Achilles Heel...

Master T is not motivated my money. Or privileges. Or boy toys.

It makes getting him to do things a little tricky. His sister on the other hand, can hear a 10 cent piece drop 100 meters away. No kidding. She can be bribed rewarded more easily.

Master T needs a more creative approach to teach him, to motivate him, to encourage him...

He has a weakness at the moment and as a parent I believe it is my duty to be aware of such Achilles tendons and use them nurture them along.

His weakness? Bear Grylls. We live and breathe him.

Now, Bear Grylls is touring. He is coming to Brisbane in October.

Guess who is doing their chores, homework, tidying up, taking out rubbish?

He wants to earn his pocket money to buy a ticket

I'm not complaining. So what if I remind him upon occasion to keep him on track? Again, it is my job to motivate......


Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Camp...

Master T came back from his school camp a few weeks ago full of beans. I thought that he would be exhausted but he said he was the first one to sleep. I bought him some sushi, made him have a bath and change into his pjs and though he would fall asleep on the couch within the hour.

Nope. At 10pm he was still going.

Camp ain't what it used to be...

Where was my tired, dirty boy? His biggest complain was that there wasn't very much food. They should be used to feeding Tweenies shouldn't they?

His feedback was interesting:
Apparently the Principal's hair was a mess in the night on the way to a toilet stop.
He was a bit outspoken about some of the kid's use of cutlery


Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Sort Of...

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The weekend went sort of to plan.

• Kid's to camp.
• Butterscotch cheesecake
• Toffee on top. (I lot undercooked, 1 lot burnt and one lot perfect)
• Out to lunch with parents
• Back to wash and straightened hair (by now it is raining- why bother really)
• Get picked up to go to dinner with friends (been pouring for hours- oh oh)
• Phone rings. Camp cancelled. Need to pick up kids from clubhouse
• Get lift back to my house. Pick up dry clothes for Master T as Miss T going to her friends
• Take Master T back to friends for dinner/dessert
• Get home at midnight
• Master T asleep in 1 minute
• Miss Ts alarm clock goes off at 5.30.... AM p noice!
• Farm Master T off to neighbours for the day
• Go to movie and lunch with some other friends
• Pick everyone up and then the washing starts...

Oh well. It sort of worked out like it should have...


Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Weekend

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Well, busy weekend here. Kids are off to scout camp and got dropped of before 7am. Pity about the rain. Oh well. It's character building I suppose...

Then it's just ME!!!

So, dinner with friends and I have volunteered to bring a... Butterscotch Cheesecake. Yum. Baked too. I'll make it, do a bit of housework then go out to lunch with my parents. Back, straighten the hair and out to dinner.

Then on Sunday, a movie with friends and then a movie 'Red Dog', lunch and just in time to pick up kids.
Send them to the shower for a scrub, scrub, scrub... Early dinner then r-e-l-a-x....

Sound good?

Yep. I think so...



Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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A Little TLC...

Hi All

Jane needs a little TLC at the moment and some positive energy sent her way.



Ciao for now......





Just Martha

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Simplicity...

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Isn't this lovely? Gorgeous chair, nice floor, heavenly window...


Simple.





Ciao for now...


 

Security...

Hmmm. Do you check the doors? Do you check the windows? I do. But. I try not to be obsessed. I try to just do it as part of my routine. With the SF away, i try not to get too carried away with hearing every noise, worrying about every 'what if' or 'what was that'. I have a bit of an anxiety state that I keep I control so I am aware that I don't need to be checking and re-checking over and over, shaking and rattling to convince my inner self that all is okay.

However. There is one thing that I don't factor in to my everyday routine.

Teenagers.

They are an interesting breed aren't they? Teenagers who leave the door open just a little. Teenagers who just don't quite shut the door. Teenagers who just shrug when accused of the crime. Despite the evidence of the door... Wide open... Swinging in the wind........ ALL NIGHT!

Gees Louise!!!!

Now I'm thinking....... What if?


Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Things I Know...

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I think I am a little overdue for this post as writing stuff down helps me to think clearly. So, these are the things I know:

• A snuggle on the couch with my little man is bliss. We seem to fit together just right.
• I am in love with chai latte at the moment. Sorry hips
• I feel so much better when my hair behaves itself. Do you?
• Sometimes I have a little hole in my heart where my happiness slowly drips out. Not sure why. Does that happen to you?
• Fresh sheets bring me joy. Simple but true
• I have started Christmas shopping. It's not that far away really
• I am so excited to have finished my course. I have already read a book- guilt free!
• I heard back today that my assignments were 'a pleasure to read' and 'could I send a electronic copy to be used for teaching'. What the? How darn exciting!
• I read a book on the ipad and you know what? It really wasn't the same as the usual turn-the-page type of read. Oh well.
• The weather has been blustery and rainy and cold. Nice really
• The Silver Fox should be home soon for a few days. I think he is a bit lonely by himself
• Miss Teenie has read my blog and likes the way I 'interpret life'. Hmmm, is that good do you suppose? She is very pleased I changed her from a Tweenie to a Teenie. No problem
• The Ts are going camping this weekend so I get a night to myself. I hope the weather clears a bit for them. Camping in this weather is beyond character building
• I am determined to have my yearly weekend away with my sister this year in October/November even if the SF is away. Our last yearly one was in 2007. Not good enough really is it?

I think that is enough for now. Life is good and I can hear Grand Designs calling me


Ciao for Now



just Martha

Incensed...

I had taken the kiddies to a fast food restaurant for a quick meal (!) after Scouts and had an opportunity to witness first hand the superficiality that is alive and well today.

Okay, to set the scene, we were waiting for our food when a man came returning his cup of tea. He was very bereft that the tea was cold. He was 'so disappointed', was 'terribly disappointed'. They offered to make him a new one but he was very keen to point out how 'upsetting' it was.

What the!!!!

I, on the other hand, was incensed. By the tea? By the injustice in his world?

No

No

No

By his view of the world. By his morals and his norms. His standards.

I wanted, dearly, to shake him until his teeth rattled

In my world a cold cuppa does not deserve a mention. In the world I live in Norway deserves such a reaction, I empathize with Mr and Mrs Morcombe and their unwanted journey and feel upset that a helicopter ride can change so many lives.

I bit my lip and kept my opinions to myself. But, the kiddies knew by my scathing snort that I was peeved to say the least.

I mean really. Is he unique or am I out of line and judgmental?

Set me straight. Am I justified or just insensitive to the daily plights of others?



Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Moira Moira...

Have I told you about Moira and her gift? Moira was a friend of my Mum and was from 'the old country' (Scotland). Now Moira was a childhood friend and grew up with my Mum. She developed TB as a teenager and spent many years in a sanitarium. On the day she was finally released in good health, she announced she was getting married. Turns out she fell in love with someone's visitor. My Mum was bridesmaid and they continued to be friends long after my Mum moved to Australia.

Now Moira came out a few times to visit and was a very cool lady. I met her quite a few times over the years and she was strong, opinionated and very funny. Moira alway gave the same present to us. A car park whenever we needed one. Just ask.

So for many years now we have chanted "Moira, Moira, please give us a car park". You know what? Works like a dream. Every time. Even my niece and nephew when they were tiny would join in on the chant.

My present to you? Is a car park whenever you need one. I am passing on to you Moira's positive karma.


Just ask



Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Food Mood...

Miss T is learning about healthy eating at school and 'Sir' is teaching her the realities about the works of food and health. This is where I notice my influence slipping. Some wise Mummies told me that when they go to High School they are forever changed. I would have to agree with this. It isn't deadly obvious but kind of subliminal. Slowly as if by stealth her outside world is having more influence.

Now, this is the thing. I am involved in food. It is part of my job. I can read side panels on food products. I can tell you the carbohydrate, fat, sodium... I relate everything to a slice of bread. Okay, okay, maybe I am no fun to be around when I point out that a particular takeaway meals may have the fat content for 3 days worth of food. But. Now Miss T is learning the same thing with her lovely teacher. And she is listening. Thriving even. 'did you know...' she will say. 'really' I will say. 'imagine that'. See, I am a good Mummy. I could sprout on and on. But. Let's listen to Sir shall we?

I am currently drinking a chai latte prepared cuppa which equals 15 grams of carbohydrate. This equals 1 slice of bread. I wonder if Sir would agree?

Ciao for now......

Just Martha

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Then There were Two...

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 Master T is off to camp today for a few days so that just leaves Miss Teenie and I. I have planned a bit of Thai takeaway and a movie tonight and tomorrow she wants to do a bit of clothes shopping. she has organised to meet 3 friends and 'all the Mothers can have dinner together'. Sounds great as I l-o-v-e all the friend's's Mothers. Great bunch of gals. But. It won't work that way.

Why?

Because my plan is to give Miss T a certain amount of money and she can go off and spend it wisely. There is the problem. She won't be able to decide on what to buy/ what looks good/ needs more money. I know her. She took a drink bottle back once that she bought at Smiggle. Buyers Remorse big time. Despite doing her homework, cost effectiveness studies and the like. She can't make a decision. God love her. I wonder is it because I used to make all her decisions or that she just gets overwhelmed at the finality of a purchase?

Don't know

But....

One of my big time hobbies when I was really poor was to buy items from Myers. And take them back. Then buy something else. Then take it back. Not sure why. Spending the same money over and over? Buyers remorse? I lived in fear of being black-listed. Miss T was but a baby when this was my hobby. she couldn't possibly have known...

Hmmmm. Maybe there is more to this business of inherited traits that meets they eye. Maybe it goes further than blonde hair and blue eyes (which Miss T has a-n-d I will point out, neither her Dad nor myself do). Maybe there is something deeper.

Can one inherit shopping styles??

Will let you know how we go......



 Ciao for now...

 

Red...

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Daniel Morcombe has always featured in our lives as the boy who disappeared. For those readers unfamiliar with the story, Daniel was 13 when he disappeared from a bus stop. Gone. That was 8 years ago although it seems much longer. My children were 3 and 5 at the time and it struck fear into every parent's heart. Daniel was one of a twin.

Daniel has always been part of my family discussions about stranger-danger.  My children were convinced a stranger was someone who wore black and looked bad. If only it was so easy. There is a fine line between teaching awareness and simply frightening them silly. Now they seem to be focused on the thought that bad people drive white vans. Master T is very wary of white vans at the moment. I try to focus on that 'feeling' that something is not right. The feeling they get in their stomachs. I still worry when they are out of my sight.

They have someone in custody charged with Daniel's murder. I hope it is the right fellow a-n-d I desperately hope they can find Daniel and re-unite him with his family to rest at last. It is the right thing to do after all this time.

Ciao for now...

 

To Run One's Legs Off...

He worked so very hard

This is my little man who is a cute USB stick. Apart from posting in my tasks he has helped my to finish my course.... finally!!!

He looks like he worked very hard doesn't he?

He did. A-n-d he is still smiling. 

What a trooper.

Now I can get back to reading, craft, TV..... it has been a while. Totally missed The Block and other such compulsories. Shame. But, now it is done.

I'm back....

 Ciao for now...




 

Sunday...

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Nice weekend. Family, bit of rock climbing near the beach.... Master T going to camp this week so already packed. Miss T and I will have a date while he is away.

Now a nice cup of tea while Master T starts off the shower routine. 

Dinner already made

A nicely organized Sunday

 Ciao for now...



 

Weekend...

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Oh, I need one of these this morning. Miss T spent the night at a friends place but her alarm clock was trusty as even to awaken her at 6am. Then a phone call to say she needed her soccer shorts and her shin pads. Couldn't find those. I resisted from reminding her that if they were just put back where they..... not the time. See, I'm learning to be a mummy of a teenager.

Master T was up at 6.30 am. Typical. I need to drag him out each school day but come the weekend.... tada!! Go figure. Might tell hime every morning it is Saturday. Hehe. see if that works.

Busy weekend, gymnastics, sushi, coffee with a friend, family..... ahhh, sheer bliss.

Have already done two loads of washing! Go me!! 

Also I just filled out my census on line. Hmmm, why does a part of me think conspiracy, think increased tax, think 'way too much information'? Am I just getting old? and suspicious?

Maybe suspicious. Never old....

Have a great weekend





 Ciao for now...


 

just Water...

The SF checking the floor space. Sorry, no Jason (Sows Ear) shirtless shot. It IS Winter after all.s

When the Silver Fox was coming last week I had to tell him that we had a water leak from the laundry chute to the laundry below. Oh, it wasn't a flood. Goodness knows we had one of those! (see here for more details) But it was enough for me to accuse the Miss and Master T of chucking wet clothes down the chute. Nope. It turned out to be a water leak. Now the SF built our home so I gave him enough time to think about what was happening and in that week or so the Ts used my bathroom.I did stress him out mind but he has a very good problem solving mind so i wanted to give him some time to think.

When the SF got home it was up the ladder for him and a perusal of the floor space. As luck would have it, it was just some debris washed out by the 'great flood'. Phew!! By resiting it for a week everything was able to dry out. Could have been really big though couldn't it. Luckily a bit of a clean and whala.. job done.

I learned (or is it learnt?) something about myself when the 'great flood' happened. Master T was so terrified that I was cool as a cucumber and we cleaned up together. But. Here is the thing. If he leaves a towel on the bed or floor, there is hell to pay. I'm not sure if I am the only one who does this but I think it was because he was so upset where he doesn't really give a hoot about a wet towel. Yeh, that's it. Either that or I'm losing my mind. Could go either way really...

 Ciao for now...



 

just Back...

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Aaah.

Very good for the soul. A little bit of family.

And yes.

I got the lamb roast I was salivating after. Cooked just for me. By my heavenly brother in law. He is good to me. I was grateful let me tell you.

I was smothered by my niece and nephew. Hugs, kisses, stories galore...

I stayed the night and was awoken by a face at the door in the morning. My sister. So we nattered away for a while in our pyjamas. Like we used to do.

My brother-in-law and I dropped the kiddies off to school and then he drove my back to my conference.

The Silver Fox had come home on Friday night and we spent the weekend together. I can't tell you how divine it was to be away and knowing all was great in my home. Master T said he and his Dad fought a lot. He clarified by saying 'wrestled a lot'. Right. All was as it should be.

Oh, my conference was great too. But family was definitely the highlight.

So, feel free. Take a smile. I am giving them away for free. Take a couple if you wish...

 Ciao for now...

 

just Away...

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I'm boot-scooting off for a conference tomorrow and the Silver Fox has come home to play tag team with me. Back Tuesday night, he is away again Wednesday morning. Nice to see him though, even fleetingly. A-n-d I can go away and know that my babies are in very good hands. Bliss. I am spending the night at my heavenly sister's place with her and her lovely family. I have asked my brother in law if there is any change of a lamb roast. Hey, you never know!!!

Take care and I will catch up on all your news when I return...


 Ciao for now...

 

Man vs Boy...

This man features in our life at the moment. In a B-I-G way!! Master T is besotted. He is desperate for a flint of his own to start a fire easily. You can buy Bear Grylls stuff at a camping shop here. Hmmm. Not convinced that a small boy and an easy way to make fire really go together. Are you? Sounds like trouble. I remember my brother burning down the bush when we were growing up. The Silver Fox remembers burning down the bush too near his Nonna's house. Sounds like double trouble genes to me. So not happening my little friend.

Master T even got my herbology book out and was telling me which plants we could actually eat from around here. He tasted some dandelion leaves but apparently the roots are good too. Hmmm, not sure small boy should be eating such things. Are you? Sounds like more trouble to me. When the kids were little the local poison information line practically knew me by name. Sort of gives a girl a complex you know.

He asked me how high I thought my balcony was off the ground. Hmmm, you guessed it. Trouble. We have this water-tank bladder thingy under there and there would be trouble if that was unable to take the load of a small boy jumping from my balcony, let alone the impact on a couple of legs or a 11 year old spine!

It's not that I think Bear is a bad influence. I don't. It's just that I know boys don't really think of consequences too much. Mummies do. I don't want to wrap him in cotton wool but, hey, I don't need to be psychic to figure out this stuff.

Master T has been in Scouts for 8 months now and a-d-o-r-e-s it. He gets to do really cool things and is so into knots at the moment. He is due to go on a camp soon and he has volunteered to bring the first aid kit...... and a big knife.

Hmmm, hope he's not a bit psychic??

Ciao for now...




 

Don't Give a Fig...

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 Sometimes.......... I just don't give a fig!! Just putting it out there.........




 Ciao for now...


 

What Would McGuiver Do?...

I ask myself this question. Why? Well it is midnight. I am organising a Father's Day raffle for Scouts and need to hand out the tickets tomorrow. Easy enough. Except.  I am separating some raffle ticket books in smaller books of 20 and my stapler has just broken. I have just printed the cover sheets with all the prizes but have run out of ink. I can't find my staple-remover thingy to get the h-u-g-e staple out of the books of 100 tickets.

Hmmm. 

What would McGuiver do? 

Probably go to bed I would say. 

Night



 Ciao for now...

 

just Tulips...

My favorite flower is the Tulip. Here are some divine examples. They are all from a website of backgrounds. So very perfect. Enjoy..

Do you have a favourite flower? I love tulips because they are there own person. They mold themselves into their own arrangement. I like that.

Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Life is just Peachy....

In my family we have a code word. A code word for "something isn't right" for "I need to come home". It is a word that can be just slipped into conversation but doesn't sound out of place. The Tweenies use it on a variety of situations but never in jest. It implies trust, support, honesty and love. It is serious.

Sometimes if they are with my parents and my Mum is being difficult, I know to pick them up because we only use the word when help is needed. You might remember my Mum has dementia and sometimes having kids around upsets her equilibrium and sets her off. That's a perfect time for the "code word" to be used. We don't make a big deal and no one gets offended. It is what it is.

I am hoping that as the Tweenies get more independent they will have the confidence to use it if the situation doesn't feel right. I teach them to rely on that feeling in their stomach that tells them what is right and wrong.

Do you have a code word? The Ts chose "peaches" after one of the Iceage movies. Easy to slip in to conversations. "hey Mum can you buy some peaches when you shop?". I go and pick them up from wherever. We haven't used it very often but I do remind them upon occasion if they are having a sleep over or going to a party. I particularly envisage parties and drinking and driving when they are older. You never know.

Not sure what would happen if all they really wanted was peaches!

Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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