Big boy school

My darling first born started school this week. I think Mummy is still in denial. Where have these last four and a half years gone? How did that happen? Surely I'm not old enough to have a school aged child. See I told you I'm in denial.

Cooper was so excited about starting school and we've been discussing it for months now so the anticipation has been massive. I think I was more nervous than he was but he started prep with his little friend who he has known since he was a newborn which eased the nerves a lot knowing he had someone there who he knew.

We were very organised the weekend before making sure he had everything he needed including his cool new shoes, bag and his fancy personalised library bag. We washed and ironed his sparkly new bright blue and red uniform and labelled everything right down to his floppy red hat. We spent the weekend baking goods for his lunchbox.



Cooper was up nice and early and you could tell he was slightly nervous complaining of a funny feeling in his tummy but he was dressed and ready to walk out the door at 6.30am. To say that he was eager is an understatement.

He was so excited when he saw his little friend Cassie pull up behind us on the first day. Don't they just look adorable.



So the first week of school is over and we have survived. It really wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. He is loving the learning environment and also making lots of new friends and his teacher seems to be a really lovely lady and Cooper has taken to her really well.

It wasn't only Cooper who learnt new things this week. I learnt lots too. Like make sure you're at the school at least 20 minutes earlier than every other parent to score a decent carpark. Keep sandwiches simple and don't experiment with fancy toppings like Turkey, Cheese and Cranberry when 'plain honey sandwiches are just fine thanks Mum'. I also learnt that I'm going to need to keep a diary just for Cooper's school regime. He has come home with loads of paperwork and activities just in his first week and I'm finding it a tad overwhelming. Oh and I also learnt that grass stains are very hard to get out of his school shorts. Damn fancy fabric.

Too cool for school

SEQ Floods

I have been glued to the television all morning watching this horrifying disaster unfold. It's just so tragic. I cannot imagine how many lives have been affected and are still to be affected as the flood levels rise. When you hear stories about parents that couldn't hold on to their babies as they got swept away from their homes it really hits home and makes your heart break for these poor people. It certainly puts things in to perspective about what you might be going through in your own life.

I have a friend, actually several friends who have been evacuated from the Brisbane CBD today but once particular friend who is still stuck in horrific traffic just trying to leave the city before the river rises too much.

I feel so helpless and we're only up the road as such from all of this devastation.

There are lots of ways to donate, you can donate money via here- http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

I know of many local people who are taking donations for the kids, things such as toys, clothing, shoes, school supplies, books etc. If you're on the Gold Coast please contact me and I can forward you the details of a collection spot.

The sad thing is unfortunately it's only going to get worse as the days go on.

Please keep these people in your thoughts and give if you can.

Farewell 2010

Good riddance to 2010 I say.



It was definitely a testing year for me. But I truly believe it has made me a stronger and much wiser person and I have so much to look forward to in 2011 and I'm feeling very positive and excited about it. My big almost 5 year old is starting school this year and that alone is exciting but also very nerve racking and scary. It's definitely going to be a year of massive changes for my little family.

With the hype and craziness of Christmas and New Years over it's time to start thinking about the new year and what lies ahead.

Cooper is all ready for school. Uniforms are bought, new shoes are ready to be worn, his school bag is bought. All we need to do now is get his book list finalised and find some school socks that aren't two sizes to big. Cooper has the worlds smallest feet for a 4 1/2 year old . I think he's put his uniform on about 10 times since he's had it. He is very excited about starting school. We are actually really lucky because his little friend Cassie from my original mothers group who Cooper has known from birth is also going to the same school. And they are lucky enough to be in the same class as well which us really nice to know. I think it's quite reassuring for them both to know there is someone they know going to be there for them.

Here are some photos of what was our Christmas and New Years.

My 'famous' rocky road which this year I made in to a xmas wreath. I was pretty happy with how it turned out actually.



Twas the night before Christmas and 'Santa' had already been and left the presents and and ate his milk and cookies that the boys had left him. Plus of course the reindeers enjoyed their carrots.




Christmas morning excitement



Blake and his cousin Jasper loving their new camping chairs



Cooper enthralled in his new racing car game