My Career as a SAHM and Wannabe Housewife!

Reader's Digest Online!

2008-10-16T05:33:00.000-07:00

When someone mentions "Reader's Digest" I picture a magazine that I read in the supermarket aisle and the doctors surgery. Whenever I read it, I have my favorite pages that I always flick to. I love the Laughs section as it always takes away the boredom of the above mentioned places!

Recently I discovered that Reader's Digest has an awesome website and popped over to have a look.

Guess what? My favourite supermarket section also has a website section! Hooray! Pop over to RD Laughs Main to check it out. We could all do with a laugh now and then! There are also Stand-up Videos, Funny Cartoons and games.

Another of my favorite sections on their website was their ReadersDigest.com Widgets section which has heaps of things you can play with and download on to your website or blog.

By far the most useful widget for the everyday person, though, would be the Reader's Digest Toolbar, which is compatible in both IE and Firefox. It has all the sections the magazine and website have, but all put in a handy little toolbar so that you can access it with one click. How cool is that?

If you think you are up for it, I challenge you to a game right now with one of the widgets I picked up!

Toot Toot!

2008-10-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

I am definitely getting value out of my yearly pass to Cockington Green. The weather was lovely again today so we packed ANOTHER picnic and off we went. This time, we were accompanied by my very good friend Tanya and her two boys. The older boys are only 6 days apart in age and the younger boys are six week apart. All four of them get along really well and just had the most fun.

Sorry for the flood of pictures today, but I just cant resist!

Feature Creatures

2008-10-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

As part of the school holiday entertainment recently, our local shopping centre a "Feature Creatures" event. They brought in a whole range of reptiles such as lizards, snakes, frogs and even a crocodile! It was scheduled for each weekday so I took the boys down on Monday morning.

Squiggle, who loves anything faintly revolting, was in raptures and couldn't tear himself away! I just happened to have my camera on me and grabbed a few snaps.

I have joined...

2008-10-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

...Entrecard! I got put onto this site by a fellow blogger. Basically, it aims to increase your traffic while introducing you to a whole lot of new blogs. It is also a social networking site.

I have to admit, I am hooked! Those in the know say that you should "drop" 300 blogs per day, but I just don't have the time to do that many! There are apparently widgets that can help you acheive this, but until then i have set a personal daily goal of 100 drops er day. Any more than that and i would spend no time actually blogging!

If you want to check it out, visit http://entrecard.com.

If you do join, "drop" by!

Halloween is Coming!

2008-10-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed how stores have started advertising holidays earlier and earlier? Christmas decorations appear in early October and the seasonal stock clearances lead immediately into floating red hearts for Valentines Day, which are soon swallowed up by Easter egg towers. After Easter, the aisles are crammed with Mothers Day gifts, Fathers Day gifts and then Halloween pumpkins which all too soon become Christmas Trees again.

Hang on... Halloween? In Australia?? But we don't even celebrate Halloween!

But I don't mind because as a Stay at Home Mum to two toddlers, any holiday is an excuse for arts and crafts to keep those little hands busy!

So recently I have been looking around for supplies to my latest craft activities. Here are some of the things we will be working on.

Halloween Jewellery

1. Creepy Spider Bracelets

Measure a strip of paper ( a few inches across) a little longer then the circumference of the childs' wrist. In the middle of the strip attach a small oval of black felt. Four pipe-cleaners make up the spiders legs. You may want to attach these first so that they cross over underneath the spiders body. Use red bobbles to make the spiders eyes. To make an especially scary spider. cut out tw small triangles and attach to the felt to make fangs. Once dry, staple to ends of the strip together to make a bracelet. Voila! Perfect for any halloween costume!

2. Creepy hair accessories

This is for the older kids to accessorise their costume.

Buy a few plain hair combs. Decorate with spiders made from felt and pipe-cleaners (see above craft idea) of cut our small witch hats from black construction paper. Attach to the combs with super glue - dont forget to wear plastic gloves to avoid getting it on your fingers!

3. Halloween necklace

This craft has a multitude of possibilities! I like to make a spider out of an egg carton cup and decorate it with paint and then pipe-cleaners for legs. Eyes and fangs can also be added with cut up pieces of paper. Simply string the spider onto a length of wool and you are done! (Older children cold even thread different lengths of string across the bottom of the necklace to make it appear that the spider is sitting in a web.)

Other ideas for the necklace are:
> paint a piece of paper black and roll into a cone shape. Attach a circle of the same to the bottom to make the brim of the witches hat. Thread the string through two hole in the side of the cone.
> Stick together two egg carton cups and paint orange. Decorate with a black marker. Thread the string through the cups to make the necklace.

Some other Halloween Crafts

1. Handprint Bats

These are great and a lot of fun to make. A warning though, the paint can be messy!

Get some black paint and construction paper. Make paint handprints and cut them out. These are the wings.

Paint an oval for the body and a circle for the head. Cut these out as well.

All of the painted sections can be decorated with glitter to make them shimmer as they spin.

Assemble the main parts of the body together with either tape or staples then add pipe-cleaner legs, bobble eyes and use sequins in a line for a mouth.

Punch a hole in the bats head and attach a length of black wool to hang from the ceiling.

2. Pumpkin Face Masks/Puppets

Mega simple, but can encourage hours of creative play!

Use orange and black markers or paint to decorate a paper plate as a pumpkin. Cut out the eyes and attach a length of cord to secure around the head.

To make the puppets, simply attach a popsicle stick to the plate as a holder.

3. Mini Spooky Pumpkin Patch

Cut the egg cups out of an egg carton. Attach two together to make a pumpkin. Repeat for all the cups. Paint them orange and decorate the faces with a black marker.

Paint the flat side of the egg carton green to make the pumpkin patch. Use popsicle sticks to make a rickety fence. Attach the pumpkins in the patch with glue.

A few of these ideas (or variations) can be found on many websites, along with scores of others. Most of the ideas, however, are my own thoughts, but I am sure I am not the only one to have thought of them!!

What Halloween crafts do you like to do?

Sydney!!

2008-10-12T23:34:00.000-07:00

Justin recently write a post about his favorite place to visit (Las Vegas!) and it got me thinking where my favorite place to visit is. While some might not consider it as exciting as Vegas, I do admit to being rather fond of Sydney.

WE used to live there a number of years ago and therefore we always have heaps of catching up with people to do. But I am finding that now we have kids, there is a whole new side of Sydney opening up to us.

Where we would previously consider going to the Sydney Aquarium boring, for example, the kids love it! All those fish up close - not to mention some of the other sea creepy crawlies they have there!

Then are the other attractions like Circular Quay - there is a great family park there, IMAX 3D Movie Centre - how scary that things pop out of the screen (!), and Hyde Park is fantastic for a picnic and kicking around a soccer ball.

One of Squishy's favorite things to do in Sydney is ride the monorail around the city. I like the Paddington Markets and DH likes the sporting complexes. Squiggle is just a little too young to have a favorite just yet, but I know he will love Sydney as much as we all do!

Of course, as I said before, the best attraction is Sydney is definitely the friends we have there. :-)

I LOVE Op Shopping!

2008-10-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Op Shopping! A Lot of my clothes come from the local op shop and i have found some grat bargains. When I was pregnant, rather than buying expensive maternity clothes, I often went down and picked up work clothes in a size to accommodate my ever growing bump!

Anyway, I just had to share my latest bargain. For $3 I picked up this...

How awesome is that? I have been searching for the perfect non-nappy-bag nappy bag for ages now! This bag is soft leather and totally perfect. It fits in a small set of wipes, two nappies, snacks, drinks, spare undies and trousers for Squishy just in case, my purse, the boys sunglasses and hats, my camera, my makeup, my phone, keys.... and still there is room to spare! It also isnt as big as you would imagine. Looking at the picture to give you an idea of the size, the smaller front pocket is the size of a standard flip phone.

Plus, as I am frequently found running after a hyperactive toddler and a speedy preschooler, the best bit is that it goes across the body! No more dropping my bag or juggling a child on my hip to reach my purse.

Hurrah!!

30 Day Challenge - I have started...finally!!

2008-10-08T04:43:00.001-07:00

A while ago I posted that I had joined the 30 Day Challenge. Due to various things I hadn't had a chance to start on this yet, but have faithfully been keeping all the emails to start when I did manage to catch a minute to myself.

I have to say, this challenge is great!! Learning heaps of new tips and tricks!

If you want to join me, visit 30 day challenge! and let me know what you think!

A special hello to all my 30 day'ers that read this! Leave a comment and let me know you dropped by!

Menu Plan Monday - How much do you spend on groceries?

2008-10-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

Over at OrgJunkie it is Menu Plan Monday!

I have to confess to having a rotating cycle of 4 menu plans, but as I may mentioned in my last post we are working through the freezer and pantry stocks at the moment, so we are deviating from the plan!

Monday - Steak and chops on the BBQ!! (I LOVE Daylight Savings!)
Tuesday - Mediterranean Chicken and veggies
Wednesday - Garlic an Herb Lamb Shanks
Thursday - Beef Stroganoff
Friday - Teriyaki Chicken Stirfry
Saturday - Butter Chicken
Sunday - Roast Lamb

Recently on a parenting forum I saw a question from a member asking how to stick to a $140 per week shopping budget. Here is my response: (please excuse any references to particular supermarkets which may not be near you)

We used to spend about that much on food as well. Now that the 3yr old is Toilet Trained, nappies are not costing as much. But I do buy Aldi nappies so that is a saving in itself. Do you have an Aldi near you?

Buy fruit and veg at the market or check out the specials at the greengrocers. Often they are cheaper (I DONT buy fruit and veg at Aldi!)

If you use a slow cooker it is great, not only time wise but you can buy the cheaper cuts of meat. Often these cuts taste the best when they have been cooked for longer so this works out well. Some people have tried the cheaper cuts and said they are yuck, but wait until you taste them in the slowcooker! We can manage to have steak at least three times a week!

Just thought I would add that we use less meat than we used to. We used to always have leftovers, but now I cook 1/2 the meat we used to and bulk out with potatoes. No-one has noticed yet and I save more $$! And since using this method of my 'cheap shop' my DH has given me more compliments of my cooking than ever!

Re the meat, buying in bulk saves you money if you have the freezer space. I have a 4 week rotating meal plan and I find that by the third and fourth week I generally dont have to buy meat as there is stuff in the freezer. This further reduces the weekly spending! I also know that i can average out the spending over the month, i.e. the first week can be (but rarely is) maybe $160 but I know that the fourth week is only going to be say, $100.

Buy homebrand for things that dont matter, i.e. baked beans. There really is no difference in taste! I also buy frozen veg (peas, corn cobs and broc) - for all those against them, just consider that the nutrients are snap frozen into the stuff, and not sitting on a supermarket shelf losing them. It has been said that they can work out to be healthier frozen than off the shelf by the time it gets to your plate. It also means that there is less waste of fresh product that has gone 'off'. I also buy tinned tomatoes as well as fresh and use the tinned for casseroles and pasta dishes (also my slow cooker!) and the fresh pretty much only for brekkie and sandwiches.

Make biscuits and if I run out of bread I can make some until the next shop. We also dont eat many snacks, except fruit, and dont buy chips etc. We do buy pepsi though!

The other tip is just to adopt the attitude that if you run out before the weekly shop, unless it is fruit for the kids or milk, then just make do or use substitutes. Dont go down to the shops again or you will walk out with another $50 worth of shopping!

This week I managed to do the shop for only $75 and that included some monthly items like spray and wipe, washing powder, razors and deodorants! Last weeks shop was around $90.

Hope that helps!

What is your grocery budget? Do you manage to stick to it? Is MPM helping you do this? If you dont menu plan, pop over to Org Junkie to see how it all works!

Bible Study: Ch 1 - Love your Children, part 1

2008-10-05T22:16:00.000-07:00

"Older women...encourage the young women...to love their children..."

TITUS 2:3,4

Of all the bonds the humans form, the maternal bond is considered to be one of the strongest. This bond is seen as important in the bible as evidenced by the above passage.

Today, it seems that mothers are not as loving toward their children as they once were. Yes, they LOVE their children, but do the children know it? We buy them the latest clothes and games, the flashest toys and throw he biggest parties, but none of this means the same to the child us it does to us. Yes, we are showing our love, but not in a language they understand. The language they understand is TIME. Time spent playing on the swings, painting a picture or just watching the bugs and caterpillars! If I let them , my boys would have me by their side 24/7!

The bible says that before the resurrection the world would be a place in which love has grown cold (Matthew 24:12). Is this happening today with our children?

In the Old Testament, we hear the story of Jerusalem and how the way her people lived resulted in judgment from God, their love had gone cold. (Ezekiel)

Ezekiel 16:20, 44, 45 - What was the situation like in Judah?

In Ezekiel 16, Jerusalem is described metaphorically as a prostitute. Ezekiel describes Jerusalem this way to demonstrate the lack of faithfulness people have for their God. Ezekiel says earlier that they had erected pagan idols on many streets. 16:20,44,45 all center on how the parents of the children, whilst sinning themselves, encourage and teach their children to do so as well.

Ezekiel 33:10 - How serious was the problem and do you see any parallels today?
Basically, Jerusalem fell and Ezekiel is asked how the exiled people can be saved. Ezekiel had warned them to stop their sinning, but they did not.

"...They will kill us. What can we do so we can live?"

EZEKIEL 33:10

I think the parallels referred to in today's society is of the type of sinning. Todays society is very much about the self. Self fulfillment is high on many peoples agendas. In the quest for this however, many people can lose sight of what is important. The bible study refers to mothers who work out of the home due to lack of fulfillment, and says that women should be in the home with the children. It also mentions that chldren can be seen as a hindrance to this self fulfillment. I think the message that is been given in this context is that we should remember to see children as the blessings they are, not a burden. We are raising the next generation and if we raise sinning children, so will they and the world will be more and more in sin as each generation passes. If we raise children the Godly way, then they will too and we will be on the path to a better world.

What are your thoughts on these passages? What parallels can you see?

I hope this first part of the study has you thinking about your love for your children and that you have enjoyed the first step of the journey in this bible study. Dont forget to link your blog post back to this one.

Part 2 will be up as soon as I get a free moment!

Caterpillars and Butterflies...

2008-10-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Today when we were out in the garden the boys found a caterpillar. They held it (carefully!) on their hands and they were so fascinated, especially Squishy! So I got a container and we put in a little stick, some leaves and dirt and made it a temporary home. It was amazing to see how quickly it ate the leaves (I figure if it is eating it is feeling ok!) and as a few hours later Squishy was still interested I logged onto the internet for a picture of the life cycle of the butterfly and explained it simply to him. We then went to Youtube and found the most amazing video of a caterpillar spinning its cocoon and then emerging as a butterfly. If anyone wants to use it, the link is here.

What an amazing learning experience!

And yes, I will put our new friend back in the backyard!!

Bible Study: Welcome!

2008-10-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

I recently received the Ancient Paths for Modern Women- Book 3: Walking as Mothers and Homemakers (Ancient Paths for Modern women) Bible Study by Judy Gerry and thought that I would complete it online to allow others to join and share my journey. You can jump in at any time!

I am new in my walk with the Lord and am hoping that others can share perspectives, experiences, feedback and thoughts as I make these travels. Your wisdom is much appreciated!

"Stand at the crossroads and look, ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls"

JEREMIAH 6:16

From the back of the book: Judy Gerry is an active conference, retreat speaker and Bible Study author of more than 11 studies. Judy and her husband, Dave, minister together through Ancient Path Ministries and have served together on the board of directors of Child Evangelism Fellowship. Together, they lead marriage retreats on "How to Have an Intentional Marriage."

You can order the book through Amazon with the link above or feel free to source alternatively. The first weekly post will go up on Sunday 5 October 2008.

Don't worry if you haven't done the first two studies, as they can all be done independently of each other.

Here are a few of my Bible Study guidelines.

1. The Bible Study is open to anyone with a blog that wants to join us by linking up to their current bible study posts.

2. In order to make browsing as easy as possible, please link to your individual bible study post instead of to your home page.

3. Please let us know if you are new to the Bible Study, so we can be sure to visit and welcome you!

4. Please mention my site in your post and link back to my weekly Bible Study post here at "My Career as a SAHM and Wannabe Housewife".

Welcome on board and I look forward to sharing this journey with you!

Fun in the Sun

2008-10-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would share some great photos that I managed to snap yesterday of Squishy and Squiggle. Gosh it seems like yesterday that they were both babes in my arms. They grow so quick. Now they are just full of life and character! I am truly blessed to have these boys!

Spring is in the air!

2008-10-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

I love spring! The weather today was gorgeous (22C) so I told the boys to go play outside. Now that the garden is done up (See Tuesdays Tackle Post) it is actually a pleasant place to play - plus fresh air does them wonders!

They play so nicely when they are not cooped up inside (what is it about outside that makes little boys behave?), and despite the piles of washing to be folded and the floors to wash I decided to join them in the sun. They both have a second hand 'bike' that they love riding around in and they played for hours. I even managed a cup of coffee and some internet browsing while they were occupied! Bliss!

The Adventures of Teddy

2008-10-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

Squishy has a much loved teddy, named Teddy, that has been with him since he was born. It is an ordinary teddy, no bells and whistles, but he LOVES him. In fact, he uses Teddy as a pillow at night. He takes him everywhere, and he calls Teddy and his other toys "My Guys" . Here is a pic of Squishy with his Guys on a trip to the shop...You can mostly see his giraffe, but trust me, Teddy is in there as well!

Anyway, you can imagine the upset when we couldn't find Teddy at bedtime last night. Many an adventure has been had with Teddy, but now Teddy was having an adventure without him! *sob*

This morning we picked him up, but I thought I would share with you Squishy's version of events...

Ok, so Mama, I took Teddy to Aunty Mewls (Mel) and oh my goodness, I for-rembered (forgot/remembered)him. Mama can I go pick him up NOW!!!!!! *sobs*

So we go for a drive...

Mama - look! Teddy is going to be there. Is he here? I missed Teddy. Did he have an adventure? (yes, and I think he missed you too, hon)Did he go to Happy Teddys Day? And LOOK! He is in the letterbox! (I had gotten him out a little bit) Thats a bit silly Teddy! Silly Teddy! What you doing in there? Did the postie put him in Mama? Are you tricking me??? Teddy! He is just so cuddly and comfy for nighttime, isnt he Mummy? Hello Teddy! Mama, Teddy had an adventure didnt he? He was with the postie!

Tonight, Teddy is tucked up in bed with Squishy where he belongs. He is all tired out after his adventure!

Golfing Games

2008-10-01T04:27:00.000-07:00

My Hubby is working on his golf handicap. He has spent quite a lot of time down at the golf course lately. He has always been into golf and has even bought myself and the boys a set of golf clubs so that we can join him!

So we decided to take a family trip down to our local club. Sunny day, family time, what could be better?

Well, firstly, I should point out that I am terrible at golf. Really badly! I took 12 shots to get to the first hole. And that was one of my better scores!

Secondly, while Squiggle tries to play, at 16 months old he mainly just loves running around the golf course chasing ducks. Which makes for a very active golf game! NOT the relaxing family activity we envisioned!

Thirdly, Squishy choose to inform us at the hole the furthest from the clubhouse that he needed to use the toilet. They pick their timing, don't they?

And lastly, we left a little late and by the 6th hole, Squiggle was falling asleep on the cart and it was time to go home.

So the family day was over early, but it was a lot fun! DH and I have decided that next time we may go without the boys....

The main attraction for our 3 year old Squishy is the golf cart. Oh the joys! DH has taken him down to the club a few times and he is always asking to go again. He LOVES that golf cart! In fact, despite wanting to use "his" clubs and "his" balls and having a little collection of golf tees, sometimes he would rather just it in the cart and watch!

One time when Squishy and DH were playing, they approached a tee where some gentlemen were teeing off. Squishy, schooled in the etiquette of golf and knowing that the ball is to go into the hole, was whispering and watching as the man took his shot. As soon as he hit it, he yelled in his usual fashion at the top of his voice "Oh My Goodness! He MISSED! That was a TERRIBLE shot!" I guess we have to teach him that not everyone gets holes in one like on TV!

Worlds Worst Drivers? Not the Women!

2008-09-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Tackle it Tuesday! The Garden

2008-09-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A blog you should see...

2008-09-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

What did you do today?

2008-09-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

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

A Recipe
For All Mothers

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

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

Joanne Green

This is for the Mothers...

2008-09-28T06:40:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.

Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all.

For all of us.

Hang in there.

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

Tell them every day that we love them.

It has been one of those days!

2008-09-27T04:32:00.000-07:00

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

I found an article that sums it up perfectly!

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

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

Husbands

2008-09-27T03:30:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Baby!

2008-09-26T05:39:00.000-07:00

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

Dear Squishy,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love Always,

Your Mummy

Tackle it Tuesday! Charity Shop Drop-off

2008-09-23T03:36:00.000-07:00

It is Tackle it Tuesday at 5 minutes for mom.

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

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

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