Back to school...

Monday 12th October

As covid-19 case numbers are low here in regional Victoria, it was declared by those in power, that all kids are to go back to onsite learning.

Today is their first day...

Have to be real with you here, as much as it means I get to have a proper rest, Mark can maybe get stuff done, and the boys get to see their mates, "we" aren't really all that excited about it.  Alas, off they went, but there were no happy dances here!

Thankfully the masks hide their distain!  Mind you, wearing them all day is not at all appealing, despite being a neccesity for safety.

I know I haven't been working due to having the ops and then the recovery process, but given the whole covid stuff, I would of stopped work anyway to make the boys my priority...I've always said they come first!   Therefore, their safety is paramount, and if that means keeping them home and us having to do the schooling, well it is totally worth the lack of rest or work not getting done. 

In saying that, it is possible that part of our lack of joy jumping is due to fear.  Whilst I don't feel it is totally unwarranted, we currently have no active cases here in regional Vic, so that is a positive and eases the anxiousness.  If there were active cases here in Bacchus Marsh we would have certainly reconsidered sending them.  Actually, should circumstances change, they'll get their wish and be staying home again.  As much as we loved having them home, heres hoping that doesn't happen hey!

And there's another reason we aren't all that thrilled about school returning; we have enjoyed our family time together at home.  Not to say we have lived in each others pockets, no siree, we each like our own space and company too much for that.  But, the times we've all been together has been special; whether it be schooling, walks, movies and snuggles, or just chit chatting about this, that, and the other.

Whilst I like being involved in their education and knowing exactly what they are learning, it has admittedly been more so when we have not been homeschooling.  As I've said before, patience isn't my strongest attribute and Ace tends to procrastinate and give up before actually trying; a pet peeve of mine (I have a long list of those...a whole other blog)!  

In saying that though, there were days that were absolute gems, where all the praise and encouragement saw them rise above all challenges.  My favourite part of all is watching them put head down and bum up and having those aha moments when they 'get it' and are then filled with a tremendous sense of empowerment, which inspires them to do more.

Yet again time has flown and it is now Monday 19th October and the 2nd week of onsite learning for term 4.  

The first week went well, although truth be told, from Wednesday they both asked each day to stay home.  It took all my strength to be strong and say no!  But as much as I would love them home, school is important for them.  Also, rest is important for me (there will be a blog coming about that soon)  And, I need Marky to get some shit done out in my poor neglected garden!

So with all that in mind, I am going to continue to be strong and deny the requests to stay home and snuggle with Mama.  And Mama is going to try really hard not to mope, but instead embrace the time to rest and recouperate!

As always, thanks heaps for reading.  LLP xo Tash

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More January 2020

Thursday 16th

As mentioned previously HERE, today I had an appointment to have my lap band adjusted via CT scan.  If you can't be bothered reading that post, bottom line is that my port has flipped, and so I need an operation to flip it back over.

As we were going to be coming home via Deer Park, I stepped completely out of my comfort zone and allowed Ace to catch a train ALONE for the very first time and go and see Mia.  Thinking back, I was his age the first time I also caught the train on my own, ironically I also got off at Deer Park.

As we had some time to kill before picking Ace up we decided to go out for lunch.  Not wanting a boring old cheap and greasy take away place, we instead went to Lazy Moes in Caroline Springs.  As we walked in I could smell a curry cooking, so I ordered it! I and am happy to report that it tasted as delicious as it smelt.

Oh and nope, I didn't eat it all, so it was a great little snack for Ace on the way home.  That is when we eventually got back on the road to head home.  It turns out that Mias Mum (Dianne) and I, can chat each others ears off...love it!

PS.  Happy 7th Birthday to my precious niece Keana Mae!

Oldie but goodie!

Friday 17th

Today I was supposed to catch up with my RAP Girls (Rita, Amanda and Peta) for lunch, but sadly I instead ended up at the doctors yet again!  Mind you, it wasn't only just for me this time, Mr. Jazzy joined me also.

Why you ask?  Well, last night when we got home, the two boys went to the skate park.  When Jazz got home he complained of a sore ankle but didn't say much more about it.  Fast forward a few hours to the early hours of the morning and HOLY CRAP...RICE to the rescue until the next day!

So yep, we ended up running around getting him xrays.  Thankfully it wasn't broken but it was indeed a deep sprain whilst meant more RICE and getting around on crutches for a couple of days.

Funniest thing when the doc said RICE, Jazz was like "is that really all I'm allowed to eat"?  Of course Mark and I had to string him along just for a little while hehehehe!

Saturday 18th

So yesterday Ace went out riding with his mate and then sent a message in the afternoon asking if he could stay the night.  Then, today the same thing happened.  Each time I was okay with it, because lets face it, the holidays haven't been all that exciting for any of us (although out of all of us, he has had it the best).

Then, as seems to the be the standard thing to do, despite knowing that we had already discussed the raised topic and I had already made my feelings about it very clear...he had to go and push the boundary!  Let's just say I was ultra peeved!

It seems to be happening more and more lately...I mean he even pushed THOSE buttons on NYE!  And yep even tried doing it when I was in hospital, like WTF!  

Its like all of a sudden they reach a certain age and then wham they become selfish little assholes, who only think that you are the best ever when you are allowing them to do something they have asked for, or given them an amazing gift!?!   

I shouldn't really complain too much because to be completely real with you, I am pretty lucky really.  I guess I'm just not used to it, and having very little patience for bullshit these days probably doesn't help!

PS.  Happy Birthday to my brother in law Jeremy!

Sunday 19th 

So I'd been feeling a little 'over it all' the past couple of days and needed to do something! anything!  I really do not do well sitting on my butt doing nothing for too long, and it has been way too long!  Anyway, aqua therapy at the BM local pool it was!  Whilst not the beach, and not a hotel pool somewhere far away, it was the way to spend some quality time as a family outside of the house, whilst also cooling off on all levels (let's just say that I am mega grumpy at life and EVERYONE in it at the moment)!  Mind you, in saying that, the pool wasn't the same without the usual gang down there...missed you guys xo

We pretty much had the pool to ourselves...

We got home in just enough time to grab the clothes off the line and hang towels and swimmers out (so they get a good natural rinse) before the lightning, thunder and hail stones hit **WOWEE*

Monday 20th

Happy Birthday Kohden James!

Another oldie but goodie!

Today the four of us plus mapa went on a road trip to Torquay, so that we could celebrate the combined birthdays of Keana, Jeremy and Kohden.  

The added bonus this year is that Pa (Uncle Geoff) was also down for a visit, and so it was a proper family celebration...we even managed to get a family photo WHOO HOO!

Having Pa there makes up for not getting a holiday adventure...

From Torquay it was a very slow drive in the terrible weather to Williamstown to see the lapband specialist, where I was put onto the waiting list for surgery...MORE HERE!

Wednesday 22nd

Today we all (the four of us plus James and Mia) ended up at the BM Pool, where I also got to just sit and chat with Dannielle, which was lovely.  

Anyway time came to head home (TTOTM decided to show up a day early, so glad I wasn't in the water at the time) but my car key wouldn't shut off my immboliser...so long story short the engine wouldn't start!

Seriously WTF is next...SO over it!

That meant we had to wait for the RACV, and then we had to wait for the TOW TRUCK (lucky I pay out for roadside assistance every year huh), and eventually we all got to go home, have showers, get warm and run Mia home.

Thursday 23rd

We had a house inspection today and I stayed in bed!  Yep, a very bad case of CBFs indeed!  Doesn't help that I am bleeding like a mofo...eeeeewww

Friday 24th

When we called the RACV the other night the bloke basically told me that the key was fooboocachooed and that the only way I could get the car to start again would be to get an autoelectrician out to work their magic.  Anyway, figuring that I had nothing to loose anyway, I pulled the key casing apart and what do ya know!  The car immobiliser unlocked, which meant that we were able to start the car, and drive it down the street to get a new key, albeit $150 later.  Mind you, it is cheaper than the RACV bloke told us it would be.

FEELING GRRRR

Before the whole car key incident, our plan was that after the house inspection we were going to pack so that on Friday 24th we were ready to head off on a family road trip to do the silo art trail.  

On Friday night we were looking to stay in a hotel in Horsham.  Then Saturday 25th we figured we would head up to Lascelles and camp by the lake. Sunday 26th, I had planned on staying in the Madgala Lodge in Stawell (the same place were went to last year), before heading home on Monday 27th.

BUT, it wasn't to be and that has left me feeling very GGRRR!  I just don't feel like we have had a holiday, no proper quality time as a family, no actual proper 'rest' (other than forced rest which doesn't count)...you know, no time out in nature to reconnect with the earth, with ourselves, with each other, no time to properly escape the rat race, the usual everyday crap...*SIGH*

On some level I should be thankful that it didn't happen; a) because I really wasn't up for it, and b) because we really couldn't afford it.  Let's just say that when I did the xmas/birthday gift budging, I didn't plan on loosing two weeks (22 hours x $60) of work due to being in hospital, so even though I did squirrel a little away for the school holiday activities, we are in the red and yet again chasing our tail.

Saturday 25th

Today I spent the day in bed!

Need I say more!

Sunday 26th

Today Ace and Mia celebrated their 5 month anniversary, with a family dinner at Lazy Moe's, followed by a movie, and a walk beside the river before heading home.

Yummy Carbonara for Two!

Hahaha check out the photo bombers!

So, as we were pulling into the river area, Mel was pulling out, so we chatted in our cars for a little while which was really nice.

Monday 27th

Today was yet another day of staying in bed...

Tuesday 28th

Today was spent making sure we were all ready for the school term ahead...

Yup, I'm one of those Mum's that labels and irons everything...well for the first week anyway!

Wednesday 29th 

And just like that Mr. Acey is in Year 10!

Here's hoping the year ahead is full of teachings that spark your enthusiasm for learning more and more matey!

It was also good to have Louis arrive this morning so they could head off together for first day of term...great mates make the high school experience worth it!

As for Jazzy, his first day is tomorrow, but he still got in on the photo action, even if it was just to rub in the fact that he was still in his PJs.

Do not let Aces sweet face fool you, check out the arm placement!

So what did Jazz get up to on his last day of the school holidays you ask?  

Watch Video HERE

I've been feeling really OLD lately, so I decided to buy a $4.00 semi permanent hair colour from the reject shop and give it a go.

The boys picked magenta aka PINK!

Thursday 30th

Today it was Jazz' first day of Year 9

He was a little nervous about it last night but having his good mate James, as well as Ace and Louis with him this morning, made a big difference.

 

 

And whilst the boys were off expanding their minds, this mumma enjoyed a chai latte with her Man, with huge thanks to the beautiful Dannielle.

Got her eyes checked and had it confirmed that glasses are a must have BUT they will have to wait until I can make it to the optometry school as there is no way I can afford them from specsavers eeekkk!

Picked up Buddy (Mums Dog who is 16 years old, and having more and more trouble daily) from Melton and took him to the vet in BM so he could go to sleep and dream of the rainbow bridge!

Truth be told, I couldn't actually go through with being the one to take him in to the room, so Mark did that part.  I instead stayed out in the waiting room watching the kittens get into mischief.

Not feeling like going home we decided to head out for lunch, where we had the best Dianne Sauce EVER!  Infact, I ended up leaving my beef curry and pouring the sauce on my rice and eating that DELICIOUS!

After school, we (and the rest of the town) went to the BM Pool to cool off.  

It was awesome catching up with Mel and getting to chat to her for more than just a few minutes.  I was also really blessed to get to speak to a couple of other friends of whom I see pop up on facebook but don't get the opportunity to speak to in person.

Friday 31st

Yesterday I was jumping in the deep end and wrestling with my boys, and today...the face says it all really!  

Thinking there is a pattern happening here...
Finish TTOTM and a few days later BAM!

So as today was HOT (40 plus), we arranged for the boys to head to the pool after school.  Not long after, Mark meet up with them after picking up Hosanna.  They all stayed until 8.00pm, whilst I stayed home running between our bed and the loo!

Outside enjoying the brief rain...still bloody hot though!

Oh and guess what...just to end the month with a bang...tonight Mark could hear water running from somewhere...that somewhere turned out to be the laundry wall eeekkk.  So, as we were unable to get hold of the real estate, or a plumber, the only option we had was to turn the water off at the mains.  Not ideal, especially after running to the loo as often as I had been...thankfully I didn't need to go!

And that's that...Goodbye January 2020!

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