J turns 21

A couple of weeks ago, we headed out to my parents place after work on a Friday to celebrate my brothers 21st. This brother is number 3 in the line of 6 kids. He doesn’t drink much, so we knew it would be a tame night. I actually didn’t take the camera, so any pics here are ones Mum took and there aren’t any of the food so it’s just people.

Steve, J and I

My parents ordered catering and we feasted on meat off the spit, salads, potato bake etc etc. Delicious comfort foods that are perfect on a cold night (and it was cold where they live!)

It was a good reason to catch up with family and we had a great time, even if he wouldn’t skull a drink like you are meant to at ALL 21st’s!

3 of my brothers and I (all J's!). J16, J21 and J18

J actually left for the US with his girlfriend yesterday, so most gifts were US money. Steve and I got denominations of $10 notes and rolled some ties up that we had at home (unworn of course!) and slotted the notes inside, then placed a $10 note on top. He opened it and thanked us for the $10 and ties before realising that there was money hidden inside the box. Not sure why he thought we’d only give him a $10 note as that wouldn’t get him very far in the US!

Sorry about the quality of the pics, I got them off facebook and emailed them to myself and it made them look a bit funny!

Birthdays all 'round

My youngest brother, Jack turned 16 on the weekend. I know, when did THAT happen? I moved out of home when he was a little 11 year old and barely in high school and now he is a teenager that resembles Justin Bieber. My parents hosted a family party for him on Saturday with the theme being Coca Cola. 

If there is one thing this kid loves, it’s a coke.

When I got there (after my 1.5 hour drive to woop woop), Mum had already set up all the tables and decorations and Dad was hiding in the man-cave so he didn’t have to help. I kid, he was cutting out props for the photo booth (and taking his sweet time so he wouldn’t have to do anything else). My Mum knows how to put her husband to good use.

and we know how to put a photo booth to good use

I walked through the front door and could hear my Mum talking away (to anyone/thing that will listen) and there was not another person to be seen. I thought they might all be out, but no. They are teenagers; they were playing their playstations/Xboxes in their rooms (der), with the doors closed. I went in to Jack’s room to give him his gift and the room was pitch black. Curtains closed and no lights on…optimal conditions for a game on the Xbox. I would show you the perfectly wrapped gift, except it was not perfectly wrapped. It was put in a country road bag without even a bag. I know, I fail.

The outfit I bought him

Mum loves a good party and any excuse to cook for the herd is a good one. We had a nibblies spread, followed by a nachos buffet and then the best course – a dessert buffet. I was so hyped on sugar by the end of the night that I went home and promptly sugar crashed in front of the television. Poor S; no conversation for you! (He couldn’t come to the party as he had an exam today he had to study for).

Part of the dessert buffet

On Sunday, my sweet little puppy turned 5 years old. Lucky for me, he is not a human and did not demand my undivided attention all day because I had to do Uni work for most of the day. I did take him on a couple of walks though and rubbed his belly and told him he is special so he was happy with that.

In other news, I went to the Vogue fashion night in the city on Thursday night with S’s sister. I remember going a couple of years ago and being wowed by all the discounts. I think we even picked up a pair of jeans for free, though that was because the sales attendant was busy talking when scanning rather than the actual sale. This year, not so good. Too many people and I wasn’t really in to it. The highlight of my night was trying on this Zimmerman skirt and declaring my undying love for it. This thing will be in my hands soon enough (I hope). I was told shops still do lay-by so I think I'll pop in to the store soon.

Recreated photo

A photo Mum tried to recreate of us kids from when we were young. 

A fun little fact about my brothers - all of their names start with J!

Christmas comes early

I love a little Christmas cheer and was pleasantly surprised to see my parent’s house decked out upon arriving for Christmas lunch on the weekend. All six of us kids, plus three partners and one baby all filled my parent’s house for an early Christmas lunch. For the very reason that the favourite child (A.K.A me) will be jet setting the day before Christmas.

I had big plans to wear a maroon dress I had been sewing the week before with a green bow tied around my waist. That is, until it came time to insert the zipper. Obviously that didn’t work so well, so I just wore shorts and a nice top.

S and I went and played with the animals whilst Mum and Dad cooked. The rabbit was friendly, it snuggled in to me and sat there while I was patting in to. Can’t say the same for the chickens, they aren’t much good at cuddling.

Then it was lunch time. Roast Pork, Roast Chicken, Roast Beef (or was it Lamb?), Roast Veg….everything except the ham which Mum remembered after we were finished.

I was on dessert duty and made delicious little rum balls which were a hit. The trifle was not so much of a hit, due to the fact that there was about half a bottle of coffee port in there. Steve, Mum and I enjoyed it though so I guess that counts. There is currently half still sitting in my fridge waiting for me to devour.

Have you had any Christmas celebrations yet? 

A baby is born

Ash from Miss Directions was in Sydney last week on business and we had plans on Thursday to meet up for lunch. I was really excited as I have spoken to Ash a few times away from blogging and I was excited to meet my first 'blog friend'. Plus she is really sweet - who wouldn't want to meet her.

Little Nephew was due on November 30th. That is today. I got a text from my Brother (J) last Tuesday to say that Sister in Law's (S) waters broke and she would be being induced the next day, Wednesday. Great timing, Little Nephew...my plans are off!

So, S was induced the next day and spent the day labouring before having an emergency Caesarian at 10:30pm. 

I met him the next day and he is the cutest little boy ever. I may be just a little biased.

Little Nephew, you are so very gorgeous. Welcome to this world! I can't wait to feed you lollies while your parents aren't watching! Haha, just kidding...I wouldn't do that.

Fathers Day

We celebrated Fathers Day with a nice big 3 course lunch with the family. My Grandfather had travelled the 5 hours from his home and me the 1 hour from my home to visit my parents and brothers.

It is never a boring trip to see my family. With four of my brothers still living at home, there is always someone talking, joking around or just being annoying being a sweet brother. 

My older brother and his Partner (who are expecting their first child in November) also came and it was great to have everyone under the same roof even if I couldn't hear myself think.

 Parents dog, Duke (they have another, but he doesn't stay still long enough for a proper picture)

For lunch, my Mum made a Ceaser salad for entree, Roast Chicken, Lamb and Veg for main and Cheesecake with fresh strawberries and cream for dessert. Plenty of food and all delicious!

My parents recently moved to a semi-bush area, on to what I can only describe as a mini farm and Dad asked us for a chainsaw so he could cut firewood a little easier for their cute little fireplace. So we did. He wasn't allowed to use it until we were all there to see though - on orders by my Mum.

Old barn turned shed

Doing his thing

New chickens.. bad picture. Duke wouldn't let me take a picture, he wanted to kiss me instead

I even managed to have my youngest brother, Jack, clean my car by bribing offering him money. He accepted and it was a job well done. Thanks, littlest bro!

Ask for a picture and they pull faces. Too bad you didn't know this was going on my blog Jacko.

I love stripes and green jeans!

How did you spend your Fathers Day (if you are in Australia)? 

A farm weekend

S's family have a farm out near the Southern Highlands. It's our happy, relaxing place - to get away from the daily grind that is city living and listen to nature, instead of cars.

Ted loves it as well, he loves to run around or rather frolicks like a little lamb. Give that boy a wide open space and it's like Christmas...

Saturday evening after dinner, we relaxed by the fire with whiskeys in hand. There is something about a fire and drink that just makes everyone sleepy, which meant we were all in bed by 10:30pm..on a Saturday evening. Lame, I know! 

S's sister, D.

As usual, Teddy was the first one up and tapping us on the head with his paw (sometimes he even sticks it up our nose, cheeky dog). If dogs could talk, I imagine he would be saying 'Wake up, there are horses to play with and things to sniff' because as soon as we open the door and he is outside, he runs off like a maniac and finds the closest horse that will let him smell it. He has befriended one horse in particular who is calm and lets Ted have a sniff, whilst smelling Ted at the same time.

Teddy has a major jealous trait. If something else has something, he has to as well. S fed the horse some grass and Ted just had to have some too. 

Our farm stay was just in time. We needed to relax for S's impending new job, which he starts today. Another reason for visiting the farm, as S's parents took us to dinner to congratulate him on his new job.

How was your weekend? Relaxing or busy? 

Happy Birthday, Queen

The long weekend for me, was spent in Canberra. I will write this post in dot points, because if you are anything like me, you get distracted easily.

- Saturday we woke early and were in the car heading to Canberra by 9:00am. We stopped by Grandma's Bakery at Fedra Olive Grove. If you ever head to Canberra, this stop is a must. The food is incredible and the service friendly.

- Upon arriving in Canberra (we stayed with S's sister and Brother in Law), we headed out for coffee. Canberra is unfortunate in their cafe choices. Many are quite good, but close early or aren't open Sundays.  Saturday we went to The Realm which is a self rated, 5 star hotel. S and I have stayed there and I wouldn't give it 5 stars. The rooms are nice, but basic and they don't compare to other 5 star hotels I've stayed at.

- Saturday evening, S's sister and I went to see 'What to expect when you're expecting'. I think I may have found this a bit funnier if I had kids. I did enjoy it though, but found it hard to relate.

- Sunday, we ventured to Questacon for S's nephews 2nd Birthday (time flies!). Little H loved it. He may only be 2, but Questacon is really great for kids. If you haven't been there in the last 10 years, don't worry - you're not missing out. It hasn't changed!

- We headed back to Realm for lunch where I had a chicken burger and S had the ribs. The food is great and the seating area is comfortable with a choice of lounges or tables.

- Monday was spent relaxing in the morning and driving home in the afternoon. The weather was clear in Canberra and the closer we got to Sydney, the more it rained! The snowfields opened on the weekend which created a bit of traffic on the highway, though nothing too bad.

Our weekend was relaxing, yet exhausting. H is a beautiful little boy and oh so energetic. That little boy can outrun me any day!