tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61750503986255497482012-01-23T17:56:17.746+10:30Oh poo, life is passing by way too quick.Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.comBlogger1861100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-71160161620213143542012-01-20T21:28:00.003+10:302012-01-20T22:21:41.546+10:30

My sister gave me some really valuable advice around the time B was born. She told me that when its getting tough at home, its really good to get out. I remember with B as a baby taking him for walks in the pram. I would do small bits of grocery shopping everyday. He would often fall asleep with the rhythm of the pavement. People would start to nod in recognition. The pram and I a familiar sight

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-39798441344204555182012-01-18T09:25:00.000+10:302012-01-18T09:25:49.301+10:30

The last words I heard from B last night were, "I'm hungry." The first words I was woken with this morning from Little Miss were, "Mum can you make me my raisin toast now?" With a couple of weeks to go before the new year of school starts I have to say I am really craving some child free space. I would like to have two hours without being asked to do something, like preparing food or

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-36042808841821641412012-01-09T18:37:00.001+10:302012-01-09T18:37:00.161+10:30

when I am here I let my worries wash away the never ending pulse of the sea soothes me breathing in the fresh salted air cleanses me the thrill of the water, the chill that envelopes me, surrounding and supporting me I become part of the bigger picture buoyant, I am adrift from any cares looking at the horizon I am humbled, I am tiny in the ocean catching one pulse of the world on a wave

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-44744443851485001492011-12-28T18:53:00.000+10:302012-01-08T20:35:25.891+10:30

If Christmas is about giving then we did pretty well. B and Little Miss received way too many presents. At home... and at my sister's house. If Christmas is about being together as a family we did ok at that too. Even when some of the family are animals....of the alpaca variety. A baby alpaca was even born while we were there. And

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-29894602376945605502011-12-18T17:10:00.001+10:302011-12-19T17:59:45.509+10:30

Dear Mum, It has been a year since you passed away. 365 days without being able to ring you up and find out about how you are feeling. 365 days of not being able to tell you about how B and Little Miss are going. A year without your common sense approach and advice. Your dinner ideas. Sharing in your delight at shopping finds, getting your daylight saving reminder, you

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-35497431319132882432011-12-16T23:46:00.002+10:302011-12-16T23:49:12.717+10:30

The mouse will play with the cat's camera. The cat then gets an insight into the games a certain mouse likes to play... Constructive games Shockingly violent lego games Spying on mother and sister in garden game Following sister around game Tormenting sister game Locking sister on balcony game and typing on the computer game.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-30370272614506239542011-12-07T14:10:00.005+10:302011-12-07T14:19:41.488+10:30

Dilemma: Christmas Tree. Our big old white plastic tree made the move to our new house, but it was on its last legs last Christmas due to sun damage. I think Little Miss told someone, "We have a brown Christmas tree." It was then that I knew it had to go. So do we go and buy a new fake tree or get the real deal this year? I happen to think that like dog people or cat people there are real tree

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-51461060960899199192011-12-01T13:59:00.001+10:302011-12-07T10:54:36.786+10:30

When Daddy's capabilities mix with the children's imaginations magic really can happen. Or in this case cardboard space rockets. Plans were drawn up by B. Materials were sourced We are loving these reusable connectors made in Australia by Makedo allowing us to create things from our cardboard waste. And a rocket took

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-12400980099775712202011-11-26T03:49:00.001+10:302011-11-26T03:49:00.588+10:30

Little Miss's Ballet concert has been a much anticipated event. We had the excitement of her costume, what would she be? What colour would she wear?"I want to be a rainbow fairy Mummy." she told me. Little Miss was to be a red poppy. A schedule of rehearsals were squashed into our busy routine. B had to endure the waiting and crowded viewing room with many other mums and disgruntled siblings.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-79468041666171702492011-11-25T10:42:00.008+10:302011-11-25T13:34:16.642+10:30

To say I have been anxious at B's haircuts in the past is probably an understatement. I really don't like B having a short back and sides, its not him and it changes his appearance so much. But to get a haircut that isn't short back and sides on a boy is not easy, let me tell you. So when I picked up B from school and said we were going to the hairdressers he was not happy. "I like my long hair

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-58365020675593882892011-11-17T11:21:00.008+10:302011-11-25T14:01:49.114+10:30

There is no denying it, it is that time of year again....I wouldn't have believed it, except that there's this big event that thousands of people line the streets to see. So we all got caught up in the commotion and watched the Christmas parade. Or hid under the brochure seeking shade There was dancing in the street, and magical beasts.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-19555435308677298592011-10-31T14:17:00.002+10:302011-11-02T13:52:50.155+10:30

With some paint left over from a school project B and Little Miss painted... Monsters by B. B told me it was Halloween. I felt a little guilty for not remembering or making an effort. But I brushed off the guilt and remembered I wasn't American. Then I got really frightened as Little Miss painted this picture. What on earth has she seen to influence

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-14060582733982135822011-10-27T19:46:00.002+10:302011-11-05T15:43:47.435+10:30

Little Miss's Travel Diary Tailen Bend playground Penola The 12 Apsotles Otway tree top rainforest walk Breakfast drinks at a cafe in Lorne Fairy friends in Melbourne with red bird At my friends house Seeing dinosaurs at

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-74861591657033838062011-10-25T14:48:00.000+10:302011-10-25T14:48:52.359+10:30

I receive one of those hugs with an extra love squeeze. A love rush that just has to come out. Get as close as you can, then come even closer. Squeeze me tight and then tighter. How good it feels to be so needed and absolutely required in a little person's life. Total trust, unquestioning devotion, and true pure innocent love.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-12538232814963314582011-10-24T14:20:00.001+10:302011-10-24T14:21:25.395+10:30

When my dear husband had the idea to take a road trip by car to visit our friends 800kms away in Melbourne. I admit I had some big reservations. "Shouldn't we just fly, then we will be there in less than 2 hours." I stated "No it will be fun." he said "It's a long way for the kids to sit in the car." I said "We can stop a lot and we wont have to hire a car when we get there," he argued "we can

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-17061403191000706012011-10-18T16:27:00.000+10:302011-10-18T16:27:26.254+10:30

This short animation is a great alphabet entertainment Found on the website where I waste a lot of time, 'The kids should see this'

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-51161124944308670102011-09-22T11:11:00.001+09:302011-09-22T11:14:19.149+09:30

The dinner time table has been getting our of hand. It seems like recently every meal time I am stressed, shouting and nearly ready to walk out the door. What on earth is going on!! The kids say they are hungry at 5pm and when dinner is ready at 6pm they struggle to eat it and they haven't had anything to eat since 3.30pm. I can't understand it. Are they so hungry they aren't hungry anymore?

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-71818816533752618392011-09-19T13:26:00.001+09:302011-10-18T16:28:16.722+10:30

Little Miss and B were fascinated to watch this short film to find out how pencils are made. Thanks to my nephew for sharing.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-11203708014661912552011-09-10T11:11:00.192+09:302011-11-25T13:38:35.120+10:30

When I was a little girl the high points of the year were Christmas, my birthday and the Royal Show. Luckily for me these anticipated events were spaced out quite nicely over the year, with never more than four months wait before the fun started again. However the Royal Show was my absolute favourite. For some reason my birthday, my special day, grew a bit uncomfortable for me. As a child I

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-90708604131676503142011-09-06T08:47:00.002+09:302011-09-06T08:49:19.491+09:30

Frank and Furt came over after school to play the other day. They didn't hang around long though, but they did make everyone smile.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-2678060426543611412011-09-02T17:49:00.000+09:302011-09-02T17:49:35.247+09:30

Its okay that he runs when I want him to walk. Its okay that he never listens and is distracted by everything around him. Its okay that he eats loudly and never closes his mouth. Its okay his room is a mess and his stuff litters the house. Its okay that he has emptied a bottle of conditioner in the bath and used three towels to dry. Its okay that he calls Little Miss "Pisster" then pushes in

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-49489306565690892432011-08-29T11:18:00.002+09:302011-08-29T23:38:54.867+09:30

Just yesterday it seemed I was breast feeding my little baby every morning in bed with me, changing her heavy night nappy for a fresh one and facing a new day with my sleep deprived eyes. I would gently stroke her baby curls with a super fine hairbrush and she would never be more than a step away from me. But all that has changed. That little baby girl has slowly but surely grown up. Small

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-71924146493194166782011-08-25T11:21:00.002+09:302011-10-28T21:54:51.212+10:30

For her fourth birthday celebration Little Miss thought heart decorations would be nice. Since we plan on taking the kids to the show this year we didn't plan on having a big party, but that didn't stop Little Miss from having some big plans for her party decorations. We agreed on pink, green and red as colours for the party since I had plenty of craft material in those colours. I initially just

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-5618688543713849662011-08-24T13:57:00.005+09:302011-08-26T13:30:40.065+09:30

According to Little Miss turning four means you are a big girl. Today that important change is occurring. I can no longer call Little Miss a little girl. She is a big brave bold four year old. Lets take a look at what she is really into right now. Little Miss loves to dance and has a very keen ear for music. Ballet lessons are really enjoyed and we consider her to be the absolute best dancer in

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-47332853809291565362011-08-03T16:18:00.002+09:302011-08-03T16:58:41.081+09:30

As much as I hate to admit it, I am one of those people who takes a look at the heavily discounted items in the supermarket. You know the shelves in the back corner that have the dented cans, returned items, yesterday's bread or discontinued stock. I have rarely bought anything, but the bargain hunter in me has to have a look, just in case. Well the other day, while I was there just checking, I

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-37610868442960285942011-07-13T17:50:00.003+09:302011-11-25T14:09:10.154+10:30

I have this expectation that B and Little Miss are learning everyday. Its just what they do. They are naturally inquisitive and questioning like all children. They learn in lots of different ways, with play, formal lessons at school, mistakes they make, natural consequences of their actions, and also just by being the sponges they are, observing and absorbing the world around them. But B and

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-52761206939334124762011-06-23T14:05:00.000+09:302011-06-23T14:05:32.039+09:30

Despite the morning mist a blue sky teases me. This is winter and the sky moves fast. Rain refreshes everything, but forces us in. So we snuggle up and occupy ourselves inside. But why not craft, cut, stick, and glue instead of looking at screens? I love this photo, looking at each other for ideas, wide eyes with the possibilities. We need to get out for a change of scene. So I take Little

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-56298233856358917922011-06-10T12:09:00.002+09:302011-10-31T11:36:44.928+10:30

There is nothing quite like the energy and exhilaration of a winter's beach. Granted it is not the most comfortable of environments, but the beach offers a free thrill for the family, and a most important change of scene that works magic on moods. B and Little Miss waste no time and get into some serious sand construction. Ideas flow and an objective is formed. "Let's make a sand

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-66800206303061476612011-06-07T13:37:00.006+09:302011-10-31T11:39:11.585+10:30

We did spray painting what seems to be a lifetime ago, but for some reason I never got around to posting it. It was actually about seven months ago, but since then we have moved house, said goodbye to my Mum, had Christmas, started at a new school and established ourselves in a new area. So life's been a bit stressful really, it's no wonder I forgot about the spray

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-38768104281501495792011-06-06T17:34:00.002+09:302011-06-06T17:41:07.275+09:30

Are boys and girls really all that different? Yes, or so I thought. B is so active, he thinks on the run. B jumps with a great big leap into whatever takes his fancy. He never walks, but runs to get where he wants to go. B strives to figure out how something works, he'll take it apart, examine the mechanics, look, spin, touch, test, stretch, bang and hammer components then move onto the next

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-16287941139079758722011-05-26T12:14:00.003+09:302011-11-25T14:07:41.894+10:30

B is growing up so fast. Everyday he seems to be taller and that little bit wiser. Some mornings when Little Miss, B and I are all having a cuddle in the big warm bed together (an absolute favourite part of my day) we do the "foot check" to measure if their feet are as big as mine yet. B's are up to my toes already and he is only 7. I am a bit hesitant to imagine how big his feet will be when he

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-15088541981443830912011-05-25T14:02:00.003+09:302011-05-25T14:29:48.133+09:30

Children are very time intensive and so is blogging. Little Miss will let me know I've been on the computer too long, by coming and sitting on my lap. There is a fine line between being a mummy and a blogger as a mummy blogger. I thought blogging may have got the better of me when all I started thinking about was activities to post about, rather than activities to do with my kids. I was missing

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-41133471208902199532011-05-19T10:54:00.001+09:302011-05-19T10:57:20.595+09:30

I learned something lately that I am really impressed with. What I learned somehow reinforces the feelings I have had about how women are all linked and connected in some way. And what I learned also reinforces how special and wonderful it is to have a daughter. I learned that when my mum was born she held the eggs in her ovaries that became my brother, sister and I. Therefore part of me and my

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-51193732261057529782011-05-18T14:59:00.000+09:302011-05-18T14:59:34.460+09:30

As a child I loved doing crayon rubbings. They seemed a bit magical to me. I loved seeing what money looked like, the contrast of the rubbings exposed the design for me. We did some fossil rubbings recently at the museum and then the Artful Parent gave me this idea... I set a space with 2 areas of odd items blue tacked into position, one for B and one for Little Miss.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-87341325141953756852011-05-17T13:58:00.003+09:302011-05-25T14:32:44.783+09:30

Designer children's furniture is something I love and yet hate at the same time. I love the clever thinking and beautiful aesthetics but hate the high price tags. And I love the creative approach to redesigning something that already exists. A play table can be fresh, new and offer a twist, or scope for further functionality and creativity by being designed slightly differently. Not to mention

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-35290950286561240262011-05-15T09:08:00.000+09:302011-05-15T09:08:14.706+09:30

...I'm out somewhere like waiting to see a doctor, or in line at the refunds counter of Target and one of the children says the dreaded word combination "I'm hungry" and I really love it when I'm equipped with the right food. The two words "I'm hungry" almost send chills down my spine. For one thing I can distinctly remember being hungry as a child, a lot. I am sure I was a well fed with 3

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-55582780251364593682011-05-11T13:24:00.003+09:302011-05-11T13:27:39.772+09:30

At dinner one night Little Miss announced, "When I grow up I want to be a superhero." For which Little Miss's Daddy replied, "Well the world needs superheroes." And I couldn't agree more.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-23482432366335179982011-05-06T14:50:00.002+09:302011-05-06T16:58:31.403+09:30

It was an exciting day when I casually asked B if any of his teeth were wobbly, only to find that one was. We were both really surprised and B became very excited. The wobbly tooth then became his occupation for several weeks. I could see him playing with it in his mouth, giving the thing no rest at all. He ate food a little differently careful not to knock or bump his precious wobbly friend.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-28832439893975089132011-05-05T11:29:00.008+09:302011-10-24T17:38:35.344+10:30

I am greeted with "Is anything planned" by B at the end of every school day. So school holidays offer me a task to keep my busy boy occupied. He is thriving in the structure, challenge and occupation of school. His misbehavior during past school holidays seems to me to indicate that he 'wants' in the loose freedom of long uneventful days. This distresses me somewhat as I would like him to enjoy

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-76121867885466509492011-05-01T18:05:00.004+09:302011-10-31T11:47:19.108+10:30

my kids eat green. Every night they face some sort of green thing on their plates Different greens get different reactions. There might be a little moan accompanied with, "Ahh not peas" or "I don't like broccoli" But sometimes when it is cucumber or snow peas, or salad leaves, a little mouth opens. A fork loaded with green is raised. The green goes in. The mouth chews.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-33167997839076254292011-04-20T17:17:00.003+09:302011-05-05T11:50:01.485+09:30

Little Miss got an idea in her head to do potato stamping. I have no idea where she got this notion from, but she has developed a keen interest in potatoes. She wants to grow some and make potato people too. It's a pity she is not really interested in eating them. Unless they come crispy and salty in a foil packet. Anyway potatoes are a lot like eggs, well their shape is sort of egg like when

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-7952243824875210492011-04-18T12:57:00.002+09:302011-04-18T14:51:53.493+09:30

If there was ever a time to eat cake, it must be in your childhood. Childhood is so short, those baby teeth will all fall out, and my children are always moving about and exercising. So I say let them eat cake, let them have the pleasure, and let them have the fun. It wont be long before they learn the guilt and consequences that come with age and responsibility. I long to see cake as just cake

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-73469148000897451332011-04-12T20:02:00.006+09:302011-04-14T15:03:21.526+09:30

Lately I've been seeing a lot of bunting about. It's groovy stuff so I've been trying to think of a way to easily make some with the kids. Autumn provided us with the inspiration. As Little Miss couldn't help but pick up some of these beautiful fallen leaves. I set up our creative space with the leaves, triangles cut from craft paper a few Easterish stamps and the stamping paint pad and ink

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-19383682138793308632011-04-07T14:44:00.000+09:302011-04-07T14:44:50.166+09:30

I love visual art, but art openings are usually pretty wanky affairs. Odd people stand around in odd arrangements trying look like they know what the hell the art is meant to be saying. Cheap wine flows as does the verbal diarrhoea. But I was pleasantly surprised by a recent art show I went to. Not only was the conversation more on my kind of level, but all the art work

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-11118710683806677392011-04-05T14:12:00.003+09:302011-04-05T14:15:04.098+09:30

As much as I may try to advise, suggest and sometimes even insist that my children do things a certain way, they do their best to ignore me. And they have to. That is the way they learn. Unfortunatley I can't instill my own lessons or knowledge into them. BUT I find watching my children make mistakes completely uncomfortable. I want to correct them and offer my answers to everything. For

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-8181821768374468652011-03-25T13:08:00.001+10:302011-04-08T13:18:00.811+09:30

For some reason I'd been keeping some of this coloured rice in the cupboard (I admit I just love the stuff) But it was really meant for B and Little Miss so I arranged it in a plastic storage container and they played with it for hours one afternoon. The look of the coloured rice like this was just so enthralling for all of us. I'm not sure if it's the colours or the arrangement but it seemed

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-67720438509708639152011-03-24T10:46:00.000+10:302011-03-24T10:46:49.592+10:30

Theres nothing quite so depressing as discovering something really dodgy about your new home. It's a big investment yes? Unfortunately with the onset of some pretty serious rain we have discovered some unwanted neighbours. These guys don't consider themselves as just neighbours who might drop in, raise a local concern and then go about their business next door. Oh no. These guys come in

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-64477382415684337472011-03-23T17:24:00.001+10:302011-03-23T17:33:22.948+10:30

A really nice thing about moving house is exploring your new area. And I think there is no better way to really see the details than to walk around. We live on the side of a hill. Down the bottom of the hill is a creek in a conservation park. We walk through the gum studded bush. B is always running up far ahead. We pass a cool lush green area. and then through a pine tree grove, it smells

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-50281669782078550282011-03-18T13:47:00.000+10:302011-03-18T13:47:25.964+10:30

We were joined for dinner by this serious man. He seemed worried and the children were highly amused by his nose. B asked me, "How can rice do that?" "It's all part of the kitchen's trickery" I said.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-30701897130852499342011-03-17T14:47:00.001+10:302011-03-17T14:48:39.595+10:30

There is silence in the car. It's that kind of strange occurrence where quiet seems loud as it breaks the normal din of two rowdy children in a confined space. The quiet gets my full attention. I wonder... Did I leave the kids behind in the car park, abandoned with the supermarket trolley? Have they both fallen asleep in record time, at last catching up on all those wakeful baby nights? Have

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-20949837164747391642011-03-15T17:02:00.001+10:302011-03-15T17:02:41.693+10:30

Jumping on a trampoline is pure joy. If you add some water it becomes slippery wet fun, not to mention hair raising for mothers standing by. Add your bigger brother so jumping gets really interesting. When B and Little Miss jump like this all I can hear is laughter, oh and my voice telling them to play safely over and over again. Find out what other Mums are playing at?

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-52829207752336303902011-03-10T11:08:00.000+10:302011-03-10T11:08:28.620+10:30

Caught for a moment in the afternoon light. Quick, she doesn't stay still for long. She will dance for you if you are lucky. And boy am I lucky.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-1950078676230415572011-03-08T14:14:00.001+10:302011-03-08T14:38:23.560+10:30

Stamping turned out to be more interesting and creative than I had originally envisioned. Dip and press can offer only so much fun though. As a stamp is a stamp is a stamp. The image is set, static and predetermined. B and Little Miss worked this out pretty quickly and found it more interesting to make their own marks with the stamps. And I was really impressed. The stamp paint pad offered

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-60226699454508632362011-03-07T20:30:00.004+10:302011-03-10T10:31:45.747+10:30

This neighbour welcomes me home. He has a good laugh at us all, a laugh that grows into hysterics. Then he leaves us, just as we are all smiling. (Unlike this neighbour)

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-53229471215059864952011-03-06T18:32:00.002+10:302011-03-06T18:35:08.902+10:30

Children try their very hardest. At lasts years sports day B tried so hard to win the race. Not drop the egg, in the egg and spoon race. Pull with all his might, in the tug of war. And he also encouraged his other team mates to success. It didn't matter who won. At the end of the day I was so proud of how hard he tried, and so was he.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-57380155954738094712011-03-04T14:25:00.002+10:302011-03-10T11:03:01.863+10:30

B is so brave. He has started going to a new school close to our new house. B has been amazingly adaptable. He says "My new school has transportables and it has stairs and I like it. The whole class is my friend." B's enthusiasm to learn is remarkable, but his new school thinks his literacy skills are not up to (their) speed.  (They conducted several tests with him to gauge where he is at.) So

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-87046688005663677392011-02-28T18:06:00.005+10:302011-11-25T13:32:08.673+10:30

There is nothing quite like a cuppa at a cafe. I believe that a cup of tea or coffee always tastes better if it's made by someone else. It might only cost you $3.20 and it is an opportunity to stop, take a small break and recharge your batteries. B loves a chocolate milkshake or will that be an apple juice? Little Miss orders a baby chino and hopes it will come with a pink

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-12252005718282946092011-02-21T16:21:00.003+10:302011-03-04T17:05:57.312+10:30

When you turn seven aparently you need to have a spaceship birthday cake. It needs to be the Liberator from Blakes 7 (for obvious reasons if you know us and the 1970s BBC Sci Fi series) and it needs to be 3D chocolate. Of course. We pulled off something resembling all of that to the best of our ability, because we are amazing parents, but unfortunately I cant show you a photo.... so here is a

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-5222818372376075362011-02-18T14:42:00.001+10:302011-02-18T14:46:16.360+10:30

Little Miss took the feminist movement back 100 years when she screamed cried and shouted, "But girls only wear skirts and dresses, my friends wont like these jeans" "But you liked them when you put them on, and its raining outside. Jeans are great for rain" Was my feeble attempt to combat her 3 year old peer group pressure. My mind was aghast I didnt expect this. I couldn't believe my little

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-70299344189627384202011-02-14T19:54:00.004+10:302011-03-04T14:40:28.210+10:30

Being Valentine's day, today we reflected on what we love in life... Little Miss thought of her Daddy And B thought of everyone We made heart shaped "l love..." books and I tried to encourage writing practice. Little Miss named all her friends, faries, rainbows because they are fun to draw, her brother and she also loves

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-76963748917110947622011-01-31T22:42:00.008+10:302011-11-25T13:49:42.997+10:30

There is nothing quite like discovering a magical world that you didn't even know existed. During the school holidays my Dad and I took B and Little Miss on a picnic to Carrick Hill a historical house that I knew had sprawling gardens. Great for running around in and wearing out the kids I thought. What I didn't know was that they have a story book trail. We discovered the trail by accident as

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-79976017444638506882011-01-22T15:23:00.003+10:302011-06-09T12:44:34.614+09:30

Over the years I have found that you have to tread carefully with neighbours. I think it's best to have a kind of distant respect for eachother and leave it at that. Being too chummy and then becoming close friends can be somewhat over the top and invasive to your privacy and at the other end of the scale becoming nasty life long enemies through the wall can be miserable, not to mention scary for

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-51969652320772685332011-01-17T17:34:00.005+10:302011-03-10T11:10:52.319+10:30

I have an abundance of oranges at the moment so thought the kids could make some clove oranges. I made some of these years ago by simply pushing whole cloves into an orange. I think I might have rolled the orange around in orris root powder, but that is a very vague memory. I think orris root helps with preserving smell maybe? I found one of my old clove oranges at the back

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-74807541753985665452011-01-10T18:15:00.001+10:302011-03-10T10:43:26.363+10:30

A door has closed. My Mum has died. If I write it down and say it often enough, it will help it sink in. I shouldn't really be surprised. We were all expecting it. But not even knowing it is going to happen prepares you for the numbness, shock and pain of death, when it really does happen. I am so proud of her. She made such a gallant effort to overcome the cancer that Doctors originally said

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-13087723942115945652010-12-09T14:20:00.000+10:302010-12-09T14:20:32.008+10:30

We have sold our house. Yeah! Now its time to pack up and move on. And you know what that means? Boxes, lots and lots of boxes... And you all know that boxes simply equal joy to children. They immediately see all kinds of possibilities. Just like in this book. Building bliss Working together The finished digs Enter here Oh and don't forget to

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-23013243139506891662010-11-22T17:43:00.003+10:302011-03-10T10:40:15.377+10:30

After the coldest wettest winter in 16 years we are loving our first tastes of summer. When the temperature is above 25 degrees we have found ourselves at this beach Or this beach We have measured the reach of waves Designed and constructed structures Snacked Relaxed Got wet and then a bit cold but still managed to jump for joy. I

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-6560279320369967902010-11-18T12:55:00.002+10:302011-03-10T10:53:44.713+10:30

I see my job as a parent is to prepare my children for the real world, with all its dangers and hazards. For instance I would hate to raise adults that don't know how to prepare a meal for themselves. So when its dinner time I try to encourage B and Little Miss to help me. This not only involves them so they aren't fighting or mindlessly watching TV, but also gets them developing cooking skills,

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-13125868381128006602010-11-15T17:26:00.000+10:302010-11-15T17:26:08.375+10:30

Just imagine what it would be like if children ruled the world Streets would be for playing in Laughter would fill your ears Anything would be deemed possible Time would be of no consequence Having fun would be your occupation And Father Christmas would come to town everyday We had a really

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-66811531572851946992010-11-10T12:11:00.008+10:302011-11-25T14:03:32.519+10:30

Ever since Lola (from Charlie and Lola fame) had informed Little Miss that Pandas were in danger she developed a thing for them. Well its more than a thing, its like she is a magnet to all Pandaness in our world. "There's a Panda" she would cry, as we wait for a lift at a shopping centre. We would all look about searching for some kind of Panda looking animal somewhere, eventually finding a tiny

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-139748826319418352010-11-08T14:20:00.001+10:302010-11-08T14:22:04.630+10:30

Dribbling is something you eventually grow out of.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-84340672894427446102010-11-03T14:16:00.007+10:302011-03-04T16:59:40.053+10:30

Last week when Trish's comment suggested Cheerio necklaces in response to our pasta ones, we were all keen to give it a go. I also thought Nutri-grain might be suitable too. I prepared some white cotton and big needles ready for an after school activity. I thought big needles would be a good lesson in learning respect for sharp poky things. They were also the only tool I had at hand that would

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-15242848080089758932010-10-31T21:31:00.001+10:302011-03-10T10:54:39.709+10:30

Around this time of year things can get spooky. In the past we have ignored it, but after a freaky day it was only right to join with friends to celebrate and embrace scary things. After all the best treats in life are often tricky to realise. Thank you to our dear friends for all your help and support.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-31572755340300548972010-10-26T15:36:00.003+10:302011-03-04T17:00:18.911+10:30

Little Miss loves pasta. If I ask her what she wants for lunch, she always replies, "Pasta." If we go out to a cafe for dinner Little Miss will always order pasta and eat it all up. She really really loves the stuff. And what's not to love. Pasta is a very versatile food. I have given her uncooked pasta to play with in her toy kitchen. Turns out she likes to eat that too, crunchy though it is. 

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-48114119941825420432010-10-25T09:36:00.001+10:302011-03-04T18:01:03.365+10:30

Little Miss and B show love to each other. It might be a morning cuddle, a happy greeting hug after school, a thoughtful gesture or simple hand holding. It really touches me that they care deeply for each other.  Their relationship is constantly going to change as they grow up, I can only hope that these days of taking delight in each other lay a strong foundation for the future. Whatever happens

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-75587589417491011462010-10-20T12:47:00.000+10:302010-10-20T12:47:26.680+10:30

At a recent school fete B very kindly bought Little Miss a roll on lip gloss. She really really loves it, and is constantly rolling it on. And she does a really thorough job. Maybe because its runny like paint or because its container is roll on, she had the idea to draw with it. I fought my instinct to say "No" and went with it... I love how the paper went translucent and you can see type

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-66091530391211064362010-10-13T14:38:00.002+10:302010-10-13T14:39:24.427+10:30

Inspired by these library books, which we had to read and reread again and again We got to making some monsters from our crafty box The great thing about monsters is that they are whatever you want them to be... Doilies, pink tissue and purple paper got Little Miss thinking. And brown paper bags and satay sticks inspired B.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-40794492337587956092010-10-12T11:40:00.005+10:302011-03-10T10:44:01.180+10:30

We are selling up and moving on. It's time for change. Our home for the last 12 years has been polished, painted and styled so that it looks amazing, but is not really our comfortable lived-in home anymore. It's a show home out on display and ready for sale. Toys and kids stuff are not in every room, the junk and dross of life is gone, no tea towels, no files of paper, no dirty dishes, no lego

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-12268337885272942622010-09-14T13:16:00.000+09:302010-09-14T13:16:12.277+09:30

B has been asking to walk to school. Often. We live about 2.5kms from school. That doesn't sound far, but its about a 30 minute walk depending on how long your legs are. Since spring is finally here, (Yeah!) one fine afternoon I walked up to collect him so he could walk home with me. It's a gentle downward walk home so I though that would be a good start for him, and we wouldn't have to worry

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-9728906301389036552010-09-12T17:09:00.001+09:302011-03-04T18:01:20.602+10:30

My kids are fast asleep The conflicts of the day are forgotten Any tears have dried up There they lay, trusting in the dreams of tomorrow.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-46837438811373910432010-09-10T11:55:00.001+09:302011-03-04T14:40:47.236+10:30

We are really loving the book 'Where you came from' by Sara O'Leary. It deals with that dreaded childhood question "Where did I come from?' with imagination, humour, and poignancy. The illustrations are also very engaging and delicate. B's favourite is "Your father made you in his workshop. He carved you out of wood. It took weeks. And we loved you just like you were a real little boy." Whereas

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-14541051086909293002010-09-08T14:35:00.005+09:302010-09-09T09:44:00.601+09:30

Changing plain old rice into bright exciting colours sounded like a lot of simple fun. I used zip lock plastic bags, regular white rice, food colouring and hand sanitiser. We just put the dry uncooked rice into the zip lock bag added a few drops of food colouring and a squirt of hand sanitiser. Then we zipped up the bag and  the children did the shimmy shake. (Make sure those zips are well and

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-3850061189899572932010-09-04T19:52:00.006+09:302011-03-10T10:37:50.298+10:30

Big vistas to swallow Explore Discover little details Feel textures Smell (if you dare) Be surprised Investigate life forms Watch survival And journey home Find out what other children around the world are experiencing at Childhood 101

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-79861749511830250842010-08-31T14:35:00.006+09:302011-03-04T17:06:13.680+10:30

Little Miss's 3rd birthday fairy party was turning into a big event (in her and B's mind) so I embraced the challenge and found my inner fairy. It can be a bit daunting having a party of children to entertain so I got lots of ideas together from the internet and made a silly amount of lists.  I could have done with finding a blog post about what other parents have done for a fairy themed party,

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-33310374802688715202010-08-25T12:55:00.003+09:302010-08-26T19:28:34.083+09:30

If I could I would turn into something else. Wouldn't you? Just for a change, to try a new experience and have some fun. I think I would like to be a butterfly and flutter about from flower to flower? Or maybe a rainbow would be interesting, find that pot of gold. Luckily for B and Little Miss transformations are readily available. I watched several You tube tutorials, made some terrible

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-64282610988739506212010-08-24T17:32:00.002+09:302011-03-04T17:06:27.920+10:30

Dear Little Miss, You recently celebrated your 3rd Birthday. There's no denying it now, you are no longer my little baby, but my little girl, a perfect little miss. I can't believe we have already had three years with you. Time has moved so fast. I don't really remember life before you. It is true to say you have made my life complete. I feel so lucky to have you and B in my life. The days when

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-11703256494510645822010-08-20T10:04:00.008+09:302011-10-31T11:41:46.124+10:30

I hated maths in school but really don't want my children to feel the same.  The way we learned it, maths seemed abstract and pointless, but it really is neither of those things. When I think about it, counting has naturally taken place a lot around our home. Admittedly it has to do with behaviour management. I count to three to encourage behaviour change or they go on the naughty stool, and

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-41331236621737139002010-08-16T19:53:00.002+09:302011-06-10T11:56:57.408+09:30

What's better to make for Sunday breakfast than pancakes? I know bacon and eggs are delicious, but B and Little Miss just aren't into them. So I have been making pancakes a lot lately. I love sitting down to eat breakfast as a family together. It's great when no one is in a rush to get ready for school or work. We compare how each other tops then folds our own delicious

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-13858554659754190012010-08-12T12:08:00.001+09:302011-03-04T14:41:03.038+10:30

B's absolute favourite book at the moment is "The lost thing" by Shaun Tan. This book is a must if you have ever felt out of place, feel like you don't belong or wonder where lost things go. I love children's books that delve into negative emotions. I remember those types of stories as a child, because they moved me. Life isn't all good. I might be wrong or you might disagree

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-15922221630910529522010-08-10T17:22:00.003+09:302011-03-04T14:31:27.400+10:30

The kids haven't watched TV over two weeks now. I am still feeling really proud of myself. Little Miss asks for it nearly everyday still, but B has never asked for it. So what have we been doing? There has been a lot of sorting going on. It started with pasta Included recycling crayons Remove paper from crayons Grease a pan you are not going to use for food Sort

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-80221580605209547952010-08-08T19:00:00.009+09:302011-03-04T14:33:20.211+10:30

You know when you are looking at buying a particular thing, be it a car or a slow cooker, suddenly you see them everywhere and people are talking about them. Your favourite magazine has slow cooker recipes or you park next to the car you want or drive behind one for a while.....well its been like that for us, but with the weather. At school B made this rain gauge, and he has been recording the

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-20965216475283819772010-08-06T09:36:00.001+09:302010-10-29T10:32:55.828+10:30

"Did you have a good day today?" I asked Little Miss recently. "No Mumma you screamed in the car." She replied. "True, but you were screaming first, because you flipped your green sponge, you just had to bring with you?!!!, onto the floor of the car. I can't pick up things from the car floor when I am driving. And I cant turn around to look at your newly discovered skills in arranging your

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-18272816336177929172010-08-03T11:37:00.002+09:302011-03-10T11:11:44.484+10:30

What is it with little boys and balls? It started with a nice quiet game with the marble run. Thinking about gravity and momentum. So naturally a step ladder got involved But wait we have real stairs and lots of balls So play progressed to this. The thump, thump, thump, thump, thump was an intoxicating noise as the balls bounced down the

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-12580199046597311272010-08-01T12:58:00.000+09:302010-08-01T12:58:00.601+09:30

There comes a time when when you have to admit your baby is really not a baby anymore. It's time to face facts, Little Miss must put the cot behind her. She is ready, even though I am not. So now Little Miss sleeps in a big girl fairy bed. "But I'm not a big girl I'm a little girl" she insists It is really just a normal single bed, but since her brother has a car bed, (please insert a long sigh

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-376081090626331442010-07-30T20:15:00.004+09:302010-10-29T10:36:16.482+10:30

I have well and truly taken off my slack coat and I am really proud of myself. I haven't let my kids watch TV at all this week. And its been really wonderful and EASY. No, I am not mad And No I have not found my inner hippy. But I have noticed a huge difference in the way my kids play since the box has been turned off. They are using their imaginations and inventing creative role playing games

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-81264545571056398372010-07-27T13:46:00.002+09:302011-03-04T14:32:01.493+10:30

Is it just a matter of taste? Or does your nose have something to do with it? What about texture? How does it feel? What words would you use to describe it? I am talking food. A game my older sister used to play with me when I was little was 'taste testing'. I would always know there would be hot english mustard in there somewhere, but I could not resist the blindfolded guessing game that

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-10043037639487907742010-07-23T16:47:00.004+09:302011-03-10T10:44:20.786+10:30

Sometimes life throws a spanner in the works and you just have to adapt to the situation as best you can. It's an important lesson. But B really hates it when plans change, he gets very very upset, cries and even stamps his feet. I can symathise with him, but in the back of my mind I am really thinking, get used to it dear child as life doesn't always go according to plan.

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-20359337614829748572010-07-21T20:53:00.000+09:302010-07-21T20:53:20.135+09:30

Dear efficiency police, I admit I have been slacking off lately, but that does not make me a bad person. Guilt riddles me for thinking Monday was a pupil free day, when in fact it wasn't. I know if I had read the latest school newsletter (and probably the one before) I would have known that the pupil free day was cancelled, but I wasn't the only Mum not-in-the-know. I saw an 'a' for absent next

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-47266630683252064952010-07-09T11:46:00.006+09:302010-07-23T13:13:59.106+09:30

Desalination Plant designed by B. How time flies, B's school report was handed out recently. And I was completely taken aback. On reading it in the playground I exclaimed rather loudly,"Oh, I am really shocked."A fellow parent knowing my belief that creativity is paramount low expectations said,"See B does need to learn to read.""Huh" was all I could manage in reply as I stared

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-24305855601800928082010-07-08T16:35:00.004+09:302011-03-04T14:43:06.750+10:30

Winter. It's cold. The kids are climbing the walls. You just have to get out of the house. But, you don't want to spend any money. Where do you go? A library of course. We ventured into the hills, past our local dusty library, to go to the purpose built Stirling Library. It has a great children's section. You can safely make as much noise as you want as the children's library is located

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175050398625549748.post-76625804441010538852010-06-30T12:30:00.000+09:302010-06-30T12:30:23.539+09:30

A favourite game we play at home is hide and seek, but for some reason Little Miss thinks it is called hide in the sink. No one has ever hid in the sink. But sink and seek are pretty similar words. She probably doesn't have seek in her vocabulary yet. Once I did hide in the bath, much to B's amusement. B then hid in the bath when it was his turn to hide next and he ending up getting wet from a

Chapter Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16005206439235137179noreply@blogger.com7