Okay - so I am very slack!

Okay - so I am very slack - it has been almost 2 months since I last posted a message. Not that imagine people have been waiting breathlessly for an update. BUT on the off chance that anyone does read this or actually care about what I have written I should probably try and explain (grin).

The past 2 months have been hectic. We have had the stupendous occasion of Mitch & Harry's 6th birthday celebrations which culminated with a bowling party at the local bowling alley. Mitch won which he endlessly announced in the car on the ride home and which caused Harry to burst into a flood of tears.

And then we made the difficult decision to look for a new home. We love our house, but it is simply bursting at the seams with the five of us, so we decided a change was needed. That is easier said than done. Anyone who has shopped for a new home would realise just how misleading the ads and pictures of the properties often can be. Seriously, real estate agents must go to a special class to learn how to sail so close to the edge when it comes to honesty. A three bedroom home with a closet - becomes "a spacious 4 bedroom home" - if one of your children is happy to sleep standing up. A tiny block becomes "great for children" - if they remained the size of four year old forever. And a home with a dated kitchen becomes a "delightful centre of the home" - if you are happy to endure the lime laminex and orange wall paper. So sufficed to say we are STILL looking. Will keep you posted.

Apart from that we are preparing for Jack's first birthday. He is such a happy baby and adores his brothers. His latest trick is clapping hands and chattering away. Mummy has been very mean and made the dummy (pacifier) just for sleep time, so he has discovered his voice. Even though you can't understand what he is saying, he has such a conversational tone that it makes me think he really knows what he is talking about. He also loves swimming and when you count to three he closes his eyes in preparation for going under the water which he does with ease.

Well better fly as we are heading out for some more house inspections.

Will try and get back to post some pictures very soon,

Love to all,

Lisa xx

Just had to share this photo

I couldn't resist sharing this photo...

Just one of those moments when you grab the camera and everything comes together :-)

Hugs,

Lisa xx

School Holidays...

I LOVE school holidays - no early morning rush, lots of jarmie time and time to create special memories with my beautiful boys. I remember my Mum telling me how much she enjoyed holidays too and now I understand why. The first four days of our holidays were a write off as poor Mitch was diagnosed with Slap Cheek and so just to be on the safe side we stayed at home. I have a sneaking suspicion that Jack probably had it first, but at the time I just thought he had red cheeks from the cold. I thought Mitch's heart may break in two when I explained to him that we couldn't go out for 4 days and that meant not seeing his friends. BUT he bravely coped and then ended up really enjoying himself.

We have had lots of free time. I don't know about anyone else but my boys love the opportunity to kick back and watch a DVD or just muck about with their toys. I try to make sure we have lots of downtime, but sometimes in a effort to fit it all in we end up rushing about. So this holidays I actually scheduled days at home (I know that probably sounds strange) so that we could ensure time at home and lots of rest. It has worked really well and I think I will do that on our next school holidays.

Probably the highlight for the older boys was going to see Toy Story 3 with their Dad. Jack and I went to the gym and then did some errands while waiting for them. Then we all went out for lunch. As luck would have it the hotel had free face painting and so a very tired, but happy Spiderman and Pirate came home with us.

This holidays has also marked our fourth year without Mum. In some ways it is hard to believe it has been so long, but in other ways it seems far longer. Mum would have loved the holiday times - I still have very clear memories of trips to the Parklands with Mum to meet up with friends for a play date and I suppose that is one of the reasons I enjoy doing the same kind of things with my boys. My Mum loved being a mum - yes, I know that many mums do, but she really did and would often tell us how being a mum was her favourite thing in the entire world. I only hope I can be half the mum she was and create such loving warm memories for my own dear boys.

Apart from that we have been trying to get a bit of maintenance done around the house and are in the throes of looking at getting an extension built. Since it was never in our plans (or dreams) that we would have 3 children we now find ourselves a bit squeezed for space. So we are weighing up between building up and increasing our living space or moving altogether. Our main concern is that we don't want to be weighed down with a large mortgage which requires me returning to work. Anyway, watch this space...

Hugs,
Lisa xx

Success...

Just a quick post to follow up on Harry's behaviour at home and school. Since we stopped him using the computer for 30 mins each day his behaviour has markedly improved - so much so that I fell a bit ashamed that we didn't connect the dots before now! Each day I make a point of seeing Harry's teacher at the end of the day and in front of him we discuss his behaviour and tonight he came home with a smiley stamp for doing an "excellent job in class today". He was ecstatic and was so proud of the additional chart he received on his star chart at home. I have also noticed that now he is wanting to spend more time playing with Mitch and initiates games with all of us. In particular his desire to play with Jack is most remarkable. He was always a doting brother, but now he gets out Jack's toys and then plays with Jack for long periods of time. The other day he called out "Mum, Jack is doing something incredible!" and I was made to come in and see how Jack was playing with one of his toys. Of course the downside of the reduction in computer time is that he needs more help in occupying himself, but this is improving too.

Small steps but important ones. Most encouraging of all is that he has happily coped with the chage in the coimputer usage and it is rare he asks to go on the computer. Most amazing of all last weekend during his allotted time he actually turned the computer off so he could come and play a game of Trouble with Mitch and I :-)

Hugs to all,
Lisa xx

Some good news...

Just had to post that since we limited his computer usage Harry seems to be doing better in class and has suddenly become very keen to practice his reading. I had to listen to him read his reader 3 times this morning. His teachers have commented that he is trying very hard whicxh is wonderful. And he has gone up a level in his readers and sight words.

Just small steps - but steps forward which is the most important thing of all...

Hugs to all,
Lisa

Reading and all things school...

As most of you know Mitch and Harry started school this year and are in reception (prep). We decided for them to be in different classes and this has been a good decision for them and us. Any time they are together Harry tends to get worried about what Mitch is doing and then he gets in trouble. An example - once a week they are dropped off at the drop off/ pick up zone and they walk a small distance into their classes. The rest of the week I take then to their classrooms and get them settled for the day. This week we were running a bit late and long story short they arrived just before the bell. Apparently Mitch wanted to dawdle (why am I not surprised) and Harry became frantic trying to get him into class. So much so it took him ages to settle when his lessons started, because he was still worried about Mitch. Anyway, this is all part of the big learning curve of school. And despite their age I want them to become confident with dealing with getting to class without Mummy always being there. It often surprises me when I see other children who are for want of a better term "babied" by their parents at school time. These little ones have their bags unpacked for them, everything put away and all the while they just wait for it to be done for them. Sometimes it is exhausting trying to get the boys to do things for themselves, but I hope this will mean they are self sufficient and confident in the future.

They both enjoy school - but are so different in so many ways. Mitch is a social butterfly and chats with all the "big kids" on the way through the school yard. Everyone seems to know him and it is nothing for three or four kids to stop him for a chat. I can understand why, because he is such a happy little chap and clearly enjoys the company of others. He even has older girls take him out to play with them during the breaks. He is also popular in his class and the other week when he was sick I had several of his classmates ask me with a lot of concern when he would be back. He is loving reading and has just hit that delightful stage where he has realised he can read!

Harry is less confident and struggles to understand why some of the boys in his class won't be his friend. He told me the other day that he asks one little boy every day to be his friend - it was heartbreaking to hear and yet I can understand why other kids sometimes find him too much hard work. However he is extremely loyal and has made friends with several children who are prone to getting picked on and he just doesn't seem to notice their differences. He is finding the class work more difficult and we are working through assessments with a psychologist to see if there are any underlying problems. Currently he is being tested for Autism and ADHD - and to be honest it would not surprise me if a diagnosis was made. BUT that won't change my beautiful Harry-Koala who is such a loving boy and who really wants to do the right thing (if only he could work out what that is).

School has been both wonderful and difficult but I am extremely grateful that at this stage both boys seem to enjoy going there and that their teachers are so perceptive and kind. And I remind myself that not so long ago the thought of them ever reaching school felt impossible...

Well back to my boys,
Hope everyone has a lovely day,
Lisa xx

Not drowning... waving...

Just a quick post to let you know that despite appearances I have not fallen off the face of the earth and that hopefully today I will get back to post the latest update :-)

Hugs,
Lisa xx

Trying to keep all the balls in the air...

Doesn't life sometimes seem like an endless juggling act? Mine sure does. Just when I feel organised and that I have things in place, another ball is thrown into the mix. At the moment my struggle is trying to meet all of the needs of my beautiful boys and Kev, whilst maintaining my sanity. I seriously hit the pillow sometimes and wonder how I will get up and do it all again. Some parents seem to maintain their households and activities so seamlessly - whilst I struggle to get us out the door on time. IT does my head in.

I suppose that the problem with being a control freak is that you want EVERYTHING to be under your control and life just ain't like that. Sure, I have mellowed somewhat and have let my standards relax a bit. BUT I wonder why I struggle to get it all done and why I fell so damned tired a lot of the time. I know it isn't realistic, but at the same time I want my home to be clean and tidy, my boys happy and doing well at school and my husband to feel that he is still married to the girl he met. And it just doesn't seem to happen...

At the moment we are facing some behavioural challenges with Harry and whilst they are manageable it is just another ball to juggle. BUT I know we will get there, it is just it is so hard at the moment. I start the day with a plan of how I will cope with his tantrums and by the end of the day I am having worse tantrums than him (or so it seems)!

Well enough of my bleating - time to get off the computer (a glorious time waster) and spend some time with my four beautiful men. I AM so grateful for what I have... it just sometimes seems more than I can handle...

Lisa xx

At last a moment to collect my thoughts...

Pat and Jason Stevens (and someone's bottom - grin)

Freya with the big boys at Adelaide Zoo

Jack enjoying his cuddles in his sling

Mitch & Harry with bantam eggs collected from Grandad's chickens

Okay okay I can't blame anyone other than myself for being so slack with this blog! After all I find time to muck around on Face book... BUT life is a constant battle to find time to do the things I need to do and want to do. The days often fly by and I find myself wondering just how it happened that my tiny, fragile prem babies are now gorgeous 5 year olds with attitudes to match! So here goes with an update...

Mitch is currently battling pharyngitis and laryngitis and has been home from school for the past 2 days. There is not much of him (weighing in at a hefty 15 kg) and colds and viral illnesses seem to hit him far harder than Harry. He has a croaky voice and a revolting cough, but appears to be on the mend. It could also be that the lure of a birthday party for a friend tomorrow is playing a role in his Lazarus like recovery! He loves school and has taken to reading very well. He tries hard and is popular with his classmates - in fact one of the mums mentioned her daughter was distraught that Mitch wasn't at school and was very worried about him (so cute). He also loves swimming lessons and of course trains. He has really taken a shine to Jackson recently and loves to play with him and tell him stories.

Harry is his usual exuberant self! He is a computer geek and loves nothing more than the opportunity to surf the web (under strict supervision of course). He enjoys school and fortunately has a teacher who is firm but fair. He was making a habit of going to the toilet a lot, so she made a toilet picture for him that he must hand in when he goes to the toilet and he is only able to use this four times a day. He also gets sent on a lot of "important jobs" - the other day he was very upset that I was leaving and his teacher asked him to take a message to another teacher. I have a sneaking suspicion it said "please occupy this annoying five year old" (grin). He has always been terrific with Jack and loves to help in any way (as long as it doesn't interfere with his computer time).

Jackson is growing up TOO fast. He is eating loads of solids - his faves are lamb shanks with mashed potato and mangoes with yoghurt. He is also rather fond of milk arrowroot biscuits. He is trying to crawl but manages to propel himself about the place with a technique akin to a caterpillar. He is such a contented little man and loves people. Wherever we go he attracts attention - and he loves it! Last month we flew with me to Newcastle for one of my best friend's engagement come wedding. You may have seen the footage on TV if you are a rugby fan - she was on the Matty John's show with her hubby Nick and Jason Stevens walked her down the aisle and serenaded her with an Elvis song. It was only a quick visit but we had a lovely time and Jack was spoiled with loads of cuddles.

The boys and I also had a lovely catch up with our dear friend Freya when she made a flying visit from the USA back to SA. We went to see the pandas at the zoo and enjoyed going out for a meal. It was all too quick, but we are looking forward to her next visit :-)

Kev is still working hard. He does a lot of Air Force reserve hours and also works on base at Air Movements. He is still into his games, but family life tends to limit his opportunities to play. As for me I am enjoying the challenges of being a SAHM and am trying (albeit slowly) to get fit and lose some weight (the never ending battle).

Life is very good for the five of us. We are lucky to be surrounded by good friends and family and we are blessed to have each other. Now before I turn into a bad Hallmark greeting card - I must fly...

Hope this find you all happy and well,
Hugs,
Lisa xx

An update (of sorts)...

Me and my big brother - can you tell I love him to the moon and back?


I can't wait until I can join my big brothers... then watch out!

Wow! It had been ages since I updated the blog! Life just seems to be so busy at the moment, but at the same time I know that I am just not finding the same amount of energy to pursue the things I once did. Must be something to do with having two active 5 year old boys and a very feisty little 5 month old (not sure where he gets his attitude from!?).


Mitch and Harry at Semaphore Beach

Life in the Reid household has been filled with activity. Mitch and Harry are loving school and are enjoying learning to read. When they get home from school it is into a bath, time for readers, tea time, reading eggs (a school endorsed computer program for reading) and then time for bed. Some days it feels like my feet don't hit the ground until I collapse into bed. What keeps me going is the enthusiasm both boys show when it comes to school Sure they get tired and grumpy, but they are making new friends, learning new skills and enjoying being part of something bigger than just our family. It is bittersweet to see them heading off each day - hard to see them growing up so fast and at the same time amazing to see what beautiful young boys they have become. Tonight was the Parent-Teacher conferences and I was pleasantly surprised with how well both boys are doing. Sure they have their challenges, but they are learning and keen to learn... which surely is a wonderful way to be. Mitch's teacher commented that he is doing very well with reading and although he struggles with the fine motor requirements of writing, he is a bright, confident boy who loves to tell stories (the good kind) and is learning how to participate in class. She did acknowledge that he is easily lead and because of his small size sometimes gets dragged into things he doesn't want to participate in, but that he is learning how to assert himself. Harry's teacher commented on how much he likes to help and loves his role as a computer monitor. He is enjoying reading and is doing very well with his sight words, maths and computer studies (of course). I am so grateful that the school and the boys' teachers are doing so much to make their first experience of school such a positive one.




Yum I just love food!



On Master Jackson - he is growing like a weed. Hard to believe that he has only been with us less than 6 months, since he rules the roost. He loves company and if the boys leave the front room, then he calls out for them. The boys are so good with him, although now and then they will tell me to give Jack a feed so he will pipe down during their fave TV shows. His reflux is becoming less of a problem and he has started solids which he loves. After so many struggles with getting the older two to feed, it is hard to believe this little man who positively inhales food off the spoon! He has two teeth which he has used with great effect on Mummy, in fact last time he bit me I yelled so loud it made him cry... so hopefully he has learnt his lesson.

As for Kev and I - somehow we manage to scrape a little time of our own... although not often together! Kev has his regular games night with Steve and as our friends Mick and Jenn have moved to SA, we hope he may manage a few more games nights. I go scrapbooking once a fortnight - and sometimes I actually get something done (other than chat!). I am also in the process of trying to lose some weight and so head off to the gym 3 times a week. It is little wonder that we both seem to fall asleep as soon as we sit down :-)



Life is sweet


BUT life is good. Our boys are happy and well. We are blessed with good family and friends. And we have each other. A girl couldn't ask for more (except perhaps that Sara Lee made French Vanilla ice cream in a low fat form which tasted as good as their sinful version).

Hugs,
Lisa x