Sunset at Goulburn

I could not come up with what my first post for 2009 would be. Not much exciting happening at the moment. We just mainly stayed at home and did some tidying up around especially in our backyard. Yet, this coming weekend, at least we have something to do with friends and relatives. Hubby doesn't go back to work until Monday so we still have time to enjoy the holidays. Tomorrow, we schedule a trip down to Brighton le Sands beach with a few friends and on Sunday we'll spend it with my sister's family up in the Blue Mountains. That will be something to look forward to.
Anyways, I just want to share with you my sunset pictures captured during our Goulburn escapade on the 27th of December 2008. It's my love of sunset that urged me to take these magic moments in the sky. The time when the far away horizon lights up into a shimmering different colors of blue, purple, pink and orange which I reckon is the best time of the evening as it starts to bath the surroundings. A scene that always takes my breath away that I cannot see every time . Yet, this is a special magic moment not to be witnessed forever for it wont stay there for long .

My 13 lucky fruits

As 2008 is getting close to an end and 2009 is just only few hours away, I have already my 13 types of lucky round fruits on the table. It is a tradition in the Philippines from the Chinese to offer 13 types of round fruits to bring good luck and prosperity for the year. Having been brought up from a family that celebrates the New Year by preparing 13 types of lucky round fruits back in the Philippines, I carried it with me here . I never miss to prepare 13 types of fruits every New Year. It has been part of our New Year celebration since the time I arrived here. My husband just doesn't mind and never asks at all, yet, very supportive and helping me out with the fruits. Lucky, this time that I found all the 13 types of fruits in one shop close to where we live. It didn't take us long to buy them as there were only few people at that time.

Swimming with my sister

To give the kids a bit of excitement as the long summer holiday season is on the air, we went out for a jaunt to their auntie Ethel's place (my sister) in the lower part of the Blue Mountains on the first Monday of the school holiday. Since they both love the train ride no matter how close and far it is, I decided to give them a treat and took a train going to my sister's place . We had to get up early for the train ride going to my sister's place takes more than an hour even with some limited stops. I was glad it was a fine day with blue sky. I am always conscious when it comes to the weather in the Blue Mountains for they always have the coldest temperature with snowfall sometimes on winter . It was our first train ride going to the Blue Mountains. The kids were so excited as the scenery that we passed along was quite different going to the city which David referred to as like a rain forest.
When we arrived there, my sister and her little girl were already in the station to meet us. The kids were delighted as was my sister and her little girl. We went to the shops, strolled around and bought something for our lunch. As the mercury nudging to 30 degrees , me and my sister decided to take the kids to the swimming pool. Although, it was just an alternative plan if in case the kids were getting bored and if the temperature will go up. That's why I didn't miss to take our swimming suits, towels and sunscreen with us. The kids yipped for joy when I told them.The pool is just a walking distance away from where they live. When we arrived there, I noticed we were the first one to be there and found a good shaded spot with picnic table and chairs. There were only few people in the pool on that day and I was very glad for it wasn't crowded. The kids enjoyed it and I had to peel them from the water for lunch especially with David. He just wanted to stay in the water and was hooked in the kiddies pool where he found friends.
When the sun subsided a little, I started packing up and even though, I loath to say it, I admonished the kids that it was time to get ready for home and happily they obliged. It was a great day and we went home before the rush hour started in the afternoon and the train might be crowded by then. When we arrived home, hubby was still sound asleep and didn't notice that we already arrived even if the kids were quite noisy talking about our trip. Hubby sleeps in daytime for he works on night time. He must be very tired not to notice the kids noise.

On Christmas Day

Even though I had only few hours sleep the night before Christmas Day, I still managed to wake up early. Late that night, I was still packing some pressies for the kids. The kids went to bed late so I had to wait the time when they will be sound asleep so I can finish packing the additional pressies for them freely without interruption. I had to stuff also their big stockings with toys and lollies. Besides all of that, my oven was going on for I had to bake some of the desserts that night, for the following day my oven will be fully booked with the roasting of turkey and pork. However, even Dorothy went to bed late , yet, she didn't forget to leave Santa a treat, cookies, a glass of milk and carrots for the reindeer and placed them in front of our doorway . Since she started school, it is always part of her Christmas celebration to always give a treat to Santa the night before Christmas.When morning came, me and hubby woke up early and I played Christmas songs in our DVD player. Despite the music that was going on loud enough to be heard, the kids were still in their dreamland so I had to wake them up so they can open their pressies. I was just so excited and can't wait to see the reaction of their faces..hehehe.. The moment i called their names in the hallway, they quickly got up and came out groggily from their room rubbing their eyes. I heard Dorothy muttered few words that she was already late. The night before she went to bed, she wished she will be the first one to be in the Christmas tree to check out what Santa had left for them.
The kids loved all the gifts we bought for them and were quite happy. The gifts that we haven't get a chance to install are the Wii and their bikes. I know they are so excited about it but with the new train set that hubby installed for David it took up most of his time today. We have also to do packing for our weekend away down to the Southwest of NSW early tomorrow. Our Christmas party with hubby's family falls on the 28th. We all know that is a bit late from Christmas Day, yet, that will be the only time where everyone is free. And besides someone in the family is celebrating a birthday so it would be a double and big celebration for us.
So, I'll be off for few days and have a nice weekend.

Dorothy's 10th birthday

Dorothy celebrated her 10th birthday last December 17. It was just a simple celebration with our close family members. Last year, we gave her a birthday blast and invited most of her friends in school, relatives and friends. Yet this time, we decided not to have a big party for her because the week before we were so busy of some personal things and commitments that needed to be attended right away and there were David's party and graduation (not on the same day), the Annual Excellence School Assembly and school Caroling, all in the same week of her birthday. With so much happening the entire week, I felt a sheer exhaustion already that I cannot handle a children party on the weekend. Hubby really wanted a party but looking at the backyard which was a total mess after days of rain and gusty winds and the food to prepare were too much after a busy week. I just wanted the weekend to be peaceful and quite for us and prepare the house for the coming Christmas celebration.

Even though it was just a simple celebration yet she was so happy. We gave a small treat to all her classmates in school, even some of the teachers and their principal joined with them. I specially made chocolate cupcakes for them. She came home with a few words from the principal that I am an excellent baker and she was so proud of me..hehehe..it pleased me to know of these hearty compliments, I'm glad they all enjoyed it.

A Gold Medal for this year

Dorothy spent sleepless nights waiting for the day to come, their Annual Excellence School Assembly.The school notified the parents of the children who were going to receive any awards so they can make necessary arrangements from their work or any other commitments so they can be present for the big day. It was unexpected that Dorothy would get any award, but when we got the note from the school, we were completely surprised. The note told us that it should be kept a secret from the child/children that they're getting an award on that particular day. But it didn't help as Dorothy had already a clue.

Wet weather was playing and joshing Dorothy's excitement because torrential rain pelted non-stopped for couple of days including the scheduled day of the Annual Excellence School Assembly and quite chilly liked winter days. It was moved then sometime on the last week of the school year and was glad the day was very fine that most everyone was there.

David's Pre-school graduation

It was one of the most awaited event of David's school year. Everyone was so excited as well as the parents. I myself cannot wait to see David marching down to get his Pre-school certificate and the school year folder with detail of the highlights of their school year. The principal was also there who was honored to distribute the certificates accompanied by their teacher. The kids sang Christmas songs and it was so great watching them doing their best singing in front of the parents and guests.

I can't believe he will be going to the big school next year. I know it will be a big challenge and a big change for him as well as for us. I just hope he can adjust himself. He is so excited now that he always keeps on asking about it. Next year will be exciting for both of them, I hope, for I engage them in an after school sport activity twice a week where most of their friends are joining too. It is free for the students and the good thing too is a snack will be provided for free as well. There will be volunteer parents who will look after them right from the end of the school time until the end of the sport activity. I am looking forward to this as well and see how it goes.

Cupcakes for David's Party

This is what we contributed for David's Pre-School Christmas party. I just bought a Bite-size Strawberry mini cupcakes mix, easy and quick to make . I cant think of anything else to make so I went off to the shop for a rescue. I baked it myself. And as a finishing touch, I decorated it with pink icing and bright sprinkles to make it more appealing and alive. Everything came together in the pack mix as well as the mini cupcake cases. Though, we were only required to bring just few but I had decided to make enough for us and for the Pre-School so I ended up making 2 dozens. David and Dorothy always love cupcakes of any sort for snack and I love it with coffee.

Hubby's Work Christmas Dinner

It was once again hubby's work Christmas dinner held in one of the local club in the Southwest of Sydney and as usual we were again invited to join with them. The venue is different this year which is also quite good just for a change rather than to have it in the same place with the same food every year. Although not everyone was present but I guessed most of us had a great time. The food was fresh with a huge range to choose from where everyone will be happy. Each table had different menus from feast of roasts, Asian favourite menus, salads and soups and to the sumptuous desserts. I couldnt even decide which one should I eat first. But with the fresh sea food in sight, no need to muck around which one, I straight away tucked into prawns, crabs, fresh oysters and plump mussels. It was a buffet style so you can eat how much you want and as many times as you like. The kids had hot chips, nuggets , fried chicken and meatballs with ice cream as dessert. What a great dinner and I can't even believe how much food I consumed ..hahahaha.....

When I weighed myself in the morning, goshhh.. can't believe how much weight i put on since last night...lolzz.. I have to increase my walking time especially for this holiday season.Hmmm saon nalang ni!

Slow cooker

Slow cooker is perfect and ideal for busy mums like me or to anyone with busy lifestyle . A good and convenient way to prepare hearty meals for the whole family without spending too much time preparing it. The slow cooker is designed to produce the same results like cooking in pots and allowed to simmer for hours, full of flavors, moist and tender. However, with the preparation of the meat and vegetables to throw into it requires enough time but the thing that you don't spend most of your time in the kitchen until the whole process of cooking finish is something rewarding. You can even cook while you're at work or even leaves you the time to do other things around the house.No stirring involve. It is almost impossible to overcook in the slow cooker . Slow cooking recipes will give specific instructions indicating the appropriate settings and suggested cooking times which will vary accordingly. Most slow cookers these days come with many recipes which are interesting to try.When I bought mine, it came with few recipes for slow cooking, pot roasting and even few recipes of various desserts. There are Slow cooker recipes you can also check out in the internet. Here is one recipe that I like and perhaps you might be interested, CHICKEN IN A POT ( Serves 10-12). However, i did a little twist in the recipe for I added a can of crushed tomatoes for I love the flavour.

4 carrots, sliced
4 onions, peeled & sliced
4 stalks celery
2 kg chicken pieces
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup chicken stock or white wine
1 1/2 tsp dried basil or oregano

Place half of the carrots, onion and celery in the bottom of the Slow Cooker. Add the chicken pieces. Add salt, pepper, liquid and remaining vegetables. Sprinkle with herbs. Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hrs or HIGH for 4 hrs.

Enjoy!