Brotherton Family Update

Schools Back!

2009-02-07T08:30:00.003+09:00

Hello again - and again sorry for the delay in an update.

Simon is now fine - all worked out well! Which is good. The kids are back at school YAY!

Treyden and Hudson have settled in and have had great first week back - both receiving GOLD and SILVER colours everyday for the week!

Miami is loving Pre Primary and finally has a couple of FULL days next week. She has achieved 3 pegs (then she get a little I'm a star note home) 3 times this week and 2 pegs on the other days

Hunter is well GRUMPY - he is not happy that he only gets to go 2 half days for the first 3 weeks. We have had many tears - only because he is not able to go! Which makes it alot easier for me.

With the two little ones having half days and both at different times it been a long week of up and down to the school as they finish and start with an 45 - an hour gap!

Anyway I must go - sorry for the short blog - will blog again soon! :)

2009-01-27T08:34:00.003+09:00

Hello All, Sorry for the long delay in an update.....
Well the last week of holidays have finally arrived, so now its the run around of getting books, clothes and haircuts! Hunter is not happy this morning, as he thinks that now we have the books its time to go to school - lets hope that lasts for the next 14 years!

I was only saying to Pauline (Simon's mum) on Thursday that we have been lucky and had an uneventful holidays (uneventful in terms of injury and hospital visits) and low and behold, the next day, guess where I was? - Yep at the hospital.....

But this time with Simon. He started getting chest pains on his right side on Thursday afternoon and being a man let it go - we both didn't get much sleep as he was in alot of pain and every time he moved he'd yell and groan.... Simon being Simon got up Friday and went to work - despite not being able to move or take a deep breath - even coughing hurt. He only lasted about 45 minutes..... then decided it was time to head to the hospital.

He says to me, its OK you just go back to asleep and I'll let you know whats happening. YEAH RIGHT!
I called mum to let her know, then Pauline to tell her (without wanting her to panic but I knew she would want to know), then Chris to see if he could pick the kids up - which wasn't the ideal day as they where moving, but he did - all the kids where very excited as he came in the bus! Then a call to Dad and my girlfriend , Diane.

I popped a anxiety tablet, as I was shaking and panicking all at the same time! I finally got to the hospital and was let in to see him.

He had an ECG, put on oxygen, and sent for a chest xray. The ECG came back normal (a sigh of relief) and then they wanted to blood tests to rule of a blood clot on the lung - panic again.... Turns out he had a partially collapsed lung.. Small enough to be sent home with no medication or anything and he had to rest and go back if he got worse. He was in alot of pain but today is back at work. He was not too bad yesterday with the pain nearly gone.! Talk about scary - even he was worried and thought his number was up. Not that he let on till yesterday that, that was the case.

The kids are all well, Treyden has spent alot of time in Collie with Nanna and Pop and loved every minute of it, he didn't want to come home!!

Miami is at mums at the moment for a couple of sleep overs at her new house before they go back to school.

We went to the fireworks last night for Australia day, it was FREEZING on the beach - despite the warm day... but was enjoyable.

AND WE ARE NOT TALKING CRICKET!

Anyway, I think it is cuppa time and the washing machine is beeping at me. Will let you know how Simon is during the week and the events of the return to school

Love to all

Kath xxxx

2009-01-16T10:35:00.006+09:00

Good Morning to you all!! Well it is going to be a HOT one here in WA today....... 37-39 is forecast for the lovely Southwest and I think its forecast 40 in Perth! Thank goodness our air con is in!!

I have started my new blog, - you'll find the link on the right hand side of this one - only one post so far, as I am still waiting to receive my CD set and books. They are from the US and must be coming by sea and not air mail..... they will arrive and then I can get started and blogging!!

This post is to thank you all for your support so far with this family blog and I hope that it gives you some feeling of closeness to our family and that you feel apart of our lives. I find it great to be able to keep you all up to date. Life is precious and I would hate to think that anyone of you wish you had known more about what happens and the "development" of the kids as they grow older!
Although some posts maybe full of nothing but me rambling (bit like this one), its nice for us too, to be able to read back on things!!

My heartfelt thanks to my two beautiful Aunties, Celia in New York (I'm still having the goal of invading your apartment!! ) And Mich in Melbourne for your support and love and comments on the blog, you both have stepped up to the plate and continued Grans support (which I miss everyday) and for that I am forever grateful.....

To finish off just know that I love every single one of you all from the bottom of my heart and I hope we can all get to together for a Family Reunion (both mum and dad's sides) sometime soon!!

All my love Kath xxxxx

2009-01-15T11:05:00.002+09:00

The Roses Simon got me for our 9th Wedding Anniversary today!! :)

2009-01-13T17:00:00.002+09:00

Good Afternoon!! I am currently in the process of setting up my new blog!! I think I have figured out how to put a link on this one so you can access it easily!! If not then I will post the address in a later post!

Now time to rev the kids up, Cricket starts in a couple of hours and they need to clean up, bath and eat all before it starts!!

Kath x

2009-01-11T07:55:00.002+09:00

Good Morning, yet again its another Sunday Morning and nothing is moving except for a, well me, didn't really want to call myself a mouse!! Yep all the rest of the Brotherton's are still sleeping so it is nice and quiet!

The week has flown by really with no major Dramas, well I had a couple of upsetting parts, but no injuries to the kiddies or myself and Sim.

The Air Con is IN! Oh and what a blessing it is....... beautiful and cool...... (OK Hudson's up!)

Simon, the kids and Clyde (one of the South African boys) went out crabbing yesterday and the kids got Sunburned (daddy forgot the sunscreen tut tut), and Hudson is a little sore this morning, nothing some soothing cream wont fix!

OK to the upsetting bits, Our dog ( which we have had since it was 6 weeks old - now 3 nearly 4) went to heaven on Friday...... broke my heart he was part of the family..... but these things happen and we just have to keep thinking it is for the best and that he is now playing with all our loved ones up in heaven.

I went to Church on Christmas Eve and since then the Pastor keeps dropping in, anyway in dropped in on Wednesday I think it was, and started his "chat". I told him about how I find comfort in knowing Chance is an angel looking out for us and that I have my little things that keep me going to find comfort, anyway he blew them out of the water telling me that there are no angels and that they are only devils or demons trying to lead me down the wrong path!!!! WHAT THE F!! Needless to say I asked him not to return and made a couple of calls to Pauline, Mum, Dad to find out what he was carrying on about. As it turns out this "church" is one of the left wing ones and We were not aware of this at the time. I WILL NOT BE RETURNING to that one I can assure you!! Not only did this little visit set of a panic attack it actually shook me to the core. I have found some relief in the things that Mum and Pauline told me and Have flicked through the bible to try and find somethings that contradicted what he said - still looking (not sure where to look the book is that big!) but i remember and people have reassured me that the "normal" old school Church's have angels on the walls. Soooo I am going back to believing and interpreting the bible and my beliefs and comforts MY WAY.

We are having the "village" up tonight for the Cricket. 20/20 match Aust. V South Africa....... wont that divide the street!! Only problem being, myself, Simon are the only Aussies and there is ooohhh about 5 South Africans to contend with and that's not counting the ones that probably wont come! Oh well its all in good fun and something for us all the rib each other about - whoever wins! CARN' THE AUSSIES :)

Anyway housework to do (I wish I had a magic wand - or an angel (ha ha) to come through during the night and do it all for me...... Didn't win lotto AGAIN last night so I will have to do it myself and Simon will have to go to work tomorrow!

Have a great Sunday and I will blog again soon, hopefully by then I will have my CD Set and have the permission to blog about it - if not then I just let you know how I'm feeling in this one!

Love Kath xxxxx

2009-01-07T08:42:00.002+09:00

A very smelly morning to you all! Next door is having their grass laid at the moment and the manure smell is awful!! Soooo no doubt we will be inundated with flies again today.

Our air con (as far as I know) is being installed tomorrow - thank goodness - as it is forecast to be 37 and up until at least Sunday!

Simon is back at work and not very happy about it. He wants me to go get a degree in something - anything - and go and get a high paying job so he can be a stay at home dad!! ONE POWERBALL!!!

All the children are good enjoying the holidays and asking "how much longer have we got"! I'm thinking the same but for completely different reasons!

I will soon be starting a home self improvement course (just waiting for the CD set to arrive) and I have asked the writer for permission to blog about my progress and things like that. (don't want to infringe on any ones copy write or step on toes!!) So if permission is granted I will put the blog site address on here so you all can see how I am going. May even be clever and put it as a link on this one! :)

Anyway the smell is giving me a headache and its getting warm out here on the alfresco area (the joys of a laptop!) and my house work is not getting done whilst I'm typing!

I hope you have had a wonderful start to 2009 and may it be a HUGE one for us all.

Love Kathx

2009-01-02T18:19:00.002+09:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We hope you had an enjoyable, fun and exciting New Years!

Well the New Year resolution this year was to quit smoking!! Simon is doing very well and is nearly though his second day without a smoke, I on the other hand was very good and got through until about 3 hours ago when I succumb to the pressure and started again...... although I had just been and signed over Dobby (our dog) to the pound for re homing. So I think that is a valid excuse and will try again once the kids go back to school.

Simon's toothache is much better now, he ended up getting into the Dentist on Christmas eve and had a wisdom tooth out.

We spent New Years Eve in Collie. The kids loved swimming and keeping cool. I went for a quick dip, forced I may add! Hunter Had a floaty ring on and didn't know if he stuck both arms in the air he would slip straight out of it!

Myself and Pauline kind of froze and yelled to Simon, who was in the other end of the pool! After the initial freezing I quickly realised that although Simon was trying to swim FAST he wasn't moving anywhere, so I jumped up and in I went! None of this one baby step at a time! Hunter is fine and was back in the pool soon after. It just shows how quickly things can happen!

Well I am going to head off and have a cool shower, I am MELTING! 6 more sleeps till the air con goes in WHOO HOO!!!

Be safe and have a highly blessed and wonderful 2009!
Love Kath xx

2008-12-29T08:02:00.004+09:00

We have had our last night in Busselton and are heading back home today. BLAHHHH. But Simon still has a week before he returns to work, so more adventures may be on the cards yet! The 3 boys are still sleeping BUT not Miami - she wants to go swimming already :)

I am not looking forward to returning to the Village as the Cricket has not really gone to plan has it!! I think I might hide inside until the end of today's play and see whats happening. WHY WHY WHY do we have to play crappy when you live in a street FULL of the opposing teams country men????

We have had a good relaxing - well I have - time away, Simon is knackered! The kids have had him run raggered the whole time. Playing cricket, swimming, Chasey, haha the joys of being a father!! Apparently Mums boring, so Ive been told a few times the last 4 days, just as well I'm not overly sensitive :( Not due to me not wanting to but due to the kids not wanting me to!! How rude - they must be bored with me - But I'll remember that next week when Sim is back at work and they still have a month of Holidays left! HAHA. Pay back is a, well you know what!

Anyway must start packing up!

Love to all. xx

2008-12-28T08:51:00.001+09:00

2008-12-28T08:25:00.002+09:00

Good Morning everyone! I hope you all enjoyed Christmas and have recovered well. Now to get through New Years :) Listening to the news last night it is going to be a hot one here in the West hitting 39 on Jan 1st! BUGGER air con doesn't get installed until the 8th. :(

We had a good day Christmas day, a lovely quiet lunch (well except for the noisy toys Nana's, Nanny's and uncle gave haha), I was feeling a bit off some of the day and couldn't put my finger on it, put it down to tiredness after a hectic 4 days before, but NO i then realised I hadn't taken my medication - OOPS!

After our guests left Simon took the kids to the park to hit golf balls with the boys new golf sets, and I had a nanna nap! - Amazing how a nanna nap and your medication help!

Then it was off down the road to help the South African boys enjoy some festivities without their families...... didn't last long - ended up in the backyard of our place playing cricket, soccer and anything else they could think of - even my new Karaoke Machine (Simon and kids regretting that purchase already! - they say I don't sound anything like Pink?? Have no idea why I personally think they are just tone deaf !!)

Boxing day we decided to HIT THE ROAD! We travelled to Pemberton and spent the afternoon at Big Brook Dam kids swimming and me sitting - complaining (naughty me) about camping - BUT I sucked it up and ended up in bed in the tent at 630 with a massive headache. Sooo in the morning we packed up the camp site and headed back to Busselton and are now staying in a Holiday Unit, which I must say is much for comfy for the likes of me who needs the mod cons like a shower and toilet!

The kids had a great day yesterday swimming in the pool and playing on the play ground. I again got a massive headache and laid on the couch in the unit and watched the cricket ( the South African boys will be glad I'm not in the Village - street nick name - today). Once again I forgot the medication! Back on it now and hopefully I can get through the day without a headache although I can still feel it there but nothing major. The kids and Simon hit the beach for a change later in the day and poor Hudson swam into a school of Stingers! Well you can see by the photo it isn't pleasant but no crying or anything from Hudson.

We are now planning on what we are doing today, apart from the pool and watching Cricket, may head to the Busselton Jetty and do the 1.8km walk to the underground observatory.

I will add photos of a adventure and Christmas over the next few days or as I get a chance to! Thank goodness for laptops and wireless Internet connections!

Be safe and chat soon.

Kath xx

2008-12-24T07:08:00.000+09:00

Finished!

2008-12-23T08:33:00.003+09:00

A Merry morning to you all. Well its only 2 sleeps to Christmas and the kids are counting down. Dad arrived safe yesterday and we spent the day eating, drinking (well the boys did) and playing the Wii that dad got the kids...... NOW ISN'T HE THE FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH!!!

Well after opening the pressies and sitting out the back - WE HAVE LAWN!!, a BBQ was in order, so I started the salad, never finished it - I decided that chopping my finger with a filleting knife was a fun way to add some drama into the day.... But trust me I wasn't laughing and was so shocked that a swear word could not even be muttered. The finger is still sore but ok today.

Dad, Simon, Treyden and Hudson are currently out playing golf. Then I am assuming the Wii will get another work out. Hunter and Miami are watching foxtel and I am meant to be cleaning but bugger it, its Christmas LOL.

Mum and Chris joined us for the day so it was great having everyone in the same place for the day which only happens once a year.

Simon is officially on Holidays but is suffering a tooth ache, so he may be off to the Dentist this afternoon I think!

Well the builder has just been to let me know my A/C units are being delivered today - installation would be good but I don't think that's till the 8 Jan????? Who knows I find out when they rock up!

Well I will add more later, better get this house work done.

Love to all

Kath xxx

2008-12-19T06:36:00.002+09:00

Good Morning to you all!! Well its 644am here and you would think that since I have no children (all at nans so I can finish shopping and go to Simon work Party) I'd be sleeping in!! But no the body julted awake at 552am and that was the end of that!

So I will start with this weeks drama (cant go a week without one - that would bored you all!!) and then give you the kids school report results!!

OK well it all started on Sunday night, all was fine and we sent the kids off to bed, ready for the last week of school. Well that was until............ Hudson had an Allergic Reaction - Picture to follow having problems getting from my phone to computer - bloody modern Technology!

Anywhoo we go straight to the Emergency room (no need to ring Mich this time lol) we arrived at about 845pm and sat and sat and sat and sat and swelled and swelled and was FINALLY taken through at 12.15am - Hudson was given 2 lots of medication to have which wasn't easy as he does not tolerate oral medication. He was a good boy and took them without too much drama. He was then kept in for observation to make sure the swelling had stopped spreading..... you'll understand when you see the picture - (oh yeah it was lips and face hence the Motherly panic) and was allowed home, we both fell into bed around 3am.

The next morning his swelling was still a concern (so much that Simon took the day off! - that in itself is enough for you to know that it wasn't good) we took him back to our GP and was given for medication for him to have for 3 days. One once a day and the other 4 times a day. He was not allowed back to school till the swelling had gone and he looked normal again - so he only ended up going for the last day of school!

OKAY onto the school reports. We are VERY proud of all 4 of them as they have settled into the new schools and routine really well. Hudson's report was what we expected due to his earring impairment and will need extra help but is improving and that what we are looking for. I will give you the comment at the end of the report and snippets of anything major!

Hunter:

Hunter is a quiet class member who is learning about the rules and routines in Kindy. Hunter is always eager to participate in class activities and is beginning to communicate with some adults, because of the length of time Hunter has been coming to Kindy and his age, he is still developing most skills in literacy and numeracy.

Miami-Jayde:

Miami is a quiet and considerate class member who has developed good skills in literacy and numeracy. Miami is developing good social skills and likes to look after others, miami is always eager to join in class activities and takes great care to complete her work neatly.

Hudson:

Hudson has settled into his new school and demonstrated some progress in the short time he has been in the class. He is a quiet and gentle boy who acts in a responsible manner in the classroom. He is beginning to develop good work habits and he asks for assistance when unsure of what is required. Hudson always uses his manners and is respectful towards adults and other class members. He will require support the his learning in year two. Keep up the great effort Hudson and all the best for year two.

Treyden:

Treyden has made a good start to his new school. He is a very clever boy who hides his talent well. Treyden is always ready for learning and is starting to join in discussions on problem solving for different subjects. His printing needs more care so the reader can benefit from his hard work. Treyden has some very good ideas for planning and model making in Technology and Enterprise and is very willing to share materials and ideas with his class mates. He is a very quiet, thoughtful person, helping others to get organised for lessons or sharing the sporting equipment so everyone has a turn. He is beginning to relax and enjoy physical games and sporting activities and is a very caring team member.

As you can see the kids are complete strangers to me!! LOL - no they get all their manners and talent from me of course. No we are very proud of the way they go about their schooling and Treyden is very proud of his B in English!!

I will Add the photo of Hudson when I figure out how.

We now have Blinds in the house and the retic is in! Lawn is being laid on Monday and the Air con goes in on Tuesday - all just in time for Christmas.

Dad is coming down on Monday and staying until Tuesday afternoon, and Mum and Chris will come round for dinner and then again on Christmas day.

Well it time for me to pull finger and get to the shops before the rest of the South West.

Love Kathxxx

2008-12-14T11:55:00.000+09:00

2008-12-14T11:40:00.002+09:00

We hope you all enjoyed the videos of Miami singing!!

We had some sad news come through on Wednesday morning with the passing of Simon Granny in England, it has been expected for a while but as we all know it still comes as a shock and is very sad.

So we went up to Collie yesterday and spent the afternoon with Simon's Mum and Dad and picked a pretty warm weekend to do it. Finally the summer weather is starting to kick in here in the West. Pauline and Trev have a pool so Miami and Treyden had a wonderful time in there with their Dad and Pop. Myself and Pauline decided it was nicer to sit in the shade in the bed chairs and relax and watch!

School holidays start here on Thursday and the kids are getting excited at the thought of Santa and 7 weeks off!! I'm more interested in getting the school reports to see how they are going, they are given out on Tuesday.

Our blinds are finally in the new house and the sand leveled ready for the retic and lawns which has been promised before Christmas - it bloody better be!!! The reflection off the sand and the sand in the house is driving me more nutty (if that's possible - LOL).

Simon is also looking forward to Friday as it is his last day until the 5th Jan - his first real break in we cant remember how long - well a break where he still gets paid!! What a relief.

Well take care, keep smiling and I will let you all know how the kids go with the reports........ oooohhhh I wonder if they are as concerned about them as we where when we knew they where being sent home hehehe.

Love
Kath xxxx

2008-12-09T19:58:00.002+09:00

Miami Singing the School Song

2008-12-09T19:39:00.002+09:00

Hot of the Press - Miami Videos!

2008-12-03T13:37:00.002+09:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

We hope you have a fantastic Christmas and a very happy 2009.

We would like to thank you all for your love, friendship, support, guidance, laughs,

Emails and anything else you have given us in 2008, and may 2009 bring you

Joy, prosperity, good health and many more fun times.

With love

Kath, Simon, Treyden, Hudson, Miami-Jayde, Hunter and Chance

2008-12-03T13:22:00.000+09:00

Hunter has seen a DR and has a bad case of Tonsillitis, Ear Infection and Ulcers and Blisters down his throat. He has been given ear drops (that's going to be very interesting!), and this pink jelly like goo (very good stuff - I have had it) that he needs to gargle (even more interesting!) before meals to help numb his mouth and throat so he can eat and drink.

Miami had a fun day at school and is looking forward to her Christmas Concert next Tuesday night, Hunter will probably miss out on participating as he will be home for the 5 -7 days. YAY for mum.

Just thought I would update you on Hunter, have a good day.

Kath xx

2008-12-03T09:45:00.000+09:00

I hope you all enjoyed the videos!! Now I know how to do them I can get the kids doing concerts for you all.... haha.

We finally have floor coverings and he curtains are meant to be up today or tomorrow, but they don't believe in calling and letting you know so it makes it a little difficult. Too bad if they come later as I am going out to get pick Miami up from school and then Hunter to the DR. He still has not recovered from his blisters - although no more have come up on his body - his poor little throat has 2 BIG ulcer looking things on his tonsils so antibiotics for him to do think!

Treydens birthday went well, we ad some friends over for a sausage sizzle and ice cream cake... turned out to be a rather late night as Simon is a 3 hour BBQ cooker!!!!

School holidays are nearly here so 7 weeks of fights, mess and pure hell for mum! haha. Simon has 2 weeks off over Christmas which will be good.

Well housework is calling and its not getting done sitting here..

Talk to you all soon.

Kath xx

2008-12-02T19:42:00.000+09:00

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes NOONGAR STYLE!!

2008-12-02T19:22:00.000+09:00

Miami's Christmas Song!!!! LIVE WHOO HOO

2008-12-02T19:15:00.000+09:00

How they Change!!!

2008-11-28T14:41:00.000+09:00

Hello there! Well it has been a very STRESSFUL 24 hours in the Brotherton Household!

Hudson was seen by the school nurse yesterday morning to check his Hearing and Sight...... I then received the news that his hearing was close to Deaf and that his eye sight was not much better and pretty much going blind. You can imagine the shock and fear that we felt at hearing this news.

After a few teary phone calls, calls to specialists and call to Mich, I finally got him appointments for his eyes and ears.. We took him for his eye test yesterday afternoon at OPSM and was told by them that his eye sight is FINE although he is showing signs of being mild long sighted , but at this stage it is so mild that it does not even require glasses. With that one out of the way it was then waiting till this morning for his hearing test. The test went well. He has FULL PERFECT hearing in both ears and his grommets and still in place and working fine. Another sigh of relief.

We are now quite confused of how the School Nurse got her results so terribly wrong and inaccurate. But at least he has been tested and we know all is good. We are now in talks with his teacher on how to best manage his learning as he is struggling in some parts of his language skills. He will see a speech Therapist which is help greatly.

On a brighter note, Treyden received a honor certificate at school this week and we have been told by his teacher that he is doing Very well in his school work and coping well with the change of school. We did have a incident at the start of the week with him but all have been sorted and he has approached the situation with great maturity and did everything and a little bit more to redeem himself!!

Miami had her end of year testing this week at school and I was informed very happily that she is very ready for Uni as soon as she is accepted! Anyone who spends even 10 minutes with her quickly realises that she has been here before and has not forgotten much!!!

Hunter has been home this week with at the start I thought a case of the Chicken Pox, but after going to the DR with Nan we found out that it was not Chicken Pox but a Viral Infection, and after speaking with Mich (we have an open line at the moment - LOL) I have come to the conclusion that maybe is has a sensitivity to Nurofen. So hence now he only has Panadol and the blisters a going and he is doing well.

Simon is well and has had a very busy week at work - and loving every minute of it (so to speak).

I am going well now I am only on my old medication although a few extra where needed in the last 24 hours.

We are all settling in very well to the new house, and got a WONDERFUL and very thoughtful surprise today when I got home from Hudson's test. Sam and Simone (Simon's boss and his wife) had been and left a house warming present!! A bottle of Wine, a beautiful plant and 4 Christmas stockings full of chocolates for the kiddies. It was a lovely surprise and one that is greatly appreciated and unexpected.

Well Treyden is due home any minute and Simon is finishing early today (well he was the last I heard - it can change in an instant!!). So I best be off and I will upload some photos soon..

Love to all and a VERY BIG thanks to Mich for all her advise over the last week.

Kath xx

2008-11-24T17:33:00.000+09:00

Well FINALLY we are in the new house!! I was starting to think that it was years away from happening. The house is not quite complete with the floating floors in the kitchen/halls/back family room to be laid this week, the landscaping to be done this week or early next week, curtain also this week. But all in all its great. A little strange as I am now used to the little unit and feel like there is too much space!

Dobby is staying at mums at the moment as the fencing will not be done until Jan 13 - no supply available - so mum is already pulling her hair out, but he is coming over tonight for a sleep over and day tomorrow with me at the unit while i do the final clean.

It was an interesting weekend as we didn't know up until lunch time Saturday that we could have the keys... Simon ended up working till 2pm and then we did some of the smaller things and then it was off to a party for one of the "boys" (Mark) from work...... That turned out to be a fun night of learning how to swear in South African (they look after m so well - now I wont look rude or sound rude when abusing stupid drivers!) and doing pub runs for more beer. (I knew there had to be a down side to being a non drinker!!) The small group of us (around 8-9) started out the front of the units until the old man up stairs thought we needed a shower and rain it out, so inside we went!! This then gave the boys the idea that they needed some easy listening music (thank god - none of this heavy metal crap) and we danced and laughed while listening to the Greatest Hits from the Eagles.. The night finished around 1am and everyone safely but maybe not to steady walked home.

OH I FORGOT!! My dear husband and his wonderful boss Sam have been seeking (very secret business between them) and early Christmas Present for me!! And Simon delivered it personally on Thursday night! A NEWER CAR!! Not a brand newy but a 1997 Subaru Forrester... VERY NICE. It was one of the other guys car from work and he has looked after it so well, that it drives and feels like a new car. So YES they pulled one over me, which is very hard to do!!

I have some photos of the "party", house and car on my camera, I just have to remember where I put it! LOL.

Our house phone goes on tomorrow so Telstra will be upset as they wont be getting so much money off me and my mobile again!!!

Anyway I better get this dinner finished, kids bathed and ready for a night of reading my new DR Phil book.

I will upload photos when I stop having a memory blank!

Love to all
Kath Xxxx

2008-11-20T13:21:00.000+09:00

2008-11-15T13:30:00.000+09:00

Another weekend is upon us! Treyden and Hudson are having a weekend at mums along with Dobby!! So it is just myself, Simon, Miami and Hunter. I think Simon is at the point that I was at yesterday at this time, wants Miami to stop talking!!!!

We are still in the unit until during the week or weekend. The floor coverings, Curtains, and gardens are being completed this week.

Nothing to exciting has happened this week apart from making a call to Mich (thanks again Mich) for medical advise! Hudson copped a whack in the eye with a soccer ball and had blurred vision. After a trip to get it all checked, and after having to physically holding Hudson down to put drops in his eyes, he was given the all clear. Although I have to take him back for another hearing test as his teacher is concerned he is not picking up certain sounds again, we have noticed his hearing is becoming worse again. So while getting his eye checked I asked them to check his grommets. They are both still in and not blocked but the DR did notice some scarring on his left ear drum. He quite happily went back to school the next day. He got given a prize on Friday for earning 10 gold slips - gold slips are awards for good behaviour, trying hard etc - so he was excited.

Treyden also came home very excited from school yesterday as he was given his pen licence, he has been working very hard on his neatness and it has finally paid off!

Hunter also received his first Certificate at school, and really only today has put it down. He is very willing to show everyone and anyone that wants to have a look.

Miami is well, talking like she may not be able to start again if she stops! She is still worried about her rabbit although we have reassured her that Chance and Gran will be looking after her for her.

Simon has the weekend off after a very stressful week at work, they have had to lay some people off due to other companies stopping major work till the credit crunch settles down. His job is safe but he feels attached to the company and all his workers and has found it stressful to have to be in the position to lay people off. He is currently putting up the digital dartboard for us so we can have a play - should be interesting!! And he is off tomorrow for a round of gold with his old mate Regan.

I am ok, although I have just whacked my hip bone on the corner of the bench - OUCH - :)

Anyway that's enough babble for now, the dart board is up and I am off to practice before the work boys find out we have it and want a challenge!!

Love to all

Kath xx

2008-11-13T09:15:00.001+09:00

Now this one is Why I HATE the bush and try to avoid it as much as I can........ Now remembering that I am not brave this fella looks small in the picture but I just wasn't brave enough to get any closer!!!

2008-11-13T09:02:00.000+09:00

Well finally I am feeling as though I can stay awake for more than 3 hours, haha, so here I am again with another exciting addition to the blog. haha.

I am just having my normal medication and although I still get a little jittery at least I am awake and not feeling as though breathing is even an effort!

Our day out on Sunday was a nice day, we went up to Wellington Dam (near Collie) and had a BBQ lunch in the bush. We also had Benny and Clyde (2 of Simon's boys from work) It was a lovely day (from what I remember lol). I got some great photos which I will add, but unfortunately Hunter got hold of the camera and I cant get it to Shut and it keeps coming up with a Zoom Error. I will have to get it fixed soon so I can take more photos!!

The House is due for Handover today but the builder looks as though they are behind, so it may not be a move this weekend but next weekend, depends if they pull finger today or not. Although the street is completely full with workman cars and there is some real big action happening today!!

I have managed to get Hunter and Miami both into Picton Primary with the boys next year, which is great, Miami will do 5 full days (YAY) and Hunter does 2 half days and one full day. I am going to LOOOOVVVEE Thursdays! haha.

Anyway I better get cleaning so there isn't too much to do when we do finally move, and the little ones don't have school tomorrow so it is my last chance to get some stuff done with no one home.

Love to all

Kath xxxxxx

2008-11-11T11:04:00.001+09:00

Well what a 3 days it has been, I started my new medication - interesting experince - I am now off them and back on my normal stuff. I took my first dose on Saturday morning and within an hour was back in bed completley exhausted. I thought well this was bound to happen until the body adjusts, Sunday same thing except I managed to have a day out with Simon and the Kids. Yesterday was a awful day to say the least..... I woke up to find Miami's rabbit
, Princess Rose, had died during the night, then I had my medication!!!!! Well I managed to get the kids all of to school and then collapsed into bed yet again. Come 1120 I staggered out the door to go get Hunter and Miami and then straight back to bed. I spoke to Simon at one point (dont really remember it) and he decided that I needed to go back to the DR ASAP, as he even realised that this cant be normal.

Went back to the DR, thats after we had a slight accident in the car and blew two tyres!! The DR then said that the medication is too strong and I was to try this other one he gave me, although I have decided not to start taking it as I am still exhausted today and struggling to stay awake.

I decided to add to the blog as I have to pick up the kids soon and dont want to lay back down, or I might sleep through - they wouldnt be happy - and am hoping they both want to have a nanna nap with me later.

I have decided just to have the medication I was on earlier and wait a week or so before trying the next one, I dont think the body could handle going through another 3 days like the last ones.

Treyden and Hudson are off to The Big Swamp Wildlife park today with school, which they are very excited about, no doubt they will be giving us the whole days tour in great detail.

Hope all is well with everyone, and Lest We Forget! (today being rememberance day)

2008-11-07T15:42:00.000+09:00

Just a quick update on the events of today. All is going very quickly with the house and we will be moving in next weekend. I will send out an email with address and home phone number as it is not a good idea to post it on here.

As most of you know I have been suffering with Anxiety and Panic attacks for sometime now and been on Medication, which I was running out of so I rang to get my new script and my normal DR is on leave, so I had to see another DR, so I had to go through the history and symptoms AGAIN..... anyway turns out to be a good thing. He has told me I am suffering with a subpressed case of Post Traumatic Stress (after the loss of Chance), which is what he thinks is now triggering the anxiety, so he has changed my medication and explained alot that now makes a whole lot of sense.

I have had to just call Dad as I have just had my first "realisation" that Gran is no longer here for me to call and have our calming "chats" about my situation...... it was just automatic, i picked up the phone and thought Ill call gran and let her know. But I cant......... I know she knows but it was my first ahhhhhh moment, so poor Dad got the babbling phone call. (Thanks dad! ).

Well on that somber note I will need to go and have a cuppa! Talk soon.

Love Kath xx

2008-11-07T08:26:00.000+09:00

Good Morning,

I have added some more photos of the house! NOT LONG NOW!!

This week has been an strange one, it has kind of flown by without us realising it! There is only around 5 weeks left of school which will gut Hunter - Fridays are bad enough as he doesn't get to go. The boys have gone for the day so it just Myself, Hunter and Miami - the office girl in training as you can see from the photo above!

We have also had one of the guys from Simon's work decide it would be funny to have 5 chickens dropped off in the street! Well its was funny for the first 24 hours. Then it became horrible! Laying eggs everywhere - pooing and digging up the gardens. I had the front door open yesterday and they where trying very hard to get in!! Hence Simon got a very strong phone call and 3 of the Chickens where picked up within 30 minutes! Two have gone walk about but no doubt will be back!

Have a great weekend and I will blog away again later,

Love Kath

2008-11-07T08:19:00.000+09:00

2008-11-03T16:28:00.000+09:00

Well we are at the start of another week, and my countdown clock on Facebook tells me that we only have 53 days till Christmas......... OMG (sorry that's OH MY GOD for all those that aren't up with the latest lingo). The only thing I know re Christmas is that lunch is at our new place and Mum, Chris and us will be there. Dad and Trevor are working and Pauline is staying home.

After lunch, which I haven't even thought about yet, we are blocking the street off and having a street Christmas afternoon/night. All the people (well men - I'm the only female) in our street work with Simon and are from overseas with no family, so that is what has been decided amongst the boys in what they want to do.

The house has come to near completion with handover being next week. I have a photo I will upload with this post, so you can see the "near completion progress" then I will do a FINAL one when complete. I "did" have progress ones, but they went with the other computer!!

I got a lovely surprise phone call on Skype this afternoon from a wonderful friend of dads, Tony Thatcher, which was great. And yes Tony I ill set up the webcam so you can see me next time!! I also got one from Dad but missed it - sorry Dad!

Miami and Hunter have their Christmas Concert at school coming up - date to be confirmed - so that should be very interesting.

Treyden finally got to look after Emma today at school, which he has been looking forward to. Emma is a girl in his class that has a Brain Injury ( not sure of her condition but that is how Treyden explained it to me), he has to look after her at recess and Lunch and carries a RED card with him on the off chance she has a seizure or a problem in the playground.

Hudson had Friday off school, with a back tooth coming through but was excited about going back today - think he realised it isn't fun at home with no one here and not being allowed to do anything!!

Simon had his weekend off, which I don't think he feels any better for and is looking forward to the Christmas break. I'M NOT! 4 kids and Simon all home for more than 2 continuous days starts to do my head in - dont get me wrong I love them all dearly but they kind of interrupt the morning tea gatherings at macca's and the freedom.!!!

Anyway I will post this and the photo and then best be organising dinner and folding the washing.

Love to all

Kath xx

2008-11-01T11:38:00.000+09:00

2008-11-01T11:04:00.000+09:00

Well what an interesting 24 hours it has been....... I don't think I can claim to be a computer genius but getting there. The only thing I cant figure out is how to reload the photos from the iPod!!

Simon has finally decided to have a weekend off, which hasn't happened for a long time - although no sleeping in, in our house!

Hunter slammed the door on his foot (big toe) just before bed and well that was it! Up half the night with him crying and complaining about his "apparent" broken toe (amazing at even 3 years old they can be so medically informed!, personally I think his big sister may have put that idea in his head!). It is red and a little swollen, but he has made a very good recovery this morning and is out stake boarding and riding the scooter. Amazing how much things feel better in the day time.........

Look out for Miami on the Pro Surfing Circuit! Although she has never been on a surf board, she is a whiz on the stake board and you can already see the natural surf boarding balance and movements kicking in!

Treyden arrived home from school yesterday all excited that his new mate Richie gave him a hat. I said to him that was a nice thing to do, but we will have to check with his mum if he was ok for him to give it away.... Treyden understood and said he would ask Monday, soo I asked to see this hat - IT IS GOING BACK REGARDLESS - It's a bloody collingwood hat!! (might send it to you Mich!!) MY LORD, if its not bad enough our house is currently covered in Hawthorn stuff..........

The house has come on leaps and bounds this week (a rocket was put up someones bottom I think) All electrical and gas appliances are now in, the sectional roller door is on, final paint is complete, so not too far off now.

I am hoping to get to BigW at some point today to get a new headset for Skype and a thumb drive to save all my future photos on - I think of it now - but apart from that and the standard house work nothing much - still having body clock adjusting problems with this daylight saving.

Have a lovely weekend and chat soon.

Love Kath xx

2008-10-31T21:34:00.001+09:00

Hudson after he received his award! Will take a photo of it later and upload!

2008-10-31T15:18:00.000+09:00

Well after a computer crash and losing all email address and photos I went out today and brought a new laptop.......
I have not yet uploaded all the software for the camera so once I do I will update with a copy of Hudson and his award.

The kids are very happy that the old computer has crashed as now they think they have their own - only problem at the moment is my laptop is picking up their wireless mouse and keyboard and its causing major dramas!!! I have things popping up and moving everywhere LOL.

Soooo once I have this all sorted I will add the photo....... Not happy about photos as all photos have been lost including Chances and of Grans Furneral. I do have them on my iPod so now I have to figure out how to re upload them to the laptop - if possible.

Talk to you all soon

Love Kath xx

2008-10-29T08:50:00.001+09:00

Well after one successful blog post and photo upload, I thought I'd try another!!!

We have spent the last couple of days with Fay and David which has been great. Miami and Fay are now best friends, Hunter had his first "Crying" attempt at Kindy yesterday as he wanted to go to nans and see F (as he calls Fay)!!

As as most of you know Treyden is our most non affectionate of the children, although he has improved over the last 6 months and his coming out of his shell. Even he was besotted with Both Fay and David, and Treyden was giving out Hugs and Kisses like nobodies business!!

It has also been a very expensive 3 days (well 12 months) for the tooth fairy! Hudson has now lost his bottom two middle teeth, along with the 6 he had taken out at Princess Margaret Hospital last December! Gummy bear now.....

Hudson is also getting a Honor Certificate at the school assembly tomorrow morning, so I will try and take a photo of him receiving it and upload it, if all fails I take a photo of him with it.

Myself and Chris yesterday gave ourselves medical degrees and removed Miami's stitch from her leg and it has healed nicely. Will be a little scar I think but as she grows it will look even smaller. So now I have my medical degree, Electrician Apprenticeship!! LOL.

Talk to you all soon. Keep Well.

And KEEP SMILING! :)

2008-10-27T10:46:00.000+09:00

Hello Everyone,

Now please bare with me as I do these updates!! Never done a blog before let along with photos, so this could be interesting!!

As most of you know (most of you saw me!!) I went to Melbourne for a couple of days with dad, to sadly attend Grans funeral, although it was a very sad time for all the family it was a beautiful day and one Gran would of loved. It was so nice to catch up with all my Aunties, Uncles, Cousins (which I have been informed by my kids that they HAVE to meet them - the paper planes went down a treat!!), and all the people who knew myself and that I had a tribe of Children, although I have no idea who most of them where, it was so lovely to meet them as Gran had told them all about our family......, I will truly miss her and think of her everyday. She is now with Chance looking after him for me and they both will be always in my thoughts and forever in my heart.

Well School is back and Treyden and Hudson have started at the new school (Picton Primary). And to be completely honest, I have never seen both of them so excited about school, they clock watch of a morning and as soon as it hits 8.15am there out the door and running to school!

Miami and Hunter are both loving Djidi Djidi . Hunter has come on alot since starting and it even now explaining to us how you say "sounds" of letters!!

Our new house is close to completion.... YAY - All that is to do is Floor coverings, hot plates and Oven, Blinds, Gardens. DONE Whoo hoo, the builders are saying handover is the 15 November.

Simon is loving his job and being only 5 minutes down the road he often "pops" in for lunch. Which scared the hell out of me the first time!

Anyway I will now try and add some photos and get it looking like I know what I am doing.

I am catching up with my bridesmaid this morning -Lisa - whom I havent seen for nearly 8 years and then off to Mums to catch up with Aunty Fay (mums sister) and Uncle David, I havent seen many family for years and in the last month I have seen nearly all of them. Funny how it works.

I hope you are all well and enjoy!!

Love Kath xxx

2008-10-26T20:33:00.000+09:00

Welcome to the Brotherton Family Update Blog!! I thought this would be better than our irregular emails, and I can also add photos!!!

Hopefully I will be able to get this updated!! From time to time even the kids may have a little "story" to add - That should prove interesting.

I look forward to keeping you up to date and with PHOTOS!!

Keep Well.

Kath x