Ekka...

Well. My kids have been bugging me for some time to go to the Ekka. For those overseas, the Ekka is the Royal National Agricultural Society show where the best of the bush comes to the city. It features cows, pigs, chickens, pedigree birds, dogs, cats, horses, fish, etc etc etc, food pavillions, wine tasting, competitions in making cakes, quilts, trade displays, show bags, kids rides, sideshows etc etc etc.

We went today...Peoples Day...us and a mere 70 000 other people who streamed through the gates. Our small  family of five, including one child who has major crowding issues entered a confined area with 70 000 other people all trying to do the same things and see the same things all at the same time. We first went to the showbag pavillion and I think that was the most sensible decision made all day.

Next we tried to leave Sideshow Alley and move into a clearer area. Thats about when Aiden lost it for the first time. He literally crumbled in front of my eyes, lower lip trembling, eyes welling up. I asked him what was wrong and he began to tremble, "Too much, too many people, too much", was all he could get out. I faced him and told him to look at me, focus on me and his breathing. We stood, a little island in a heaving sea of people, protected by Caitie, Conor and Dad. He slowly settled, just a little, we made our way out and went into the Grandstands for a much needed breather and something to eat.

The kids did enjoy seeing the animals, tasting different foods, buying little bits and pieces but it simply was just too busy for me to enjoy it as I was so worried about Aiden. We went into the food pavillion to get a bottle of port from one of the smaller wineries and the crowds again were too much for my brave soldier. He was white and shaking and just overwrought. It didn't seem to matter where we went, there just wasn't room to breathe. As you can see below, he doesn't look his usual self. He couldn't even enjoy the gigantic chocolate fountain behind him!

We did go on some of the rides and he really enjoyed them, I think as they got him out of the crowds. Caitie and Conor went on the Haunted House. We could hear Caities screams from outside! Then all of them, including Dad went on the giant swing and finally some weird ride that made me feel ill just looking at it!

All in all I have to say I didn't enjoy myself as much as I have in previous years. If I want to go in future, I think I will go by myself or with my husband. Caitie is old enough to go on her own next year but I don't think Aiden will be going for a while.

 

One Year On

I wrote this some six  months ago and just found it hadn't been publised....

This time last year we were reeling from the massive floods that tore through the heart of both the Brisbane community and its surrounding townships. At floods end the death toll was 22 including children. Whole towns were wiped away. Brisbane is still coming to terms with the tragedies that surrounded those days.

The Tuesday before the water came down was surreal. There was a hush throughout Brisbane. Our local shopping centre had shops closed as vendors raced for homes that were threatened. While the thunder rumbled overhead we pretended all was good while keeping an uneasy eye on the local creeks. We had shut our shop up as the threat from the floods was a real and present danger.

Wednesday dawned bright and clear, a gorgeous summers day where everyone continued to hold their breath and watch as the river swelled and burst its banks, flooding surrounding suburbs, taking everything in its greedy hands. When it was over we were in shock. But the communities rallied and pulled together. We hitched up our pants, put on our wellies, donned our gloves and grabbed our brooms, dug in and helped out.

Local band and international superstars Powderfinger brought out a Flood Relief single called "I'm On Your Side" to raise funds for those without insurance and nowhere to go. I mean no copyright harm but wish to share the images which broke our hearts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VmSaexxSjY

And now, we look to the skies again. Its rained solidly for three days here. Our yard is flooded, the frogs are making out in the trees. Creeks are bursting their banks and there is localised flooding everywhere. Below are images of the Schultz Canal which runs past Toombul Shopping Centre. The rain, combined with an above average King tide, meant that the lower carpark went under, as it always does.

The rain has stopped for the moment. There is more on the way. A sodden Brisbane continues to hold its breath. The Gold Coast is nervous as torrents overflow into swollen Hinterland creeks. And still we wait and watch.

My Boy....

My Boy, you have done it tough. Your mum left you and your dad, taking your sister with her. Your dad died when you were young and you were raised by your grandparents. You lost your grandad too soon and you grandmother doted on you. We loved you like our own and still do.

When granny died, you lost your way. You thought you found your life partner and had the first of your wonderful kids. Things got worse for you, you fell in with the wrong crowds, you dabbled in crime, you chose the wrong direction time and time again and still we were here for you. You split up with K after doing a stint in jail. You thought things couldn't get worse but you were wrong. Baby S was diagnosed with a heart condition and he lost his battle at ten months.

You got married, had two kids and then split up with their mum. She dumped them in foster care and you did your second stint in jail. Life couldn't get worse and yet it continues to dump on you. You are so angry with everything, you lashed out at us, we could do nothing to help. We have stayed strong, hoping you will find your way back to us. Happiness continues to ellude you.

BUT, through all the hell and the hopelessness, be assured we are here. You are my boy, you have been since I met you and you will be for ever and always. I can be disappointed in you, I can be angry at you but it doesn't mean I stop loving you. Eventually life will get better and we will be there for you. Even if it doesn't for a long time, we are still here for you.

You are my boy and I love you with all my heart,

C

I Slipped....WOOH, I stumbled, I Fell.

It has been quite wet this last week and you think I would have learnt NOT to wear crocs in the rain. I fell down a clients stairs after slipping in the rain. As I began to fall I windmilled my arms for balance which made me more out of balance and as I fell I threw both arms out and collected the top landing with my left arm.

I have multiple fractures to the head of my humerus and up to six weeks out of action. I am cranky with myself as I knew the shoes were slippery in the wet....sigh. And my butt has the most spectacular bruise where I landed on it.

So, I won't be doing much for the next six weeks...bugger.

Cin

So Much Proud!!!!

There are moments I am so proud of my kids.

Aiden had swimming carnival today. Aiden can't swim. Aiden is terrified of deep water. Aiden dove off the starter blocks twice today, competed in four categories of swimming and recieved two thirds and a second in his races. I am even prouder as he told me his best friend had never recieved a swimming ribbon before so Aiden pulled back and let him pass him to get a ribbon. How sweet is that!!!

Caitlin made me proud because she saved up all of her pocket money to purchase an iPod. Its a 2nd gen and cost her $118 + $15 for a cover. She took such a long time to do it and paid for it all herself. Now she knows she has to start banking. I am so proud that she understands the value of purchasing big ticket items for herself.

And in other news, my beautiful Titch had her final litter last night. She gave birth to three. Number one was stillborn but came back after a huge effort on my behalf. Number two came out stillborn and was unresponsive. Number three came out kicking and shrieking as all good kittens should. Around midnight I settled Mum and bubs and went to bed. Morning found Number 1 kitten had passed away during the night. I didn't have a great deal of hope for this little soul and I am glad she passed without us getting too attached.

Her brother, knicknamed Tango, is doing well but it is early days. Single kittens sometimes struggle with staying warm but we have a heat pad for the little guy. He is on the right below.

Enjoy your weekend and give your pets an extra special cuddle for me...

Back to School Pics

So, the kids are back at school, my house is tidy and stays that way and there is no fruit in the fridge. Caitie is faced with the challenge of pulling her grades up, Aiden starts a new phase of schooling, entering Middle School and Conor has a fantastic teacher helping him this year, Mr Gregory, who sent Aiden postcards from around the world.

And with no further ado, here they are in all their glory! Aidens shirt is SO white it has created a halo around him. Lets see how long that lasts!

And this year we are stooping to bribery to encourage good marks. $20 for every A, $10 for every B. My kids have hit the point of wanting to purchase their own stuff so they will be working hard, I hope, to achieve it.

Cindy

Schools Back...

Its been a long summer with the kids having to go to Vacation care two days a week due to my work commitments. They pretended they hated it but didn't think it was too bad, our provider is a family friend who loves my kids.

Today was the last day before school goes back so the kids and I spent the day making yummy treats for their lunch boxes. I had all three cook as I believe both boys and girls need to learn how to care for themselves. Below are the results.

Caitie made chocolate choc chip biscuits which we sandwiched together with nutella. These were truly yummy and with thick chunky bits of chocolate.

I bought the coolest muffin tin which Aiden and I used to make banana cake. It worked really well and I think square muffins will fit better in their lunch boxes.

Conor and I made the savoury portion of the treats; corn and tomato quiches. The amazing thing was that we don't actually own an oven. Ours blew up a while ago but we make do by cooking on our barbeque. So, yes, we made biscuits, banana cake and quiche in our hooded barbeque!

Tomorrow is a big day for all the kids with new classes, new friends and new challenges ahead of them. Fingers are crossed for a prosperous new year.