This week has been a real surprise as far as teaching goes. I have found 'hidden' talents in several children.
One little boy (not in my grade but working with me in a double class activity) comes from a family where intellectual disability is rife, Mum and Dad can't get him to school so he is often picked up by teachers and he is obviously disadvantaged financially. He is a very quiet boy, softly spoken but very pleasant. The other day he instantly solved a difficult number problem in his head and then clearly verbalised his thought processes. His written work is apparently displaying above average tendencies and he is gaining more and more confidence. Regular attendance is clearly suiting him down to the ground.
One of my little Grade 2 girls has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder and memory problems. You think she is 'away with the fairies' when all of a sudden she will join in with a money activity by telling the class that if we need nine 10 cent coins to make 90cents, then we can also use eighteen 5cent coins. I wish these 'hidden' talents would come out of hiding a bit more often!
Another little boy with very irregular attendance has had me fooled. His 'hidden' talent lies in the fact that he has lead me to believe that butter wouldn't melt in his mouth...until now!!
The other day he told me that he wouldn't be at school the next day as he had a dental appointment at 9.00. I then suggested that he could come back to school after that but he said that Mum had made an appointment to have his haircut after the dentist. But when talking to his Mum later that day she knew nothing about either of those appointments! I have since caught him out in several more lies.
And I thought I could pick them!!!
Friday 31 August 2012
Thursday 30 August 2012
Wednesday 29 August 2012
"DOWN"
Our little house is 'down' in a valley. It's a lovely little house with a good 'feel' about it! The only 'down' side is that telephone reception can be a bit poor at times.
Three times a week Sian drives 'down' to Berwick to attend her uni classes. She seems to be enjoying her course and the fact that uni is a part-time affair. She works hard though, and is often found in a 'head down, bottom up' pose in the study!
I'm finding it a bit harder to be 'down' on the floor with the kids at school these days! I can do it but my knee doesn't like it and my body groans and lets me know how unfit I am!! My own fault!!
I love that John now works just 'down' the street. He is close to home and I often nick 'down' to see him on my days off!
Get 'down'!!!
Three times a week Sian drives 'down' to Berwick to attend her uni classes. She seems to be enjoying her course and the fact that uni is a part-time affair. She works hard though, and is often found in a 'head down, bottom up' pose in the study!
I'm finding it a bit harder to be 'down' on the floor with the kids at school these days! I can do it but my knee doesn't like it and my body groans and lets me know how unfit I am!! My own fault!!
I love that John now works just 'down' the street. He is close to home and I often nick 'down' to see him on my days off!
Get 'down'!!!
Tuesday 28 August 2012
"CLOCK"
When Sian and Jake were little they used to hide the electric clocks in their bedrooms on Christmas Eve. Their theory was that if there was no time then Christmas was bound to come quicker. I didn't know about this until recently but I think it was a clever plan. Not only did it appear to them that Christmas came quicker but they couldn't suffer the interminable sleeplessness that comes from clock-watching!
When Jake was 2 or 3 we taught him to tell the time. He didn't ever seem to need much sleep and would wake at 5.30 or 6.00 every morning. This was a little early for us...especially after he had probably kept us awake half the night...so we taught him to recognise 7.30am. on the analogue clock. He was not allowed to come out of his room until that time. He could play quietly in his room but was not to come out. This worked really well!!
I couldn't ever believe that he was such a poor sleeper through the night, would wake early in the
morning AND did not have a daytime sleep!!
When Jake was 2 or 3 we taught him to tell the time. He didn't ever seem to need much sleep and would wake at 5.30 or 6.00 every morning. This was a little early for us...especially after he had probably kept us awake half the night...so we taught him to recognise 7.30am. on the analogue clock. He was not allowed to come out of his room until that time. He could play quietly in his room but was not to come out. This worked really well!!
I couldn't ever believe that he was such a poor sleeper through the night, would wake early in the
morning AND did not have a daytime sleep!!
Monday 27 August 2012
"TAP"
Lately I can turn the tears on and off like a tap.
I hate it! It's not me!! I've never been a sook and I have always hated losing control!
(That's the Primary school teacher coming out in me...we are all a little bit controlling!)
Some days the tap seems to drip. It's hard to turn off and it doesn't take much to pour uncontrollably.
But, there are a lot of days when the tap doesn't drip, it doesn't even turn on. The tap runs dry!
Those are the days when we all cope better.
One dripping tap in this household seems to let loose a barrage of dripping taps. It's not pleasant and we sometimes seem to be tiptoeing around each others' emotions.
I wish it wasn't that way but I can understand why it is! I sometimes think it would be just easier to let the emotions pour out and we would all learn to deal with it!! But, it's not that easy! No-one likes to see those we love hurting so its natural to try to appease the pain of those close to us!
We are doing well most days and all of us have become sponges ready to soak up the mess after the tap drips yet again!
I hate it! It's not me!! I've never been a sook and I have always hated losing control!
(That's the Primary school teacher coming out in me...we are all a little bit controlling!)
Some days the tap seems to drip. It's hard to turn off and it doesn't take much to pour uncontrollably.
But, there are a lot of days when the tap doesn't drip, it doesn't even turn on. The tap runs dry!
Those are the days when we all cope better.
One dripping tap in this household seems to let loose a barrage of dripping taps. It's not pleasant and we sometimes seem to be tiptoeing around each others' emotions.
I wish it wasn't that way but I can understand why it is! I sometimes think it would be just easier to let the emotions pour out and we would all learn to deal with it!! But, it's not that easy! No-one likes to see those we love hurting so its natural to try to appease the pain of those close to us!
We are doing well most days and all of us have become sponges ready to soak up the mess after the tap drips yet again!
Sunday 26 August 2012
"DREAM"
When I was much younger some of my dreams would come true.
I remember when my Mum was pregnant with her tenth child. I already had seven sisters and one brother but I had a dream that this new sibling would be a boy and that he would be born ten days after his due date. My dream came true but it was out by ten minutes. Sean was born ten minutes after midnight on the eleventh day past his due date!! Not bad.
I also had a dream about my Papa's death. He had been sick in hospital for quite a while but I still remember dreaming that he would pass away the following day...and he did!! It was probably expected but I recall feeling a little guilty that I had actually dreamed it.
My dreams are unwanted these days!
They are often quite vivid and bring back memories of a moment in my life that I never want to go through again!
Other people tell me about seeing Jake in their dreams and how great it is to see him.
I wish I could have those dreams!!
I remember when my Mum was pregnant with her tenth child. I already had seven sisters and one brother but I had a dream that this new sibling would be a boy and that he would be born ten days after his due date. My dream came true but it was out by ten minutes. Sean was born ten minutes after midnight on the eleventh day past his due date!! Not bad.
I also had a dream about my Papa's death. He had been sick in hospital for quite a while but I still remember dreaming that he would pass away the following day...and he did!! It was probably expected but I recall feeling a little guilty that I had actually dreamed it.
My dreams are unwanted these days!
They are often quite vivid and bring back memories of a moment in my life that I never want to go through again!
Other people tell me about seeing Jake in their dreams and how great it is to see him.
I wish I could have those dreams!!
Saturday 25 August 2012
"FRESH"
Mmmmm...'fresh' soup for dinner with warm dinner rolls.
Sometimes quick and easy is just as good
... and really yummy!
Sometimes quick and easy is just as good
... and really yummy!
Friday 24 August 2012
"PATH"
The path's a bit rocky at the moment! There's a few potholes here and there and the ride is quite bumpy!
How come other people seem to find the smoother route? Do they pay higher taxes? Do they line someone's palm with gold? Were they saints in a previous life? I know... there's a bit of self-pity creeping in lately!! But, sometimes it all just seems that my path is pretty rough!!
But...we'll get there!! I'm not sure where 'there' is yet but I think it will have smooth paths and sunny days and lots of smiles.
We have a little path in our ready-made garden which didn't ever go anywhere. It's a pretty garden but the addition of the water feature which my family gave to us on Jake's 21st birthday has really added to it's appeal. Now the little path has a purpose!
The water feature trickles through a series of bowls and is meant as a reminder of Jake's love of water. He loved sitting beside a river just listening or throwing a few rocks or dangling a line.
It's lovely!
How come other people seem to find the smoother route? Do they pay higher taxes? Do they line someone's palm with gold? Were they saints in a previous life? I know... there's a bit of self-pity creeping in lately!! But, sometimes it all just seems that my path is pretty rough!!
But...we'll get there!! I'm not sure where 'there' is yet but I think it will have smooth paths and sunny days and lots of smiles.
We have a little path in our ready-made garden which didn't ever go anywhere. It's a pretty garden but the addition of the water feature which my family gave to us on Jake's 21st birthday has really added to it's appeal. Now the little path has a purpose!
The water feature trickles through a series of bowls and is meant as a reminder of Jake's love of water. He loved sitting beside a river just listening or throwing a few rocks or dangling a line.
It's lovely!
Thursday 23 August 2012
"PAIR"
I think John and I are a good pair!! And then we made a good pair and then we made another good pair!!
First we produced a pair of beautiful twin boys. We named them Toby John and Nicholas Adam. They were identical! They were born on January 24th, 1989 by caesarean section and were full term. Toby weighed 6lb 12oz and Nicholas weighed 6lb 10oz. Good weights for twins!! Sadly, Nick was stillborn and Toby lived for only a day. There was never an explanation for their unexpected demise but, we got to hold our beautiful 'pair' of boys and we even got to say goodbye to little Toby!
Less than a year later we had Sian Ellen, our little ray of sunshine! She was followed 19 months later by her baby brother, Jacob Anton! As many people told us, "You have a 'pigeon pair'!" (Where does that term come from?)
We count ourselves lucky every day for the times we have had with our children and for the times we are still to have with our beautiful girl.
We may not have had long with our boys but we had smiles and we had laughter and we felt their presence in many ways. We felt the joy of knowing you have conceived a child. We felt the shock and overwhelming joy of knowing you are carrying two babies at once...a 'pair'!!We had twenty years of smiles and hugs and music and laughter with our Jake.
We look forward to a future with a daughter who is fun and unique and who has strength and wisdom beyond her years!
We are a lucky pair!!!
First we produced a pair of beautiful twin boys. We named them Toby John and Nicholas Adam. They were identical! They were born on January 24th, 1989 by caesarean section and were full term. Toby weighed 6lb 12oz and Nicholas weighed 6lb 10oz. Good weights for twins!! Sadly, Nick was stillborn and Toby lived for only a day. There was never an explanation for their unexpected demise but, we got to hold our beautiful 'pair' of boys and we even got to say goodbye to little Toby!
Less than a year later we had Sian Ellen, our little ray of sunshine! She was followed 19 months later by her baby brother, Jacob Anton! As many people told us, "You have a 'pigeon pair'!" (Where does that term come from?)
We count ourselves lucky every day for the times we have had with our children and for the times we are still to have with our beautiful girl.
We may not have had long with our boys but we had smiles and we had laughter and we felt their presence in many ways. We felt the joy of knowing you have conceived a child. We felt the shock and overwhelming joy of knowing you are carrying two babies at once...a 'pair'!!We had twenty years of smiles and hugs and music and laughter with our Jake.
We look forward to a future with a daughter who is fun and unique and who has strength and wisdom beyond her years!
We are a lucky pair!!!
Wednesday 22 August 2012
"HOME"
I love home!! I'm very much a 'home' body and would prefer to be home than anywhere else in the world!
The house we live in now became a 'home' in no time...it just felt right from the moment the three of us first looked at it with the intention of purchasing a new abode.
I think there are several things that make a house a 'home' and, with the exception of the first one, they may be different for everybody. I see the following as my priorities in making somewhere 'home':
The house we live in now became a 'home' in no time...it just felt right from the moment the three of us first looked at it with the intention of purchasing a new abode.
I think there are several things that make a house a 'home' and, with the exception of the first one, they may be different for everybody. I see the following as my priorities in making somewhere 'home':
- Family... doesn't really matter where it is as long as your family is there with you.
- Comfort... it has to 'feel' right.
- Light... I love a place with sunshine pouring through the windows, especially in the mornings.
- Cosiness... I prefer a place that has a cosy feel about it rather than big, open spaces.
- Lived-in... my 'home' will always have that 'lived-in' feel because I am not a fastidious housekeeper.
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS!!
Tuesday 21 August 2012
"COOL"
I remember thinking I was really 'cool' as a 19 year old when I owned a pair of high wedged sandals. And, do you know what? They would even be 'cool' right now!
It's funny how fashions do a complete circle. They are revamped a little but basically the same! Some of the shoes in the shops today are just what I was wearing 35 years ago!!
My Mum is 'cool' for a 75 year-old! She loves her iPad, is an avid Facebook user and manages to keep up with twin teenage boys and a little 3-year old grand daughter!
Today, the cool weather took a break and allowed the pre-Spring sunshine to strut it's stuff! That was 'cool'! I'm quite sure our cool weather isn't over yet though!
I definitely don't have a 'cool' body but I do enjoy having a little pool to 'cool' off in on the hot summer days!! The trees around the border of our property have all regained their leaves by then and privacy is assured. That's 'cool'!!
It's funny how fashions do a complete circle. They are revamped a little but basically the same! Some of the shoes in the shops today are just what I was wearing 35 years ago!!
My Mum is 'cool' for a 75 year-old! She loves her iPad, is an avid Facebook user and manages to keep up with twin teenage boys and a little 3-year old grand daughter!
Today, the cool weather took a break and allowed the pre-Spring sunshine to strut it's stuff! That was 'cool'! I'm quite sure our cool weather isn't over yet though!
I definitely don't have a 'cool' body but I do enjoy having a little pool to 'cool' off in on the hot summer days!! The trees around the border of our property have all regained their leaves by then and privacy is assured. That's 'cool'!!
Monday 20 August 2012
"TODAY"
Today is a Monday so I didn't have to go to work. The decision to return to work on only a part-time basis was probably the best decision I made after Jake's death. It just feels right to be doing a job I still love whilst allowing myself some time to spend with Sian (who is at uni so her hours are only part-time) and some time for me!! I love it!!
Today we went out to visit my Mum and Dad, I did a bit of pruning in the garden, I caught up on some housework and I did some research for work. But I did it all in my own time.
Yes, I earn less money but my priorities have changed. The money is not important!! My family is!!
Today we went out to visit my Mum and Dad, I did a bit of pruning in the garden, I caught up on some housework and I did some research for work. But I did it all in my own time.
Yes, I earn less money but my priorities have changed. The money is not important!! My family is!!
Sunday 19 August 2012
"HOLE"
I had thought of my grief or feeling of loss as a 'hole' in my heart. But there can be no hole when my love for my sons hasn't disappeared. My heart still holds all the love it ever did...its just that the love is not reciprocated.
I think that's one of the things I miss the most.
I'm very lucky that I have a beautiful daughter who gives as much love as she receives! I'm very lucky that I have a husband who cares as much about me as I care about him. But, my luck runs out when I can't receive as much love from my boys as I feel for them!
That's where the 'hole' is!
There's also a hole which is kind of like a fill-the-gap sentence activity which children are given at school. But instead of being able to put the correct answer in the 'hole' these spaces have to remain empty.
For example, I will never know what my first born sons would look like as adults. I will never know the joy of getting to know a daughter-in-law. I will never be the mother of the groom. I will never know the children of my sons.
These are the 'holes' that are in my life...but there are no 'holes' in my heart!! There never will be!!
I think that's one of the things I miss the most.
I'm very lucky that I have a beautiful daughter who gives as much love as she receives! I'm very lucky that I have a husband who cares as much about me as I care about him. But, my luck runs out when I can't receive as much love from my boys as I feel for them!
That's where the 'hole' is!
There's also a hole which is kind of like a fill-the-gap sentence activity which children are given at school. But instead of being able to put the correct answer in the 'hole' these spaces have to remain empty.
For example, I will never know what my first born sons would look like as adults. I will never know the joy of getting to know a daughter-in-law. I will never be the mother of the groom. I will never know the children of my sons.
These are the 'holes' that are in my life...but there are no 'holes' in my heart!! There never will be!!
Saturday 18 August 2012
"INSIDE"
I have a confession to make to some of my friends and family members.
If there have been times during the past 15 months when I have appeared distant and uncaring I apologise. I know that there have been times when you too have worries and concerns and have needed someone to lean on and to help shoulder your concerns. I am also aware that at times I have been less than helpful and it may have seemed that I couldn't care less.
I do care!
My family and my friends are my world and I hate seeing you upset. But, although I may always appear to be strong and capable there have been many times when I am barely holding it all together. During these times I am merely holding everything on the 'inside' and carefully choosing my battles so that my road is as smooth as possible. Otherwise, the bubble would burst and all that is on the 'inside' would come pouring out in a flurry of emotion. I can't do that to myself or to you!
But, it doesn't mean I want you to stop telling me your troubles or letting me know how you feel. I care...a lot! And I need you to keep me in the loop. It reminds me that the world hasn't stopped and that others need me as much as I need you!
Thank you all for being there when I need you...and for making me feel needed!!
If there have been times during the past 15 months when I have appeared distant and uncaring I apologise. I know that there have been times when you too have worries and concerns and have needed someone to lean on and to help shoulder your concerns. I am also aware that at times I have been less than helpful and it may have seemed that I couldn't care less.
I do care!
My family and my friends are my world and I hate seeing you upset. But, although I may always appear to be strong and capable there have been many times when I am barely holding it all together. During these times I am merely holding everything on the 'inside' and carefully choosing my battles so that my road is as smooth as possible. Otherwise, the bubble would burst and all that is on the 'inside' would come pouring out in a flurry of emotion. I can't do that to myself or to you!
But, it doesn't mean I want you to stop telling me your troubles or letting me know how you feel. I care...a lot! And I need you to keep me in the loop. It reminds me that the world hasn't stopped and that others need me as much as I need you!
Thank you all for being there when I need you...and for making me feel needed!!
Friday 17 August 2012
"FACES"
There are many faces associated with the union of John and I in marriage, which happened twenty-six years ago today.
We both had friends who have remained in our lives and who have become 'our' friends rather than 'my' friends or 'his' friends. But we have also made some good friends together.
Through the loss of our beautiful twin boys we have met Peter and Pauline. They have become firm friends and share an empathy that only those who have lost children can really understand. They were introduced to us through Sue Gleeson who was their midwife when they too lost twins and who just happened to be married to my cousin. Thank you Sue...it has become a lovely friendship.
We have met Geoff and Julie and Anthony and Janet all for the same reason...they too know what it is like to lose a child!
We also have the privilege of becoming friends with Helene who was our midwife during the birth of our twins and who went on to become not just a friend but a support person for John during the births of Sian and Jake.
These 'faces' have become a part of our lives!
It is our 26th wedding anniversary today which brings to mind a lovely story involving a 'face'.
This time 26 years ago we thought we had just become Mr and Mrs Van Berlo. We were wrong! We had just become Mr and Mrs Berlo. But, at this particular time of night we were driving back to Melbourne in the sleet and rain with my parents-in-law on board!! They didn't drive and needed a ride back to Fitzroy. We were staying in our own home that night prior to catching a plane to Lord Howe Island the next morning.
Unbeknownst to us, John's brother Mick had broken into our car during our wedding and poured confetti down the heating vents. But, because our little Sigma was full of people that night we had no reason to use the heater. We then left the car in the care of my brother Mick for the duration of our honeymoon.
But, while we were sunning it up on Lord Howe Island Mick was driving my car down Swanston St in the city. It was cold so he turned on the heater...and copped a 'face' full of confetti!
Very funny! He then felt obliged to clean the car before we got back and we returned to a clean car with no sign of confetti!
It has certainly been a tumultuous 26 years but there is no-one on Earth who I would rather have by my side during all the ups and downs.
Here's to the next 26 years!!
We both had friends who have remained in our lives and who have become 'our' friends rather than 'my' friends or 'his' friends. But we have also made some good friends together.
Through the loss of our beautiful twin boys we have met Peter and Pauline. They have become firm friends and share an empathy that only those who have lost children can really understand. They were introduced to us through Sue Gleeson who was their midwife when they too lost twins and who just happened to be married to my cousin. Thank you Sue...it has become a lovely friendship.
We have met Geoff and Julie and Anthony and Janet all for the same reason...they too know what it is like to lose a child!
We also have the privilege of becoming friends with Helene who was our midwife during the birth of our twins and who went on to become not just a friend but a support person for John during the births of Sian and Jake.
These 'faces' have become a part of our lives!
It is our 26th wedding anniversary today which brings to mind a lovely story involving a 'face'.
This time 26 years ago we thought we had just become Mr and Mrs Van Berlo. We were wrong! We had just become Mr and Mrs Berlo. But, at this particular time of night we were driving back to Melbourne in the sleet and rain with my parents-in-law on board!! They didn't drive and needed a ride back to Fitzroy. We were staying in our own home that night prior to catching a plane to Lord Howe Island the next morning.
Unbeknownst to us, John's brother Mick had broken into our car during our wedding and poured confetti down the heating vents. But, because our little Sigma was full of people that night we had no reason to use the heater. We then left the car in the care of my brother Mick for the duration of our honeymoon.
But, while we were sunning it up on Lord Howe Island Mick was driving my car down Swanston St in the city. It was cold so he turned on the heater...and copped a 'face' full of confetti!
Very funny! He then felt obliged to clean the car before we got back and we returned to a clean car with no sign of confetti!
It has certainly been a tumultuous 26 years but there is no-one on Earth who I would rather have by my side during all the ups and downs.
Here's to the next 26 years!!
Wednesday 15 August 2012
"FOOD"
No time to think about food today...it'll be a quick bite at some ridiculously early time before heading off to supervise darlings at the senior school concert! Actually I think I'm on props duty!
Then home again at about 10pm which is way too late to be having a meal!
Tomorrow, though, is a different matter!
It will be our 26th wedding anniversary so we will hopefully head out for a nice meal somewhere. John said he would deal with the organisation so it will be a surprise. A good one too, as I won't have to cook!!
Last weekend we provided food for about 60 people when we put on a BBQ to celebrate 21 years since Jake's birth. I wasn't too sure about my ability to cater for that many people but my calculations proved pretty good as we seemed to have just enough food. There were no complaints at any rate!!
Then home again at about 10pm which is way too late to be having a meal!
Tomorrow, though, is a different matter!
It will be our 26th wedding anniversary so we will hopefully head out for a nice meal somewhere. John said he would deal with the organisation so it will be a surprise. A good one too, as I won't have to cook!!
Last weekend we provided food for about 60 people when we put on a BBQ to celebrate 21 years since Jake's birth. I wasn't too sure about my ability to cater for that many people but my calculations proved pretty good as we seemed to have just enough food. There were no complaints at any rate!!
"READY"
Dinner's almost ready and I didn't even have to cook!! Always the best sort of dinner!
I have tomorrow's classroom activities ready to go!
I think I am ready to take part in the teacher's strike due to take place in early September. I am sick of school's being underfunded, grades being split when teachers are absent because there are no funds to spend on CRT's, Victorian teachers being paid less than those in other states, and the list goes on.
I am not ready to retire even though I could take early retirement right now if I wanted to. I love this part-time option!!
I am ready to accept the fact that my daughter is ready to move out of home. She is ready to spread her wings.
I am ready to tackle the next 30 years of my life head-on!!
I have tomorrow's classroom activities ready to go!
I think I am ready to take part in the teacher's strike due to take place in early September. I am sick of school's being underfunded, grades being split when teachers are absent because there are no funds to spend on CRT's, Victorian teachers being paid less than those in other states, and the list goes on.
I am not ready to retire even though I could take early retirement right now if I wanted to. I love this part-time option!!
I am ready to accept the fact that my daughter is ready to move out of home. She is ready to spread her wings.
I am ready to tackle the next 30 years of my life head-on!!
Tuesday 14 August 2012
"ARROW"
Do you know the pictures you see of those cherubic little angels that shoot arrows through the clouds to help people fall in love?
Well, for those of you who haven't found love yet I know three of those angels!
Well two of them would be cherub-sized...the other one might be a bit tall and lanky to be called cherubic. He would be using a crossbow so that might hurt a bit!!
But, I'm sure if they pooled their talents they will find true love for those they love! If you are yet to land the perfect catch just bide your time, have fun and wait!
If you knew Jake then you know that nothing ever happened in a hurry...all in good time!
As was his motto..."Bit busy at the moment!"... but he would eventually get around to it.
The arrow will hit you when he and his brothers are good and ready to aim it at you!
But remember..., Jake never missed, so the 'arrow' will definitely hit the right target!
Well, for those of you who haven't found love yet I know three of those angels!
Well two of them would be cherub-sized...the other one might be a bit tall and lanky to be called cherubic. He would be using a crossbow so that might hurt a bit!!
But, I'm sure if they pooled their talents they will find true love for those they love! If you are yet to land the perfect catch just bide your time, have fun and wait!
If you knew Jake then you know that nothing ever happened in a hurry...all in good time!
As was his motto..."Bit busy at the moment!"... but he would eventually get around to it.
The arrow will hit you when he and his brothers are good and ready to aim it at you!
But remember..., Jake never missed, so the 'arrow' will definitely hit the right target!
Monday 13 August 2012
"SIMPLE"
In my next life I would like a simple existence, please! I'm quite happy to work for my living but I could do without the ups and downs that this current life has given me!
If I could choose my 'simple' existence I would opt for growing up in the same family atmosphere that this life gave me.
I would choose the same man to love and cherish in sickness and in health (but there would be no sickness because my next life won't have any hardship).
I would have the same four beautiful children that my current life was graced with. But next time I would love them to all grow up together. To all become adults together. To grow as individuals with a strong sense of family. To have happy, healthy, long lives full of fun and laughter and love.
Simple really!
If I could choose my 'simple' existence I would opt for growing up in the same family atmosphere that this life gave me.
I would choose the same man to love and cherish in sickness and in health (but there would be no sickness because my next life won't have any hardship).
I would have the same four beautiful children that my current life was graced with. But next time I would love them to all grow up together. To all become adults together. To grow as individuals with a strong sense of family. To have happy, healthy, long lives full of fun and laughter and love.
Simple really!
Sunday 12 August 2012
"SPOON"
I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth and neither were my children. And I'm glad!
We didn't have everything handed to us on a plate...we had to earn our rewards. And our rewards came in the form of appreciation for the efforts we had made, understanding of what we were and were not capable of, praise for the achievements we made along the way and above all, unconditional love.
We weren't spoilt brats and neither were our kids! Yes, the spoon was probably a bit more polished for our kids because we only had the two of them. That made things a bit more affordable. But I still recall being "the worst Mum in the world" because my kids didn't get a mobile phone until they were fifteen years old! And even then, they had to be able to pay the prepaid 'bills' themselves.
Today we celebrated Jake's 21st birthday with a simple BBQ for his mates and his family members. It was easy-going and very friendly. It was just as Jake would have liked it...no formalities...no 'silver spoon' stuff! Just fun and laughter and people he liked!
I wish he could have been here with us but give me a tarnished spoon any day!!
We didn't have everything handed to us on a plate...we had to earn our rewards. And our rewards came in the form of appreciation for the efforts we had made, understanding of what we were and were not capable of, praise for the achievements we made along the way and above all, unconditional love.
We weren't spoilt brats and neither were our kids! Yes, the spoon was probably a bit more polished for our kids because we only had the two of them. That made things a bit more affordable. But I still recall being "the worst Mum in the world" because my kids didn't get a mobile phone until they were fifteen years old! And even then, they had to be able to pay the prepaid 'bills' themselves.
Today we celebrated Jake's 21st birthday with a simple BBQ for his mates and his family members. It was easy-going and very friendly. It was just as Jake would have liked it...no formalities...no 'silver spoon' stuff! Just fun and laughter and people he liked!
I wish he could have been here with us but give me a tarnished spoon any day!!
Saturday 11 August 2012
"PURPLE"
I've never really been into purple although I do recall choosing purple, pink and black for the striped jumper that Mum knitted for me when I was about 13 or 14. These jumpers were all the rage so Kerryn and I both had one. I'm not sure what colours Kerryn had, but I lived in my striped jumper for at least ONE season!
Now, however, I have actually chosen purple as part of the colour scheme in my bedroom. When we moved into this house twelve months ago the feature wall in the bedroom was purple. I wasn't real impressed but decided to go with it until I had decided on an alternative. So, I just bought some purple cushions and added them to my silver/grey doona. Then, several months later I decided that I quite liked the purple on the bed but not on the wall. So, we painted the walls in the original cream colour, added a new west-facing window, bought some purple European pillow slips and a purple throw and it's now just right!! I think I like purple now!
We also found a perfect 'tree' for the wall behind the bed. There are little 'twin' birds sitting on a branch on one side of the tree and two little 'single' birds on the other side. It is a 'family' tree and symbolises my four beautiful children! xxx
Now, however, I have actually chosen purple as part of the colour scheme in my bedroom. When we moved into this house twelve months ago the feature wall in the bedroom was purple. I wasn't real impressed but decided to go with it until I had decided on an alternative. So, I just bought some purple cushions and added them to my silver/grey doona. Then, several months later I decided that I quite liked the purple on the bed but not on the wall. So, we painted the walls in the original cream colour, added a new west-facing window, bought some purple European pillow slips and a purple throw and it's now just right!! I think I like purple now!
We also found a perfect 'tree' for the wall behind the bed. There are little 'twin' birds sitting on a branch on one side of the tree and two little 'single' birds on the other side. It is a 'family' tree and symbolises my four beautiful children! xxx
Friday 10 August 2012
"RING"
Last month was my birthday and my lovely husband presented me with an eternity ring. It is made of white gold and embedded with diamonds and sapphires (my favourites). 
He had intended to get this for me last year when we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. However, our anniversary falls in the same week as Jake's birthday and we really didn't feel like celebrating this time last year! So, he opted for my birthday instead.
I love the symbolism as well as the jewels.
Together we have been through more hardship than many people endure in a lifetime and I know that it is the fact that we have stuck together that has got us through thus far, with a modicum of sanity still intact.
There are days when I feel less than sane and days when John is struggling emotionally. Thankfully, we have a bond that is strong enough to pull us through the tough days. We give each other a reason to keep going. Our strength and love, and the strength and mere presence of our beautiful daughter, are the things that make life worth celebrating.
These hands may be looking a bit wrinkly and arthritic but the ring is is new and shiny and symbolises a love that is forever young.
I love you John and am thankful every day that we found each other! xxx
Thursday 9 August 2012
"MESSY"
It's been a messy week for me!!
I'm a bit of a mess emotionally...I've been crying at the drop of a hat!! I feel very silly but as soon as someone gives me the slightest bit of "I'm thinking of you" or "It's Jake's birthday coming up soon, isn't it?" I lose it. Very messy!
Then, the weather hasn't helped! Normally, I wouldn't let it get to me but this week has just been very emotional, very cold and very wet. The kids have been inside all day every day which means wet day timetable, which means restless kids and teachers with no breaks!! No fun!! Very messy!!
I will be glad when the weekend is finished as then my emotions can settle down. We will have remembered Jake on his 21st birthday with a BBQ for his mates and family members. We will have tasted the bottle of red wine called "Jake's Red" which Sean brought back from Margaret River...without getting messy!!
And all that will be left is a house full of mess!
Very messy!!
I'm a bit of a mess emotionally...I've been crying at the drop of a hat!! I feel very silly but as soon as someone gives me the slightest bit of "I'm thinking of you" or "It's Jake's birthday coming up soon, isn't it?" I lose it. Very messy!
Then, the weather hasn't helped! Normally, I wouldn't let it get to me but this week has just been very emotional, very cold and very wet. The kids have been inside all day every day which means wet day timetable, which means restless kids and teachers with no breaks!! No fun!! Very messy!!
I will be glad when the weekend is finished as then my emotions can settle down. We will have remembered Jake on his 21st birthday with a BBQ for his mates and family members. We will have tasted the bottle of red wine called "Jake's Red" which Sean brought back from Margaret River...without getting messy!!
And all that will be left is a house full of mess!
Very messy!!
Wednesday 8 August 2012
"GLASSES"
I recently went out for dinner with John and six other friends and it was duly noticed by all of these that I was the only one who did not need to don the glasses in order to read the menu. I was secretly a little bit proud of that fact!
I do have reading glasses but find that I really only need them for small print or for times when I am working continuously on the computer. The beauty of Primary teaching is that most of the print I deal with is relatively large. I know that the day is fast coming when I will need my glasses more frequently but until then I will just continue to be proud that I have been endowed with good eyesight!
John and Sian both wear glasses. John wears them all the time and Sian needs them for distance work and at night time. Jake had terrible eyesight and wore quite strong contact lenses. If only our children could have inherited their eyesight from their Mum!!
I do have reading glasses but find that I really only need them for small print or for times when I am working continuously on the computer. The beauty of Primary teaching is that most of the print I deal with is relatively large. I know that the day is fast coming when I will need my glasses more frequently but until then I will just continue to be proud that I have been endowed with good eyesight!
John and Sian both wear glasses. John wears them all the time and Sian needs them for distance work and at night time. Jake had terrible eyesight and wore quite strong contact lenses. If only our children could have inherited their eyesight from their Mum!!
Tuesday 7 August 2012
"8 O'CLOCK"
By 8 o'clock in the morning I am usually at work. That gives me an hour to get ready for the day without rushing around needlessly. I have never liked being late (I take after my Dad) and would much prefer to be early and unrushed.
By 8 o'clock in the morning John is usually at work or just heading off to work depending upon which fortnight it is. He has either been there for an hour already or he is due to start shortly.
By 8 o'clock in the morning Sian is probably awake and thinking about getting up. That also depends on the day and her uni timetable. If it is Thursday, then she too is ready to leave. The other days are a little slower.
By 8 o'clock at night we are all in relaxation mode sitting around watching TV and doing 'stuff' like blog-writing on our laptops.
By 8 o'clock in the morning John is usually at work or just heading off to work depending upon which fortnight it is. He has either been there for an hour already or he is due to start shortly.
By 8 o'clock in the morning Sian is probably awake and thinking about getting up. That also depends on the day and her uni timetable. If it is Thursday, then she too is ready to leave. The other days are a little slower.
By 8 o'clock at night we are all in relaxation mode sitting around watching TV and doing 'stuff' like blog-writing on our laptops.
Monday 6 August 2012
"WRITING"
As I sit here 'writing' this blog my beautiful husband sits reading the 'writing' that Jake's friends and family contributed instead of bringing flowers to the cemetery the day Jake was buried.
I'm so glad that we asked for written memories from all of those who were closest to him.
Today I randomly plucked these 'writings' from Opa's box, where they have been housed for the last twelve months, and stuck them into a Memory Book ready for what would have been a celebration for Jake's 21st birthday next Sunday.
Tonight we have spent time rereading these wonderfully sad, happy, naughty and nostalgic memories and crying over a life cut short by a mind too perfect to continue in this imperfect world.
But, writing has been my therapy in all this sadness.
Creating a blog has provided a very unexpected outlet for my grief. It has allowed my mind to delve into memories so small they may otherwise have been forgotten. It has made me cry and laugh and smile fondly. But distributing these memories has been a daily chore which I look forward to. It has been a task which recalls a life of laughter and joy and, thus has been a comfort.
Writing has allowed me to smile at the memories left behind.
Writing has enabled my friends and family, and many of Jake's friends, to share these little memories and to smile with me.
Writing makes me smile!
I'm so glad that we asked for written memories from all of those who were closest to him.
Today I randomly plucked these 'writings' from Opa's box, where they have been housed for the last twelve months, and stuck them into a Memory Book ready for what would have been a celebration for Jake's 21st birthday next Sunday.
Tonight we have spent time rereading these wonderfully sad, happy, naughty and nostalgic memories and crying over a life cut short by a mind too perfect to continue in this imperfect world.
But, writing has been my therapy in all this sadness.
Creating a blog has provided a very unexpected outlet for my grief. It has allowed my mind to delve into memories so small they may otherwise have been forgotten. It has made me cry and laugh and smile fondly. But distributing these memories has been a daily chore which I look forward to. It has been a task which recalls a life of laughter and joy and, thus has been a comfort.
Writing has allowed me to smile at the memories left behind.
Writing has enabled my friends and family, and many of Jake's friends, to share these little memories and to smile with me.
Writing makes me smile!
Sunday 5 August 2012
"LOGO"
Both Sian and Jake loved design and graphics. They had to design logos and things like that as part of their school work and both had some humour involved in their designs.
Jake would put silly comments or words into his designs as was his bent.
Sian would enthusiastically look for existing logos and designs for inspiration.
I remember her Year 12 portfolio containing some tampon packets as they were colourful and had tessellated patterns all over them.
I love the Google logo and the way it changes to suit the events of the moment.
The Victoria Bitter logo has to be the best of all though...it just says VB!!
Jake would put silly comments or words into his designs as was his bent.
Sian would enthusiastically look for existing logos and designs for inspiration.
I remember her Year 12 portfolio containing some tampon packets as they were colourful and had tessellated patterns all over them.
I love the Google logo and the way it changes to suit the events of the moment.
The Victoria Bitter logo has to be the best of all though...it just says VB!!
Saturday 4 August 2012
"SOMEWHERE YOU SAT"
We all have our favourite places to sit, whether it be at home or at work.
At home, John and I have reclining armchairs with Scandinavian footstools. The chairs are reasonably firm yet very comfortable. But, every now and then I will gravitate towards the couch which is soft and luxurious and makes you want to go to sleep.
Sian has always, always, always loved sitting on her bed better than anywhere else in the house. As a little girl, I remember her growling at her Aunty 'Chelle for daring to sit on HER bed!! It is her domain and she loves it!!
Jake loved to sit at the desk chair with his eyes glued to the computer and his feet up on the desk. Or, he would be sitting in the armchair in the shed with his long legs stretched out on the little coffee table.
At work I am not really fussed about where I sit but it is quite funny watching people avoiding certain conversations or 'entrapments'....I know, because I too try to avoid the same! This is not always possible and then you have no choice but to endure a lengthy conversation about something you didn't want to hear, or you have to put up with interlopers adding their 'bit' to personal conversations. Oh well, if that's the worst we have to put up with, then life is pretty breezy!!
At home, John and I have reclining armchairs with Scandinavian footstools. The chairs are reasonably firm yet very comfortable. But, every now and then I will gravitate towards the couch which is soft and luxurious and makes you want to go to sleep.
Sian has always, always, always loved sitting on her bed better than anywhere else in the house. As a little girl, I remember her growling at her Aunty 'Chelle for daring to sit on HER bed!! It is her domain and she loves it!!
Jake loved to sit at the desk chair with his eyes glued to the computer and his feet up on the desk. Or, he would be sitting in the armchair in the shed with his long legs stretched out on the little coffee table.
At work I am not really fussed about where I sit but it is quite funny watching people avoiding certain conversations or 'entrapments'....I know, because I too try to avoid the same! This is not always possible and then you have no choice but to endure a lengthy conversation about something you didn't want to hear, or you have to put up with interlopers adding their 'bit' to personal conversations. Oh well, if that's the worst we have to put up with, then life is pretty breezy!!
Friday 3 August 2012
"COIN"
When our kids were little John made a "House Money Box" with the intention that it would be used for Christmas holiday spending money....only to be opened once a year.
It was about 60 or 70 cm tall with light blue walls and a red roof. It had two windows downstairs and two upstairs. Each window housed a coin slot...one for each family member. The idea was that any time you had coins in the bottom of your wallet you would transfer them to your 'window' in the House.
My 'window' always ended up with the least number of 'coins' in it because I was the one always handing my spare change to the kids to pay for lunch orders, excursions, basketball, brownies, badminton, etc. It just seemed to disappear as soon as it appeared!
In more recent years the back of the box always had evidence of tampering and very few 'coins' could be found in it. Hmmm...I have my suspicions, and it involves an angel of the not-so-angelic variety! xxx
It was about 60 or 70 cm tall with light blue walls and a red roof. It had two windows downstairs and two upstairs. Each window housed a coin slot...one for each family member. The idea was that any time you had coins in the bottom of your wallet you would transfer them to your 'window' in the House.
My 'window' always ended up with the least number of 'coins' in it because I was the one always handing my spare change to the kids to pay for lunch orders, excursions, basketball, brownies, badminton, etc. It just seemed to disappear as soon as it appeared!
In more recent years the back of the box always had evidence of tampering and very few 'coins' could be found in it. Hmmm...I have my suspicions, and it involves an angel of the not-so-angelic variety! xxx
Thursday 2 August 2012
"ONE"
'One' day I hope to...
- travel to New Zealand and maybe even Canada (if I win Tattslotto)
- write a book
- retire
- dance at my daughter's wedding
- cuddle my little grandchildren
- attempt some mixed media art works
- grow old and stay happy
- hug my boys
Wednesday 1 August 2012
"OUTSIDE"
I remember when Sian and Jake were about 3 and 4 years old and I was bathing them together. It had been a very hot day and tempers were frayed, including theirs. They had not stopped bickering and arguing all day which was quite uncharacteristic for the two of them.
The squabbling continued as I bathed them and after ignoring my pleas to cease their fighting I calmly picked them both up and deposited them 'outside' the back door. They were still wet and stark naked.
Our back door was a large double door made of glass and it came directly off the family room at the back of the house. I locked the door and sat down on the couch with a magazine and proceeded to read whilst positioning myself where I could see them both and they could see me.
Well, they were flabbergasted!! It was SO funny! I think they just couldn't believe that I would put them 'outside' with no clothes on!
For several minutes they just stood at the door, speechless. Then, they turned to each other and both began laughing and giggling and cavorting around the backyard like Wild Things.
Their squabbles were forgotten in the freedom that nakedness allowed them!
The squabbling continued as I bathed them and after ignoring my pleas to cease their fighting I calmly picked them both up and deposited them 'outside' the back door. They were still wet and stark naked.
Our back door was a large double door made of glass and it came directly off the family room at the back of the house. I locked the door and sat down on the couch with a magazine and proceeded to read whilst positioning myself where I could see them both and they could see me.
Well, they were flabbergasted!! It was SO funny! I think they just couldn't believe that I would put them 'outside' with no clothes on!
For several minutes they just stood at the door, speechless. Then, they turned to each other and both began laughing and giggling and cavorting around the backyard like Wild Things.
Their squabbles were forgotten in the freedom that nakedness allowed them!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)