Thank you Uncle Fruz

Uncle Frazer and Aunty Tania are a very long way away. ....Even further away than Aunty Julie and the Champions who live at Longreach and it took us all day and night to drive to their place!

So becuase they can't come to see us for Christmas, Uncle Fruz sent me some money so I can buy something for myself.

Here it is .... a fairy finger puppet theatre and a game called Hullabaloo. Its a noisy dancing follow the leader sort of thing and sort of like twister - which makes us think about shapes and colours and keeps us dancing. We wish you were here to play it with us.. its so much fun. We usually end up on the floor laughing. Even Daddy plays it with us.

I am sure Mummy will shoot a scene of me doing my puppets and us doinog this game and post it up here.. just for you.

thank you Uncle Fruz and Aunty Tan.

Lilly Meets Ben10

Beetles

We were at a night time concert where one of the doors had been left open. Its that time of year and an army of Xmas beetles gatecrashed. Lilly was fascinated by the loud buzzing and the gorgeous colours and picked one up. She proceeded to show everyone around her and began stroking the beetle, calling it "beauty."

A family friend pretended to be frightened and put thier arms up in mock horror when shown the beetle. As quick as a flash, Lilly dropped the beetle and stomped it into oblivion; soothing the friend with "Don't worry, its dead now."

I am still laughing...

Lilly discovers humour

Goodbye and see you later!

Don't forget your toilet paper!

ahhhh the humour of a four year old.

First Paid Job

I might have thought I would need to wait for Lilly to be just a titch older than four before she got her first paid job - but , well - she has determination and passion which cannot be held back!

Today at the hairdresser, we were there much much longer than we had anticipated. ( that is an entirely different story which I won’t go into here) Lilly was so patient, read gossip magazines, commented on hair styles and dresses ( she likes Paris Hiltons hair but not her dog - why is that lady taking a dog in her handbag to a party? - why indeed?)

She dropped a piece of paper on the ground and I asked her to pick it up and put it in the bin. Sh elooked at me and said - but the floor is so dirty anyway mummy.

The head Hairdresser laughed out loud and got one of the girls to bring Lilly a broom - saying she cold tidy it up if she wanted to. the floor was a disgrace - they had no apprentices and it was a 10 chair salon - 4 girls working double time ( my hairdresser had two other people as well as my cut on at the same time) She stage whispered to me saying that lots of little girls do the same thing and usually push a few things around and then get sick of it.

Miss Lilly got that look in her eye and set about to working. She moved chairs and swept under the counters, she moved the hairdressers trolleys and tidied every inch of that salon. The head hairdresser announced she would offer her an apprenticeship right then and there as Lilly was far better than 99% of the 16 year olds she had had in the past.

The other girls laughed and kept cutting hair. Lilly stood one of them up and told her off for messing up her tidy floor ( she had been rude enough to cut hair and leave it around the chair!!)

You should have seen the enormous pile of hair Lilly had by the time she had cleaned everything up! The head hairdresser said that Lilly had a better attitude and work ethic of people 4 times her age and wished she was 10 years older.

She was rewarded with a lollypop and one dollar. The smile has not yet left Lillys face. The Head Hairdresser said on more than one occasion that when I come in next, that Lilly is welcome to stay while I am shopping and she can sweep the floors.

In the care going home, I asked Lilly if she would like to think about changing her career ambitions. No - she said firmly. I can sweep floors till I am old enough to be a animal doctor ( a vet) I don’t think I’ll have trouble getting her to get a job somehow…...

on dead things

"No - he’s not asleep, he is all chopped up and dead; but hes coming alive and going to eat you up."

No its not a Saturday night horror film snippet - its part of an overheard conversation between Miss Lilly and a 4 year old friend playing with farm animals..... One would think that those cute little plastic sheep and cows had nothing more sinister about them but day old slime from being chewed on by the younger visitors.

Its disturbing to say the least to listen in on a four year olds creative play at the best of times, realising how much influence television shows have on them - especially the accents. I flush thinking my kids don’t actually watch alot of TV - and try to justify the times they do in the mornings mostly….and then ponder on those families who have the TV on constantly. The children aren’t allowed to watch violent or scary things - not even Doctor Who - so I wondered where the dialogue has come from…. but then it dawns on me….. a reflection on my writing … as Lilly often asks to be read what I am working on and its not often that I am able to read much more than an introduction before I have to stop and give an abridged version of the gory tale I had been concocting.

Daggy Dogs

Its all too disturbing to think about this for too long,, given what I think is actually in these things in any case...

On our trip up to Longreach, out of desperation for some sort of food, We stopped at a truck stop and was assaulted with an array of fried delicacies. yummmm. Lilly insisted she have a daggy dog.

It took me a while to work out she wanted one of those dagwood dogs ( pluto pups) with plenty of sauce... nice...

Bunhouses and Crowds

This used to be a bun house
and now its full of weevil crowds........

Lilly caught the end of Rage and was affected by Pinks song.... Funhouse..... and has been singing her own version of it all week.

She has been corrected with the words and delights in singing them at the top of her voice.

I'm sure there is a story in the first version though.

Mumma Mia!

Dancing is so much fun - especially when it combines Abba, sparkling costumes and lipstick!

Our camera died and Mummy had to buy a new one.

Sadly when we had our big concert a week ago ( and it was Morgans first time to go up on stage); the camera didn't want to play - so we didn't get any shots from it. Fortunately, we had another concert today and mummy was able to video this.

Its a bit wobbly as she was crying again. Will she ever get a grip?

I'm just like you mum

Oh dear.. there are some things you don't want to hear from your children and for me - this is one of them. Full of issues and problems, I don't want my kids to be like me....

Walking in on Miss Lilly today, I was about to explode as I see her drawing extensively over both her and Morgans bodies with felt tips. I breathed and asked what she was doing.

They now have scars like me. Bless their little socks.

The Meaning of Being Engaged... explained

Uncle Jamie announced to the the family at large that he had asked long time girlfriend, Zandra, to marry him.

Daddy hadn't heard the news, so Miss Lilly , full of excitement at the prospect of the cake and big party being planned, was busting to be the first to tell him.

So Miss Lilly, what does "being engaged mean?" he asked.

"Well Daddy" Says She,"You are trapped in Jail forever."

Enough said.

Astronauts flying time

"If the stars are just big burning balls, then why don't astronauts just go there during the day?"

I swear ( Mummy) that this is a true statement from Lilly - giving credibility to the old blonde joke as having some truth.

Lilly holds a great fascination of the stars and the moon at the moment

Ditching the Wife

Old Family Friends came to visit today and stay overnight. Morgan and Lilly had never met them - they were Adrian neighbours when he was a small boy in Victoria.

Miss Lilly was very excited to have a captive audience to her Trampolining expertise, her dancing prowess and her effervescent racing around.

Overheard in the afternoon was "Lets you and I go to the park and play frisbie. You can leave her behind." This being directed to a very bemused gentleman while his wife hid a smile behind her hand and Miss Lilly held her hands on her hips looking up and down at her competition....

Did I mention I am expecting trouble at all in the next 15 years?

Whats for dinner?

Pickled onion jelly and peanut soup, coffee with sausages in it and a cucumber for desert.

Hummmmmmmm. Miss Lilly has been enjoying her tea set and the array of tiny cooking implements she has to create dinners for her dollies and for unsuspecting visitors. She very seriously brings out a tray, laden with cups, saucers, plates and eating implements accompanied by plastic food and presents them, telling you of the gourmet delight she has just prepared.

I’m not sure the world is ready for some of her creations –but I give her credit for her imaginative culmination of ingredients.!

making cupcakes

One of lifes simple pleasures - at least for mummy - is to bake with the peeps. Here is a photo of Miss Lilly decorating some wickedly delicious cupcakes.. they were gluten free.. thats about as good as it got.

Lilly loves to be very precise with the amount of chocolate drops on each cake and that the marshmellow was put EXACTLY in the middle.

Despite the costume malfunctions....

The show went on.

I am uploading the video of Lillys first dance on stage in a separate post. Its shaky in parts because - to be honest I was crying so much I couldn't hold it.

I am so proud of her. She actually was on stage just before the video was taken - in a warm up dance ( what a great idea) her tutu fell off because she was jumping up and down so much. ( not once - but twice.) Did she cry or pout? No - she went off stage and got help and marched straight back on - right back to her spot - in the middle of stage. Bless her!!






She had fun, she smiled and tried her very best to have straight arms and straight legs, pointed toes and all that... and best of all - she wants to keep doing it.. isn't that the best thing about it all?

Lilly On Stage

Her first Show was not deterred by her multiple costume malfunctions - even if there were still reminders to the audience that it HAD actually happened... at least its memorable..

So proud of Lilly, enjoying herself and having fun up on stage. I am very pleased with the studio and the great teachers too. So encouraging and supportive for all students they have there. Its nice to see that not only the talented ones get the attention. I feel that they are making it accessible for everyone..... and Morgan has even said he might give dancing a go..... now there is a vote of confidence...

I wish you had some friends Mummy

Never underestimate the perception of children - nor of their ability to mirror. Miss Lilly - all of four - knows there is something wrong with Mummy and just wants to fix it in the simplistic manner of children - which I must say - has many merits.

Both Morgan and Lilly are so outgoing and friendly - which I count as blessing every day - so different to me. The weight of the world of motherguilt came crashing down into my heart with this comment. Its true - I don't go out, don't socialise and if it weren't for having to take Morgan to school every day or for me forcing myself to enroll the kids in dance and gymnastics, would not venture out of the house on a regular basis.

I find it incredible how Lilly mirrors my emotions and knows how to perceptively push my buttons. Anyhow, this is not the blog to be moaning about how crap a mother I am....

Poor little Lilly - stuck at home with boring Mummy - lets hope the rest of the year goes fast so you can get to school and find some friends to play with during the day.

First Concert

Here are some photos of Lilly at her first public concert - well its a warm up for the really big one at the end of the year. This was in the studio - but parents and friends were invited. the kids wore Bunny ears and tails with their normal dance kit.

I am so proud of Lilly. She adores her teacher Miss Hannah - who I must admit has a fantastic manner with them - strict enough - but warm and friendly with lots of fun sprinkled in.

Lilly tries really hard and watches closely to improve what she is doing every time. My wish for her is that she continues dancing and keeps enjoying it. I am not fussed if she does exams or goes into competitions - as long as she continues with grace and flexibility. Watching Lilly wriggle and twirl her hips round - oh dear - trouble with a capital T when boys start to notice her!! but all good I know - I would certainly wish that attention for her rather than the ignoring and taunting I got.

Little Fairy Dancer

Why do you like to dance Lilly?

"Because I look like a fairy and everything is beautiful."

I'll post some photos of her in class in the next few days as well.

Lilly has a concert on at the end of the month - the costume is SOOO cute..

and of course wearing lipstick and makeup has its appeal to a 4 year old.... who by the way has her own lipstick and perfume on her own dressing table now.

When I grow up....

So Miss Lou - what are you going to be when you grow up?

Miss Lilly : I am going to be the first girl on Mars or I am going to make handbags.

Daddy: well Miss Lilly - why don't you do both? You'll have plenty of time on the way up there - plus your bags will be the first bags made in outerspace.

So Lilly has been very interested in being an astronaut, what it involves etc. yesterday Daddy helped her make a handbag - pictured... in his words they built it....very cute...

Darth Vader with a cold

"Mummy", ventured the small philosopher.....

Hummmmmmm said I...

"How does Darth Vader blow his nose?"

umm?

"What happens when he gets a cold - how does he blow his nose?"

No amount of explaining how he breathes filtered air and is at the height of power as Dark Lord - so no germs or diseases would dare enter his immune system could placate her.

In the end I had to say - he doesn't have a nose darling.

"Oh!" said she..."Just like my Lego men. they don't have noses."

ummmmm - sort of.....

Cinderella story needs revamping

Image via Wikipedia

After being told the story of Cinderella, Miss Lou asked me "Why did she have to marry that man?"
I must admit I am uncomfortable in retelling these papy stories which dis empower women... but if three year old can see its wrong.. maybe its time to rewrite them.

I answered, "Well, She was in love."

Miss Lou looks up at me with her big blue eyes "But she only met him the night before."

ummmmmm... time to rewrite the stories definitely.

Dancing Queen

Our Miss Lilly has taken to dancing like nothing else I have seen. She twirls and dances all day. Today she sat for an hour and watched an SBS special on world Ballet leads ( lots of interviews with the leads - but also examples of thier work)- I am not kidding.

part of her conversation with me about it included:

Boys are boring dancers. All they get to do is stand there and help the princesses ( the leads) twirl around.

hummmmmm

Why Dance?

Why do you like Dancing Miss Lilly?

I am doing it because you get to wear lipstick ( thats true) and wear beautiful beautiful dresses and look like a princess.

with reasons like that - what other motivation do you need?

Screaming explained

Daddy took Morgan and Lilly to a theme park on Saturday. Lilly is old enough and tall enough to go on a rollercoaster - which she adored!... and screamed very loudly on.

"Why are you screaming Lilly, are you scared?" says Daddy concerned.

"Because its fun, Daddy"

"what is darling?"

"I’m not scared its fun to scream. Do you want to scream with me?"

isn't she a treasure?

Make my dead flowers live again!

"Daddy will you buy me some more flowers. Mine are all dead."

They tend to do that honey...

"Can you make them live again - I don't like them all dead."

ahh the magic of Daddy - able to leap small buildings and reserect the dead.

Dressed in a handkerchief

"Lilly you are not going to go out wearing something smaller than my handkerchief, now go and change; get out of those heels and put on some sensible shoes."

This said by a gruff looking Daddy....

It was returend with a huffy look from Miss Lilly.

I just giggled and said to Age – You will be saying that from now till she is 21 you realize?

I am afraid I beleive I will be right on this one!!!

This Stinks

"Everything stinks like poo"

ahh, my little city slicker girl, welcome to the outback.. more importantly, welcome to a rural agricultural show.. where yes - everything does have a bit of a farmy smell to it....

We had a delightful day wandering around the sheep pens, the cow yards and the horse stalls, avoiding where possible the poo on the ground and trampling on old hay.

Lilly loved the dodgems and I am sure if I allowed her to - she would have stayed on them all day.

Lilly Lou the dancer

He is Lilly test running her dancing gear - how cute is she? She has been saying heaps about dancing - so I'll make another post soon about it..

Just looking at the video - typical - I shot it right in front of all the rubbish that needs to be taken into the garage - good look for my usually tidy home.. oh well.

Stop Smoking!

Lilly and I were waiting outside a community hall today and decided to sit on the seat just outside the door.

A man walked out of the door and sat beside us and pulled out his cigerettes and lit up.

With out missing a beat, Lilly said "That sign says no smoking here".

He flushed and smiled, replying, "You're right there little missy, sorry - its your air too hey?"

and with that he walked the appropriate 4 mtrs away from the building ot continue his cigarette.

bless her!!!

Daddys Know everything

"How do you know when I am tired and need a snack Daddy? It must be daddy magic."

Daddies know when small peoples legs are about to fall off and become bloody stumps.. and when they need a snack and a drink... aren't they wonderful to have around?

Fireworks explained.

Fireworks is like exploding bubble wrap.

We were watching a fireworks display and Lilly made the observation that they sounded just like bubble wrap exploding.