$28.00

It took the Optometrist 10 minutes (+ 15 minutes waiting) to check Matthew's eye (yes, singular) tell me the focus of his lens is perfect, the fit is perfect and he'll see him again in 6 months. Money well spent, you think? Well, you'd be wrong. The appointment was completely bulk billed.

The $28.00 was for the fucking parking.

Toys I love

What is keeping your children amused these school holidays? I highly recommend this book:- The Superhero Starter Kit. It's just brilliant and oh so much fun for little boys of all ages. It's so nice to break free of the Batman/Spiderman/Superman hero mould that has dominated our house for so long and just see some garden variety, generic heroes getting about instead.

In other news, Keybots have rocked our world. How cute are these guys?? My SIL brought them over from Singapore when she came recently and the boys are hooked. Such a simple gadget but is keeping the kids amused for ages, building and rebuilding them. Each Keybot comes with a key that is unique to that robot. The head, arms and legs click in to the main cube and can only be released with the key. Finally a toy that is sturdy, robust and keeps the kids entertained. I love them and hope to import some more simply to indulge my inner child...

If

I have been tagged by both Shel & Jenn for this post and I'm not sure where to start. I've been pondering over it for a couple of days and am still not sure what I actually want to write about so I thought I'd just bite the bullet and do it and see what crap comes pouring out.


The obvious one first - If I'd actually applied myself in highschool instead of spending my days smoking behind the science block and sneaking out at night I may actually have a job that I love, instead of one that I barely tolerate just so the bills are paid each week.


If I hadn't made the choice to follow the boy I thought I loved many years ago, I would never have met the wonderful man I do love today. And the thought of not ever having met this wonderful family that we've created is almost too much to bear.


If we'd decided to keep the very first house we'd ever bought instead of selling it off prematurely we could be retired and living on a tropical island, spending our days drinking Mei Tai's & lolling about in hammocks. Yeah, okay maybe not but it is something we regret.


If I'd continued attending lectures instead of dropping out, I would be a primary school teacher now. Wow. Scary.


If I'd asked to change piano teachers instead of giving up because one teacher gave me the creeps (here's looking at you, grubby old Mr Brown), I might be able to play more than "Chopsticks" and "The Rose".


Righto Jodie, Ellie, Little White Dove, Claire & Red Haired Girl - here's the rules.

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. List 5 things that could make your life very different should it come true.
3. Tag 5 other people.

Now off you go...

Monkey in the Jungle

Matthew had his school concert on Thursday night - dear Lord, it was breathtakingly cute. 100 prep kids all dressed in various costumes, singing and dancing to Bindi Irwin songs was more than I could take. I believe I even shed a tear. Gosh, I forget how little he is sometimes and expect so much of him.

10 points though to the reader who can pick Matthew in this photo. If you are really lucky, I might even send you a homemade, real live, tangible present in the mail since that seems to be the done thing these days. Go on, try me. You just never know...

..

Karate Kid

Matthew started Taekwon Do lessons last night. He's been asking for a long time now to be allowed to have a go but I've been reluctant. I wasn't sure that a Martial Art was the most appropriate sport for an arthritic child given it is fairly punishing on the joints but Matthew's physio has given him the go ahead, so here we are.

So now we get to meet Sporty Matthew. He's suddenly developed a keen interest in sit-ups & push-ups and thinks he has been given a licence to perform swift kicks to his little brother when he's being a pest. God help us all.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to

T & I survived Matthew's first official birthday party - you know, the kind where the kid gets to select the guest list and invites all sorts of strange kids you didn't even know they talked to, let alone hung out with. Anyway. The first lesson we learnt, and which I shall be so good as to share with all of you who may be about to embark on the same journey, is that parents are not afraid of doing the good ol' "drop and run". Consider yourself warned. We found ourselves well & truly outnumbered as 7 minature superheroes began tearing around the backyard. It was a little like watching spider monkeys on speed. Thank god for beer, I say.

Nevertheless, a good time was had by all. There was only one split lip and a few other minor injuries to report - nothing we could be sued over, I don't think. :s

Batman & the pinata.

All hell breaks loose as the pinata busts.

Ze cake.

He tells me he had his hand over his mouth so he didn't blow the candles out accidently. Awww.

The smashed cake.

Some of the heroes in a quieter moment - perhaps reflecting on crimes fought & won?