Worlds Worst Drivers? Not the Women!

I just thought for all those Aussies out there that follow this blog, I would share a recently released survey that I came across. Visit World's Worst Drivers to see the full survey. I found this really interesting as women often get told that we are the worst drivers. Well! No more! (Although we do text more!) It is also great to note that my city is the best behaved - makes me feel a lot safer!

The site above is great as you can filter the survey results by any of the questions asked to arrive at a more specific comparison.

For example, 43.42% of males have driven after having consumed 3 or more standard alcoholic drinks, but only 24.36% of women have! Also 1.2% admit to doing this often! :o

I have to admit to playing around with a whole bunch of comparisons, just to prove to DH that we are better drivers! LOL.

Visit the site and have a go, then come back and let me know if you found any interesting comparisons! I'd love to know if you can convince YOUR DH!!

Tackle it Tuesday! The Garden

Yes, yes, it is Tuesday again! That means it is Tackle it Tuesday at 5 minutes for mom.

Being the start of spring and gorgeous weather, we thought we should get the boys outside and start to tidy up the garden to make it safe and welcoming for them.

To distract the boys I gave them each a little child size mini rake and shovel. We told them to dig in only one section of the garden and boy did they have fun! Plus, it kept them out of the way of the mower!

It took us a couple of hours, both DH and I (love him being home at the moment!) but we managed to:

Mow the front and back lawns
Weed the garden beds
Tidy the edges with the clippers
Tidy the outside toys
Trim the trees

The only job left now is to chop the branches of the wattle tree that are overhanging the gutter and are a fire hazard. DH will do this tomorrow as this afternoon he is out playing golf and I am not tall enough!

Honestly, the change in the garden is amazing! It looks like we live in a totally different house!

A blog you should see...

As I am new to this blogging thing, I often seek out other SAHM blogs just to see what they are writing about. Occasionally, I get hooked on that blog and cant resist going back!

One blog that I have bookmarked is Elaine's at http://www.fontanafam.com/

All of her posts are written in a "talking to your best friend" style with loads of humor. I learn quite a bit about parenting techniques as I follow her trials with her daughter - my son is the same age and the issues just seem so relevant! One particular section I am following with much interest is the "Love and Logic" course she is going to. It focuses on how to parent your child without the frustration and yelling. Sounds great and I cant wait for the next installment! there are some great lessons in there that I am definitely going to try out!

What did you do today?

I saw this on a parenting forum that I am a member of and just thought that I would share to give a little ray of light if you are having one of those days where you feel that you have achieved nothing. The house looks the same - if not worse! - as this morning, the washing is not done, the dishes are in the sink... you get the idea! I think we all have days like that, so I love this little poem for reminding me that, as mothers, we really are doing the most important job in the world. And that housework can most definitely wait!
--------------------------------------------------


A Recipe
For All Mothers

Today I left some dishes dirty;
The bed I made at 3:30
The nappies soaked a little longer,
The odour grew a little stronger.
The crumbs I spilt the day before
Are staring at me from the floor.
The fingerprints, there on the wall
Will likely still be there, next fall.
The dirty streaks on the window panes
Will still be there next time it rains.
“Shame on you old lazy-bones,” I say
“And just what have you done, today?”

I nursed a baby til she slept,
I held a toddler while she wept.
I played a game of hide and seek
I squeezed a toy so it would squeak.
I pulled a wagon, sang a song,
Taught a child right from wrong.
What did I do this whole day through?
Not much that shows, I guess its true…
Unless you think that what I’ve done
Might be important to someone
With bright blue eyes and soft brown hair
If that is true, I’ve done my share.

Joanne Green

This is for the Mothers...

A poem from an unknown source (unless you can tell me!)

----------------------------------
Mothers,

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up barf laced with cherios and lemonade and saying,
'It's okay honey, Mummy's here.'
Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and nappies in their purse. For all the mothers who run carpools and make cup cakes and sew costumes.
And all the mothers who DON'T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.

And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, 'Did you see me, Mum?' they could say, 'Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world,' and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.

For all the mothers who read the same book twice a night for a year. And then read it again. 'Just one more time.'

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls 'Mum?' in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school an hour later asking them to please pick them up.
Right away.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.

This is for all the step-mothers who raised another woman's child or children, and gave their time, attention, and love... sometimes totally unappreciated!

For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14-year-olds dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.

For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad ips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school
alone for the very first time? The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home? Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news
of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation... And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.

Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all.

For all of us.

Hang in there.

In the end we can only do the best we can.

Tell them every day that we love them.

It has been one of *those* days!

Today has been a trying day. Tired bubbas, meltdowns and sunburn...

I found an article that sums it up perfectly!

But now, here at the end of the day, with the dishes still to do, the floor to sweep and the washing to fold, I can look in on my sleeping children, who really are my heartbeat and know that it is THEY "who changed my world, my perspective, my frame of reference, my busy, and all that I thought was good", and ME who is blessed.

I guess sometimes it is only in the quiet moments that you can know that it is all worth it. Now I just need to remember this during the noisy ones!! *sigh* LOL

Husbands

I have been reading a book called Love & Respect The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs.


It is a great book and has got me thinking about HOW to show respect to your husbands. I confess to a little googling!!

I also confess to nagging! But I am working on it with some tips that I found! Also there is a great article about the consequences of "small stuff" that can be found here.

Here are a few verses that have struck a chord with me:

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18)
"So then, let's aim for harmony....and try to build each other up" (Romans 14:19 NLT)
"The little foxes are ruining our vineyard" Song of Solomon 2:15


I have found a list of 10 Steps Towards Respecting Your Husband

1. Pray for him daily and trust God to answer your requests.

* Pray for his well-being, wisdom, protection, blessings, guidance, knowledge, spiritual maturity, success, purity, strength in temptation, etc.
* Look for God’s answers to your prayers.
* Thank God for working in your family.
* Thank God for your husband.
* Pray for your attitude.

2. Remember that God has put your husband in a position of leadership, and He will lead you through your husband.
3. Make a list of your husband’s qualities that you appreciate. Review and add to your list regularly.
4. Tell your husband what you appreciate about him. Tell others what you appreciate about him.
5. Don’t criticize your husband to others – especially your children.
6. Look for the positive side of things that you may find irritating. If you find it boring when he spends time telling you about his bad day, remember that at least he is talking to you, spending time with you, sharing his concerns with you, bringing you into his confidence, and giving you the chance to be an encourager and helper.
7. Respond to his loving advances with enthusiasm.
8. If you are concerned about a decision your husband has made, ask him the following:

* “I’m confused about _________. Can you explain it to me?”
* “Can we talk about _____? I feel uncomfortable about ______.”

Don’t ask: “WHY in the world would you do it that way?” or ask “Why?” in any way that implies you think he is foolish.

9. If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about your husband, stop and choose to think of something else – especially things from your positive quality list.
10. Respect his likes and dislikes. If he likes a particular food, make a point of serving that regularly. If he hates the color purple, don’t wear purple in his presence. If he likes you to wear perfume, do it.

There is even a list of 12 things you should not do to your husband!

So what do you do to show respect to your husband? What verses motivate you? Would love to hear your responses!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday Dear Alexander
Happy Birthday to you...

Dear Squishy,

Today you are three. Where did all that time go? You have grown up way too fast. I love you more than words can say; I hope you always remember that.

At the moment you love Dora and Diego and all things Lego, especially if it makes noise or has lights! You like playing with James (as well as tormenting him at times!) and the sound of your laughter can make my heart soar.

You have some great expressions and mannerisms that are too funny for words and you can make me laugh with one look. I love it when you do impressions of people, copy Mummy and Daddy in asking James to do the things we ask you to do as if you are the parent, the way you wave your hand when you say "No Thankyou", the way you slowly draw out the word "awesome" when you are really impressed, the way you smack your forehead and exclaim "Oh my goodness, Oh my gosh, I forembered", the way you waggle your finger when telling James no, the way you call a steering wheel a stealing whelo, but have no trouble saying the words separately, the way you call a mobile phone a mo-bible. The way you run to me when you are hurt, the way that only Mummy and Daddy kisses can kiss away your tears, the way you say I love you, the way your hugs feel, the way that you breathe so peacefully when you sleep....

Keep on filling the pages of your book in your unique way, I’ll be reading along and helping you along the way. I know that your life will be a great and successful story.

I am so proud of you. You are sweet and affectionate, funny and cheeky, as well as smart and loving.

Thank you for being your beautiful you. I love you, squishy bear.

Love Always,

Your Mummy

Tackle it Tuesday! Charity Shop Drop-off

It is Tackle it Tuesday at 5 minutes for mom.

This week I was working on little things that work toward our goal of moving to the UK. One task that both DH and I have been putting off is sorting out the garage. So our tackle today was to make a start on this, nd boy does it feel good! So good in fact, that we have agreed to do at least one bag/box per day.

Today we went through our books stored in the garage (we have hundreds!) and although we have many, many boxes still to go through, I am hapy to report that we made a drop off to the local charity shop of TWO big bags of books!

The garage is easier to access already and I am inspired to get this garage sorted! Thanks 5minutesformum, for without this challenge I am sure we would still be tripping over on the way to the car!

Menu Plan Monday - A non-shopping week!

No, I havent forgotten that over at OrgJunkie it is Menu Plan Monday! But I am cheating this week. We have just had A's party and bought loads of meat for the BBQ and we have heaps left over. So I am using that with whatever is in the pantry. My challenge for this week, since menu planning is all about saving you money, is to actually not shop at all!! So we could have some creative meals this week.

I do have to confess though, that we were out of bread, milk and margarine, so I have popped down to the shop to get those! But that is it - I promise! :)

Arggggh Me Hearties!!

A's best friend turned three this week and had a pirate themed party. After searching for a pirate costume and failing to find one (Honestly! How ridiculous is it that i couldn't find one!), I managed to pull together a costume of sorts from what we had around the house, including in our dress up box. I just had to share the result! A was so happy with his vest and parrot that he kept it on all day and I had to address all conversations to both A AND the parrot! Parrot likes cake and lollies, apparently! *eye roll* LOL

Party Party Party!

Well, after all the preparations, the party is finally said and done! It was held at Yerrabi Ponds, which has a fantastic play area for the kids, as well as BBQ's and seating - a sunny day near the water and a perfect party setting!

There were a few slight hitches on the day, but A was blissfully unaware and no-one else seemed to mind! I forgot the napkins and cups, but my sister came to the rescue. I was feeling off as all the stress, combined with my flu caused me to have an SVT attack, which is a slight heart problem I have. Didnt stop the party though! Also, the elastic in my skirt went, causing me to have to clip it with a bulldog clip to keep it up (the only thing available!)!!

I have to say, my snake sandwich was a hit! Despite many odd looks when I originally described it, it was VERY yummy! I dont have a pic of the final creation, but here is one before the filling was added (two fillings, half a 'snake' each - cream cheese + grated carrot + sultanas and tuna + corn)




The birthday boy was VERY spoiled - thank you everyone for all of the wonderful presents!



The other hitch on the day was that I forgot to take the camera to the park! But many people took pictures and hopefully they will send them in a format that will allow me to come back and share them with you here.

Never did me any harm!

I am just watching the 'Never did me any harm' show on Lifestyle on Foxtel, and the Dad said "I did that, I grew up young." The show takes modern day families and throws them back into the 70's style of living with no mod cons and black and white TV. Gone are the playstations, x-boxes, ipods, mobiles, designer clothes and dishwashers. Honestly, some of the childrens reactions have shocked me!

Nowadays, when we say "they grew up young" or "kids are growing up faster" we usually mean it in the "partying" sense or dressing above their age group, going out drinking etc.

Back then, it would have been more so in hard life way, rather than the partying way, and more referring to responsibility taken on for looking after siblings, going out to work earlier etc.

So, I guess my question is, Do you think kids are growing up less responsible in this day and age? More "entitlement" centered? Should we go back to the old ways of more firm discipline, less permissive parenting, and be, in the family, more parent centered rather than child centered? (and by this I mean, respect your elders, do things the first time you are told,do your chores rather than the I-have-never-grown-up-partying-all-night-stuff-the-kids type parenting or mummy doing the washing until you get married then you wife can do it type parenting!) Should we go back to the simpler life of less stuff, make your own fun?
And which way is better? now or then?

On a personal level, I hope that I am raising my kids in a balanced way - i.e. now AND then. I hope that they have respect for their elders, know responsibility etc but I also hope that they can take advantage of the benefits of todays society, such as better educational opportunities.

Our lifestyles are easier now due to technology like computers and washing machines/dishwashers which allow for more "me" time, but I do not want my kids to grow up selfish. I will make them wash the dishes occasionally!

I DO think that children are overindulged both materialistically and in what parents do for them. Mothers washing their sons clothes until marriage is madness. All of my children will know how to use the washing machine!

I also think that the difficulties of the previous generation have given birth to the easy life of the next, in the sense that the parents do not want their children to have life as hard as they did. I think that children these days can take their lives for granted and while I do not wish the hardships of yesteryear on them, I do want them to realise that they are lucky and there are others less fortunate. Already I let the boys put a dollar in the collection box of the Red Cross and Salvation Army and when we donate to the local charity shop I talk about the people who do not have as much as us and how important it is that we help others. I also want them to realise the sacrifices that the previous generations have made to allow them the life they lead.

Manners is another personal bugbear of mine. I insist that my kids say please and thank you and they certainly know that I want does not mean I get. Unless they ask properly they will not get anything and if they do, the answer may still be no. Some of the rudeness and attitudes around today would have shocked previous generations and wouldnt have been tolerated.


Ok rant over. *blush* Maybe I am just a mean mummy?

On My Bookshelf: For Women Only...

At my MOPS group recently we had a guest speaker who was, strangely enough, MALE! (This is usually a female only group) He came and spoke to us all about marriage from a male perspective, and mentioned a couple of books that he said absolutely revolutionized his marriage. Now his marriage was pretty good to start with, so for him to say that, it certainly must have been some book!

The way he talked about it, I thought it would be a worthwhile read for any couple, no matter the state of your marriage. For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men helps you understand the way your man thinks, which, having read the book now, is completely different to us women! It explains where they come from and what we can do to understand and support them.

There is the companion book for the guys too - to help them understand us! For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women

I believe that anyhthing that helps communication and understanding in your marriage can only be a good thing. My husband and I will certainly be keeping these on the bedside tables!

Another book I am reading on the same subject is Love & Respect The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs. I will let you know how it goes!

Cake!!

Ok, so the cake is FINALLY finished!

Disclaimer: It is late, I have the worst cold, aches and pains, a temperature and a throbbing headache! Sooooo in the mood to hold party tomorrow! LOL. Lets hope I perk up before then!

I am sure A will forgive me, he is only turning 3, after all!!

The New Survivor TV Show

This is an email currently doing the rounds.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------



THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES


Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play
two sports
and either take music
or dance classes.
They will also attend cubs, brownies, sea cadets or similar.

There is no fast food.

Each man must:
take care of his 3 children,
keep his assigned house clean,
correct all homework,
and complete science projects,
also, cook, do laundry,
and pay a list of 'pretend' bills
with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money
for groceries each week.

Each man must remember
the birthdays
of all their friends and relatives,
and send cards out
on time--no emailing.

Each man must also
take each child to a doctor's appointment,
a dentist appointment
and a haircut appointment.

He must make
one unscheduled and inconvenient
visit per child
to A & E

He must also
make gingerbread men or choc chip cakes
for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for
decorating his own assigned house,
planting flowers outside
and keeping it presentable
at all times.

The men will only
have access to television
when the kids are asleep
and all chores are done.

The men must
shave their legs,
wear makeup daily,
adorn themselves with jewellery,
wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,
keep fingernails polished
and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks,
the men will have to endure severe abdominal pain, persistent lower back aches,
and have extreme, unexplained mood swings, but never once complain or
slow down from other duties.

They must attend
weekly school meetings, concerts & plays, church, and find time
at least once a week, to spend the afternoon
in the park or a similar setting.

They will need to
read a book to the kids
each night and in the morning,
feed them, dress them,
brush their teeth and
comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks
and each father will be required to know all of the following information:
each child's birthday,
height, weight,
shoe size, clothes size, teachers name, best friends name and doctor's name
Also the child's weight at birth,
time of birth,
and length of labour,
each child's favourite colour,
middle name,
favourite snack,
favourite song,
favourite drink,
favourite toy,
biggest fear and
what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island
based on performance.
The last man wins only if...
he still has enough energy
to be intimate with his spouse
at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win,
he can play the game over and over
and over again for the next 18-25 years
eventually earning the right
To be called Mother!

Tell Me about You!

Hi All

I have noticed that the site traffic has gone up. But I dont know who any of you are!!

So PLEASE let me know you have dropped by. What do you love here, what do you hate? What would you like more or less of? Is there something I am NOT doing that you would like to see me do? (aside from handstands! LOL)

Let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading, and I DO hope you enjoy my random musings!!

Be.

Lunchtime Creativity

I found a site (TBH, cant remember which one! LOL)with a fabulous fun way to serve lunch, so I tried it out today. I have to compliment whoever had the idea first because it worked a treat!

Dinnertime with four...

I had a preview of having four children today. My dear friend had to visit the doctors as the poor thing could hardly walk and so I went over to babysit her two cuties with my boys in tow. So I had two one year olds and two two year olds. It was a lot of fun, and I actually managed to get the dinner cooked and all four children seated and eating at the same time! Miracle!

Party Preparations

We had a great afternoon today getting ready for A's party on the weekend.

We made Thank-you cards for all the people attending, and as we used - gasp! - paint!!! the boys had a blast! We also paper-mache'd a balloon to make a pinata. Needless to say that the first stop after the activities was the shower. J had three different paint colours through his hair and A seems to think that painting his arms is better than painting paper! *sigh* LOL

Here is a pic of our Thank You cards hanging out to dry.



Now I just need to make and ice the cake, make and place the icing toppers, do the party bags, shop for and prepare the food, follow up RSVP's......oh dear! Looks like I will be busy tomorrow!

Cockington Green

Both of my boys love trains and there is a perfect spot in Canberra to see them. Cockington Green. It is a park showcasing miniature buildings and scenes from mainly England, but they have an International section as well. There is a train that runs around the park and with our yearly pass (which is cheaper than a single visit for all of us!) we get free ride every time we visit.

The weather was great, so I decided to pack a picnic and take the boys out for the morning. :)

Aprons

We made these cute aprons at my weekly craft group. The boys love to 'help' me cook, so they ere a definite hit!

S'cuse the mess - they've been used already! *blush*

See here to make your own apron.

Happy Fathers Day!

This is one of the posts that got lost and is now a few weeks too late, but I just had to share these gorgeous photos that I framed in a three-photo picture frame to spell out DAD...

30 Day Challenge

I have just joined the 30 day challenge!

From their website....

---------------------------------------------------------------------

In a nutshell... The Thirty Day Challenge is about making your first $10 online. For a full 30 days we are going to be showing you exactly how to start your own Internet business and generate your first income online without spending a dime.

That's right, this is going to cost zip, diddly, nothing, nada, ziltch. The entire training program is free, and you won't have to spend a thing to get your business started and begin making money. No credit card required.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Just click on the link above, or in my sidebar, and see for yourself.

Don't know if it will work, or if it works, and I just don't make money cause I am hopeless! LOL Either way, it cant hurt to try and make some money!

Moving to the UK

We have decided that at some stage we will move to the United Kingdom to be with my Father in Law who is ill. Initially we will be based in Wales, but will possibly consider England within commuting distance of Wales. (My husband is Welsh)

Dont worry, I will still be a SAHM, so my blogging will continue! I think I will have a lot more challenges on my hands!

So, to further our plans, today we submitted the application forms or the boys British Passports. As DH is Welsh, the boys are entitled to citizenship by ancestry, so they are automatically citizens and can get passports. My boys are officially dual citizens! How cool is that?

A already has an Australian passport as we traveled over to the UK when he was 2 months old to visit the in-laws. He also accompanied us on our honeymoon to New Zealand when he was 6 months old. I had to apply for J's Australian Passport at the post office, but it should arrive fairly quickly.

I have also started filling out my Settlement Visa Application. *sigh* the number of documents we need!

But it has helped us get through the filing...in our search for the documents we sat and shredded 1/2 a wheelie bin full of papers that we no longer needed!

Test your brain out with this one!

This was recently posted on a parenting website that I am a member of. It was great fun. I scored a 4 (the lower the better). See how you go!

Can You Differentiate Hue Colour?

Guess who is turning Three!!

Alexander is turning three on the 26th! Where has the time gone? Where is my baby boy? *sob*

He is completely obsessed with Dora and Diego at the moment, so he wants a Dora head, Diego head and a Darby head on his cake.

I have this stupid thing that as a SAHM I have to make his cake or I am a crap mum. Stupid, I know, but there you go.

So I thought I would do a test run tonight. I am trying to make an icing topper thingy, that you pipe and then place on the cake - I thought it would be easier...It is the first time I have tried piping and I am crap at it!

So, here is a pic, What do you think?? I only have a few days to practise! (FYI - it is still on a plate so I can "peel" it off to place on the cake later.


The recipe I finally used, after a few failed attempts, was:

# 2 lbs. confectioner's sugar
# 2 tsps. vanilla
# about 1/2 c. milk (depending on desired consistency)
# 1/2 lb. (2 sticks) butter or margarine at room temp.

This is the original quantities, but I only made a quarter of it as the cake toppers are only the size of a saucer.

PLEASE post a comment and let me know what you think!

The Things They Say!

Today, A came out with a few classic lines..

J was in his orange pajamas and A said "J is a giant orange carrot!"

A was standing in the lounge room thinking when he abruptly turned to DH and said " Daddy, you win some and you lose some." So True! Completely random comment though!

When he was struggling to do a number 2 on the toilet today, he got off defeated, and said " I think it is having a rest!"

A didn't like dinner tonight and when we asked him why, he waggled a finger at us (I think he got this off his former Nanny, certainly not me!!) and said "I no eat your Stinky dinner". Thanks a lot! It cracked DH and I up though. The expression on his face was priceless.

Two is such a great age. The way their minds work just fascinates me!

Tackle it Tuesday! Defrost the Freezer!

It it Tuesday, so that means that it must be Tackle it Tuesday at 5 minutes for mom.

Following on from doing he fridge last week, this week I decided to defrost the freezer. It was so bad that it was really encroaching on the available space to store things! One draw I couldn't even open!! LOL

No photos, but it got done! I now have double the amount of space in the freezer! This is great as it helps with my meal planning challenge as well!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 3

Over at OrgJunkie it is Menu Plan Monday.



Monday - Mild Beef Curry
(pkt Mild Beef Curry Mix
2 Onions
Beef
2 Potatoes
Frozen Peas/Beans)

Tuesday - Honey Mustard Chicken
(500g Chicken
150g Mushrooms
100ml Light Cream
Serve with Pasta
pkt Honey Mustard Chicken Mix)

Wednesday - Beef and Mushroom Ragout
(1 kg cubed beef
2 onions chopped
2 rashers bacon
10 button mushrooms
400g canned tomatoes
1/2 cup frozen peas
pkt Beef and Mushroom Ragout Mix)


Thursday - Teriyaki Chicken Stir-fry with Zucchini
(pkt Teriyaki Chicken Stir-fry Mix
1 red Capsicum
500g Chicken fillets
1 Onion
2 tbsp Soy Sauce)

Friday - Leftovers or Ginger Fish as a standby
(We have fish in the freezer from ages ago. Just throw the fish in the pan with some onions, ginger, a tiny bit of soy sauce, peas and serve with rice)


Saturday - Country Beef Casserole
(pkt Country Beef Casserole Mix
500g Beef
3 bacon rashers
1 Onion
1 Carrot
2 Celery Sticks
2 potatoes)

Sunday - Roast Lamb
( I do my roast with sweet potato, normal potato, gravy and the lamb/beef with rosemary and garlic crust. Yum!)

I am finding as the month goes on that when I buy meat, for example, it is cheaper to by it in bulk, but then you are left over with "excess" meat in your freezer. Therefore, this week is all about using that meat that is left. This has the added bonus that this weeks shopping was quite cheap as I didn't need to buy meat! So, the trend is that the first two weeks will be expensive, and then the last two weeks are about using leftover bulk and therefore cheap. Easy to manage of you get paid monthly, alternatively you average out your budget over the month. Also, look for the cheaper cuts of beef as they tend to do better when cooked for longer. I have been using a little less meat than I normally would and bulking up with potatoes to reduce leftovers and costs.

Grrrr.

Didn't work AGAIN!!!! Grrrr. I am determined to fix this glitch!

Sorry guys!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 2

Over at OrgJunkie it is Menu Plan Monday.

This week will just be a quick post, sorry for the lack of detail.

Monday - Garlic and Herb Lamb Shanks (Family loved it so it got repeated!!LOL)
Tuesday - Teriyaki Chicken Stir-fry
Wednesday - Tomato and Onion Sausages
Thursday - Beef Stroganoff
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Spaghetti Bolognaise
Sunday - Roast Chicken

Ultimately, depending on the reaction to the meals I am aiming to put together 4 weeks worth of plans that I then rotate. Obviously they will need adjusting if a family member REALLY hates a meal, and they are quite flexible if we have too many leftovers, don't feel like that meal that day etc. It is basically all about having the ingredients for seven meals in the house, and not over-shopping. As I am making my meal plans, I am creating standard shopping lists for that week that, again, I can recycle, just adding incidentals as need such as toothpaste, dish liquid etc.

Sunday Seven: Things My Kids Love

The Sunday Seven website/blog seems to have gone on a hiatus, so I thought that I would make up my own Sunday Seven:

Sunday Seven: The Things My Boys Enjoy

1. Icecream, Chicken Nuggets and Baked Beans. If I cant get them to eat these then there is something wrong! Oh, and Bananas.

2. Cars. J moreso now than A, but he did have his obsession with them.

3. Dora and Diego! This one is for A. He has pretended for months that h is either Dora or Diego. We bought him a Diego T-shirt, shorts and vest set that he constantly wants to wear. He is not so bad with the T-shirt and shorts, but the Vest goes over everything! We literally have to pry it off him to wash it!

4. Cans. This one is for J. He is OBSESSED with pepsi cans! Full is fine (we DO NOT let him drink it!) but empty is even better. They just make such great sounds when you squeeze them. He carries one around for hours!

5. Talking of carrying things, Both boys have a 'lovey'. A ha a teddy names Teddy (!) that Grandma gave him when he was born. Teddy is his best friend! He eats, gets dressed up, drives the car..anything a little boy can pretend to be/do, Teddy does as well. As long as he is no longer carrying around his "night -night" which was a full size cot blanket, we are happy! Night night is another story in itself! J has "patch" - a dog head on a hankie that he got from Grandma when e was in hospital for the second time. We called it Patch after the childrens ward acronym (Pediatrics at the Canberra Hospital - they call themselves PATCH) as they were so lovely to us during that difficult time - plus he (the toy!) has a little orange patch under his head as well. Very Fitting!

6. Our dog, Dominic, who is a maltese and VERY patient. J follows him around and squeals at him, loves patting him and getting licked (ewww!). We obviously discourage the licking! A loves having "dom-dom" sit on his lap. Both went through a phase where they thought he was a horse and they could ride him, but thankfully that has passed! A even loves letting him in/out the back. Less work for me every time Dominic wants to go out, so I am happy!

7. Sleeping in Mummy and Daddy's bed. I don't think this one needs explaining! J is the worst and every morning I wake to find that we have had a nocturnal visitor! When either of the boys feels ill, they are always calmer snuggled in our bed.

There are loads more i could list, but these a the big ones! Oh, and Duplo! Don't even get me started!

Dont know what happened..

..but all of my posts since Sunday seem to have disappeared!! So here they are again. Sorry for the flood of posts!

Just had to share...

This post that I found at Mommysecrets

63 Things to do with your kids before they grow up! Some great ideas. If I do even half of these, I know that I will have given my kids some great memories!

My Work

I am loving this poem that I found at Happy to Be Home.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


My Work

I have the greatest work in the world;
The job of rocking a baby to sleep,
That of guiding his tottering feet,
A baby's clothes to launder and fold,
A precious life to shape and mold,
A drink to give from a little cup,
At night his toys to gather up,
Hurts to heal and fears to quell,
A baby to keep clean and well,
A stack of diapers to put,
Oh, what a happy worthwhile day!
I am a "Mother."

I have the greatest work in to world;
A husband to encourge when things go wrong,
When he comes from work to greet with a song,
Denims and shirts to wash and mend,
A helping hand, when needed, to lend,
Three times a day is meals to cook,
To strive to be my best to look,
His back to rub at the close of the day,
For his faithfulness to God I pray,
When hubby's in te field I take lemonade,
for all these tasks his love has Paid.
I am a " Wife."

I have the greatest work in the world;
Ahome to keep happy, clean and bright,
Make things go smooth and strive for the right,
Jams to cook and jellies to make,
Cookies and pies and bread to bake,
Washing, ironing, and sewing to do,
So many tasks, will I ever get though?
Lettuce to was and peas to pick,
floors to scrub, lost items to seek,
Dishes to wash and windows to shine,
These and mony more tasks are mine.
I am a "Homemaker."

Help me, Father, to faithfully work,
Forgive if I unconsciously shirk,
give me the patience and love I pray,
To keep myself in duties way;
With all the hustle that each day brings
May I not neglect the needing things;
Each day to spend time alone with Thee
That Jesus Christ be seen in me.
Thank you for husband, our home, our boys;
Thank you for love which brings me much joy.
Thank you , Lord.

Mary Lou Burkholder

Scribbles - 05.09.08

As I am currently using this blog as a "brain dump" (LOL!) here is a collection of all the neat little things seen around the web that I want to do/try/make/whatever.

I titled my collection of To Do's "Scribbles" because usually I scribble the ideas on a piece of paper and then lose it! At least this way, when I think back to that great idea I saw, I will be able to locate it!

Some great ideas here for entertaining the kids - Activity Bags

Yum! Let's make these for lunch! - Hot Pockets

A would LOVE these! - Magic milkshakes

A great way to serve lunch - Muffin Lunch

A great idea for A's upcoming birthday gifts - Thank you Cards

Something Crafty - Outlined Placemats

I only have three years left!! - 30 books to read before you are 30

Many years away for the boys yet, hopefully I remember this! - Tooth Fairy Jars

A great craft idea - Rainy Day Rainbow

For weekends when we have nothing to do - Free weekend activities

Oh, I wish I was this organised!! - Packing list for children

Another craft for when i get the time! - Felt Food

An alternative to our chore chart, which is sadly lacking at the moment :( - job jars or Noahs Ark

Great reminder about hospitality and having the house picked up! - here

No Way! Play-doh in the crockpot!!

A sweet idea for when the boys get older - you are special days

What a great idea for the kids - map fun

A great summer fun idea - sponge balls

Another summer idea - sidewalk paint

Well, I think my list is long enough for now!! Hope you liked some of the ideas. And if you get around to doing any of them, let me know how you go!

Today I have learned...

That if you are out of dishwasher powder, but are still desperate to get the dishes done, but don't have time....

DO NOT USE DISHWASHING LIQUID INSTEAD!!!

Even the smallest amount....

Argh! The bubbles covered my kitchen floor..

*sigh*

Tackle it Tuesday! Toy Sorter and Fridge

It it Tuesday, so that means that it must be Tackle it Tuesday at 5 minutes for mom.

This week I didn't have as much time so I tackled two smaller jobs. The toy sorter in our family room and, on a tips from one of my MOPS guru's, the fridge.

So, Toy sorter. From this...



to this. Next week I might try to tackle the toy ROOM! *blush* I got rid of a LOT of "stuff" just from the toy sorter!! It tends to act as a dumping ground for toys that we quickly pick up, so this is going to a challenge to maintain!




Oh, and my MOPS fridge tip is to clean the shelves of your fridge and then line them with chux Then all you have to do to clean the ridge is whip them out and either wash and return or replace with fresh ones. Ingenious!! Saves the scrubbing!

I have wanted to do this since I heard about it, so I did it today. I clean the fridge weekly anyway, but I thought this might save me some time. No pics, because really, its a fridge!!!

Menu Plan Monday

Over at OrgJunkie it is Menu Plan Monday.

Again, i joined this challenge for motivation! I need a lot !!!LOL

So...

Monday Beef and Mushroom Ragout
(1 kg cubed beef
2 onions chopped
2 rashers bacon
10 button mushrooms
400g canned tomatoes
1/2 cup frozen peas
pkt Beef and Mushroom Ragout Mix)

Tuesday Apricot Chicken
(pkt Apricot Chicken Mix
1 kg chicken pieces
1 onion chopped
400ml can apricots)


Wednesday Curried Sausages
(pkt curried sausages recipe mix
8 sausages
1 onion
4 potatoes
3/4 cup milk)

Thursday Cottage Mince Pie (Not in slow cooker)
(4 potatoes
1/2 cup milk
400g minced beef
1 onion chopped
1 carrot diced
400g can tomatoes
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup grated cheese
Cottage Mince Pie recipe base

Par boil potatoes, mash with milk. Brown beef then add onion and carrot. Add tomatoes and recipe base. and mix. Simmer 10 mins. Stir in peas. Put mixture in bowl and cover with mash. Sprinkle with cheese and bake @ 200C for 20 mins)

Friday Leftovers! (hey, we all deserve a break!)

Saturday Garlic and Herb Lamb Shanks
(Garlic and Herb Recipe base
6 lamb shanks
3 carrots chopped
2 x 400g canned tomatoes
1 stalk celery)

Sunday Roast Chicken

I am a total cheat and use mixes (I am NOT a good cook!), but it is not necessary if you have a little more time. Just read the ingredients on the back and substitute to taste. I also use canned tomatoes, but fresh is fine if you prefer.

The best thing about my slow cooker is that the cheaper cuts of meat taste better the longer they are cooked - 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high, generally - and the chicken (depending on what part!) can be done quickly in around 2 hours. Either way, it beats having to cook at "arsenic hour"!! I usually make dinner at either lunch or breakfast depending on how th day is going.

Not very exciting, I know, but they are quick and easy and the boys will eat them!!

Site Update

Hi All

Just wanted to let you all know that I have been playing around with the templates and colours on my blog. (In case you hadn't noticed!) Added a few pics here and there too!

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Tackle it Tuesday! Kitchen Cupboards

Over at 5 minutes for mom it is Tackle it Tuesday.

I am actually a little late this week - a new challenge starts tomorrow!

I decided to join this challenge as there are a few little annoying things around the house that need to be done, and I thought that this was great motivation.

This week, I started on some of my Kitchen Cupboards.

Trust me when I say you do not want to see the before pictures, but here is the finished product...




I got rid of so much stuff!!

Looking forward to tomorrow!

Two Trips in one weekend..

All I can say is thank goodness for after hours doctors surgeries!

On Friday night, A was constantly coughing, non-stop for a few hours. It was obviously affecting is sleep (he didn't!) so I called the after-hours doctor and popped in to see them. $70 later we discover he has post nasal drip (eww!) and there is nothing we can really do to help him. Luckily he finally fell asleep in the car on the way back..at around 11pm!

Then J started running a temperature on Sunday. By late that night, he was up to 38.5 degrees (Celsius) and we were back at the doctors His throat is apparently as red as a strawberry, and his temp by then was 39.5 degrees. After antibiotics and more Panadol we managed to get it back to just over 38. A few scary moments overnight when he spiked again at over 39 degrees, but thankfully we managed it at home and didn't need to take him back into the hospital. He is still really lethargic again today, and still not eating, but seems in better spirits.

Bring on Summer!

Sunday Seven: Sunday Seven - 52nd Edition

Sunday Seven: Sunday Seven - 52nd Edition

Ok, Sorry, i missed this yesterday, totally hectic!

My seven reasons I love to be a mother...

1. Their laughter and smiles are precious. Knowing that I can create them (i.e. make them laugh or smile) is one of the greatest joys on earth.
2. Continuous hugs and kisses!
3. To be able to be a parent is a definite blessing.
4. I love watching their fascination - everything old becomes new again in their eyes.
5. Teaching them i.e. to a be a good person, knowing that some day the can contribute well to society. I see this as one of my goals.
6. Knowing that when they are not well, or upset, I can be their haven in the storm.
7. Unconditional Love

That's just my quick thoughts! See you next Sunday!