MicroMe & MaxiMe practicing MicroMe's blocks for Little Tigers...

Tuesday was fun at kick boxing; it was a great surprise to find that I didn't lose too much fitness after a couple of weeks off. A quick check with NannaSylv determined that MicroMe was tucked up for the night, so MaxiMe and I headed off with a couple of the guys for a game of pool; wow, surprise, we won! Drew called and told us to come up to the local and watch some boxing, then we took the motorbike for a burn around the Mount. (It was not Mount Panorama's hottest lap ever, but I was with a hot guy, and the moon was out, so I was pretty happy!).

MicroMe entertaining us at dinner with his climbing skills...

NannaSylv treated me to a 3 course lunch on Wednesday. I thought it was going to run off later that night at indoor soccer, however we had a surprise when we got home. Great great Uncle Max and his partner were up from Melbourne for a visit, and NannaTerri wanted us all to go out to dinner. We had a lovely time, I really enjoyed my salmon, capers, and dill in a white wine sauce with pasta, and MicroMe enjoyed his massive nachos. Maxime enjoyed all of his veal dinner, half of mine, half of MicroMe's and half of NannaTerri's vege pot pie!

Thursday was showtime! Dorothy the dinosaur came to town, and since MircoMe had been very well behaved all week, I took him down town for a big surprise! He loved it, he danced so hard that he fell over 3 times spinning around and he was so excited. Silly Me forgot to put the battery back in the camera so I missed documenting the action visually, however just picture a cheeky imp with springs in his shoes giggling and bouncing out of control. MaxiMe wasn't feeling too crash hot, so we went and bought him some treats for lunch and took them out to his work for a picnic.

Looking smooth with Nit stuff on his head...

It was then that we got a nasty surprise! MicroMe whipped off his hat, and we found that some creepy crawly cooties had taken up residency with no tenancy agreement in his hair - squatters! Seemingly they had only recently moved in, and didn't prove too hard to evict, however it meant that his mop top remains, as we had to cancel his hair appointment. We have done a lot of laundry and everyone in the house has had treatment, what a lovely family surprise ; ) Drew and I were meant to meet at the gym to do boxing, however as I grabbed my skipping rope, I saw him out on the mat doing karate!?! That was a surprise, however I got teamed up with this guy we know, and he was really helpful, and I learned a few good combos, and actually went alright in those horrible races were you have to run and do push ups and sit ups and crawl etc.

Today MicroMe has been having a good time playing on his bike and running around losing Granpa's tools and showing off for UncleJon, he particularly wanted me to share some of these photos with you. Unfortunately I couldn't pick which one was best, so I made a little collage. He almost ran me over while I was taking the photos, which is hardly a surprise, he is such a little dare devil.

We have time to go out together - yes TOGETHER, to sports, parties, clubs, and all that stuff that seemed to only happen once or twice a year before. We have done kickboxing, soccer, boxing, grappling and weapons training together - yes TOGETHER again, such a novelty, so fun! MaxiMe gets to hang with UncleDrew and ride with him too as of yesterday when he got his wheels registered. (My eyes are GREEN - mint green!).

NannaSylv teaches practical things, about the weather, colours, counting and gives lots of cuddles...

NannaSylv and MicroMe reading one of the MANY books that she has contributed to his little library.

How have we been so lucky? Well thanks in part to UncleDrew whom MicroMe absolutely adores, it is mainly due to the wonderful support we are getting from NannaSylv and GranpaPete. Their patience, kindness, and accommodation of our little family has given us an opportunity for a new start in life, and we are most grateful!

GranpaPete teaches how to chill with the guys, tell funny stories, and all about cars and motorbikes...

Granpa fixes things for MicroMe to play on - he usually wears a helmet, however he was posing...

NanaKate in NZ sent over 3 beautiful winter jumpers for MicroMe which are much needed up here - we will get you over to babysit (er I mean for a holiday), very soon Ma! Life is good, having time to enjoy it and live it up properly and save for our future is a luxury that you guys are providing for us - THANK YOU!

MicroMe had his check up from his hydrocele surgery a week ago, and all is good - though he still does some crazy things and doesn't seem to have learned from that experience at all.  We took the opportunity to stay with some friends and I was meant to have rugby the next day, however Penrith forfeited about an hour and a half before the game!  Losers in every sense of the word - though it would have been more fun to kick their butts for real.  We also went shopping which is one of my pet hates, we got MaxiMe some skins and MicroMe had fun in the little shopping car and riding in the plane.

We had some friends up for a BBQ on the last day of the long weekend... It carried on well into the night, and I think the boys struggled getting out of bed the next day.  I just fired up with a cappucino and fudge for brekkie the next morning - my current winter cure-all LOL!  I had my final appointment at the Sydney Eye Hospital (well I hope it is), last Wednesday, so yet another trip to SydneyTown - a boring day, however a relief to find that my eye is now stable and I don't need to go back unless I have an emergency (not planning on that).

Unfortunately MicroMe picked up some bug at 'school' on Friday, and he had a fever most of the weekend, so I didn't get to Newcastle to my great Uncle's funeral, or back to Sydney to play rugby and see my friend off.  We did have a nice weekend though I felt guilty about not attending those things.  We took MicroMe to tea at NanaTerri's and he learned all about the fire and how it works (and NOT to touch or be silly near it).  We got to sneak out for a few hours late on Saturday night when we finally got MicroMe's temp stabilised and he was settled... When we got home MaxiMe ended up staying up with him for the night - such a hardship, what a toss, mothers do it all the time - men; so soft.

MicroMe is still loving his new school, the gym and he has now discovered the airport and loves watching the planes come in.  He saw his first flying doctor plane land the other day and a patient going off to the hospital in the ambo.  MaxiMe seems to be settling in well at his job, and there is a nice picnic spot nearby, for those days that he forgets his lunch and we run it in to him, (yes, I know, how positively domesticated of me).  He is dead keen to get over to Thailand to kickboxing camp, and we got him a private lesson with Hanshi at our new gym - he got a bleeding nose - awesome!   My new job is really cool, I am loving working with my friend again, and we went to a Business Chamber cocktail party the other night and the Business Women of the Year for 2005 was there and gave a very motivational, interesting and inspiring talk about her experiences.  I gave myself a week off excercising last week, and ate lots of naughty things, so I will have to get back into it as soon as I get this little nudey MircoMe down for a nap.  (He keeps nuding up all the time - must get that from his father).

I have been sick for the past week! I got to stay home with GranpaPete & UncleDrew on Monday, then I went to work with Mumma on Tuesday for a half day, and Daddy stayed home with me on Wednesday for a half day. I had a sore nose, throat, ears, tummy & I was VERY cranky. I didn't get to go to my Little Tigers class at the PKA gym on Thursday and Friday, and I worked really hard to be well for today. They had a demonstration day at the gym and we saw our new friends doing their thing. I also got my first gi ever, for training in, and I went down the street with Mumma & got camo jandals & a matching hat too, 'cos we took off in a hurry without shoes and a hat this morning.

We had a sausage sizzle (I had 2) at the gym, and cakes and I did lots of running around with the other kids and a little bit of work on the bag with Mumma on front kicks and punches (only at the gym - nowhere else). We came home because I was tired and Daddy wanted to put his new frame together on his mountain bike. When we left, a really nice lady called Colleen gave me some balloons to bring home - which is cool, 'cos I lost a few to the roof and sky when we were out.

Have a great weekend, I hope you like my photos, and don't worry, it is chocolate icing and tomato sauce, not blood on my uniform! Mumma has a new gi too, it is soaking in napi-san because she did grappling in it and had to army crawl all over the place and it is all blue from the mats LOL!

I want to be a kickboxer! (But ONLY at the gym).

Today I was at home sick; my GranpaPete & my UncleDrew looked after me while Mumma went to work... It was so cool, UncleDrew lets me play racing games on the computer, and Granpa is lots of fun too. I have to go to bed now 'cos it is late, but I will let Mumma fill you in! Love Jaydee xox

After 36hrs straight moving house...

A few weeks ago we got totally fed up with Sydney, the price of living, the long hours getting anywhere and the short hours enjoying life... So while we were chatting about options, I noticed this ideal job for MaxiMe online. We sent in his resume that Sunday night, and the next day they rang before he even got to work. The rest is history, after a few weeks we both gave our notice, (albeit somewhat reluctantly, as we liked our jobs), and got out of the big smoke.

Shifting was a slight nightmare, we got up at 7.30am and planned to leave later that afternoon in the truck. Luckily NannaSylv came down and whisked MicroMe away and out of the fray. UncleDrew gave up around 9pm and headed off with our car and trailer... We finally left with GranpaPete at 3am and headed up over the foggy mountains to wake NannaTerri up around 6.30am for brekkie by the fire. O'Connell was mighty cold and fresh compared to Sydney! After rallying around, we finally got the truck unloaded at 3 different destinations and back just in the nick of time. We had a break for an hour before heading out to PopCyril's 80th birthday. Needless to say we were a tad late, and a tad tired, but MicroMe was going great guns and acting like he was running the show by the time we caught up with him.

MaxiMe's job has turned out to be really good, and he is enjoying it - the pay isn't too bad considering we are in the country and not the city. We are chilling with the family until we get our acts together, which is pretty awesome, as we now get to do things TOGETHER instead of passing like ships in the night. It is way cool hanging out with Drew too, and he is being a superb Uncle to MicroMe.

We had to run MicroMe down to Sydney for his operation (hydrocele) our first week here. We were lucky that he got in early and we were out of there by lunchtime and just doing a final tidy up of our old place. He was pretty well behaved and hardly seemed bothered, just a bit tired and cranky - which was fair enough. MaxiMe was dad of the year that day and really looked after the little man well while I did a few messages and things.

The next week I planned to put my feet up and rest a bit, however we popped in to visit a mate I used to work with on the Wednesday, and on Thursday afternoon I got a call saying they needed someone to work the next Monday... I didn't think it would be possible, but by the next morning, Jaydee had picked out his daycare centre that my friend recommended, and he absolutely loves it - plus they had a place for him on the days I need to work (at about $30 a day less than the city too). So, just when I thought I was going to have to write up my resume and job hunt - I didn't have to! The job is admin, some of it is basic, but there is a lot more that I can do to make it a little more challenging - it is a fun industry, and I am enjoying it so far.

We went to a fight night in Orange the first weekend we were here, and we went and checked out May Thai, and I really enjoyed my first taste of it when we went to a session on the following Thursday - unfortunately it is just too far to travel each week. We found a local gym that does mixed martial arts, and in the past week we have been kick boxing and other stuff (like boxing, grappling and weapons). They let the 4 us (including Jaydee) join as a family, and that includes a gi and gloves too - FUN! The staff and other members are uber friendly and very good at what they train. We are also dabbling in a bit of indoor soccer with Drew's team (Princesses). It is a bit different to rugby, and they are a lot more laid back... Like until 2 weeks ago, they had never won a game, I am having slight issues reconciling with that, but it is something to do. We haven't dropped a game of rugby this season, 6 from 6 and nobody has scored against us, though we had a tough one last Saturday against Sydney Uni, we only won 12-0. I am pretty sure we defended for all but abou9t 10mins of the game, (it felt like it anyway). I didn't worry about nerves showering with the girls after the game, because we had to hurry it up when the guys 2nds came in to get ready while we were getting out of the shower - ah the good old days!

The girls got dressed up as mexicans for ladies day, but I had stuff to do, and couldn't hang around to drink up large with them, (so sad, I will make up for it). The best costume was Dal who was a human pinata and when you whacked her with a stick, lollies came out - awesome for me, as I was hungry after the game.

Well, so that is life in the country, it is more economical, we have more time, Jaydee has 5 adults at his beck and call, we both have good jobs, he loves school and we are having a ball training and playing up! Jaydee is also doing some martial arts classes, he is a little tiger and he thinks he is a kick boxer... They do some kicking, boxing and fitness, as well as learning about stranger danger and all that jazz - he goes 3 times a week. He is by far the youngest at the moment, and he struggles to pay attention sometimes, but he is soooo cute, and thinks he's the man! Too much fun and too many things going on to be on Minti, hope I haven't missed anything too exciting, will try to check around the blogs soon.

Me, my Mum Kate, my Wee Blister Salu (my fav girl in the world), my crazy Mini Me Sophie, and my very special Purple Princess Livvy.

Nothing beats sisters, and I am so glad that I have one and that she gave us these gorgeous, vibrant, funny, sporty, clever girls to carry on the next generation of fun. xox

Afterwards the hosts kindly handed out yummo freebies from their sausage sizzle, and we headed off to laze on the hill and watch the girls play rugby league in their 9's tournament. (A few of our girls did the dash to our union game in between their games - so we went to sink a few beers and JB Colas and pay our respects). Unfortunately the girls were runners up in their tournament, the same team they lost the grand final to last year beat them (this time). I have to say thanks to MaxiMe who gave up his Thai Boxing Fitness class for me this morning so that I could play (thanx babe, you rock).

We are the best team in the comp, and after today, I am sure we are also the funniest too! We are all looking forward to lots of celebrations and lots of hard yards and fun in between. The new girls are really cool, and the girls from last year are totally awesome. I was tempted to hit out tonight and have a big one, however since MaxiMe and MicroMe are off to see the family for the weekend, I am going to live it up and have champers for dinner and a bubble bath. (We save enough water to allow this small luxury methinks!).

I also went to church for my NanaBetty's funeral and met a lot more relatives, and I have been hanging with other cousins of mine and Mumma's too. I have been having big long walks on the beach and lots of fresh air with the dogs and my Livvy who stayed with us most of the time.

We have to go Oz to see Daddy soon, because he is jealous that he isn't with us, and I have to see my surgeon about my operation. Also, my Daddy will get a surprise when he sees how BIG I am, I have made big muscles running on the beach, and I have been eating LOTS!

Luv MicroMe xox

Our last visit with NanaBetty; one of his great grandmothers, who died on Wednesday night.

At the end of the day; unlike so many, there is no place like home to rest your weary head.

Upside: Finally got to talk to Janice, when she called to check on me; MicroMe had an awesome holiday with Nanna, Granpa & UncleDrew; Had a couple of nice roomies, one of whom I intend to stay in touch with; I managed to convince the Doctors to let me out earlier than expected, and had a great night out (albeit with sunglasses in the middle of the night).

For Emz: Here are the totally ugly photos of me in my spanky new glasses, (can't find my other ones)... As you can see, MicroMe needs to practice his photography skills a little... I also need to practice my modelling skills!  

Bummer: Last week my best friend's Nan died; between the funeral and the wake - wrote off my lovely little car; lost my car keys ($450++); lost $70 somewhere; got home and let the outlaws know that someone had also crashed into their car in the street.

Upside: Nobody was hurt; we are fully insured; my best friend and her girlfriend rescued me; I spent the day with her beautiful family remember her Nan; the driver who crashed into the outlaws parked car and left a note; it was my little blister's birthday and she was most empathetic as she stacked it the same week!

For Janice: Here is your little man, and you may notice he is holding something particularly lovely that we found in the letter box today.

He is still a bit crook, however since he snoozed and cried most of yesterday, we rugged him up in his warmy red hoodie and took him out for dinner in the big red stroller. We dined alfresco at the MuMu Grill in Crowy, and he charmed all and sundry with his soccer skills and cheeky smile, while we sat about scoffing yummy nosh, and pricey red wine, a good way to welcome in March - woohoo!

One particular competition that all of our children have entered...

A game that they will play over and over for the rest of their lives...

Great opportunities that they can take, and skills that they will learn...

The ultimate race; competition; game; opportunity and learning curve...

THEIR OWN LIFE

First baby for us.

First hearing test.

First day on terra firma.

First walk in carrier.

First sleep in carrier.

First kiss while in carrier.

First trip to NZ.

First gondola ride.

First swanky hotel stay.

First snow.

First ski jacket.

First mountain view.

First time in pool.

First swimming lesson.

First little swimming pants.

First steps ever.

First woolly jumper from NanaKate.

First baby in this generation on Daddy's side.

First Christmas.

First Christmas presents.

First Christmas dinner at GranmaMarj's.

First birthday.

First year, of being first.

First of so many firsts to come.

All of our babies are natural born winners, and they will have so many firsts in their lives; just being alive is winning!

In the meantime, let me leave you with this last blog; taken from one of my favourite advice postings that I deleted a while back:

Information Overload – Don’t Believe Everything You Hear…

Or read for that matter, take the time to do some research and find out whether or not you are being told the truth. Even if you hear something from what you believe to be a trusted source – know that nobody is infallible – even when well meaning, and that ignorance is no excuse for you to make a poor decision. Teach your child to make empowered decisions and to form opinions based on the truth - show him the tools that he or she can use to find factual information.

Research is so easy for all of us, we have so many resources readily available.

• The internet – search trusted sites, specialist sites, email companies, your friends and acquaintances, or post questions in forums.
• Books - read as many as you can on the topic – use your own, a friend’s or go to the library.
• Word of mouth - ask your friend’s, family and acquaintances use their experience and knowledge to help guide you.
• Inside information - Look up companies and people who may know more on the topic and ask them for more details.
• Your own personal life experience – learn to trust yourself and your own gut instinct when making a final decision.

Knowledge is power; the power to make informed decisions based on your research, your own life experience and your judgment is invaluable. Don’t simply agree with something because you were told it – use your brains and find out the truth – there is no excuse for ignorance with so many forms of information media at our fingertips.

Be True To Yourself - Don't Be A 'Yes' Person...

Establish yourself as a good honest, reliable person in all that you do - decide what traits are important to you in a person, and be that person. You don’t need to be liked by everyone, as long as you have personal integrity in all that you say and do. Many people do anything to get attention, and get their family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances on their side – this short term fix can be quite damaging.

Poor decisions that people make in order to be popular:

• Follow blindly – in order to please other’s and be accepted, people put aside their own belief system and either follow the leader, or the pack.
• Being two faced – saying one thing and doing another, pretending to be a friend only to learn secrets about someone. Even if you say nice things and only think bad things that contradict this, you are still lying. Lying becomes a habit, and lying to yourself promotes unhealthy inner dialog, and low self esteem.
• Gossiping – it becomes a habit, and usually involves divulging other people’s secrets, telling stories that aren’t substantiated, and trying to influence other people. Eventually, nobody will trust you, and you will be ostracised - even by people who care for you.
• Attention seeking - being a drama queen about all life's ups and downs - even living your life through other people's dramas in an effort to be noticed.
• Lying about yourself - making up stories to make you seem more interesting, or outright lies to make you seem nicer. The truth always surfaces, be yourself, if that isn't good enough for someone else; it is your lucky escape, and their loss.

Essentially people who are displaying the above-mentioned traits are fake, and real people can only be fooled for so long. They are neither being true to themselves of their friends, family, colleagues or acquaintances. It is very unhealthy, as it causes inner stress and it can lead to a lot of heart ache. People make some very silly decisions when they are caught in this situation, and their integrity can be permanently damaged.

By being a person who thinks for themselves; conducts themselves with integrity, and remains open to continued learning, you are being an excellent role model for your child. Remember that this applies in all aspects of your personal and professional life, whether you are dealing with people in person, by telephone, or online.

Cheers, Lui

Advisory note:

Unfortunately a small group of members posted slanderous and childish comments, below, which were offensive to myself, and disrespectful to the site. In regard to these members I would like to point out, I have no association with them, they know nothing about me and their claims are fiction. The other member's they have singled out are long-term, well respected contributors to the site - my sincere apologies to them.

The instigating member is a moderator on another site, and chose to try and do the same here by being a nasty. Another seems to think this is myspace, and has expressed her disdain for the site and the general membership regularly during her short membership. As for the other... The bell finally tolled, as this was just one of many occasions during her short membership that she could not conduct herself civilly on the site.

Plagiarism is posting ANY information and not citing the source.

Plagiarism is taking credit for SOMEONE else's work.

Plagiarism is often a breach of COPYRIGHT as well.

Copyright breaches and plagiarism aren't just bad manners; they are unlawful acts.

Only 10% of information in the public domain is exempt from copyright.

Find it confusing? It's simple; if you didn't write it don't post it.

Who does this apply to? EVERYONE in the whole wide world; even the island of Minti.

How do I know this?

www.macloo.com

www.plagiarism.org

www.plagiarismchecker.com

How would we know this on Minti?

http://www.minti.com/search/?query=plagerism&item_type=0

I do not condone stealing or taking credit for the work of others in any arena.

How would you feel if it was YOU who had their hard work plagiarised or copyrighted?

Advisory note:

Unfortunately a small group of members posted slanderous and childish comments, below, which were offensive to myself, and disrespectful to the site. In regard to these members I would like to point out, I have no association with them they do not know me and their claims are fiction. The other member's they have singled out are long-term, well respected contributors to the site - my sincere apologies to them.

The instigating member is a moderator on another site, and chose to try and do the same here by being a nasty. Another seems to think this is myspace, and has expressed her disdain for the site and the general membership regularly during her short membership. As for the other... The bell finally tolled, as this was just one of many occasions during her short membership that she could not conduct herself civilly on the site.

Drew is great to go out with and since I met him, he has been an awesome 'boyfriend's little brother'. We have gone to the movies, pubs and clubs, played with rockets in the backyard, played 'golf', had bbq's climbed, abseiled, gone swimming and partied together.

We all love motorbikes too, and Drew has some awesome friends who are also fun to hang with as well - which is a testament to his great personality. He is loyal, motivated fit and he has a very stunning 'not the girlfriend' Nanc - who MicroMe is somewhat enamoured with as well.

MicroMe was introduced to UncleDrew on his first trip over the mountains at the ripe old age of 6 weeks. Drew always loved his little nephew, and has been known to show off his pictures out and about at the pub and such.

On our last visit over the Australia Day weekend - MicroMe insisted that UnGrew read his good night story, and we finally coerced UnGrew into putting a nappy on MicroMe. (Albeit straight out of the bath tub, and he stood up to get it put on, not lying down). While I was in hospital, MicroMe stayed with NannaSylv, PapaPete and UnGrew...

It was UnGrew whom he behaved for and who could get him to eat his dinner. It seems he holds UnGrew in high esteem, and Nanna said he was a proper little man and behaved very well whenever he was around. Thanks UnGrew for being such an awesome Uncle, Not The Brother In Law, and Brother - we love you xox

Red wine didn't cure it, (I know - you like me are thinking - how is that possible??!?!?!), neither did baby panadol ease the pain much.  The next day I went off to the GP with the 'ME's' in tow, as I wasn't even up to playing Mumma for the day.  I was very sore and sicky and sooky .

The GP had a quick squiz, then sent me off to the emergency thingo in the city with a referral. They quickly asessed me, and had a closer look with their super duper look at your eye gizmo machine - and whiz bang, I had my eye scraped for 7 different cultures to be sent to pathology - gosh that was interesting.

Shortly thereafter I was admitted to hospital for acute care - which pretty much entailed drops around the clock every 30mins for 48hrs to start with, and then some. Lucky I think sleep is somewhat over-rated, and the staff were totally awesome, they pampered and spoiled me big time, (otherwise I would still be there). I was VERY pro-active about getting out early... I was up early in the nurses gloves and stuff cleaning my eye, and excercising and it worked.

MicroMe is currently 'looking after' Granpa who had a knee reconstruction in Orange on Wednesday. I can't wait to see him and his latest haircut, as he went to AuntieLorraine's salon yesterday. I am hunting for my glasses, and being a virtual angel until my return as an out patient on Monday.

Well, for the time being anyway... Thanks for your ever so super special phone call Janice, the texts Emz & Kylie, as well as the lounge postings - Marg & Cham too xox

I went on a little holiday to my NannaTerri's last Thursday - it was my first sleep over at her house, (and Mumma's). She is my GranpaPete's Mummy, and she lives on a little property at O'Connell, which is near Bathurst. She is a very lovely kind lady, and she has a dog called Bo, and a friend who shares her house too. (My GranpaPaddy passed away when I was in Mumma's tummy - but Daddy reckons he came to watch us play at his place).

We played down at the Fish River, which is in the back yard down the paddock a bit... I practiced putting in little sticks and stones and things to see what floats. Nanna gave me her spare walking stick so I could stomp my feet and bang it about to let the snakes know I was down there - so they could go off and play somewhere else. I studied the river very hard to find out about how it works and all that jazz., I found that my gumboots don't float - well not with me in them anyway.

We went to my NannaSylv and GranpaPete's in Bathurst the next day and it was FUN! When Mumma and Daddy and UncleDrew went off climbing and stuff, I hung out with Nanna & Granpa. I even went to an Aussie Day party down the road for a while too. Daddy and I dropped them off, and we got little tattoos. While Daddy was competing in the thong throw, I ripped off all my gear and did the traditional Aussie Streak - cos I wanted to swim in the pool with the dogs. Later on, after we had a BBQ with Mumma, Drew and Matt, I went back to the party to help with the quiz and eat some dessert. The party people were VERY nice and they had a super groovy house.

The next day I had a little birthday party/afternoon tea with my great grandparents - NannaTerri, GranmaMarj and PopCyril... It was my family birthday, because I didn't see them on my real one. I got some lovely pressies, and mostly it was just good to have fun with my family and show them my cricket and tennis skills. I also gave them lots of hugs and Daddy helped me give a wee speech to say 'thank you - for coming to - my party!' They liked it so much, I said it a few times until I kept giggling and fell over!

That's Me - MicroMe, and my Daddy aka MaxiMe or ScubaSteve. I am wearing GranpaPete's hat 'cos he left it at NannaTerri's.

Now this is the bestest bit, it is me bouncing round the back paddock making Mumma carsick In an old diesel ute at about 2km per hour... I still managed to drive Mumma crazy and make her feel sick - hehehe.

Lots of love to my little MintiMates, I love your pictures, they rock! MicroMe (JaydeeJellybabee). xoxox

These piccies are of MicroMe at home, sulking while he feeds the birds, as he got in trouble for throwing their dish off the balcony. (Yes, the birds are eating toasted muesli - we haven't any bird seed at present). These are rainbow lorikeets which are fairly common in our area, and quite friendly. We also get a few kookaburras, and we used to have a groovy little grey owl, that was quite tame too, however I think he ate all the vermin and left us.

This is MaxiMe and MicroMe at NannaTerri's place in O'Connell... The back yard and the front yard LOL We have more pictures out back and the historic Fish River - however MicroMe wants to do his own blog about them, and his antics about driving us crazy.

We, (Drew, Matt, MaxiMe and Me), spent the day abseiling and climbing up at the Dam Cliffs, which are in Clarence, near the Zig Zag Railway. Clarence is about the 2nd last station on the Blue Mountains track, just before Lithgow, heading North West out of Sydney on the Bells Line of Road. It is a great place for beginners, or just to practice and muck about if you haven't been climbing much lately (Matt and myself).

There is also a great Dam (hence the name) for swimming in, we jump off the cliff in the middle - I think it is about 10metres - maybe less, I am short! Plus it is so cold, it kind of numbs your brain and you have no idea what is going on.

We did a bit of abseiling off the rocks and some off a dodgy old crane- which probably isn't recommended, but a heck of a lot of FUN, and they haven't any signs to say not too... LOL

REAL parents; parents to be; grandparents

REAL children; challenges; creativity

REAL situations; support; solutions

REAL advice; assistance; activity

REAL emotions; empathy; enlightenment

REAL questions; quality; quintessential

REAL forums; feedback; faithfullness

Minti is refreshing, revitalising and irresistable... As is Love.

MintiLove is the same as any Love... You get back what you give. xox

Join Kristen's MintiLove blog contest - check out this link for details.

This question in Q&A prompted me to write an explanation about the group, and groups in general... For anyone who is interested and missed that response, here is a slightly edited version:

1. I am the administrator of the Idiot Free Zone. If you would like to know more about the group in general, read this blog: Idiot Free Zone - Play Nice or Go Home.

2. If you need to know more about what the group might be about, there is also this blog, and this one, which are 'Idiot Free Zone' also, however written for public view.

3. My advice about Where To Blog also contains quite a bit of information about groups, which should give you a clearer understanding of the groups available, and the types of groups on the site.

4. To date there are at least a couple of hidden groups (don't look for them, you won't find them); there are 61 private groups - you can't see the blogs, and you need to request to be a member to do so; 14 restricted group, you can see the blogs, however you need to request to be a member to comment or blog in them; there are 100's of public groups, you can see the blogs in them, and to join you put in a request that is automatically accepted, this allows you to blog and comment in them.

5. I like to 'sound out' the person, and find out what their motivation for joining is, and their idea of what the group is about. If I think the individual has the same general ideals and interests as those in the group, and is discreet, then of course I accept them - you'd be surprised at what kind of mix makes for good 'bed fellows'. If you don't respond, or don't want to - then obviously, it means that this particular group is definitely not suited to you, and vice versa - no big deal.

6. If I have not responded to you, then you wouldn't know if you have been accepted or rejected. If you withdraw your group request, then I won't bother to resond to the original group request email. Keep in mind, if I am not online, it is a pretty sure bet that I won't be responding

7. Admin have access to EVERY area of the Minti site, so you need not worry about who is watching the watchers or guarding the guards.

8. The group started because there are many aspects of Minti which do NOT interest me, and I find that the topics we discuss, the pictures we post and the fun chats we have in there DO interest me and the members in the group.

9. ANYONE can start their own group, about anything they like and make the status of that group, private, restricted or public. Instead of concerning yourself about what other people are doing in a group, why it has the title; status; membership etc. that it does - why not create your own?

10. The Idiot Free Zone is now invitation only. The members of the group are aware why, and really, they are the only people who need to know why nobody else gets a piece of the pie.

Remember, you are only the star of your own little show; on Minti, we are all just bit players. We have been provided with a free website, private and public blog areas, and many other sections for specific uses - be respectful to the site owners, admin, members, and yourself when using each area, do you best to do so appropriately. Whether you are commenting or blogging in a public or private area - ask yourself if you are adding value; support; understanding; assistance; insight; explanation; humour; or any of the other things that you would like to receive from your peers on the site.