Bullies

I remember being bullied when I was young. On the way home from school 3 local girls (sisters) used to run by, push me over, call me names etc. It used to really upset me. Imagine my distress when Taryn came home to advise the same thing had started happening to her and a friend as they walk to meet me at the car by Jayden's school. The first incident was verbal. The second (on Tuesday) was an unprovoked slap around the head to Taryn's friend. Neither of them knew the girls name, but I was determined to put an immediate stop to it.
I picked the kids up after school, just a little way before where the girl was meeting them. We waited. The kids pointed the girl out and I got out of my car (camera in hand), zoomed in and took a couple of good photos. She looked at me strangely and then as she approached (preparing to walk past), I stepped in her way and let her have a few choice words. No swearing and I didn't touch her, just blocked her way whilst I said what needed to be said. I managed to stay calm, even though I wasn't feeling too calm! I let her know that she had been pointed out as the girl who was bullying (and had hit) my children (although one of them isn't really mine-but she didn't need to know that), I now had her photo and first thing in the morning I would be presenting it to the school principal. I also advised her that if she ever hit one of my children again, I would forward the photo to the Police and press charges for assault. I politely (well maybe not so politely) told her that she had just received the 1 and only warning she would get from me, then let her pass.
I phoned the school yesterday afternoon and provided all the information. Hopefully we have nipped this in the bud!

Just realised...

We've been through spring and are full on into summer, with hot, humid weather and I have not had (knock on wood) to use a nasal spray once this season!!! Yeah, the surgery has really made a difference after all. Usually by now, I would have been through a couple of bottles of antihistamine sprays and a bottle or two of nasal decongestant - but - none-zip-zilch. hooray!!
So whilst I certainly wasn't recommending it a while back (post op infections and all), it's actually worked out well in the end. I have the review with the specialist on Friday to see if any growths are recurring. Fingers crossed they're not!

New Clear Stamps

At bargain prices - well for Heidi Grace anyway! Was in at Spotlight and found these stamps (normally $14.99 each) on sale for $6. Grabbed the 4 different designs they had on offer. Look forward to using (and sharing of course) at the mini camp in 2.5 weeks time!

Spring Cleaning

Ok, it's not spring, but after cleaning, wallpapering and clearing out the lounge/dining of things that didn't really belong there, we started to end up with small piles of stuff elsewhere (a common problem in my house-guilty as charged). I've slowly been listing some larger 'excess to requirements' items on Trademe and have so far managed to sell my old washing machine, the black display cabinet, old camp stretchers and mum's old sewing machine to name just a few.
I was blown away reading Gypsy's blog where she has said she is removing 7 items a day from the house - Go Girl! I don't think I'm anywhere near that motivated, but certainly I'm certainly trying to lessen the clutter.
It started early last year, when Wendy lent me her book "It's all too much" and then when both Ashley and Wendy were moving in, it became a necessity, as we had to clear out the spare room completely and the stuff had to go somewhere.
As well as the large items above, we have sent three car loads off to the Op shop and a trip with ute and trailer to the dump!. When I think about it now, I can't even image how I ever let that much crap pile up in the house (broken toys, 'too small' clothes, torn books, excessive ornaments, etc), let alone where I would even fit it back into my house now. It's amazing just how much we hang onto unnecessarily.
It has made us think a bit more before buying now too. Christmas presents were carefully chosen and the amount was way down on previous years. Partially because we just didn't have the money and partially because, (for our children) they just really don't need that much stuff.
There is still so far to go, but we'll get there slowly. My best method - I think of it as if we are preparing to move house and working out what I really don't use anymore, really don't need and what I would not really pack and forward onto another house - makes it quite clear it some instances. Plus if I haven't needed it, used it or taken it out in the past 2 years, do I really need to keep it anyway???
It'll be an ongoing process, but hopefully if I keep doing a little bit every week, then it will stay under control.