrive early next week. The shops were packed so we whizzed around and did what we needed to do and then left. Neither boy slept today which was hard because all I wanted to do was sleep. So instead we played outside. Brandon rode his bike while little Bailey ran and then rode the tricycle over and over again. Daddy came home and then I rushed off to work. Once I finished work, the 2 boys eventually settled down enough to go to sleep. Sometimes it's nice not to go so fast.

The Hurricane Is Sleeping

Calm and quiet is how the world  is when hurricane Brandon is sleeping. It's so very peaceful. Brandon has a new Santa stake to put in the garden. He just had to have it in bed with him. He wouldn't sleep otherwise.

We went off to Karate this morning. It was Brandon's first time in his karate uniform and he loved it. Mind you I only finished sewing the hem up about 20 minutes before he needed to be wearing it. Nothing like a bit of last minute pressure. The boys weren't too interested in breakfast this morning. They get hungrier as the day progresses. Karate went good. The class was heaps smaller today so Brandon was a little more distracted by the 2 other little boys. From Karate we ventured home because we had left in such a rush. The house looked horrendous. I changed nappies and gathered food and off we went again.

We were on a mission to find a soccer bookshelf that we had haphazardly seen in a shop several weeks ago. Alas the shop had sold out. But we walked around and around that discount shop for a very long time looking at everything else that both boys suddenly had to have. We bought some Christmas decorations and then went and found a bakery for some morning tea. We found a nearby chair and ate our morning tea. Bailey is addicted to tomato sauce. He drinks sauce from the bottle. Today he ate all the tomato sauce and then a little bit of sausage roll. The boys had cupcakes and then we went for a little walk. We only went about 15 metres because it just didn't feel safe and I wanted us all to stay close to the shopping centre. Brandon was very understanding while I tried to explain about personal safety. Home we went.

Both boys slept and I did budgets and finance. Eventually I woke the 2 boys up and we all had lunch and played. We went outside and waited for daddy for what seemed like a very long time. Daddy arrived and the boys went crazy. The afternoon was spent playing outside, putting garbage bins out and bringing in and then putting another 4 loads of washing out. Bailey said the word "photo" today and Brandon actually slept, woke up, went to the toilet and then went back to sleep. Finally the 2 boys are both sleeping. Hurricane Brandon should sleep well and hopefully so should his little destructive partner in crime.

Cow And Duck Cupcakes

On our way to Kindy gym this morning Brandon decided he wanted to make cow and duck cupcakes.  I asked him where we would get a cow and a duck from and he told me the cow would come from the grass and the duck would come from a pond. I told him we would need a very big mixing bowl and a big spoon and he thought it was fantastic.

Kindy gym was great. The boys had a fantastic time. It had been awhile since we had last been because it just got so incredibly hard for me to manage. Now that both boys are a little older I thought we would give it a try. Both boys still go in opposite directions. I've come to realise that any activity we do with the boys always involves them going in opposite directions so I just have to learn how to divide myself in two. I'm getting there. The boys jumped and climbed and laughed and swung for an hour. It was great to see them so happy.

From there we drove to a fantastic park and as I was getting the stroller out it started raining. Jumping back in the car to wait for the rain to subside we ate morning tea. Then it started a torrential downpour. At that stage I knew we weren't going for a play so off home we went. Brandon by this stage was telling me that I really did have to find a cow and a duck for our cupcakes. I was thinking he was just having fun, but he was most insistent. Bailey had a sleep. Brandon was way too busy talking to even consider sleeping. Once home Brandon and I made banana and chocolate muffins before Bailey blessed us with his presence. The 2 boys and I went outside so that the boys could practice riding their new bikes. More great fun. Daddy came home which was fantastic. We all piled into daddy's Ute and went in to Target to pickup our Trampoline that we had taken off layby on Monday. Target are just hopeless. After waiting nearly 30minutes for someone to come to the back dock, and by now there was a big que of people waiting for pickups, we were told that out Trampoline was sitting in a shipping container in the car park. So they begrudgingly went and got it. Now I will never go shopping in Target again. I had already boycotted them but today just finalised it.

 Once home daddy and I hit the ground running, and I still had to work. But we got everything done, to a point. At least the boys are fed, cleaned and asleep.

Laybys Are Done.

As of today we only owe $1 dollar on a layby. Hooray! We have to leave a bit owing on the account apparently because the store's computer can't handle a zero amount. I'm not allowed to pick up my layby until the 1st Dec as it was a Christmas layby that I opened in the July toy sales. Riverting information to anyone who has just read those first few sentences

The 2 boys and I went to meet Santa at Myer today so that the boys could have their photo taken. When we got to Santa their camera wasn't working properly so the 3 of us had to wait for 1/2hr. Bailey ran through all the Christmas decoration display continuously and then proceeded to run over to the toy section. He must of remembered it from yesterday because he knew exactly where it was and he knew exactly where all the Thomas the Tank Engine toys were. Once I rounded the boys up we went to wait over by the Santa stand. Surely it wouldn't be that much longer.

Eventually the 2 boys had their chance to sit upon Santa's knees. They looked so handsome and gorgeous. I was really proud of them. Once I had collected our photos and then collected the children we all headed back to the car to continue our journey. We had to look at the photos first over and over again. Once in the car we drove to another shopping centre where I had my last layby. We also picked up the missing toy that had mysteriously disappeared out of a layby we had had at a Toyworld shop. It was back in my hands. I felt much better about it. Kmart beckoned and in we went. We paid our layby (except the $1.00) and out we went. Now the 2 boys and I actually just walked around the shops for a bit. 5 minutes later I was bored of that so outside we went.

We piled into the car and I thought as a special treat, because the boys had been so good, that we would stop at the lolly shop. Bad decision. We won't ever go there again. Let's just say that we walked out of there pretty quick. From the way the man behind the counter glared at me he looked very glad to see us go. So we left. Then we headed home. Both boys fell asleep again today which was fantastic. I raced around doing everything that I could possible fit in in the time of children sleeping.

The rest of the afternoon was spent outside playing and then I went to work and daddy and the 2 boys went back into the shops to top up on food. It was a good day-I achieved a lot of things on my to do list before Christmas.

Christmas Countdown

Nanny and poppy were heading home today so I thought I might tap into their ability to reign in 2 small children while in a shopping centre. I had a big list of chores that I wanted to achieve today and thanks to grandparents I pretty much achieved them. I made a few phone calls from home before we left for the shops for such things as organising a tradesman to fix a TV, and ringing a town planner about the potential of a block of land. Nanny and poppy managed to do some drawings with the boys to fend them away from me on the phone.

Off to the shop we went. The first thing we had to do was check the Po Box and then go to the bank to quickly work out the budget. From there we all walked up to BIG W where we piled the boys into a trolley and then headed over to the baby aisle. Being so close to Christmas I thought I'd stock up on bulk nappies and nappy wipes. The closer it gets to Christmas the less I want to be at the shops, so whatever I can do now to lesson my exposure later down the track the better and happier I'll be. From here we found 2 shirts for the boys. I'm planning to get some photos of the 2 boys with Santa soon and I thought they should at least have some fresh, clean looking clothes. With a trolley full of baby essentials and 2 smart looking shirts, we trundled up to the lay by section which just happens to be right in the middle of the toy section. While I collected our lay by, everyone else looked at toys. Poppy packed the trolley beautifully with 4 bags of  Christmas toys and all the boxes of baby stuff. Off we went to the self serve counter to purchase all our things.

Our trolley was very full now so I left the 2 boys with nanny and poppy playing at the little playground in the food court of the shops, while I dumped everything back into the boot of the car. Our trolley load was much lighter now. Regrouping with nanny and poppy and the 2 boys with a donut was great. A great treat. I left the boys and the grandparents playing again while I took a huge bag of library books back to the library. Another job done before Christmas. I was on a roll. Back to the family. Bailey had more battle scars upon my return. Sometimes I think that I should put a bike helmet on him and a big protective suit so that his little body doesn't get banged around so much. It doesn't help that his big brother is a contributing factor in Bailey's many mishaps. There's nothing supportive like a push in the back.

Up to Target we ventured, again to pay off another lay by. This one is a trampoline. Depending on how long it takes us to get it all put together will determine whether it's a Christmas present or not. Being too large an item to put in my humble car, I organised pickup for Wednesday when daddy would be around with his Ute. From the lay by department we went and grabbed a heap of batteries, especially to be used for my camera and  the toys that seem to constantly run out off batteries and puff all at the same time. Throughout this whole shopping experience Brandon has been wanting a Slinky toy (a dog character from Toy Story). As we had been unable to find it anywhere, nanny came up with a great solution- let's try Myer. I just never think of Myer. I don't know why but it never registers on my radar. It should because they have a huge toy section with all the toys regularly in stock, and best of all it's quiet and calm and there's often hardly anyone there. It almost sounds like my perfect holiday destination.We spent some time there looking at all the Thomas the Tank Engine toys and paraphernalia. A good time was had by all. On our departure, we saw a quiet Santa calmly sitting on his throne sipping his Boost Juice. Both boys said hello sort of and then we made plans to come back tomorrow and have some photos taken.. I like Myer Santa.

Homeward bound we came. Both boys fell asleep. It must have been nanny and poppy that wore them out! Our visitors packed all their belongings together and then we all had some lunch. The TV repair men came and so Bailey woke up, and then once the TV was fixed I thought I'd wake up Brandon because it was starting to get too late in the afternoon for sleep.

Everyone said their goodbyes to nanny and poppy and I drove them to the airport so they could catch their plane home. We all had a great time, and I certainly got some things done. After all we are on the countdown to Christmas. Yippee!!

Well Done Boys

Today I didn't take any photos. Sorry boys. I am not sure what happened there. This morning the boys had their swimming lessons. They did so unbelievably well. There was a few heart stopping moments with Brandon as his normal teacher wasn't there today and he had a huge burly instructor instead. His teacher certainly pushed Brandon out of his comfort zone. It was effective because Brandon did really well. Bailey was fantastic too. He enjoys the water so much. I can't wait until we get a pool at home.

From swimming we all came home in 2 cars. Bailey was the only 1 who had a sleep. Nanny and poppy went to the shops to get some things.  Meanwhile I made some dinner for tonight, put all the recycling bins out as well as the general rubbish and then did some washing. Once nanny and poppy arrived home daddy took both of the boys into the shops to grab some things that I hadn't written on the food list from yesterday's big shop. I stayed home and paid bills and got some things organised. Before I knew it daddy and the 2 boys were all home.

After dinner Brandon was super lucky enough to have poppy read him 3 books and put him to bed. Bailey just kept eating and eating. Eventually he realised that he could go to sleep.

Well done boys. Daddy and I are very proud of you both. You are both such great swimmers.You never give up, you just keep trying and trying.

Merry Christmas Santa!

We were all up early today to make sure that Brandon and Bailey got to have their breakfast with Santa. As I am not used to having anyone to help me with the boys while daddy is at work, it was very organised with nanny and poppy. We actually left home at 7:30am and arrived at the shops at 7:36am. The party didn't start until 8 am so we all went to check the PO Box and then we meandered back to the playground where all the little kids were eating with Santa. Nanny was ready to run once the doors opened. We wanted the best seat for the boys and ourselves. Nanny had smoke coming from her heels. She was off. We got the best spot though.

The breakfast started with a Christmas show which proceeded throughout the whole hour we were there. There was elves and Mrs Claus and a giant Gingerbread person, as well as Rudolf, before Santa arrived at the very end. Brandon had his face painted as a Dinosaur which he loved. Both boys also got balloons. Brandon's was a black sword and Bailey's was a pink poodle. Bailey didn't like his. Fair enough for a little boy who had no say in the matter.

After the departure of Santa the 2 boys ran off to play at the playground. And that's where we stayed for quite some time. Eventually we rounded the boys up and headed back to the car. I unpacked children and then threw the stroller back into the boot of the car and off we went again back into the shops. Nanny and poppy and Brandon and Bailey and myself then headed up to the supermarket to do our big food shop. It was very busy in the shops- already the Christmas hysteria has kicked in. Half way through the food shopping with both boys in the trolley Brandon lets us know he needed the toilet. So Brandon and nanny went off to deal with the situation. They made it back unscathed so I think all went well.

We headed home truly exhausted and everyone except poppy and daddy, who was still at work, slept. It was wonderful. The afternoon was spent playing outside. We all had a great day. Can't wait until Christmas!

Fun With The Family

Brandon, Bailey, Nanny, Poppy and myself all piled into the car this morning and headed off to the coast. Poppy had to return a camping light at a local business up there so I thought we'd make a day of it. We had heaps and heaps of things in the boot of the car. It's amazing what you need to pack with kids to cover all occasions and situations.

Poppy returned his light quite easily so we were on our way again. We headed over to a fantastic park right next to the beach. There was a pirate ship and a forte, swings,and all sorts of other play equipment. The 2 boys ran around, climbed, slid, dug and swung. Bailey spent most of the time on the swing with poppy pushing him and then again swinging with nanny pushing him. We attempted to have some lunch that i had prepared at home earlier this morning and packed in the Esky. Of course kids always run in the opposite direction than where you are going so it made for an interesting time.  Between the 3 adults we managed to eat some food. It may not have been together but we all ate some.

From here we decided to put the kids in their swimmers and venture down to the beach. Everyone had a great time. We all played in the water and then Brandon ran all the way up the hill and then ran all the way back down into the water. The boys were so very happy. It was great to see. I think the kids were a little tired from yesterday though. Eventually we all piled back into the car and headed home. The 2 boys spent the rest of the afternoon just taking it easy- walking around following nanny and poppy . I went to work for a little while and then planned on getting the boys into bed by about 6:30pm. By 8:30pm both boys were finally asleep. A bit later than anticipated but at least asleep. What a wonderful day!

Family Fun

Nanny and Poppy were arriving this morning and we were all very excited. I had managed to clean up a little last night and was hoping to continue it this morning, but when Brandon was awake at 5 am and Bailey about 10 minutes later, I knew my chances of an actual satisfactory clean would be limited. I still managed to mop the floor of the whole house. It's amazing what sheer determination can achieve. The boys sat in the hallway while I moped around them. The 2 boys and I had breakfast outside, on my assistance. I wasn't cleaning those floors only to have Bailey cover them in his breakfast. Luckily we did eat outside because 3 minutes into breakfast Bailey tipped his whole plate of toast and fruit salad and then his bowl of yoghurt all over the deck. He then told me he had finished his breaky and then when I got him down out of his seat he then ran straight over to the food on the deck and proceeded to eat it. Disgusting. Maybe if I was to serve his food on the floor it may just end up on his plate.

We headed off to Karate this morning. Today was the day Brandon was getting his Karate uniform. Of course it wasn't until the end of the lesson that we collected it but as soon as we got home Brandon put it on all by himself. At Karate Brandon learnt why he needs to always protect his chest by keeping his elbows in while having his fists up. Unfortunately I clobbered him in the head with a pool noodle while he was practicing ducking and then jumping back up. I felt so bad, luckily he reassured me it was only an accident, of which it was. Brandon also learnt why when he jumps up and down to always keep his feet apart a little so that when he lands on the ground he doesn't fall over and stays strong.

Once the class had finished we ducked into the bakery to get some nice bread for lunch and then we headed home in anticipation of nanny and poppy's arrival. The 2 boys and I played in Brandon's room, or should I say that I supervised the 2 boys as they threw dinosaurs at each other and then proceeded to jump off the end of Brandon's bed one after the other. Thankfully nanny and poppy arrived and we all raced out to see them. Hooray!

The rest of the day was spent with Brandon showing our visitors everything in our house including the food in our fridge. He was very excited. Poppy completed the 2 boys bikes so now I know they are safe for riding. Brandon had told me he was leaving his Karate clothes on until nanny and poppy saw them on him. Eventually he took them off. We all ventured outside to play and eventually Bailey fell asleep in the swing. I relocated him to his bed where he slept for only a little while.  Brandon stuck his frog stickers that had been a present  from nanny and poppy up in his playground. He was having a great time. We came inside and with Bailey now awake the 2 boys played with nanny and poppy up in Brandon's room and the toy room while daddy and I contemplated how good it would be if we actually lived near some family. But then we remembered we just can't do the freezing cold weather. I managed to even get some paperwork done. It was fantastic. Grandparents rock!

The boys started going their crazy crazy selves around dinner time and they didn't stop until they eventually flopped  asleep in their beds. Hopefully tomorrow it won't rain as I have some great plans for the day with the family.

Up And Running.

The 2 boys and I had a busy fun day. Once we finished hanging out washing I eventually managed to get the boys into the car which is no mean feat. From there we went to get petrol and so we all piled out and went in to pay. While at the service station, we discovered a brand new shop just about to open up exclusively for kids haircuts. Great. I'll book the boys in soon just for the experience. From the petrol station we then drove over to a chemist to get some swimming nappies for Bailey. After we had all piled out of the car again, we were advised that this chemist doesn't sell those nappies so back in we went.

By now we were getting hot. We kept driving and this time we drove to the tip. It was on our way to our finale destination-the pool. So I unloaded heaps of rubbish that we had accumulated and had packed in my car earlier. We saw lots of huge pieces of machinery. Bailey is obsessed with trucks and diggers and bobcats and anything big and working.  We drove through the tip to the tip face very slowly so that Bailey could have a nice long slow satisfied look. I think he got his machine and truck fix. As I was unpacking rubbish I heard Brandon talking a bit louder than normal and I thought I heard what he said but I questioned him because it sounded so odd. He said to me "What a good woman". I didn't know that he even knew what a woman was and I didn't know what he was referring to. It was cute and intriguing.

Once the car was somewhat lighter the 2 boys and I drove off to a chemist. We didn't find one but we did find a supermarket, so we all piled out. We meandered through the shop with Brandon telling me he needed to have a florist balloon to make him happy. I said that he didn't need a balloon to make him happy, but he asserted that yes if I wanted him to be happy he must have that particular balloon.  He left empty handed. We all piled back into the very hot car by now and drove over to the fruit and vegetable markets. We always spend a fortune here but we have a great time. By now it was very hot and the boys and I were getting quite hot and a teeny bit frustrated (that was just me), so we piled back into the car again and drove to the pool.

I had chosen a different pool to go to today as it had a much better kids play area. In fact this one today is huge and it's all fully fenced. We stayed there for many hours until the point where it felt like it was warmer in the water rather than out. Then I knew it was time to get out. Of course the 2 boys ended up with battle scars. Bailey fell over on the concrete and hit his head and grazed his cheek. He has a huge egg on his forehead again, and Brandon has a huge lump and bruise under his chin from not listening to me. This is how our conversation went.

"Brandon can you please walk up the steps and then slide down the slide? Don't walk up the slide."

 Brandon's response was- looking straight at me as he walked up the slide. Now this slide is actually in the water as are the steps for the slide, so there is already an element of danger involved. What happened just as I finished my warning- he fell down the slide from trying to walk up it, while hitting his chin and right check on the slide. Hence why he has a huge bruise and lump under his chin. And boy did he scream. Otherwise we all had a great time. Brandon and Bailey move on very quick if they hurt themselves. They certainly don't linger on pain. Once dressed the boys had some food and then we went over to get a bag of mixed lollies to share. We sat on the chairs and table to enjoy our feast. Luckily I had bought the esky because it was hot and I knew the boys would eat.

Bailey fell asleep in the car literally straight away, and nothing was going to wake him. Not even his big brother yelling at him  Luckily Brandon fell asleep too. Once home with the 2 boys in their beds I rushed around doing more washing and making phone calls and all the things I can never do with 2 children awake. But the I realised that I had better stop. In fact I just knew that I had to stop and so I did. I put my feet up and read my new property investment magazine.

I ended up waking both boys up as it was starting to get too late for them to be sleeping. As much as I love them I don't want to be up at 11pm with them. Been there. Done that. Not going there again. Aside from having the boys coincide a sleep during the day, the next best thing is having both boys sleep straight through the night. Brandon and Bailey had noodles and fruit for a very late lunch almost afternoon tea. Once the food hit their brains we were outside playing. When daddy arrived home and had refuelled himself, he took both boys off to the local supermarket to get some essentials like bread and milk, for our pantry. Obviously there was some extra things purchased because he came home with many bags of groceries. While daddy and the boys had been gone I hung out some more washing, put all the bins out, vacuumed the boys bedrooms and then cleaned a bathroom. By then I had to go to work.

Luckily it was an early night for me from work so I came out and daddy and I bathed the boys, played, read books and then tried to reign them in for bed. Mass hysteria. Eventually the boys went to sleep. I am looking forward to a new day tomorrow as we have visitors coming-nanny and poppy C. Hooray!! Let's hope they bring their running shoes! See you tomorrow.xxooxx

Red Jelly And Super Silly Boys

Today was a strange day. For some reason it just didn't flow, especially for myself and little Bailey. Bailey caused mischief all day. He is just in that super destructive stage. He tears books and anything paper, and has just realised how much fun it is to draw with crayons on the wall. Just as well daddy is a painter, not that he wants to be spending his spare time (ha ha ha) painting our house.

It took the boys and I a very long time to get out and about today. Little Bailey was awake at 5:30am this morning and as a result spent the rest of the day crying and whining, that is when he wasn't destroying our house. We ventured back in to the shops again to get a top up of nappies and nappy wipes. We bought bulk so that should last Bailey's bottom for awhile. We headed over to the Concierge desk at the shops and booked both the boys in for breakfast with Santa on Saturday. I had to order their little meals and pay my $7.00 per boy. Small investment for the joy of an adventure, especially one with Santa. We checked the PO Box and did banking and felt like we walked 100's of kilometres. We parked up the top of the shops again today because the 2 boys absolutely love going up the car park ramp and down the escalators in the shops. Small pleasures.

Both boys had a sleep today. Mind you I did drive around a bit hoping that Brandon would nod off. Success. They both slept for 2 hours. Yippee!! I made a lot of phone calls and booked in clients and got my clinic ready for clients for this afternoon. Then I did nothing. Normally I would race around jamming in as much as possible into the time where the boys slept, but today I did nothing. I actually sat on my bed, in the sunshine and trawled through property for sale on the computer. I found a few good options. Just have to check zoning and potential.

Both boys woke up within 30 seconds of each other  and they hit the ground running. We have made the decision not to go to sports coaching anymore. Well actually Brandon made the decision. He has mentioned not wanting to go for the past few weeks but he was adamant today that he didn't want to go anymore. When I finally got a reason from Brandon it was because he wants to do sports coaching outside. He just doesn't want to be inside. He had tried another sports coaching class a few weeks ago from a local business that I think is very new. I had rung the organiser to find out when it was starting and where it was being held, but she was still organising it all.

Once the little boys were up and running, we all had lunch and then I spent twice as long cleaning it all up. It still fascinates me how far a little person can throw so much food. We then headed outside to play and swing and run. We also went and checked out the veggie garden and see how much it had grown. It looks good with lots of very yummy food starting to appear. I can't wait to food is being produced on mass. Once daddy came home and had showered and refuelled ready for the onslaught of 2 little boys, I fare welled them all and went off to work.

When 6pm came and it sounded like the 2 boys were on pure sugar I knew daddy had his work cut out for him. Apparently they had had red jelly for dessert. No I have 2 boys that do not deal well at all with sugar. So for them to eat red jelly meant we were in trouble. The boys went crazy. In fact they went SUPER crazy.

Well I learnt today that both boys have to have the last word.  I also learnt that Daddy and I will never ever ever ever buy red jelly again!

Kindergarten Exploring

We met Brandon's Kindergarten teacher today. She is lovely. It was great for daddy to finally see the kindergarten too as he attended the teacher interview as well. We had completed all the piles of paper work required for today. It was all questions about what does Brandon like and dislike, what activities do we do as a family,what hours do mummy and daddy work,whether we give consent for photos to be taken, whether Brandon can go to the toilet on his own, and the question that I found the funniest (and the quickest ) to answer was does he sleep independently or need assistance? Well he just doesn't sleep. The 2 teachers looked a bit horrified when I told them that. They said that they don't make the kids sleep but they encourage it. Good luck!

From there we said goobye to daddy as he so very diligently went back to work. We headed into the shops to finalise some things.We parked up at the top car park because both boys love it when I drive up the ramp and then clunk my car over all the speed humps. They think it is hysterical.

 I have just fallen asleep again at the computer so it may be a short entry today. I hear my bed calling.

At the shops we said hello to Santa and I sang the Rudolph Christmas song. We went all over the place, including BIG W, Aldi, and every shop in between.

We did have a very interesting day, except I keep falling asleep right now in front of the computer, so I am going to just have to go to bed. That's it I can't keep my eyes open any longer. Bye

Children With Personality

The day just seemed to go on and on today. The 2 boys, daddy and I spent the morning at home before swimming lessons. The boys ran around chasing each other while letting blown up balloons go at each other so they would whizz past their heads.  Then of course the boys end up nude. A large portion of their day is spent with me trying to put pants back on the kids. They are just not interested. I still don't know what goes through their mind that makes them suddenly need to take all their clothes off and run and shriek at each other. It's truly fascinating.

It felt like we all did so much before we all headed off to swimming lessons. It was a very hot day today so the pool was the perfect place to be. Daddy got in with Bailey for his lesson while I walked Brandon over to his class. There is a really troublesome boy in Brandon's class so I'm hoping that he moves on to another class soon. I get very nervous when Brandon happens to be in the pool next to this big boy. He jumps into the pool all the time and holds on to other kids too while he does it. I think he might be in a different class next week. I hope so. He is way too distracting to the other kids and the teacher.
Brandon swam so far today. His teacher actually pushed him out of his boundaries a little this week which was great. Bailey is doing really well too. He is so strong and confident and listens really well and loves swimming with daddy.

Once the lessons finished I dressed both boys, which strangely enough takes almost just as long as the swimming lesson. The 2 boys had morning tea at the pool. Actually Brandon had morning tea, Bailey just threw ALL his food all over the pool ground. No chance it was coming back. The 2 boys are so fiercely independent. They must do everything for themselves. They must be able to choose the food they eat and quite commonly what they wear. It amazes me to think that if they are this fiercely determined now, imagine what they will be like when they are older.

When we got home, as no-one was sleeping and daddy and I were exhausted, we just stayed at home. We de-cluttered several rooms which is an exhilarating feeling. Certainly a better energy flow. We washed and folded and made beds and vacuumed and aired out things. You name it we did it. Of course we always had the 2 little boys there to undo what we had just cleaned, but eventually it all worked out well.

Daddy took the 2 boys outside for a play while I read through the inch thick paper work for Brandon's kindergarten. We have an interview there tomorrow to meet his teacher, and for daddy to see the centre. It will be great for Brandon to go there again to reintegrate the realty of next year for him. I know he'll have a great time. He makes friends very easily and is not a shy boy at all. Good on him. Hopefully he'll eventually let someone else have a go talking. He is so very animated with a very distinct personality. A real treasure.

The boys ate huge amounts of dinner which is always advisable for them, and I kept serving up fruit salad and yoghurt for dessert. Brandon is reading quite well and is learning all about letters and numbers and all sort of great things. He loves his books. We might try and get him another bookshelf tomorrow because he has so many book they are falling onto the ground. Bailey loves his books too. He also loves drawing. He actually manages to stay a little bit stiller  and just a bit longer than Brandon so the concept of him drawing is perfect for him.

They boys have just gone to sleep  so now we need to find work clothes, continue filling out forms, have dinner, clean the kitchen, move all toys that seem to mysteriously get stuffed into our bed, and then fall into bed ourselves. Goodnight.