An Education

Craig, Jules and the kids (with the exception of Tess) headed up to the farm for the weekend.  Tess had decided not to go because she wanted to hang out with me and she had her dress rehearsal for the Talent Quest which she didn't want to miss.  At 6.30 on Friday morning as Jules and Tom were trying to leave for the farm she went into total meltdown, hanging on to Jules, screaming, crying, because she'd changed her mind.  We debated whether to let her go (it would have meant a child-free weekend for me which would have been quite useful this close to Christmas) but decided that she needed to learn about making decisions and sticking to them so Jules made a dash for it and I double locked the front door so she couldn't chase the car down the street.  Twenty minutes later she had calmed down and was looking forward to her day ahead, Jules might need counselling.  


This is the second time the boys have gone to the farm and left the girls behind and I've tried to make it special for Tess by watching movies that are more "girly" and might not be quite suitable yet for Tom.  Last time we watched Grease and Mamma Mia which is now a firm favourite, this time we watched Fame and The Sound of Music.  I can vaguely remember watching Fame when it first came out but was a bit confused when Kelsey Grammer appeared in the first scene looking quite old considering how young I was when Fame was made, then when a mobile phone was used I realised this must be a remake because those definitely weren't around when I first saw it!  I am horrified to admit that I have never seen the Sound of Music although I know all the songs as did Tess who has also never seen it.  We had a ball singing along and I can see it becoming another firm family favourite.  


Now that I'm soon going to be a "real" mum I've been thinking that I need to pull my finger out with regards to craft.  Luckily I have a number of friends who are crafty and prolific blog writers with lots of other crafty, prolific blog writer friends so I have quite a sizeable source of ideas to tap into.  I will not give away this weekends craft activity because a number of the people who read this blog will be beneficiaries but it kept Tess, Olivia and myself busy and although our output looked nothing like the pictures on the blog we were following it will do!  

Fletcher, Tom, Hunter and a dying kangaroo 

Tom on his $5 bike

Meanwhile Jules and Tom were having a lovely time as always up at the farm.  Jules went to the local tip and got an excellent bike for Tom for $5!  There were goannas galore (perhaps the ones in the roof are reproducing??!!) and they even found what appeared to be either a very sick or close to death kangaroo - note how concerned the boys are at this animal's near demise!   


Sunday evening was spent putting up the christmas tree - I would post a picture but it needs some "tweaking".  I was very restrained and sat drinking wine whilst the children decorated the tree - I now need to wait until they're asleep before I can redistribute the ornaments slightly more evenly.  (sub editors note:  as our friend John would say she would give a dispirin a headache).