It’s funny how kids can go from making you smile to tearing your hair out to making you smile again isn’t it? One wonders whether the ability to make you smile is a survival mechanism some days.

Here are a few smiley moments my children gave me this week:

Singstar Princess made me this beautiful flower (on Valentine’s Day as it turned out).

Inside the card says “To Mum I Love You You are the greatest mum in the world” Love ………

I tend to get down on myself and my abilities as a mother so this was very special and some much needed encouragement right now.

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On Wednesday night we had some friends over and Trailer Boy and his mate decided to do some “work” on the cubby roof:

Trailer Boy was busy measuring and marking with a builders pencil (he has a builders set complete with actual tools) while his mate was hammering in nails. They looked to be very industrious.

It’s interesting how your parenting style changes over time. We were discussing with our friends how if it had been our first borns attempting that we would have been in a great hurry to get them down from the roof of the cubby. Instead we just warned them to be careful and not to walk around up there. Of course, “babies” in the family are just a whole different kettle of fish to “firstborns” aren’t they. And these 2 have very different personalities to their older brothers (these particular friends had boy-girl-boy just like we did).

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On Friday, our local school held their yearly Swimming Carnival. Lleyton isn’t the most confident swimmer. He has been working hard at it but it’s not something that comes easily to him. We’ve never forced him to participate in the Swimming Carnival. In fact, when he reached the age of participation (year4), I had assumed he wouldn’t be interested in participating.

Every year he surprises us with his team spirit and determination to be as involved as he can. I have been so proud and encouraged by his courage when it comes to getting involved.

Here he is in the Chariot Race (the only photo I managed to get on the day). A younger student has to ride on a senior student while they swim.

He’s participated in this event before and really had the technique down pat this time. He floated on the top of the water so that his weight was negligable on the swimmer. His team won this event. His particular senior won the championship trophy for his age group (as did both his younger sisters - a very talented family when it comes to swimming).

This is one of those times when I really appreciate the fact that our children attend an Area School (R-12) as it’s great to see the leadership and interaction between the senior and junior students.

I also completed my first task as Vice President of our Parents & Friends Association. At the last minute, the President couldn’t make it to present the trophy’s and awards so I was asked to fill in. It was a rather rushed affair as we were running late. I’m hoping I matched up the right awards with the right students.

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I REALLY love my children but this week hasn’t been one of my easiest as a parent so it’s great to reflect back on the good times - and realise there have been plenty of good times as well as struggles. It’s easy to focus on the negative at times isn’t it?

I hope you can all find a reason to smile this weekend. If you’ve not participated in Smiley Saturday before, I encourage you to read the Smiley Saturday page for more information. Please only add your link to the Mr Linky below if you’re participating in Smiley Saturday.

Happy Smiley Saturday everyone!

Here’s a You Tube video that’s sure to make you smile. Thanks Trey.

You should also check out these hilarious true (yet rather humiliating) stories shared as part of the Travelling T-Shirts latest stop.

Smiley Moments For Me This Week:

* News that our caravan is almost ready to be picked up and we’re off for a holiday.
* Setting up our caravan blog and how much the kids have enjoyed writing their first post and reading and responding to comments so far (thanks to those of you who have taken the time to read and comment - it means a lot to them).
* Winning netball last Saturday and getting into the Grand Final (being played TODAY!!!)
* Trailer Boy being well again after having the chicken pox.

If you’d like to share your smiley moments and/or something that will make your readers smile, please join us by writing a Smiley Saturday post, linking back here and adding your link to the Mr Linky below.

Hopefully my next post will be smiley news that we won the Grand Final

Jason Hodges from Better Homes and Gardens is an extremely funny man. Put him together with Ed Halmagyi (known as “Fast Ed” on Better Homes and Gardens) and you have quite an entertaining show.

Both of these men were guest presenters at our recent Field Days and their antics really made me smile (well, laugh actually). Particularly during their last session.

The concept was that Fast Ed (along with Kris Bunder - another chef from a more local location) would cook up a 3-course meal for 8 people in 15 minutes. Jason Hodges was delegated the job of head waiter (and to entertain the crowd) .

I hadn’t planned on attending but it was right after a gardening session with Jason that I had been at and looked like being a lot of fun so I hung around.

The session began with one of the Field Days committee members giving Jason a rather lovely apron to wear.

Here it is from the back view:

One of the activities going on during the cooking was eating King Sized Oysters. Here Ed has a go eating one:

That’s one BIG oyster!!!!

There was lots of fun and laughter the whole time. Jason tried his hand at juggling fruit before pretending to move on to juggling knives. Then he took a gigantic pepper grinder and used it as a baseball bat.

Of course, the one problem with Jason being so entertainingly funny was that I have NO IDEA what was going on in the makeshift kitchen. Perhaps that was the plan?

Anyway, we had a good 3 days over the Field Days and an afternoon of light entertainment to finish it off was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Now I just need to find a decent way of watermarking my photographs. Any suggestions?

If you’d like to make a smiley saturday post, feel free to add a link to your post in the Mr Linky box below.

And please send your positive vibes for our netball game today. We have to play the giants (well, I call them giants because they have a number of tall players) and I think it would be really good for team morale if we could actually beat them (we’ve come within 1 goal but not quite crossed the line).

Is it just me or do Saturdays seem to roll around rather quickly???

I think it’s a sign of old age when time goes faster and faster.

My news from my doctor’s appointment yesterday is all good. After the rough couple of week’s I’ve had, we’re taking a break from any medication changes for a bit. Things have settled down and I’m doing okay on this dose (even though it’s apparently “not” a dose) so we’re going to stay put for a little bit. The frustrating part about that is that I need to get a new prescription every 4 weeks (they’re not allowed to issue repeats on this dose).

BUT, the other good news is that we have a GP now. It’s been 10 months since our last doctor left and while we’ve had locum doctor’s, that hasn’t been any good for managing my condition. If I have to see him every 4 weeks whether I need it or not, at least I’ll get to know the new doctor (hope he’s nice).

The other exciting news is the new toys we purchased yesterday.

A digital video camera to finally replace the crusty old (and very LARGE) video camera we bought when Leighton was a baby. Ten years is a loooonnnggg time for that kind of technology.

You never know. One of these days I might even do a VIDEO post!!!!

AND a new digital camera. That one wasn’t really in the plan. Well, it was in the plan but not for quite this early (I was thinking more like for Christmas).

I’ll post more about those two purchases in the next week or so. When I’ve had time to get them out of the box and have a play.

They’re both purchases we wanted to make before we do our big trip. So I feel like we’re another step closer to our dream.

And that sure makes me smile!!!

If you have some smiley news to share or a funny picture, joke, video or whatever, please join us in Smiley Saturday this week. For those of you who are new, please review the Smiley Saturday page before adding your link below (the Mr Linky box is only for linking to Smiley Saturday posts).

I was just thinking about looking for a funny clip on YouTube when the following email came into my inbox from my SIL. It fitted my plans for Smiley Saturday this week perfectly.

MEN ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE………

NICKNAMES

We have an announcement Smiley Saturday post this week.

Firstly, the Smiley Saturday Sticker Swap Partners are:

Widdle Shamrock and Leigh

Mariposa and Kate

Lightening and Trish

Sarah and Lynda

Details for the swap and your partners contact information can be found on the original post here.

If you have any trouble getting in contact with your partner, please let me know and I’ll help you get in touch.

I’m not going to set a DEADLINE for this swap. Just stay in touch with your swap partner and get your stickers in the mail when you can.

Above all, have FUN!!!!

Winner of the Madame Rouge Giveaway:

Thank you to everyone who entered my Madame Rouge Giveaway and visited the Madame Rouge site.

I used a more “traditional” method for choosing a winner this time. Pieces of paper folded and shaken up in my Madame Rouge pink box. I did make sure ALL pieces of paper were identical - okay, maybe not “computer cut” identical but pretty darn close.

And the winner is……

**** Lil****

Congratulations Lil.

I hope you enjoy your massage therapy kit from Madame Rouge.

I will email you soon to get your contact details from you.

And here’s something from LOLcats which I hope makes you all smile:

Cat’s are such funny creatures. They bring a lot of joy to a lot of lives. Can’t say that I’ve ever seen one cleaning their teeth though.

If you’re new here, welcome. Anyone is free to join in Smiley Saturday if they wish to. More details can be found on the Smiley Saturday page.

This is an automated message: Sorry, Lightening’s not here right now. She’s off playing NETBALL!!!! She will be back later and be sure to respond to all your lovely messages.

Yes, the big day is finally here. It’s kind of strange for me to be writing about it in advance but then, I usually write my Smiley Saturday posts on a Friday (shhh…..don’t tell anyone ). The price we pay for Saturday sport.

So say a pray for me today (or cross your fingers, send positive vibes and what not) that I won’t make a total fool of myself. But mostly that I’ll relax and enjoy myself rather than getting all tense and freaked out like.

Singstar Princess is also playing her first game today. Hers is just a practise game because our opponents don’t have a team at that level. So the girls on their “practise year” are helping to make up a second team so they all get a game. She’s not so sure she wants to play so we’ll see what the day brings.

In other smiley news this week, Farmboy has finally been able to start putting our seed in the ground. May is optimum timing for planting seed so we’re glad to be able to get going.

I also came across a great website this week. It’s called Found Shit but don’t let the title put you off. There are some fabulously funny photographs posted there. If you need a bit of a laugh, it’s a great place to visit.

For those who haven’t already, don’t forget to enter my Madame Rouge massage oil giveaway.

Plus of course, it’s still not too late to sign up for the Sticker Swap. If you’re the type of person who enjoys something special in the mail, here’s a low cost, fun way to receive a little bit of joy in the post.

I look forward to reading all your Smiley Saturday posts while I’m recovering from my day today. If you’re new here, you can find more information about joining in on my Smiley Saturday page.

Wishing you all a WONDERFUL weekend full of joy and laughter!!!! 

I have a LOT to smile about this week because I am feeling better than I have in about 5 years!!!! One good thing about struggling with depression is that you REALLY appreciate feeling good.

Other Smiley moments this week:

• My Lovely Day
• I got to feel my niece/nephew (in utero) kick!!!!
• Leighton came home from school camp in one piece (AND didn’t lose his brand new Crows jacket)
• Leighton played a fabulous game of football last week and ended up being voted best player. I’m happy just to see him improve his skills and confidence but getting best player sure did make him smile.

Now For The Moment You’ve All Been Waiting For……….

What? You don’t know what I’m talking about????

Haven’t you been hanging out to see who won the Ecofriendly Shopping Bag Giveaway????

Alright, here’s the big announcement.

The WINNER is……….

***CIARA***

Congratulations Ciara. I have your email so I will contact you to get a mailing address from you.

Do Not Despair

You can purchase your own bag (or 2 or 10) here.

PLUS……. There are LOTS more opportunities for fun coming up on Lightening Online.

NEXT WEEK

I will be announcing the next “Lightening Loves…..” Smiley Saturday swap. Make sure you check in next Saturday to find out more about that.

ALSO COMING SOON

Another great giveaway

AND

Something a little bit different

So stay tuned peoples. There’s more fun to be had yet.

JOIN IN

If you’d like to join in with our Smiley Saturday meme, feel free to borrow the image above, link back here and leave a link in the Mr Linky to your Smiley Saturday post. Remember, funny photo’s and video’s make great Smiley Saturday posts too! You can post whatever you like as long as there are smiles involved.

Have a GREAT weekend everyone and a wonderful MOTHER’S DAY for all mother’s out there celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday.

I found the most awesome blog this week called Time For a Smile. It publishes photographs of people from all walks of life smiling. If you need a little lift in your day, it is certainly worth visiting.

Things that Made Me Smile This Week:

• My 10 year old came and asked me for a cuddle. I sat in an armchair with him in my lap and we just talked. It was a really lovely time. He then spent the next half an hour trying out some number tricks on me.
• Boxing with my personal trainer.
• Visiting the gym with a wonderful friend (my first time in the gym without my personal trainer - discovered I have NO CLUE how to use half the machines there without her pressing all the buttons for me).
• Played a practise game (well, partial game) of netball again at training this week. Don’t think I “looked like death” at the end as much as I did last week. It is such a BUZZ getting back out on the court again.
• I had an interesting search term this week : “how fit do you need to be to play netball”? My answer: fitter than I am!!!! It made me smile though!

Inspired by “Time For a Smile”, I wanted to share this photo with you of Princess Singstar in her latest outfit:

Doesn’t that gorgeous face just make you want to smile????

Don’t Forget

If you’ve not yet entered my latest giveaway, it’s not too late!!!! It will be soon though! Entries close on Wednesday 7th May 2008 and the winner will be announced next Saturday as part of my Smiley Saturday post.

Why Not Join Us?

Each week we have a great line up of “Smiley Saturday” posts listed in the Mr Linky below. If you’d like to join in, simply write your own Smiley Saturday post with a link back here and add a link to that post in the Mr Linky below. It doesn’t have to be published on a Saturday either. As long as you link directly to your post (rather than the home page) and it makes people smile, I really don’t mind what day it was published.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my weekly wrap-up post on Lightening’s Blogworld each week.

Phew! What a week!!!! I’ve made it to the mid-point of the school holidays. THAT is certainly something to smile about!

I had a rough day yesterday but for the most part I have coped very well with the week and have felt GOOD for most of the week!!!! That’s actually quite AMAZING for my body of late.

Our time away with the kids was FANTASTIC!!!!! We all had HEAPS of fun and the kids were pronouncing it the “best holiday ever” which isn’t bad for 2 nights away in a camper trailer.

I managed to find some varied and interesting ways to exercise this week. I did some “aqua aerobics” (my own version) at the Leisure Centre we took the kids to. Plus the jumping pillow.

Thursday night I went to netball training again and this time stayed for the skills part of training. What a BUZZ after all these years. And I don’t think I embarrassed myself *too* much. I did manage to catch the ball *most* of the time. I did struggle with some of the long passes but the rest was okay.

We even stayed for tea afterwards (which wasn’t exactly planned). $2.50 for a half schnitzel with chips and salad!!! Unbelievable!!!!

The boys have their first footy games today so there is plenty of excitement in the house. Singstar Princess could have played today but I said I would prefer her not to given she’s only had a couple of trainings and doesn’t really understand the game fully yet. I don’t want her first game to put her off playing. She’s kind of a back-up reserve if they REALLY need her but I think it would be better if she didn’t have to play.

I hope you can all find something to smile about this week. If not, don’t forget, you can post something funny (an image, joke or whatever) to make your readers smile.

Update: I forgot to mention that there’s going to be a GIVEAWAY announcement in the coming week.  I hope you all find that something to smile about!!!!  Be sure to check back often so you don’t miss out!!!!!