Straight in the face. Water fountain at the Bay, Glenelg, SA.
Definitely a wet bottom!
Nanna, Laura, Papa and Tom.
Enjoying the freedom of the beach.
Friday 22 March 2013
Week 50 - 10.3.13 (2 weeks to go)
Another lovely week of beach visits and stressing about what is going to happen in 2 weeks.
On Monday, Mum and Dad came down to see us. Dad fixed the old bikes Jo had brought down from Renmark and Tom was in heaven. He has missed his bike incredibly and it was great to see him riding around. As it was raining, we spent the time at home under the verandah. My Auntie Helen also came over for a visit, so it was lovely to see her and hear all her news.
Tuesday was spent going to the playground, then going to the beach. We had a picnic at the playground and Tom rode his bike the entire way. He is really doing well, just lacks confidence and so he still relies heavily on the training wheels. We then went back to the beach in the afternoon for a swim with the girls. Laura is now really confident in the water also and is enjoying diving under the waves now as well.
We then went to the Aquatic Centre on Wednesday. The kids had a ball catching the bus and enjoyed several hours playing in the water. We also packed a picnic and had a lovely time. That night my Uncle Neil and his wife Linda brought dinner over. She is a fantastic cook and dinner was wonderful. Jo is lucky to have them living nearby. They have helped her out quite a bit since she moved to Adelaide.
On Thursday morning the kids were driving me crazy and so I made them some play dough. They had an absolute ball playing with it. That afternoon I had a Dermatologist appointment and we had to walk. We did get slightly lost and so walked around in circles. It was a hot day and Tom rode his bike. He is a little trooper. His face was so red by the time we got there and his little legs were exhausted when we finally got home.
Friday was a great day as my sister had the day off work and so I headed to Marion shopping centre by myself. I was able to get so much done and bought quite a few bits and pieces for myself. That afternoon we all went to the beach once the girls got home from school.
It has actually been really lovely heading to the beach at night with the girls after the kids are in bed. Nice to get some peace and quiet and try to relax for a few minutes. Plus it has been great spending some time with my beautiful nieces.
Jo and the kids left for Renmark Saturday morning. So the kids and I moved inside the house for the weekend. I had bought some paint for them and so they had a wonderful morning painting and making a mess. We then went down the beach for the afternoon. It was certainly a lot quieter without all 5 kids here at once. That night after I put the kids to bed, I sat and watched a movie. Oh how wonderful!
Mum and Dad came over today. The kids put on a real show of disobedience this morning and my parents were not impressed. I certainly was ashamed of their behaviour. Tom lately has still been really angry at me. He is struggling with not having his things in Zambia and being here has made it wors,e as he sees so much that he wants and does not understand why I will not get it for him. After lunch we headed down to the Bay. Mum, myself and the kids took the tram and dad decided to drive it. The kids had a nice play in the water fountain and we had a delicious ice cream whilst we walked the jetty. Mum and Dad then left and the kids and I headed back to the beach for a swim. Poor Tom got bitten by a jelly fish. Luckily I had taken vinegar to the beach as Sophie was bitten during the week, so I put some on his sting and we headed home.
There is still no contract and I cannot understand what is taking so long. Is this usual? I really should not have left Phil. I should be there for him.
On Monday, Mum and Dad came down to see us. Dad fixed the old bikes Jo had brought down from Renmark and Tom was in heaven. He has missed his bike incredibly and it was great to see him riding around. As it was raining, we spent the time at home under the verandah. My Auntie Helen also came over for a visit, so it was lovely to see her and hear all her news.
Tuesday was spent going to the playground, then going to the beach. We had a picnic at the playground and Tom rode his bike the entire way. He is really doing well, just lacks confidence and so he still relies heavily on the training wheels. We then went back to the beach in the afternoon for a swim with the girls. Laura is now really confident in the water also and is enjoying diving under the waves now as well.
We then went to the Aquatic Centre on Wednesday. The kids had a ball catching the bus and enjoyed several hours playing in the water. We also packed a picnic and had a lovely time. That night my Uncle Neil and his wife Linda brought dinner over. She is a fantastic cook and dinner was wonderful. Jo is lucky to have them living nearby. They have helped her out quite a bit since she moved to Adelaide.
On Thursday morning the kids were driving me crazy and so I made them some play dough. They had an absolute ball playing with it. That afternoon I had a Dermatologist appointment and we had to walk. We did get slightly lost and so walked around in circles. It was a hot day and Tom rode his bike. He is a little trooper. His face was so red by the time we got there and his little legs were exhausted when we finally got home.
Friday was a great day as my sister had the day off work and so I headed to Marion shopping centre by myself. I was able to get so much done and bought quite a few bits and pieces for myself. That afternoon we all went to the beach once the girls got home from school.
It has actually been really lovely heading to the beach at night with the girls after the kids are in bed. Nice to get some peace and quiet and try to relax for a few minutes. Plus it has been great spending some time with my beautiful nieces.
Jo and the kids left for Renmark Saturday morning. So the kids and I moved inside the house for the weekend. I had bought some paint for them and so they had a wonderful morning painting and making a mess. We then went down the beach for the afternoon. It was certainly a lot quieter without all 5 kids here at once. That night after I put the kids to bed, I sat and watched a movie. Oh how wonderful!
Mum and Dad came over today. The kids put on a real show of disobedience this morning and my parents were not impressed. I certainly was ashamed of their behaviour. Tom lately has still been really angry at me. He is struggling with not having his things in Zambia and being here has made it wors,e as he sees so much that he wants and does not understand why I will not get it for him. After lunch we headed down to the Bay. Mum, myself and the kids took the tram and dad decided to drive it. The kids had a nice play in the water fountain and we had a delicious ice cream whilst we walked the jetty. Mum and Dad then left and the kids and I headed back to the beach for a swim. Poor Tom got bitten by a jelly fish. Luckily I had taken vinegar to the beach as Sophie was bitten during the week, so I put some on his sting and we headed home.
There is still no contract and I cannot understand what is taking so long. Is this usual? I really should not have left Phil. I should be there for him.
Thursday 21 March 2013
Week 49 - Photos
Laura in one of my old costumes.
Tom and Jack. Tom is wearing one of Aunty Jo's old costumes.
Another of mine.
In the Harry Potter room, under the stairs.
On the Somerton Park beach.
Tom, Jack and Laura.
Look what we found!
Counting out the eggs.
Laura and Jasmine.
Bec, Kelli, Me and Uncle Dave.
Jacinta, Dameian, Nate, Tom and Laura
Brodie, Kelli and Jasmine.
Dameian, Nate, Jacinta and Bec.
Jackson, Chad and Christie.
Wednesday 20 March 2013
Week 49 - 3.3.13 (3 weeks to go)
A great week of beach fun and appointments.
The kids and I have spent a lot of time at the beach this week. We have gone down every day at least once if not more. We have had some rain and some cold moments, but that still has not stopped us from going. In fact, the cooler weather has meant that the water feels warmer and so we have been swimming anyway. I thought the kids would be a bit scared, as they are use to swimming pools, but they have taken to the beach like fish to water. Tom is now diving under the waves and having a ball in the water. Laura is still a bit hesitant, as it is very salty and both don't like the taste or feel of it in the eyes. I can't blame them, it is really bad.
I went and saw my rental property on Tuesday. It was very strange being back in the house after so long (nearly 7 years), but it still looks the same. The garden has suffered dramatically, and all of my beautiful plants that were under the verandah have gone. But you have to expect some changes after so long. Aunty Kaye also took us shopping and so I was able to pick up a couple of carseats for the kids and other needed items.
On Wednesday, we all had Doctor appointments. We were in there for ages sorting through all the issues of the last year. Laura was also given for 4 year old immunisiations and so was not too happy with that. We then spent the afternoon at the beach.
Thursday was a busy day. We went to KFC for lunch and then Tom had an Audiologist appointment to check his hearing. I felt that since his speech is not the best, we better get his hearing checked. My suspicions were correct, he is just lazy when he speaks and his hearing is fine! The kids then spent 2 1/2 hours playing at an indoor play park. We then needed to walk home. Tom was exhausted and so wanted to ride in the pram, but Laura was also tired as well. So, Tom went in the pram and Laura went on the shoulder's. So guess who was the most exhausted by the time we got back to my sisters house?
Friday was going to be a day of relaxation. The kids have been doing too much and are getting cranky and so we just wanted to crash around the house. However, Laura developed a reaction to one of her injections and so we were back at the doctors getting that sorted. Thankfully, all ok. He said the reaction meant she has a good immune system. Nice to know after all the problems of last year.
Jo got out our old calisthenic costumes. It was so cute seeing Laura in my old costumes, she looks as gorgeous as I did.
Easter bunny came on Saturday. I sent him a letter informing him that the kids would not be around for Easter in Lumwana and so he came early. It was wonderful and I thank him dearly. They enjoyed having a hunt in Auntie Jo's back yard and found lots of yummy eggs. Thanks EB!
On Sunday, we had some family over. It was great to see my Uncle Dave and cousins and their kids. Such a shame though that my dear Aunty Marg is no longer around. We remember her dearly.
My cousin Bec has 3 kids now and she is an amazing woman. All 3 are permanent foster and they are all beautiful children. She is a wonderful mother, working alone to raise these children and I cannot give her enough praise for the great work she is doing. I go crazy with 2 kids and a husband. She deserves a medal.
Kelli's kids have grown up so much. I had never met Brodie before and her 2 are just lovely.
That afternoon we went to Kelli's house, where I was able to meet my other cousins Chad partner and their son. A wonderful day of family. It had been far too long since we were all together.
I can't believe that in 3 weeks, Phil's contract will be over. We / he still has not been given a contract even though they have told him one is coming. I am so frustrated and stressed with it all as I don't know why things are taking so long. He either has a contract or not. Thank goodness I have the beach and Muscato! Lol......
The kids and I have spent a lot of time at the beach this week. We have gone down every day at least once if not more. We have had some rain and some cold moments, but that still has not stopped us from going. In fact, the cooler weather has meant that the water feels warmer and so we have been swimming anyway. I thought the kids would be a bit scared, as they are use to swimming pools, but they have taken to the beach like fish to water. Tom is now diving under the waves and having a ball in the water. Laura is still a bit hesitant, as it is very salty and both don't like the taste or feel of it in the eyes. I can't blame them, it is really bad.
I went and saw my rental property on Tuesday. It was very strange being back in the house after so long (nearly 7 years), but it still looks the same. The garden has suffered dramatically, and all of my beautiful plants that were under the verandah have gone. But you have to expect some changes after so long. Aunty Kaye also took us shopping and so I was able to pick up a couple of carseats for the kids and other needed items.
On Wednesday, we all had Doctor appointments. We were in there for ages sorting through all the issues of the last year. Laura was also given for 4 year old immunisiations and so was not too happy with that. We then spent the afternoon at the beach.
Thursday was a busy day. We went to KFC for lunch and then Tom had an Audiologist appointment to check his hearing. I felt that since his speech is not the best, we better get his hearing checked. My suspicions were correct, he is just lazy when he speaks and his hearing is fine! The kids then spent 2 1/2 hours playing at an indoor play park. We then needed to walk home. Tom was exhausted and so wanted to ride in the pram, but Laura was also tired as well. So, Tom went in the pram and Laura went on the shoulder's. So guess who was the most exhausted by the time we got back to my sisters house?
Friday was going to be a day of relaxation. The kids have been doing too much and are getting cranky and so we just wanted to crash around the house. However, Laura developed a reaction to one of her injections and so we were back at the doctors getting that sorted. Thankfully, all ok. He said the reaction meant she has a good immune system. Nice to know after all the problems of last year.
Jo got out our old calisthenic costumes. It was so cute seeing Laura in my old costumes, she looks as gorgeous as I did.
Easter bunny came on Saturday. I sent him a letter informing him that the kids would not be around for Easter in Lumwana and so he came early. It was wonderful and I thank him dearly. They enjoyed having a hunt in Auntie Jo's back yard and found lots of yummy eggs. Thanks EB!
On Sunday, we had some family over. It was great to see my Uncle Dave and cousins and their kids. Such a shame though that my dear Aunty Marg is no longer around. We remember her dearly.
My cousin Bec has 3 kids now and she is an amazing woman. All 3 are permanent foster and they are all beautiful children. She is a wonderful mother, working alone to raise these children and I cannot give her enough praise for the great work she is doing. I go crazy with 2 kids and a husband. She deserves a medal.
Kelli's kids have grown up so much. I had never met Brodie before and her 2 are just lovely.
That afternoon we went to Kelli's house, where I was able to meet my other cousins Chad partner and their son. A wonderful day of family. It had been far too long since we were all together.
I can't believe that in 3 weeks, Phil's contract will be over. We / he still has not been given a contract even though they have told him one is coming. I am so frustrated and stressed with it all as I don't know why things are taking so long. He either has a contract or not. Thank goodness I have the beach and Muscato! Lol......
Week 48 - Photos
Laura making a splash.
Tom going head first.
Fantastic play equipment.
Now that is a splash. Kids a bit scared of this.
My beautiful girl.
Tom playing on the cannon in Westbury.
My gorgous boy.
Laura, Tom and Mrs Killick, having a teddy bears picnic.
Riding on the Bobcat.
Tom and Laura, giving Grandad and Grandma a ride.
Beautiful photo.
Week 48 - 24.2.13 (4 weeks to go)
We have had a lovely, busy week.
On Monday, Grandma took us to the Aquatic centre. It was fantastic and the kids had a ball playing in the water. We left feeling like prunes after about 3 hours in the water!
On Tuesday, Grandma came with us to the Indoor Play centre where we spent several hours playing. The kids again had a great time using their imaginations as they played shop, babies and climbing and sliding over the equipment. It is great seeing them in these environments as I know they have missed their own toys and doing activities like this.
Wednesday we went shopping and stocked the kids up on clothes. It is a bit difficult to get summer clothes here in Australia, as the shops are getting in winter stock, but I managed to get some great bargins. I have forgotten how exhausting shopping can be, but also how much fun...Lol.
The kids finally had their first proper hair cut in a year! They certainly looked good after that. Can't wait to get mine done in Adelaide as I am looking very old (grey) and tired. That afternoon I had an appointment with our Financial Adviser and Grandma took the kids to the nearby park, where they played on the old train. Grandma can't believe how bossy Laura is and says she will make a great actress one day. Laura certainly loves to sing and perform and both the kids have wonderful imaginations when it comes to playing, and when they are not teasing and trying to kill each other.
The three of us had dental appointments on Friday. Thankfully, we are all ok. The Dentist could not believe that Tom's dead tooth is still in. She took an xray and it is barely hanging on. Hopefully it will last a bit longer as we don't need problems with his teeth, especially if we stay in Zambia. They were both a bit scared to begin with, but after seeing me have my teeth checked they both did well. That night we saw Aunty Kay, Uncle Roy and Mrs Killick for dinner. It really ha sbeen lovely catching up with Phil's family.
We have enjoyed a wonderful week here in Tassie. The weather has been a bit cold in the mornings and we are not use to that, so we have had to rug up at times. But most nights we have enjoyed dining outside for dinner and generally having a wonderful time with Grandma and Grandad.
The kids have had a great time playing and even got to ride on Grandad's Bobcat (even if it was turned off at the time). It has been wonderful to see them interacting so well with their grandparents.
We left Tassie on Saturday and arrived in Adelaide late afternoon. It was sad to go and I wished I could have stayed longer. I enjoy my inlaws company and will miss them dearly. My sister, Jo and niece Sophie picked us up from the airport. I cannot believe how the Adelaide airport has changed. It is huge, so very different from a few years ago.
On Sunday, my parents and Godmother Kaye, came down to have lunch with us. It was wonderful to see them again and catch up.
So as I said, overall a busy week.
Phil does not have a new contract as yet......He assures me one is coming. I hope so. I don't like the idea of being homeless and jobless with 2 kids in 4 weeks!
On Monday, Grandma took us to the Aquatic centre. It was fantastic and the kids had a ball playing in the water. We left feeling like prunes after about 3 hours in the water!
On Tuesday, Grandma came with us to the Indoor Play centre where we spent several hours playing. The kids again had a great time using their imaginations as they played shop, babies and climbing and sliding over the equipment. It is great seeing them in these environments as I know they have missed their own toys and doing activities like this.
Wednesday we went shopping and stocked the kids up on clothes. It is a bit difficult to get summer clothes here in Australia, as the shops are getting in winter stock, but I managed to get some great bargins. I have forgotten how exhausting shopping can be, but also how much fun...Lol.
The kids finally had their first proper hair cut in a year! They certainly looked good after that. Can't wait to get mine done in Adelaide as I am looking very old (grey) and tired. That afternoon I had an appointment with our Financial Adviser and Grandma took the kids to the nearby park, where they played on the old train. Grandma can't believe how bossy Laura is and says she will make a great actress one day. Laura certainly loves to sing and perform and both the kids have wonderful imaginations when it comes to playing, and when they are not teasing and trying to kill each other.
The three of us had dental appointments on Friday. Thankfully, we are all ok. The Dentist could not believe that Tom's dead tooth is still in. She took an xray and it is barely hanging on. Hopefully it will last a bit longer as we don't need problems with his teeth, especially if we stay in Zambia. They were both a bit scared to begin with, but after seeing me have my teeth checked they both did well. That night we saw Aunty Kay, Uncle Roy and Mrs Killick for dinner. It really ha sbeen lovely catching up with Phil's family.
We have enjoyed a wonderful week here in Tassie. The weather has been a bit cold in the mornings and we are not use to that, so we have had to rug up at times. But most nights we have enjoyed dining outside for dinner and generally having a wonderful time with Grandma and Grandad.
The kids have had a great time playing and even got to ride on Grandad's Bobcat (even if it was turned off at the time). It has been wonderful to see them interacting so well with their grandparents.
We left Tassie on Saturday and arrived in Adelaide late afternoon. It was sad to go and I wished I could have stayed longer. I enjoy my inlaws company and will miss them dearly. My sister, Jo and niece Sophie picked us up from the airport. I cannot believe how the Adelaide airport has changed. It is huge, so very different from a few years ago.
On Sunday, my parents and Godmother Kaye, came down to have lunch with us. It was wonderful to see them again and catch up.
So as I said, overall a busy week.
Phil does not have a new contract as yet......He assures me one is coming. I hope so. I don't like the idea of being homeless and jobless with 2 kids in 4 weeks!
Week 47 - Photos
Ready for bed?
I could get use to travelling like this!
Grandad teaching Tom to play Croquet.
Laura's turn.
Grandma lending a hand.
Laura and Tom with Aunty Kay and Uncle Roy in Tassie.
Week 47 - 17.2.13 (5 weeks to go)
Wow. I am now in Tasmania!
On Monday I went to Manyama to get a couple of souvenir's, but could not find what I was after. That evening I had an e-mail saying the kids and I were booked on a flight that was to leave the next morning! What the? Nothing like a bit of notice. I contacted them and said that was impossible, I needed at least 24 hours notice and so we were booked in to fly on the Wednesday instead.
Thus, Tuesday was a mad rush and panic. Laura and I went to Solwezi to finish getting our gifts and then it was home to pack. Just as well we have such little clothing as it did not take long. Plus I new I could shop in Australia for anything we needed.
Wednesday we left. Phil dropped us at the bus stop on site and we were off. We flew from Solwezi to Lusaka, then to Johannesburg, then to Sydney, then to Melbourne and finally arrived in Launceston on Thursday evening. We were exhausted, or more so I was as the kids had a great sleep on the plane. I made sure we flew Premium Economy for the long haul flight and it was the best thing. We got on the plane at about 6pm Wednesday night and as the kids had been travelling all day were exhausted. So I reclined their seats all the way, cleaned their teeth and tucked them in. Tom woke up an hour before we were due to land and Laura was forced to wake up on landing. She had a little help to have such a peaceful sleep, as she awoke only after 3 hours sleep and wanted to play. So the flight went really quick. We then transferred to Melbourne and then finally Launceston. Where it was basically time for bed again, due to the time distance.
I have to say the kids did great. I was really impressed. I did threaten to leave them in a couple of airports if they did not behave, but I was really thankful for their good behaviour. It made my trip a lot easier. Not too sure how we'll go on the way home as it is a day flight and about 16 hours at that!!!!! The kids love travelators and escalators, so spent a bit of time riding them, whilst waiting to board the plane
Being in Tassie is great. The kids seem to be enjoying being with Grandma and Grandad, and they are learning how to play Croquet. We also caught up with Uncle Roy and Auntie Kay today.
I went into Woolworths for the first time in 10 months and my gosh. The food!!!!! Everything was clean, not covered in the perpetual red / brown dust of Lumwana and the variety was incredible. I could have loaded up 2 trolley's with food that we have not eaten in these last months away in Zambia. The banana's are the most amazing as they are beautiful and yellow, not the over ripe brown we get on site. It sure makes you appreciate how lucky we are in Australia, so many people take things for granted. Africa has really taught me how we are able to live without a lot of things that we consider necessary in our lives. We really do clutter our lives and our houses with 'things', that we just have to have!
I am looking forward to the next week here.
Still no contract................
On Monday I went to Manyama to get a couple of souvenir's, but could not find what I was after. That evening I had an e-mail saying the kids and I were booked on a flight that was to leave the next morning! What the? Nothing like a bit of notice. I contacted them and said that was impossible, I needed at least 24 hours notice and so we were booked in to fly on the Wednesday instead.
Thus, Tuesday was a mad rush and panic. Laura and I went to Solwezi to finish getting our gifts and then it was home to pack. Just as well we have such little clothing as it did not take long. Plus I new I could shop in Australia for anything we needed.
Wednesday we left. Phil dropped us at the bus stop on site and we were off. We flew from Solwezi to Lusaka, then to Johannesburg, then to Sydney, then to Melbourne and finally arrived in Launceston on Thursday evening. We were exhausted, or more so I was as the kids had a great sleep on the plane. I made sure we flew Premium Economy for the long haul flight and it was the best thing. We got on the plane at about 6pm Wednesday night and as the kids had been travelling all day were exhausted. So I reclined their seats all the way, cleaned their teeth and tucked them in. Tom woke up an hour before we were due to land and Laura was forced to wake up on landing. She had a little help to have such a peaceful sleep, as she awoke only after 3 hours sleep and wanted to play. So the flight went really quick. We then transferred to Melbourne and then finally Launceston. Where it was basically time for bed again, due to the time distance.
I have to say the kids did great. I was really impressed. I did threaten to leave them in a couple of airports if they did not behave, but I was really thankful for their good behaviour. It made my trip a lot easier. Not too sure how we'll go on the way home as it is a day flight and about 16 hours at that!!!!! The kids love travelators and escalators, so spent a bit of time riding them, whilst waiting to board the plane
Being in Tassie is great. The kids seem to be enjoying being with Grandma and Grandad, and they are learning how to play Croquet. We also caught up with Uncle Roy and Auntie Kay today.
I went into Woolworths for the first time in 10 months and my gosh. The food!!!!! Everything was clean, not covered in the perpetual red / brown dust of Lumwana and the variety was incredible. I could have loaded up 2 trolley's with food that we have not eaten in these last months away in Zambia. The banana's are the most amazing as they are beautiful and yellow, not the over ripe brown we get on site. It sure makes you appreciate how lucky we are in Australia, so many people take things for granted. Africa has really taught me how we are able to live without a lot of things that we consider necessary in our lives. We really do clutter our lives and our houses with 'things', that we just have to have!
I am looking forward to the next week here.
Still no contract................
Week 46 - Photos
 |
| Very, very wet! |
Laura making a splash.
 |
| Can Tom make a bigger splash? |
Cake made for a friends husband. Guess who he supports?
A last minute cake, but a pretty one.
The kids.
Sitting: Ella, Sonja, Henry, Dandre, Janni and Donny
Standing: Laura, Ethan, Tom, Andrew, Darshell, Janelle
The girls.
Aunt Sally, Yolandi, Michelle and Brenda
Monday 18 March 2013
Week 46 - 10.2.13 (6 weeks to go)
We finally have our passports and we are in the process of finding out when we can go home. I do not think it is the best time now to leave, as Phil does not have a contract or anything else organised. He however, wants me to take the kids home so that his family can see and spend time with them. I really believe my place is with him helping him to sort through this mess everything has become here.
I am now waiting to find out about flights and we will wait and see what happens here.
Is it the best time for me to leave? We will soon find out.
No contract sighted yet...........Not even seen.
I am now waiting to find out about flights and we will wait and see what happens here.
Is it the best time for me to leave? We will soon find out.
No contract sighted yet...........Not even seen.
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