Movies

Took the kids to the drive in last night. we saw 2 movies for $30 which is excellent value. Mum invited us over for tea before hand so no cooking for me..and we met my 9 yr old daughter and her friends family there as a pick up point. She had been with them since Friday avo.

We saw Mr Magoriums Wonderful Emporium(?) which was not very good. Not one the kids really liked it. My daughters friends youngest sister was only around 6-7 and even she was not overly interested. Still it was short and sweet.

Next was the No 2 of National Treasure. It was brilliant.But then again I am partial to Nicholas Cage and I love a good treasure hunt!!LOL..the older kids all loved it.the younget 3 fell asleep.

I bought 9yr olds friend home with us..my daughter was asleep..everyone else was awake..it was getting on to 1am and we had the nibblies..and discovered our new local small grown up version of McDonald's was open. ( it is a McCafe version). We placed our order in the drive thru..as that was the only part open.. and drove around to find 6-8 drunk teenagers hogging the window placing orders one at a time. I asked if they could move as I had kids and it was late and they all did bar one..So we had to wait until he got his order..found his money..but he did come up and apologise for us waiting..At least they were happy.

When I got home I realised I had left my house keys inside!! I have a new key ring with the kids picture on it and as it was too bulky..I took the car key off my old set and on this. I keep forgetting I have to grab 2 sets of keys!! So here we are 1am inthe morning..5 sleepy kids..me who had diligently locked all the windows..but super 13 yr old says..leave it too me and finds our weak spot window..and in he goes. Now I know how he does it..

My spare key has not been put back..Nic was cringing at this point..as apparently she used it last..so today I have to find it.And do I fix the window or leave it as a back up?? Hmmm..

OMG

I worked this morning..cleaning..came home and had a headache ..so after dropping Nic at the stn and picking 16 yr old up at same time ( I took him home to his house)..I had a nanna nap..then a shower and decided to put my pjs on.

I was wandering around the kitchen wondering what to cook for tea when the phone rang . It was my son. He said. MUM , my oven is on fire..what do I do?? I screamed at him to hang up and to ring 000!

I yelled at my 13 yr old who was out the back but he didn't hear me ..so I grabbed my dressing gown and bag and ran out the door. My niece was there playing basket ball..I yelled quick open the gate..gotta go..I'll be back.

When I got to his house.It was full of black smoke but the oven was out. He said they told him to shut the door and leave it. So he did. He had been cooking a bit of pizza and when he turned around the oven was in flames. He stupidly opened the door and tried to put it out with a damp towel before ringing me.

The fire brigade turned up and checked it out. they used a big fan to blow all the smoke out of the house and then checked the fire alarms. NOT ONE went off. There were 2 inthe house..in corners..USELESS!!

anyway on my way out of my home..EX rang..he was galavanting around the country side again with his girlfriends...so I screamed at him that his oven was on fire.Needless to say he said he was on his way home.2 & 1/2 hours , and many calls later( from him saying he was coming) he turned up.

Son was ok so that was the main thing..

Next Stop..Birthdays..

Christmas...was good this year. No tears..Ex said he wasn't letting 16 son come over at all but he did..came over Christmas Eve.

Dad dropped Mum off and we all went to the club for an early lunch..First time I have ever eaten out on Christmas day..It was great. All you can eat. 16yr and I found the prawns..any prawns..the youngest two were good..only getting a little on their plate so not to waste any before going back..they quickly started on deserts but that was ok. Mum and Nic enjoyed themselves too. I bought a jug of coke for a treat but all my kids got up and used the water jug!! So I drank most of it!!

Took them to their fathers house before taking mum home. On the way home, my mobile started ringing and receiving text msgs.I checked..Nic wanted me to pick them up.they hadn't even been there 2 hours!

Ex unfortunately started at them all about me going out, complaining of being tired and needing to sleep. So I picked them up and we came home. My 16 yr old rang me later and asked to be picked up too!

My niece turned up around 5 pm and the we all had a great evening.

I hopped on Ebay..and managed to grab some real great bargains late Christmas night for the kids birthdays..so that is good. I have 3 in February.
Now I can start for next Christmas!LOL!!

So I hope everyone had a great Christmas and break.

ROAD RAGE

I picked Nicolle up yesterday from work and after having tea with my parents...picked up my last layby..was coming home..

I had to merge into 2 lanes of traffic..I got onto the left hand lane..drove a bit more..hit my blinker to merge over the right hand lane..I waited until 2 4WD went past..looked..and merged over..by the time I was fully over..I had a white van looming very fast behind me..( I think they put their foot down as they were a distance away when I first looked) they went around us..the driver giving us the finger and the the car load of teenagers waving their fists and fingers at us..I thought..thats a bit much..so gave them one back..

I was doing 90 at that time and was slowing down as there is roadwork on and you have to go to 60..they zoomed off.

As I approached my right hand turn off ..the white van was already there behind 2 other cars..I was slowly approaching when the driver hopped out and started walking towards us waving her fist and screaming.

I stopped my van at least a car length away. I told Nic to lock her door and to write down the number plate and grab my phone. All the teenagers who looked like older ones were gestering and yelling abuse too.

We were scared. The lights changed but she was still out of the car and missed the lights. so we were stuck there. Nic got the phone.. and started talking ..she hopped back in her car and moved forward..I didnt'. she continued to scream at us.( we had our radio on and didn't hear the exact works but didnt' really need to0) All the kids in the car were really aggressive too.

The lights thankfully changed again ..quickly..and we both went right..I was keeping a big distance..they continued to yell and gesture until we got over the bridge where it drops to 50 km. She took off.

As I continued home I eventually caught up..she was at the police stn..all the kids in the car..We went past but didnt' look. After I got home.. I rang the police assist line. they transferred me to the local stn as they said I should report it.

I spoke the the officer there..saying I didn't want to make a big issue as this is a small area and everyone knows who I am by my van..its distinctive..she would definitely recognise me again. I was just worried if she decided to carry it on later..He told me she was way aggressive..even by the way she approached them ..she was agro because she said I cut her off on purpose. He took my details..

I honestly don't believe I cut her off..I was doing the speed limit..I gave plently of notice I was merging and there was room..I allow plenty of room as I am a long vechicle..even if I did cut her off..she was way out of line..so were all her passengers..they are really scary people..

Even my Ex who has road rage issues has never jumped out of a car screaming..

So please drive safe..there are crazy people out there..

Good News

Went to work today..recieved a beautiful mug and tin of biscuits too..

Came home..had to pick up some stuff..my mobile rang which Nic answered as I was driving..

I had to ring back..so I did ..it was the answering machine..of the place where I had my interview last Monday week..

I waited..unitl 3pm and rang back..I was offered the job!!

3 days a week..15 hours..

WOOHOO!!

I start January 14. Have no idea of set times as yet..but is all good..

Thanks all

Thanks for the advice on editing..yes I can see the tab now for editing so should be good for next time..

First Aid course..my old one had expired and the job I recently went for needed a current senior first aid cert..so Wesley Employment agency paid for it for me..so was good that end..Still haven't heard so am asuming wasn't successful at interview..I have my new First Aid Cert though..( lasts for 3 years)

Kids were good..I had to leave by 7.20 am both mornings and they got themselves ready for school with Nic and caught the bus to and from school. I was home about 4.40pm.

This baby bird Ex dropped off is a pain.. the noise it makes..on and on and on..it is flying and flys straight at you. It lunges at your mouth trying to eat..It better start eating bird seed soon..

13 yr old got some money for Xmas last weekend..he has bought himself a rat cage. Well I have told him I will talk about it all after Xmas..I just can't deal with a rat at the moment.( all his friends have told him who can give him a rat in our area..he better wait until next week)

I was very thankful my mum remembered where I put my money. I intend to buy a pair of decent shoes to walk around in. Ones that might last a bit longer than my usual cheap ones.

My phone has been ringing all day..messages for cleaning..I am fully booked the rest of this week and will do my last job Monday 24/12. Mum is coming to mind the kids that day. Thankfully school goes to Friday avo. Its good but hectic..

And yes..I have invited another child ( my 14 year old neice) to stay with us for 2 weeks while her parents go on a holiday. It seemed like an ok idea at the time! LOL...oh well ..I don't think she will so keen to stay with us again after this length of stay..she will be just one of the family.

yes I know my Ex is a jerk..I mentioned he told me he is 'going' to NZ Xmas and prob won't see the kids. I asked him if he would like the kids Xmas Eve day/part night. He said NO..its alright because next year he is taking the kids away next year to QLD and I won't be able to get them back as the courts will be closed over Xmas. By the time I get to court he might be back. NICE!

So fed up..big fat whinge

I am so fed up with everything at the moment..I just feel like a balloon ready to pop!

I have lost my chrissy present my mum and dad gave me yesterday. It was money in a card. It is just gone..

It is hot and humid and I hate it.

I am tired of running around everywhere for everyone.

Even though I have done a first aid course before..having to go for 2 days this week, 8 am to 4 pm is stressing me out. I have to leave early..hoping the kids do the right thing and get ready for Nic to catch the bus. The rest of the week I am cleaning everyone elses house before Christmas.

My youngest 2 have been bickering all weekend.

My 13 yr old will not shut up about a bloody mouse or rat or rabbit.

Watching my neice(14yr old) with the kids yesterday made me think why did I ever say it was ok for her to come for 14 days from Xmas night. Why can't her parents just say..you are coming and thats that!!

I just feel like screaming and I don't really know why..

More Pets

13 yr old is on a rampage for a new pet..wants a mouse or rat..he will look after it..keep it in his room and clean it every 2 nd day!! ( yeah right..heard that one before)..*Our last mouse was in and out of the cage so often-lost- and then found by one of our cats and lived to tell the tail!!

This is probably because while I was at work yesterday, EX turned up and gave Nic a baby cockatiel..he had found at work. ( she already has 2) Well she sensibly realised we really don't have room for another and has told 16 yr old brother he can have it once we establish that it is eating ok.

It has feathers and can fly..but doesn't seem too interested in seed. So I guess we will have to get to the pet shop to see what we can get for it. It is friendly enough now but VERY noisy!!

Ex is being very nice again..besides giving baby birds..;he turned up and gave the 'kids' a ham..Unfortunately he is still going on how he can tell that I still love him!! I just shake my head..

anyhow..off to my mums to meet my sister and family..with bird in tow..should be a good day..even if she does turn up late all the time..( I'm talking hours late..here)

Monday, Monday!!

Well , I should have known EX wouldn't have just volunteered to pick son up from soccer match without a reason..he then expected me to do all the running around the rest of the weekend while he went out..didn't want the kids until he realised Miss 9 yr old would be upset so denied ever not wanting them and took her with him for weekend.

16 yr old son went home on Sunday as his school formal was Monday night and his friends were meeting him there..to catch a limo they all put in for. He is staying there again ..( for how long ..time will tell..but son is being more forceful )

Sunday, we had a storm here so I shut the computer down. Monday morning it wouldn't work at all?? so am using my old faithful back up computer for time being.I will have to get another..( have to find some $$ now)

Monday I had a group interview to attend ..there were 14 of us..we were put into groups and had to assess some various work scenerios..whilst being observed. 2 hrs later..we were told ..if successful..a call that day for an interview that afternoon.

I managed to get to an interview..at 4pm..so I picked up the kids..went to see 16 yr old off at his Dads house.My mum came too.Ex was sickeningly nice..lots of parents there..I had to leave before the limo came to go to my interview. Nic took some pics for me.

Went to the interview..think it went ok ..but I believe I am being let down in lack of referees department. I do not have any current work references.

came home and took my 13 yr old to his Yr 6 dinner.Picked him up..dropped kids home..NIc babysat..went to pick up 16 yr old and friends to take them to after party in the middle of nowhere at 9 pm..friends Dad picked them up thank goodness.

what a day!!!

WATER

My sister rang..a miracle within itself..as the course of the conversation went..I was reminded how bad the water situation is for her and all her fellow Central Coaster's.

Even after all the rain..the dam is not at full capacity..

She was telling me how the water is brown..and the local council gives away stuff to help take away the 'browness' for washing.

Makes you stop and think..

Stress

My youngest son has been home since Tuesday- school rang - with really bad headaches..got him to the Drs Wed..Optometrist Thursday..Yesterday..decided as I was working again..to leave him home with Nic..Back off to the Drs again today..

His eye sight is good..though we have to go back in a year as his short vision isn't as good as his long vision..( I could have told them that!!..He can't see anything right in front of him..like his shoes...book ..LOL)

Just before I had to leave for work yesterday..he breaks down..crying..He is angry because his brother has come back into our life..into his room..taken over (to him anyway) ..can't understand that his father 'kicked' brother out...but most importantly is upset because ultimately he will miss his brother again ..if/when he goes back.

My son doesn't 'do' change very well at all..part of his ODD..I topped it off because over the years he has spread himself out in their bedroom and I asked if we could clear a draw again for his brother..that meant re-arranging things..

Considering we just re-arranged the lounge room for the Xmas tree- even though I involved him every step of the way has been too much..

So I am pretty sure he has been experiencing 'cluster' type headaches..caused by stress over tension..he has had them on both sides of his temple and on days..running down his jaw line.

He seems better since his outburst..he has released some of his angst..

Big brother does want to ultimately go back to his home with his Dad..just hasn't because of the way he has been spoken too.. Unfortunately that won't change. He has to go back over Sunday/Monday at least as his Formal is on and his friends are all catching a limo from there. ( least EX didn't cancel that)

I took BB to catch a bus in Newcastle yesterday from him finishing work so he could see the Jets play in Sydney. I was to pick him and his friend up at whatever time they rang on the way home ( 1am approx). Ex rang and sounded really surprised that I would do that.. I reminded him that I had already done this on another occasion because he wouldn't. I think he wants son back so he offered..so I let him..I texted son and he was ok with it ..I told him he could ring me as back up if needed. I was glad I didn't have to as we have had storms all night.

I think he will go home this weekend..so I will have too watch 13 yr old and keep talking..

The ol' Christmas tree is up

Well my old wonky tree is up and should last another year..I just don't know..it seems since EX left ..the putting up of the tree isn't much fun anymore.. and I am NOT saying that because he is not here..oh NO..its actually the kids..they fight..plain and simple..Again this year..

It has been a great avo..I cooked a really nice dinner..we all sat down to eat.the kids and I were talking and having fun. 8 yr old doesn't want to eat anymore and wants to leave table ..so I tell her to sit in lounge room while we eat..Then she keeps coming in trying to get everyones attention. I tell her to sit and eat or leave. She leaves. This goes on for awhile before she decides to eat again. I ask Big brother (16 yr old) to take the dog out and lock him up for night..( we had storms and I had let him in) He gathers some scraps onto a fork and everyone is laughing at his antics and 8 yr old says something smart at him and he replies..well it wouldn't be funny if it landed on your head!! Sure enough..completely accidentally..it lands on her head. We can't help but laugh..then she starts..and I mean STARTS SCREAMING..like she is being murdered. It gets higher and louder. I go to pick her up to help clean her up..but she takes off screaming and thows herself on the floor..my ears are ringing from her screams. I pick her up and put her in her room. She is screaming at me not caring.This goes on for 1/2 hour!!!!!!!!!!

Finally after a group talk and hugs all round ..we put the decorations on the tree. when we were nearly finished..16 yr old said something fairly harmless to 13 yr old brother. the next minute 13 yr old is hitting his brother.

Much later..after youner two are in bed...I put a DVD on for older 2 and me to watch..16 rold throws a cushion at his sister and hits her in the eye!! she starts swearing.. and storms off.

THen EX turns up. He starts yelling at 16 yr old. Younger two come out to see what is going on. 16 yr old want to go to soccer match with friends Friday night but is working until 3 pm and bus leaves 4.30 a fair distance away..EX is ranting he can't get there..Son says he will catch train and bus..EX doesn't want him too and thinks he would n't make it anyhow..OMG..on and on and on..

Later..after EX has left..8 yr old comes out crying because she thinks no one likes her father.. she is sobbing..

I am exhausted mentally.. I have been trying to give all the kids attention..youngest two are saying I ignore them. My mum rang me up saying 13 yr old had been talking to her and when she was here last..13 yr old came inwhile we were talking and I did ignore him and told him to go away. ( I am thinking if he interupted..I would have told him off) She thinks I am treating him harshly because He reminds me of EX..

Now I don't feel I can talk to my mum..she doesn't even know the half of it..of how 13 yr old can be at times..and what I ignore.

I have an interview to go too next Monday.. I wil miss school presentation..I have to work on my older sons presentation.. Nic said she would go but won't sit with her father . I told mum and she said she would try to go too..but went quiet when I said about not sitting with EX..Nic said she seems to be annoyed with her for not talking to her father.

Reading this alot seems to pivot around 16 old son and it prob does..he wants to go home to his fathers but tonight again..EX said I have had you..come and get your stuff but then left..It s an adjustment..

Did I say Taxi Driver?? I think I meant 'Courier'!!!

Wow!! I haven't seemed to be able to sit still!!

Had NIc and her girlfriend her Friday night plus the rest of mine..13 yr old arranges to go to his best friends house ( for the whole weekend!!)..So off we go there..arrange to pick them all up Sunday for the Taekwondo Grading.Sat morning..up at 5.30pm to take the big girls to Station to get the express train to Sydney..then take 16 yr old son to stn for 8am train..( he was going shopping with his friends..yes..he actually likes shopping!!)..think about going back to bed but see a huge mound of clothes in the bathroom and the weather was looking bad..so start the washing..then its off to the pool to get 9yr old back into swimming lessons..( that went well..didn't rain on us..could have had Sat mornings for lessons but I know EX wouldn't take her so had to try and get a week day..Son gets home in avo..take him to work and pick up again at 11pm!!
Sunday..his work ring at 7am..nobody experienced turned up for work..they are desparate!! He agrees to go back in at 8 am. Take 9 yr old and 13 yrold old with friend and mum to Taekwondo grading..that goes for hours ( and I mean hours)...They all did really well though and we get out of there around 2.30pm. Just get home and 16 old rings..He has finished early as he started early..so back I go for him..Even though Nic, kept texting saying she was on way home and wasn't..and didn't leave Sydney until 8pm ( driving with friends instead of train) and was annoying me..( as she would text to say she was leaving..I would allow 3 hrs..and hear nothing..text back ..she would reply OH we havn't left yet..) at least she got to the door ( late) without me having to drive anywhere!!
Monday I end up driving 16 yr old to school as he had work experience at our primary school last week and needed to pick up his papers for his teacher. On way home I stopped at grocery store and EX found me..I didn't know 16 yr old had NOT told him he was signing out of school early so he could work between now and returning to school next year.. Well that went down like a tonne of bricks..Who signed him out?? I have legal custody..blah ..blah..( all inthe supermarket mind you) then I told him he didn't like the friends he was hanging around and this way he would be working ..so that calmed him down..then he started about How I still have feelings for him..and Honestly I was nearly sick..I am so past telling him to F- off as he never listens anyway..so I just ignored him. I had to laugh..what else could I do??( I am not allowed to hit him!!) He so believes whatever he wants to no matter what the reality is..
So I am off to wake Nic up ..she has a driving lesson ..and 16 old up..as he is off to work for the day!!

So..here we all are!!

So...have finally decided to come over and join you all..seems like everyone is here now..My bigblog is still not working so am thinking of scrapping it all together..will see???

I have just had a new photo license pic taken..and if I do say so myself..it is not half bad..a nice change..they normally look like a bad mug shot!! I decided to go back to my maiden name..and it must agree with me..thus the nice pic!!LOL..

I spoke to all the kids and they were mostly fine with me..understood why ..only my 16 yr old son wasn't too pleased. He is just angry generally at the moment. ( wrote about it on my bigblog page..took forever mindyou..though I know you all know this!!)

Anyway ..will take some time to get to know this formatt now..but is looking good. So I hope I can catch up with all again..Have finished my TAFE course so should have some time again..