Tag Archives: Children

A Good Read – Codes: How to Make Them and Break Them (Murderous Maths)

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Codes: How to Make Them and Break Them (Murderous Maths)

Some of my favourite books that I bought from the Scholastic Book Club were the Spy Books. You know the books which tell you to put talcum powder on your head to disguise yourself as an old person….or would teach you how to brush for finger prints. I also really liked how it would teach you to write codes.

So when I saw Codes: How to Make Them and Break Them (Murderous Maths) at the library, I knew that it would be a hit with the kids.

It is a pretty funny read to start with, plus it gets right into teaching you some complicated code.

I’ve been reading a couple of pages a day to my 6, 8 and 10 year old before bedtime. I must warn you….they will most likely return to their rooms, and instead of going to bed, will hide under their blankets and write code!

Juggling Motherhood Tip #4: Getting Kids Involved Around The House

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Image: Kristy Drake

“Encourage your children to help out around the home.  Whether it’s washing or drying the dishes, pulling their own beds up in the morning, setting and clearing the dinner table, helping to get the washing off the line… it can be easier to just do it yourself, but in the long run when you take the time out to train your kids how to help, you are going to reap amazing benefits as they grow older (and better at helping Winking smile)”

By Kristy, New Zealand

Mother of 4

www.paisleyjade.com

Here is a useful link as well! http://plainandsimpleorganizer.blogspot.com/2009/01/at-what-age-can-my-kids-help-at-home.html

We all have tips that we use around the home to make our life a bit easier. Why not share them with us?

Some examples could be: Tips on making life easier in the kitchen, housework, being healthy, parenting, how to balance time for yourself, or some encouraging words on motherhood are all welcome.

Looking forward to hearing from you! Contact me here.

Where’s Wally? Where’s Mummy!?! Getting out from behind the camera

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So here’s what I have realised. I have hardly any photos of myself!

Making more of an effort to get out from behind the camera has been on my mind, on and off over the last couple of years. We even bought a smaller camera with the idea that the kids could take photos of the family…and hopefully with me in it too!

Then a few days ago, I was asked to submit a photo for something. I went searching and I was shocked at how few photos I am in. Absolutely shocked.

If I wanted to change this, I needed to be a wee bit more demanding, “ok, now take a photo of me!”

I also needed to get over myself.

I remember last year, when I really grasped the fact that, how we look every day: no make up, our hair doing all sorts of funny things and daggy clothes etc, is how our kids see us every…single…day. So they are going to love that photo of us even if we are “unpolished”, because that person they are hugging in the photo is their reality.

For my children, I want them to have photos of me with them.

And for me, I want to accept and love the person in the photo….au naturel. ;)

I have been challenging myself, by taking opportunities to snap photos of myself. I just set up the tripod and away I go.

Sometimes, instead of using the tripod I get the kids to take the photos.

I didn’t realise that this exercise would reward me with such fun (and funny) photos. None of these photos were taken by another adult.  The shots inside were on a tripod (I bought a bundle similar to this S1800 model where you will see my mini tripod). The shots outside were taken by me or the kids using our Fujifilm FinePix S1600. (I usually shoot with a Canon 10D)

This is the mantra: It isn’t about perfection, it is about the memories….now breath! And take the photo! ;)

Housework and Fun?? It is possible!

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What is it about the New Year looming that make us scrurry to get our houses in order before New Years Eve?

If you are like me and have been enjoying the Christmas break tooo much but now the mess is getting under your skin, here is a post from New Year’s Eve last year. It really did work, with the kids help, we got the house in order and had fun at the same time!

Can you guess what I’ll be doing today?!

It’s been a great week of relaxing. Yesterday, we went on another of my favourite bushwalks in Khandallah that ends up at the Khandallah Playground.

This morning, hubby and I worked on our goals for the year.

Next, was getting the house back in order!

On small pieces of paper we wrote what job needed to be done and a fun a game. The aim was to do the job for 20 mins, then stop and play the game as a family for 10mins. We put all the pieces of paper in a container and took turns drawing out the job and associated game. This worked well for our children aged 8, 7 and 5…my 2 year old pottered around, and helped out here and there. It also kept me from getting overwhelmed by focusing on a small job rather than the entire house….oh! and focusing on the game at the end didn’t harm either! We also took plenty of food breaks, and kept things light and fun!

This is what we got done today:

JOB: My youngest daughter’s room. GAME: Musical Statues

JOB: My son’s room. GAME: Hide and seek

JOB: Laundry. GAME:Trampoline

My hubby flipping the kids on the tramp

JOB: Kitchen. GAME: “Don’t eat the Prophet!” (An alternative to “Dont eat Pete” that the kids were taught at church. I have pictures of prophets that I scattered on the floor, then we put a lolly on each of the prophet’s face. One person covers their eyes or goes out of the room, while the group chooses one of pictures to be “it”.  When the player returns, they eat the lollies one at a time; but the minute they touch the picture that is “it” we all yell out “DON’T EAT THE PROPHET” OR “DON’T EAT PETE!” Their turn is over and the next player leaves the room. Continue until all have had a turn.)

JOB: Hallways. GAME: Tickle Monster

JOB: Family Room. GAME: Watched a DVD before bedtime.

Well, I’m off to play Guitar Hero which we rented to rock in 2010!

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.

I also appreciate your lovely comments, I love reading them!

See you all in 2010!

Repost from last year http://jugglingmotherhood.com/2009/12/31/fun-and-housew…it-is-possible/

Sanity Saver in the Kitchen: Quick Vitamin C hit

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When my kids get back from school, they are HUNGRY!

I haven’t quite managed to be the kind of mum that has fresh cookies waiting for them as they walk through the door. ;) I do however have a container of pre-cut oranges in the fridge that I can just whip out at a moments notice to add a bit of variety to their afternoon tea.

If you slice along the rind (about 3/4 along) you get an easy snack that the kids can just pop in their mouth.

 

Perfect end to the day

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I’m slowly starting to remember what life was like pre-winter…

The ability to wear shorts!

Blue skies at 8pm!

Windows needing to be opened because it is so hot and stuffy.

And dinner by the beach…

Today was the first time in A LONG while, that I felt compelled to ring hubby up and tell him we were picking him up from work to have fish and chips by the beach.

Oriental Bay was gorgeous and alive with families, groups of friends and couples basking in the sun.

We had so much fun in the sand.

The kids just seemed to be able to make up their own fun…and it was a joy to watch.

Outside in the sun, by the seaside….I was in heaven!

At one stage we had three other children come and play with our kids.

Just before we left, the kids did a bit of climbing on the rocks….because my kids seem to be attracted to anything they can possibly climb! ;)


Basking in the Beauty

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On Sunday, we took advantage of the sunshine, and the fact that hubby had no Bishop duties after church.

We went for a walk in the Botanic Gardens in Wellington. Instead of sticking to the usual concrete paths that wind through the garden, our children took us somewhere we had never been before.

My son found a walkway off the path, and we followed it up. I felt like Heidi, girl of the Alps, as we walked through the bright green foliage (I used to watch this programme when we lived in Japan as a kid!)

We just kept on winding our way through the hillside, deciding on a whim which way we would turn.

It brought us here…

The walk was gorgeous. How can Wellington continue to surprise us with these beauties that keep us in love with this city?

As I walked along, I thought about how this walk would not have been possible in another season of our life. I could not have done this walk with a pram for example.

I thought about how our family is evolving. Just like it evolved when we no longer planned our day around naps, or when we evolved from one, two, three, four children.

I like the pace, I like the adventure. Sometimes you are never really sure of what is coming next. There are also the parts that are trying and so exhausting. But the view…you can’t beat the view…

Sunshine equals Possibilities

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I woke up this morning to this:

So when my friend suggested we go here:

I jumped at the chance, so our kids could do this:

And this:

And watch this:

I started the day with a nice sunny walk to school with the kids. (My poor wee boy, was running ahead of us and totally fell! Scratched up his knee and elbow pretty bad…was such a brave boy!)

Oriental Bay was lit up by the beautiful sun, and had a slight chill in the breeze, but Wellingtonians aren’t picky! We make the most of whatever sunshine we get.

After school, we went to the Grenada Village Playground, and the weather was gorgeous! If I didn’t have to drop off my daughter’s friend back home by 5pm, I don’t know when we would have left.

Then to top off the day, it was still light outside at 8pm!

After a late dinner of homemade sushi, the kids all bunked in one room together and conked out soon after.

Another serving of today please!

Fuzz, Felt and Fur at The New Dowse

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While lawnmowers buzzed around us, our family relaxed into our public holiday on Labour Day. **Bliss**

We eventually made our way out to The New Dowse to see their new Fuzz, Felt and Fur exhibition.

I thought it was very interesting how alongside the pieces of art, they supplied a cushion-like example of the textiles used in the displays. (Sorry my photos are blurry. They said I could take photos, but not with a flash.)

The children were able to touch and feel tapa cloth, satin, felt, wool, harakeke (flax weaving), and my favourite scratchy texture, tulle. My kids excitedly told me their favourite was the velvet cushion.

They even had a big furry interactive wall.

That’s an outline of my 3 year old that my older daughter made.

We ventured into the gallery, and the children were just old enough to not touch the works of art.

My favourite had to be the oil painting by Sam Foley. The painting came to life when a projection of running water played over the top of the painting (it even had the sound of rushing water!)

Go to Sam Foley’s website to see the actual Otira Gorge oil painting.

Just off the entrance of the museum is a long room with a number of activities that kept the children occupied until it was time to go home.

There is a cafe on site if you get a bit hungry or need a hot chocolate fix.

The New Dowse is a much smaller museum, so we pretty much did everything that we could do in about an hour.

I will definitely keep an eye out on the exhibitions coming up, so we can come back as a family or even on my own. :)

THE NEW DOWSE

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10 – 4.30pm, Sat and Sun 10-5pm

Cost: Free Entry

Location: 45 Lainges Road, Lower Hutt

For more information:

website: www.newdowse.org.nz

email:  newdowse@huttcity.govt.nz

phone: (04) 570 6500

5 Great Finds: GrabOne $5 Donations, Skirt with built in shorts, Magnetic Weekly Board, Fabric Rosette Clips and Bordem Busters for Toddlers to pass the time

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EASY $5 DONATION TO CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE

Ever since we found out about the earthquake in Christchurch on Saturday morning, the residents of Christchurch have been in our thoughts and prayers.

GrabOne, who usually specialises in daily deals has set up an easy way for us to donate $5 to the Christchurch City Mission. As I write this post, they have raised nearly $30,000!

http://www.grabone.co.nz/christchurch

TUTORIAL FOR SKIRT WITH BUILT IN SHORTS

Just today, my 3 year old asked for her “mermaid t-shirt”. The same mermaid t-shirt that I had hidden because it was starting to get too small for her. It is funny how some children form attachments to certain clothing items. With her mermaid t-shirt, she loves to wear her skirt with shorts. Unfortunately, she is quickly growing out of too. So, I was really excited to see this tutorial at The Long Thread, so I can make her another one!

http://thelongthread.com/?p=6417

MAGNETIC WEEKLY BOARD

This weekly board is perfect if you have a little person in your household who loves to know what is coming up next! Even adults find it quite reassuring to see at a glance what is coming up next. Cheri from I AM Momma – Hear Me Roar! has posted a tutorial on how to make our very own magnetic weekly board, and included her cute drawings to download as well!

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/09/whats-up-weekly-board.html

FABRIC ROSETTE CLIPS

Little Birdie Secrets has a great tutorial on how to make these really adorable rosette clips! I hope my attempt will look as good as theirs!

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-to-make-fabric-rosette-clip.html

BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR TODDLERS TO PASS THE TIME

Does this sound familiar? Desperately searching through your bag to find something to occupy your toddler, because there is nothing else for him to play with and the doctor is running late! Perna from The Mom Writes guest posts on Zen Family Habits about “10 Toddler Activities to Make Waiting Time Fun, Worry-Free and Interesting”

I’m liking the idea of having a packet of cherrios (or any other treat with a hole) and some string/ribbon, so they can string the cherrios…it’s an activity and a snack!

http://www.zenfamilyhabits.net/2010/09/10-toddler-activities-to-make-waiting-time-fun-worry-free-and-interesting/

Fun Kids Activity: Music Conductor

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Our children have so many things dictated to them on a daily basis. “Brush your teeth”, “Put a jersey on”, “No, you can’t”, “Yes, tomorrow” (with please and thank you of course hehehe)

That is why I think it is fantastic when an opportunity comes up where the children get to call the shots.

This morning, my daughter saw my ukulele and wanted me to play the “ew-guitar”. Since, I was looking for any excuse to procrastinate from doing the housework, I happily obliged.

After singing some songs, my 3 year old started singing a song I didn’t know how to play. I quickly googled it, and found this great instructional video on how to do some cool strumming to “Are you sleeping?” or “Frère Jacques” or “Porowhita” (A great song about the shapes in Maori. Sung to the tune of “Frère Jacques”. Porowhita x2. Tapawhā x2. Tapatoru x2. Manawa x2. Meaning: Circle x2. Rectangle x2, Triangle x2, Heart x2)

So, as we were singing the “Porowhita” song and “Are you sleeping”, my daughter decided she wanted to control the volume of the singing:

HAND UP: LOUD

HAND DOWN: QUIET

Pretty simple…but OH how she loved it! (Let’s just say, I was able to get some good practice with my strumming)

Other ideas:

Make your own instruments, and play them loudly and quietly: Tissue guitar, Rice filled maracas, Pot/Bowl drums, Cardboard tube trumpets etc etc.

Try it with no instruments and just sing loud and sing quietly.

Change the tempo to the music. FAST: WAVE HAND AROUND FURIOUSLY and SLOW: NICE GENTLE MOVEMENTS

Enjoy!

Want to start playing the Ukulele?

EQUIPMENT:

Some ukuleles are not expensive. I would highly recommend getting it from a music store. You could easily pick one up for around $30-$50NZ.

LESSONS:

I went to a 2 hour Playcentre Ukulele workshop a while a go. We were taught 3 chords (C, G7 and F) and were given a list of songs using those chords. It was so much fun!

I wouldn’t be able to join the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra…but I can play a few children’s tunes which is great!

If you do a search online, and on YouTube you should be able to find some good tutorials.

Here is a link to some easy songs to try once you master a few chords:

http://guitar.suite101.com/article.cfm/kids_learn_5_ukulele_songs_in_the_key_of_c

HELPFUL ACCESSORY:

If you don’t think you could tune a ukulele by ear, I would really recommend buying a clip-on Tuner for your Ukulele. Cheaper ukuleles often “slip” and go out of tune, so it is handy to have this electronic clip-on tuner so you can check it whenever you get your ukulele out to play.

You just attach to the end of your ukulele, strum one string, and adjust the pegs. Then the tuner will light up when it is in tune. SIMPLE!

Ukuleles are said to be the new “recorder”, and have been introduced to schools as part of their music curriculum. You can understand why, the kids have so much fun with it!

Come play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up

We Play

In the Kitchen: 16 Snack Ideas

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Lately, I have been trying to add variety to what I put in the kid’s lunchboxes.

We tried cold pasta with sausages & veges, rolls, french stick sammies, tortilla wraps, pita bread pizzas and some other variations. Next on my list to try is sushi!

Today, I needed some inspiration and ideas on what to feed the kids when they came home from school. Thankfully, my lovely friends on Facebook came to the rescue with a bunch of suggestions! I thought I would share them with you. What is your favourite snack to whip up?

16 Snack ideas:

  1. Cheese toasties
  2. Fried rice
  3. Toast with their favourite spreads
  4. Fruit
  5. Popcorn
  6. Muffins
  7. Scones
  8. Smoothies
  9. Carrot sticks and hummus
  10. Homemade soup and toast
  11. Big glass of chocolate milk
  12. Cheese and crackers
  13. Jelly
  14. Rice crackers and hummus
  15. Pikelets
  16. Pancakes

My Love/Hate Relationship with Routines

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When it comes to routines (meaning things that need to get done on a regular basis…including chores and things that promote physical/emotional/spiritual wellness):

I LOVE the peace it gives me, and the feeling of being on top of things. I love not feeling overwhelmed. I love the feeling of satisfaction. I love it when the kids’ routines are so ingrained that they do it without being told! (*YEEEES* *fist pump*)

I HATE convincing myself to do any sort of routine when I am tired. It’s like I am choosing to rebel, but it’s like I am rebelling against myself! I hate getting the kids to do their routines when neither of us are in the mood. I hate the fall out that comes from neglecting the routines too long…..kids searching for socks, hubbies searching for dishes, mummies negotiating walking through the family room without stepping on something!

It never ceases to amaze me how EASILY the house can get turned upside down even after one day of not picking up after ourselves.

So this week I am going to be working on being more consistent with our routines so we can enjoy the peace of mind (and sanity) that comes from having order in the home.

My plan of attack:

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Establish realistic routines
  • Be consistent
  • Motivate with small rewards (“just do A, B and C, then I can do D”)
  • Be flexible when needed

Twittering about my goals has always helped me stay motivated and feel accountable.

So feel free to follow my tweets at JugglinMthrhood.



5 Great Finds: Globe & Crossword Wall Art, Free Photography Course, Muffin Doughnuts and Fab Organiser

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GORGEOUS GLOBE

What kid (or adult!!) wouldn’t want this amazing globe in their room. The talented Jennifer from Cup of Coco [via ohdeedoh] created this for a client. It is an interactive globe where the animals and landmarks have velcro on the back so you can put them on or take them off and store them in your cute little suitcase. I just love the adorable plane too!

http://cupofcoco.squarespace.com/blog/2010/3/23/nursery-wall-art-interactive-globe.html

FREE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE (for Wellingtonians)

Why not take advantage of this exciting opportunity to improve your photography skills and attend a FREE photography workshop series which will be led by wedding photographer, Keith McNabb.

Date: Every Thursday from 19 August for 8 weeks

Time: 7pm-9pm

Venue: Newlands Community Centre, 9 Batchelor Street, Newlands, Wellington

The format will be as follows:

1. Session: Getting the most out of the camera 19th Aug;
2. Session: Secrets of the Exposure System 26th Aug;
3. Session: Taking control of the flash 2nd Sep;
4. Session: How to shoot portraits like the pros 9th Sep;
5. Session: Computer time 16th Sep;
6. Session: On assignment Field Trip 25th Sep Field trip;
7. Session: Assignment results assessment 30th Sep; and
8. Session: Publishing 7th October.

If you’re interested in attending this workshop, please register with Donna Wilson, the Newlands Community Centre Coordinator on any of the contact details below.
P  04 477 3724
F  04 477 3725
M 021 227 8092
DDI: 04 803 8092

MOUTH WATERING MUFFIN DOUGHNUTS

Jen from How to: Simplify, is now my best friend for posting up this delicious recipe (and gorgeous photo!) All I can say is…I want these…NOW!

http://www.howto-simplify.com/2010/08/muffin-donuts.html

CROSSWORD/SCRABBLE WALL ART

I would LOVE something like this on my wall! Kellie from 74 Lime Lane featured this awesome Wall Art on her “Inspirational Files” this week. These were being sold at PoshTots for $500US (Post Edit: Unfortunately they no longer sell them on their site. I guess we’re just going to have to get creative and make our own!)

http://74limelane.com.au/2010/08/09/inspiration-files-whats-on-your-wall/

http://style-files.com/2010/08/03/crossword-wall-art/

FANTASTIC ORGANISER

This organiser is the BEST! It is the brainchild of Wendy Davie from “Totally Organised”, who I met at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo on Saturday. Looovely Lady.

The Action Station is a handy pad with 52 sheets to fill out every week of the year. Instead of the normal “To Do Lists”, she has titles like “What have I been avoiding?”, “What can I delegate”, “Stuff that really matters”, “Stuff I put off last week” and my favourite “Inspiration Cloud”!

The great thing about “Totally Organised” is they come to you! You can get a few friends together, get tips and buy some really useful (and pretty) products without leaving the comfort of your own home. (They haven’t paid me to say all this by the way, I just love that Wendy took an idea and turned it into a fantastic business with great products!)

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

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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

Quick Question: Am I a TV prude?

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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!

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

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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

FREE School Holiday Events for Young Children. Wellington July 2010

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Mon 5 July Tue 6 July Wed 7 July Thu 8 July Fri 9 July Sat 10 Jul
10am: Monopoly Celebration @ Te Papa 10am: Garden themed DIY Kid’s Clinic @ Bunnings, Porirua
10am: Rubik’s NZ Speed-Cubing Comp @ Te Papa
10am: Creativity Centre @ Westfield Queensgate
10.30am: Fireside Stories @ Central Library 10.30am: Fireside Stories @ Central Library
10.30am: Fairy Tales/ Fantasy @ Khandallah Library
11am: Winter themed DIY Kid’s Clinic @ Bunnings, Porirua 11am: Winter themed DIY Kid’s Clinic @ Bunnings, Porirua 11am: Storython @ Wadestown Library
11am: Ice Age Close Encounter Show @ North City Plaza 11am: Ice Age Close Encounter Show @ North City Plaza 11am: Ice Age Close Encounter Show @ North City Plaza 11am: Ice Age Close Encounter Show @ North City Plaza 11am: Ice Age Close Encounter Show @ North City Plaza
11am: BJ Bear Show @ Johnsonville Shopping Ctr 11am: BJ Bear Show @ Johnsonville Shopping Ctr 11am: BJ Bear Show @ Johnsonville Shopping Ctr 11am: BJ Bear Show @ Johnsonville Shopping Ctr 11am: Bro ‘Town @ Te Papa
11am: Make your own tī rākau @ Te Papa 11.30am: BJ Bear’s Teddy Bear’s Picnic @ Jville Shopping Ctr
1pm: BJ Bear Show @ Jville Shopping Ctr 1pm: BJ Bear Show @ Jville Shopping Ctr 1pm: BJ Bear Show @ Jville Shopping Ctr 1pm: BJ Bear Show @ Jville Shopping Ctr 1pm: Atiu Mapu @ Te Papa
1.30pm: Ice Age Close Encounter Show @ North City Plaza 1.30pm: Ice Age Close Encounter Show @ North City Plaza 1.30pm: Ice Age Close Encounter Show @ North City Plaza 1.30pm: Ice Age Close Encounter Show @ North City Plaza 1.30pm: Ice Age Close Encounter Show @ North City Plaza
2pm: Flight of Fantasy @ Miramar Library
Mon 12 July Tue 13 July Wed 14 July Thur 15 July Fri 16 July Sat 17 July
10am: Zappo & Zappolina @ Jville Shopping Ctr 10am: Zappo & Zappolina @ Jville Shopping Ctr 10am: Zappo & Zappolina @ Jville Shopping Ctr 10am: Zappo & Zappolina @ Jville Shopping Ctr 10am: Zappo & Zappolina @ Jville Shopping Ctr 10am: Arts and Crafts themed DIY Kid’s Workshop @ Bunnings, Porirua
10am: Creativity Centre @ Westfield Queensgate 10am: Creativity Centre @ Westfield Queensgate 10am: Creativity Centre @ Westfield Queensgate
10.30am: Fireside Stories @ Central Library 10.30am: Fireside Stories @ Central Library
11am: Ronald McDonald Show @ Westfield Queensgate 11am: Ronald McDonald Show @ Westfield Queensgate
11am: Arts and Crafts themed DIY Kid’s Workshop @ Bunnings, Porirua 11am: Arts and Crafts themed DIY Kid’s Workshop @ Bunnings, Porirua
11am: Tuatara Tales @ Te Papa 11am: Te Huka a Tai Whanau Day @ Te Papa (& $2 puppet making) 11am: Learn about Tatau (traditional Samoan tattooing) @ Te Papa
11am: Storython @ Cummings Park Library 11am: Fairy Tales/ Fantasy @ Jville Library 11am: Storython @ Karori Library
11am: Your Favourite Book @ Brooklyn Library 11am: Your Favourite Book @ Island Bay Library
11am: Fairy Tales/ Fantasy @ Mervyn Kemp Library, Tawa
12pm: Pacifica Experience with the Pacifica Mamas @ Te Papa
1pm: Ronald McDonald Show @ Westfield Queensgate 1pm: Ronald McDonald Show @ Westfield Queensgate

Free Fun at the Wellington City & Sea

Draw a picture or write a poem about something in the Museum. A selection will be published with prizes to be won.

Date: Now until 1 August

Time: 10am-5pm

Cost: Free entry and materials provided

Location: Queens Wharf, 3 Jervois Quay, Wellington

Free fun at Westfield Queensgate

Eight butterflies have been hidden around the Centre, can you find them all?

Pick up an entry form from Customer Services, write in the names of all the butterflies you spot hidden around the Centre and you could win a prize pack from McDonald’s and Event Cinemas!

Date: Monday, 5 July to Sunday, 18 July

Time: Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm, Thu-Fri: 9am-9pm, Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 10am-5.30pm

Location: Westfield Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Free fun at Te Papa

Hey kids! Collect a trail sheet and follow the clues throughout Te Papa to find out interesting facts about tapa, the amazing cloth that is made from the beaten bark of a tree. Everyone who takes part will go in the draw to win a prize!

Date: Now to Sunday, 12 September

Time: 10am – 6pm and 10am – 9pm on Thursdays

Cost: Free

Location: Entry forms available from outside Te Papa Kids’ Store, Level 2 or Planet Pasifika, Level 4, Te Papa

Ice Age Close Encounter Show at North City Plaza, Porirua

Get ready for an Ice Age encounter with the wacky loveable goofball Sid and the nutty as ever Scrat as the Ice Age 3 Close Encounter Show. Help Scrat find his precious acorn in a fun packed musical adventure with singing, dancing and audience interaction.

Date: Monday, 5 July to Friday, 9 July

Time: 11am and 1.30pm daily

Cost: Free

Location: Centre Court, Ground floor, North City Plaza, Porirua

School Library Programme at Libraries around Wellington

Escape the wet, wild, winter weather and come into a library near you for exciting stories and some activities to warm you up!

Date: Tuesday, 6 July to Friday, 16 July

Time: Variety of time

Cost: Free

Location: Variety of locations

BJ Bear Show at Johnsonville Shopping Centre

A fun interactive show with great prizes to be won! 2 Shows Daily

Date: Monday, 5 July to Thursday, 8 July

Time: 11am and 1pm daily

Cost: Free

Location: Near the Food court, Johnsonville Shopping Centre, Carpark entrance on Broderick Rd & Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville

Te Huka ā Tai Discovery Hour – Tī rākau (Māori stick games) at Te Papa

Make your own set of tī rākau and build on your game playing skills. Learn some waiata (songs) to accompany your new moves!

Date: Monday, 5 July

Time: 11am – 12pm

Cost: Free

Location: Te Huka ā Tai, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

Kids DIY Clinic at Bunnings Warehouse, Porirua

Workshops are free for children over the age of 5 and must be accompanied by an adult.

Date: School Holiday DIY Clinics: Tuesday, 6 & 13 July and Thursday, 8 & 15 July

Weekend DIY Clinics: Saturday, 10 & 17  and Sunday 11 & 18 July

Time: Weekdays: 11am; Weekends: 10am

Cost: Free

Location: Bunnings Warehouse, 9 Heriot Drive, Porirua

Monopoly Celebrates 75 years at Te Papa

Have a go playing on the giant board and view historical Monopoly memorabilia. Great Monopoly prizes and Warehouse vouchers will be up for grabs, so do pass go!

Date: Wednesday, 7 July

Time: 10am – 11.30am

Cost: Free

Location: Wellington Foyer, Level 2, Te Papa, Wellington

bro’Town at Te Papa – Inspiration Station Discovery Hour at Te Papa

Meet the stars of bro’Town, Oscar Kightley and Ant Sang and bring your favourite charater to life using the bro’Town Laughter Lines interactive (the cartoon drawing station).

Date: Friday, 9 July

Time: 11am – 12pm

Cost: Free

Location: Inspiration Station, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Johnsonville Shopping Centre

A fun interactive show at Johnsonville Shopping Centre.

Date: Friday, 9 July

Time: 11.30am

Cost: Free

Location: Near the Food court, Johnsonville Shopping Centre, Carpark entrance on Broderick Rd & Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville

Rubik’s New Zealand Speed-Cubing Championships 2010 at Te Papa

The 3.3 world record holder, 14 year old Australia Felix Zemdegs, will be there. In addition to the regular 3×3, 4×4, and 5×5 speed-solve events, there’ll be a one-handed solve, and even a blindfolded solve, which relies on astounding memory skills.

Date: Saturday, 10 July

Time: 10am-4pm

Cost: Free for spectators, Participant registration fee applies

Location: Wellington Foyer, Level 2, Te Papa, Wellington

Atiu Mapu at Te Papa

Enjoy this young Cook Island dance and culture group from Porirua.

Date: Saturday, 10 July

Time: 1pm – 2pm

Cost: Free

Location: The Marae, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

Creativity Centre at Westfield Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Come and play at the free Creativity Centre. Kids aged 4-10 can join us for a whole hour of crafts, dress ups, story time and heaps of other exciting activities. There is no booking required, rather a “first in first served”.  The Creativity
Centre can take 15 children at one time.

Date: Saturday, 10 July to Wednesday 14 July

Time: 10am – 2pm

Cost: Free

Location: Ground floor, Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Zappo & Zappolina at Johnsonville Shopping Mall

Zappo and Zappolina will be down at the shopping mall painting faces as well as balloon making! FUN! (This time they won’t be doing a show, but will be doing one in Sept)

Date: Monday, 12 July to Friday 16 July

Time: 10am – 2pm

Cost: Free

Location: Near the Food court, Johnsonville Shopping Centre, Carpark entrance on Broderick Rd & Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville

NatureSpace Tuatara Tales Discovery Hour at Te Papa

Tuatara Tales – Why are female tuatara cooler than males?  Here is your chance to meet one of Victoria University’s resident reptiles and tuatara experts and get all your tuatara questions answered.

Date: Monday, 12 July

Time: 11am – 12pm

Cost: Free

Location: NatureSpace Discovery Centre, Level 2, Te Papa, Wellington

Te Huka ā Tai Whānau Day at Te Papa

Learn about the daring adventures of Māui, our very own superhero. Be scared by the story of Hatupatu and his escape from the talons of the bird-woman, Kurangaituku. Be enthralled by tales about the magical patupaiarehe (fairy people) who live in the shadows and mist – but be careful, if you follow their laughter, you might get lost!

Date: Wednesday, 14 July

Time: 11am – 4pm

Cost: Free except for the 11am – 12pm $2 craft activity: patupaiarehe finger puppet

Location:Te Huka ā Tai, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

Ronald McDonald Show at Westfield Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Everyone’s favourite yellow, white and red clown is coming to Westfield. Come along and see Ronald McDonald’s® exciting NEW show – it’s sure to be fun for the whole family. He’ll have a little bit of magic and a few other tricks up his striped sleeves.

Date: Thursday, 15 and Friday 16 July

Time: 11am and 1pm

Cost: Free

Location: Ground floor, Queensgate, Lower Hutt

PlaNet Pasifika Discovery Hour – Tatau: Traditional Samoan Tattooing at Te Papa

Have you ever wondered why and how tattooing is practised in Samoa? Join one of Te Papa’s experts for a wonderful show and tell session. Then join in the free activity.

Date: Friday, 16 July

Time: 11am – 12pm

Cost: Free

Location: PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

Pacifica Experience with the Pacifica Mamas at Te Papa

The Pacifica Mamas serve up a taste of Pacific cultures. Come to a workshop and have a go at drum and dance, weaving, and lei-making – what a great way to get the flavour of Pacific life!

Three workshops run simultaneously for 45 minutes, and there are four of these session times during the day. The three simultaneous sessions are, Weaving, Lei making, and Drum and dance.

Date: Saturday, 17 July 2010

Time: Workshops will be run at:

12 noon–12.45pm
1pm–1.45pm
2.15pm–3pm
3.15pm–4pm

Cost: Free

Location: The Marae, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

For more school holiday fun for up the coast, check out Kapiti Kids Connect!

http://www.wcl.govt.nz/kids/whatson.html

Fun Kids Activity: Capturing the world through your kids eyes

Posted on by Mika
6

On Monday the kids were off school early, so we took advantage of the extra “free” time and went to Te Papa (Wellington museum – our favourite hang out when it is cold and windy outside!)

The kids took our new family camera for a test drive. It was nice and light for the kids to use, and they loved walking around the museum documenting their trip by taking photos!

My 5, 7 and 9 year old really enjoyed this, my 3 year old wasn’t too interested – she was too busy exploring! I noticed my 9 year old was particularly excited about being able to take her own photos. (So I made a mental note, that this would be a perfect way to keep her engaged if we ever do something that is gauged towards younger children.)

The children can do many things with their photos!

They can:

  • email them to grandma and grandad
  • make a slide show of the photos to view on family night
  • enter the photo on to KidsClick
  • make their own photo collages using Picasa
  • talk about why they took their photo
  • write about their photos
  • make their own blog and showcase the photos
  • print out smaller pictures to stick into their journals
  • let their mother use them for a blog post ;) hehehe

 

Lots of car parks to choose from! Bonus!

A cool photo of the ceiling in the foyer of the Museum

A map of constellations on the museum. The kids love skidding on their knees over it for some reason?? (Te Papa is a kid friendly museum...hehehe)

A map of constellations in the museum. The kids love skidding on their knees over it for some reason?? (Te Papa is a kid friendly museum...hehehe)

I still have memories of the fish display from the old museum from when I was a kid

The kids and I checking out the exhibits (Yay! I'm in the photo for a change!)

My son looked up at the ceiling and asked what this was....I said it was the skeleton of a whale...then he asked where the heart was..

 

(my photo)...then he exclaimed "I know where it is!" and ran to the nearby Discovery Centre, and hopped into the life size model of a whale's heart!

Check out http://squid.tepapa.govt.nz/ to find out more information about our "Colossal Squid"

More interesting sights my kids found

(my photos) We all had a blast!

Can you believe that we were at the museum for 2 hours, and they were spent mainly at the Science Discovery Centre and up by the Stowaways Container!

Reality Check: As soon as we got home it was off to the Parent Teacher interviews. So we had a quick snack before we left, and then a very late dinner. If only we could make time expand!

Good Reads:

Digital Photography School: 13 Lessons to teach your child about digital photography (this is a great article, even adults who are interested in photography would find it useful!)[via Okanagan4kids]

BetterPhoto.com: BetterPhoto for Young Adults (A range of articles to help your child develop their photography skills) [via Okanagan4kids]


Come play at Childhood101 We play link up

We Play

Lessons in Motherhood: Do Over!

Posted on by Mika
6

Do you believe in second chances? I do.

I didn’t have the best of days on Tuesday. I now realise I was quite sleep deprived, which hindered my decision-making (that’s my story and I’m sticking with it! hehehe). Basically at the end of the night, I felt I wasn’t as attentive to the kids as I could have been (Have you ever felt like that? As soon as your children’s head hit the pillow you start thinking…ah I wish I did things differently??)

Anyway, the next day I woke up early and was much more alert, and I said to myself, “I’m going to have a “DO OVER”!

To me, a “do over” means accepting that you may have had a bad day the day before, but that today is a new day, with new choices to be made.

The biggest difference to my “do over” day was my attitude. As I kept reminding myself that it was a “do over”, I felt empowered to guide the course of the day with my positive actions.

For me it meant:

being proactive instead of reactive

being showered, changed and ready for the day

starting the day with prayer and inspirational reading

listening to my body and having a rest to recharge my batteries

practicing patience

not going on the computer till after the kids go to bed

and as I mentioned, having a good attitude

My 7 and 9 year old must have decided to have a “do over” as well, because they woke up early and did their chores of unloading the dishwasher and getting the fruit and snack portion of the lunches ready, ate breakfast and got dressed, ALL without being asked!! Heaven!