From here to insanity...

I will warn you in advance, that this post may appear random and possibly like I am teetering on the edge of God only knows what!! It may contain frequent course language & an I don't give a shit attitude. I will be writing from over here in the doldrums, but please don't ask me if I am OK, because I will almost certainly cry at you, on you, or any other two word sentence, ending in you...

I know that being a  Mother is meant to be magical & the most amazing thing I will ever experience in my life, but for the last 24 hours, I am wishing magic would just take them to the park for ohhhhhh let me see, a week!!!! Yes I love my children & they are my everything, but....... (oh good lord strap on your seat belts cos' I am off....) And there will be exclamation marks!!!!!!

I would like to wake up to silence in my own good time, 6am is not my own good time!!! I do not want to hear the baby crying, or the older kids yelling and fighting over nothing!! I actually don't even care who started it first, because it takes two to tango, and quite possibly you are actually a gay la-la!!!!

I have not a care that you are hungry and you would like me to cook you pancakes, make your own food, it's about time you learnt!! You are never be too young to try.....

"What's that", oh you've done a poo!!! Well that's fucken brilliant!! The kid has done a poo, let's all celebrate!! You see that white stuff called paper..... Well wipe your own bum, because I already know how!! *insert poker face tongue hanging out here* Oh and if you are too lazy to wash your hands and you get sick, well don't say I didn't warn you!!

Did you know that 1/2 litre of milk into a bowl of ummmm 60gm of cereal is excessive!!! "What's that again", Ohhhhh you have managed to spill it on the floor (1 millionth time this year but who's counting dickhead!!) Oh never mind, you now have about the right ratio in your bowl... and besides you love to clean, I can tell by the state of your room!!

Your bowl does not magically bring itself to the sink, just like you do not magically disappear to the park for a week!

It really is not that hard to get dressed when you have a School uniform hanging in your wardrobe just waiting to be put on your body, but somehow an hour goes by and I can still see your bum!!!! One sock is not a pair, so put the other one on your fucking foot before I ram it down your throat!!! Yes you need jocks, and turning your socks inside out because they are your favourite is not acceptable hygiene!!!

I understand the baby is crying, what's frickin new, he needs me!!!

Close the toilet door, babies and toilets DO NOT MIX, neither do bathrooms, laundries, pantries or rubbish bins!!! If you do not want "the stupid baby" in your room, YOU close the door, "you stupid kid!!!!"

Throwing yourself at my feet in a tantrum makes me think twice about stepping on you, it does not make me feel sorry for you...

I do not want to play the DS, it is annoying, and one would have thought, that the amount of time you spend on it, you would know how to charge it, get onto Mario Kart & find the right track!!!!!!!

I know your hungry, whats new??????

"A drink" I here you say, well there is the bloody tap!!!

Dirty clothes look great in the laundry, not all over your room!

Yes there are days I breath a sigh of relief when you exit the car to School...

Yes there are days I breath a sigh of relief when you exit the car to Kinder...

No!! Grunting is not human speak, and I have no idea what you want when you do it, in fact it irritates me!!

Just in case you were deluded..... I DO NOT LOVE cleaning up your mess, washing clothes, vacuuming, washing dishes, packing & unpacking the dishwasher & all the things I do to make our home a tidy, hygienic space!

No, I am not keeping a logbook & attempting to get my licence again, so driving you here, there and everywhere is of no benefit to me!!

Oh, "I don't care", is that right???, well how about you just shove off then!!!!!

Clothing, Schooling, Toys, Dancing, Basketball, Swimming Lessons etc etc etc are not free! That tree out the back is called a Gum tree not money tree!

If it ain't broke, I will not be fixing it & definitely not replacing it, so stop asking!!

When I have slaved over the stove, and serve you up a deliciously nutritious meal, only to have you say, without even trying a mouthful mind you, "that's disgusting!!!", I expect you to the the whole fucking lot!!!! Well the next time you make something for me that you are proud of, I might just try saying "well that's just crap!!" "Is that the best your small hands could do???", "never mind there is always next time in art!" "Oh look, you got some spelling mistakes, "well who's a dumb dumb"..... Yeah don't think you would like that my friend!!

Yes I love it when you go to sleep, because it's quiet...

And just for the record, I do eat chocolate & sweets (may even attempt the whole block tonight) when you go to bed!! Ha ha there I said it, so now you know!!

Yes I love my children, they are my everything, my consuming passion it seems!
Swearing is not for you to do, it is my prerogative only, do as I say, not as I do!!

ummmm derrrrrrrrr....



Cheers to motherhood!! and I am only Cheersing so that I have a valid excuse to raise a very full glass, of something very strong!

Oh and just one more for the record..... just because I give one child something, does not mean that I love them more, and should not evoke an enormous uproar!! If I gave him poo, you would fight over that I am certain!!

Have you ever stopped and pondered? Well I guess it's a given that you haven't stopped, because if your a parent, there is no stopping!! But when we recently built our home, my darling husband asked me what my perfect room would consist of.. I proceeded, white!! I would have white walls, white sofa, white furniture & there would be complete silence... He laughed "Geeze Rob, you just described a padded cell!!!"


So I have decided to resign from my current position in the house as Mama, I have tried it, and have decided that I am just not cut out for the job!! Anyone interested? No please, don't rush....

Well here's to my unemployment or retirement & insanity!!

Please feel free to leave a comment or tell me how your day is??? I may or may not give a shit!!

Hick xx

it's a crazy kind of love...

It's been two days since my two eldest babies went back to school for the last term of the year (eeeek, that year went fast!). I have not blogged during the holidays, because like most of us Mama's, I was doing the most important role I have, being Mama!! I know at times, tempers flare and ends get slightly frayed, for both kids and parents, but I love having them home. When I look at how fast the years are flying by, I love to watch them grow. It is so nice to be the observer of such beauty, oh and of course so much sweeter as the creator!

We don't lavish our children in the monetary kind of way, we prefer simple and peaceful family activities. So for this holidays, we took long walks on several surrounding beaches, collecting shells, & driftwood and jelly fish halves (she giggles) & building palaces for our jellyfish halves of course! Darling husband was designated baby wearer, & I was the one following in the footsteps of our other children, watching them in awe! I am not so sure that these moments were quite so special to them as they were to us. But there were times that I felt emotional watching their innocence & hearing their excited questions about our world.

We made shell hangings tied to driftwood & necklaces & bracelets & all things shells...  We rode bikes, skateboards, climbed trees, slayed dragons, had picnics, watched Kangaroos feed with their Joeys, and enjoyed our time together as family...

Thanks for popping by & sticking around whilst I was being Mama!

Here is some free fun and makes a pretty night display... All you need is some washed, used tin cans & a drill, the rest is up to you, or in my case, the kids! although mine are far too young to be using a drill, they have fabulous imaginations *love*

I can visualise these outside slightly rusted, hanging from trees, or placed around the deck and looking so pretty! I have drilled some holes in the base for drainage (not too big) & near the rims to thread some wire through to hang them. Just a tip *wink*

Peace
MHxx

Wordless Wednesday - homemade cookies & tea please...

Wordless Wednesday (she says laughing, I am never wordless!), So I will be showing you rather than telling you what we have been up to... nom nom nom & besides, I am off to enjoy the sunshine, ummmm sunshine, has it gone already? I best just do the dishes...

Mama xx

'Dusty Elroy' 15th September 2010...

Firstly, a Happy 1st Birthday to the sweetest 1yo we know...
One year ago today, we were deliriously celebrating the arrival of our darling 3rd son. He came into the world contented and healthy & for that we feel very blessed! He was born with a small amount of light brown hair & blue eyes, chubby arms and legs and the sweetest cheeks and toes just made for kissing. He stayed with Mama for at least 72 hours only separating to take the odd, well actually the frequent nature call. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this time when a baby is born, so heartfelt & nurturing for both. I would have to say that this is probably the only time that I truly like feeling so very needed.

He is named 'Dusty Elroy', he weighed 9lb 4oz & was 56cm in length, not that all the details other than his name really mean that much, but hey, now you have all the goss. I am sure you will agree that he was such a splendid looking bubs and still is...

Doesn't it just take you back to the most amazing time in a parents life? I know it sure does for me, and I think about the birth of all my babies, and it really is something you will never forget. I can recall each & every moment, well maybe not when I was slightly delirious with exhaustion, but I would have to say 99%.

Today we will celebrate the last of our babies 1st Birthdays, with some fun & lovin', we will eat, play, love, laugh & enjoy the time we have together. (It's not always so joyous), but for today, we will be celebrating the good times...

Enjoy our visual delights from our day so far...

Tee Pee made by Mama with Love... Will tell you all about that later.

I am off to play!!

Peace & Love

MHxx



what's one more...

I am going to write this now, because I never ever thought that I would feel this way after birthing, loving, nurturing (occasionally ranting & raving too) four, hang on "FOUR", that's better, children! So I have "FOUR" adorable children, what?, well they are right at this minute, because they are all fast asleep...

Anyway, you see our baby is turning one! I am almost sad that he is turning one, and I know I should be celebrating his journey so far, but I would like him to stay my gorgeous little bubba forever... Snugly in my arms or perched on my hip, as heavy as he gets, I love the time you get to share with your babes at this tender innocent age. I have loved it with all my children.

I have always been told by older Mama's, how fast it goes and to enjoy those tender early years, & I can honestly say I have! If there was ever a piece of advice that I have taken on board, it's been that... So thank you for your pearls of wisdom!

Those that know me personally know that we were quite content with three children, but were blessed ( I can say that now as a survivor!) with darling no. 4! WE LOVE HIM UNDENIABLY TO THE MOON & BACK & BACK AGAIN!!!!!!!!!
Just had to let you know, because it can seem that a surprise pregnancy can look as though that child was unwanted, but that is certainly not the case! I was shocked & possibly suffering from some denial at first when finding out of his pending arrival, but we fast become attached to our bubba growing in my belly *love*.

I guess my initial fear was just like any Mama's;

How will I cope?

What if I am no good at juggling 4 little ones lives?

Will I ever sleep again?

Will I be able to spread my arms & lovin' around them all, & darling husband?

How will darling husband cope with "FOUR" (ba ha ha ha... thought he would never have children - *fail*)?

Will my hair ever be washed again?

I think you can see where we were at during the walk down this road. Probably like the story of many expectant parents...

So where are we now? Well, darling husband, is happy and contented with his larger than expected brood, and so is Mama. BUT.... here it comes... Well the other day, I saw a newborn!!!!! ARRRGGGGHHHH I was smitten, I had this undeniable urge to be there again.. we have 4, so what's 5? Well there will be no No. 5 from me, but it made me realise that I will probably be eternally clucky and in love with that new baby phase. It also made me want to slow down the spinning of this universe, so that I can enjoy my babies, each & every minute & moment with them all... I have been guilty of being impatient, cranky & all the things that come with being Mama, but I try my best to be the best!

Today from here on in... I am going to take longer deep breathes when I feel uptight or frustrated at the goings on around me & try to make all of our moments & minutes my 'best'... I do not want to miss a minute with our darling children, they are almost 9 & 7yrs and 4 & 1yr, in 6 more sleeps...

For now, I will suppress the urge to have more babies, because I have so many special things to cherish with & about the "FOUR" we are so very blessed to have!

I am off to watch them sleep...

Mama xx

it's daddafied baby...

Most of us nickname our babes in Utero, so I do not see that as anything too odd. I seems weird calling your gorgeous growing Lovely "It", I totally get that.

For our family, the nickname did not stop there, and I don't mean normal, well maybe it is, but when people that do not know us hear us call the kids, I can see them look on in righteous horror!!

For darling husband, he takes great honor in naming his offspring with crazy odd names...

So our gorgeous girl, commonly named "Lillie/Lilla", has had her name evolve over the years from 'Lilsten', 'Lilberg', 'Lilstenberg', 'Undertow', to the all time, 'Undertowerest of them all' !! I do not know, or even begin to understand how his mind works, but he is most of the time a sane Dadda. Can you imagine it at the park "Undertow", she does not even miss a beat, and answers just like it was the name she was born with...

So our eldest darling boy is commonly named "Claye", to which I believe to be completely normal, although we did get some unnecessary comments upon naming him... Anywhooo! So he went from 'Claye', to 'Goggle', 'Gogs', to 'Clog'!! Which is somewhere in between Claye & Goggle. Interesting to say the least!

Of course the 2nd born son would need a nickname. He was named from birth "Tully". As a clumsy toddler he was named 'Clunk' but from there he received the all time name of  'so many too many'.... What on earth was he thinking??? He offers him a choice at times, and asks, "Are you so many? or Too many?", then they play the game of so many too many... I know what you may be thinking, but really, we are quite normal folks... *twitch twitch*

Lucky last son was born and named "Dusty"... Gorgeous name I think, but with now quite a few kids in the house, darling husband referred to him, from very early on, as 'Little One', which of course soon became, 'Little', 'Lids', 'Little by Little' and ending up with 'Bylids'... He is too young to really know, but I swear he thinks that is his name... Naaaaw poor Dusty...

For the mental well being of the human race, we will be doing no further breeding!

What's your crazy nickname, because as weird as they are, I have a sneaking suspicion that we are not alone??

Ny Ny
Mama Hick xx

goodbye winter...

It's not that I don't like Winter, but it's so lovely to be welcoming Spring & it's warmer days & all the prospects of new beginnings that it has to offer...

But before I go jumping the gun and moving onto Spring, we still have approximately 3 hours left, to give thanks and reflect on the wonderment (hmmm word? not sure) of Winter...

So my personal list of absolute gratitude is this;

Thank You for;

• cold crisp days
• a red nose
• numb fingers & toes
• walks along the beach at it's best
• huge swells
• rain
• daffodils
• super cute gumboots
• and colorful umbrellas
• snuggles on the couch with my babes
• outside fires
• and crackling logs
• warm gooey delicious marshmallows
• my lambswool slippers
• delightful knitted vests & jumpers
• scrumptious slow cooked meals
• puddings of all flavours
• puddles
• mud
• long hot baths
• listening to the rain on the tin
• oranges
• inside fires
• snuggles
• snuggles
• and more snuggles
• and all the things I've missed but loved

Now on your way and let Spring do it's thing! We shall be seeing you again next year...

MH xx

honey I'm home...

I have a sneaking suspicion that my darling husband secretly believes that I swan around all day drinking cuppa's, chatting to girl friends on the phone, taking the occasional snooze, painting my nails, reading mags & watching random crap on daytime television.
And I guess that he is right, to a certain extent, because that is exactly what I would do ~ once I have b/f the baby, let the dog out before he pees all over the house,  fed 4 children their breakfast, cleaned the highchair (1^st time), swept the kitchen floor (1st time), un-stacked the dishwasher (here comes the pattern..... 1st time), washed the concrete off the table (not really but have you ever left weat bix for an hour on the table???? Man 'o' Man, you could build houses with that stuff), hunted down dirty socks from under the couch (hey Claye), put the first load of washing on, soaked the really stained stuff (almost all the kids stuff) in a bucket with the nearest laundry soaky product that my bleary eyes could find, let Max back in, rescued the stuff from Dusty's mouth off the floor, yelled at the bigger kids to get ready for school (ba ha ha ha 1st time), then made their lunches, checked that their bags are packed, strapped Dusty into the carseat, run around like a headless chook for a few minutes, yelled again at the bigger kids (2nd time), get everyone into the car, make sure all 7,000 have their seat belts on (yes they have multiplied, what's it to ya?), back out of the driveway, drive back in the driveway (Claye, can you seriously forget your shoes????), back out again, wrangle the roundabouts, reverse park at school, throw some kids out (most of the time not literally), home again, home again, feed baby a snack, clean the highchair (2^nd time), read a story to Tully, hung out the washing, wiped a small vomit up from the carpet, put Dusty to bed for a sleep, folded the washing, tidied kid’s play area, make sure the kids are all booked in for random medical procedures, thought about a sudden idea to make me millions, new load of washing on, answered the phone to said husband to see how my day was (hmm checking in), phone wakes Dusty, b/f said baby, drag out assortment of things that keep him happy, it's more food for someone, make a trip to the supermarket to pick up milk and something for dinner, unpacked the shopping, yep nothing still for dinner (the reason I needed to go today), removed Dusty from the pantry for the 28th time, is that other small boy still here?, yep, and the whole roll of toilet paper does not go in at once, and will block the toilet, send found small boy to time out, 4 minutes should do it (I wish), remind baby that dog food is not a nutritious staple at his age, remove him from the bathroom where he has been jamming his chubby fingers in the cupboard , back in the car to collect school aged kids, cook dinner, feed small people, clean the highchair (3^rd time), bathe kids, dress kids, do reader with Claye, listen to Lilla read, throw a boob at the baby, put him to bed, re-settle baby, re-settle baby, re-settle baby (he is consistent at least), greet darling husband, feed him ( and no, not boobs) eat too, tidy up dishes, get bigger kids into bed, yell at bigger kids to GET TO BED!!, argue about who's older & what time is suitable for 8 year olds versus 6 year olds,  take deep breathes, put the dishwasher on, talk to darling about his day, love him, possibly grab a hard earned shower, crawl into bed.

Please forgive me if I have left something out, because what on earth am I talking about anyway!!!!!!!!

Just line up those cuppas with the mags, I'll have a tim tam thanks,  & take a message for those phone calls, I think there will be some spare time tomorrow, or perhaps I'll just re-heat the cuppa I made at 7am this morning!!

Love you XO

you can have your cake and eat it too, you just need to choose the right cake!

Well I guess as a Mama of 4, I certainly know about the cost of raising and entertaining a family. And there really is no better time to let you in on a few ways that you too can give loads of fun and activities for the kids keeping you and them sane over the school holidays when the weather is only good for those with webbed feet! Yes mine are wide, but not webbed!

OK, so today was a great example of fun on a shoestring! 2 X Mamas, 1 X Dadda, and 6 X kiddies looking for adventure. So where do you go for free to amuse the kids for a few hours?????? I know you are all saying something in your heads, & if you said Bunnings, well then you would be absolutely correct! Over the school holidays, Bunnings offer free craft for kids roughly twice a week. Today we lucked into Boat Making and Painting!! And the kids LOVED it.... So did the parents, we all got to help and chat, and help and chat, so win win I say.

Of course there is also a Playground at Bunnings, and I believe that the entry there is free!! So you could possibly be thinking, "WOW, tight bottom", or you could be thinking "Smart". I will let you decide what I am, because I don't care..
So of course the kids and adults need feeding, so a treat was in order for the kids and they were wanting McDonalds of course (they do have the biggest sign & adds on TV, so they must be great).

Aldi was where we hit and purchased the following not so healthy option, but a great occasional treat;
1 x Bag of Straight Cut Fries $1.99
1 x Curly Fries $2.99
2 x Box Party Pies (only 1.5 required) $3.99
Banana Lollies $0.99
Snakes $0.99
Ice Creams $0.99
Coffee's & Water provided by Mama Hick
And to top off all the health!!!!!! Ice Creams $3.49
So that's about $19.40, making each persons share roughly $2.10, much, much, much cheaper than any take away place! and the fun and laughter that came from our table was contagious!!! Plus there was leftovers, and they were far to full at dinner, so an apple was suffice..

Kids really needn't cost you a fortune, there is dirt outside, sticks make shovels and leaves make shelters for match box cars, and any side of a shoe can make a motorbike track!!! Well that's what my boys tell me.....
There are loads of shopping centres, Libraries, Bunnings, & other Council run activities to get your kids out and about, so use them, you might just have a blast!!
We all had a wonderful day, and the kids are totally thrilled with the boats they made... in fact they are already asking when they can go back to do mosaicing (that can not seriously be a word, or is it?)... How could any Mama say no?
Please if you know of any other wonderful things to see and do, when the indoors gets a bit "la dee da", let me know!
From this Mama to that Mama XO Peace

it goes so fast it blurs...

I watch him before me every day, and I am sure there is something new and wonderful that he can do... He works so quietly, well most of the time, exploring and trying new things, it's frustrating too, because his squeals and red face tell me so. He calls me Mamba, and he really does, because I believe that if babies have instinct to cry, then smiling and talking and all the other magic that happens must also be somewhat instinctive... I love it when he follows me around the house with his cute little commando crawl, which I am sure will be the only type of crawl he will do! OK, so you will probably not believe it, but just as I typed that, he moved in a true 2 hands and 2 knee motion... See magic!! He smiled and straight away looked up to me to see that I saw it... (think lovingly of our darling boy) I cannot really believe that it has been almost 9 1/2 months since he changed our lives with his birth... He has a face now that he flashes at Mama and Dadad and we call it his Toosie face.... Pics will follow because I could not even begin to describe it... Well it's boob time for bubba and then a nice big sleep (huh hmmm)!

And that my friends is "Toosie face"

Ummmmmm it may be headed that way...

OK, so it (being the day) may be headed slightly apple or pear shaped which ever of the two you may be, as on the phone to telstra (swear, curse, poke voodoo doll) I cried, ummmmm WTF?? (not swearing Mama bear it's What this Friday?) (smug grin).... OK, so to console myself, I made a cuppa and sat to watch the TV again!!!! (think lazy tart to ones self) OPRAH was on and I wanted to be there!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She was giving away 12 of her favourite things, OMG OMG OMG, I would have been contented with just the car (laugh again it would never fit our brood) and then drink my coffee again this time sucking the last few cold drops (common occurrence)......



OK, so i got led back to Toshy (pet name for Laptop) where I begin the Family Budget (Crap). Why is there never enough coming in, and most going out? I am sure though that we are not alone, so I will not worry too much.

Well how random am I today (I know that's what your thinking), that I have blogged twice!!! (fist pump in the air) but I have achieved nothing on the home front, and really could not care less... Well actually I did clean up chicken poo, as Fluffy and Coco escaped there enclosure and once free, poo'd enough poop to last a flippin' month.... Oh my chickens are just pigs, or are they learning that from the environment they are living in???? No, no, no, we do not poo everywhere, but I sometimes wonder if I birthed piglets.

OK, I had to start this sentence with OK, cos' it seemed to be the daily theme (I have gone completely mad).... Well I am now feeling bad that I did not even vacuum, but hey the crumbs are starting to blend in... Did I mention the irony about contacting Telstra ( nasty thoughts again), well, i was attempting to jump on the Internet to pay some of my ridiculously large bill, bet gee the Internet WAS NOT WORKING!!!!!!!!!! and if I was talking to you then, I would have been yelling, hence the Caps ;)

Arggghhhhh never mind me hearties (Pirate accent)...

Type you again soon XO

Do not walk like that, you are scaring your brother!

I really believe that how you wake in the morning sets the scene for the rest of the day.... For me this morning I was awoken by a car doing a ewy? uey? euwey? hmmm not too sure how to spell that, but you know it's a turn in the opposite direction and I cannot believe that I am telling you that!!! Anyway, well the time being 5.16am and I could not get back to sleep properly until what seemed like 3 minutes before the kids awoke for the day.... maybe not really 3 but who would know in that weird kinda' unconscious state.....

Claye came bolting into the bedroom squealing like he was about to be murdered, I sprung to bolt upright position in bed, and asked what was wrong, he cuddled in close and replied "Lillie is scaring me", ohhhh dear!!! "OK, I will ask her not to", I say to him... Then this strange Zombie girl rounds the corner of our bedroom and cracks up laughing..... It's so silly but she does it all the time now that she gets such an awesome response.... Turd, is what springs to mind at this point.... anyways........

The morning continues with Claye and Tully making their own breakfast which consisted of totally ooooooozing honey sandwiches... I known you you are probably already thinking about the mess, and you would be right if you thought that perhaps some honey did go on the floor, the walls, the bench and god only knows where else. It's at this point that I notice that Tully has actually had his face colored in with brown texta, so I say " Hmmmm your face looks interesting Tully", and he grins his cheeky grin, and says, " Yiddee did it, with texta". To which of course she denied and threw the blame to Claye... I throw some food groups into the slow cooker and turn it to low, probably will call it spaghetti if they ask what this is..... Well I talk and yell and remind the children of the pending Dental appointment to get them to brush their teeth full stop, let alone do it properly and then I yell some more, sling bubby into his car seat at which point I think to myself should he have his car seat turned around yet???? hmmmm who really knows, and then I head for the morning routine of School and Kinder drop off!! Phew, I am exhausted just reliving it... Did I mention that I also managed to fit in an early morning phone call from darling Husband who is away on work for a few night??? Well now you know.

So I cheat and take the 2nd lane, as the kids call it, to wrangle the traffic jam that occurs at the local roundabout, and arrive at school just in time to change reader and get Claye to organise his Library book ( I cannot stand the whole borrowing library book thing as it's just another thing I must worry about!!) and then continue back to the car.... Tully has been in the car (backpack still on back), into school (backpack still on back) and then taken to Kinder (backpack still on back). OK so home again, home again, jiggity jigg!!!

It's feed Dusty breakfast, he demands boobs, so I take pity and do as directed, and I cuddle for a while and pop him into bed.... All of which occurs before 10am, , and I had been thinking that I will put him into bed and race around ( most commonly used speed for Mama's I am sure) and mop and vacuum and make the house look habitable again....

But where am I???? on the couch watching the circle and reading one of my favourite gals blogs Milk 'n' Cookies, which reminds me to update mine, see...... she helps me without even knowing, now that's a good friend ( think loving thought of her)..... OK, so bubs is asleep, floor is still sticky and crumbed with who even knows what, but I think I may have broken the cycle that usually occurs!!!! Well who would know, the day will probably still end with texta'd faces, Zombie girl, boy squealing, another call from darling husband and a baby on my boob!!!! Here's to the craziness of Motherhood!!! Cheers

XO May the force be with you

what is 6 almost 7?...

6 almost 7 is tiring...
its defiant...
its incredibly sincere...
also very cheeky...


I am not sure that I am enjoying 6 almost 7...


its pushing the boundaries...
its physical and boystress...
its learning to read..
and write and spell...


its learning the art of compromise...
and to share with siblings...
its fitting into the middle of the family...
its being the little brother...
and the big brother...


its destructive...
and creative...
its hard work...
but so very rewarding...

at times its seems like I am doing it all wrong...
its a warm cuddle and kind words that make it all seem right...


its one of our boys!  XO

sweet baby girl...

For those of you that know me, and my beautiful family, will know my precious girl "Lilla". Not that I want to boast or anything, but she is really such a wonderfully, thoughtful, human being and we are so very proud!!! Just tonight when my patience was frayed by our darling 3 1/2 yo, she took him and got his night nappy on, made a bed for his pretend guinea pig, filled his drink bottle with water, tucked him in, and turned out his light... She then came to me and said, "oh he is just so cute Mum", you would have been proud, he even used his manners and said "Thank you for making my guinea pig his bed". "But you need to say good night".
Of course I need to say goodnight, so off I go, and there is our beautiful boy sound asleep!
She is only 8 years old, but so amazing and has such a sweet heart. I mean, what 8yo realises that her Mum is exhausted and could do with a hand, well ours does. It's hard to believe that in only 8 short years she has developed into such a kind, compassionate, caring person.
I know as Mothers, it's very easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you are not doing a very good job, especially at times when you are tired and have no idea how to handle the next wave of situations that children can throw at you. Well this is one of the opposite moments where we can stop and look at the amazing little people that we have helped to shape. Again, she will have no idea of how she helps to support me... LOVE to you Lilla, I hope you know that I love you all the way to the moon and back!!! XO

all creatures great and small...

Some people measure the greatness of their life by how much money they have, or how many possessions they own, or how great their career may be, or as sad as it sounds, but as to how many friends they have...
Well just the other day whilst going about my home duties, I too began to ponder on what my greatest achievement to date in my life would be, which made me stumble across this sheer fact of awesomeness!! Awesomeness, not sure if it's really in the English dictionary as a word, but it totally suitable for what I came across in my head...
I made totally amazing babies, all 4 of them to be precise!! Yep that's a functioning heart and lungs and all the other important fundamentals that you require to be a living human. I personally believe that so many Mothers underestimate how truly amazing a feat this actually is... It's not just bake in a Moderate oven for 1 hour here, it's 40 or so weeks of creativity at it's best...
And then, once created I fed them to the chunky size that babies should be, apparently for all of them, to the size of 25% of Australian babies!!
So the next time someone tries to make you question your existence, think about the wonders that growing and rearing a child can bring.
I will have this job as Mama Hick for life! No-one can make me redundant or cut my wages because this is a job that's paid with love, pride, and sheer satisfaction!
I know that your probably thinking well hang on a minute, you did not do this single handedly, so acknowledgements to my gorgeous punkins ( aka Cory) for planting the seeds of life!
This also leads me to realise how wonderful my life is...
May your day be 100% loved up! (with a little bit of sick and snot for good luck)
Satisfied Mama XO

roller coaster...

So at 5am I am woken by Tully all upset with a very sore ear... My poor baby has been suffering from ear infections for nearly all his little short life, and they are so debilitating for him. So back to the docs for some more antibiotics! I just hate having to feed the kids antibiotics, but there was no other choice this time.
So with the Doctors all done, we head off to the Chemist, and Tully decides he would feel better if we went to Nan and Pa's... Ran into our lovely friend at the Chemist and had some much needed chit chat, off to the bakery and then to Nan's...
Saw Auntie Vik and her horse Dolly, which was nice and Tully was a wonderful help for her. He also got to see Pa's 6 piglets and Doris the mama pig... Wow they are growing so fast! So back to school to get the kiddies and home again, home again jiggity jig!
I have no idea where all the time goes, but I must have sprung a leak somewhere, cos' I seem to be losing hours each day...
And so the roller coaster will take it's next passengers tomorrow...
Tootles X

day to day...

I really should not be sitting here tapping away on the keyboard, when the sun is shining so brightly outside!! But I have a new toy, called a laptop, and it's the first one I have ever owned, so it's all fun and exciting!
Kids have been a little snotty of late and Tully has a shocking cough, but it seems to be getting better.. Dusty is still amazing me with how Sweet he is... He is rolling over all the time now and is trying to eat everything in sight, particularly his toes. LOVE. Lillie is preparing to do her Reconciliation and is very excited to be a part of it all. Claye is settling back into School and seems to have made some nice new friends... Cors, well actually Cory is fast asleep on the couch and snoring his head off!!!! Me, on the other hand is feeling exhausted with all the things we have going on right now... Our house is only a matter of weeks away from being complete, so trying to arrange all of the final things is tedious and time consuming..... After much deliberation we have decided to Baptise all of the kiddies, so the 13th of March it is... Reconciliation for Lil, and workshops is the 31st March.... This date is also my beautiful but snoring husbands and my 10th wedding anniversary, so I must plan something nice to do together to celebrate!! And to fit in Dancing classes, Ballet, Tap and Jaz to be precise, swimming lessons for the 3 older kids and health centre visits.... arghhhh busy times...
Finally last night I downloaded Skye and spoke with our gorgeous niece Maddison who has been in France for 1 month on Saturday, so she tells me... Poor kid is struggling with the language and difference in culture, not to mention homesickness right now! But is was lovely to see her last night. My lovely friend Casey is emailing her weekly which I just found out, so that is very sweet! You have got to love a good mate.
I have so much in my head that I have forgotten what I was typing about......
Well I hear my little man waking, so its off to get some lovin', Dusty that is, just read that sentence and it sounded not quite right knowing that I had mentioned that Cory was asleep too!! he he he  OK so I really had better go as Tully has found his favourite thing also by the sounds of things...... WATER!!
Love & Bliss for this sun shiny day! XO

raising of the sweetest kind...

It's funny how your day can go as a busy Mama of 4 young children. Today was no stand out day really, took Dusty to the health centre, and as we expected, doing great and growing like a little mushroom, well not long with an overhanging head, but you know what I mean. Then Tully off to Kinder, and then home again. Cory sleeps as we go about our duties... Today's duty was to make some delicious berry and banana smoothies and then heading out to the shops to buy 2 new camping chairs and a sun shelter... The kids have made we want to cry with the sweet things they say and do, but also made me want to head for the hills to find some kind of peace... they can do that my kids, but I guess that thing that keeps me going, is knowing that I am doing my best to raise happy, healthy and compassionate beings! I have decided to introduce some sweet and hopefully not too many sour moments from our days!

Sweet - Claye hugs me and tells me not to be sad about Maddison leaving, and tells me, "she is a big girl and will be fine once she knows where she is going, but it may take her a few times to get used to it".

And he is right in his own little way.
So dinners done, baths are well underway, and Dadda works tonight, so we look forward to a cuddle from him in the morning. Love
Sometimes I have to sit back and see what I have before me, to see the beauty in each of our little creations.

today I shed a little tear... but smirked a little smile too...

Today at 4.45pm my eldest and dearest niece headed on a plane all alone to France.... She will live there for 44 weeks with another family, whom we have never met... I have been dreading this day for weeks, even though I know she will be fine, I cannot help but feel sad to not have her around... Bon Voyage beautiful girl, experience what ever it is you need! XO

dusty elroy hick in progress...

What a little ripper he is, such a joy to be around, he is already 4 months old and smiling and laughing and already such an important part of our family... I just love watching the kids playing with him and hearing his sweet new laugh come roaring from his little belly... Lillie and Claye take the role of big brother and sister very importantly and I can see it's quite a competition to get the best laughs from him. Tully on the other hand is the protector, he likes to inform everyone that he is our baby, and not yours... he he... He quite often asks "when will he be big enough to play with me?" Soon swet boy, soon! Actually far too soon really, I am just loving the baby phase yet again, it's such a joyous and special time, but it really does fly! For this minute though, our house is quiet and all our babies are fast asleep... ZZZZZ