6 lessons learnt in one weekend!

This weekend saw me hopping on a plane solo and heading to Queensland.
Solo is not how I travel much these days! With 3 kids a hubby and a dog, there's usually someone keeping me company. So to head off solo was such a treat.
Lesson 1 - Time alone gives you the chance to step back and appreciate

It was my oldest friends wedding day and I wasn't going to miss it for the world. Not only are we in different states, but she lives about 7 hours west of Brisbane on a big property where they they run cattle, sheep, and grow wheat and chickpeas. So catching up is rather hard and it has been a long time coming......the catch up and the wedding he he
Lesson 2 - Old friendships are so special

We drank, we chatted (very loudly over the band!) we danced, we drank, we reminisced, we laughed, we drank, and we promised not to make it so long between hugs next time. Did I mention we drank??!!!
Lesson 3 - Farmers really know how to work hard and play hard

I also got the chance to spend some time with just my parents (they also flew in for the wedding). As the 2nd of 5, and now with 3 of my own there's not much chance to get both your parents to yourself. It was very special. We chilled, chatted, laughed, enjoyed the time together and I got spoilt!
Lesson 4 - My parents are the BEST

I then stupidly missed my flight home (I was 2 minutes late to check in apparently!) which meant calling my dear friends who had agreed to mind my girls till I arrived home, (Pip had a full day of sport with Stooge to attend) to say would you mind having them an extra 6 hours!!
Lesson 5 - I have amazing friends

Finally I'm back in Sydney. Pip comes and collects me from the airport. The kids have been collected, bathed and fed. The house is tidy, the washing done and then he cooks up a small dinner for us both
Lesson 6 - I love my husband more than words can say

Have you learnt any lessons of late?
Do you ever get solo time?

this moment

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special moment. . - soulemama

A toy is just a toy. Right?

Here at number 32, I am so aware of the toys and games we purchase our kids. The idea of buying for the sake of buying is not something I am a big fan of and really who has the money to do it anyway?
I like the  kids to be outside exploring mostly, but there are times when toys and games are needed!

There are generally two categories of toys.
'Open ended' and 'Closed ended'.

Open ended activities/toys are those which don't have a natural conclusion as you can continually vary what you do within the activity and keep extending it. Things like, playdough, marbles, bean bags, instruments, dolls house, lego, blocks etc
They are toys that will grow with the child. They will be able to be used over and over and not go 'out of fashion'. They are the toys that will still be in the house when the grand kids come along.

Closed ended activities/toys on the other hand, are those that have a set beginning and end. They don't require too much thought and have a set way they need to be used. Things like, puzzles,  specific bought card games, board games and generally toys that require batteries are mostly closed ended.
Unfortunately these types of toys are usually highly marketed, making them attractive to the kids, but  once the child pushes the button and the toy does 'it's thing', the novelty wears off and they become bored with the toy.

What do you buy?
Think about your next purchase (for your kids or another you may be buying for). Open your mind and you'll be amazed how you'll be opening theirs.

This moment

 

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

Via Soulemama.

DIY Heat Pack

So as I  mentioned in my last post, we have a little nightly ritual where Rouge and I are in charge of placing the warmed heat packs in the kids beds about half and hour before bed time. They are very easy to make yourself and a lot safer than a hot water bottle when it comes to children.

What you'll need to make your own:
1.Uncooked rice
or
wheat, feed corn, oatmeal, beans, buckwheat hulls

2. Lavender
or
rose petals, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, mint, peppermint oil, rosemary

3. Any fabric that is 100% cotton - tea towels, face washers, old sock, fabric - just ensure it's 100% cotton as nothing else is safe to microwave

Mix the uncooked rice (depends how big your bag will be as to how much you'll need, we used rice and rosemary ratio 3/4 rice, 1/4 rosemary) with your herb or oil of choice in a bowl and allow to sit for about an hour - mixing every now and then - this helps it to infuse before you place it in your bag.
Then using a funnel, simply pour your rice mixture into your pre-prepared bag/sack  and stitch up the final hole.

Directions for use - Place in microwave with a cup of water and heat for 1-3min. This water will help add moisture to prevent the rice burning, and it also helps refresh the herbs/oils too.

You can also use these as a cold compression by placing in the freezer.

Enjoy :)

Nightly Routines

At the same given time on almost every night of the week you can count on me doing pretty much the same thing.

Breakfast.
Morning Tea.
Lunch.
Afternoon Tea.
Dinner.
Bath.
Bed.

We have a routine.
We love a routine. I love a routine. They love a routine.
It helps them know where they are, what is expected and the boundaries they can push. It helps me know where I'm at and read their signs,  be it tried, hungry, bored or just irritable, etc

But it's the night routine I love the most.
We have it down pat and I think if something works well it's worth sharing!



I was told years ago, "If their under 7, the times are 5, 6, 7"
Meaning, dinner at 5pm, bath at 6pm and bed at 7pm. For us it has worked fantastically.
(I am the proud owner of a 7 year old now though, so whilst she still has to go to bed at 7pm, she can read until 7.30, which is lights out.)

So........
First we have dinner. I don't actually eat with the kids, but I sit at the table with them and we discuss each others day. It is nice listening to their stories that otherwise could get missed.

Bath. These days Rouge goes in first, then the other 2 join her so that for a while they are all in together. (luckily we have a spacious bath) Once I get her out, the others are old enough to be left unattended to enjoy some quiet, imaginative play, or splashing arguments together....all depends on their day!

Once Rouge is dressed and toasty, her and I move into our winter ritual. It's our job to get the heat bags ready for the beds. Each child has their own heat bag, ( made using an old sock/rice but will post that later ) which we microwave and place under the covers of each bed. All this is done while Stooge and Bib get themselves out and dressed.
Once all 3 are dressed and congregated on the lounge, they get a honey, lemon, ginger to drink while watching 'toon time'.

At 7pm  (toon time finishing is the cue) we trot off to brush teeth, choose a book each, climb into bed and listen to each others stories being read.
At this point Dad is usually walking in the door just in time for kisses and that final tuck in.

I love it. They know the drill, they know their day is over and their bodies need to recharge. 
I love it cause I know their getting the sleep they need to begin their day strong and in time to share brekkie with dad.
I love it, because it gives Pip and I that time to talk, share, discuss, sew, email, blog........

Sure, not every night goes so smooth, and there is always the exception but more often than not you can simultaneously hear snoring with the chink of wine glasses before 7.30pm in this house :)

Do you have a routine? Is there a ritual that works in your house you can share?

Old favourites

There's something about playdough that makes everyone come together. I place the supplies on the table and they act like a magnet.....all 3 coming to create and imagine.

I love playdough.
It's an old favourite.
I love how it feels, how you can turn it into anything you like, how you can create alone or with friends, how you can be 1 or 100 and get the same satisfaction and I love how it allows your imagination to go anywhere you let it.

Just don't do it on carpet is my only advice!

When was the last time you made playdough??
When was the last time you played with playdough?

Nuture our nature

Really, does it get any better??

Our surroundings here in Australia are amazing and to be living amoungst it is such a honour.

Do you believe me??  Just look.

Enjoy where YOU are, look around, take in the beauty.......

We need to value what we have and nuture our nature. Now more than ever.

Hope your having a fabulous week xx

Enjoyment of Freedom

We're out!

Quarantine is over, and just in time for the first official day of the holidays!

To celebrate, we headed out to somewhere we love, to get some air, some fun and some adventure.

Looking forward to the next 2 weeks of fun....oh I have so much planned!!

Happy week to you all xx