Babysitting Caramello...

I wanna go inside...
Snooze time... being cute is tiring. :)

Very good friends of ours have an 8yrs old daughter. Now wouldn't you know it, Kate brought home a really excellent report card at the end of the year. She was in for a treat...

Her mum and dad got her a lamb, one week old and soooo cute. One of the ones that you don't have to shear. Looks like a goat to me except for the tail. It was already 'done' so he was an it and had the horns done as well...

With a few instructions such as to not to pat on the head as it would later learn to buck you ... we had the pleasure of looking after Caramello while his little mummy went on holidays with her mum, dad and brother.

You should have heard him howl. He was missing Kate something shocking... He has two bottles a day which is really easy and you have to ensure that they are not at the same time each time of he gets used to timing and bleats for it non stop... He loved my youngest Joshua being outside with him all the first day...

Then it was Christmas day and he was not played with as much but still allot. He was outside during the day in our yard area. During the night I had him in the laundry and Joshua kept the two dogs in his room with him. Arrangements suited all I think...

I must admit that I really wanted a lamb before having Caramello as well as they are cute and can be a good mower if you get them used to being not just around the kids. They get attached very quickly. Joshua was having a hard time quickly going anywhere without him being followed by a sheep... sorry weather... :)

Day after Boxing day we said our farewells and took him back to his home and put him in his shed. That way he is nice and safe during the night. His mummy was back the next morning.

Was nice to have him. Didn't have to feed him once, always had offers. :) Don't know about getting my own though as the smell is still not out of the laundry from where he slept. Very strong smell indeed. But I would suspect that I would get used to it just as I did with the cows I guess.

Cheers Damaris

A very special Party...

Jumping Castles galore...

What a show!

Timothy had his last opportunity to go to the 'Special Christmas Party' this year. It is put on by Variety and Golden Casket and a whole heap of sponsors. It is always held at the Brisbane Convention Centre and there are about 2500 children plus their carers that enjoy the day. It only goes from 11am to 2pm but what a fun packed party it is.

When you get inside there are animals to pat, rides to take, Police motorbikes to climb, free food and drink for everyone. Santa comes and there is a huge stage show on as well. This is only for children with disabilities and you have to get an invite. We were very lucky to get one this year as we are actually in the Toowoomba area but were able to chose this year, his last year.

He loved it. It all gets a little too much in the end but he coped really well. He loved the jumping pit with all the balls in it the best... If only we had one of those at home...

At the end of the day we went and saw Santa and with a volunteer he picked out two gifts. A clock and a remote control car, which went to Joshua. He gets to go but he must share the gifts... Has always been that way. This was our third and last time that we have had the pleasure to go.

Timothy doesn't get invited to parties so this is one huge one just for kids like him. It was wonderful and he loves it. One year we even ended up on Channel 9 while waiting outside waiting to get in... Enjoy the photo show...

Cheers Damaris

Bluecare Christmas Party Fun...

Timothy at the microphone singing...

Last Friday night we had the pleasure of attending the Bluecare Christmas Party at Cooinda. That is the house where Timothy has his respite every three or four months, just for the weekend.

There was plenty of punch, food, lucky door prizes, donated cakes and donuts as well as fun and a wonderfully festive atmosphere. Timothy was determined not to dance though, or so he said...

Once the music started he saw that there was a microphone for people to use to help along with the music. The music therapist had one and there was a spare one. Well that was it for him. He saw that another client had the microphone and he wanted it, wanted it bad... He loves Sing Star when we go to one of our friend's house so it was a hit.

After a few songs he said that he wanted to sing along on the microphone, I asked if he could have a go and the answer off course was YES. So there he was singing along to the best of his ability. He loved it.

He then stayed over for respite and I pick him up this afternoon. He has been there for five days this time. I can't believe it. Such a long time yet it went so quickly. Joshua and I had the chance to do allot of things just the two of us and I am really appreciative of that. I think he is as well.

Timothy I know went to Tempin' Bowling on Monday so he would have loved that, especially as it takes him to Toowoomba. Likes a trip that boy. :)

But I must admit that it was hard saying Bye to him on Friday after all the fun we had together. On the other hand the last couple of months have been rather difficult here so I knew it would do him as well as us allot of good. And it has! Can't wait to see him. :)

Cheers Damaris

Is this the 'North Pole'???

All three visitors...
Mr Curious...

While driving into the underground car park the other day I was rather surprised to be following three deers. Two males and one females. The were being taken to their temporary home within the shopping centre but the way that they enter is through the car park. Looked rather funny... Clop, clop, clop you could hear them walking along. I made sure I gave them plenty of room and slowed right down. I later took a couple of photos of them in their pen. They seemed to be very intrigued by people watching them...

Apparently they are only able to be touched for about eight weeks out of the year. Only when the fuzzy fur is on the antlers. That is when the hormone level is just right for handling. Other than that they would kill you. They are very powerful creatures. Was very interesting to talk to their owner...

Still very cute in my opinion. :)

Cheers Damaris

Festive Community Spirit...

Santa handing out lolly bags and asking for wishlists...
Some of the kids that attended the Party in the Park...

Market Day Fundraiser, what a day...

In the last week of school it is always rather busy around here... We had our School Concert on the Tuesday of the last week. During that concert, Timothy was farewelled by the school as he leaves Primary School and goes onto High School. He was rather upset at the end of the night thinking he would not see any of the kids again. Plus the fact that Joshua got an award for improved overall behaviour and he didn't. He tried so hard to help out kids younger than him and be helpful but not everyone can get these awards...

On the Thursday, we had the Carols in the Park by our creek. We were not able to attend this event unfortunately but heard that it was a huge success. This was the first time that it was held in Maryvale and we all hope that it will be run on a yearly basis.

On Friday was last day of school as well as the Party in the Park from 4:30pm. All local kids and families were invited. Kids ate and drank for free. We ran a raffle and raised $221.00 for the Maryvale School of Arts Hall which was a fantastic effort. Kids were dancing the night away and had a ball all round. Santa came also off course and gave out lolly bags. Even the Warwick Daily News came out and took photos. It was a fantastic night. Next year will be our 10th and it going to be huge...

On Saturday, we had our first Maryvale Crown Hotel Market Day. All proceeds went to our local Rural Fire Brigade and there we raised $415.00. Again what a fantastic effort. I got rid of lots of things, so did Joshua with his Pokemon cards. I sold all of my Onion Marmalade, mostly to locals who knew how good it tasted... I have already been asked to make more for Christmas. Ain't gonna happen. Too busy for that. 10kg of onions etc... the whole process takes more than a day. It will have to wait till January some time I think.

Sunday was another busy day that I will post about with pictures very soon.

So Monday the boys rested. I was off to Brisbane for a Doctor's appointment and Tuesday we went to the Movies. We have not stopped. Even today we got stuck into cleaning the house. I swept all throughout.

I am thankful that the weather has been mild in comparison to how it was in the last two weeks of school. I couldn't be motivated to do much of anything. That has changed as the weather is still very, very dry and ants are moving into the house at an alarming rate. They are moving about crazily as we keep getting the prediction of rain and thunderstorm. Yes we hear it in the distance but nothing much happening here.

At least I have my beautiful breeze. :)

Cheers Damaris

ASD Christmas Dinner, Warwick

Joshua and Timothy with Santa and Elf helper...

Couple of weeks ago we had our farewell Christmas Dinner at a park in Warwick. Lots of families turned up and even though it was supposed to be for families with all disabilities, only the ones from our local ASD group turned up. Shame that as I would have loved to have had the opportunity to catch up with others...

We even had a visit from Santa. We pay $50 and it is donated to a local charity which is wonderful. The Santa is the one that does our local Rose City Shopping Centre and does all the appearances around Warwick. Him and his elf were lovely. All the kids got their presents, that parents supplied and Santa also gave a couple of lollipops for each child. Then it was the parents' turn. We all got a lollipop as well. :)

The party was over by 7pm and just as well as a huge storm kicked in at the end. Driving home was rather hairy. Had a huge truck up my tail and rain pelting down so hard I could hardly see...

But with God's grace we got home all safe and sound.

Cheers Damaris

Birthday Girl, Yes me...

Carly, myself and Lisa
The spread...

I had the great privilege of having three very close friends of mine with me on my birthday... The morning started off with Russell, Adam and the boys waking me up to 'Happy Birthday'. Then I had to open all my cards and presents... That was nice and yummy I must say.

Then we had breakfast and Adam had arranged for a couple of ladies to come over and enjoy a huge morning tea. We then all went to a friend's place to have a late BBQ lunch with our friends and their families.

It was a lovely day, loved hearing from my family and friends that called to wish me a lovely day. Can't believe I only have 2 years to go and I am 40!!!! Where does the time go I wonder...

Then I lovingly think of my husband, children, extended family and friends and know...

Cheers Damaris

Old friends, revisited...

Timothy showing Charlton how to play Pool...

Last Sunday we had a very special afternoon tea guest and his lovely family...

When Timothy attended Autism Queensland (AQ) three days a week for two years, one of his classmates became his little friend. His name is Charlton...

We had lost contact unfortunately when we moved out here but through good old Facebook, Charlton's mum and I reconnected and arranged an afternoon tea. Both boys were prepared weeks in advance so that it was not a shock. Timothy was beside himself and really looked forward to it.

When the day came and they arrived, Timothy ran outside to meet Charlton at his parent's car and as soon as he saw him get out, it was not a "Hello" but a "You look different to how I remember you..." Tact is something kids with Asperger's don't have. I explained that he had grown taller, just as he had. It had been two years since he had been at AQ after all...

Anyway in the end there was allot of shyness and allot of showing off of chooks for Timothy. Charlton loves chooks as well so that was an easy ice breaker. lol

In the end when it was time to go home again, Charlton and his brother didn't want to go. We promised to get together again in the Summer holidays and that seemed to satisfy him and eventually made it back to the car...

All in all a successful afternoon and a lovely time was had by all.

Cheers Damaris

Future babies, hopefully...

Guinea fowl eggs...

Last Saturday I had to go with Joshua and return a cage that I had used to transport fowl home last time I went to Brian's. So Joshua and I went off and gave it back to him and off course came home with plenty more little treasures. He is moving so this was my last chance really...

We got some Belgian's, purebred brown layers, silkies, Pekins, and three female guinea fowls. This is the last time I am attempting to have them. If they get eaten or run away again that is it for me...

We have them in a large cage and will keep them there for about a week to let them get used to their new home. You should have seen the male go off his tree. He was so happy to have them there and we let him go in with them in the end. He is one very, very happy fellow. :)

The next morning we found two eggs. They are definitely from the guinea fowl as they are the only ones in the large cage and Brian had shown me what they look like. They are rather rough compared to chook, geese or duck eggs. They are a little more oddly shaped as well...

The need resting for two days and then they can go in the incubator. So far we have three eggs. They were ones in the pipeline, so to speak I think and now we will probably have to wait for a while before they feel comfortable enough again to restart their laying... I hope we hatch some babies out. Will then take them to the Pig and Calf as they go nuts for them there. I don't want the little ones around anyway as the older ones generally don't get along with them.

So here is hoping we have success...

Cheers Damaris