Hi there… It’s Me and Mister C…

Well, hello… Happy days are here again with the easing of most restrictions, now that the nation has reached over eighty percent double vaccinations and almost ninety percent first vaccination rates (well done all!). It is pleasing to see more families and communities getting out and about together; it has been sunny and warm (yay!) and nice for a drive or a quick getaway for most people. Here’s to no more restrictions (and itchy masks) very soon…

I was lucky enough to have been invited down to a dear friend’s place in ACT the week before, for a delicious luncheon to celebrate his mother’s special birthday. I drove down with Flossy (Widy had to work and Mister C was going to his friend’s Halloween party later that day), and we both thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my dear friends, who we hadn’t see for over six months or so (too long indeed). We both had forgotten how good for the soul it really was spending quality time together, relaxing and chatting about life and all the events we had all missed while in ‘lockdown’ (thanks so much B.J, M & M- love you guys!). It was lovely to see Flossy relax too, on the way home she whispered, “Thanks for bringing me, Mum. I really had fun and I even liked chatting with everyone too” (is still a bit shy). Of course, we stopped at ‘Maccas’ near ‘IKEA’ on the way home (we didn’t stop in as the store was closed), Flossy wanted a frozen drink and a cheeseburger (I grabbed a yum toastie). It was nice to spend time with Flossy and chat about girl stuff, while also get a little break from home and never-ending chores…

Halloween was on last Sunday (31st October) … Mister C had been invited to one of his friend’s places for a Halloween party on Saturday evening (thanks heaps E & K.F!) He was super excited about going and had spent quite a while working out his most Halloween-ish outfit to wear. As I went to ACT that day, Husband was able to drop Mister C off to the party and I offered to collect him later at about nine pm. I took a wrong turn and it was very dark (back roads with minimal lighting) and finally arrive d to pick up Mister C. It certainly was a happening party, with many individuals dressed in all kinds of ghoulish outfits. I recognised Mister C, but he ran off back in to the house! I had a feeling he didn’t want to go home, of which proved correct. Mister C stomped his foot and said, “I’m not coming home, Mummy. I want to stay here for the night!” He ran off and hid in his friend’s room. Feeling a little embarrassed at that point, I found Mister C and said, “We need to go home, my son; don’t worry, we have some fun things on tomorrow!” I took his hand and quickly lead him out to the car. I waved to the parents and helped Mister C in the car and jumped into the driver’s side. Unfortunately, Mister C had a meltdown in the car (at least it was not back at the house). I guess he was over-tired (and over excited) from all the party goings on. Being a late night, I did question whether Mister C should have attended (he hasn’t had many late parties or sleepovers by himself-yet); but he really wanted to go and I didn’t have the heart to say no (neither did Husband) and he hadn’t gone anywhere during ‘lockdown’. Mister C did also feel bad later about his meltdown and said he was sorry.

Wonderful news! I was able to finally complete all the illustrations (pages) for our fourth book end of last week (phew!). I have to say, it did take a lot out of me mentally and physically; my brain was tired and I had somewhat strained my neck muscles from leaning over my work desk for many (many) hours (thank goodness for massages being available again). Mister C came into my studio and rubbed my back (so sweet), “Wow, Mummy; you have worked so hard; your brain must be hurting so much. Let me rub it for you!”… So, Mister C proceeded to reach up and massage the top of my head for a few minutes; it did feel quite nice actually (thanks my son).

Let’s go back to 2020 (do we dare?). This blog will most likely be our second last (blog) from 2020 (fingers crossed!); I just wanted to let you know, it will have taken over one hundred and seven blogs (and stories) to get from March 2012 to November 2020 (my overall goal). I am hoping to do a full circle (the circle of life you- might say?) by Mister C’s ninth birthday, coming up soon on the 21st November (2021). We look forward to chatting about current stories and events from then on (phew!). It might be a bit less time consuming too- not that I don’t enjoy writing! So, let’s get right stuck into it then?…

Now early August, we were looking forward to some slightly warmer and brighter afternoons. Widy was excited to be turning the big sweet number sixteen- mid August. With the lockdown restrictions now eased at that time, we were able to have a small party for Widy; I took a friend each with the girls and met a couple of close friends as well at the local club (so nice). We had a lovely meal and I had arranged to bring a delicious ‘Malteser’ tall cake with us, as a little surprise for Widy to share for dessert (topped with sixteen candles of course). Husband kindly took Mister C for a sleep-over at Granny’s (thanks!) and a splash in the big spa (bubble) bath, that Mister C so enjoyed. Husband commented, “Widy had lovely birthday party with friend over and for Flossy company her friend too. Wife took all to the club and paid for everyone’s meals. To keep Mister C occupied, I took him overnight to Granny’s, just like the last time about three months ago; we had tacos and he had a very bubbly spa bath!” All Widy wanted for her birthday was to get her learner’s permit, so she could start learning to drive. I was dubious about the whole idea, but Widy had been insistent; assuring me she was ready to take the test! A week or so later, I took her down to the Service NSW shopfront and she sat the test, failing the first time. She asked to try again and I agreed; this time passing well (well done!). Now it was time to teach Widy to drive…

Over the past few months, Flossy had been struggling with her (well-meaning but pushy) piano teacher. Flossy had completed her grade one exam and did very well (well done!), in between fracturing her wrist a while ago, and around the same time. Unfortunately, I tried to speak to the teacher via email (only getting a rude email back mind you) and face to face, about Flossy’s unhappiness in the rush to get the next grade done (very) quickly. I tried to address the issues, but sadly we got nowhere. We had no choice but to pull the pin on the lessons, as Flossy was not getting much out of them and struggling with this teacher who was very bossy and (as Flossy told me) had very bad breath too… So, I chatted with Flossy about what she would like to do instead and she said, “Why don’t I try singing lessons at the Conservatorium instead?” It sounded like a plan. After chatting with Husband about our plans, I got in touch with the staff at the Conservatorium and luckily there was a vacant time on Friday afternoons with a great singing teacher- things were looking up (was meant to be!). Flossy was thrilled and I was relieved to not have to see the difficult piano teacher (ever) again. In my heart I had hoped Flossy would return to the piano or playing music, as she was (and still is) a very talented young musician and singer…

I was busy juggling my new nursing job and shifts (which I was really enjoying), while also trying to complete the next illustrations for our second children’s book (was a lot of work). Mister C had been more of a handful at home, while also being emotionally difficult when asked to do a task like showering. Unfortunately, he had been playing up at school again; I had a phone call from his teacher late one afternoon. The teacher was concerned about Mister C and another girl in his class showing each other affection (a kiss) in the playground. Of course, Husband and I were concerned about this type of behaviour between 7 year olds and it wasn’t age appropriate while at school either (more to that story). I later found out the girl had a ‘crush’ on Mister C (sending him little notes with love hearts and such). Husband and I quickly addressed the situation had a chat with Mister C; he realised it wasn’t good behaviour after all (what next really?). Husband commented, “Just like Flossy at seven years old, I love Mister C so much! I guess in a different kind of way, because he is a boy. We have a strong link too of course”…

A Word From Mister C…

Mister C and Dad were sitting on the lounge, reading one of Mister C’s school library books. Mister C loved Dad to read to him; I called out from the kitchen, “Dad already knows how to read, my son!” Mister C called back, “I know; I like dad doing it!” Dad began to read the first page, then Mister C read the second one, taking it in turns. Dad then began to read the next page using his silly ‘Avengers’ voice and substituted some funny words in into the storyline. “Stop, Dad. You’re being too silly!” Mister C cried. “You have to read the pages like a grown-up; no more silly voices, or I won’t hug you until next year!” … Dad replied, “Sorry, my son; I will act more like a salty codger from now on!” Both then laughed…  😄

Stay tuned…

For our last blog of 2020! Apologies for no blog last week ( I did try!). After all the extension and carport painting work and renos, by ten pm Tuesday night (I have to admit) I did give up! (not good, but sometimes we need to take a break). I am pleased to write, the painting work is nearly all completed (until another project-next year perhaps!?); we are also expecting our electrician friend to come up from ACT on Wednesday (oh that’s tomorrow- how exciting), so Widy will soon have power to her new room!… 👌

Our book event is coming up in just over two weeks; our fourth book is now at the printers (thanks-you) and I have made up some fun craft to do on both days with the families too. I will have all four books (fingers crossed for the fourth book to arrive in time- it should!) available to sell after each event days. We hope to see you there (if you’re local or in the area). Our books are also available online, checkout the blog site for more details… ❣