Blogopolis - After thoughts

OK people I survived...... just.

No seriously, I am knacked, and I'd be in bed right now if I wasn't enjoying a wine sitting here blogging.

Everyone is starting to arrive - Great Venue

Today was great.  I loved it, not without it's pitfalls, but those hang ups are all my own.  The event, blogopolis, was fantastic.  I have walked away with so much to think about.

Why do I blog?

What is my message?

How do I want to be branded?

All stuff to think about.  I loved comments like "it's what people say when you leave the room that sums up who you are / what your blog is about"

I love that I have 'real life blogging friends'  and I hope to expand on my 'online blogging friends'.

Today was hard in that sense, too often I hid behind my iPhone, it's a challenge for me, but something I accept and something I continue to challenge, I don't expect to be some sort of extroverted person overnight.  And anyone that knows me well enough has seen my extroverted side, it exists, but only when I'm truly comfortable, so I hope as time goes by, I'll find that happy place in blogging.  But make no mistake, I'm happy with my blogging life!

OK so I spent a bit of time latching onto Del from My Relish, a blogger I know in real life.  But it was nice to meet people such as Kate from Kate Says Stuff, Naomi from Seven Cherubs, Penny from Sshh Mummys on the Phone, and Brenda from Mummy Time just to name a few.

Today was such an eye opener.  I loved being surrounded by people happy to talk keywords, SEO optimisation, and not looked at like some kinda freak.  I know Mez from Back in GTown recently said to me "Starting a blog has opened up a whole world I didn't even know existed"  So true, so true.

And even though we are small fish in big seas, I hope by the time that it becomes as common as Facebook, we'll be considered innovative as opposed to strange!

 Yeap, the Oz Blog Zone - I'm a part of that!

Anyway, wrapping up for now.  I had a great day.  Nuffnang pulled out all the big guns, with some fantastic presenters and a fab event.  

And then as if Nuffnang paid for it, we stepped outside to a perfect rainbow!

I look forward to participating in more blogging events in the future.

Cheers

Mandy.

Blogopolis - pre drinks -handling Melbourne CBD

So I decided to put myself out there tonight, and I have to admit I met a handful of absolutely lovely people.

I saw many more that I wanted to meet, but I couldn't just put myself out there. 

I couldn't just walk up and interrupt a conversation like I was more important. 

Oh well, there is always tomorrow! 

I worked all day, well the last two days actually, to make sure the washing was done, food was cooked and I was right to go. 

I sat in front of the computer and punched in the address to the Match bar and grill and wrote myself some instructions on how to get there. Allowed plenty of time to get there. Actually got into the city with 45 minutes to spare, how ridiculous! 

And then, in true me style, I took a wrong turn, how could this happen? 

I doubted my own instructions, you know the ones I wrote when I was looking at the map. Seriously! One wrong turn was all it took, then there was the protest, the hook turns, you name it, anything to cause a traffic jam. 

But when all was said and done I got there on time. 

So I made it. It was a good night, maybe a few more wines would have helped. Maybe a good friend to hold my hand would have helped. But regardless I decided I needed to do this, put myself out there and go. 

I did have a nice night, met a handful of lovely bloggers, who I could related to. 

But I felt old. 

The drive in I was feeling vibrant, thinking, why don't we as parents do this more often, take time out for ourselves. Toward the end of my night I was thinking, those nights perched on the couch with some good friends drinking a nice bottle of wine seriously are the best. 

It was a reminder that what I've got going on is pretty bloody good. Even after the kids drive me bonkers, even after I get frustrated that the house is a mess, ultimately I chose this life. I'm pretty bloody happy with it too. 

Yeah sure we all need to escape the 'every day life' from time to time. But there is a reason it is our everyday life. I look forward to what tomorrow holds. And no doubt I'll have loads to share. 

Cheers 

Mandy.

Blogopolils - Yikes, the anticipation!

So this weekend I'm heading to my first official bloggers conference, Blogopolis.

I know I am a mixture of emotions, excited, nervous, anixous...........

I know at my age it seems ridiculous, but this event is creating so much buzz?  

So why do I feel this way?

A number of reasons, firstly, I've probably already achieved what I set out to originally when I started my blog, so now I need some new goals:

I am only new to blogging, prior to 2011 I read blogs questioning if this is something I'd like to do myself.  So with only one real clear goal I decided to start a personal blog.  I wanted to get some followers, people who'd comment on my blog, so I wasn't talking to myself, but other than that no real expectations.

Well it seems I've achieved that.  I find that I 'conversate' with some fantastic women out there, who I share so much in common with.

Secondly, I can't wait to meet like minded people:

Prior to blogging I built a website Family Travel Made Easy and often hear comments from those around me, about how I'm over the top, crazy, strange........ because I love this, being on the internet, enjoying the challenge of building something I'm proud of.  'How do you find the time' they ask, not really wanting an answer. 

I know it's lack of understanding, but to meet a bunch of people who 'get it'  who feel the same as me, it's exciting.

Finally, I'm hoping to learn something:

Although I know a lot, I've learn't alot, html, internal linking, blah blah blah, I know in the grand scheme of things, I know nothing.  I have sooooo  much to learn it's ridiculous.  I look forward to learning this weekend.

I'm going this alone, which in all honesty, I'm shitting myself (no other way to describe it).  

I know I'm happy that there is allocated seating so I don't have to stumble around like a Scotty no friends!  

What I don't know - I sit here Thursday night still uncertain as to whether I'll attend the pre-conference drinks, can I handle putting myself out there again?  Will it make it easier the following day?

I'll update you early next week as to how I went, what decisions I made.

I know for sure I'll have plenty to write about!

I'm linking up with Daisy Roo & Two for things I know this week, Shae is already socialising her butt off at a bloggers brunch.  Seriously could there be any more events!

Cheers

Mandy

The Rainbow Fish - More than Reading

I did Kinder duty last week and the theme of the day was 'in the sea'. 

It reminded me of a fun craft activity we did early last year. 

We'd borrowed The Rainbow Fish from the library back in February 2010. We read the book a couple of times, and the kids loved it. 

We talked about the moral of the story, about the importance of sharing, and the reward you receive in being generous. 

And then in our usual style hit the craft stash! 

We decided to make our very own rainbow fish. (Now keep in mind Tom was only 2 1/2 at this stage so his rainbow fish had a lot of adult help). 

What did we do: 

• I drew an outline of a fish onto a piece of card stock 


• I cut out a handful of colourful scales


• And then I cut out a small number of silver scales using tin foil


• Then the kids created their rainbow fish, gluing scales to their fish and decorating as they saw fit.

They were so proud of their fish, we pinned them up on the fridge and they showed anyone that entered our home.

I want my kids to have a passion for books, and I love to look beyond the book and think of ways to really embrace the story.

What's your favourite kids book?  Do you have a book that you love to read that is associated to a really fun craft? 

Cheers

Mandy

Australias Got Talent - Ain't that the truth!

I must admit I've never watched Australia's got talent before, I don't watch much TV at the best of times but this year, we've watched every episode.  To say it's been the TV highlight of our week is an understatement.

Why does this make me so happy?

Because it's family time, it's a time we all look forward to each week, where we can sit down together and we can all truly enjoy the one TV show.  We oh and arh over the crazy magic tricks of Consentino, have been bought to tears listening to the beautiful stories behind contestants such as Benchmark and The Bandit.

I have to admit, I'm torn between who should win, my picks would be (in no particular order):

# Timomatic

He is a brilliant all round performer, I love his dance moves, I love that he combines it with singing and I love that he brings some of his own lyrics.

# Jack Vidgen

He's gorgeous, and a brilliant singer, I love the fact that he doesn't sound like a teenage boy.  I love how humble he is, and after tonight's performance, regardless of whether he wins or not, someone needs to back him so he can release his song that he wrote and performed tonight, so much talent for a young man.

# The Bandit

Rap music is not my passion, but this guy is very good at what he does, and the fact that he writes his own lyrics is fantastic.  I love the way he's promoting second chances, reminding people that we make mistakes and we can't change that but we can change what happens today and what happens tomorrow.

# Consentino

What can I say, this guy is amazing.  I find myself covering my face as I watch his stunts.  I also love that he mixes up and sometimes throws a bit of dancing and entertainment in it to.  He is unique.  I love that he wants to open a magic school.  He makes us smile.

So I can't decide, who should win this talent battle.  The talent is so diverse how can you seriously compare one against the other?

The only way I assess who might be in for a shot would be to ask the kids.

Lulu's vote goes to:

Tom's vote goes to:

So who do you want to win?

Cheers

Mandy

Hope for Little Annie

Recently I've talked about organ donating.  It's because I'm currently cheering on a tiny little soul who has been waiting and waiting.

Her name is Annie, she is eight months old and on Friday night her family got the call they have been waiting for.  A liver was waiting for her.

 [image source: See Newspaper Article Also]

It was a long night for them, they'd waited a long time for this liver, yet it mean't a nerve racking time was ahead of them.

Fortunately this is a happy story.  Annie's body so far has accepted her new liver.  Obviously there is still a long way to go on this journey for such a little girl, but I have no doubt with the love and support she has surrounding her she will one day be a fit and healthy little girl.

I encourage you to stop by the Facebook Page The Brave Little Annie Group if you haven't already.  Show them some support, I know it is helping to keep them strong during this time.

If you are from within Victoria / NSW you may also be interested in attending their upcoming Trivia Night

If you are unable to attend but have an item you'd like to donate toward the cause please see their facebook page for contact details.  Little Annie has a trust fund set up and all help provides valuable support for the family.

Whilst I have not personally met Annie, I am so glad her mum reconnected with her old friends through Facebook prior to her birth.  I feel fortunate to be able to see such great support networks in motion.  To see people I know stop what they are doing in their ordinary life to support a friend in need.

[image]

Remember to talk to your loved ones about organ donating.  And remember organ donating is not just something we need adults to do.  It's about anyone who passes, giving someone here the gift of life.

As I sit here writing this my thoughts do go out to a family who were brave and caring enough to make the decision to donate and give little Annie a really good chance at life. 

Cheers

Mandy

Fitness - Joining the Gym

I continue on my efforts to run.

I still can't get through 10kms without stopping.  I know the barrier that is stopping me is a mental one, and I don't know how to break that barrier.

So in the mean time I look for physical ways to make it easier to break.  I've joined the gym. I figure if I continue to build on my fitness it will just happen.

When it comes to my running, I run and then I hit a wall and this is why I have small spurts of walking.  It frustrates me.  So I didn't think the answer was to just keep running.  I thought that if I went to the gym I could build the muscles in my legs as well as improve my cardio fitness.  Fingers crossed!

I set myself a challenge for July to run 50km.  I'm getting there.  Although that said I only have until Sunday to complete the remaining 11.7km.  The distance is not a worry it is more a matter of time.  I will go to the gym Tuesday night and hit the treadmill in a bid to know the last 11.7km off, otherwise I'll be leaving the remaining km's till the 31st of the month and that is a little annoying.  But nonetheless I think I'll get there.  Phew, who'd have thought.

August will see me head to Sydney for my first City to Surf Run.  80,000+ people participate in this run, so I'm really looking forward to it.  It is 14km, so my aim will be to beat my first run I did back in March.

And then, I've decided to take a step back, I think running 14.4kms in my first ever fun run, was awesome and inspirational but probably also a bit silly.  There is two more fun runs I'd really like to participate in this year, however I might register for the 5km run.  I'll attempt to master that and then move forward again.

[image]

I need to keep reminding myself that less than six months ago I couldn't even run to the end of my street, so my achievements are great.  I'm just a control freak, an all or nothing person, so I will do my best to remain focus and remain positive.

Cheers

Mandy

Overseas Travel - Celebrating the Adventure

So my parents and younger brothers just got back from their overseas trip.

I talked about how we were going to embrace the trip from home.

Outcome:

• We checked the map on a daily basis and the kids took it in turns of updating the country on the board (this was easy to do using Velcro)


• We had information cards for some of the countries that they visited.  Lulu quickly became fascinated with how to say, hello, good morning and good night in each language.   The cards simply taught the kids a little bit about each country (given the age of my kids, these were really basic)


• We completed a couple of craft activities, because seriously, my kids they love craft!


• We pinned the post cards to the board as they arrived in the mail

Besides the fact that we stalked our way across Europe, I honestly believe that my kids learnt something!  I'm sure of it.

I know they now know that on the other side of the world it is day time when it is our night time and it is Summer when it's our Winter (and they are not very happy about that last bit!)

I know they are very much still in love with the Royal Family. 

When it is time for a kiss Lulu likes to do so with a kiss to both cheeks.

It's a start, to understanding that things are different in other parts of the world.

Want to join in?

If you want to make the 'British Guard - Paper Dolls'  you can find the printable here. 

If you want to make the 'Windmill Activity' you can find the printable here.

I have to admit we've had a really lovely time, I mean lets not pretend I would have rather been on the trip myself but when that's not an option this was a pretty good alternative.

Cheers


Mandy.

Grateful for a good laugh

Sometimes the day to day running of life can get repetitive, ground hog day!

Sometimes it's tiring, draining, exhausting, and then sometimes a simple bit of nonsense makes your day.

This week I came to work, nothing different here.  But a quick chat with a couple of lovely ladies ended in laughter.  Just what every mother needs at the end of a hectic day.

[image]

One of these lovely ladies showed me a gift she had received from her husband for her birthday.  It was a tea cup, with cats on it. 

A bit poxy! 

And that is exactly what she told her husband........ love it!

 

[image] - Noice!

Got me thinking, what is the crappiest present you've ever received?

I know my husband has bought me a foot spa before (sold on ebay).  Other than that he just avoids buying my anything in a bid to avoid the embarrasment.

Anyway, back to being grateful.  It's funny where these little burst of entertainment appear.  So thank you ladies, for putting a little light on a dreary day.

Cheers


Mandy

I'm linking up with Baby Mac this week who is kindly hosting Maxabella's grateful link up.  I mean seriously who'd say no to that!

Things I know - Short Stories for Kids

Because I love to, I'm linking up with 'Things I know' over at  Yay For Home.

At the moment I have books and reading on my mind.

I know the importance of teaching your children to read.

I know that I am not invested as much as I'd like to be.

My kids attend a reading program, based on phonic reading.  It is here each week they learn a new sound that helps them to learn and associated letters with words.

I know that they love it.  I know that I need to spend more time with them in between classes each week, revisiting what they are learning.

I know I will always have a list as long as my arm of other things that need doing, but this is important and I need to just stop.

We used to visit the library once a week and borrow books, I used to shuffle through the rows of books in search of short stories, not too many words, stories I know we'd read.

But we haven't done that this year. 

In all honesty we have that many books at home, there would a handful we've not even read.

 [image]

I know that my kids tend to go for the same books over and over again, and they need encouragement to try something new.

I am going to try and select a small handful of books from the bookshelf, perhaps even with a theme, to encourage my children to look beyond their favourites.

And when time permits look beyond just reading the book but embracing the theme with other activities.

I know that there is more to reading books, than education. 

I know dedicating time each day to sitting and reading a book with the kids, is good quality family time, quiet time. 

An opportunity for a snuggle. 

An opportunity to communicate with one another in a tone that is not bossy, frustrated, demanding, but warm, caring and considerate.

I know we've gotten a little slack with our reading over the last few months.  But I am determined to get back on track.  Bed time WILL start half an hour earlier than usual, thus ensuring this quality time doesn't walk out the door.

Do you do anything special when it comes to reading to your kids?  Do you have a routine that you incorporate into your day? 

I'd love to hear about it if you do.

Cheers


Mandy.

Build your own Story Book

When I was looking for activities over the school holidays I came across a great post at Childhood 101

Christie talked about making books with your children.

And just like that it hit me, let's do it.  I had a huge stash of cards, which I collect purposely for cut and paste recycle.

Using some white card I created some blank A5 books.  Then I let the kids do the creating.

They spent over an hour, sorting, selecting, pasting...........

Yes this is my daughter, bathed in the middle of the day. lol. It's been cold.

And then it was my turn, I sat down and listened, and wrote, the story.

They told me what the story was and I wrote, fast, as fast as one can, anyway.

And the verdict, they loved it.

So much so that they went back and did it all again the next day.

 

And these were the stories we read every night for the next week.

Mandy

A Winter's Day at the Beach

Don't be fooled into thinking it's beach weather.

Last weekend we decided to take Dad to the park by the beach, we found this park when he was away for work.

After a little play in the park we decided to go for a walk down the beach. (sometimes a little difficult with a pram).

Lulu's dress style is inspired by Justin Bieber (hoodie under shirt). lol.

Anyway, with top temperatures for the day set at 15 degrees the kids decided they really wanted to dip their feet in.  Initially we said "no, don't be stupid it's freezing"  but after a little nagging that 4 and 5 years are sooo good at we told them to go for it.

Lulu and I have always butted heads when it comes to dressing for the right weather conditions.  I feel the cold.  So you can imagine how cold I was just watching her in the water.  What planet is she on?

And whilst the big kids were getting in amongst it.  Our little man Zan he was pretty happy to watch from the side lines.

Check out the drool!

Anyway, we ended up having a great time out.  Our kids love the beach and with the pathetic summer we just experienced they have not spent any where near enough time at the beach.

But you don't have to wait for a sunny or hot day to go to the beach.  

Here's some suggestions for fun at the beach during winter:

• It's great to go for a walk along the board walk
• Or go for a walk along the sand  
• Take a kite, there's always a little wind
• Maybe even a ball to kick around (providing it doesn't go in the water!)
• Collect shells for some arts and crafts back home
• Take a sketch book and encourage your kids to draw some of the scenery

We'll definitely be back in the colder months as well as the warmer one.  But somehow I don't think we'll ever be able to avoid the water!

What do you do with your family during the colder months?

Mandy

Whinge Fest - Downside of Motherhood

I'm a bit peeved off at the mo, and probably should walk away from the computer right now!

It's my day off (from work anyway)  I've had a ripper of a day (not) and was hanging out to go to the gym.  Yes I finally did it and joined Contours, but I'll tell you about that later.

I wanted to go, I'm feeling enthusiastic about my training (well not right this very second) and need to embrace it when motivation is high.

But today, today is not going to be the day I go to the gym.  The man is working back.  By the time he walks in the door I have to cook dinner = no gym, I will try and may succeed in going after dinner, but my motivation may not be back then.

Sometimes I feel selfish, as a mother for getting frustrated.  But we give and give and give.  And I know that is my job, I took on that responsibility when I decided to embark on this journey.  To a degree I knew what to expect, to another degree I had no bloody idea.

Now whilst I am a cranky because the man is at work, that crankiness is turned on me.  How awful am I, he is out there working his arse off to earn a living for us.  It's not like his down the pub drinking with his mates.  But yet I'm still cranky.

So because I start to have those awful feelings about myself I start to behave badly.  I yell at the kids, 'pack up the game' I tell them, I didn't ask I told them, 'I said pack. up. the. game' I yell.  Why am I raising my voice at them, they are children, that is what kids do.  Eventually they pack up the game.

Recently I talked about how my daughters behaviour is not as good as I'd like it to be.  But look at me today, what kind of an example am I setting?  How can I expect my children to not throw a tantrum when I can't even curb my own frustration?

I find motherhood is filled with massive highs and plenty of lows.  Today, well it's sucking the life out of me.  My son had a massive melt down today, because we couldn't go to the park after kinder, then when we went to buy my daughter new runners, he continued that melt down because I would not by him a pair of shoes too.  This melt down lasted probably 2 hours (including a full on wobbly on the floor in the middle of the shopping centre).  When we did nick in and out to get Lulu's new shoes, I was 'that mother' you know the one people look at and roll their eyes thinking goodness know what!

Anyway, I just had to get that off my chest.  Sometimes days are just crap, but this is what we signed up for.  I need to look at ways to work through the low days and my own frustration.  It's a challenge.  

I have to go now, my son is calling me, he is on the toilet and needs his butt wiped, at least he is not having another melt down.

Mandy

Chicken and Leek Pie

The thing with this recipe is, it was originally a 'family pie'  you know, one where you chuck everything in and put some pastry on top.  But with little ones that won't eat it, a family pie is a little too much for us grown ups.

So I make the mixture up and then simply make individual pies using pie tins and pastry top and bottom.  Like how a pie should be (in my opinion).

2 tbsps oil

2 medium leeks, finely sliced

500g minced chicken

2 tablespoons plain flour

1 cup (250ml) cream

¼ cup (60ml) water

½ cup 9125ml) chicken stock

440g tin corn

3 tbsps fresh parsley

2 sheets ready rolled puff pastry, thawed - I use 4, for individual pies.
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tsps sesame seeds

Preheat the oven to 210c.  Lightly brush a shallow 20 to 25 cm casserole dish with melted butter.  Heat the oil in a pan, add the leek and cook, stirring for 5 minutes, or until softened.

Add the chicken mince and stir for 5 minutes or until just cooked, breaking any lumps.
Sprinkle the mince with flour and mix well.  Add the cream and water and stir over low heat until the mixture boils and thickens.  

Add the chicken stock, corn and parsley.

Season with salt and pepper, spoon the mixture into the casserole dish. 

Family Pie: Lay 1 sheet of pastry on a work surface, brush with egg and top with the other sheet.  Put on top of the pie.  Trim or roll the edges and mark with a sharp knife.  Cut 3 steam holes in the top.

Brush with egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Individual Pies: Line greased pie tins with pastry, add filling and apply pastry top.  Then Brush with egg and sprinkle with sesame sees.  Bake for approx. 15 minutes.

Note: I always slightly undercook mine, because I freeze them, then when they're defrosted and I re-heat them they don't burn.

Cheers

Mandy


Linking up with Kate Says Stuff for Menu Monday Linkup (even though it's now Tuesday, doh!)

A Sewing Project

I had this need to send a message to a friend, to tell them I was thinking about them during a tough time.

Although only small, (and maybe a little tacky) I created a little heart, with a message.

As I hand sewed this heart my delightful daughter decided she needed to sew a heart too.  She's never had an opportunity to sew.  I think she did a pretty good job.  Despite the fact that she kept putting the thread off the needle.

But hey, we all have to start somewhere right?

So for no reason at all other than the fact that she loves her, Lulu is going to give her heart to one of her special friends.

No doubt we will have many more joint sewing adventures ahead of ourselves.

Cheers

Mandy

Run Melbourne - I did!

Today I did the Run Melbourne 10 Km Run.

This race was a little different, it was the first one where the family came along as well. I had my very own cheer squad.

 It was a little too fresh for Miss Lulu

So anyway, we prepared the night before to ensure that we had 3 children ready to go by 7.45am.

We headed into the city with loads of anticipation.  The kids chose to wear their 'fast' shoes too, busting to run themselves. 

I told Tom I was running, I needed him to cheer me on. 

He said 'But what about me, who'll cheer me on?' 

He then said 'I need to run, I'm faster than the Piston Cup'

Oh honey, you'll get your turn, one day.

The time to beat was 1.08.13, this was my time in the MS Fun Run

So how did I go?

Well I bet my time, I got an official time of 1.08.06.  Oh well, at least I didn't go backwards! lol.

So once I got over the finish line, I was relieved.  It was a hard slog. 

I wasn't prepared for the hills, they were hard. But I did it. 

Kerryn from Porter Reporter managed to crack the 1 hour.  Congratulations Kerryn I know what an achievement that is!  Whooo hooo.

I ran into another girlfriend at the finish line.  We celebrated our efforts, although having to unwrap the plastic off our own medal did take the shine off it alittle. lol.

As kids do the direction moved pretty quickly from me to them.  They were busting to have a go on Melbourne's City Wheel.  So Dad happily obliged.

And then following this we headed out as a family to China Town for some Yum Cha.  Melbourne does an awesome Yum Cha.

Overall it was a great day out.  Melbourne turned on the weather which was great, (it's pouring down outside now, and is expected to for the next 7 days) We got to ensure everyone got to do something a little special and then at the end of our day (approximately 1pm - which felt like about 5pm) we headed home.

 

Yeap absolutely knacked describes the big kids, we made them walk all over town!  but as for that little man cruising in his pram:

He was bursting with energy.

We don't get into the city too often, but today we can say we had a great day in our city.

Cheers

Mandy

I'm linking up with Unknown Mami for Sundays in my city.

I'm grateful for this little man!

I'm grateful for this little man, who turned 4 these school holidays.

I'm grateful that he is the most affectionate of my three and I know he loves me very much.  Right back at ya!

Linking up with Maxabella Loves Grateful link up.

Things I know - Being a Working Mum

I work nights, only 3.

I know there are pros and cons to working in the evening.

I know the pros are:

• I get to share the days with my kids
• I don't miss out on anything
• I get to participate in their kinder activities
• I get to pretend I'm a stay at home mum

I definitely know there are cons to this working night business too, 

I know the cons are:

• When I leave the house tidy, I'll come home to a mess
• I always wake up having to start the day cleaning up the crap from the day before
• It is harder to be organised when you need to prepare for the next day by 4pm.
• It is hard coming up with meals that are nice reheated and the kids will enjoy

I'm starting to have a little anxiety about Lulu starting school next year.  I work three nights but on one of those days I start at 2.30pm.  Essentially she will only see me at breakfast on that day, and the following day maybe an extra hour.

She doesn't like me going to work, she doesn't like missing me.  When I'm hope I'm stuck over compensating, both the older kids fight over who sits next to me at the dinner table, I'm the only one that is allowed to tuck them in.  It can be exhausting.  I'm worried this obsession will get worse.

I know I need to get over it, it's only July, she doesn't start till next year.  But I often ponder what is the right thing for our family.  I don't think working in the day and putting the kids in care is for us.  I don't want to work to pay for childcare, and I don't want to miss out on the baby growing into a little boy.

How do working mums juggle school kids?  After school activities?  Homework?  Being organised?

I know we are battling to work out what is right for our own families, and I hope I can find the right fit.

I'm linking up with Yay for homes, 'Things I know' link up.

Cheers

Mandy

Plant a Tree Day 2011

Last weekend we participated in the National Tree Day.  The official day is the 31st July, but there are loads of different sites on different days in the coming weeks.

I talked about the fact that we wanted to participate in the day recently.  Leading up to the event I was a little concerned about the weather, it was cold and had been wet all week, but would you believe it, the sun came out and it was a perfect winters day.

So our family, a small group of high school girls, and a few other random volunteers embarked on a local parkland to plant 1000 trees.

My kids loved it.  They love gardening anyway, dad has a green thumb so they're naturally interested, but to get right in there, get a bit grotty and have tools available = awesome.

Our little man had a blast.  That photo of him looking cranky, well that was the face he pulled whenever I picked him up.  The fear that I may be taking him away from the action was far too great.

Tom had a field day hanging out with the other volunteers, helping them and finding treasures.  He even found a golf ball.

Lulu was probably the most professional of the volunteers.  She rocked up with her gardening gloves on ready for action.  And after a hard morning planting trees she managed to polish off 4 sausages.  That's a lot for a little girl.

The council put on this event, the planting, the sausage sizzle afterwards.  It's really good to support these great causes.  We had a chat to the kids afterwards about why we need to plant trees, the fact that they provide oxygen for us to breath, and homes for the wildlife.

The only downfall (if there had to be one) is our little man got bitten by a mozzie and it turns out his allergic.  Who knew!  I flicked it away when it landed on his face soon after we arrived.  Then the next morning he had a little welt on the corner of his eye.  We thought he'd bumped it given his just learn't to walk.  The following morning his whole eye was closed over and infected.

We got a little glimpse of his eye today.  Poor little man.  But don't worry if nothing else I can confirm he is as happy as ever.

If you're looking for something to do with your children this is a great community event.

Cheers

Mandy

Joining in with the Anderson Crew:

Top 5 Frugal Ideas for School Holiday Fun

These days there are so many fab things to do around the community during the school holidays, who needs to spend a fortune.

Here are my top 5 picks for fun during the school holidays that don't have to cost a fortune.  In no particular order:

1/ FREE Shopping Centre Entertainment

We have a couple of different shopping centres available to us.  We have a huge Westfield close by as well as a couple of smaller complexes within driving range.  Most centres will facilitate some sort of activity program during the school holidays.

Early in the year we went and saw the Yo Gabba Gabba stage show, which was running twice daily for a whole week.  In fact it was so good we went twice.

2/ FREE Bunnings Craft Sessions

Check with your local Bunnings, but they are great, usually scheduled for around 10-2 you will need to book.  My kids have made cars from recyclable materials, puppets, mosaics you name it they do it all.

3/ $5 Flix - Village Cinema Kids Movies

Village is our closest cinema, but it may not be your local.  Still check out your local cinema, most seem to offer some sort of deal these days.  I know Hoyts run Kids Flix at selected times.

But I love the option to take the kids to a movie at such a great rate.  I can take both the big kids for $15.  That's cheaper than the usual price of an adult ticket.

Why so cheap?  They usually run movies that have been out for some time, no longer new releases, or are about to be released to DVD.  Either way, my kids love the cinema experience, and the movies are guaranteed to be well suited.

4/ FREE Story Time / Craft Sessions - Local Library

Check with your local council, but most libraries run story sessions.  Some are regular throughout the year, but most will add some additional sessions, often with themed crafts too.

5/ Outdoor Fun

Ok this one will depend on the weather, but a trip to one of the many local parks, a walk or ride along the beach (if available) is a great free option.  Don't be put off by the cold, layer up and get out and breath some fresh air.

So I encourage all parents to take a look around, there are way too many great resources out there these days for us to take part in.  Why spend a fortune unnecessarily.  

Note: I respect that I live in Melbourne and not all these resources might be available to everyone.  But I hope it gives you some inspiration.

Do you have any great Frugal pieces of advice for parents during the school holidays?

Cheers

Mandy