"As significant as political, miltary,educational or religious figures may be, none compare to the impact of mothers. Their words are never fully forgotten, their touch leaves an indelible impression....the memory of their presence lasts a lifetime. I ask you who else has that kind of influence?" -Chuck Swindoll

The incredible VALUE of being a Mum!!!
TODAY as we read to our children, create experiences and fun, hold them close and tickle their toes.....there's no more important job!

Labels: motherhood

Our friend telling of her baby daughter’s arrival last week…

“She came into the world in a very fast fashion and we didn’t make it to the delivery suite…she was born in the hospital car park!!!"

Her husband stopped at the entrance of the hospital to let her out, but she said/thought (!!) she’d be right to go park with him, 3 levels up…

As i know this friend quite well, and we both see the funny side of things…couldn’t help but burst into hysterics at the situation! (Knowing of course the babies safe and well!)

The hospital crew...and an umbrella up to give her some privacy:Being wheeled to hospital after giving birth!Another of our friends made the front page of newspaper when her husband delivered their baby on their kitchen floor...
Some babies want to come out in a hurry!
I can remember the mid-wife being so fussed about finding her special pen when giving birth to no.4, and screaming at the top of my lungs; "It's coming NOW!"

Any other stories of babies making a quick or out of the ordinary entrance? Please share...

Labels: motherhood

Hoped to rediscover this one day..,thanks Karen!

Your Clothes -
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes are your regular clothes.

The Baby’s Name -
1st baby: You pore over baby-namebooks and practice pronouncing and writing combinations of all your favourites.
2nd baby: Someone has to name their kid after your great-aunt Mavis, right? It might as well be you.
3rd baby: You open a name book, close your eyes, and see where your finger falls. Bimaldo? Perfect!

Preparing for the Birth -
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don’t bother practicing because you remember that last time, breathing didn’t do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your 8th month.

Babies Clothes -
1st baby: You pre-wash your newborn’s clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby’s little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can’t they?

The Dummy -
1st baby: If the dummy falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the dummy falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby’s bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.

Nappies -
1st baby: You change your baby’s nappy every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their nappy every 2 to 3 hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their nappy before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.

Worries -
1st baby: At the first sign of distress - a whimper, a frown - you pick up the baby.
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your 3-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.

Activities -
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.

Going Out -
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home 5 times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.

At Home -
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of every day watching to be sure your older child isn’t squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.

Labels: motherhood

Very cute...
Our 5 year old son has gone out with BP for daddy time: A McDonald's sundae and air hockey

Because we've a small tribe and often a busy timetable BP and i decided to take turns going out with one of our children each week.

Last week J and i went to the movies which was really nice...
Our 3 year has already planned pizza with daddy for his turn...
Miss E keen on a trip to the mall with me next week

Great times together with each child, that I'm hoping if started now will continue on easy enough into their teenage years???!

Daddy and son now home reporting on the fun they had-gotta go!

Labels: motherhood

BP doesn’t mind me saying how… we’ve been teasing him about sounding like The Grinch; ‘I hate, hate, hate, double hate…… the cat over the back fence,when the internet's slow, gardening...”

“Too many hate’s Dad” the kids say….when our 3 year old heard someone say ‘hate’; I laughed listening to him tell his brother; “That boy said the ‘S’ word!”

Sometimes cute, sometimes scary however is hearing the vocabulary (And tone) we use coming out of our children’s mouth! “O my goodness do I really sound that bad!” Our example powerful in the lives of our children; their eyes wide open, ears tuned right in…

We have ‘off’ days ...but how awesome to be a positive force (!) more times than not in front of our kids- I know, I know, the ideal, but worth working on!!! My mum can’t remember ever hearing her mother complain!

If we’re regularly heard speaking negatively about people and situations, grumping and grumbling, getting in a tizzy, sweating the small stuff…that’s what they learn and we hear back!

I don't want to be negative influence in my home

Labels: motherhood

“How I am today with my children on a daily basis is what counts”- Elle McPherson

>Giving the bestest cuddles,
>Speaking words of life,
>Interested in what interests them,
>Not so preoccupied in what I’m doing, that I miss engaging in their world
>Planning something fun just for them
>Bothering be consistent with discipline even when I can’t be bothered
>Bragging about them to others
>Calm in my reactions
>Not a nag; TRY telling them what needs be or hasn’t been done with a smile on my face! 
>Big hugs with BP in front of them
>Prepare/plan a healthy dinner and snacks
>Making home the prize-an awesome place to be
>Stopping to give them my undivided attention

Labels: motherhood

Yippee got the latest edition of ‘Parenting’ in my hot little hand today…Such a great read from cover to cover!

In the ‘Editors note’ Mary Grant putting it so well…

“…children who thrive tend to come from families where the parents have full, happy lives. Parents who have passions, friends, hobbies and make time to help others, actually give their kids a priceless foundation for life.
Merely loving our kids and making them the centre of the universe, does not give them the picture of what a satisfying life looks like”

YOU living a fulfilled and happy life gives your kids a fantastic start to life!!!!!!!!!!!

Labels: motherhood

Back in the world of computer!
MR Optus STILL hasn't arrived to do his thing... and BP's laptop in getting fixed so haven't even been able to dial up! He's jacked up a temporary something today, while-we-wait

Each night as the kids go to bed we ask them (And they don't let us forget!)their highs and lows for the day. Very cute and often informative

My high today was waking (well laying there with eyes wide shut!)as my littlest two crept in bed beside and began sing to me; "Because you're gorgeous, I'd do anything for you"

P.S. Can't wait to grab some time to catch up with what you've been up to...feeling out of the loop!

Labels: motherhood

Confessions of a not so great tooth Fairy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Explaination no.1 when she failed to turn up; "Perhaps she's on holiday"

Explaination no.2 the second night i forgot(I know dreadful!) "Maybe you're tooth wasn't clean enough...brush it and pop it back under your pillow

And the third night as I'm crawling into bed...BP suddenly remembers, we'd nearly forgotten AGAIN!(Gosh I'd even written us a reminder note) Quick smart we race to find money, writing a letter from the tooth fairy in teeny weeny tiny handwriting; "Sorry i'm late. I've had fairy spots."

Phew...forgetting 3 nights in a row would have been too much!

Labels: motherhood

Miss E performance
She’s a natural, filmed yesterday for the up and coming kids DVD at church.
Her hair now cut with a fringe she’s been wanting for months

J’s imagination
Bribed a chocolate bar by Ella to have his hair-which he’d planned on growing for 2 years, cut. Ever so handsome and full of inventive plans and contraptions for his room in our new house

Our 5 year olds first sleepover
…tonight at his good buddy Alberto’s house
I joked with him before he left; “Will you miss me?!”
Elijah’s reply; “Mummm I see you ALL the time”
…at 10pm we got the call and he's tucked up in his bed!

Purr-fect
Amazed at the pictures our 3 year old is now starting to draw!

Labels: motherhood

Inspired today reading Victorias blog…

1. Quiet-time activity boxes:“I spend a lot of time figuring out different activities that the kids enjoy without any input from me, so I can do whatever I want at the same time. Quiet Time happens on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. By then they all need a break from each other and I need some QUIET. Everyone goes into their own bedrooms and comes out to swap over activities. There's many activity boxes. The stencils from the opshop have been a big hit recently. So has plasticine. Quiet Time has become so successful that it can last up to two hours if I give everyone a snack in the middle of it. I like teaching each of the kids to play on their own. At the end they make me take endless photos of what they make or set up.”

2. Doing a'Neighbourhood collage' together
3. And gorgeous Hexagon flower quilt

Thanks Victoria

Labels: motherhood

“Do you ever find in social situations that your children forget their manners? One easy way … is to prompt them on the way to an event. Help them practice what to say and explain what your expectations are… On the way home, reinforce their effort by congratulating your child for remembering to use their manners so well!” –Parents Inc

We often NEED do this… most recently in readiness for Hillary’s 21st dinner, at not really a kid’s restaurant. I was on organising the venue, the owner not that sure about 4 kids setting foot on the premises!
So I laid down the drill beforehand…
At the restaurant the son who could of potentially swung from the rafters (he has that ability!) sitting still and conversing the whole night long!
In an email from mum: “They sure were good and it wouldn't have been the fun night it was without them.”

Whoah you should see (AND hear!)them at other times!

Labels: motherhood

IS NOT wasted time.”

My three year old on my knee, smelling his hair and kissing his head

Sitting an audience of one as my little boys strum their guitars and sing every song they know! (Song line “I offer devotion” sung by them “I offer commotion!”-How true is that at times!)

Leaning on the bench, chatting as the kids eat their afternoon-tea

Labels: motherhood

Okay mentioned that ‘Princess Dairies 1’ screens repeatedly in our car…and this week, ‘Cheaper By The Dozen 2’ in the house!

I rib BP because he thinks he’s not the type that cries in movies, yet remember when we went see this on big screen, looking down the row and seeing a tear roll down his cheek when Tom Baker holds his newborn grandson for the first time.
Come-on BP fess up, I think it lovely! He doesn’t mind admitting that he cried when each of our four children were born though …I was just relieved it was over, AND OUT!

And the quote for the day (Too much screen time happening here!)
Tom’s daughter to her dad;

“You taught us that there’s no way to be a perfect parent, but a million ways to be a really good one…””

As parents we will make mistakes, call the wrong shot, wonder at times what to do,or regret how events unfolded.
We're always learning...
So far from perfect, but giving the millions of ways to be a great one a really good go!

Labels: motherhood

Our 3 year old had his first car crash!!!!!!!!!

Yep, this morning getting ready for rugby and soccer he was waiting in the ute while BP rushes in to brush his teeth

BP’s in the bathroom, when I hear a lady at our front door frantically expressing (English her second language) “Your Baby, Your Baby”

What?

Looking beyond her to the road to see our 3 year olds little face in BP’s ute, which- happens-to- be- IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. My first dumbfounded reaction being (Derrr) “Why has BP parked the car on the road with our son in it?” …

“BRENDAN!!!!Our babies in your ute in the middle of the road”, me clicking and BP racing to the scene…

You guessed it… while waiting for BP, he pushed it out of gear, down went the hand break, and off rolled the ute down our drive, across the road, and SMACK into a car parked on the other side!

The trailer of BP’s ute unscathed, the other car hammered, but most importantly our 3 year old driver FINE!!!!!!!!!!!

So lucky, remembered later this morning how last night at Connect Group we really prayed a blessing and protection over our kids. We live on a fairly busy road with cars coming up and down all the time; it could have been potentially fatal. But fortunately because it didn’t, now kind of funny, BP worried that our boy might get charged for driving without a licence!

Labels: motherhood

Rebecca Woolf from Straight from the bottle comments how “parents want to read about one another’s failures. They want to say “me too” …
Wondering why not as many are comfortable admitting as she labours to type…

“I’m a good mother. I trust my instincts and I am proud of who I am as a parent… I love that I’m not afraid to get dirty in the mud and dance around the house like a fool and I love that I can make Archer laugh with a single face. I love that I am unafraid and optimistic and patient. I love that I take Archer gallivanting around town to explore unlikely playgrounds. I think I'm positive and real and a good role model for my son and I think I'm doing a damn good job with this parenting thing.

There." She says;
"I said it.
Now why the hell were those words so hard for me to type? How come it was hard for me to admit that?
Is being happy unforgivable?
Must we hide the fact that we love being mothers or fathers, women and men? That we love being with our children …
Fulfillment and confidence and joy should not be stifled or hidden or kept secret. No one should feel embarrassed to admit they think they’re awesome: a good parent.”

TODAY especially fast approaching Mothers Day, give yourselves a break...how about as many of us as possible, no matter how young or old our kids, make a long list, beginning “I’m a good parent because…”

Come on admit it (In comments below) you ARE awesome!

Labels: motherhood

Back in the swing of things…schools resumed again and Brrrr the weathers cooling down here.

Looking forward to family cosy-up’s under blankets on the couch (No central heating) AND winter puddings, can’t resist!

Life is for living… moments to capture and memories to make.

Feeling incredibly privileged to have a house fill of children, a family. Something I think, never to be taken for granted!

Labels: motherhood

Miss E and my mum at an Indian restaurant
Still need my mum! Mum just flew out this evening …I’m sure collapsing in her chair after a marathon clean at our place today. Just moaned the other day to BP how our house was looking like a hell hole, exasperated that we never seem to get anywhere. Commented to the kids as well how I enjoy them being home during the school holidays-especially the slow-start mornings, having them guess though the two things I dislike. They knew in an instant; “The mess and fighting’ Think in the last few days I might add ‘Noise’ to the equation too!
So spoilt to have an action women mum, together the task became manageable. Thanks mum!

There’s a Proverb that says of the children of ‘a virtuous women’; “They will arise and call you blessed” When I was a girl I took my mother for granted as she slaved away so graciously for us; cleaning, cooking, ironing our clothes, providing so many fun experiences and creating an atmospherically rich home environment

It wasn’t until I ‘Arose’, grew up, married, had kids AND had to do all the washing myself!!! …that I truly appreciated what an amazing mother she is. She comes from good stock her mum/my Nan turning 80 last week. Both great examples I aspire to… although I may have skipped the cleaning gene somewhere!

Labels: motherhood

By Kidspot mum, Tessa:

"Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them….I loved you enough to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect.

I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.

But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.

Those were the most difficult battles of all. I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too.”

Labels: motherhood

Made with LoveBy Kate Petty

We read this with our oldest 2 tonight!
Up until now when my kids have asked i've replied; "God took a little bit of daddy and a little bit of mummy and made you!"

Moving on a step tonight,our son, not embarrassed but more thoroughly amused at the revelation! I had introduced the topic with our daughter last year while chatting, but recently discovered this book at a friends ‘Book party’ to aid discussions!

One blurb on this book says; "the text is styled so it can be read on a number of different levels, for different age groups"

And an amazon customer review describes 'Made with Love' as
“... a wonderful, tasteful book about how babies are made... Each page presents a child asking a question; "Where did I come from?", "How did I get into your tummy?", "How did the sperm get from Dad to you?", "When did I start to look like a baby?", "Could you feel me moving inside you?", "How did you know when I was ready to be born?... etc” and the parent, answering each question with concise... easily understood words."

Labels: motherhood

“When they’re good they’re very very good but when they’re bad they’re horrid!”

My mother probably had reason or two to recite this poem about me when I was young…
And same goes for my lot!
I can say this about them today because they’ve been so ‘very, very good’ lately
BUT on a bad day are quite possibly the kids…

Fighting and bickering with each other
Running circles and jumping on people in the church foyer
With both fingers up their noses in public
Shorts back to front and barefoot at the shopping mall
Throwing a fit in the aisle next to you, or running madly up and down them
Eating dinner with their fingers, and Ooooo wiping their mouths on their clothes
Being a right little beep when visitors we probably haven’t seen in ages come over …
Sounding off, screaming or making loud Wooo noises…
AND the like…*~#!!~*

But gottta love them, and boy I do…

At the moment so love watching my little three year old at swimming lessons and the absolute joyous, ducky smile, look on his face…all going out together and knowing we’re part of each other, family! …watching my older two growing up, and the beautiful love for God and care for people they have, which is what I want for them most, gathering around the table, sharing the good times and the bad, my nearly 5 year olds face when he spots mine after school, walking up and down the road together, when they the thank me for food made or help given, hearing them say ‘I love you’ not only to us but each other too, dropping them off at school and seeing my biggest school boy walk off with his arm around his little brother, …

Could go on all day!

Labels: motherhood

Of note and interest recently has been a number of magazine and newspaper articles that detail the stress and tendencies of many mums’ and dad’s nowadays to over-parent their children
A striving to be perfect parent, and corresponding pressure to measure up, or guilt at not

I think, like most things it’s better to find your own footing and balance; endeavouring to be the best you can, but at the same time relaxing and REALLY enjoying the season you’re in with your kids….hopefully striking a healthy balance??!

As they wrapped it up in Saturday’s Herald;
“…relax…
“Do your kids feel loved?”
“Do you do the best you can?”
“WELL THAT’S OKAY”

On Wednesday, BP and I lined up with our little boy for his first day at primary school…
He’s still only 4 (5 in March) and seems SO very small at BIG school…

Been wondering therefore whether or not we’ve made the right decision in sending him??!
In NZ you begin school the day you turn 5, which makes the whole do we send him/hold him back dilemma (Had here in Australia) much simpler

My mother heart breaks when I hear that..
MissE found him at lunchtime swinging around the flagpole by him-self
He didn’t know what to do before school when his brother ran off, so cried until a teacher found, and took him to the right place

Orrrrr my baby…. But on the other hand appears love it!
Will let you know how he goes…

UPDATE: End of first week and he's 'As Happy as Larry', feeling o so grown-up being at Big school....Has now been placed with a teacher (Nice one!) and in his class for the year (Normally takes them the first week to sort out), a couple of boys from his preschool with him...so reckon he'll be right!

Labels: motherhood

We ALL went to drop him off...our 3 year old eventually telling us to "GO"
-No tears there!

At home now wishing i could be a fly on the wall
My babies growing up!

Labels: motherhood

This morning...

Was feeling grrrrrrrr at BP for a conversation that had transpired in the car (Just rang him and ASKED for an apology!!!)
In the midst of my huff at him though…
When MissE offered me a sweet and innocence suggestion as what I could do with the little two while they’re at summer camp…kinda snapped back at her :(
It wasn’t major but…
Got me thinking how our reaction towards the kids can sometimes come out of our own frustration or mood...something i need keep in check, and apolyise when necessary!

Labels: motherhood

Changing the tune

A great tip i heard years ago...
When the kids have a spat, spoken an unkind word or temperatures are rising… stop them mid course (before the next world war) to say 5 things they like about the other

Used today...
Inside as it rained and poured, tempers got in the way of the ‘Levi Live’ show they were putting on (There’s always a show!)
So bought them to a halt to say 5 things they like about the other…
Surprised how quickly the mood turned into laughter and hugs

Sometimes on instructions to say 5 things they’ll...

-Start off with a gruff: “I like it when YOU’RE KIND to me”

-Try a quick- fire list
"I love your ears,I love your nose,I love your mouth, I love your hair, I love your neck”(Now if they name a physical feature they have to tack on a why they like it i.e.” I love your eyes BECAUSE they’re beautiful”....or

-say something funny like yesterdays:” I love the 2 holes at the end of your nose”

Labels: motherhood

After an a full-on weekend and exercise class this morning, chilled this afternoon finishing Ian Grants book; Growing Great Boys.
Highly, HIGHLY recommend it whether you have 1 boy or 6 like a family at the kid’s school!
Ian is one of NZ’s best known and respected experts on parenting and just a lovely man…you know when you have heard an authors voice before how can hear them speaking as you read!

Talking of growing great boys; found our 4 year old in BPs wardrobe on Saturday dressing up.His chatter often turns at present to the man he's going to be when he grows up.
During such a conversation the other day Levi added; “When I grow up I going to be a horse”...ahhh i love being a mum!

Labels: motherhood

Recently read in a herald article...
of a woman bumping into an old friend,AND her reaction as the friend begins complaining of the Relevance deprivation she now felt as a mum…

“ What are you talking about?" I half-screamed, gesturing wildly to the angel in the pram. "Look! Look! You’re raising a child. That’s the most relevant thing a human being can do! When did that get downgraded? I know there are chores involved in being a mother, but motherhood isn’t a chore, is it? It’s the single most important thing a person can do. Without it, no civilisation."

A great reminder TODAY that ‘Motherhood’ in terms of significance DOES NOT run a poor second to career and climbing the ladder of success … but is without doubt one of the most worthwhile and rewarding things you will EVER do!

Labels: motherhood

Its school holidays and are really enjoying the mornings we don’t have to get up and go anywhere!

Giving the kids credit…they are actually really good little players.
I often amuse myself listening in on their games…
A school session seems be taking place most days; the older two in a class/bedroom each teaching their pupil /younger sibling -lucky there’s enough to go around! The students even running messages from teacher to teacher

As I’ve a rowdy lot (Those who know us nodding their heads) it’s been said how they could be anything less with BP and I as their parents…
At home or even if we’ve been out and about, 1-3pm as been designated as ‘QUIET TIME’!!
After breakfast a TV/computer fast begins until 1pm when Levi goes down for a nap

Working great means:
They’re ALL ‘available’ to play with each other
Are ALL quiet at the same time
And I’m able lap up ALL 2 hours of peace…READY to do something fun with them at 3!

Labels: motherhood

Each week my inbox gladly recieves 'Hot tips' from Parents Inc ;a wonderful New Zealand organisation in that "Zeros in on raising great kids"
It's free advise you can easily subcribe to by clicking the above link, and then "Register for weekly Hot Tips" at the top right corner of their site

A sample 'Hot Tip':

"Inspire your children with stories and people.
Look for a variety of ways to inspire your family.

Invite discussions about outstanding people who have contributed to the world - Martin Luther King, Louis Pasteur, Mother Theresa, Ben Carson (Gifted Hands and Think Big), Nelson Mandela, Lance Armstrong. Glean the reasons behind their success.
Take your children to concerts and plays and listen to great music.

Go to the museum. Visit art galleries. Extend their world and your own."

Labels: motherhood

Now it’s in the past I guess I can tell!

My Poor Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Driving home after picking up our 4 year old from preschool…
He starts fussing; “MUM,MuMMM we forgot, MuMMMM, we forgot…”
Me: “ (Grr) DON’T WORRY about your drink bottle we’ll get it tomorrow, just quiet down”
“No mum NOT the drink bottle…you forgot....
“Ahhhhhhhh" I'd forgotten his little brother

Slam on the brakes…look back towards the school to see the teacher coming out of the school gates holding our boy

Any other delinquent mum stories out there??? Please tell

Labels: motherhood

Am very much a proud mum!

MissE and J both performed today in the matinée and tonight to a crammed full house in “That’s entertainment” their school show. The production took the audience on a journey from black and white silent movies, right through to action and animation

MissE performed in her class Western performance of ‘The Good The Bad and The Ugly’
In the Drama groups takes on “Gone with the Wind”
And the dance groups performance of High School Musical: “We’re all in this together” (Which has been played a zillion times in our house!)

She really shines on stage; so joyous, and loving every moment of it!

Was also sooooooo proud of J. He was selected to deliver a speech about “Singing in the rain” on stage BY HIMSELF to a packed house, and introduce his class item
I was on the edge of my seat.He was so confident, doing so well...can't help BUT gush!…

Labels: motherhood

Our youngest is so talkative at the moment…chat, chat chat, chat CHAT.

Stopping for a lonnnnggg conversation with him yesterday I realised that he’s actually a lot more up with the play than I give him credit for!
We still think he’s the baby around here

A few of his sentences captured today:

“My cup in the dish-whopper”(Washer)

“I wipe my bobbin” (Bottom)

“Got my pappy” (Nappy)

“I boub (good) boy”

“Mum where’s your bone” (Phone)

“Daddy gone na-niii’s on the cow” (Couch)

Labels: motherhood

Every now and then I’ll quietly slip a little note in my school kid’s lunch boxes telling them:

“You’re awesome”
“I thank God for giving me a gift as wonderful as you”
“Thanks for being so kind to your brother”

Yesterday while grocery shopping I spotted some novel little chocolates wrapped with a message(At Harris Farms if you’re in Australia).
Popped an "I love you" and "You are very very sweet" in the kid’s lunch boxes today…

And saved some other sweet talk for the side of BPs coffee!

Labels: motherhood

"As the parent of an adult, I can tell you that the time your children are young is really very short – really!” Virginia Stiles

So true, I can’t believe our oldest will be 10 next year-already!
It makes me more aware that TODAY IS THE DAY to maximize every opportunity as ‘Mum’. I won’t always get it right but…
If I waited until I FELT like it,or aren't too busy... I just may miss the opportunity or hardly ever:

Play soccer with the kids in the yard,give my whole attention when they’re talking to me,get down and play their games,show interest in what they’re into
have their friends over to play,properly train and discipline them,sing silly songs in the car,take a leisurely walk hand in hand,go crazy and laugh until our sides hurt,devise fun and adventure,create a warm loving atmosphere....
And the like…

I really don’t want to turn down or keep putting off because “I don’t feel like it today” or “I’m too busy now”…Although the kids need learn to respect when we can’t and not be demanding!
But perhaps are more conscious that there need be more occasions where “I can”, more time where my attention is undividedly theirs and I’m fully tuned into their little worlds. By choice!

For time truly DOES fly...and my children won’t wait.

Labels: motherhood

July 22 2006

Yesterday in particular I felt like I’m not handling my children very well…they’re out of hand!

BP’s been full on day and night with work for the last month and I’ve been flying solo a lot, AND…

Don’t have eyes in the back of my head, nor enough arms and legs to:
Cook dinner,
Pull-up this one for the way they’re speaking,
Attend to the squabbling two down the hall,
Let alone notice master 2 year old climbing the cupboards to get the car-keys (which we then have to turn the house upside down trying to find)…
ALL AT THE SAME TIME!

Plus been a tad rundown and lacking the energy I normally NEED to hold the fort together…

Consequentially something’s gotta give and it seems proper behaviour management and calmness under fire has taken a backseat

As the younger two flew off the handle yesterday… BP watching on from a work phone call later asked “Why did you let them get away with that??”
Me: “Honestly I’ve not the strength left to cope with them”

Lucky for me BP took them off with him in the truck for the afternoon, while I soaked and recuperated in the tub…
And today instead of coming home on auto-pilot to do the washing while my son was at a party…took a u-turn to the shops BY MYSELF and happily meandered for a couple of hours

I love being with my kids but all the signs (Which I should of read sooner) pointed to the need to pay some attention to me. I need a privilege card too!

Labels: motherhood

July 17th 2006

Our ‘Aunties and Uncles’ girl came over today for a play…
carrying around a folder all day with this page inside:

“HOW TO REALLY LOVE A CHILD
Be there. Say yes as often as possible. Let them bang on pots and pans. If they’re unlovable, love yourself. Realise how important it is to be a child. Read books out loud with joy. Invent pleasures together. Remember how really small they are. Giggle a lot. Surprise them. Say no when necessary. Teach feelings. Heal your own inner child. Learn about parenting. Hug trees together. Make loving safe. Bake a cake and eat it with no hands. Plan to build a rocket ship. Imagine yourself magic. Make a lot of forts with blankets. Let your angel fly. Reveal your dreams. Search out the positive… Keep the gleam in your eye. Encourage being silly. Plant licorice in your garden. Stop yelling. Express your love a lot. Speak kindly. Handle with care.
CHILDREN ARE MIRACULOUS”

Labels: motherhood

July 9th 2006

I meant to do my own version of this ALL last term… sick of the sound of my own voice repeating the same instructions over and over again…and wanting the kids to be a bit more self- directed/motivated.

Thought only this morning I must draw up some kind of chart in preparation for term three,
And then-o joy…logged onto kiddley tonight and followed their lead to a site where they draw up the charts for you; I only needed pick and choose, fill in a few gaps and print…easy, pretty much effortless and now DONE-like it!

Labels: motherhood

June 26th 2006

I had a moment…
Sitting at the movies on Saturday (We went to see ‘Over the hedge’),my eyes turned from the screen for a few moments and to look down the row at my kids little faces watching the movie and BP at the other end with Levi snuggled on his lap
Felt a gushy "Awwwwww"
And “Wow all these children are ours!”

Labels: motherhood

June 17th 2006

Yesterday BP and I with our cuppa’s in hand were browsing through a book shop as we sipped.
Spotting some pretty cards and trinkets I suggested to BP he buy a card and a little something to surprise MissE
Thinking it a great idea too he scanned through the pretty cards with butterflies, glitter etc… eventually declaring “Found one” as he pulled out a card with two bulgy eyed fish!
He bought a cutesy pink pen inscribed with “You bring the party wherever you go” and at home with a play on the word “Eye”, wrote at length a beautiful card for MissE …
Asking too; “‘Eye’ was wondering if you and ‘Eye’ could go on a special date sometime.”

MissE came home thrilled to find the card, running to find her daddy, stressing; “‘EYE’ would love to, thanks Daddy!”

And for their special date the two of them are going ice-skating…

Labels: motherhood

June 2nd 2006

Scenario:

This morning MissE drops a splodge of cat food on the floor

MissE: “Eeeeeeeekkkkkk, OOOooooooooo; I’m not cleaning up that!”

The damsel in distress then taking no time at all to work out ‘tactic’, as she cries out:
“I NEED a superhero”

Immediately I hear the charging feet of a valiant Master 4 and 7 pounding down the hallway… on a mission to save the day; “Don’t worry, we’ll do it” …said o so very manly

I’m thinking how cute from where I am making the bed…
Naturally presuming (Of course) that my superhero sons were mopping it up with a cloth, thinking nothing of the sound of a running tap
UNTIL I turned up on the scene and discovered one very flooded kitchen and
…the superhero’s about to tip yet another bucket of water onto the floor

“NOooo!”

Like the time they cleaned the car with the pot scourer how could I get mad… only calmly suggesting a preferable alternative, should they ever be called to a Cat Food Cleaning Rescue again

My ‘adorable heroes’ (Are those two words supposed to go together?!) then without prompting grabbed old towels to soak up the water…
And as I mopped… thought to myself; yeah it’s so true that our little boys (And grown men!) just want to be heroes

BP and I once read a small book for dads called "You have what it takes:what every Father needs to hear" by John Eldrudge

In it he says:

“Every little boy is asking one basic question.
You notice it in nearly everything he does.
”Every boy wants to be a hero…
He wants to know: Do I have what it takes?”

“Every little girl is asking one basic question too…
’Am I lovely?”

He continues
Fathering made simple:
“Answer “Yes you have what it takes,” or “Yes you are lovely”
Answer it a thousand times in a thousand ways over the course of your son’s or daughters life, and you will have done your job

We could debate whether his theory is true or not… but so far it’s proving true around here!

Labels: motherhood

May 15th 2006Mothers day at church yesterday we received these groovy socks…mine are the green striped, MissE’s the pink (She’s a bit under the weather, so sat in with us)
If look closer you’ll see writing (In part) on the bottom which reads “Feel free to pamper me”
Hint, hint!

During Bobbie Housten's great message which she mentioned her tendency to say silly things and err on the grandiose in expressing love to her children;
i.e.” I love you so much it hurts”
It was then cute as she read recent notes from her now grown children with their silly, out there, grand words of love for her…
Such as:
“I love you more than sticky date pudding…with ice-cream and that’s a lot!”
“I love you with all the love in the world”
…etc, etc…can’t remember them all…but were VERY sweet!

Reminds me of Big Nutbrown Hare and little Nutbrown Hare in "Guess how much I love you"
…trying to describe how much they love each other.
Seen it? Such a lovely book and gift!
We often quote a line out of it “I love you right up to the moon and back”

…but now inspired will also add an “I love you more than the last piece of chocolate melting in my mouth….or hot apple crumble and ice-cream,
and the like too!

Labels: motherhood

May 13th 2006

Was thinking the other day how we still call our youngest 'Bubba',
when in reality he's now so much more a little boy.
He knows it too!
Yesterday when i called him 'Bubba'...he relied with some force in his voice;
"I NOT bubba"
And an "I love you Bubba" when putting him down for an afternoon nap
was met with; "I NOT Bubba"

My babies growing up
Don't tell him but i think he'll always be our bubba round here!!!

Labels: motherhood

3rd May 2006

-O’s mum asked “Seriously - how do you survive 4 hours in the car with 4 children, on your own, there and back?????”
-Answer: Bribery! I dangled 4 delicious Wonka bars in front of there noses and informed them they’re all yours, WHEN you wake up!
They snuggled into their pillows and all went straight to sleep-YES!

Funny too: during our time away we loaded into cars and went on a cool dirt track mountain drive. My passengers were all kids-6 of em …and it seemed the higher up the mountain we climbed the louder their volume got also.
Desperate for a moment’s peace I started a "Would you all be quiet!" game, chanting:
“Silence in the court the monkey wants to talk, speak up monkey, laugh donkey”
It worked a trick...they got into it big time,the longest period of silence lasting a whole 12 minutes!

On the way back when talk turned to toilets (You know butts, poo, etc!!!)I also pulled these out these games from years gone by to help them REFOCUS!

-CAR COUNT: First one to spot 10 cars in the colour appointed for them to spy out-white won

-“DA da da da DA”
All sing the above and then take turns adding a line to make the song/story build:
ie All: “DA da da da DA” Then 1st person: “On a hot summers night”
All: “DA da da da DA” …next person “Little Johnny got a fright”
All: “DA da da da DA” …and the next: “He was walking outside…”
All: “DA da da da DA” …AND so on

-WHEN I WENT CAMPING I PACKED…” A version of the golden oldie memory game where each person rattles off what’s been packed and then adds another item i.e. “When I went camping I packed marshmallows, matches, my toy T-Rex… AND (Their addition) my yellow pillow”
…it’s then the next persons turn to then recite the list by memory and pack something else

Enough fun to take us all the way back to base camp!

Labels: motherhood

16th March 2006

-The other week I ran over the pram…luckily with NO baby in it!
Backing out of my shopping centre car park I wondered why the car felt funny and thought i perhaps had a flat tyre at the sight of guy waving me down to stop (NO that was the week after!) Got out for a closer look and there dragging beneath my car was our now crushed pram. I’d managed to get the baby in the car… but not the pram and drove right on over it

-I sent my son to school with one wet sock
We were in a rush; he couldn’t find another school sock and refused a note for incorrect uniform. Instead he got a just- washed one from the washing machine while I turned a blind eye and said “Let’s go”

-My mountain of washing yet to be folded and put away has reached new heights:
(For some reason the photo won't upload...maybe thats a good thing!)

-I nearly crashed
Today while driving I was pointing out to my little boys a crane carrying a sheet of metal, when all of a sudden I had to maneuver the steering wheel real fast to stop us going bang smack into a concrete barrier. It was such a close call and my heart left racing

I’m a recovered trolley rocker
After years of baby’s I’ve only now finally stopped pushing my trolley back and forth like a pram when browsing the supermarket shelves (And I normally grocery shop at night without kids too!)

Enough confessions for now… sure there’s bound to be more where they came from!

Labels: motherhood

March 3rd 2006

Ah feel stumped there’s so much I COULD talk about that I don’t know quite where to start!
Let’s see what flows????

It’s Friday night and have just put the kids to bed… the oldest three have been playing 'little people' for three hours straight, HAPPILY with NO fights!!!!!! It’s amazing I can HIGHLY recommend little people; every time the box comes out they get lost in it together honestly for hours-it’s my magic potion

Not so this morning oi yoi yoi Do you ever have those mornings when getting them out the door is a nightmare?!
One of my 4 errs on being a tad dopey when it comes to possessions and getting ready. To make matters worse after a few late nights myself, this morning I was more irritable with them than usual … I didn’t lose it but WAS a ‘snappy tom’ (Don’t know if that’s just a family expression?!)
Got me thinking this afternoon that with four lil people in my world FOR THEIR SAKE I can’t afford to get myself too overtired ( if at all possible?!)…it’s unfair on them!!!

Had a great time last night though, went out for my friend Renee’s birthday. Talk about feeling like you’ve got two left feet when up dancing with Renee and all her DANCE teacher friends; every part of their bodies move and groove in sync!
And of course once I’m out and into I find it hard to go home… Nights like that are needed and COOL; but having stayed up too late (Just pottering) for a few nights preceding… felt totally zonked today

For their sake (And my sanity) though I need to keep with the program:

-Napping! I really enjoy my evenings once the kids have gone to bed and being a night owl, need force myself to bed…especially knowing there’s lil built-in alarm clocks in da house!
I’m normally home after lunch for my 2 year olds afternoon sleep so if I’m deprived at the other end need nap when he does!
(A couple I know who both work, each have an allocated weekend day which is there’s for a sleep-in!)

-My mums advise which I’m starting to cotton onto: when you’ve got littlies don’t both (Mum and Dad) be busy at the same time…one needs pull back!
At the moment BP has a massive demolition job on outside his normal employment which spans over a month. Taking my mum’s advise I have deliberately attempted to not over-commit myself during this time saying ‘No’ to a few things so as not to reap havoc in my household AND allow him rest when he is home
Vice versa next month I’ve got a couple of busy day’s on which Brendan is going to work from home.
I think it's good advice!

Labels: motherhood

March 1st(Pinch and a punch!)2006

When MissE was 2 years old all she wanted to DRESS HERSELF in, despite the season was pretty dresses (Preferably white) with no sleeves… and oh boy was there a tantrum at the prospect of anything else!
At the time many of our friends were getting married and well that explained it as OF COURSE all the beautiful brides wore white dresses with no sleeves

7 years down the track and we NOW have another little trend spotter, or more like setter:
*On Monday decked himself out in not one but 11 tee-shirts
*On Tuesday it was off to the shops in a back to front tee, little blue shorts, oversized socks with sandals and a pink over shoulder bag-groovy!

*Today Wednesday he sported a white singlet, pale blue car PJ shorts, not one but two pink strappy bags and to finish the look an oversized army gum-boot on one foot and a pink (To match the bag) saddle club boot on the other…dressed and off on errands in style!

Labels: motherhood

February 21st 2006

… I can’t believe how excited I am; our good friends are in hospital about to have their first baby! She is 12 days past her due date and being induced… and from there on its all new territory!!!!

Talk about freak out at my first ever labour!

Another friend delivered her first baby a month before I did and informed me that labour was a piece of cake …BELIEVING HER; I wondered what everyone else went on about; was cool, calm and collected UNTIL!!!!!!!!!!!!.....

Two weeks before my due date I couldn’t sleep winding myself up each night with “This could be the night!!!!” Slowly, slowly approaching 10 days past my due date however I went STRAIGHT to sleep disgruntled that it probably WOULDN’T happen again.

BUT HAPPEN IT DID AND BOY DID I GET THE FRIGHT OF MY LIFE!; I don’t think anyone can prepare you for labour!! My mum came in the first time and was so traumatized by the whole experience that she opted out in joining me the next three times (Plus; I needed a baby-sitter!)

I honestly turn into WILD WOMAN, out of control by the power of it all and loudly boo-hoo-ing a sobbing “I CAN'T DO IT!” over and over again

Fourth time around though (!!) I actually FINALLY felt more in charge (perhaps because by number four they practically walk out!); only screaming ONCE at the midwife(Who'd gone to look for her pen) a frantic “IT'S COMING!”

BUT WOW it's SO worth it; for me there’s nothing like that feeling when it whishes out and you see and hold your baby for the first time-what a rush!!! I’d do it all again : ) but BP he has already finalised matters!

Labels: motherhood

February 9th 2006

When mum was last here,our nearly 4 year old asked “Mammie why has your face got stripes?”
A few days ago our 6 year old inquired “Mum did you learn to be old from Mammie and Pa (Who by the way look SUPURB for their age)...I thought he was meaning “gee mum you’re looking older” until he went on:
” because I watch daddy, to work out how to grow up to be a man…” (Oooo the pressure BP; I joke with him that he better get more exciting!)
Come to think of it I HAD noticed J’s sudden insistence that he LOVES coffee (Something his fathers addicted to), in spite of his recoiling when given a sip.
A friend relayed once from a book she’d read (I’m yet to read it) how supposedly at age 6 boys become men magnets; realising they are different from mum and wanting to figure out what it means to be male.
A school mum in conversation also mentioned how her 6 year old son presently just loves hanging out with dad… chatting away to his father for ages as he fixes the car.

BP chuffed at the recognition (He can’t think of a better role model!) is planning a boys outing for the two of them!

Labels: motherhood

November 2005

In my mailbox this week from Parents Inc: NZ:
“Sibling Rivalry - Get out of Referee mode:

"Tired if being the referee? It is not a good idea to try to determine which child is to blame when children are involved in a fight. The attention you give to the rivalry usually serves to reward the fighting behaviour. Each child tends to try and get the parent on his or her side. Your refereeing is likely to actually increase the rivalry. First encourage your children to work things out themselves. However reserve the option of separating the children for fifteen minutes to half an hour if they are not able to solve their problem. Any two different rooms will do. They will soon discover it is better to discuss their differences than be separated.”

-A timely reminder as I’ve become increasingly lapse of late, in guiding the kids to work things out themselves and have thus fallen increasing into referee mode.
Last summer holidays, the prospect of becoming judge and jury for 6 weeks startled me enough seek out 2 plastic green chairs for relief!
I called for the full attention of the oldest two, telling them firmly that I don’t want to hear about their fights and pointed them in the direction of 2 green chairs they are to sit on until they have mutually worked out a solution they are both happy with.
With that the only call to make was “green chairs”, when they approached me to referee or mid dispute one to the other.
On the odd occasion (as above) they have been too feral and needed timeout but 90% of the time it the chairs worked their magic and the kids have left them hand in hand!
Perhaps mum and dad need sit on the “green chairs” at times too!

Labels: motherhood

October 2005

While you were sleeping:
With lot’s happening I have been glad to see the back of my children and tuck them into bed at night…aaaahhh head space!
On Monday night though, as I watched the conclusion of a mini series based on a true story of the life of Mary Bryant, I was struck by a reminder of what precious gifts our children are. When Mary Bryant’s infant daughter and baby die onboard their ship bound for England, I was left blubbering, at the portrayal of her total brokenness and inability to let her dead children go, and sheer torment as their little bodies are then hauled into the sea…heart wrenching stuff!
Ever done this?? … As soon as the movie finished I snuck up close to each child as they slept, overcome with emotion, thanking God for the wonderful gift and blessing they are! Don’t they look so beautiful as they sleep; soft light encircling their cute faces, so peaceful and innocent, AND THEN…. they wake up!!!!! (I’ve got a boisterous lot!)

TODAY: Let’s not lose sight of the precious GIFT and BLESSING our children are!!

Labels: motherhood

September 2005

Last year I was inspired to scribble down the beginnings of a children’s picture book on family dinner-time from the observances of mine!!!!

“Before we knew table manners dinner-time was a big icky sticky mess!
Little Jewel couldn’t sit still and always talked with her mouthful
“Burrrppp” went Bert, Dad would go berserk!
With her fingers 4 year old Betty made a mess of her spaghetti
Cousin Pete’s dirty feet, under the table he just couldn’t keep
“Yuk!” said Jack “I don’t like that!” and out of his mouth his food he spat
Lucy cried “Boohoo” her pretty dress splattered with the food Jack threw
It was mad, it was chaotic until mum stood and said
“WOULD YOU ALL JUST STOP IT!!!”

Can any of you relate?! I should finish it…I can just visualize the illustrations, AGAIN from images I have witnessed! Although at times crazy, in effort NOT to make it a war zone I devised a simple plan that had a measure (!!) of success:
Manner upon manner I listed down a page;
snipped out and folded each one,
and then popped them all into a small party bag.
At dinner-time, in lucky- dip style, one manner was picked out at a time and practiced during that meal. The kids couldn’t wait…. they thought it was FUN, which sure beats being a nag! I’ve just relocated the list for a refresher course at our place! Here it is:

·Don’t wipe your face on your clothes
·Talk about nice things
·Be interested in what others have to say
·Do not reach in front of other people.
Ask “____could you please pass me the ____”
·Wait until everyone has finished eating before leaving the table.
Unless you’ve been excused
·Don’t burp at the table
·Remember to say "please" and "thank you"
·Do not start eating until after Grace or the host has begun eating
·Don't stuff your mouth too full of food.
·Eat slowly: Take small bites and chew properly.
·Eat with your mouth closed.
·Don’t talk with food in your mouth.
·Don't complain about the food. It will hurt someone's feelings.
·If you need go toilet, quietly leave by saying “Excuse me”
Don’t announce your bodily functions!
·Thank the host/cook for the meal
·Turn your head away from the table and put your hand over your mouth if you need to cough or sneeze
·Don’t put your knife in your mouth
·Sit straight with your legs under the table

Labels: motherhood

September 2005

I have great childhood memories of sitting around the family dinner-table…I’m so glad my mum made the effort!
This day and age: meal-time at our place, often resembles feeding time at the zoo!... coaxing my 3 year old to ACTUALLY eat, reminding the older two to eat with their mouths shut and to “Stop using your hands!”, giving my husband ‘the look’ to stay put, and as for the baby well, his bowl of food’s on his head like a hat!
But it’s worth it; I love having my family around the table, TV off and together in one spot! Provided: (Besides food) is the perfect platform for the children to share, have a laugh and learn the art of great conversation…

“In President Kennedy’s family at the meal-table each child had to share a current event. They became a family of politicians. In Dr Tony Campolo’s family each child had to share the funniest thing that had happened that day. They became a family of story-tellers…”

How about setting the table TODAY!

Labels: motherhood

Being a mum is a BIG part of my life at moment…I have 4 kids too! History even repeated itself in that like my mum I have 1 girl and 3 boys; ages 8, 6, 3, and 1! So many times while out and about with them all, little old ladies come up to me and make the comment “Enjoy them while they are young, it goes so fast!” …I’m encouraged to live this season of motherhood well!

I read this recently in “The word for today”:
“There will come a time when there will be no more slamming of doors, no more toys to pick up on the stairs, no more childhood quarrels and no more fingerprints on the walls Then may I look back and not regret. May I have the wisdom to see that TODAY is my day with my children that there are no unimportant moments in their lives that no career is more precious, no work more rewarding, and no task more urgent May I not defer it nor neglect it but accept it gladly- and understand that my time is short and my time is now, for my children won’t wait”

Labels: motherhood