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July 29, 2010

Psssst! Put these dates in your diary!! (for Wellingtonians)

I’m excited about August! August is when Petone have their Winter Carnival, which includes a fireworks display!

We also have a fireworks display in November as part of Guy Fawkes Day which is fantastic! The only problem is that it starts at 9pm at night. So you have to weigh up keeping your really young ones up until that time, and letting your school kids have a late night when there is school the next day.

Last year was the first year we took the kids to the Petone fireshow which starts at 7.30pm. We parked with our peoplemover’s boot facing the display. We put the seats down flat, and the younger kids sat inside and ate fish and chips while they watched the fireworks. (Those who attend the fireworks display in Wellington, usually have to park a mile away, and walk…walk and walk some more before getting a good view of the displays)

So if you haven’t been to the Petone Fireshow before, I highly recommend it!

Here are some other fun things that are happening in August:

Petone Winter Carnival

Obviously I am excited about the Pelorus Trust FireShow at 7.30pm, but there are other things happening during the day like Carnival Games and Rides, Fire Sculptures, Free Petting Zoo, Food Fair and much, much more! Check out their website for more info!

Date: Saturday, 14 August

Time: 2pm-8pmish (after the fireworks display)

Cost: Charges apply for some rides, food etc

Location: Petone Foreshore

Johnsonville Family Gala

This was SUCH a great event last year! The petting zoo, balloon making, bouncy castle, gingerbread decorating, petting zoo, ceramic painting, 2nd hand toys and book stall are under cover, so this event can go on rain (wind) or shine! The prices for the activities are incredibly reasonable, which is why many people liked about this event. There will be lots of yummy goodies on sale as well!

This event is put on by our Playcentre and the funds raised will go towards our renovations project.

Date: Saturday, 21 August

Time: 10am-1pm

Cost: Gold coin entry. Charges apply for the various activities

Location: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 3 Frankmore Avenue, Johnsonville

Sort your Clutter Workshop

Galit Maxwell from “Sort Your Clutter” will take you through a workshop to:

  • learn more about clutter and the effects it has on your life
  • get great tips to help you de-clutter your home plus easy storage solutions
  • talk about each room of the house, it’s purpose and how to achieve it by using simple feng shui & organising tips
  • learn how to achieve more effective time & schedule management for your family.

This event is put on by Yummy Mummy Club

Date: Tuesday, 24 August

Time: 7.30pm-9pm

Cost: $15

Location: Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmore Avenue, Johnsonville

Second hand Clothing Sale

We love second hand clothing sales for children, so it just makes sense that we should have one for women as well!

Do you want to pick up some new outfits at a bargin? Have you got outfits at home than are gathering dust?

If you want to book a table, it is a $10 donation per table to cover venue hire. Book a whole table or share with friends. The seller keeps all proceeds.

This event is put on by Mums in the City

Date: Saturday, 28 August

Time: 9.30am-11.30am

Cost: Gold coin entry

Location: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 3 Frankmore Avenue, Johnsonville

$5 Winter Wednesdays at the Zoo

Hopefully there will be some great winter days coming up so we can take advantage of the $5 Winter Wednesdays at the Wellington Zoo!

Date: Wednesdays in August

Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.15pm)

Cost: $5 per person, Under 3′s Free (Adults are usually $20 per person)

Location: 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington

http://www.wintercarnival.co.nz/default.asp?PageID=14292

Posted in Random Ramblings | 1 Comment »

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July 28, 2010

Quick Question: Am I a TV prude?

Last week I heard a couple of 9-11 year old boys talking about TV. Then I heard “Which do you think is better Two and a Half Men or The Big Bang Theory?”, the other boy enthusiastically gave his answer, but I was still taken-a-back by the first question to hear the answer.

I’m not too familiar with these show, but I thought that Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory are aimed at a much older audience. Perhaps those who are familiar with these shows could fill me in.

Maybe I am just a TV prude!

Posted in Random Ramblings | 6 Comments »

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July 27, 2010

Playing Catch up

Does anyone actually look this good when they wake up??

Busy Busy Busy…today is going to be a busy day!

I have been in bed sick for the last couple of days, and I wasn’t much use leading up to my bed-ridden state. Needless to say, I will be spending a lot of time doing dishes and catching up on laundry today.

I’m not complaining though, I’m just happy to wake up and have energy today! It has been really difficult to feel so drained, unmotivated and unwell.

I am grateful for my hubby for taking care of the kids, and for my mum and my friend for making such delicious hearty meals for us.

I am also grateful for good friends. There’s nothing better than having a good ol’ girly chat with your gal pals to put a smile on your face…and I was lucky yesterday, and I got to catch up with two of them!

This week is a busy one too. I am tutoring a Playcentre course tomorrow, then we are running the Relief Society “Food Show” at our church on Thursday (want to come?) I’m demonstrating my cinnamon bun recipe and others will be demonstrating how to make bread rolls, taco bowls and how to make your chicken streeetch…plus my favourite part…taste testing!!

So, hip hip horray for a new day! I will take cleaning, laundry, running errands and looking after kids over how I was feeling in the weekend any day!

Posted in Random Ramblings | 3 Comments »

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July 13, 2010

Going Off-Line for a week….You’re what?!?!

Yes, it’s true. By the time you read this, we will be into Day 2 of our “No TV, No Computer Week”. I will leave it up to your imagination as to how we are coping!

This isn’t the first time that we have had a no TV week, but it will be the first time that we will ALL (me included!!!) be going computer free as well!

I love unplugging from technology because it is a really good opportunity to have a technology detox and get out of bad habits that we have all slipped into (ie relying on technology to solve boredom)

So what is our plan of attack?

  • Our goal is to not watch any TV or go on the computer.
  • Have a sit down with the kids a week before it starts to get them on board.
  • Plan a King/Queen each day during the week. On this day, the child will decide what activities we will do, and what we will eat. (I helped choose the activities and food for my 3 year old). Since it is the holidays, the list of free school holiday events really helped the children see what was out there.
  • Stock up on craft supplies and pantry supplies (ready for baking and messy play..ooo yeah!)
  • Have a treat day. Something to look forward to and to help keep their spirits up. I will be taking the kids to watch Toy Story 3 at the end of the week. (Yes, I get to make up the rules that include watching a movie hehehe)
  • Put my email on “vacation mode” to encourage people to phone me or text me to get in touch.
  • Get PLENTY of sleep so I have the stamina and patience (and the will power to stay off-line!)

You have a couple of guest posts to look forward to this week. I asked some special ladies to share some of their thoughts on how they spend their school holidays with their children. I hope you enjoy their posts as much as I did…..I felt inspired after reading them!

Good reads

Read how I ended up cutting down on TV when we had a Spend Free Week

Update Post

Lessons in Motherhood: A week without TV and Computer

Posted in Random Ramblings | 2 Comments »

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June 23, 2010

MUST SEE SWAGGER WAGON VIDEO…soo good!

Have you seen this video yet? If you want a good laugh…check this it out. You won’t be disappointed! I saw this on Kelli’s blog, and just kept replaying it ;) Enjoy!

Posted in Random Ramblings | 7 Comments »

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June 17, 2010

What makes you think I have kids?

Today I went to collect our vacuum cleaner that had been repaired.

After the repairman emerged from getting our vacuum from out back, he asked, “Do you have kids?”

“Yes……?” I replied wondering what was on my face or clothes that gave it away!

Then he placed the vacuum on the counter, and showed me the worksheet that was sellotaped to my vacuum cleaner and smiled:

I just burst out laughing!!

These are the repairman’s notes:

Work Performed: DISMANTLED, CHECKED/TESTED  CONTROL, MOTOR & SWITCH  ALL OK (FOUND BABY SPOON INSIDE THE MACHINE ). CHECKED POWER CORD (FAULTY – OPEN CIRCUIT). REMOVED  DAMAGED CORD TO PLUG, REPLACED PLUG & RE-TERMINATED. CHECKED VAC OPERATION 16/06 TO COLLECT

The “angel” responsible, was turned in by their siblings when I got home ;)


Posted in Random Ramblings | 5 Comments »

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June 9, 2010

“Out of Order”

I am “out of order” again! My head ache from last month has come back. :( Thankfully, not with the body ache *phew*.

All I want to do is hop in bed, pull my blankets up and snuggle into them.

I have to say, when you are unwell, you really do appreciate your health, and the ability to get up and do things with ease!

I hope you are all keeping well!

Will be in touch soon!

Posted in Random Ramblings | 5 Comments »

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June 1, 2010

And the winner is!!!

For my blog’s one year anniversary I decided to have a giveaway a box of Lindt Lindor “Irresistibly Smooth Stracciatella”.

Today my daughter helped me draw out the name.

The winner is Meghan from MNM!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Meghan! Meghan also hails from Wellington, so I enjoy reading her blog, and recognising the places she visits with her two boys Noah and baby Mylo.

I also wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who took the time to leave such lovely comments!!!

Posted in Random Ramblings | 6 Comments »

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May 19, 2010

Down for the count

Maybe you all saw it coming. I mean it makes total sense…I was home with 4 sick kids with symptoms ranging from ear aches to coughs to runny noses. I have been sick in bed all day.

Hubby went out to drop off dvds, and I asked him to pretty please pick me up a dvd and the book I had on reserve at the library (I *heart* my hubby!).  He even set me up with an internet connection in our bedroom . Yes, I am totally spoiled, but I would much rather be healthy!

So I am going to start taking my vitamins again, drink plenty of water, exercise more, get plenty of sleep and eat loads more fruit and veges!

Let’s hope for a quick recovery!

Good reads:

eHow: How to avoid getting sick

Posted in Random Ramblings | 6 Comments »

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May 17, 2010

Happy Birthday JUGGLING MOTHERHOOD.COM! And a Yummy Giveaway

Guess what?!? I just realised that I started this blog a year ago TODAY!

When my friend suggested I give blogging ago, I was tempted to delay it. I had no idea what to call my blog, or what I wanted to write about. With gentle prodding, I did end up jumping in and giving it ago. I can’t believe it has been a year! It’s been a fun journey!

I feel quite passionate about supporting mothers. To let them know they are doing a great job. We are sometimes so hard on ourselves, and think we are the only ones feeling like this. This is probably the reason I wrote my first post called “Releasing the “if onlys”:

“…The moment has gone, the decision has already been made, and we are left with the consequences to that action.
Yes you can recognise that perhaps a better decision could have been made, but don’t dwell on it, move on, and find the good in it and let gratitude fill your heart.”

Once I realised how big the blogsphere was, I couldn’t wait to share all the amazing finds with others!! What started out as “My 5 links for the week”, has evolved into “5 Great Finds“. I love finding new things to share with you all!

I also love posting about the fun things I get up to with my 4 children.

I also think that as mothers, we should allow ourselves some time each week to do something that makes us smile. A few years ago, I found myself in a position where I didn’t know what “I liked” anymore. So to discover what inspired me, and what made me light up inside, I started discovery dates.  I used to do these in the weekend or evening, but with my youngest at Playcentre twice a week now, I force myself to leave the chores at home, and venture out to do something just for me.

Through this blog, I have been able to practice my photography…

…but more importantly, I have become better at taking notice of beautiful moments and capturing them on camera.

To celebrate my first anniversary, I am giving away a box of Lindt Lindor “Irresistibly Smooth Stracciatella” – White Chocolate with Cocoa Pieces and a Delectably Smooth Centre (tastes like cookies and cream…mmmmm). I tried this at The Food Show, and it was SOOO GOOD that I bought a couple of boxes…one box for me and one box, filled with 13 pieces of Lindor Chocolates for YOU!

To enter:

  • Leave a comment
  • I will send this box of chocolates anywhere in the world!
  • Entries will close on the last day of May 2010.
  • If you blog, tweet or facebook about the giveaway, please leave the url to your post or your twitter or facebook name in separate comments, so I can give you one extra entry per extra “shout out” you do.

And lastly, thank you to all of you who visit my blog!!

Posted in Random Ramblings | 20 Comments »

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April 14, 2010

Living a Purposeful Life

I have been inspired by the book I finished reading called “The Hiding Place” (the courageous story about Corrie ten Boom and her family during the Nazi rule in Holland) and also the conference talks by the leaders of our church this month.

I love it when you read or hear something that makes you want to live life a bit better.

I am conscious that being too busy can rob me of having a more purposeful life.

It’s like you are so busy climbing a mountain, intently focused on your feet to get up as quickly as possible, that when you finally get up to the top and look around, you realise that you are way off track from where you want to be.

We can be physically busy, but I also think we can be mentally busy. You know when you mind is constantly filled with to do lists and what you need to do next! We need to work hard to live and appreciate the present. It’s like climbing that mountain, but stopping to look around, to appreciate those things you have overlooked or forgotten (so guilty of that!)

When I am physically busy and mentally busy, I can hear myself say “I’m running late”, or “I can’t right now” when I get a thought in my head to do a good deed…ugh!!

So, I need to try and slow down and leave room in my life for the good stuff!

My kids eating ice cream at Oriental Parade with their extended family

Leave room in your life:

  • to be still
  • to learn something new
  • to be inspired to do a charitable act
  • to leave the world richer and better
  • to watch your child when they are sleeping
  • to marvel and appreciate the beauty of nature
  • to hug a little bit longer
  • to kiss the other cheek and forehead
  • to read the book again
  • to answer a question asked by your child
  • to find answers to questions you don’t know
  • to express gratitude repeatedly
  • to lie in bed and ponder
  • to evaluate your life often
  • to not be ruled by deadlines

Posted in Random Ramblings | 1 Comment »

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April 13, 2010

Blogger Awards

I am so glad that Amanda from Mommy’s Idea Book found me, because it means that I found her great site! She gave me these great awards, which I really appreciate! Thank you Amanda!

So, instead of the usual “My 5 links for the week”, I thought I would include 15 links to some interesting blogs.

lovely award My First Blog Awards

For the “One Lovely Blog Award” you need to:

Thank & link to the person that gave you the award.
Pass this award on to 15 fantastic bloggers you’ve recently discovered.
Contact said Blogs and let them know they’ve won.

beautifulbloggeraward1 My First Blog Awards

For the “Beautiful Blogger” award you need to:

Thank & link to the person that gave you the award.
Pass this award on to 15 fantastic bloggers you’ve recently discovered.
Contact said Blogs and let them know they’ve won.
State 7 things about yourself.

I have to try and think of some things that you haven’t already read on my “about page” or my post about “my guilty pleasures” or “7 things you may not know about me“. So, here are 7 more things about me:

  1. I finally got my braces off! Yay!
  2. I like to browse trademe (like ebay) & other websites and dream of one day owning my own sewing machine, piano and kitchenaid mixer!
  3. I had my first girlie holiday last September, when I visited my best friend over in Melbourne for a week. When I arrived back and saw the kids, I just started crying!
  4. It annoys me that I find it difficult to part with things that are in perfectly good condition, which we may not need any more.
  5. I sometimes stay up waaay too late plugging away at the computer.
  6. My grandmother (oba-chan) bought me a beautiful purple kimono with all the trimmings as a wedding present. To give you an idea of how much it cost, just one of the ropes (obi-jime:  a rope-like cord of braided silk used to keep the obi (big silk belt) in place) cost $100+! Yikes!
  7. I own my own ukulele and learnt 3 cords at a Playcentre 2 hour ukulele workshop. I can play “The wheels on the bus go round and round” pretty good! haha

I have already mentioned 7 blogs I love to read in a previous post. Here are another 15!

Cat Taylor Designs

How About Orange

Harried Mom of Four

Kapiti Kids Connect

Little Birdie Secrets

Musings of a Housewife

Pioneer Woman Photography

Poppies at Play

Simple Mom

Simple Pleasures

Striking Keys

The Golden Seven

The Things That I Love

These are a Few of My Favourite Things

Zen Family Habits

Posted in Random Ramblings | 11 Comments »

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April 12, 2010

Not exactly what I had planned..

Getting sick during the school holidays isn’t exactly what I had planned! I’ve been sick since Thursday, and the doctor says it is viral and that it will probably go on a few more days! ugh!

The kids have been great and hubby has been keeping the house ticking along.

Hopefully, I will be back on my feet really soon! Then I will have something more to post about, other than the colour of my tissue boxes (which have quite nice floral photos actually!)

____________________________________________________________

You may also be interested in:

Being a mother when your not 100%

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April 3, 2010

Happy Easter & Happy Holidays

I will be going off line during easter weekend.

I hope that you all have a relaxing holiday with your families.

May you enjoy this special season, and all the blessing that come your way.

Posted in Random Ramblings | 2 Comments »

March 31, 2010

Random catch up

I have been quite busy lately, and feel like I have been going from one thing to another. It didn’t help that I was sleep deprived some days (we have been getting better sleep, except last night when we woke 3 times for nightmares and power cuts – my daughter has a light on, so she freaked out in the middle of the night when it was pitch black.)

I’m still keeping up the Friday Fun Day with the kids. We took some bread to Aotea Lagoon and fed the ducks, had a play on the playground, then followed the mini train track all around the lagoon.

We had hubby’s family over during the weekend. We all met up with the extended family at Oriental Parade.

I captured my daughter playing with her cousin. I loved watching my niece go from being apprehensive about touching the sand, to digging her feet through the sand, then scooping it up with her wee hands and watching it run through her fingers….so cute!!

We heard these HUGE engine sounds, and looked over to find these boats racing by. I’ve never seen anything like this close up!

They were having Powerboat Racing in the bays. And boy were they loud! It was pretty spectacular to watch.

I hope the weather will be kind to us during the next two weeks of school holidays. I’m looking forward to relaxing and slowing down (as much as you can with 4 kids…hehehe)

I have already borrowed a few treats for me from the library. I have seen other versions of Mansfield Park & Jane Eyre…so I’m looking forward to seeing these ones. (Post edit: Watched the movie tonight. I was really enjoying this adaptation of Mansfield Park. I thought it flowed well – which is sometimes hard to do when you adapt a film from a big novel. Then all of a sudden it got weird, and deviated from the book. Just when you thought that you were pretty safe with Jane Austen movies, it got a bit too racey for me.)

Always & Forever is an audio book. I have never tried audio books, so we’ll see how it goes.

And then I got Hiding Places after reading the positive comments about the book on Steph’s post where she talked about books she would like to read. (Check out the comment section, there are heaps of recommendations on books!) Post edit: Just finished Hiding Places…Oh my! What a great book! Really inspirational!! So glad I read it.

We had a huge package arrive in the mail the other day. I was excited to see that it was the Spa Factory set that we won at Kiwi Mummy Blogs (Thanks Sarah!). This will be a fun thing to do with the kids during the holidays…making lip gloss and perfumes etc!

So you can see from my books & dvds what I plan to sneak into my easter holidays…have you got any plans?

Posted in Random Ramblings | 3 Comments »

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March 25, 2010

I am so sleep deprived!

Have you ever made a faux pa that you just KNOW will come back to haunt you….but in your weakness you go ahead and do it anyway?

Well, last night, I did just that. My 5 year old had a nightmare and came to our room in the middle of the night. Instead of settling him, and putting him back in his bed…in my weakness I told him to hop in our bed. Big mistake! I have never been able to sleep soundly with a child in my bed..let alone a big 5 year old…so why oh why did my sleepy self let it happen?!? Boy am I paying for it now!

**Note to half asleep self in the middle of the night: Pleeease do not invite any more children in our bed. You can not sleep when you are squashed up in an awkward position ALL NIGHT!**

I take my hat off to all those mothers and fathers who are currently in a constant hazy, sleep deprived state from waking babies, children, uncomfortable pregnancies etc. You’re amazing!!

Posted in Random Ramblings | 7 Comments »

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March 23, 2010

Just for laughs: The Evolution of Parenthood

I wonder if any of you can relate to these?? Enjoy! ~m

Your Clothes -

1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.

2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.

3rd baby: Your maternity clothes are your regular clothes.

The Baby’s Name -

1st baby: You pore over baby-name books and practice pronouncing and writing combinations of all your favourites.

2nd baby: Someone has to name their kid after your great-aunt Mavis, right? It might as well be you.

3rd baby: You open a name book, close your eyes, and see where your finger falls. Bimaldo? Perfect!

Preparing for the Birth -

1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.

2nd baby: You don’t bother practicing because you remember that last time, breathing didn’t do a thing.

3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your 8th month.

The Layette -

1st baby: You pre-wash your newborn’s clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby’s little bureau.

2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.

3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can’t they?

Pacifier -

1st baby: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.

2nd baby: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby’s bottle.

3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.

Diapering -

1st baby: You change your baby’s diapers every hour, whether they need it or not.

2nd baby: You change their diaper every 2 to 3 hours, if needed.

3rd baby: You try to change their diaper before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.

Worries -

1st baby: At the first sign of distress – a whimper, a frown – you pick up the baby.

2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.

3rd baby: You teach your 3-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.

Activities -

1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.

2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.

3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.

Going Out -

1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home 5 times.

2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.

3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.

At Home -

1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.

2nd baby: You spend a bit of every day watching to be sure your older child isn’t squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.

3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.

Posted in Random Ramblings | 6 Comments »

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March 10, 2010

That was then…this is now

I had decided that the day was too beautiful to stay inside. After school I said we were going out.

A few of them weren’t too keen on the idea. They just wanted to stay inside.

Exhibit A: The boy who said "I'm just going to stay in the car, and not come out!"

Good thing I don’t always listen to my children ;)

We went to the river at Willowbank Park in Tawa. We didn’t even make it around to the playground area. We found a good spot where there were walking stones across the river, and stayed there for the rest of the afternoon. It was a blast!

But the sulky faces and whiney comments at the beginning, I could have done without, thank you very much. So that is exactly what they were told on the way home! haha!

While we were at the river I was thinking about how our outings have evolved over the years….

I remember nervously stepping out with four children, aged 0,2,4 and 6.

I would not attempt places with water, unless I had another adult on hand.

I would choose parks where the play equipment wouldn’t be too challenging Otherwise I would end up with different children calling out my name for help all at the same time!

The parks had to be relatively contained, and where the play equipment were close together so I could keep an eye on all the kids easily.

I also remember back to when I was a home body. Quite content hanging at home, making our own fun. I had no clue what was out there, but I didn’t really care, because I had my wee ones with me and we created our own fun memories.

When we went to the zoo last week, I saw the sheltered picnic spot that brought back memories of my first big outing with our baby and toddler…all by myself!

When it came time to feeding the baby, we parked ourselves on a sheltered picnic table. I remember nervously watching my toddler eating her snack, hoping I would finish breastfeeding BEFORE my 2 year old finished her food and decided it would be really fun to go exploring without mummy!

That was then…

This is now…

It had to be one where it was relatively contained, and where the play equipment were close together so I could keep an eye on all the kids at the same time.

Posted in Random Ramblings | 10 Comments »

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March 8, 2010

M.I.A – Missing In Action

I haven’t really been on my computer since Wednesday! Here is just a snippet of what we’ve been up to while I was “missing in action”.

Thursday:

School Picnic at Days Bay, Eastbourne. It was a BEAUTIFUL day!

This was the first year I didn’t have a baby, or two preschoolers or a runner (a child who just seems to run in all sorts of directions, and never comes back!), so I decided to go along as a parent helper. My 3 year old enjoyed being held by all the big girls.

I enjoyed watching my daughter’s team work really hard together on their turtle design for the sandcastle competition. The girls came up with their design and implemented it themselves …. and they won!

Had a nice evening out with some friends. What more could you ask for, good company and an endless supply of dessert (we went to “The Whitby” and had the dessert buffet). I got to hold a gorgeous wee baby….yes I am very clucky!

Friday:

In my effort to make Fridays a bit more special, I decided to take the kids to the Wellington Zoo after school. The tiger looked like it wanted to eat us for afternoon tea!

Saturday:

We went out to Yum Char to celebrate my brother’s 35th birthday. So yummy! Then my kids spent time with their cousin playing with a whole big tub of retro lego that used to belong to my brothers. They had a blast!

Sunday:

It was an eventful day, because my hubby became Bishop of our Ward. Although it is a big responsibility, we feel really good about it. My mum invited the bishopric and my hubby’s brother’s family for dinner at her place – spur of the moment! So we went home and checked what we had in each of our freezers and pantries, and managed to pull it off. Everyone ended up bringing something, so it worked out perfectly.

Reality Check: I love the fact that as I have looked back on the week, I seem to have forgotten all the odd, weird or frustrating moments. The only one I can remember is when I had to use food to entice my son out of his comatosed state so he wouldn’t have a nap in the middle of the day, and be up all night! ha! I love my short term memory!

Posted in Friday Fun Day, Fun Kids Activity, Random Ramblings | 2 Comments »

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March 3, 2010

I want it to be summer all year, and live at the beach

I am getting better at noticing the sunsets and sunrises outside our window (we had a stunning orange sunrise and pink sunset today)….now I just have train myself to sit a little bit longer, really enjoy the moment, and just linger, instead of scurrying off quickly to the next thing. (Can you tell I’m talking about motherhood as well!)

Had no real deadlines except for the school pick up, so we just chilled out today.

I took my 3 year old and her 3 year old second cousin to the Duncan Park Play Area in Linden for a picnic and a play. (My older children named this play area “Friendship Park” because they always seem to make friends whenever they come here. :) )

I got a kick out of watching my budding 3 year old climbers master some of the trickier climbing equipment and hear them exclaim, “Yay! I did it!!” (If you look really carefully at the above picture, you’ll see them climbing solo. At the beginning they needed me to tell them where to put their feet. Now look at them!)

Then we drove over to Island Bay.

They have great rock pools near the orange “bait house”. We went searching for crabs, and found a few in all different shapes and sizes. This little one has one big claw!

We found a neat little rock pool that housed a couple of crabs. As we spent more time there, we noticed the shells started moving around. That was really neat!

Wouldn’t it be great if there was no homework, no meals to prepare, and no chores to be done, and we could just hang out at rock pools all day.*bliss*

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