Home Sweet Home
Although I doubt we’ll stay put in the same place for long enough, the sense of belonging and meaningfulness of this home grabbed my attention in today’s Herald:
“Every time I pop round there (Her neighbours) I am transfixed by the two photos he has hanging in the frame by the front door. In the left-hand one, he and his young wife-in early 1970’s clothes-are going in through that door carrying a small baby. In the right-hand snapshot, my neighbour is coming out the same door with a young woman in the wedding dress on his arm. It is his daughter-the one who was the baby in the first photo”
Our neighbours are the same-A family home, rich with memories draws me in…I’d love knock on the door and walk through our childhood home in Wanganui. It’s amazing the few times we’ve driven past how small the street actually is, the walk to the shops seemed so much further as a child!
“Every time I pop round there (Her neighbours) I am transfixed by the two photos he has hanging in the frame by the front door. In the left-hand one, he and his young wife-in early 1970’s clothes-are going in through that door carrying a small baby. In the right-hand snapshot, my neighbour is coming out the same door with a young woman in the wedding dress on his arm. It is his daughter-the one who was the baby in the first photo”
Our neighbours are the same-A family home, rich with memories draws me in…I’d love knock on the door and walk through our childhood home in Wanganui. It’s amazing the few times we’ve driven past how small the street actually is, the walk to the shops seemed so much further as a child!
Labels: at home
Homemade quilt
Look what Miss E and I made…
Miss E choose the fabric and we had all the patches sewn in a day. Definitely an A’ for effort, both of us not exactly very good sewers! If you look closely you see some of the squares have pleats from our scrunch it a bit sewing technique
And… thanks to our lovely friend for helping it all come together with the middle and back. A fun production!
Miss E choose the fabric and we had all the patches sewn in a day. Definitely an A’ for effort, both of us not exactly very good sewers! If you look closely you see some of the squares have pleats from our scrunch it a bit sewing techniqueAnd… thanks to our lovely friend for helping it all come together with the middle and back. A fun production!
Labels: at home
Sydney Storms...
...the one last week messing with my computer?!
...Last nights-oh my goodness hailstones as big as cricket ball's and damaging winds; Trees down, power out and our car like many others hammered all over.
Now the powers back on, so too BP's computer...speak again soon
...Last nights-oh my goodness hailstones as big as cricket ball's and damaging winds; Trees down, power out and our car like many others hammered all over.
Now the powers back on, so too BP's computer...speak again soon
Under Construction
It’s all happening at our place, BP currently up to demolishing before renovating our bedroom and ensuite. Here’s how it’s looking...
Miss E has a double bed in her room so we've moved in there, and her to J's room... where they talk and take far too long to go to sleep each night!
Miss E has a double bed in her room so we've moved in there, and her to J's room... where they talk and take far too long to go to sleep each night!
Labels: at home
around home...
Spent a large part of today shuffling around rooms. BP’s awesome completing the last of the kid’s room’s today-fresh paint, skirting, wardrobe and carpet-ours next!
Absolutely nothing on or scheduled tomorrow, I’m loving Saturdays like these, pottering around home, the kids playing, the days sunny and warm.
Absolutely nothing on or scheduled tomorrow, I’m loving Saturdays like these, pottering around home, the kids playing, the days sunny and warm.
Labels: at home
Put on a Happy Face
At home as i walk and work I remind myself to SMILE at my children as they come and go. Sometimes life can get a bit full-on… the morning drill when one can’t find a sock, another reminds me I was supposed to bake a cake for school, someone knocks on the door, a glass of milk spills on the floor and my daughter comes out in a scrunched up looking uniform. It’s wonderful mid motion to be able to look over into one of their faces and SMILE. No matter how hectic things get a smile can quickly brighten the atmosphere and convey warmth. It’s nice when you don’t have enough arms or legs and there’s no time to stop, to have something so easy and ready to give!Labels: at home
Renovation Colours
Renovating…Phew so many decisions and I’m not always good at decisions! BP’s action man wanting to get the bedrooms and bathrooms done pressing me daily for colours, tiles, carpets, taps, curtains vanities…arrggh I’ve got brain strain, not to mention that I’m colour blind!!!! I have a red/green deficiency as does my father and I’m pretty sure one of my sons…
In the dots below: Those with normal colour vision see a 6… I see nothing!
Mum used to think I was being contrary when I was little and getting my colours all wrong.
So asking me for colours is: ??**~~*!!!!.... I can identify bright colours, but all the tones and hues-I just can’t see or distinguish!
Which is why we’re opting for a fairly neutral colour pallet throughout- we can brighten it up with colourful furnishings and fabrics
(Pallet or palate? My mum laughs at some of the ways i interpret and spell sayings and words!)
Anyone else unable to see the 6 too?
In the dots below: Those with normal colour vision see a 6… I see nothing!
Mum used to think I was being contrary when I was little and getting my colours all wrong.So asking me for colours is: ??**~~*!!!!.... I can identify bright colours, but all the tones and hues-I just can’t see or distinguish!
Which is why we’re opting for a fairly neutral colour pallet throughout- we can brighten it up with colourful furnishings and fabrics
(Pallet or palate? My mum laughs at some of the ways i interpret and spell sayings and words!)
Anyone else unable to see the 6 too?
Labels: at home
Update
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I’m still alive! Dialing up today on BPs computer…mine still unpacked in a box. Can’t really be bothered with the computer when alls TOO slow. Should be properly jacked up sometime next week?
BP’s a legend! Guess what the settlement on our new house which was supposed to happen weeks ago…because of the vendors S-L-O-W, solicitor didn’t happen until last Friday-THE FRIDAY I was away in NZ, BP having shift house with the 4 kids, how awesome is he!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NZ was GREAT! Had to speak 3 times over the weekend, was just myself telling lots of stories and sharing from life over the last couple of years. Think I went alright for a beginner, so funny in the first 5 minutes talking felt really puffed…had forgotten to breathe!
Home of our own! Back into action…the kids are all camping in the sun room while we paint, carpet and put new wardrobes in theirs. Gross- pulled up the last of the carpet yesterday, the previous owners had a cat locked inside for 12 years-Blah-reeks.
Kids on the move! Our new street alive with kids everywhere…on bikes, scooters, skateboards... BP and I even went for a big bike ride on Friday when the kids were all at school-stopping of course for and cuppa and cake on the way home.
Tiara’s purring! BP took her to the vets for her last bit of help…a steroid injection in her mouth which should last 9months-1 year. Everyone now accepting that this is the last thing we can do for her, such a sweet cat.
Have had friends 2 kids here for the weekend, yet to feed them breakfast, better go….
I’m still alive! Dialing up today on BPs computer…mine still unpacked in a box. Can’t really be bothered with the computer when alls TOO slow. Should be properly jacked up sometime next week?
BP’s a legend! Guess what the settlement on our new house which was supposed to happen weeks ago…because of the vendors S-L-O-W, solicitor didn’t happen until last Friday-THE FRIDAY I was away in NZ, BP having shift house with the 4 kids, how awesome is he!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NZ was GREAT! Had to speak 3 times over the weekend, was just myself telling lots of stories and sharing from life over the last couple of years. Think I went alright for a beginner, so funny in the first 5 minutes talking felt really puffed…had forgotten to breathe!
Home of our own! Back into action…the kids are all camping in the sun room while we paint, carpet and put new wardrobes in theirs. Gross- pulled up the last of the carpet yesterday, the previous owners had a cat locked inside for 12 years-Blah-reeks.
Kids on the move! Our new street alive with kids everywhere…on bikes, scooters, skateboards... BP and I even went for a big bike ride on Friday when the kids were all at school-stopping of course for and cuppa and cake on the way home.
Tiara’s purring! BP took her to the vets for her last bit of help…a steroid injection in her mouth which should last 9months-1 year. Everyone now accepting that this is the last thing we can do for her, such a sweet cat.
Have had friends 2 kids here for the weekend, yet to feed them breakfast, better go….
Labels: at home
Our cat dilemma
What would you do???
As BP keeps saying she’s such a lovely cat and been so good for our family
I agree, Tiara our cat has definitely been the pick of the litter, the nicest-natured, smoochie, prettiest little thing…
But as blood tests confirm now has an incurable virus, first evidenced to us by her painfully red mouthful of ulcers making it unbearable for her to eat.
Equaling a very sick,scrawny little pussy who currently needs fortnightly painkiller injections just to see her through
Equaling lots of dollars, not to mention the side effects of her being sick…
Equaling POO, WEE, and today VOMIT IN THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!! Tiara crying at our window in the middle of the night because we’ve locked her out (In order to avoid even more accidents!)
The rest of the family think I’m a hard-hearted woman to even suggest she need be put down, but…
My thoughts behind such a horrible reasoning:
-I’m the one cleaning up a majority of the messes-TOTALLY DISGUSTING, not to mention unhygienic with a house full of kids….
-The increasing cost to keep her alive
-Tiara herself living in excruciating pain!
And its NOT that I don’t think she’s the sweetest cat, and WILL cry if she dies...
As BP keeps saying she’s such a lovely cat and been so good for our family
I agree, Tiara our cat has definitely been the pick of the litter, the nicest-natured, smoochie, prettiest little thing…
But as blood tests confirm now has an incurable virus, first evidenced to us by her painfully red mouthful of ulcers making it unbearable for her to eat.Equaling a very sick,scrawny little pussy who currently needs fortnightly painkiller injections just to see her through
Equaling lots of dollars, not to mention the side effects of her being sick…
Equaling POO, WEE, and today VOMIT IN THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!! Tiara crying at our window in the middle of the night because we’ve locked her out (In order to avoid even more accidents!)
The rest of the family think I’m a hard-hearted woman to even suggest she need be put down, but…
My thoughts behind such a horrible reasoning:
-I’m the one cleaning up a majority of the messes-TOTALLY DISGUSTING, not to mention unhygienic with a house full of kids….
-The increasing cost to keep her alive
-Tiara herself living in excruciating pain!
And its NOT that I don’t think she’s the sweetest cat, and WILL cry if she dies...
Foot in the door
A home of our own in Sydney...
the remainder of the home in need of the kind of attention he can easily give. Being a jack of all trades he’s itching to get into it.
We move in a month…exciting yet tinged with sadness at leaving the community we have spent the last 7 years in.
Feels like we’re moving town…a little bit country, horse paddocks 100m from our house, the kids will change schools, finding our way around and discovering a new area.
Relieved though to finally have entered the Sydney market.
the remainder of the home in need of the kind of attention he can easily give. Being a jack of all trades he’s itching to get into it.
We move in a month…exciting yet tinged with sadness at leaving the community we have spent the last 7 years in.
Feels like we’re moving town…a little bit country, horse paddocks 100m from our house, the kids will change schools, finding our way around and discovering a new area.
Relieved though to finally have entered the Sydney market.
Labels: at home
More Mess...
The continual mess my family creates is not just physically exhausting but sometimes mentally as well. The tidying up never seems end!!!!!!!!!
They need learn pull their weight, but try remind myself when chaos reigns…
Life is meant be enjoyed with others
What a waste to go through it worrying about the mess
People are more important than things
Fun and people are often messy.
I'd rather the fun and laughter of a home alive with people than a perfect house!
They need learn pull their weight, but try remind myself when chaos reigns…
Life is meant be enjoyed with others
What a waste to go through it worrying about the mess
People are more important than things
Fun and people are often messy.
I'd rather the fun and laughter of a home alive with people than a perfect house!
Labels: at home
Messed up
It’s been raining and pouring for days and days and by the looks days to come…which is a good thing considering the drought! Means though a lot of time with kids cooped up inside. In turn equaling MESS!-well even more than usual!!
My real life twirling, whirling tornados, rampaging through the house. I can’t keep up. But are cluing up to a few tricks…
One being, as I move from room to room taking something with me…, urrggh continual putting away, but seems work in reducing piece by piece the toys PAPER and clothes here there and EVERYWHERE!
Getting the kids working: “We’ll be ready to go to such and such’s place when you’ve finished cleaning your room, we can have afternoon tea when school-bags are hung up, lunch-boxes on the bench and socks (MAKE IT) to the laundry basket. You know- bribery!
MissE’s supposed to be going on a very much eagerly awaited school camp on Monday-not sure it will be still be a happening thing if the rain continues bucketing down?
My real life twirling, whirling tornados, rampaging through the house. I can’t keep up. But are cluing up to a few tricks…
One being, as I move from room to room taking something with me…, urrggh continual putting away, but seems work in reducing piece by piece the toys PAPER and clothes here there and EVERYWHERE!
Getting the kids working: “We’ll be ready to go to such and such’s place when you’ve finished cleaning your room, we can have afternoon tea when school-bags are hung up, lunch-boxes on the bench and socks (MAKE IT) to the laundry basket. You know- bribery!
MissE’s supposed to be going on a very much eagerly awaited school camp on Monday-not sure it will be still be a happening thing if the rain continues bucketing down?
Labels: at home
A home is where...
Kathy Peel:
"A home is where human beings develop. The choices we make about our home involve a lot more than the carpet colour, window treatment, and number of closets.
Home isn’t just a place to hang a hat: it’s a place to restore souls, find shelter from outside pressures, grow support for talents, and receive inspiration, comfort and aid. It’s a place where family members learn to love and be loved”
"A home is where human beings develop. The choices we make about our home involve a lot more than the carpet colour, window treatment, and number of closets.
Home isn’t just a place to hang a hat: it’s a place to restore souls, find shelter from outside pressures, grow support for talents, and receive inspiration, comfort and aid. It’s a place where family members learn to love and be loved”
Labels: at home
A whole lot of LOVE
Speaking of ‘eclectic’(“Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles…”)
Have been meaning to copy Gillian’s ‘LOVE’ idea for ages…
Made from odds and ends she had lying around the house “- electrical wire for the "L" strung with beads I whipped off a bracelet from the $2 shop and mounted on a canvas. The O is actually a coaster, the V I cut out of Zincalume and spray painted black and the E is fashioned out of Fimo and mounted on a canvas.”
Have been meaning to copy Gillian’s ‘LOVE’ idea for ages…
Made from odds and ends she had lying around the house “- electrical wire for the "L" strung with beads I whipped off a bracelet from the $2 shop and mounted on a canvas. The O is actually a coaster, the V I cut out of Zincalume and spray painted black and the E is fashioned out of Fimo and mounted on a canvas.”Labels: at home
Inspired
Another of 'Karen Cheng's Snippets of Life' I could relate to:
Karen: “Our home doesn't boast of super trendy interiors, expensive furniture and the latest entertainment systems. It's got nice personal touches here and there, but most of it's quite modest and eclectic.
I'm not saying we're poor. I'm just not interested in creating a stylish designer house for my family and keeping up with the latest lifestyle magazines. All that lifestyle stuff just gets in the way of LIFE.
...my aunty… she lives in an old, teeny tiny house in a rougher part of town. Yet every time I step through her front door, I'm struck with the most amazing and astonishing sense of warmth, security, happiness and love. I can't put my finger on how she did it - but I'm inspired - I want my home to have that effect on people too”
Karen: “Our home doesn't boast of super trendy interiors, expensive furniture and the latest entertainment systems. It's got nice personal touches here and there, but most of it's quite modest and eclectic.
I'm not saying we're poor. I'm just not interested in creating a stylish designer house for my family and keeping up with the latest lifestyle magazines. All that lifestyle stuff just gets in the way of LIFE.
...my aunty… she lives in an old, teeny tiny house in a rougher part of town. Yet every time I step through her front door, I'm struck with the most amazing and astonishing sense of warmth, security, happiness and love. I can't put my finger on how she did it - but I'm inspired - I want my home to have that effect on people too”
Labels: at home
Where love is...
"Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start."
Mother Teresa
Labels: at home
Got it wrapped
Looking up at my calendar...in the last month and a half we’ve had invites to 15 parties…on top of everything else that’s been on with sports, church and school!
Gift shopping has thus been a pastime on my kid-less 6 hours each Tuesday
A few days ago I decided to get a little more organised in this department, grabbing an empty brown box and rummaging together odds and ends of gift paper/ bags and Levis paintings (Which make great wrapping paper) to fill it with…
Sitting here at the ready (To party!)…next to the box of homemade cards we made last year - which seriously needs replenishing.
Gift shopping has thus been a pastime on my kid-less 6 hours each Tuesday
A few days ago I decided to get a little more organised in this department, grabbing an empty brown box and rummaging together odds and ends of gift paper/ bags and Levis paintings (Which make great wrapping paper) to fill it with…
Sitting here at the ready (To party!)…next to the box of homemade cards we made last year - which seriously needs replenishing.
Labels: at home
You be the judge...
In their blogs Gillian and her friend Claire both admit to loving hanging out the washing. Claire’s Nana once telling her the sign of ones housework skills is judged in the way they hang out the washing.
Ha-ha on that basis what does mine say about me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Washing –hanging- up- lovers are going to be horrified:
… It’s up there isn’t it…that’s a start, at least the housework EVENTUALLY gets done
…flung and hung; other things to do…get it over and done with fast!
…Pegs working overtime; holding 1, 2 or sometimes even 3 items on its own …forgetting to buy more pegs indicative of…….???
…And while confessing, occasionally I forget altogether to bring the washing in,UNTIL it starts blowing off the line… inevitable really with so little pegs! I’m starting to get it.
BUT savior of saviors, when mum comes to stay…
One of the first things she rushes off to buy is: PEGS!!!
Mum; exceptional at washing and all things domestic
After this discourse though, think I might actually remember buy them myself!
Ha-ha on that basis what does mine say about me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Washing –hanging- up- lovers are going to be horrified:
… It’s up there isn’t it…that’s a start, at least the housework EVENTUALLY gets done…flung and hung; other things to do…get it over and done with fast!
…Pegs working overtime; holding 1, 2 or sometimes even 3 items on its own …forgetting to buy more pegs indicative of…….???
…And while confessing, occasionally I forget altogether to bring the washing in,UNTIL it starts blowing off the line… inevitable really with so little pegs! I’m starting to get it.
BUT savior of saviors, when mum comes to stay…
One of the first things she rushes off to buy is: PEGS!!!
Mum; exceptional at washing and all things domestic
After this discourse though, think I might actually remember buy them myself!
Labels: at home
School books covered:
A few printed photos, magazines and the kids had fun cutting out pictures and designing covers for their school-books...BP finishing them off with contact, because i always get bubbles!
Labels: at home
Contradictions
Could relate to this when browsing through Karen Cheng’s site:
“I really love the idea of natural living. Growing my own veges and herbs. Cooking with natural and organic products. Recycling. Composting. Supporting local businesses and produce. Buying products that are made to last. However, sometimes it just isn't practical, so I swallow my guilt and happily live with the contradictions in my life that make me ME.
(For example - Give up my car for a bike?!? Bwahaha. Yeah right.)”
Me too:
-I religiously check the ingredients labels, endeavouring to buy whole, unadulterated food…yet will uncontrollably dig into a lolly (Candy) bowl fully loaded with colour, additives and preservatives whenever the opportunity presents itself!
-I don’t want to use plastic bags, but more often than not forget to take my environ-shopping bags to the super-market
-Loathe cleaning out the putrid smelling compost bucket
-Intend to present the kids nutritious snacks and meals, but sometimes best laid plans go astray!
BUT!
Console myself with…
“If you aim at nothing you will hit it” …and at least we have a target!
“I really love the idea of natural living. Growing my own veges and herbs. Cooking with natural and organic products. Recycling. Composting. Supporting local businesses and produce. Buying products that are made to last. However, sometimes it just isn't practical, so I swallow my guilt and happily live with the contradictions in my life that make me ME.
(For example - Give up my car for a bike?!? Bwahaha. Yeah right.)”
Me too:
-I religiously check the ingredients labels, endeavouring to buy whole, unadulterated food…yet will uncontrollably dig into a lolly (Candy) bowl fully loaded with colour, additives and preservatives whenever the opportunity presents itself!
-I don’t want to use plastic bags, but more often than not forget to take my environ-shopping bags to the super-market
-Loathe cleaning out the putrid smelling compost bucket
-Intend to present the kids nutritious snacks and meals, but sometimes best laid plans go astray!
BUT!
Console myself with…
“If you aim at nothing you will hit it” …and at least we have a target!
Labels: at home
Half here, half there
My oldest two and BP, are at kid’s summer camp run through church for 3 days…
So it’s just me and my little two at home-They’ve been JUST the bestest lil buddies playing together non stop, HAPPILY from dawn to dusk (theres normally a fight here and there with 4!) …so lovely and almost a holiday at home, reading half a book as they play on and on…
Also after wondering; where the heck are we going to put all the great toys that came home with us from NZ... snuck around the house (While the other two are at camp!), gathering outgrown toys/cot covers etc for the charity bin down the road
And Ahhhh gained back some space.
Now to sort…
So it’s just me and my little two at home-They’ve been JUST the bestest lil buddies playing together non stop, HAPPILY from dawn to dusk (theres normally a fight here and there with 4!) …so lovely and almost a holiday at home, reading half a book as they play on and on…
Also after wondering; where the heck are we going to put all the great toys that came home with us from NZ... snuck around the house (While the other two are at camp!), gathering outgrown toys/cot covers etc for the charity bin down the road
And Ahhhh gained back some space.
Now to sort…
Labels: at home
Homemade, worn and worn monkey singlets
For Christmas I made little 'Monkey Cousins Club' boxes for the kids..
Bought some monkey fabric and zig-zagged a square of it to a ready-made(!!) singlet for each child.
Since unwrapping them, the Monkey bunch has formed...
often having to whip singlets through the wash in time for the next club gathering, outing or play!
Labels: at home
Leaving home, the cat and preschool
Started packing…
The kids have been counting down every Thursday; 10, 9, 8, 7…weeks, the day actually arriving tomorrow
Worked out today we’re away for 40 days when calculating how many tins of cat food I’ll need leave for our little neighbour who’s going to feed and cuddle Tiara
Got a few friends too who will be in and out of the house
And MORE cupcakes for a special preschool graduation we’re about to go off to soon...Christmas cupcakes THIS time!
The kids have been counting down every Thursday; 10, 9, 8, 7…weeks, the day actually arriving tomorrowWorked out today we’re away for 40 days when calculating how many tins of cat food I’ll need leave for our little neighbour who’s going to feed and cuddle Tiara
Got a few friends too who will be in and out of the house
And MORE cupcakes for a special preschool graduation we’re about to go off to soon...Christmas cupcakes THIS time!
Labels: at home
Taking abit of the ‘work’ out of homework!
Thanks to Kiddley where they said:
“…large amounts of precious homework time can be wasted or diverted into collecting together the right supplies to start work. Instead, have a medium sized plastic box with a lid (maybe even one on wheels to be rolled away under a table), or drawer set aside which is full of supplies reserved exclusively for homework time. You will want to include the basics such as lined paper, blank, scissors, pencils, pens, a ruler, sticky tape, graph paper, glue, erasers and a pencil sharpener….”
What a good tip
One of my school age kids is self motivated and completes homework on time…as for the other!!!!! Much grace required…
Assembling all the equipment a mission,
Finishing it all by Friday, a nightmare…FOR ME!
Problem now solved though with a homework tray…in which we’ve also added a timer to count down the required minutes need spent knuckling down!!!
“…large amounts of precious homework time can be wasted or diverted into collecting together the right supplies to start work. Instead, have a medium sized plastic box with a lid (maybe even one on wheels to be rolled away under a table), or drawer set aside which is full of supplies reserved exclusively for homework time. You will want to include the basics such as lined paper, blank, scissors, pencils, pens, a ruler, sticky tape, graph paper, glue, erasers and a pencil sharpener….”
What a good tip
One of my school age kids is self motivated and completes homework on time…as for the other!!!!! Much grace required…
Assembling all the equipment a mission,
Finishing it all by Friday, a nightmare…FOR ME!
Problem now solved though with a homework tray…in which we’ve also added a timer to count down the required minutes need spent knuckling down!!!
Labels: at home
THE place to be...
I love the picture -often referred to by Dr Phil of home being “A soft place to fall”
In an interview with the Readers Digest he speaks of “your family being a soft place to fall for everyone in it-- that each child and the mother and father knows inside those four walls "I'm accepted. I'm loved. And I give that to everybody else."
Then asking if you do that on a day to day basis;” Do I make my children feel they're safe and secure and valued and welcomed?"
What an awesome goal… making home THE place to be!
I know I rave on them a lot, but that was the kind of home my parents created …at home and with family was always (and still is) a desired place.
Doesn’t mean we always floated around on clouds, and did have our misgivings but at the end of the day, we felt incredibly safe, secure, valued and welcome
Safe: Secure from danger, harm, or evil.
Secure: Assured and certain… not likely to fail or give way
Valued: Highly regarded; esteemed and prized as, a valued contributor
Welcome: Received with pleasure into one's company!
We carry atmosphere with and around us! Would you want to come home to you???
In your home, are others safe from harm, prized and embraced
In word and action; Valued and welcomed
In thought…esteemed and considered
…etc
What a TRULY noble endeavour I reckon, to work at creating a home that’s a welcome respite and soft place to fall for those under its roof.
In an interview with the Readers Digest he speaks of “your family being a soft place to fall for everyone in it-- that each child and the mother and father knows inside those four walls "I'm accepted. I'm loved. And I give that to everybody else."
Then asking if you do that on a day to day basis;” Do I make my children feel they're safe and secure and valued and welcomed?"
What an awesome goal… making home THE place to be!
I know I rave on them a lot, but that was the kind of home my parents created …at home and with family was always (and still is) a desired place.
Doesn’t mean we always floated around on clouds, and did have our misgivings but at the end of the day, we felt incredibly safe, secure, valued and welcome
Safe: Secure from danger, harm, or evil.
Secure: Assured and certain… not likely to fail or give way
Valued: Highly regarded; esteemed and prized as, a valued contributor
Welcome: Received with pleasure into one's company!
We carry atmosphere with and around us! Would you want to come home to you???
In your home, are others safe from harm, prized and embraced
In word and action; Valued and welcomed
In thought…esteemed and considered
…etc
What a TRULY noble endeavour I reckon, to work at creating a home that’s a welcome respite and soft place to fall for those under its roof.
Labels: at home
We’re a team!
Every now and then re: the mess:
I STRESS (AHHHH) and stress that as a family we’re a team and everyone need pull their weight and do their part and...
In attempt to entlist some willing workers:
A CLEANING BUZZ
Because its no fun returning home to a mess sometimes before heading out or the place is a shambles, the egg-timer's set for 10-minutes and the whole family clean and tidies until it buzzes…and then we’re off
HIGH FIVE
Everyone picks up and puts away five things, giving mum or dad a high five when they’re done. My son likes to go the extra mile so he can race at me for high 7, 8 or 9!
GROOVE AS YOU MOVE:
Having a groovy song you put on and dance sing and clean for the duration of
DAD'S ARMY:
BPs good at getting into character as the kids clean their barracks and then stand to attention at their doors for room inspection!
ALTOGTHER NOW:
Household chores can EVEN prove fun when done together:
Like our gardening a few weeks back (See below)
Any other ideas???
I STRESS (AHHHH) and stress that as a family we’re a team and everyone need pull their weight and do their part and...
In attempt to entlist some willing workers:
A CLEANING BUZZ
Because its no fun returning home to a mess sometimes before heading out or the place is a shambles, the egg-timer's set for 10-minutes and the whole family clean and tidies until it buzzes…and then we’re off
HIGH FIVE
Everyone picks up and puts away five things, giving mum or dad a high five when they’re done. My son likes to go the extra mile so he can race at me for high 7, 8 or 9!
GROOVE AS YOU MOVE:
Having a groovy song you put on and dance sing and clean for the duration of
DAD'S ARMY:
BPs good at getting into character as the kids clean their barracks and then stand to attention at their doors for room inspection!
ALTOGTHER NOW:
Household chores can EVEN prove fun when done together:
Like our gardening a few weeks back (See below)
Any other ideas???
Labels: at home
In the garden
This morning it was operation garden
Well front garden at least as it got
too hot to make it around the back…
I’m not particularly drawn to the garden
(unless weeds are threatening to overtake)
…but was actually enjoyable today with
my two enthusiastic boys
Labels: at home
Black-out
The kids didn’t hit their beds until VERY late last night as we have a special seminar on at church, which continues tonight as well
So cute they all went to slumber-land snuggled into each other on the way home in the car
Normally if the boys have a late night they will sleep in despite the light…AS FOR Miss E she still awakens with the dawn…and at times the whole house!
SO tried a trick that has worked on occasion in the past….
Used a black table cloth I have as part of the pirate packs (Which by the way have been ready for ages but haven’t managed to get posted up yet!), poking two holes in the corners and attaching to her curtain poles
YES successful! She slept in 1 and ½ hours longer than she normally does (They’ve been waking at 6:30 lately-grrr!)…and hushed her long enough, so the boys could sleep until 8:30
Lucky I’d packed everything ready for a mad dash to school….
So cute they all went to slumber-land snuggled into each other on the way home in the car
Normally if the boys have a late night they will sleep in despite the light…AS FOR Miss E she still awakens with the dawn…and at times the whole house!
SO tried a trick that has worked on occasion in the past….
Used a black table cloth I have as part of the pirate packs (Which by the way have been ready for ages but haven’t managed to get posted up yet!), poking two holes in the corners and attaching to her curtain poles
YES successful! She slept in 1 and ½ hours longer than she normally does (They’ve been waking at 6:30 lately-grrr!)…and hushed her long enough, so the boys could sleep until 8:30
Lucky I’d packed everything ready for a mad dash to school….
Labels: at home
Office hours
Note that it’s after 7 at time of writing…
Important as: BP and I have recently put a 5-7pm week-day computer ban on ourselves.
A lot of what we both do is home-based;running a business, selling, writing and typing...
BUT first and foremost this is a HOME
5-7pm therefore time to clock out and to tune into home and family
…kids, dinner, homework, baths, and just hang-out together
Working well!
Important as: BP and I have recently put a 5-7pm week-day computer ban on ourselves.
A lot of what we both do is home-based;running a business, selling, writing and typing...
BUT first and foremost this is a HOME
5-7pm therefore time to clock out and to tune into home and family
…kids, dinner, homework, baths, and just hang-out together
Working well!
Labels: at home
Colour your world
What else can we do with the abundance of preschool paintings that come home each week…there’s only so much room on the fridge!
>Frame a select few and make a display
>This week we strung some fishing line across my 4 year olds room to peg his masterpieces on…he’s so proud!
> Liven up some of your journals and notebooks
> Make cards; by cutting and pasting their designer originals onto card
>Bundle together as wrapping paper for gifts
>Turn 12 of their paintings into a Calendar,making a great gift
>Laminate to make placemats and bookmarks
>Tonight Miss E stuck a couple of her brothers pictures onto a recycled peach cointainer to hold our latest round of table manner slips (See 'Motherhood')
>Send to relatives…they’ll love finding such a work of art in their mailbox!
Any other ideas??? Please post up by clicking on ‘comments’ below
>Frame a select few and make a display
>This week we strung some fishing line across my 4 year olds room to peg his masterpieces on…he’s so proud!
> Liven up some of your journals and notebooks
> Make cards; by cutting and pasting their designer originals onto card
>Bundle together as wrapping paper for gifts
>Turn 12 of their paintings into a Calendar,making a great gift
>Laminate to make placemats and bookmarks
>Tonight Miss E stuck a couple of her brothers pictures onto a recycled peach cointainer to hold our latest round of table manner slips (See 'Motherhood')
>Send to relatives…they’ll love finding such a work of art in their mailbox!Any other ideas??? Please post up by clicking on ‘comments’ below
Labels: at home
MID WINTER
July 25th 2006
Tonight at home we hosted a Mid Winters Christmas Dinner…fun, friends and good food; I love that combination!
Last week BP came home from a shop strip out (His employment!) with boxes of Christmas lights and tinsel...inspiration enough for a Christmas in July bash
Too busy enjoying my dinner and absorbed in the atmosphere to remember to snap any photos
If you ever want cool email invites to send out for a dinner or party go to sendomatic... groovy. For this event I selected an invite with snow flakes falling down from the top of the screen and background Christmas music playing
You'll want to throw a party just so you can use them!
Tonight at home we hosted a Mid Winters Christmas Dinner…fun, friends and good food; I love that combination!
Last week BP came home from a shop strip out (His employment!) with boxes of Christmas lights and tinsel...inspiration enough for a Christmas in July bash
Too busy enjoying my dinner and absorbed in the atmosphere to remember to snap any photos
If you ever want cool email invites to send out for a dinner or party go to sendomatic... groovy. For this event I selected an invite with snow flakes falling down from the top of the screen and background Christmas music playing
You'll want to throw a party just so you can use them!
Labels: at home
HILLSONG PREP
July 3rd 2006
I’ve never been so organized in my life!
The kids and I (BP’s gotta work) are off to ‘Hillsong Conference’ this week; started tonight and runs right through to Friday night…I’m sure I’ll be full of it by then!
The kids can’t wait… the older two went to the kids program last year and had a blast
In preparation for a full-on week; to avoid the frantic and too many stops to the nearest fast-food establishments... we’ve got organised!!! Wahoo, set to go…
On Sunday: It was food…
Shopping for enough to take us to the end of the week…then totally trashing the kitchen cooking up dinners, baking and making lunches. All now in the freezer ready to heat and pack
Monday (Today) it was mission house and washing
Now: bags all lined up and clothes and shoes set out ready to jump into bright and early tomorrow…
And are taking my hat off to all you working (Away from home) mums who get everyone out the door early and home again late ALL the time-phew!
I’ve never been so organized in my life!
The kids and I (BP’s gotta work) are off to ‘Hillsong Conference’ this week; started tonight and runs right through to Friday night…I’m sure I’ll be full of it by then!
The kids can’t wait… the older two went to the kids program last year and had a blast
In preparation for a full-on week; to avoid the frantic and too many stops to the nearest fast-food establishments... we’ve got organised!!! Wahoo, set to go…
On Sunday: It was food…
Shopping for enough to take us to the end of the week…then totally trashing the kitchen cooking up dinners, baking and making lunches. All now in the freezer ready to heat and pack
Monday (Today) it was mission house and washing
Now: bags all lined up and clothes and shoes set out ready to jump into bright and early tomorrow…
And are taking my hat off to all you working (Away from home) mums who get everyone out the door early and home again late ALL the time-phew!
Labels: at home
SPRAY AND WIPE NATURALLY
June 13th 2006
Can’t believe it
After a wintry long weekend with kids inside a lot:
BLAH such mucky kitchen cupboard doors…and I only wiped them down last Wednesday!
My little helper and I got to work with the Spray and Wipe…spray, wipe, spray, wipe, spray….
Quickly followed though by coughs and splutters from the two of us; you know the blocked breathing, tight- chested kind of one…experienced it before real bad the few (!!) times I’ve cleaned the oven
Always been meaning to look up more environmentally friendly natural cleaning recipes/solutions so took this as my cue…
Searched the internet for recipes and found there are lots out there to clean the whole house
Some common ingredients seemed to be:
WHITE VINEGAR: cuts through grease, deodorisers and a mild disinfectant,
BAKING SODA: cleans, deodorisers, softens water and is a good scouring product
BORAX: a natural occurring mineral salt (Found it easily at Woolworth’s) cleans, deodorizes and disinfects
Reminded me of the time I mistakenly spooned Epsom salt instead of sugar into my mother in law’s tea…oppps
WASHING SODA: cuts through grease and deodorises…supposedly found in the washing power isle of the supermarket
LEMON JUICE: mild bleach, deodorant and cleaning agent
PURE SOAP: a general purpose cleaner that is completely biodegradable
So for a can do now ‘Spray and wipe’ type I…
Emptied an old spray bottle and made my own mixture, dissolving some borax and Baking soda in hot water first, then adding a bit of white vinegar and a drop of some essential oil I had,
And hunted down dirt and grime…
But if you’d prefer!!!
A tried and tested recipe for a spray cleaner:
Combine in a spray bottle:
1/2 tsp Washing Soda,
1/2 tsp Borax,
1/2 tsp vegetable oil-based soap,
2 Tbsp vinegar
And 2 cups of hot water.
Shake well until all the solid bits have dissolved.
For extra cleaning power increase Borax to 1 tsp.
Spray and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
Can’t believe it
After a wintry long weekend with kids inside a lot:
BLAH such mucky kitchen cupboard doors…and I only wiped them down last Wednesday!
My little helper and I got to work with the Spray and Wipe…spray, wipe, spray, wipe, spray….
Quickly followed though by coughs and splutters from the two of us; you know the blocked breathing, tight- chested kind of one…experienced it before real bad the few (!!) times I’ve cleaned the oven
Always been meaning to look up more environmentally friendly natural cleaning recipes/solutions so took this as my cue…
Searched the internet for recipes and found there are lots out there to clean the whole house
Some common ingredients seemed to be:
WHITE VINEGAR: cuts through grease, deodorisers and a mild disinfectant,
BAKING SODA: cleans, deodorisers, softens water and is a good scouring product
BORAX: a natural occurring mineral salt (Found it easily at Woolworth’s) cleans, deodorizes and disinfects
Reminded me of the time I mistakenly spooned Epsom salt instead of sugar into my mother in law’s tea…oppps
WASHING SODA: cuts through grease and deodorises…supposedly found in the washing power isle of the supermarket
LEMON JUICE: mild bleach, deodorant and cleaning agent
PURE SOAP: a general purpose cleaner that is completely biodegradable
So for a can do now ‘Spray and wipe’ type I…
Emptied an old spray bottle and made my own mixture, dissolving some borax and Baking soda in hot water first, then adding a bit of white vinegar and a drop of some essential oil I had,
And hunted down dirt and grime…
But if you’d prefer!!!
A tried and tested recipe for a spray cleaner:
Combine in a spray bottle:
1/2 tsp Washing Soda,
1/2 tsp Borax,
1/2 tsp vegetable oil-based soap,
2 Tbsp vinegar
And 2 cups of hot water.
Shake well until all the solid bits have dissolved.
For extra cleaning power increase Borax to 1 tsp.
Spray and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
Labels: at home
GETTING GUM OUT OF HAIR
June 4th 2006
A homespun idea:
Today our 4 year old got a web of chewing gum stuck throughout his hair…and I couldn’t be bothered asking how!
His older brother (Probably more involved in the incident than he let on!) came to me with scissors at the ready, requesting I snip the threads of gum out, while I’m having visions of my boys new unevenly chopped do…
BP to the rescue (I need a hero!),having recently seen a TV program where they rubbed peanut-butter through the hair for the removal of gum…so he gave it a go
Worked brilliantly; fast and efficient, with a quick shampoo after to be rid of the grease and nutty smell
P.S.
Had such a great night at the Trivia evening…
Our team was AWESOME (If I do say so myself)… coming in 1st!!!! Wahoo go Table 12!
We were the loudest table by far…hooting and hollering,singing and boogying away to the tunes played for the music round
BP’s playdough creation won the prize (12 bottles of wine!) for a challenge where you had to make something to do with rugby:
He made a ‘rusty’ handbag and a mobile phone made famous recently by All Blacks player Tana Umunga
So cool we won 16 bottles of wine in total, boxes of chocolate here and there and a banquet dinner for ‘Us’ the winning team; YAY another get together!
A homespun idea:
Today our 4 year old got a web of chewing gum stuck throughout his hair…and I couldn’t be bothered asking how!
His older brother (Probably more involved in the incident than he let on!) came to me with scissors at the ready, requesting I snip the threads of gum out, while I’m having visions of my boys new unevenly chopped do…
BP to the rescue (I need a hero!),having recently seen a TV program where they rubbed peanut-butter through the hair for the removal of gum…so he gave it a go
Worked brilliantly; fast and efficient, with a quick shampoo after to be rid of the grease and nutty smell
P.S.
Had such a great night at the Trivia evening…
Our team was AWESOME (If I do say so myself)… coming in 1st!!!! Wahoo go Table 12!
We were the loudest table by far…hooting and hollering,singing and boogying away to the tunes played for the music round
BP’s playdough creation won the prize (12 bottles of wine!) for a challenge where you had to make something to do with rugby:
He made a ‘rusty’ handbag and a mobile phone made famous recently by All Blacks player Tana Umunga
So cool we won 16 bottles of wine in total, boxes of chocolate here and there and a banquet dinner for ‘Us’ the winning team; YAY another get together!
Labels: at home
GET A WHIFF
12th May 2006
Ha!
This morning I stunk out the house an omlet I cooked up for breafast…
BRIGHT IDEA!!!!! Years back we had a homestay student called Josh from Indiana who made the house beautifully fragrant with a concoction of cloves, orange peel etc that he boiled up in a pot
Yeah! what do we have in the cupboards…immm a cinnmon stick and Levi’s orange skins, perfect… the lovely aroma of them boiling soon overpowering the lingering smell of omlet.
Can move on…next mission:vacumming the house….only problem I forgot about my little fragrant bubbling pot … UNTIL big billows of smoke and fiiled the house…Oh no!
NO worries,I openned a few windows, got another pot (You should see the other one!) this time trying a lemon and ginger combo…smelling good
“There was an old woman who swallowed a fly…”
Ha!
This morning I stunk out the house an omlet I cooked up for breafast…
BRIGHT IDEA!!!!! Years back we had a homestay student called Josh from Indiana who made the house beautifully fragrant with a concoction of cloves, orange peel etc that he boiled up in a pot
Yeah! what do we have in the cupboards…immm a cinnmon stick and Levi’s orange skins, perfect… the lovely aroma of them boiling soon overpowering the lingering smell of omlet.
Can move on…next mission:vacumming the house….only problem I forgot about my little fragrant bubbling pot … UNTIL big billows of smoke and fiiled the house…Oh no!
NO worries,I openned a few windows, got another pot (You should see the other one!) this time trying a lemon and ginger combo…smelling good
“There was an old woman who swallowed a fly…”
Labels: at home
SUPER BEAR
February 25th 2006
My latest idea: drawing on my kids art work for inspiration! A series is bound to follow…
Loved this Super Bear my 6 year old drew on the cards we made:
I’m unable to capture the sheer delightfulness of his bear but had a go interpreting it ‘Bec style’ nonetheless:
My latest idea: drawing on my kids art work for inspiration! A series is bound to follow…
Loved this Super Bear my 6 year old drew on the cards we made:
I’m unable to capture the sheer delightfulness of his bear but had a go interpreting it ‘Bec style’ nonetheless:
Labels: at home
WHAT A CARD
February 17th 2006
INSPIRED when reading ‘Capture 30 days of inspiration’ by this suggestion:
“Make 50 all occasion cards for the whole year (They will replace the $5 spent every birthday, wedding, baby shower etc. That’s $250 already!)” –Amanda Powell
So to NOT put off until tomorrow what can be done TODAY, I invited a friend over for a card making session. We sat around the table and created cards while our little boys played and later took a nap.
After school the kids took over the card making productions and I tried this, (Discovered at www.whileshenaps.com)... check it out:
Bokchoy(A chinese vege)when cut becomes a rose print!!!
Cool huh!
AND the bok choy cards quickly bumped my grand total for the day up to 59 cards-set!
INSPIRED when reading ‘Capture 30 days of inspiration’ by this suggestion:
“Make 50 all occasion cards for the whole year (They will replace the $5 spent every birthday, wedding, baby shower etc. That’s $250 already!)” –Amanda Powell
So to NOT put off until tomorrow what can be done TODAY, I invited a friend over for a card making session. We sat around the table and created cards while our little boys played and later took a nap.
After school the kids took over the card making productions and I tried this, (Discovered at www.whileshenaps.com)... check it out:
Bokchoy(A chinese vege)when cut becomes a rose print!!!
Cool huh!
AND the bok choy cards quickly bumped my grand total for the day up to 59 cards-set!
Labels: at home
HAEREMAI
February 8th 2006
Having recently moved house we stood in awe when first spotting the plaque at our new front door which says “Haeremai”; the NZ Maori word for “Welcome” … and ‘a sign’ it was the home for us (Kiwi’s in Oz)
Haeremai: an ever present reminder to open our doors in hospitality…
IF I waited until I had mouth-watering cooking skills, a perfect family or a house decked out in latest and greatest décor… the doors would remain shut.
Instead our kids whirl around our guests, I’m sure making them giddy, the volumes normally stuck on one level-LOUD, there’s probably weetbix cemented on the dining chairs, I’ve burnt the baking more times than not lately (This ovens hotter than the last) …and our place is very much lived in!
But when it boils down to it hospitality isn’t about show-casing what you own and having it altogether but about relationship and enjoying each others company, about giving and seeking to be a blessing.
Having recently moved house we stood in awe when first spotting the plaque at our new front door which says “Haeremai”; the NZ Maori word for “Welcome” … and ‘a sign’ it was the home for us (Kiwi’s in Oz)
Haeremai: an ever present reminder to open our doors in hospitality…
IF I waited until I had mouth-watering cooking skills, a perfect family or a house decked out in latest and greatest décor… the doors would remain shut.
Instead our kids whirl around our guests, I’m sure making them giddy, the volumes normally stuck on one level-LOUD, there’s probably weetbix cemented on the dining chairs, I’ve burnt the baking more times than not lately (This ovens hotter than the last) …and our place is very much lived in!
But when it boils down to it hospitality isn’t about show-casing what you own and having it altogether but about relationship and enjoying each others company, about giving and seeking to be a blessing.
Labels: at home
RECIPE ALBUM:
November 2005
Up until now, my fourth kitchen drawer has been home to torn out magazine pages, old envelopes and scraps of paper, all floating around with a host of recipes on them!
Recently however, the event of not being able to find the recipe page I wanted, forced me to take action! I scoured the cheap shops for a photo album; on a hunt, not for the slip in photo type but a sticky page one…and found it, sitting there with a light-house on its cover for $2:85-perfect!
Took it home, gathered all those loose recipe pages, arranged and stuck them in …simple, cheap and cooking splosh-proof!
Up until now, my fourth kitchen drawer has been home to torn out magazine pages, old envelopes and scraps of paper, all floating around with a host of recipes on them!
Recently however, the event of not being able to find the recipe page I wanted, forced me to take action! I scoured the cheap shops for a photo album; on a hunt, not for the slip in photo type but a sticky page one…and found it, sitting there with a light-house on its cover for $2:85-perfect!
Took it home, gathered all those loose recipe pages, arranged and stuck them in …simple, cheap and cooking splosh-proof!
Labels: at home
O SO CUTE KIDS KITCHEN
October 2005
Our kids home corner at church now has a gorgeous little oven and kitchen, after a friend and I decided to get creative after being flabbergasted at the price they are new! We went to Ikea and picked up 2 ‘Rast’ bedside tables for $19.95 each, some knobs, a pack of foam coiled coasters and a stainless steel bowl for the sink. Anya is the neater painter and sewer (!! I’m kinda wild) so it was a no brainer to pile our purchases into her boot! And the results….so much better than I visualized:
-She painted and assembled it
-Stuck on the knobs and light blue coasters for elements,
-Used a power tool to cut a hole to fix the sink into
-and made cute little curtains for the cupboards underneath them both
With the personal touch it way outshines the bought looking ones and the little kids cooked and cleaned all Sunday morning!
Our kids home corner at church now has a gorgeous little oven and kitchen, after a friend and I decided to get creative after being flabbergasted at the price they are new! We went to Ikea and picked up 2 ‘Rast’ bedside tables for $19.95 each, some knobs, a pack of foam coiled coasters and a stainless steel bowl for the sink. Anya is the neater painter and sewer (!! I’m kinda wild) so it was a no brainer to pile our purchases into her boot! And the results….so much better than I visualized:
-She painted and assembled it
-Stuck on the knobs and light blue coasters for elements,
-Used a power tool to cut a hole to fix the sink into
-and made cute little curtains for the cupboards underneath them both
With the personal touch it way outshines the bought looking ones and the little kids cooked and cleaned all Sunday morning!
Labels: at home
KIDS IN THE HOUSE!!
September 2005
“Children are the house’s enemy. They don’t mean to be-they just can’t help it. It’s
their enthusiasm, their energy, their naturally destructive tendencies.”- Delia Ephron
Who can relate?!....
At the moment my 20 month old is like a walking tornado sweeping through the house leaving a trail of destruction behind him!
The other day he gave me a water bottle and the facial instructions to have a drink… I took a mouthful and then squirmed at the sight and taste of mushrooms floating around in it!
At times it seems all 4 practically’ bounce off’ the walls AND the hall walls I wiped down last week are already collecting their next round of grime. But you know what?? in the end it doesn’t matter…when our kids get older they’re not going to remember whether the kettle sparkled or if every bathroom crevice was clean but WILL remember if home was a great place to be!
Loved it, on a show last month a famous model (can’t remember her name?), taking viewers on a tour through her home and pointing out the stains on her beautiful couches as features she thought were great!
Although not meant to be trashed, and children do need to be house-trained (!!) when it boils down to it home is meant to be lived in! Seen the ad depicting what a home would like less: the dog, husband, kids, and dinner parties, with their magical reappearance at the end and the concluding remark…” BUT IF YOU WOULDN’T HAVE LIFE ANY OTHER WAY………”
PS: for bouncing off the wall marks I’ve just discovered ‘Chux magic erasers’…they’re great; erasing stubborn stains and cartwheel toe prints off effortlessly!
“Children are the house’s enemy. They don’t mean to be-they just can’t help it. It’s
their enthusiasm, their energy, their naturally destructive tendencies.”- Delia Ephron
Who can relate?!....
At the moment my 20 month old is like a walking tornado sweeping through the house leaving a trail of destruction behind him!
The other day he gave me a water bottle and the facial instructions to have a drink… I took a mouthful and then squirmed at the sight and taste of mushrooms floating around in it!
At times it seems all 4 practically’ bounce off’ the walls AND the hall walls I wiped down last week are already collecting their next round of grime. But you know what?? in the end it doesn’t matter…when our kids get older they’re not going to remember whether the kettle sparkled or if every bathroom crevice was clean but WILL remember if home was a great place to be!
Loved it, on a show last month a famous model (can’t remember her name?), taking viewers on a tour through her home and pointing out the stains on her beautiful couches as features she thought were great!
Although not meant to be trashed, and children do need to be house-trained (!!) when it boils down to it home is meant to be lived in! Seen the ad depicting what a home would like less: the dog, husband, kids, and dinner parties, with their magical reappearance at the end and the concluding remark…” BUT IF YOU WOULDN’T HAVE LIFE ANY OTHER WAY………”
PS: for bouncing off the wall marks I’ve just discovered ‘Chux magic erasers’…they’re great; erasing stubborn stains and cartwheel toe prints off effortlessly!
Labels: at home