Searching for the perfect birthday cake......

Max's birthday is in 2 weeks time. Which is a short time for me, but a long time to wait for Max. This afternoon we've been looking at birthday cakes on Flickr. Max is very keen to have a Cars cake. The current fave is Mack (picture #8). It took a bit of influencing but he's sold. Thankfully because it's probably the only one I could make!

Wow, there are some INCREDIBLE birthday cakes on Flickr.

1. http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href= Hunting, 2. Cars, 3. http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href= from cars, 4. http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href= mcqueen, 5. http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href= 5, 6. http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href= mcqueen cake, 7. http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=, The Tow Truck, 8. http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href= truck and the rice krispie cake, 9. http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href= GT

peace and love

kath and max

xxxx

May peace prevail

Today is International Day Of Peace. This day was declared by the United Nations in 1982 and it was suggested that:

"Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace."

International Peace Day is about "peacebuilding". Peacebuilding is different from "peacemaking" and "peacekeeping" in that it focuses on creating a long-term culture of peace, rather than solving existing conflicts or preventing old ones from re-occurring. Peacebuilding activities aim at building understanding and tolerance between individuals, communities and societies and establishing new structures of cooperation. Peacebuilding activities range in scale from personal acts of kindness toward others to global inter-governmental programs.

What can you do to build peace in your community, your home, your heart?

May peace prevail.

k, m, r, m xxxx

Questions that I can't answer

Question One: Today, Max and I went along to a "Celebration of Learning" in Ruby's class. The very beautiful and very smart teacher, Mrs McConnon, gushed enthusiastically about Ruby's talents - her reading, writing, drawing and work with numbers - and then asked: "Is Max as bright as Ruby?"

Good grief. That wasn't a question I was prepared for. He's a good boy. He's good with numbers, he's legendary for his table setting skills, he loves reading, he's a patient drawer, he can unpack the dishwasher without breaking stuff and his colouring in talents are second to none. So, of course I said "yes, I think he is" and listed his many talents. But I'm not sure. Although I think he probably is. Do I have to know the answer to this tricky question? Does it mean that Mrs McConnon (who is a fabulous teacher) would want him in her class if he's as good a student as Ruby? Or not? Personally, I have doubts over Max's ability to sit straight on the carpet, to be serious and respectful when they're saying prayers, to concentrate and just generally do what he's asked to do for 6 hours each day. I didn't say that. Thank heavens she didn't ask me about that.

Question Two: I was reading a magazine -so I really should know better than seriously contemplating this - and the question was asked: "if you were in a life threatening situation and could only save yourself and one member of your family, who would it be?" I've probably spent 2 days or more thinking about this question and whipping myself with guilt if I start to settle on a name. God help me, I don't even need to think about this. What a useless and annoying question.

Question Three: How much weight do you think you could lose before the end of October? Oh dear. What an awful question. I am very committed to losing some weight, but how much and in what timeframe? I seriously have no idea. However, if I was really pushed to answer I might commit to 1kg cause I think I could achieve that ;)

Question Four: Again, asked today by Mrs McConnon - super smart and beautiful teacher. She's really messed with my head this afternoon. "Do you think Max will be OK in Prep without experience in Kindy?" While in my head I believe he will be, in my heart it feels like my kids have missed out on some great adventure because they didn't have a C+K experience. This is mad! But my maternal guilt kicked in and I drove directly to the kindy Mrs McConnon recommended and put my smart, well socialised and well adjusted darling boy's name on the waiting list. He's #12 on the wait list so chances are he'll get a run at kindy next year sometime.

I really wish I didn't overthink everything. Oh well.

Fairy Funday Sunday

Guess what we did this morning?





We had a glorious start to our Sunday.

This morning we went to "Fairy Funday Sunday" at our favourite local bookshop for their launch of the Music Fairies series of Rainbow Magic Fairies. Of course, Ruby dressed as Ruby the Red Fairy - for the second time this week! Max was Heather the Violet Fairy (his wings were violet coloured).

Three beautiful musical fairies played flutes and clarinets for the little fairies as they played musical statues, swirled to classical music, listened to a fairy story and did a Fairy fashion parade. It was a very special morning. Max fell in love with one of the "big girl fairies", thanking her at the end of the music and telling her "you are a very beautiful blue fairy and I love your music". The beautiful blue fairy (a 14yo girl from Cannon Hill Anglican College) blushed, swooned and gave Max a little hug. He was very pleased. Meanwhile I was swooning a wee bit for the Music Fairy Director, Mr Christensen. Gorgeous.

We bought books and coffee and love heart shaped cookies. A good morning.

Happy Sunday to you.

xxxx

Happy Father's Day

to daddy. Of course, it was a big daddy love fest here last weekend. But it seems like a daddy love fest most days now. Ruby is besotted with daddy and even Max is warming up to the idea. Finally.

Ruby made a puzzle and a very beautiful card with lots of love hearts and declarations of love.



Max made an amazing bowl (papier mache and fabric) and a fabulous thumb printed card.



We took daddy (and Poppy Woods) out to lunch at Redcliffe. Followed up by some rollicking fun at the park.



Mark's a good daddy, he deserves a special day.

peace and love
xxxx

Term 3 is a busy term

We received a letter from school a few weeks ago saying "Term 3 is a busy term". No kidding. It's been insane. In the last couple of weeks, Ruby has had a full schedule with

• her first ever sports carnival. It was fabulous. Ruby threw herself into all of the activities with a sense of adventure and excitement. The day was all about fun, not competition. Everyone got stickers and cheers and rewards. It was a really positive experience for the kids. Here are some pics of our big beautiful girl in the sprint (with her friend Emily), on the obstacle course and having some rest with her good buddy Madeline.

• the preppies have also recently visited Nazareth House (a retirement home) again. Ruby has a new buddy at Nazareth House, but can't remember her name. Her previous buddy - Vera - who she's visited a few times before, isn't there anymore. It's possible that Vera died, but of course we're not going to talk about that.
• the big school Fete was 2 weeks ago. Ruby practiced a dance routine for weeks and weeks to perform at the Fete, but then sprained her foot pretty badly the day before and couldn't do it. I had cake stall duties from 7.30am and Mark had a massage stand from 10 - 2 at the Fete, so we didn't miss out completely. :)
• Book Parade this week. We didn't really have enough time to be very creative with costumes, but Ruby was pretty happy to go as "Ruby the Red Fairy". She was a beautiful and very red, red fairy. She was excited that she got to lead the Book Parade at school assembly with Chelsea (her big buddy from Year 6). No photos because neither Mark nor I could go. Sadly.
• a big all day marine adventure excursion yesterday out on a catamaran and then down to Wellington Point to an environmental centre to study marine life in Moreton Bay. Sounds like it was an incredible day. Ruby's class has been studying environmental issues of Moreton Bay all semester.

Next Wednesday the class is hosting a "Celebration of Learning" presentation where they'll show their discoveries. I'm going to that. :)

The school offers an amazing range of stimulating and engaging activities for the kids. We're really grateful for that.

peace and love

xxxx

Weekend at nanny and poppy's

We trekked out to mum's last weekend for birthday celebrations.

It was a fun but freezing cold and exhausting weekend.

Max found Gruffalo tracks. Unbelievable. But true. He even found some food that the Gruffalo had chewed up and spat out. Very scary experience.

There was some tractor driving.

And a birthday dinner with family.

Happy birthday nanny and poppy Lloyd.

xxxx

Recent conversations

With Ruby

R: (walking up the stairs) "I've got sand in my shoes"
K: "better shake it out before you go inside then"
R: (stands outside the back door BUT leans over to shake the sand out inside the house) !!
K: (gives R the cranky stare and arm waving gesture in disbelief)
R: *sigh* "well then - do it, I'm waiting"
K: "do what?"
R: "you know......the shouting thing"
K: "OK. Jesus Rube what were you thinking....?"
R: "do you love Jesus mummy? I love Jesus. He's very special"
K: *sigh*

With Ruby and Max
K - wearing a jarmie shirt that says "Dag"
R - "are you a dag mummy?"
K - "maybe. do you know what a dag is?"
R - "I think dag means you are crazy and silly but still very fabulous"
M - "no it just means you're shouty and naughty - like a mummy"
K: *sigh*

Random things about our lives

Ruby announced this afternoon that there was a very special visitor at school today. Mary MacKillop. When I suggested Mary MacKillop had been dead a long time, Ruby insisted it was "the REAL Mary MacKillop and she wasn't dead." Apparently Mary likes "helping people, being kind, talking to kids, throwing stones and playing hopscotch". All good things. Although she has been dead for 99 years! Yes, I googled.

Max has saved all his goodnight kisses "in his pocket". Ruby says she keeps her kisses "in her heart".

Max has finally admitted to having a friend - who is a boy - at kindy. Orlando is the lucky boy. But Max has also said "I only like him sometimes. I like McKinley ALL the time."

We had a big, fun weekend. Ballet, shopping at Paddington, playing with friends and a BIG day out Byron Bay. Byron Bay was crazy and chaotic. Especially as the Splendour in the Grass festival was in full swing. The markets were not the main attraction for Byron this weekend so they were quiet'ish. Market highlights for our happy little family included: bungee bouncing, merry go rounding, eating falafel, getting hair braids, delicious (but ugly) green smoothies, watching the drummers, enjoying the very warm winter sun. A beautiful day.

We pick up our new car this Friday. Max is having buyer's remorse. On one hand he loves that the car is "a bit sporty" and he's looking forward to driving fast and hanging on tight. But on the other hand, he's pretty upset about the size of the "fin". He lies in bed flapping around moaning about the 'fin' not being big enough and wishing we'd got a real 'fin' and not just a 'wing'. He's talking about the size of the spoiler. God help us. Who'd have thought we were the kind of people to ever own a car with a spoiler of any size!

Kath's pre Christmas panic has started early - after waking up in a cold sweat too many times from a dream that it's late on Christmas Eve and we don't have a single present. Not that our lives would end if that was the case......but there would be some explaining to do. So our Christmas shopping has started early. Santa has already got a good stash.

Ruby has 'show and share' this Thursday. The theme is "God's creation". She's thinking of talking about love. Of course. Apparently her show and share will involve love hearts, love letters and Barbie dolls hugging. eek.

Here's some pics from the weekend:

peace and love and splendour xxx

What's that there, can you see?

We had a fantastic adventure today. We skipped school (:o) and went to a very colourful, very energetic, very fabulous concert.

Thanks Justine, we love you.

peace and love xxxx

p.s. am I the only one who thinks Justine is the "Kasey Chambers wannabe chick" of Playschool? Although she may be more kooky than country.

Love is a tune you hum-de-hum-hum

Oh Bang! A boom-a-boomerang is love.



We're having a BIG ABBA festival around here lately. The DVD is playing endlessly :)

Ruby is love obsessed so of course her fave ABBA song is Bang-a-boomerang. Her fave ABBA chick is Agnetha - of course, because she looks like a princess. Max (who can never decide) loves all the songs and all of the "ABBA people".

I wish I could remember all the ABBA dance moves - *sigh*.

In other - non ABBA news - Max believes he "will be a man when he's 5" and that he accidentally ate a monster while he was asleep last night. Scary stuff. Ruby believes that daddy gives the "best hugs ever" and that she knows all there is possibly to know about money. She's pleased to have "5 pieces of money". She might have a bit more to learn yet. ;)

We've also bought a new car which we'll pick up in early August.

I'm back at work now after a short but super fabulous break for school holidays.

Be happy and well.
xxxx

The photo is from www.abbasite.com

I'm wearing purple today :)

Warning

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

I think this was written by Jenny Joseph.
I wish I had a red hat.
xxxx

Thursday, Thursday

I knew I couldn't keep with a post a day every day for a week. But I have taken a few photos every day :)

Thursday:

We went to New Farm Park. Hooray! It was on the holiday list so it was a must do. Both declared it is probably the "favourite park" now. It is rather fabulous. And on the river, so glorious. And with a most magnificent rose garden. And when we visited, there was an orchestra playing (so Ruby said), but it was really just a handful of people with instruments, including wild drums, who sounded amazing.

We ate canoli in Italy. Well at Cibo anyway -which is an Italian cafe, so it's almost the same.

We went to a gorgeous bookshop and looked and looked and looked. When R+M realised it was not a library, they became a lot more focused on the task of choosing. Lying on your tummy reading books in the middle of a bookshop is probably not bookshop etiquette but that was before the discovery that Mary Ryan's is not actually a library. We came home with a very small but greatly treasured box of Kung Fu Panda books and a glittery, sparkly book about a rabbit who becomes a fairy. Of course.

The only high drama in our fabulous day was Max showing off at the playground. Seeing me coming towards him he started going crazy on the fort, then threw himself at a "sliding down pole" only to cop a whack to the head and land on his stomach, because he forgot to hold on and slide.

I'm loving school holidays. I wish I could have 13 weeks off every year........*sigh*

peace and love xxxx

p.s. I need to add - Ruby has started styling her own hair. Her favoured look is one low pony. It takes her about 15 - 20 minutes to get it looking exactly how she wants it - as shown above. :) Not my style of choice, but so be it, she's her own girl.

Wynnum Plaza - we love you

It's a cold and windy wintry day in Wynnum. Too cold to go to Italy. Or even to go to New Farm Park. Our plans of catching the Citycat across to the park were quickly discarded when we realised how freakin' cold it is today. So we went to the place we love to go for treats - Wynnum Plaza.

We came home with donuts (!), a fire engine, a teensie eensie Lightning Macqueen and some new Barbie clothes, including a wedding dress (complete with veil, shoes and a bouquet). Since we've been home Barbie has married Chelsea and had a post wedding ride in the fire truck. Happy days. All the wedding guests dressed up for the occasion, including the cars. Sadly, the wedding photographer missed the action because she was having a hot cup of tea.

And for something else. It's 14 years today since Mark and I met. 9 July 1994 was a special day. This photo isn't from then, but it wasn't long after. 14 happy years. We're hoping for many more. :)

peace and love

xxxx

A list for today

1. I like the name "Sunday Rose". Even though she may be called "Sunday roast". Poor wee poppet.
2. I'd like some sunny days now for the rest of the school holidays. Rainy days are tedious.
3. Today we went to Spotlight. I think they purposefully recruit the most gnarly, growly, child hating, unemployable people ever. It certainly seemed like that today.
4. We bought rugs and fabric for curtains today. Hooray.
5. We had an afternoon tea picnic with day old cupcakes - it was fabulous.
6. Ruby is insisting I call her "Elizabeth" and Max wants to be "Mary".
7. Ruby has been on the phone calling all her friends to a party she's hosting for herself (Elizabeth) and her brother (Mary).
8. Elizabeth and Mary are having a birthday party today. We've just sang happy birthday for both of them.
9. Elizabeth is Mary's mother. I'm Elizabeth's mother. We live in Japan. Elizabeth has another mummy who lives in England. She likes to call her "mother". Elizabeth's husband is dead. He was eaten by a monster, a sad way to go.
10. The jonquils I bought last Friday are still deliciously fragrant and divine. I miss buying flowers every week. It was a "pre kids" weekly treat that I greatly enjoyed.
11. We've danced to the ABBA DVD again today - good fun. Ruby thinks ABBA may possibly be better than the Bee Gees, although she's still deciding.
12. Oven baked pumpkin risotto tastes so much better when you load it up with fetta. Elizabeth says it's "famous".
13. Max has not yet overcome his fear of hairdressers. Both had haircuts (well trims really) today. It was dramatic. *sigh*
14. Ruby has reluctantly conceded to having some purple in her room to save us from pink pandemonium. Thankfully. Because there wasn't enough pink twill curtain fabric at Spotlight today. The lilac twill is beautiful.
15. Today was the first day of my serious diet. I refuse to cut out my daily coffee though. And my glass of wine. And and and. Perhaps it's not a "serious" diet afterall.
16. I'm angry about what's happening with Dennis Ferguson. I wish the judge had tried him. It's going to cost a lot more to supervise him in the community than it would have in gaol.
17. Tomorrow we're going "to Italy for a day to eat canoli". I think Italy is in New Farm. I expect that New Farm Park is probably part of Italy too.
18. I'm loving time off work. I'm especially loving sleeping in till 7.00am and sitting around in my jarmies in the morning drinking cups of tea. Heaven.
19. In the last couple of weeks I've read Geraldine Brooks 2 most recent books: "March" and "People of the Book" - both magnificent. I was anxious about reading them because I loved "Year of Wonders" so very much and thought I'd be disappointed with her subsequent books. But I think her writing is getting even better. If that's possible.
20. There was an intensely beautiful sunset tonight. Magical even.

And some pics from our day:

Blogger is being dysfunctional today and I cannot move the sunset from the top to the bottom. I'm OK (well OK'ish) with the day not being perfectly chronological. Hope you are too.

peace and love, xxxx

Week 2 of the school holidays

Day One.

Today we:
* ate strawberries for breakfast.
* saw Kung Fu Panda. Scary for Ruby. "Not scary enough" for Max. So he said.
* played with Madeline. We looked for bugs, but only found a grasshopper. Ruby quickly threw it into the chickens who devoured it with delight.
* baked banana cupcakes. R, M and M decorated 4 each - colourful butterflies and flowers and pigs and some just plain sprinkly ones. Beautiful. And delicious.

A perfect day.

peace out.

xxxx

Happy Birthday Jan

Our dear and beautiful Jan celebrated her 40th birthday last Thursday. Saturday night was the birthday bash - we had a fantastico time at a gorgeously grown up cocktail party.

Happy Birthday party girl, we love you. xx

It's been a long while since Mark and I sipped on cocktails all night. I know Jan would say that she was disappointed I didn't drink the cocktail list with her (and maybe I did have a few soft drinks and a lot of water) but the bartender's list was 400 cocktails long - apparently. Too much for me! Although I was brave enough to drink the cocktail that no one else would drink - and I loved it.

It was a good fun night. Thanks Jan and Col.

xxxx