One down. Eleven to go.

One down. Eleven to go.

Put like that it sounds a little daunting. It was just yesterday they were all finishing primary school.

Buglet just finished her mid-year 11 exams. Three more semesters to go and then she has finished high school. That is followed by four semesters of upper school for Tink, and then four semesters for Pixie. Beginning of the end? (I will cross post-secondary stressors later, I need to get the first one through high school first).

In case you were wondering, she seems to have survived.

The biggest issue has been from people other than Buglet. She's been a little stressed, but you would expect that. And our normal schedule has been a little out of whack, but once again you expect that.

What did surprise me was how I reacted to Buglet's exams.

I am an awful student. I do genuinely love knowing stuff, but I have some how managed to survive high school and multiple degrees without ever really learning how to study. I do the readings (mostly). I go to lectures (pretty much always, I am petrified of missing out on exam or assignment tips*). But somehow I never managed to learn how to make notes, how to review, how to do all those things which help you to actually study. People don't believe me, but it is true! I managed to survive based on natural ability, good luck, and learning to live with the fact that my grades are not really a true indication of my ability. Mostly I credit good luck.

*Incidentally also the reason I rocked up to the last class of semester with a 6 day old Buglet.

The girls' school is amazing and their attention to the career pathway process, beginning in Year 10, was better than I could ever have dreamed. Buglet hasn't had the easiest time transitioning into some parts of Year 11. She has struggled a little with some of the ATAR (university pathway) subjects, and it upset me that I didn't have the tools to help her.

She got some help from Apple, some from her teachers, and some from DB. Buglet is pretty happy to have finished her exams and says she is pretty sure she passed. Just have to wait now!

DB spent a day sitting with Buglet and helping her prepare for her final study. He helped her timetable and organise her study time, and helped her go through her notes. This bothered me, and I hate that it bothered me. Don't get me wrong, I am so, so glad that he did.

But, the irrational part of me had a few things to process ...
... guilt, I should have found the time to do that.
... frustration, I manage to do the every day stuff, and he swans in at the last minute.
... annoyance, is this is a criticism of me for not having looked after her better?
... guilt, study is supposed to be my thing. I do the learning stuff, he does the practical stuff.

Unreasonable? Yes! Absolutely! He is her dad, and he helped out, and did a much better job than I could have. And I promise that there is no resentment! Just the never-ending battle of mother-guilt, and the unavoidable frustrations of co-parenting with an ex. (Let me repeat here, the issue is definitely me in this instance! I didn't say anything to him except "thank you very much, you made a big difference" 'cos he did. Unless he reads this blog in which case my cover is blown#).

#DB: Just remember, baby, you told me to write a blog. And I mean it, the crap feelings are all about me. You did an awesome job helping Buglet. Go Team!

The other thing that I wasn't expecting was tantrums from Pixie.

The girls have watched me study for years. They know the importance of study food. For me study food usually consists of Pepsi Max, chocolate and cheezels or chicken twisties. I have promised them that when they sit exams I will not only provide them with study food (the Pixie's main concern) but also I will be there to cook, make coffee, and replenish empty Pepsi Max glasses. I would not have got through the last two years of study without Buglet's taking over most of the cooking, and Tink seemingly to fill my glass before I'd realised it was empty.

I should also say, that because I am a responsible parent, study food is reserved for exam study (and in my case last minute assignment writing, but the girls are much better than I am at not doing this).

Study food survival kit; given to me by a friend to help me survive the last weeks

I dropped the little to off to school on Buglet's first day of exam week. She was home study. I endured a lecture from Pixie because I hadn't provided Buglet  with appropriate study rations. I promised her I would text DB and request that he rectify the situation at some point, which I did do and he rose to the occasion.

That night there were major dramas because Buglet didn't share her study food. I am now suspecting that the Pixie's concern attend to my duties in supporting Buglet may have been partially motivated by the hope that she would get some too.

Pixie was most indignant because is "studying too". There was much soothing of the moral upset, and validation of feelings. This was all balanced with the not-so-subtle reminder that not everything is about her, and reminding her they all get special stuff at different times depending on what they have going on in their lives. It is a hard life being the youngest (and being totally spoilt).

To end on a happy note, it's taken me a few days to write this post, so since I started Buglet has found out she passed one of her exams! Yay! I am so, so happy! Just waiting to hear about the other two now!


Disclaimer:

• It is doubtful I am qualified to give parenting advice, there is still time for me to stuff up.
• I am not qualified to give study advice.
• I am not qualified to give nutritional advice.
• I am not even allowed to give legal advice without supervision.

I would recommend finding more reliable sources for any advice of any type.

Doctor! Doctor!

I have totally jinxed myself!

Just as a quick re-cap I recently blogged about my way-too-often-broken babies a week or two ago, and that was the first visit to a doctor or hospital for ages.

And now we are back to semi-normal.

Last weekend the Pixie was trodden on by a horse. Just in case anyone is worried, the horse is fine. So is Pixie. The girls have grown up around their grandfather's trotting horses so, to be honest, I am surprised that they have not been trodden on before.

In the stables.

The sad bit is that my first thought at the doctors' surgery was "Wow! We haven't been here for ages", followed by "fond" memories of the hours of study I did in those chairs when we were going through a particularly bad run.

I also thought about how lucky we have been with some of the random medical professionals we have met who could have been hand-picked for our needs:

• A doctor who had a son who had randomly chosen to be vegetarian at the same age Pixie did when we went to get her iron checked;
• A physio who had trained in ballet at the WA Academy of Performing Arts when Buglet hurt her ankle; and
• A nurse who had fractured her tailbone falling off slide when Buglet was in hospital for her knee, but was having problems sitting due to previous injuries.

This week's effort was a doctor who's daughter sets the high school exams for ballet. He totally got why I wanted an all clear before letting Pixie go back to pointe class. 

Sometimes you just meet the right people at the right time.

However, I should not have spoken too soon! Tuesday night I got a phone call to get Buglet from dancing as she had hurt her foot ... back to the hospital. 

Pixie is particularly unhelpful when she is trying to be helpful sometimes. Her very supportive comments included:

(Brightly) At least you didn't damage a perfectly good ankle.

(Confused) Are we taking her* too? (Ah yes! Considering *Buglet was the reason I was there, and the reason we were leaving early).

(Helpfully) Would you like me to stroke her? Mama! I can't reach her! Sorry, Buglet I can't stroke you. Buglet was crying at this point, and some of her words included strong indications that being stroked by the Pixie would be particularly unhelpful.

Fortunately it was just a bad sprain, and Buglet will be ok, and Pixie was right about one thing, it is a good thing that it was already damaged foot. 

Disclaimer:

• It is doubtful I am qualified to give parenting advice, there is still time for me to stuff up.
• I should clearly not be allowed to give safety advice.
• I am most definitely not allowed to give medical advice*.
• I am not even allowed to give legal advice without supervision.

I would recommend finding more reliable sources for any advice of any nature.

*I do sometimes prescribe chocolate though. Accept this advice at your own risk.

Good Mama, Bad Mama

The last week has been full of highs and low. I know this is true for every week, but this week has felt a bit more see-sawy than others. To give myself perspective I have decided to write a list of my good Mama and not-so-good Mama moments.

I may also have been inspired by similar type posts on other blogs.

Good Mama Moment (GMM): Pixie packing for camp all by herself.

Not-So-Good Mama Moment (NSGM): Having the horrible realisation that I hadn't sent any spending money with her. In my defence, she wouldn't show me the kit list. (Thanks Apple for telling me to toughen up over this one. You were right; she was fine).

GMM: Planning time to make Pixie feel special for coming home from camp, and at the same time not overshadowing Tink's birthday.

GMM: Finishing work on time on agenda day (this is impressive) so I was at the train station on time to pick up Pixie.

GMM: Dinner with DB, because family birthday time is important. Bonus points for there being very little fighting with one over-excited birthday girl, one over-tired baby home from camp, one grouchy teenager, and one grumpy ex-husband coming off night shift.

Amusing themselves at dinner.

NSGM: Being told off by Pixie for colouring in her picture. I picked the wrong colour.

NSGM: Posting a mushy status update: All my girls are home safely with me (big two tucked up in bed, the little one curled up asleep next to me). My puppy is snoring on her couch. I am in my pyjamas with a glass of red wine and a good book. Life is good. Then realising that Buglet had said good night to me twice and that Tink was actually across the road getting her hair cut.

GMM: Being a super awesome backstage ninja.

NSGM: Deciding the puppy was my favourite child because she doesn't fight.

NSGM: Tink broke herself and I sent her to Apple because I was busy helping someone else. (I did take her to x-ray later that night and she is all good).

NSGM: Totally forgetting to buy the girls' confirmation presents even though I knew exactly what I wanted. (My sister came to the rescue and bought it for me because I was at rehearsals all day Saturday. She is totally awesome).

TBMM (aka Total Bragging Mama Moment): Being so super proud of my girls at confirmation.

BAM (aka Bad Auntie Moment): Scratching my youngest nephew's ear when I was cuddling him in church, and making him bleed.

GMM: Sharing the babies nicely with everyone else at the celebration lunch.

GMM: Taking the little two to the movies so Buglet could study.

GMM: Dropping the girls off at school on Monday because Buglet had exams and there were thunderstorms.

GMM: Remembering to buy Buglet study food (I had promised the Pixie that when she had exams I would buy her "study food" and I figured this would apply to the others too).

NSGM: Not realising that Buglet doesn't eat cheezles. To me these are the ultimate study food. How I have a daughter who doesn't eat them I don't know.

NSGM: This status update: Snuggled up in bed, just about to go to sleep when I realise that the Pixie is still wandering around. If I was a better mother I would get up and find out why (instead of posting here so I remember to find out later). I never bothered finding out.

NSGM: Leaving Tink at home sick.

NSGM: Bribing Pixie with a McDonald's hashbrown so she wouldn't have a tantrum about being dropped off at school early.

NSGM: Telling Pixie not to tell her sisters that I bribed her with a hashbrown.

GMM: Delegating parenting stuff to DB (and Apple). Parenting is a team effort.

I am pretty sure I have balanced it out overall. You have to take the good with the bad! Keeping it real peoples. You can't be perfect all the time.

Disclaimer:

• Do not attempt a similar post unless you are sure it will work out to be an overall positive. You do not want to end up feeling worse about yourself.
• It is doubtful I am qualified to give parenting advice, there is still time for me to stuff up.
• I am not even allowed to give legal advice without supervision.

I would recommend finding more reliable sources for any advice of any nature.

Faith, Love, and Chocolate

It was a big weekend for us! And one of those weekends which made me desperately want to clutch for any of those precious moments where the Entourage are still my babies, and not young adults functioning in their own lives.

On Friday, Miss Tink turned 14. She is so grown up now that it is unbelievable. In the last 12 months she has lost the last of her baby features, and has grown into a stunning young lady. She has also taken to high school like she was born to be there, being on the student council and organising events.



Turtle cupcakes for Tink!

A couple of weeks ago I got a text from the school saying she wasn't in class. I messaged back saying that as it was a free dress day I imagined she was somewhere doing something for that. I was right.

Friday was also the day the Pixie returned from camp. The Pixie is my youngest, so I have sent my babies on camps, both through school and Guides, lots of times. Even though I was mentally prepared for it, that moment when they come home just that little bit more mature than when they went away still takes my breath away.



A little bit older

I am not exactly sure how the Pixie's camp experience actually went. Most of the other kids had gastro. Pixie was one of the lucky few who escaped. The ones who were well enough did all the activities, but all Pixie has told me about is all the vomit stories in great detail. I have no intention of sharing those stories.

I was all set to hear all about camp on the car trip home; to give her some time in the spotlight before we got home to celebrate Tink's birthday.

The Pixie told me that car trips are for sleeping and napped the whole way home.

She woke up in time to drive down our road ....
Pixie: Oh. Is the father one here?
Me: Looks like it.
Pixie: Why?
Me: Um it is Tink's birthday, and he usually has you on the Fridays he is home*.
Pixie: Oooh!!! My puppy! I can see my puppy! I missed my puppy. She is my favourite!

She then had a tantrum because we were going out for a house family dinner for Tink's birthday, and she was very tired after camp.

Yep, my Pixie is still my Pixie and not all grown up yet.

Dance rehearsals took all day Saturday. Once again Tink and organisational abilities took my breath away. She filled in for someone who was absent side of stage, while still dancing, and keeping me informed what song was being performed. (I am in charge of the quick change room). I am predicting big things for Tink if she keeps going like this! (No pressure though, baby-girl. Mummy just wants you to be happy). 


Tink and the Pixie have been doing hair for dance concerts for the last 3 years.
I am still in charge of make-up.
 And glittering people. I love glittering people.

Rehearsal day was marred by a hurt foot, and a trip to Emergency. Tink is ok. Very relieved with her Singapore soccer trip coming up in a few years. Buglet is determined not to be hurt this year. Two years ago she danced on a cracked tail bone, and last year she didn't dance because she'd just come out of a moon boot after a fractured foot. The Pixie says she is the best child because she doesn't get broken. I think this is mostly because she is so bendy.

On Sunday, Buglet and Tink were confirmed as adult members of the Lutheran Church. I am so proud of them. They looked so grown up (I will ask them if I can share pictures). It is yet another big stepping stones to them being grown-ups and responsible for their own lives.

I also got lots of baby cuddles from my youngest two nephews (and be shouted at by Pie, and hang out with my eldest niece and nephew). Definite bonus to family occasions. It was nice to have that reminder that even as my girls get big, we are part of a massive family and that is important too.

Finally, today Buglet is sitting year 10 exams. She politely requested that I take her younger sisters out last night so she could study. Grown up! I tell you, they are too grown up!

The amount of squabbling yesterday afternoon and this morning reminded me they are not adults yet though. Part of me is now waiting for the squabbling to stop. Part of me is a little bit glad that I still have a few years left. Part of me wanted to throw things at them.

So faith and love have been covered. The chocolate part is for me! Mamas who are preparing for empty nests need chocolate.

When your children politely ask if you are going to get another dog to keep you company when they move out, you also know you need to start making plans! If you interested in finding out what I am planning for my post-high-school-children life .... please check out Kris' Angels.


*PS in defence of DB (see what a lovely ex-wife I am): I haven't seen him in ages, but he does always come around for the girls' birthdays unless he is away and he normally has them the Friday nights he is home. He also did all the cooking for the girls' confirmation lunch. The Pixie was just being a grouch.

Back to blogging

Hello all! I am back *waves*.

Firstly my self-imposed blogging ban is over. My course is complete, I have a nice new set of letters that look just beautiful after my name, and I have finished everything I need to do to be admitted as a lawyer in Western Australia.

Happy dance! I am so pleased it is all over. I think it has been the longest 30 weeks of my life. Although I was in receipt of the shortest marking time ever. My last exam finished at 12.15 on Friday, 8 August, and I had the results for all my subjects by 3.15pm on Monday, 11 August. There were six pieces of assessment the previous week. Some dedicated teachers there, and they made the whole super long process so much more manageable.

Good for celebrating and sore throats

Those of you paying attention may have noticed that these dates mean that I finished studying a almost two weeks ago.

The next lot of blogging absence has been caused by THE DREADED MAN FLU. Fortunately I am almost better now. Not only have I been sick all three girls have been sick too. Pixie pretty much only gets sick once a year, and last week was it.

She visited me at work for half a day, and had a good nap under my desk while I finished some stuff. Then we did a lot of sleeping for the next day and a half.



So glad that they can sleep anywhere ~ some days this is how we do it

 

By Sunday night everyone else was better and the girls banished me to the lounge by myself so I could "rest and get better". I am pretty sure it was really because I was way too whingy for them. They had a delightful time playing board games and catering to my every (whiney) whim.

Pixie: Why are you so grumpy?
Me: I am not. I am sick. I was nice to you when you were sick.
Pixie: I am being nice, and all you say is "Pixie, stop stroking my face", "Pixie stop poking me", "Pixie stop shouting in my ear".
Me: Humph. Shh. Mummy has a headache.

If you have missed some of the Pixie quotes, check out facebook for some of the sickaling ones. Fun topics include "bags under eyes", "why two-minute-noodles are like chicken soup", "popular nursery rhymes", and "drugs: over-the-counter and otherwise".

How have I celebrated? Other than frozen coke floats, I bought a pole dancing pole for my house. Best op-shop find ever! Nothing says "Yay I am almost a lawyer" like a stripper pole!

Nemesis

At the risk of sounding like I am bragging, I have studied through a lot of things.

I have studied full time through two pregnancies of non-stop morning (and all day and all night) sickness. I vomited through nine months while I was writing my Honours thesis, and did the rest of it with three children aged four and under. I can type and bounce a baby with one foot. I can study on trains, in planes, in hospital beds, at soccer games, in the dance studio, with a sleeping baby/toddler/child on my lap/chest/leg. I have pulled more all nighters than I care to own up to (I really am the worst example of being a student! Luckily the girls have seen this is a bad idea). I have written way too many assignments through clouds of tears (mostly mine) when my personal life has been in tatters. I have juggled work and family and volunteer commitments and friends and household responsibilities. I have developed serious caffeine addiction, gained way too much weight, and spend my life justifying the revolting state of my house to people.

To be fair, my marks aren't brilliant, but dammit I have done it, and I am proud of the letters I have after my name.

I also freely admit that if facebook had been around when I did my first degree, very possibly the only degree I would have would be a Bachelor of Procrastination with a major in facebook, but luckily it wasn't. As a side note, I have said to my children "back when Mummy did her first degree, I had to procrastinate without facebook". True story.

Pixie came up to me once and the conversation went like this:

Pixie: What are you doing?
Me: I am studying.
Pixie: No you're not, you're on facebook.
Me: Yes I am, look. I am great at multi-tasking.
Pixie (sadly): I wish I could do two things at once.

What I was going to say: Don't worry baby, you will learn when you grow up.
What I actually said when I remembered she is her father's daughter: Never mind baby. You are good at lots of other things. Mummy can't draw.

Pixie went and drew me a picture. See, she is easily distracted.

(Does this make me an awful person?!)

And now, now I have been beaten. I officially can't study with a puppy on my lap.

And just in case there was any doubt that Flip-Flop wasn't a lap dog here she is. Luckily it is only my lap that she sits on. I think she is trying to be like the Pixie.

And just like that, ladies and gentlemen ... that is me done! Beaten by the puppy. Good night!

PS Yes I am supposed to be doing an assignment; luckily I didn't discover blogging much earlier.

You win some, you lose some

It is school holidays here at the moment. And I am one sad Mama. Not because it is school holidays, but because I am grumpy I am at work when the girls are at home.

My work has a purchased leave scheme, which is amazingly useful when you have school aged children. For a few years I was lucky enough to be able to take off all of the two-week school holidays and half of the Christmas school holidays and be home with the children. Work still has the scheme, but my role has changed to the point where my workload means it is too hard to take that much leave.

I am also super lucky that now the girls are bigger it isn't too hard to find the balance between leaving them at home, having people drop in and visit them for a few hours, and I have some wonderful people in my life who always ask if they can have them during school holidays for part of the time. I am truly blessed to have these people, and to have an amazing flexible work place that has let me develop my career around my family, so please don't for one minute think I am ungrateful. But I am still a sad Mama.

This week I have left for work leaving my babies all snuggled up in bed asleep (ok this might be more jealous then sad).

Sunday night
Buglet: What time are you leaving for work tomorrow?
Me: Between 6 and 6:30.
Buglet: Don't wake me up then.
Tink: Me either.
Pixie: Goodnight-goodmorning-Iloveyou-goodbye!

Then to make it worse, Monday night Buglet politely requested that I didn't text her until I had heard from them as I had woken her up. Humph.

Then when I get home I get to hear about all the fun things they have done, often with with my friends. I  happen to love spending school holidays at home with the girls. No work, no dancing/soccer/Guides and I get to catch up friends and catch up on housework. A change is definitely a good holiday.

There has also been a definite decline in the amount of housework I do now I don't get to spend two weeks out of twelve at home. I am not devastated about that so much, I don't miss the doing housework, but my house may be devastated about how neglected it is.

Admittedly, I am learning to delegate the housework. Yesterday I told the girls that if they cleaned the bathroom, the kitchen and their rooms we would go to Sizzlers for dinner. Definitely worth the bribe. Even the Pixie got right into it and her sisters were very good at making sure I knew exactly how hard she had worked so I could be properly appreciative. No idea why it worked so well this time. It is a bit hit and miss, I am wondering if it is because I told them by text message so they had it in writing? I may have to experiment more.

Tonight I abandoned Buglet and Tink at a church camp for four days. Pixie has gone to spend two nights with her Auntie and Uncle and their babies. She is a bit worried. The youngest is only a few weeks old and the big one is (almost) two. The concern is that they might cry at her and that babies don't like her. This might be something to do with her disdain for small babies because they take all the attention (and I quote, this is usually her big complaint about babies). Personally I think she is going to have a wonderful time. And I think it will be a great chance for her to play with Master 2 without Tink. Tink is beyond amazing with babies and children, I call her the 'Baby Whisper', but it does mean that Pixie hasn't had much experience with them.

I had to laugh though. I came home to this note after abandoning the infants ......

Tink didn't even trust me enough for that. The last thing she told me was that she'd put it in the lounge, on charge, and that she had the only game on it all ready for me. Today's confession: I discovered some-game-I-can't-remember-the-name-of (Farm something?) over the weekend and I am slightly addicted. I am feeling very loved (and I am ignoring the slight feeling of being patronised because I am used to that. Put it this way, they've all had folders on their home screen called "Mum's games" because that is about the only bit I can get to without being confused).

So why I have a quiet house, I am going to stop whinging, and be thankful for some guilt-free study time (as well as for all the things listed above). I only have one more assignment to go after this one so I am a little bit excited!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week, and that you are finding rainbows in all this rain.

Cath xx

PS if you were wondering about what happened with Spike, the vet found his owners and he is home safely.

Manic Monday (aka Part 1 of 'This is how I do it')

As someone who balances work, paid and unpaid, family and study if I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say "I don't know how you do it" I would be very rich and could possibly retire. I would also be very rich if I had a dollar for every time I had heard "starting them young", but that is a whole other blog post.

I got an email from my lecturer  today saying how close we were to finishing. This would have been much more encouraging if she hadn't have listed all the things we have left to do, but it is still nice that she cares.

As after an adult life time of being asked how I do it, and never having a good answer except "caffeine, napping and an amazing disregard for housework", I decided I would actually write down how I do it. To be fair, "caffeine, napping and an amazing disregard for housework" does help significantly, but it does take a little more than that. One day I might need to prove to the girls how impressive I was, and how much I am here when they complain about absent parenting (so far so good as previous posts will show). I am also thinking that writing it down will serve as a reminder about how hard it is, so I don't go back to study before the girls are self-sufficient. Don't worry, I will spread this out over the next few weeks, so you aren't all totally bored.

Mornings
Today my alarm was set for 5.30am, I had intended to get to work early. Not to mention Monday is supposed to be one of my dog walking mornings and I am supposed to get up at 5am, but I was up late last night, I need some sleep, my back hurts I am great at making excuses ..... This would be more convincing if I hadn't had spent the snooze time contemplating how I feel like I've had more sleep if I wake up around the 2am mark (not unusual for me), because if I go back to sleep easily it feels like I've had two nights sleep. Early morning musings don't actually have to make sense.

I actually got up at 6.15am and ran around frantically.

Wins: having change for the girls to donate to some thing at school, having my clothes ready the night before, and remembering to have breakfast (I do try and eat breakfast at home to set a good example).

Fails: Not remembering what it is the girls are donating money towards, Tink telling me she needed money for the train home as I ran out the door (thanks to my mother for sorting this one), and being yelled at by the Pixie for being grumpy at her when she wouldn't get out of bed.

Could go either way: Not getting a seat on the train. Winning 'cos it means I can read a fun book; failing 'cos I can't study (personally I count this as a win because I have a bad attitude towards study).

The Day
I made it to work by 7:30am. This is a massive bonus because it is my busiest time of the year.

Wins: Remembering to buy white out after Pixie put a reminder in my phone. Organising lunch with a girlfriend next week, getting a whole agenda drafted. Sorting out for the big two to go on camp during the school holidays. Remembering to text a few people about random things. Leaving the office at 5.40pm and making it to the train on time.

Fails: A panicked phone call to Mum when I realised I hadn't heard from either her or the girls after school today. The number of phone calls I have to make tomorrow. Forgetting to do some Guide stuff. Stuffing my friend around working out a day I could do lunch.

The Entourage after school
On Mondays Mum picks the girls up from school and another friend who lives near us to ferry them all to confirmation classes (well except the Pixie, Mum drops her off at my sister's house). I don't feel too bad about this one, partly because Mum offered, and partly because it is as important to her as it is to me that the girls get this opportunity. Plus she is driving someone else too, and I get them all home. Mum drops them at one train station, and I meet them at another.

I love my train trips home. It is the quiet zone where I transit from work-mode to home-mode and gives me very precious reading time. I don't study on the trip home so it is always fun reading time, and reading is one of the things that makes me happiest.

Wins: Waiting at the train station to meet the Entourage plus one. Not traumatising our Monday passenger  too much (he puts up with the girls quite well!). Being at the right train station (Monday is the only day I use this train line).

Evenings
I drop Buglet at her dance class, our passenger at his house, then bring my little two home. About an hour of driving gives us lots of catching up time which is sometimes nice, sometimes tiring, but it does make me feel like I am not missing out on so much! Mum feeds the children so I have a very lazy dinner (toast tonight, please don't judge me - I made sure I had a very big lunch), do some housework (I use this term loosely, but I usually get something done), shower, discuss homework and school and all those sorts of things, and pick the Buglet up at 8.30pm. Family rule is if I have to pick them up after 8pm from an activity, I get to wear pyjamas. I am the mother, I get to make the rules. I try to get there in time to watch her Buglet's last 20 minutes, and the trip home is a good chance to just talk to her. Luckily Monday night seems to have reality tv shows on which I do not like, but the girls do. This means the little two are happy, and I don't feel bad when I am doing other things.

Conversations today include Tink's badly studded leg from her soccer game yesterday, Pixie having a "man" vein in her foot (shaped like a man, not looking like it belongs to a man, it took me a while to work this out), our costumes and food and activities for Guides on Wednesdays, the fact Pixie is playing in a school sports carnival tomorrow which I am not 100% sure I knew about and which does mean I have to reorganise my usual Tuesday plans. Bonus is I will get a bit of a bit of a sleep in tomorrow!

Pick up the Buglet and shoo them all off to bed. Some nights I do housework, some nights I study, some nights I curl up on the couch to read.

Evenings all get thrown into chaos the one Monday a month I have a Guide meeting after work. An adult type Guide meeting where we do the behinds the scenes stuff for the state, not the fun unit stuff. Those nights I am very nice to Apple who usually fills in the parenting blank for me.

Tonight I have blogged (clearly!) and studied. I will be in bed by 10:30pm tonight! Tonight I am just tired.

Fail: having an assignment due on Friday, reorganising plans.

Win: Pyjamas, cuddles, Tink bringing me home muffins she made at school, and studying is much more fun with a cool pen.

Hope you all had a happy and productive Monday xxx

Bribery and corruption

Tomorrow I have two assessable practice hearings and that are worth a large percentage of my grades.

This is how I spent my day.

Morning was Tink's soccer. I only very rarely miss a game and that is either when I am away or I am driving another child somewhere. I figure if all I can do is be there, that is what I can do. I will learn the rules at some point so I know what is going on. Not until August though. Sometimes the games are for catching up with friends or family. Sometimes I study. Sometimes it is quiet time for me to read beforehand and during the breaks. It is always a chance to get some fresh air and often some sunshine.

Today the plan was to drop off Tink, then vacuum the car out and walk the dog while she warmed up.

In reality, I got there and realised we were early. Tink came with me to vacuum the car which was lucky because I forgot that Flip-Flop doesn't like vacuum cleaners. (In case you are wondering how I forgot, I never do the vacuuming. The girls tend to do that). Flip-Flop then got her walk, and I got a bacon and egg burger (another bonus to soccer days). Tink's team won 5-2. This is slightly awkward because I thought they drew 2 all. I was watching! I don't know how I missed that one. I do know what a goal is.

The other two don't always come with me. Pixie has to come if it is an away game, but usually the deal with Buglet is that if she doesn't come and watch her sister play if she does the dishes or something else that needs doing while I am out. I figure this is fair.

Pixie wasn't feeling well this morning so I left her at home with Buglet. This meant she slept in. She also had a nap with me when I came home from soccer. This meant she was feral this afternoon.

There is a fine line with our Pixie; too much sleep and she is impossible, and too little sleep and she is impossible.

That is how the following story occurred.

I had a naggy, whiny, annoying, bored child. I don't deal well with bored children especially when I am trying to study. I don't believe in being bored (except in exceptional circumstances) so they get very little sympathy from me.

The Pixie comes creeping up behind me, while I was trying to write submissions.

Me: You need to get out the house don't you?
Pixie: Flip-Flop just threw up.
Me: What?!
Pixie *sings*: Hush my Mama, don't you cry, Pixie's gonna make you feel better with pie. Not really but it rhymed. Pixie doesn't want Mama to be a stressaling.
Me: What happened?
Pixie: She just threw up. Grass and pancakes and stuff. Should puppies eat pancakes?

I bribed her with the rest of my study Twisties to leave me alone and be good for another hour, and clean up the vomit.

Pixie cleaned up the mess then proceeded to use some of the Twisties to try and bribe Tink to take her for a bike ride.

Tink: You just had to teach her about bribing didn't you.
Pixie *sternly*: Don't stressel Mama out or her assignment will go horribly wrong. Are you stresselled Mama?
Tink: If we walk to the shops can we pick out something for dinner all by ourselves? And then you can pick us up.

Tink took pity on me at this point. They walked to the shops so they could pick what they wanted and I met them there forty minutes later. I am not sure how they convinced Buglet to do it, but she is now cooking the dinner, and may I say it smells great.

Some days, this is how I do it: bribery and corruption, extreme sugar (for me) and whatever it takes to get me through.

Luckily I received a delivery package of emergency study supplies!

I know I keep saying it, but I am so, so, so thankful for the family and friends who are there to support me and keep me sane.

For those of you who are worried about my parenting, I am telling myself it is all about teaching them negotiation skills. I don't give in to whining. We also had a big conversation in the car about which vegies to get for snacks.

For those of you who are worried about my sugar levels, these are extreme study exceptions! I am not usually this bad.

For those of you who are worried about my lack of attention to concentrate on study, this is reasonable. Please keep your fingers crossed for me! 

Dear Universe, Take That!

Dear Universe,

The Pixie is right. Life is awesome, because we are awesome. Ok, she might only apply this to herself, but I am claiming it too.

This week we have survived:

1. Two exams (Buglet);
2. One high school application test (Pixie);
3. Two oral assessments (me);
4. A week of classes (me);
5. An in-class performance (Pixie);
6. An interschool soccer carnival (Tink);
7. Two after school interschool soccer games (Tink); and
8. Interschool netball (Pixie).

I should also mention its been an insane week at work and in my personal life, and it has also only been a four day work week here in WA.

I don't care, I am calling it. We are awesome! Tired, but still claiming awesome.

I have also discovered my darling youngest daughter has a favourite article in the UN Declaration of Human Rights. I am not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but I am proud of her.

Driving the girls to school every day this week has had some advantages!

Buglet: We're doing World War II in history. Every time he says six million Jews died it makes me sad.
Me: And what makes it even sadder is genocide is still happening. Do you guys know what genocide is?
Pixie: I do! I do! Wait. I need the right voice *deep voice* Human Right 3: The Right to Life.
*stunned silence*
Pixie: What? It is
*proceeds to sing human rights UN song. Stops abruptly*
Pixie: My favourite is number 15 the right to copyright.
Me: I beg your pardon.
Pixie: It is one. It might not be 15, but it is my favourite.

I haven't quite been to work out which one it is she actually means, but I am working on it. I suspect it is Article 19, but if anyone you enough to form an opinion please let me know!

Just to let you know, Universe, I have also have wonderful people on my side. So you can't squash us that easily. This week has been dedicated to all the people who have provided food, driving, ears, and a shoulder to cry on.

And I did get those flowers.

Love,
Cath and the Entourage

PS This is not a challenge. Let's call it a tie. xx

May Showers .... June Flowers?!

There is an old saying, admittedly from the Northern hemisphere: "April showers bring May flowers".

I love rain. Call it a hang up from growing up in the middle of the desert, but I really do.

I am less fond of the other interpretation of this saying, when you apply it to being about the hard work and the tears paying off later. I would like to point out that it is June so I want my flowers dammit!!!

Yes, I am still studying can you tell? I banned myself from blogging until after my assignment was handed in. Now I have handed it in I am sneaking in a quick post before my week of on-site assessments this week.

Buglet is also in the middle of her first exams.

I had one of those moments where you turn into your parents. The advice I gave Buglet before her first exam was pretty much exactly what my parents have always told me:

1. Proof read;
2. Answer everything;
3. Time your answers;
4. There are certain marks allocated to each question - see points 2 and 3 above;
5. Show your working out - you can get marks for working out; and
6. Never, ever leave an exam early.

I did just stop short of sharing Dad's ultimate words of exam wisdom which are "some of the greatest rugby players throw up before every match". I am really bad for pre-exam nausea.  Buglet was feeling fine, so probably lucky I didn't complicate the issue. In case anyone is wondering, I have no idea who those rugby players are, how Dad knows this, and no it never stopped me from being sick but it did make me feel a little better.

She survived her first exam, and I am super proud of her. Buglet has much better study habits than I ever have. My darling eldest daughter is one of those people who does her assignments on a Friday night so she isn't leave them for the last minute. Unlike her mother who, after three degrees, has yet to learn this. So much for my observation to DB the other day, that "monkey see, monkey do". Either that or DB and Pixie are most definitely monkeys and Buglet and I are most definitely not monkeys. I may just stick to this theory!

Thursday night this is what I came home to:

Promise I am a competent parent, even if I am not the best student.

Now I seem to somehow have managed to teach my girls to be good students by showing them what not to do, I am crossing my fingers and hoping this works for other parts of their lives too!

One more week and exam stress will be over for a little while .... but life goes on like normal, just in case you missed it on facebook. Here is the Pixie on exams:

Me: Don't stress Buglet out this morning. She has an exam and exams are important.
Pixie *cheerfully*: Ok. I will stress Tink out instead.
Me *glaring*: I would rather you didn't stress anyone out. If you stress Tink out that will stress Buglet out.
PIxie: But I always stress Tink out. That is how it works. I will stress Flip-Flop out instead *runs out* Flip-Flop! Flip-Flop! Come here. I will stressel you out!

They are all very supportive in their own way. Pixie's way is just a bit unique.

Forever a student ....

While I am still all nostalgic, I thought I would mention that 15 years ago I was studying in a hospital bed and very quickly mastering the act of studying and cuddling.

Considering I am still studying, this skill has come in very handy. (It is worth mentioning that I have graduated three times since then). I love learning, but I am not very good at the "study part". At the moment it is not a subject I particularly enjoy, but it is compulsory, and it is making me grumpy.

I am also attempting to use the highlighters Buglet got from UIG last week (click here for that post). Sadly they are not actually very easy to use so I am going to have to go back to my normal one. Also I have decided that blue highlighters are not the best for highlighting notes.

I thought of this post last night, and was a little proud of myself for not writing it then. Blogging is a very useful procrastination technique. So is housework, cutting and painting your toenails, showering, and counting stars - just in case anyone is wondering.

I am particularly brilliant at procrastinating, and not only procrastinating, but procrastinating by doing something useful so it is easy to justify. Counting stars probably does not come into the useful category.

Tonight was going to be a light-hearted post, but in truth I am tired, and grumpy. It was a long day in the office. My dance class and Tink's soccer training were cancelled. In some ways this was awesome; I got to finish a project I'd been working on at the office (and I am now living in a "file fort" - see my facebook status if this doesn't make any sense!). I also had intended on doing some study reading during Pixie's dance class, I managed to take the wrong text book so this was swapped for a novel and that was nice. It was also nice to watch a bit more of her class than I usually do.

But tonight, despite all the good bits, I am tired and grumpy. I am sad I only got to see my big girls for about fifteen minutes; they put themselves to bed almost as soon as I got home.  Pixie had a tantrum because the dog ate an art project she had left lying around (clearly her sisters' fault and nothing to do with her!).

Maybe I've read one too many posts today about mothers pushing themselves too hard. Maybe I am just ready to give myself the brilliant advice of "go easy on yourself, you are doing the best you can" that I am always telling other people (this is good advice by the way!). Maybe I am just grumpy because Pixie is watching Charmed and I would rather be snuggled with her. Sadly, tonight's assignment needs to be done at my desk.

I am often told I make it look easy. I do usually focus on the positives, life is much nicer that way. But tonight's post is dedicated to keeping it real .....

.... now I am going to finish this damn assignment so I can concentrate on my gorgeous Guides tomorrow night and sneak a sleepy cuddle with the Pixie. I am also going to eat chocolate, and chicken twisties. Not together. That would be gross.

Mmmmm ..... chocolate .......