Day 29: Kindy Has Started

 

Monsoon is off to kindy for her first day today. The house is definitely quieter with them all at school. It feels good to be able to get shit done and have no one underfoot.

I'm still working on the puzzle of the hinges. The problem is the door, and cupboard is made of compressed chipboard. So, there is only so many times you can screw into it. I'm thinking I might be able to tether it into place with some strapping. I'll let you know how it all goes.

I'm still doing bits and pieces in the yard; and I do mean bits and pieces as it's too hot to be out there for long periods of time, but every little bit helps... I can't stress enough; I'll be damn happy when the ride on mower has been fixed. It will seriously cut down on my yard work time. Or... I'll get more done in a shorter amount of time.

Until tomorrow, remember: Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.

Day 27: School Is Back In Session

 

It's time to start celebrating... Graceful and Hurricane have gone back to school. We'll be able to get back into some sort of workable routine now. Hopefully now the house won't get as messy seeing they won't be home 24/7.

Depending on the weather, I'm hoping to get the footpath mowed today. not looking forward to it because we have one freaking long footpath, but as with everything else I know I'll get it done.

Two kids down and one to go... not that I'm counting or anything. The house will be so quiet when they are all at school/kindy. I can't freaking wait.

Until tomorrow, remember: Push yourself, because nobody is going to do it for you.

Day 24: Morning Off

 

The three girls have gone to swimming today. So I have the morning to get some shit done around the house. I'll probably get out in the yard and mow while I have the house to myself. I also have to pull the pots and pans out, scrub the shelves, and then lay some plastic shelving covers down so the base of the pots/pans stop leaving marks on the shelves.

I have to also try and get a stain off the linen cupboard floor. It looks like rust, or something similar. I have a few things I want to try on it. I need to get a basket or something that I can carry my cleaning supplies in. Some of those suckers are freaking heavy.

I also need to find a way to clean the tiles in the bathroom shower/ they are dark brown. and the sunlight soap, leaves a white stain on them. I have to have sunlight soap, because it's the only one Hurricane doesn't seem to be allergic to. there are also some stains on the bathtub, like it's had water left lying in the bottom in puddles. We've never actually used the bath = a waste of water when you live on tank water. the tub is plastic with a shiny coating.

until tomorrow, remember: Don't let anyone ever dull your sparkle.

Day 22: Doctor Day

 

Today my daughter has to go to the doctors. she has a cyst/boil looking thing on her back. So, she needs to go and get it looked at and possibly get some antibiotics. This is what happens when you have a fucked up immune system.; and she's had one since the day she was born.

Graceful has gone on a playdate; so, I only have the other two hellions to look after while their mum is out of the house. I'll get to help me clean something. probably give them some sponges and let them wash a wall. something they both like doing, even if I do have to go behind them and reclean it. At least it will keep them out of trouble.

I noticed it's been that hot outside of late, that even the cats are spending most of their time indoors... I can't wait for it to start cooling down again. I hate the heat. It is much easier to cope in the winter. Though, then I'm probably going to complain about the cold.

Until tomorrow, remember: Some call it chaos; but we call it family.

Day 21: Kid's Movies

 

Okay, this school holidays I have watched my fair share of movies just for the kids. Some I like, others, the movie was crap, but the music in it was good. Here's a rundown of what I had to watch these school holidays.

1. Minions (all of them... numerous of times; I've actually lost count of how many).
2. K-pop, demon hunters (one where I didn't like the movie, but I did the music).
3. If (I found it kind of cute).
4. Rim of the world (I liked it, I don't think the kids did).
5. Lightyear (always a good one).
6. We could be heroes (one I'm not sure if I liked it or not).
7. Muppets (always a classic).

There were more, but I can't list them off the top of my head. we also had some Wednesday, Twirly Woos, Digital Circus, Paw Patrol, Sponge Bob and other kid's shows. Today it was mainly Minions.

Until tomorrow, remember: You never truly fail until you stop trying.

Day 19: Tired As Hell

 

Well, we were without power for 26 hours... luckily, we have a generator that we could put into action... once we got it started. At least mum could still have a fan, we could charge our phones, kindles and hook the fridges and freezers up... sweltering otherwise.

I ended up reading Harry Potter and The Cursed Child... I really liked it.

Weigh in today was good> 103.9kg... the person I'm keeping weight tabs with lost also this week My niece<weighed in at 147.5kg so we have been keeping each other motivated. So far, it's working.

Graceful had to get new school shirts today, and a school hat. she had a bit of a growth spurt, and the ones from last year are just a tad too small/short. luckily, for us, the smaller ones can be handed down to Hurricane. Eight days until school goes back for Graceful and Hurricane; and 10 days until Monsoon starts kindy (not that I'm counting).

19 days until we have our first house inspection for the year. I'm going to have to make up a job's list/chart to make sure we get everything done in time. it's the only way I know to keep us all on track. At least by the time the day comes the kids will be in school and not at home underfoot.

Until tomorrow, remember: There is no use in going back to yesterday; we were different people then.

Day 17: Let's Dance

 

Hurricane is going to an open dance class today to see if she likes it, and if she wants to do it full time like big sister Graceful. I can't see it myself as she gets bored too easily; but that's what you get when you have ADHD.

I'm tired today. So, freaking tired, but I'm pushing through to get my jobs done. It's just taking me longer to get them done. I'm catching up on all the washing. With all of us being sick at some stage over the last couple of weeks, it's just gotten away from me.

Also, I'm deep cleaning the laundry to get that job off my list. Luckily, it's the second smallest room in the house. It's not going to take me that long, which is always a blessing.

I'm also hoping to swap out the school bag hooks on the side of the bookcase, seeing as we need to add an extra bag this year, and the ones there are just way too small. It won't take long to do. I just have to make sure the drills are charged.

until tomorrow, remember: You don't have to be related to be family.

Day 9: Happy Birthday, Daughter

 

I'd like to wish my daughter the happiest of birthdays. She may think I always forget her birthday... which is sometimes true. I should mention I forget mine as well. I'm figuring she must be turning 36 today. I usually cook her pancakes for breakfast. I guess I'll have to wait for her to wake up before I can find out if she wants them or not. This picture is not actually her cake, but I know she like Supernatural, so I thought it appropriate.

I'll be out working in the yard again today. I'll probably get a heap done before most everyone is even out of bed. I usually just wait until our noise restrictions say I can be loud, and then I head straight outside. I'm trying to play catch up from being sidetracked for two days and only getting half days in the yard.

My left knee is killing me. I'm not sure if it's because I'm overworking it or because of the rain, (have I already said that?) but at least I'm working through it and getting shit done.

I want to do a detox, (Not from drugs or alcohol), but just from the crappy way I've been eating. If anyone has any ideas, leave me a comment, because at the moment I'm just winging it. I've been sticking with my indoor walking. though it's painful to do the arm bits if I've done a lot of whipper snipping during the day.

Until tomorrow, remember: It's not about finding shelter from the storm, it's about learning to dance in the rain.

Day 266: Eye Test Day

 

Both Mum and Hurricane have eye test happening today... Mum will definitely need new glasses, but we will have to wait and see about Hurricane.

My daughter also picked up a new drawer system to put in Hurricane and Monsoon's bedroom. then after their bedding is washed, their room will be done. culled their clothes, some for here. Some for Dad's house, and anything that no longer fit we gave to the little girl across the road. what doesn't fit typhoon will be donated to the op-shop.

I've decided I don't think I like the school holidays all that much. there are too many people around. And for the life of me I can't seem to find Hurricane's volume control. I have a headache each day before it even hits lunch time.

Day 262: Let the Fun Begin

 

Today I am on babysitting duty. I have Monsoon and Hurricane while my daughter takes Graceful to her eisteddfod. I also have Flit and Coco (the dog). while my niece and sister are at a craft show. Hurricane has ADHD, and Flit is on the autistic spectrum. Then there is Monsoon who is happy enough to copy whoever she is with. 

My day is going to be loud, because for a majority of it, they will have to be inside (too hot outside). There will be yelling and then there will be tears. because these three even though they love each other... they fight like you wouldn't believe.

Wish me luck... I think I will have to take my strong headache medication just to cope... LOL.

Day 261: Last Day of Term

 

As of after awards ceremony, Hurricane and Graceful will officially be on school holidays. Two weeks of having all three kids home 24/7... Hopefully, they can take that time to help clean up... No. I wouldn't wish that on myself, their helping is going behind us and pulling out everything we've just put away.

At least during these school holidays my niece's stuff will be going from our garage; then it's a matter of rearranging the shelves ang that will be another room done.

I need to write a smaller list of chores that have to be done before my daughter and the girls go for their weekend at the beach... Plus, Graceful also has an eisteddfod in the at some stage. Actually, I think that one is tomorrow.

The mozzies are bad again tonight. the kids were covered in red dots. At first, I had a mini panic attack that they had chicken pox or the measles... took me about ten minutes to realize they were mozzie bites. I felt like a right royal goober then.

Day 260: More Chores

Today the two older girls had speed soccer at school. Hurricane came home with a medal... their mum went to watch them. I had Monsoon and we built a big plastic storage tub (from Bunnings hardware) that the girls are going to use to store all of their outdoor toys in. Hopefully it will stop them from leaving them scattered all over the ground.

Still washing the household bedding, but with six people (six beds) that's a lot of doonas, sheets and pillowcases. Plus, all the knee rugs we had been using.

I've noticed there has been a shit-ton of mozzies in the house every night. Going to have to fix the holes in the screen doors.

I'm starting to feel worn out again. I still occasionally have my cough. It's annoying as hell, and my nose is still sore on the inside. My headache is a constant... I think I should just shut today down and go and read.

Day 258: Chores & Random Thoughts

 

Really starting to heat up. You can tell Summer is heading our way. I can already tell that it's going to be a bloody scorcher.

Chores today were slow going. I had Monsoon helping because her mum was at work and then she had to take Graceful to dance and then Jui Jitsu. Monsoon talked all bloody day long... and if you didn't talk back to her, she'd grab you by the face and ask... "Are you listening to me?" I was hoping she would nap, but no such luck. At least when Hurricane got home from school she had someone else to focus on.

Monsoon and I washed... there was more bedding to get through and some more clothes for the op-shop. I still think they have way too many clothes. Possibly some can go to their dad's house.

Had to watch Megamind three times with Monsoon today... it could have been worse. It could have been Captain Underpants again

Day 239: Another Slow Day

 

Mum had to go for her dental appointment today. So, I killed two birds with one stone and made sure I dropped a load of stuff into the donation bins for the op-shop... 5 bags gone.

I came home and put on some pasta sauce. I made enough so we can freeze it in batches for future uses. Easier that way.

The pantry is annoying me, so I rearranged it again, and hopefully for the last time. I hate not being able to find things when I need them. I also hate it when people just shove things in and don't place them in their correct spots, and then they wonder why I get cranky at them.

I also managed to wash mum's bedding before I had to sit down and rest for the afternoon,

Day 226: More Washing

 

Just as I finally reach the end of the washing in the laundry. Monsoon in her oh so delicate way, up ended my full cup of coffee and her cup of drink into a basket of knee rungs and sheets that I had just finished folding up. Now they will all have to be washed again. She just looked at me with big sad eyes and went, "Sorry, Mar-Mar." now how could I get mad at that. I think I was more ticked off that I had only had one sip out of my coffee.

Day 222: EKKA Show Holiday

 

Meaning the kids all have the day off from school. Not that our kids are going to the show. everyone gets sick at the EKKA, and we have enough sickness in this house to last us a lifetime without bringing anything new in. But I bet we all come down with something anyway, I'm still coughing from the last lot.

I'm going to wrangle the kids into cleaning up the yard for me so it can be mowed. I hate running over things with the mower, Mind you, it will be my daughter out there mowing. I'm the one who usually mans the whipper snipper.

If I make a game out of it, they usually don't mind helping me get the job done, Maybe I'll just bribe them with an ice block if they help me.

Day 219: Busy Day

 

Mum is back at the doctors for a check up on her leg. It seems to be healing fine. My daughter took her before she had to go to work. I had Monsoon until her dad came and picked her up.

I cleaned out the pantry, but it's still not working for me. I'm going to have to talk with my daughter and see if we can come up with a better solution. It's just that we have a small pantry. Well, there is two, but the second one has to be used as a linen cupboard... there is just not enough cupboard space in this house. we have turned our garage into a secondary butler's pantry (minus and sinks). We do have shelving... fridges... freezers... surplus storage boxes... the dryer... our tools... our outdoor gear... and it's where we keep the kitty litter box and the cat feeding station. the car didn't fit. So, we decided to use it for other things.

The good news is I found my asthma pump. I can finally stop looking for it. Now if we can only find where the hell, we put my daughter's smart watch and my black denim jacket I'd be happier than a pig in mud.

Day 218: Suck it Up Princess

 

Today I have to pull up mu big girl panties and get stuck back into the washing. Whenever I think I have finally caught up with it all. My daughter goes yeah about that. I just found all this that needs doing, and it's like another four loads.

My daughter is in her 30's and has ADHD... which makes it difficult to get her to stay on task when it comes to getting jobs done. Honestly, it's frustrating as hell. I feel like everything is basically left up to me to finish. I know she's trying, and I have to admit she is getting a hell of a lot better. Now I give her deadlines of when we have to get each task done by.

She was always complaining that her and the kids had no clothes. Now that I've found and washed nearly everything (including bedding and towels) she's realized just how much clothing they have between them all. Because I stopped folding it and just dumped it all on her lounge chair and bed. Though I am going to have to help her fold it or it will still be sitting there when 2027 rolls around.

Day 210:

 

Hurricane is back at school today. Graceful is still sick, and Monsoon is on the mend. I'm also on the mend... still coughing and everything hurts from coughing... even things that I never thought would.

As I feared, the washing is piling up, and I now have to get it back down to normal. I fear for the poor washing machine.

My daughter went out to do the household groceries, I'm too tired to leave the house. now that I'm starting to get better, I need to try and get my head back into the clean the house game. I still have so much I want to accomplish before the end of the year.

Day 209: Everyone's Sick

 

The whole household is sick to some degree. I did manage to get out of bed and get some washing done. If I didn't it would build up and become unmanageable. between Kids with Gastro and vomiting (thankfully, I haven't had that yet), we are going through sheets, towels, and blankets like you wouldn't believe. The poor washing machine has been running overtime.

Living together is both a blessing and a nightmare, but at least it's easier to look after everyone while we're sick... instead of moving between two houses.

At least with everyone sick, the house is fairly quiet. the kids are all mostly sleeping or just lying there watching TV. the only noise is when they are deciding what to watch.