Hiya! It’s Mister C and Me…

Hi there… I have to say, I’ve been going a bit ‘batty’ these past few days; with not being able to go to the movies, get a (much needed) massage or even catch up with a group of friends (miss you all!). A bit sad too to mention, the family and I were meant to be on our overseas trip away this week; while also having to cancel one week of my annual leave. We keep on going (as Mister C says, “It’ll be alright, Mum.”); making the most of the time we have together; cooking, making things, playing games (doesn’t sound nearly as thrilling as swimming in the crystal-clear ocean- does it?!). Flossy happily reminded me, that it was Mother’s Day this Sunday. She had received some cash as a part of her birthday gifts during the week (thanks all!), and wanted to get me a gift too (was very sweet). Later, Flossy asked me what the perfect Mother’s Day would be? I replied with, “Lots of hugs my sweet girl, and a bit of a sleep in; is all I needed on Sunday!” Flossy smiled and said, “Well, I can do better than that, Mum; I will bring you brekky in bed!” Mister C then piped up, “I really don’t like this’ virus thing’, Mummy; with no virus here, we could have gone on our holiday, or even out to lunch.” … “I know”, I said meekly; “It’s hard staying home at present, but we all know why we have to do it. Things will get better, hopefully in the next few weeks, we could go ten-pin bowling again!”…

I wanted to send a big shout-out to all the Mums and Grandmothers everywhere; it is of course, Mother’s Day! It is a happy-sad one for me (and for a lot of people), particularly with not having loved ones with us (in Heaven) to celebrate with. I do find it hard to celebrate these events on a particular (designated) day; our (immediate) family share events and memories, whenever the special time arises. With the ‘virus thing’ (as Mister C says) still going on, we agreed to postpone our lunch outing for another special Sunday. Thanks Husband and our beautiful Widy, Flossy and Mister C; I loved the cuddles, gifts, pancakes, and the load of fire-wood (along with the help to stack it all too-thank-you!). If I had to choose, my favourite gift would be the beaded bracelet, with ‘love you’ on it from Mister C! (not forgetting you girls in anyway, either) …

Before we go back to 2015; I have to mention Mister C’s new loft bed (finally got finished- with husband doing the full once (check) over- as was high). A few nights back, Flossy and Mister C were both lying up on his loft bed, reading a funny book together. It took a couple of unsettled nights, for Mister C to adjust to his new way of sleeping (he loves it now!); it was very sweet hearing the giggles, and both read the stories together (thanks sweet Flossy). Earlier that day, the kids had made an awesome cubby house, with their soft blankets around the base of the loft (was good to see it being used!), and they both had fun. It’s moments like these, we should always cherish, particularly during these trying, ever changing times. I have to say, without my children around me these past weeks, I don’t think (mentally) I would be feeling as calm as (I am) and have been (thanks my beautiful ones)…

Yay! It’s now the end of 2015; welcome 2016, here we go!… As I mentioned in my last blog, we finally found a house to buy (that we all liked); our offer was accepted approximately two days before Christmas (a bit of a whirl wind time really!). We had already planned to do a small (fairly quiet) Christmas this year (don’t think we even put up the tree that year either- sorry kids!); as we had our much-anticipated family trip booked approximately three days straight after Chrissy. With all of late-night planning, saving and packing to be done, in such a short space of time; to then set sail on the ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ ship, was a big achievement. We were all super EXCITED; I guess more so, as it was a gift to all of us for getting through the past six more years of my Uni degree (yay! The main studying was over). We had planned the trip for several months, booking into lovely hotels and B&B’s along the way, from sunny North Tasmania in ‘Davenport’ (where the ship docked), to eerie ‘Port Arthur’ way down South. We had arranged to take our car and (all our) luggage across the ocean, for our road trip with the three kiddies (along with Mister Cs zany antics and some unfortunate three-year-old tantrums)…

Well, the day finally arrived. I recall, we had to get up very early (like 5 am) to finish packing the car; then drive all the way to Melbourne where the ‘Spirit’ ship was docked to leave. We stopped in Albury for lunch (I was driving that time), I did an illegal U-turn, past the lights to get a car-park, so we could run to the local toilet stop. A Police car (must have seen my bad move) pulled up next to our car, and the officer looked at me with distaste, then asked why I had parked there? I said sorry, I did not know Victorian road rules, as I was from NSW. The cop looked at me and said, “You are still in NSW, ma’am!” Blushing, I apologised and quickly moved the car, thankful for not getting a fine that day. Husband recalls, we had about one hundred km of petrol to go in the fuel tank; thinking we’d find a petrol station between Albury and Wangaratta, we didn’t stop earlier. Little did we know, there was no stop between these areas; we ended up having to turn off the highway, and find a dodgy petrol pump on a tiny main road in the middle of nowhere! Luckily, we made it in time to Melbourne (and the traffic wasn’t too crazy) to find the Port, just over six and half hours later; grabbed some Maccas tea and drove up onto the big ship (we were getting very excited now!) …

A word from Mister C…

At the dining table this morning at brekky-time, I asked Mister C what Mother’s Day meant to him. His reply was, “Well, Mummy; the day gives all Mums respect, a lot of hugs and a LOT of gifts. It happens on Sundays!” Nodding, I said, “So, is that every Sunday we get lots of hugs and gifts, then?” … “Yes, Mummy; but I think Daddy would get jealous from all your attention!”… “Yes, probably, my son! “I then went on to ask Mister C, what I meant to him (as a Mum); his reply was, “A lot of LOVE! You always give me big hugs and listen to me; MOST of the time!”…

Stay tuned…

For more Tassie tales, Mister C mayhem through 2016; my New Grad program goes well (but is tiring- working more days than before having children). We settle with our new property (finally); move mid-March (can we do it all again?); so many boxes-everywhere; then the kids want a puppy (oh, no! says Husband.) …

I have to make an add-it to the above blog… On Friday, Flossy’s wrist had a run in with Mister C’s elbow on the trampoline (the second incident through the week mind you); she had complained about it many times, of which I did inspect (hoping it might get better); but alas, no it became more painful and she couldn’t use her cutlery nor play the piano (grief!). As we know our job as a Mum never ends (even on Mother’s Day); so, I took her up to A&E this evening (thanks everyone including you T.M- you’re the best!) to have her wrist checked out. Pain relief and X-ray done, pending final results; most likely a ‘hair-line’ fracture and soft tissue damage. Flossy now bandaged up like a ‘bandage bear’, asleep with arm elevated on a pillow; we hope to get some sleep tonight…