Costumes - sucker for punishment.

[Insert sucker for punishment right here]

My kids were invited to a fancy dress party, a fairy and elves party.  They have that many costumes I can barely shut the lid on the costume box.  But Tom didn't have anything particular to wear to this party.  So I decided I'd whip something up.

And in the style of 'evens stevens' I had to whip something up for Lulu too.

So for Lulu I bought the wings first, this determined the colour of her outfit.  Then I bought a metre of this sequin style fabric. 

I pretty much measured it by wrapping it around her. 

I used thick elastic and sewed it onto the fabric to create a waistband.  Then sewed up the back leaving an opening toward the top for her to climb in. 

I used a little Velcro at the top to close it up.  I then sewed some straps on using ribbon.

Oh, and I just cut the zig zag in the bottom of it.  Thankfully this fabric doesn't fray.

Then there was Tom, he wanted to look like Terence, the boy fairy from Tinkerbell.  So I bought some green fabric and got to work.

I pretty much folded the fabric in half and chopped a circle in the top for the neck.

Then I sewed the sides together leaving an opening for the arms.  I did have to zig zag all the edges of this fabric due to fraying.  Then I made a belt / tie to wrap around his waist to bring it in a bit.

He initially told me he needed a gumnut hat, it was essential for his outfit.  So I got the glue gun out, some of my felt supplies and went to work.  I used a full piece of felt and glued corners together to give it some shape.  Then cut circles out gluing them, overlapping to create the effect.

Finally, Lulu (of course) wanted a head piece too.  So I simply cut her a piece of fabric to make a headband.  Since I had the glue gun out I had a go at making one of those fancy flowers.  I love it.  

In case you want to know, I cut six circles, used one as the base, then with the others I folded them in half, and then half again.  Put a dob of glue on it and glued it to the base.  Using four of them I covered the base and with the last one I placed it in the middle.  (There are loads of tutorials on line).

Anyway, I was sooooo under the pump when I decided to do this, you know one of those great ideas you live to regret.  I was happy with the end product but apparently Tom wasn't.  He decided in the last minute that he didn't want to dress up after all.  He just wanted to go as himself which he referred to as 'a little rock n roll'.

I tell you what!  No maybe I'll just let that one lie.

Cheers


Mandy.

Celebrating Travel

My parents have embarked on an overseas adventure, a tour around Europe, and I shouldn't forget to mention my two youngest brothers too.

[insert: very jealous]

So in the best way possible we needed to work out how we could be a part of this!

I decided to put together a travel board, something that we could update throughout their journey.

 

We've got our gorgeous sign, coloured in by Lulu, and a map from the tour company website outlining where they are going. 

I made up a little sign "Where are they today" and laminated it.  Then I printed and laminated little signs with the name of each country.  I put valcro on each so the kids will be able swap them over as they leave one country for the next.

We've also got our world globe, so we can really try and get an understanding of just how far it is they are going.

Another thing I've done is made up little 'flash cards'  A5 size cards, double sided, (and laminated) on each one I've included a picture of the flag as well as loads of other trivial information the kids might find relevant.  For example: Kate and William and the royal family live in England. 

Finally, I've found some fantastic printable craft activities on the net.  I'll revist this post at the end of their trip and let you know what fun filled activities we did to embrace Gran & Pa's Big Holiday.

Cheers

Mandy

Simple Things - Ballet

My girl, she had her ballet exam yesterday. 

She looked gorgeous.

We always have to be there a little early to prepare, thankfully her friend is kind enough to share her DS with her.

Aren't they just the sweetest?

Cheers


Mandy


Linking up with 'Simple Things'

Travelling with Kids - Packing

If I leave it to Lulu this is what we'd have on our getaways:

Now then where would we be! lol.

Anyway, recently we went away for an extended weekend.  We had a couple of stops, our destination (Canberra) and then a stop at my parents farm on the way home.

I didn't want the kids to be rumaging through all the clothes whilst we were away and I didn't want to take loads of bags.  It was only an extended weekend after all.

So I opted to pack all the kids clothes by day.  What I mean by that is I packed outfits, for each days.  I put all of the clothes for each day in a plastic bag, then I placed a little tag through the knot, reminding me which bag was for which day.

This was perfect.  Each morning, I'd just grab the relevant bag, tear it open and all the kids clothes were present and accounted for.  Quick, easy and hassle free.  I did pack another small bag of 'spares'  because lets face it, you can't leave home for a break without spares.

I'll be honest and say that I really wanted to buy some 'Travel Cells' 

And I actually did purchase some online, but even though I purchased express postage, they emailed me two days later to advise they didn't have the colour I choose.  I mean seriously did they not get the sense of urgency with express postage.

Anyway, I did save myself some money.  But have not ruled out buying some of these anyway in the furture.  Will wait and see, but I do believe it's a great way to pack for children.  Rather than get stuck with three separate bags for each of them.

What are your packing tips?

Cheers

Mandy.

Organ Donating - Have you had the chat?

Are you registered to be an organ donor?  I'm just going to put it straight out there!

It's quite a sensitive subject.  I understand why people might be hesitant, but really, the idea of someone who has passed helping to save another life is just to great to ignore.

My husband and I have both agreed that we'd donate our organs, in fact any part of our body that would give someone else the gift of life. 

{source} - may not be Australian, point is universal.

We're registered, it's in our wills, we both know what we have to do, god forbid we're ever in that position.

But what about our children?

I know it's one of those tough things, you don't ever want to dare think about.  But again, we've thought about it, we've talked about it and we've agreed.

Whilst we made this decision some time ago, organ donating has recently been on my mind.

People come in and out of your life.  I do honestly believe, sometimes this happens for a reason.

Recently someone from my home town, from my school days, has in some ways come back into the lives of many. 

After the birth of her baby girl, born with Biliary Atresia, she has spent, hours, day, weeks, months at the Royal Children's Hospital, hoping her daughter remains strong enough, waiting for an organ donor.

Through the generous support of another old friend, she has reconnected with many through Facebook.

Her family and friends provide her with emotional support, and financial support.

But now, there is a Facebook Page  you can visit, and encourage others to visit.  The purpose of this Facebook page is to build awareness, not only of this family's struggles, hopes and dreams but also of the need for organ donor awareness.

I've helped this family out, whilst a donation might only be small, the emotional support that comes with this is huge.  I'd love it if you stopped by, showed your support.  And, whilst there is no obligation, if you have a few dollars to spare, I know that would go a long way too.

If nothing else, have the chat, with your partner, your parents, whoever you feel you need to chat to about this.  Not everyone feels this is something they can do, it's a personal choice, I'm not saying any one's decision is wrong or right.  What I do know is, if anyone in my family needed a transplant, I'd be eternally grateful to those who say yes to donating organs, it's that simple, this is why we can't say no.

Thoughts are with those waiting for an organ donor.  Thoughts are with those having to make that tough decision after the loss of a loved one.

Mandy

Grateful for a helping hand

Firstly I should start by revisiting my post from last week.

I set myself stretched goals in the bid to be fit and healthy.  I did not do too well.  But without wanting to use the word excuse, it was inevitable.

Monday night both my boys spent the night with gastro, by Tuesday night they were better, but my daughter, well she came down with it = two sleepless nights, buggered, need to eat crap food to get through the day.

Then the bloody obvious happened, I got it.  Arrrrh, I spent Wednesday night, well, I don't really need to say.  Thursday I felt like I had a wicked hangover and I hadn't even been out on the turps. What's with that!

So I didn't really eat very healthy this week, ate to get by.  I did drink 1.5 litres of water each day, and that is a big feat for me.  So that I am happy about.

As for the exercise, well nothing has happened since Monday, but that said, I did manage to make a start on my C25K program for the week early.  So I can say I am now up to week 6 and keen as to get out of this house and run this weekend.

So anyway, enough rambling, enough excuses, what I am grateful for this week is the wonderful help I received.  When you don't have your family around to help you times like this can be tough.  But I am learning I have a lovely network of people surrounding us that are generously willing to help.

• My neighbour, at the drop of a hat, was willing to walk my daughter to Kinder, so I could tend to the spewy boys.

• I rang and asked one of the kinder mum's to take Lulu to kinder on another day, to which she gladly said yes, followed by, "I'll pick her up too and take her home for a play"  she was gone all day.  Bliss.

• Another kinder mum, whilst joking stated, "I'm steering clear of you" also offered to drop past a meal if I needed.  We had it under control, but it was nice to know people cared.

• Finally, when I went into work, one of my colleagues, gave me some treats to share with the kids once we were all feeling better.

 {source}

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, is all I can say to these people (which I have).  It means so much to know people that are under no obligation to help you or care about you do.  For this I will be grateful.

Mandy  xox

PS.  I'm linking up with Maxabella loves grateful link up.

Happiness, looking for it in the everyday

It wasn't until Naomi at Seven Cherubs asked the question, what 10 things make you happy?  that I seriously stopped to consider that question for myself.

I answered the call and my list of 10 things that make me happy can be found on her blog here.

In a nutshell what I discovered is that in general conversation I'll tell people, "Oh I'd love to go on a holiday, that would make me happy", "Wish I could go and spend loads of money on new clothes, that would make me feel happy"

The reality is, this is not entirely true.  

There is way more to happiness than a quick fix.  Happiness for me is about daily life, how can I ensure happiness, regularly and within my means.

By completing this list, I discovered I have already found happiness. It is right here in front of me.  My children, my husband, good friends.  Being able to blog, acomplish things in my life, realistic stuff, non materialistic stuff makes me happy.  Who'd have thought.

I've often battled with the desire to continally achieve more.  Reach one milestone and rather than celebrate look forward to what I still feel I need to achieve.

But as I chant my motto for 2011 'Attempting to live the simple life'  I'm reminded that I need to look around and live in the moment, sharing the discovery that my young children have through everyday living.  Everything else will still be there, tomorrow, next week, maybe even next year.

{source}

So I have decided to try and stop searching for something I think I need to find, continue to minimise the hectic-ness of our lives and enjoy the simple being, of a family, of a mother, of a friend.

Because the reality is, whilst we all have our moments, the reality is I am really happpy, and the key to a better life for me is knowing this.


Do you have any tips that helped you to find happiness?  or are you still searching?

Cheers

Mandy.

Handy Manny - Review & Giveaway

I was given the opportunity to review the latest Handy Manny DVD.  Perfect, I have a little boy who (whilst he has not seen an eposide) loves Handy Manny.  He is going to be thrilled.

The timing was perfect, our family came down with a virus this week and the kids, well they were laid up on the couches, where I had made little beds for them to rest.  I had pondered how I was going to get them to stay there all day and rest, when the post arrived.

Enter, one Handy Manny DVD

Description: It’s back to Sheetrock Hills for more high-speed fun with our favourite handyman, Manny Garcia! Join Manny and his team of trusty talking tools as they try to turn a broken down old car into the fastest four wheels on the road, and win Wood Valley 500 race! But before they can cross the finish line to victory, it will take a lot of teamwork, a “can do” attitude and your help!

We played it and played it and played it.  And what did we think?

Thomas (aged almost 4): I liked when he goes in the car, because that's when I like when he wins.  I like that they build the car.

Pretty much he loved the fact that it was about car racing.  What boy wouldn't.  This is a great DVD, all the kids loved it, but it's certainly striked a cord with my little boy.  Talking tools, absolute winner.

Finally, the other thing that really worked for my kids was the music.  My kids love to sing and dance, and throughout this DVD there are many opportunities to join Handy Manny and his tools in song.

There are three episodes on this disc, plus a bonus pooh bear feature!

OK, now to the fun part.  I have been given the opportunity to give away a copy of Handy Manny - Big Race.

Competition is open until June 30, all you have to do to enter is:

• Follow this blog Publicly using 'Google Friend Connect'  (see left hand side of blog)
• Comment on this post why you'd like to win

Winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified on July 1.  Please link your email up to comments, if I am unable to make contact with the winner within 7 days, I will redraw. Note: Aussie Entries only.

Cheers

Mandy

Disclosure: I received a complimentary DVD review copy courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and Porter Novelli via Digital Parents. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.



Hosted by Three Lil Princesses and Tina Gray {dot} Me

Wordless Wednesday

One word can describe this week so far.....................

SICK

One would think the bed on the couch is far more comfy than the coffee table.  Apparently not!

As the girl goes down, the boys pick up............ at least they know how to be happy, regardless.

I'm linking up with My Little Drummer Boy and Faith Hope and a Whole lotta Love for Wordless Wednesday.

Cheers




Mandy.

Money Matters - Grocery Shopping

Back to the reality of money.

That love hate relationship I have with my purse! 

I've been thinking a lot lately about the amount of money we waste spend on our groceries. 

With our financial expenses constantly rising, I had to seriously consider where we could save money, and groceries seems to be the obvious choice.

Then Kymie from A Day in the Life of Us talked about how menu planning impacted on her grocery bill.

I menu plan (most of the time). 

And when my planning lapses, I waste soooo much more money. 

So there was an obvious answer.

Currently or previously, our weekly grocery budget was $300.  In recent months I've reduced that to $250 a week, simply by cutting out the snack attack.

I'm talking about, fruit sticks, roll ups, all that rubbish, that is not only a bloody rip off but is probably not that great for the kids anyway.

So now I'm motivated further. 

Last week I stumbled across a cook book 'One Family One Supermarket'

source

This cookbook talks about menu planning and how shopping at Aldi will reduce your bill.  I guess I'll have to wait and see.  But I will give it a go.  I'll go that extra mile to see if I can save us some cash.

What are the challenges I'm faced with?

• I work 3 nights a week, so I like to prepare meals that are tasty reheated.
• My kids prefer meat and 3 veg
• My kids constantly nag me for snacks

So seeking any tips or pieces of advice on how to combat the above three challenges. 

What do you do to save money on your grocery bill? 

Let's see how I go over the next four weeks.  Fingers crossed I see an improvement that I can maintain!

Cheers

Mandy.

Crafts with Bunnings

You know one of our favourite activities to do on the weekend is head to Bunnings.

Who'd have thought we'd all be excited to hang out in a hardware store. lol.

But we do.

Mum checks out the organising / storage items

Dad checks out the plants, irrigation, goodness knows what else....

The kids, well they hang out in the Supervised Craft Group / Playground.

To say we love it is an understatement.

Last weekend, after the man had left for the week, I had to think of things we could do that would prevent the kids from going stir crazy and me going.. just plain crazy!

Off to Bunnings we went, and providing you go between 10ish - 12ish the kids can go straight to the Supervised Craft area. Last weekend the kids did some mosaics.

To make these, you simply need to purchase some wooden shapes.  We used Kaiser shapes.

Then spread some of the glue grout over the top of your shape.  Make sure you completely smoother it.

Then this is the bit where you can get creative.  Place tiles as desired, pressing into the glue grout.  (Use in original shapes or break up for random shapes)

It will set to a point within 10 - 15 minutes.  But do allow overnight to dry completely.

If working with older children you could go to the op shop and buy some old dinner ware, break it up and use those pieces (they might just be a bit sharp for younger ones).

This was a really fun activity.  When we got home, we used the hot glue gun to glue them to the fence, bit of garden art work.

Do you have a great activity within the community that your family loves to participate in?

Cheers

Mandy.

Note: I was in no way compensated for this post.  We just love Bunnings and I wanted to share how much fun you can have with your kids. Plus activities are FREE. 


I'm linking up to the Creative Create

Why am I so popular in the Bedroom?

This past week, the man has been away. 

In turn I have not had to go to work.  

Hooray for that!

I had visions, of curling up into bed, all by myself, I could roll, spread out, curl up, whatever I wanted...... arrrh the prospect of it was divine.

But due to popularity I had two pint size people fighting over me, wanting to spoil my passion to be by myself.

So with five nights without the man, I had to concede, and allow the older kids to take in turns of sleeping in my bed.

What is it that draws a child to slide into our beds?  Why are we so popular at bedtime?

I mean I even had Tommy tapping me on the shoulder at 2am in the morning "cuddle me mum, cuddle me"  

Arrh how cute I her you say, but what about me and my comfort?  Seriously.

I am grateful, it's rare that we get an extra in the bed in the middle of the night, but when the man is away, there is almost an all in brawl over who gets to shack up with me.

Do you have these same dramas?  Or do you have some really cool tactics to keep them wanting their own bed?

Love to hear your tips and advice.


Cheers


Mandy

Challenges and Goal Setting

So I'm determined, like really determined to get my act together.  

I write this here because if I write it, say it out loud, then I have to stick to it, or at least give it a red hot shot!

I feel like my fitness is not improving.

I've had a few barriers standing in my way, but these are not excuses.

The man of the house is back from his week away, so I no longer need to be attached to the children 24/7.

So how can I push myself over the line, how can I get myself to a point I am fit, and happy with this situation?  (Note: I am not depressed about the situation, but have a desire to achieve more).

Goal setting - The key to my Future Success

I have to admit I'm a big list writer.  It's how I get by.  I don't use a diary at work, I just write a list and work my way through it.  Same attitude works at home.  So I figure, same attitude will work with my fitness.

I'm going to set myself a challenge for July.  A list..... goals, that I need to achieve before the month is out.

But given June is still in full swing, I might start with a mini 'Fit list' for next week just to get me moving.

Fit List - Week Beginning 20 June

• I will run and complete week 5 of the C25K Challenge
• I will complete my 'Pure Pump' fitness DVD twice (completing sessions 1 & 2 each time)
• I will start the '200 Situps' program this week and complete 3 days
• I will record all my food / drink intake in an attempt to eat more healthy
• I will drink 2 litres of water a day

This is a stretched goal for me.  I've not done all of this in one week at any point to date.  But I've generally found if you've got it written down and are focused, you're more likely to reach your goal.  Right?

 This is soooo how my DVD workout turns out - Note: The above image is not me! - (image source)

So this weekend I'm grateful for:

• Having the man of the house back
• My motivation to keep on moving
• Kerryn giving me a fitness DVD, that way I can continue on my journey even when I'm stuck at home

Let's see how I go.  I'll let you know next weekend how the week panned out for me.  Then I can set myself some real challenges for July.

What are you grateful for this weekend?  Why not stop by Maxabella loves and see what others are grateful for too.

Cheers

Mandy.

Little Clicks - Oh Sweet Baby

Last weekend, when we were at the park, I gave Lulu the camera.

OK in no way would I hand over Nikon, let's make that quite clear. But I'm now quite open to handing over the Canon for some simple point and shoot.

The park, that was a tough one, you know I'm sure people don't want their children photographed by a stranger, but hopefully no one was overly offended by the 5 year old photographer on the prowl.

But she did take a sweet photo of myself nursing my darling baby. He was sad, he'd been wrapped up in his pram half the day, so a little cuddle was well over due.

Who am I kidding, Lulu will probably be using my SLR before she's 10!

Cheers

Mandy

Organising - Kids Bags

You know what I'd love (amongst many things) is a mud room!

What's a mud room you ask?

A room where you walk in drop your stuff and head into the home, somewhere to take shoes off and put shoes on, somewhere to hang your bags, hats, umbrellas, get the drift.

image

Now that's a great example of what I'd love in a mud room. 

We can all dream........

OK Back to reality!  We just don't have that kind of space in our humble abode.  Instead we have to compromise and come up with alternative options.

We created a space in our garage, with similar intent.  95% of the time we enter our home through the garage.  Often because we've been in the car, other times because it's easier to open the roller door than it is to get through fort knox that is our front door.

As the kids are starting to age, they are starting to accumulate stuff.  A kinder bag, a swimming bag, umbrellas, coats, dancing bags, any parent will understand.  All these bags and their contents need to go somewhere. Goodness knows my kitchen floor is not the place.

So using a garage storage system we assembled 8 hooks along the garage wall, next to the door leading into the house.  The kids get 2 hooks each and us parents 2 to share.

I created little name tags, with their name and a photo of them, laminated and stuck above their own hooks, helping them to identify 'their space'.

 

And finally in a bid to reduce clutter in the home I refill their bags straight away, for example, when they go swimming I rehang their bags, wash their wet belongings and as soon as they are washed, dried and folded they are placed straight back in their bags, on the hooks.  This helps reduce cutter as well as saving time, I never need to worry about packing bags when I'm in a rush in the morning.

I just wish our garage was a tad wider, then we'd be able to have a narrow seat and store shoes out there too.  But for now they live on the bottom shelf of our change table which is just behind the door!

 

So this is my attempt to turn something from Drab to Fab, yeap I know maybe a little bit OTT but trust me when I say it works.  Doing the best with the space I got.

I'm linking up with DIMINISHING LUCY for drab to fab, have you done something that's created a sense of drab to fab?  If so why not join in.


Cheers




Mandy.

Wordless Wednesday

Yesterday the kids took a well earned break in their castle.

Check them out, they're watching movies of choice on their portable DVD players.

 

Just a bit of mid-week madness.

Cheers

Mandy

I'm linking up with My Little Drummer Boys and Faith hope and a whole lotta love for wordless Wednesday.

Our Long Weekend

Well the man of the house was away this weekend, so it was up to the kids and I to entertain ourselves.  Lulu and Tom are just recovering from a cold, and to say that Zans was still suffering turned out to be an understatement.  But anyways...........

We started off at one of our many local parks.  Saturday, even though the sun was shining was still freezing.  I continually had Zans rugged up and had his plastic protection on his pram, just to reduce the wind / chill factor.  Poor bugger, was a little bubble boy all weekend.

 Check out Lulu in this last photo, that's her way of avoiding a dog on the path!

Sunday, I thought we need to do something a little different, you know, the weather was going to be perfect, for a winters day, so we needed to make the most of it.  Given we didn't make it to the beach this summer, I thought a leisurely ride along the boardwalk at the beach would be the perfect way to waste an hour.  The kids managed to ride 1km each way. 

The reward at the end of the bike ride....... another pit stop at the park, this time we went to a different park, one we've never been to before.  The kids love a bit of variety.  This park was awesome, but very busy!  But you can't expect something so great to go unnoticed.  Anyway, despite the fact that we had to queue like we were at an amusement park, the kids had a blast.

Then we went home and had some time out.  Quiet time, watching a movie, just relaxing.  But my little man, he's breathing was wheezy and his little chest was compacting a little.  After a bath, he seemed stressed and as a parent I felt uneasy, I didn't think I could put him to bed in this state.  So I loaded the kids up, drove through McDonalds on the way and headed to the hospital.

Turns out this little man has bronchiolitis.  But the doctors took great care of him.  Whilst I hate having to go to the hospital, I must say that the Monash Hospital in Melbourne is fantastic, they have always taken good care of my babies (and me for that matter).

Whose the patient I hear you ask, well Zan's stayed in the pram, only way I could keep him still and calm.  Lulu decided to chill out on the bed watching a bit of 'Big Time Rush'  which she advised me today she was in love with, and the emphasis was on in love, like "mum, did you know I'm IN LOVE with big time rush, like IN LOVE mum", yeap ok I get it! 

I did grab our portable DVD player too, then one of the lovely nurses bought the kids some colouring in too.  So in the 5 hours we spent sitting in an emergency cubicle the kids managed to behave themselves pretty well.

Anyway, my little man is on the mend now, some meds and rest are the order of the day.    So our long weekend was a mixture of highs and lows.  We do plan on taking dad for a stroll along the boardwalk and a visit to the park, and maybe then Zan's will be well enough to get out and enjoy the playground too.

Are you in Melbourne?  Do you have any must do activities that I should know about?  Would love to hear.

Cheers

Mandy.


This week for the first time I'm linking up with Point & Shoot @ Sunny + Scout, and Sundays in my city @ Unknown Mami 

Searching for the Zone

So I'm learning to run, slowly, but what I'm struggling with most is 'finding the zone'.

I hear comments (support) "when your legs get tired, keep going, tell yourself you have no choice"  but mentally I'm just not there yet.  I want to, but I just can't push it over the line.

On the way to the MS Fun Run with Kerryn  I talked about the crap that goes through my mind when I'm running.  This is the sort of crap my mind deals me:

"Run, you lazy bitch, keep going..... my legs are tired......stiff keep moving your arse.....but I'm tired......... just run to that next sign............ nah too tired.............. man you're a lazy bitch, couldn't keep running......"  

And then frustration sets in.

I'm trying to not be too hard on myself when it comes to frustration.  I remind myself that just over 3 months ago I had not run, in pretty much my whole adult life.  So I can't expect miracles, but if I could find the zone, I'm sure I could do heaps better.

In a bid to find the zone I embarked on the Couch to 5K training program.  I'm due to start week 5 in the morning.  Apparently after 9 weeks I'll be able to run 5K's straight.  I'm hopeful.  

I refuse to give in, I know I'm at the point that makes or breaks people, you know, I started, it was exciting, my first fun run was an emotional experience, and then the lull, if I can get through this lull I'm sure I'll have broken through the hardest part.

So what else can I do other than run?  

I need to build up my fitness and muscles.  

My legs hurt and they let me down. 

I've been given a killer Aerobics DVD to do at home.  

Perfect, no excuses, I can do this when I'm stuck at home with all the kids.

In fact it was actually quite fun.  Lulu said "I'm getting a bit tired, but I'm not going to give up"

Maybe I should chant her words as I run.

Due to the man's work commitments I won't be able to run during the week, so I will walk, fast, to continue to work on my fitness.  I will complete my new DVD.

I will continue to seek motivation and direction through others blogs.  There are so many fit and enthusiastic people out there.

I will continue to find and read quotes on Pinterest, in a bid to be inspired.

I tell myself, this journey for me, it's just beginning.  I'm only starting out.  Imagine how good I'm going to be in 12 months time.  This is what I tell myself, in a bid to cut myself some slack.  To not get frustrated, to remind myself I'm doing this because despite some of these feelings, I'm actually really loving this.

I love getting out of the house, challenging myself, doing something that is just about me, reminding myself that I am more than just someones mum.  

So I will continue to train and work toward 'Run Melbourne' in July and then I'll go back and continue to train toward the 'City to Surf' in Sydney.  Sooooooooo excited!

The exciting thing about both these runs, is that I've done the distances before, so I'll be trying to beat my own Personal Best.  Sure the course will be different, but I'm looking forward to the challenge....... of improving me!

Cheers

Mandy

Grateful for my little dancer

Today after over a year of nagging, my little man started dancing.

His busting to do hip hop but at almost 4 he is still a little bit young.  So ballet and tap it is for now.......

He went to his class where he apparently was incredibly focused.

After that, we stopped by the dance shop to pick up his new ballet slippies and tappy shoes.

 

I'm grateful that he is passionate, I am grateful that he is enthusiastic, I'm grateful that he is mine.

Cheers

Mandy

National Tree Day - You up for it?

I've been waiting, waiting for my kids to be big enough to participate in the National Tree Day.  I love the idea of doing something together that is good, that is voluntary, helping the wider community.

Funnily enough Lulu is also focusing on gardening and planting at Kinder.  They're growing bean stalks, have a pending Bunnings excursion and will tackle the garden bed at the front of kinder after that.  So embracing this current theme we are jumping right in and have volunteered for National Tree Day.

Whilst National Tree Day is on Sunday July 31st, you'll need to check the Planet Ark website for actual sites.  Not all registered sites will be planting on this day.

What’s National Tree Day all about?

• Planet Ark and Toyota are calling on Australians to take part in this special day to get their hands dirty and improve their local environment.

• National Tree Day is the largest single nature care activity in Australian schools is an opportunity for children to interact and learn about their environment.

• National Tree Day is a chance to give something back to your community and our environment.

• This year’s theme continues as ‘LIFE IS BETTER WITH TREES’.

• National Tree Day is organised by Planet Ark in partnership with Toyota and its dealer network which provide on-the-ground support at local and community tree-planting sites Australia wide.

• People across the country will be getting involved in thousands of official tree planting and land care activities organised by schools, communities, councils and Toyota Dealers.

What are the key benefits of planting trees and why should people get involved in National Tree Day?

• Native trees and shrubs help to sustain the local environment. By planting natives we are helping to combat climate change by absorbing CO2, reducing greenhouse emissions creating a healthier and cleaner environment and restoring habitat for native wildlife.

• National Tree Day encourages people to think about going ‘green’ and ‘doing our bit’ for the environment – like joining a local Landcare or Bushcare group to help plant trees and maintenance projects throughout the year. Other environmental activities can also include switching off lights, sorting recycling and purchasing green products.

• The more people that get involved means that small contributions can add up to make a big difference.

• National Tree Day is a great community event and a chance to have fun whilst making a difference.

We are really looking forward to making a contribution, whilst our project is during the school holidays we have alerted the Kinder and hope we might even see some of our kinder buddies there.

We'll let you know how we go.  Are you participating in National Tree Day?

Cheers

Mandy.

Making Dough - Kids Play

We like to play at our house, I am torn between mess and fun, but do try to find a happy balance.  So play dough definitely has it's place in our home.  

That said when we were away recently my SIL put together this activity to entertain the boys, whilst the girls were beading!

Not play dough, but playing with dough!

She set up the table with news paper, gave them both a bowl each with flour in it, and a drink bottle of water to make their own dough.

 

Yeah OK so there was a little bit of "mum mines too runny now" and a little bit of flour was added.   But overall the activity was loads of fun.

The sense of baking, (without baking) getting stuck into it, and having fun, working together on a project with your cousin (highlight).

Then to step it up a notch we added some sprinkles.  After this there was just some general 'playing' with the dough.

When they were done, we wrapped it in glad wrap, and later that night disposed of it.

# You could always use a rolling pin and cookie cutters to cut shapes out.  

# You could always bake your shapes too, then they'd be hard.  If you used a skewer to put a hole through it you could make something to hang.  Time didn't permit for us on this day, but the kids were all smiles

Cheers

Mandy