Tag: kids

Prehistoric History From the Croods

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date January 7, 2014
No Comments on Prehistoric History From the Croods

Today the kids and I watched “The Croods”. The film is about a caveman family. The family does not have much fun as the father (Grug) who is voiced by Nicholas Cage makes them stay away from fun, live in a dark cave, and stay away from possible trouble and threats. Basically, everything was a threat to them so no need to stress the importance to hide in a cave.

Pangea map, with names of the continents. Image of pangaea made by en:User:Kieff.

Eap (voiced by Emma Stone) the daughter of “The Crood Family”, cannot take being caged in darkness anymore and goes out on her own to investigate some light that she is curious about. It ends up being a boy called Guy (voiced by Ryan Reynolds), this character seems more advanced than the cave people of the Croods and has wonderful ideas and has figured out fire and how to make it.

Guy tells Eap that the earth is changing and soon they must leave the cave to go to higher ground. It sounds weird but I had all sorts of strange thoughts while watching this film:

What must it have been like for the first people to see fire? What would they have thought?
Dealing with huge prehistoric animals would have been hugely stressful and a worry. In the film, it stated that “The Croods” were the last family that they knew of alive. So, scary stuff.
For cavemen and other prehistoric man/women, how would it have been when the Continental drift took place? I think it would have been very scary.
There is a scene where Guy shows the Croods the stars. What would it have been like to see the stars then? How wonderful would it have looked all those millions of years ago, No humans, pollution, or other lights to get in your way. It would have been amazing! (I could live without the dangers and the fact that you would live in a cave, but seeing the stars then would have been amazing!)

Am I the only mad mummy that thinks like this while watching a kid’s film? I hope not! I must say that the film was enjoyable and got the twins asking questions about why the earth was moving and causing such problems. I responded that the earth is shifting and moving into other places. I did say it was a continental shift but that was lost on them.

I am going to show them some maps and things online to explain more about the film. This great site from thinkquest shows the Pangaea Theory with great images to help understand where the landmasses (countries and continents) went. Another great site to help explain is Kidcyber.com.au and they have some great illustrations to help kids understand more.

It is good to see a film making kids question things in history and allows parents to explain such complex ideas simply by a film that is fun for both child and adult alike. Have you enjoyed watching “The Croods?” I did and now kids are loving it so much they want to see it again and again.

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Tags 'supercontinent' called a Pangaea, cavemen, Continental drift, kids, prehistoric, The Croods, The Pangaea Theory, thinkquest.org

5 years and beyond

Inventions

The girls got a tub of Zoob Pieces for Christmas. They are clever building block like things that attach into each other. You get connecting bits and they come in different colours. These can move around and you can create weird and wonderful creations.

Of course the kids did not want to read the instructions or what they suggest to make and just went with their imagination. I thought why not, they are happy and creating such interesting things.

You will be pleased to know that the creation that they are most proud of is thing that can kill people from the sky and also make yoghurt (copyright pending according to the twins). We learnt of the girls clever skills when they were telling us what their invention can do. Lillian explained that it can kill naughty people in the sky and then it can make yoghurt. She was very pleased with this invention and Julia was a co-creator so she also beamed with delight when we were shown how it works.

Hubby and I got a demo of what it can do in the backyard. I must say, we are safe from any aliens or things that will attack from the sky and having the ability to make a yummy and refreshing bowel of yoghurt after shooting is very clever.

Have your kids created amazing inventions with their Zoob Pieces? I am wondering what will be in our living room next.

Tags blocks, building, creations, imagination, inventions, kids, Lego, Zoob Pieces

5 years and beyond

Did You Cut Your Hair?

It is amazing how a haircut can change you. Not only does it make you look different it can even make you look older and more grown up. My lovely girls decided to cut their hair the other day and I was rather upset. I know that this is a thing kids do, but I did not think I would feel so upset about the whole thing.

I think my upset stemmed mostly from the fact that I have been wanting to get their hair trimmed and looking neater and it had been put off. I also wanted to make it a bit shorter to keep it out of kids eyes and stop one kid from eating her hair but it got put off! Now they took matters into their own hands.

As you might imagine, one kid took lumps from the top and the back and the other took a big cut to her fringe area and removed some hair from various areas on the back of her head. It was a mess. Hair was everywhere and my surprise made one child think she was in huge trouble and she started crying. I said No, but told her that she should not just cut her hair as we need to get it done properly.

The next day grandma trimmed it to make it look better. I did want to go to the hairdressers to get it sorted but was out voted. When it grows a bit more I think a trip to the hairdressers will be in order.

Their new do’s do suit them and make the girls look so much more grown up. They now sport little bobs and look very cute indeed, well if you ask me they do!

Did you cut your hair when you were little? I don’t think I did it or my sister either. Have your kids taken their hair cut into their own hands? What was the outcome?

Tags cutting hair, hair cut, hair do, haircut, haircuts, kids, kids cutting hair, scissors, short hair

5 years and beyond

Standards

Yesterday while driving the twins to pre-school they were telling me who they were going to marry. Marry! They are only 5. Isn’t it a bit early to be planning this?

One of the girls said a boys name and I said is that who you will marry? She said “No, he will be my boyfriend when I am older.” Oh glad that is sorted. Interesting that this is already going on at pre-school. Does this happen to your kids? Do you remember who you would marry as a kid?

However the biggest thing that made me laugh was this. One kid said, “I’m not marrying someone who sucks their thumb!” Well that is true, that is not good to do that if you are about to marry someone. She was very insistent and kept on repeating it over and over again.

I told her that is good and I’m glad that she has decided what she wants and doesn’t want. She has standards, and no thumb sucking is one of them! What about you? What things were on your list? What are on your kids list?

What have your kids told you about what their standards are?

Tags boys, girls, kids, kids saying who they will marry, Marry, not marry a boy who sucks his thumb, playing, pre-school, preschool

5 years and beyond

Pushing Boundaries

Running around and creating mischief. Image courtesy of chrisroll at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are your twins competitive? Mine are. It is tiring and exhausting dealing with kids that argue, annoy each other and want to do the same as the other in the same space, time and with the same things. We nearly have two of everything so there should not be an issue. The issue arises when one child gets something of mine or one of something and then the other wants it also. This as you can imagine makes it hard from a mummy perspective.

So what do I do?

Tell the child with the toy/item that they have a certain time frame to play with it and then it is the others turn. This does lead to the child crying and screaming that they got it first but it does get accepted after a bit of time and explaining.
Once I have the toy/item from the first kid I then give the toy to the other child and they have some time to play with it.
You can make sure it is fair for each child by using a stopwatch or a timer from the kitchen. When the bell sounds the other kid has a go!
If all fails I take the toy away and then no kid can play with it.
If there is a complete meltdown from both kids I take all away and put them in time out or have some quiet time in their room or in the backyard doing something different. A change of scenery is best. Distract and change things around a bit always is helpful.

This age of pushing boundaries and doing more on their own is interesting. Kids are climbing more, hurting themselves and just being secret little explorers. Sometimes they are doing things that they have been told not to do and that is hard to deal with. Maybe I need to hide more things and put them at greater heights. We are already finding chairs and boxes around the house, these have been used by the twins to access things that they are not supposed to have.

Do you find that your kids are getting into things that you told them not to access! Have you found that your little people are having wonderful adventures and are just very busy with heaps to do all the time? I have and it does not stop! Maybe it is the fact of having two kids at the same age.

My hubby has asked what I want for Christmas and my answer is a holiday for me to unwind and relax! I know not very fair to the family but after dealing with all the chaos of kids, meltdowns and being the go between on everything a holiday where I sleep in, get cooked for, and can have some quiet me time is very attractive at the moment.

How do you deal with this active stage with your kids? I do organise things for the girls but they are active little things and always want to do more and explore. Send in your comments.

Tags active children, adventure, arguing, climbing and exploring, competitive twins, dealing with meltdowns with kids, independent kids, kids, kids fighting, mischievous kids, mom, mother, mum, mummy, parenting, pushing boundaries, tantrums, Tips for dealing with squabbles, twins

5 years and beyond

Super Savers

My little girls are super savers. Yes you read that right. Their piggy banks were over flowing and since we had their new school saver account, why not deposit the money into that. Who knew that each child would have nearly a $100 each in their new school bank account (some was from birthday money). I was amazed and floored when I found the amounts, very proud of each of my girls. They have done a super job to save and put all their money into their piggy bank.

One downside was I accidentally broke Lillian’s much loved piggy bank. I do have the pieces so I can glue it back together, but it might never be the same again. She was so upset. Tears and crying at the bank. I felt miserable. I had taken such great care with it, had it all protected and then taking it out it got bumped and then it smashed.

After we deposited the money into the accounts I asked the teller if we could get piggy banks for the girls. I explained that one broke and I needed to replace it and get one for the other child also. We got the new piggy banks and kids are very pleased with them. Thank goodness for that. 🙂

I have shown each kid their account on the computer with the amount and their name. Each girl brimmed from ear to ear and looked very pleased with themselves. Wonder how much they will have in the account when they are 18? If mummy and daddy need a loan I think we know who to ask.

We now need to contribute to the account and when kids are at school next year they will do so as well. Maybe kids each week can go in and make a $5.00 deposit each? We will see. At least the accounts are off to a good start.

Are your kids super savers?

Tags bank, kids, kids saving money, Money, piggy bank, saving, saving money for your kids future, school bank account, teaching kids about money

5 years and beyond

My Little Rock Stars

On way home from a great lunch with mates the kids were singing and have a great time. They stop singing when I video them so too the video without them knowing so I could grab the audio. Do your kids love to sing? Mine do.

Tags creating songs, kids, kids singing, sing, singing

5 years and beyond

Did you know you get curls with hair dye?

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date October 11, 2013
No Comments on Did you know you get curls with hair dye?

Wonderful looking curly hair. Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

At the shops this afternoon the kids asked me if the boxes were hair colour. I said yes. Lillian liked the red colour. I told her I like the colour red also. She then told me that she wanted to have that colour hair as well. I told her and Julia that I loved their hair colour, it is a lovely shade of blonde and I wish mine was like this, although not to be.

Lilly then told pointed at a box that has blonde hair dye and said “Mummy you could use this and your hair would be like ours.” I did explain that was very nice but I am fine with not having blonde hair and told the girls I was not sure if it would suit me. They both told me that I would look lovely blonde. This of course was very nice to hear from your two adorable little girls who got into a lot of trouble today.

I think it was then Lillian again who then said, “Look mummy this one comes with curls!” How cute, she thought that the dye also gave you curls. Well after thinking about it, the box does appear like it does. There is a woman with lovely curly hair and making out that is what yours will look like, if you use this product. I told her that is exactly right as she was very insistent. I did try and correct her, but she told me it was so. It said on the box! Both girls then showed me the picture and said, “See mummy”, well it must be right then.

It was so cute and adorable, a couple of ladies could not help but have a giggle. My little girls are very clever and smart. I never thought about the packaging that way before. What has your child done or said that has made you look at things differently?

Send in your comments.

Tags advertising, clever kids, funny things kids say, hair dye, hair dye gives you curls, kids, kids understanding advertising

5 years and beyond Uncategorised

Aquarium Visit & Darling Harbour Adventures

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date October 3, 2013
No Comments on Aquarium Visit & Darling Harbour Adventures

My mother treated the girls and myself to a day out at Sydney Aquarium yesterday. The day was nice and sunny, the kids were so excited to see all the different animals. Previous to going I emailed mum a link that said that you can get a family pass for $60, but of course there was fine print to say that this deal was not available in school holidays. Mum was fine with this and purchased the family pass at the higher rate as it is school holidays.

The girls and I arrived at Darling Harbour ahead of time which was great planning. We parked the car, got our stuff and proceeded to walk to the Aquarium. When the twins and I arrived at the Aquarium there was a huge crowd, kids and families everywhere. Well it was holidays, so it was to be expected. Since there was heaps of people the line to get in was huge. I decided to queue in the pre-paid ticket line to help us get in sooner. Mum and my sister arrived in time as the line was moving quite quickly.

When mum arrived she told me that she had learned that adults were being charged at kid’s prices. When we approached the desk the man behind the counter refused to give back the extra that mum had paid as she was firstly denied the deal of the $60 family pass due to school holidays, then to find out that adults could get in cheaper on the day and to then pay more was just rude. Oh well, we all went in and proceeded to have a great time.

The girls were amazed at all the fish and animals that were in the big tanks, they loved seeing the clown fish and all kids at the tank yelled, “There’s Nemo!” it was so funny!

My girls were worried as they could not find Dory but did find one so relaxed after that. Phew!

It was nice that they were able to get up close to creatures like sharks, dugongs, star fish, sea horses and many more!

It was not until we got to the penguins that Lillian told me she needed to go to the toilet. I looked around and could not see where there was a toilet. There was no signs anywhere, just the green exit signs. My sister the girl’s aunty needed to go also so we all went off for our search for a toilet. We wandered around aimlessly in our search but could not find one anywhere. My sister is pregnant and I had a five year old child with me so it was lucky that we all made it without an accident.

We ended up asking a girl behind a counter where the toilets were, she then told us to go through a door marked, “Staff only”. I told her why would we venture there as it was not where we should be going. She then said to go through the first door on the left. We got to that, and it was locked, we then continued down the corridor to another “staff only” door and that was open. All of us went through this door to finally come out to the area where the food was. Finally there was signs saying where the toilets were. We all went, I made sure to go as I had no idea when I was going to get back there next.

The next drama was to then find my mum and Julia, there are no signs to let you know how to get back to any of the areas in the centre. So we left them in the penguin area, but we had no idea how to get back there. It amazed me, and my sister how a place that is full of kids, parents and a lot of people cannot have signs to where the toilets are, and of course directions for where the sharks are, or where the tropical fish are. What happens if you would like to go back for another look?

Finally mum answered her phone and we met up with them. Phew!

I am not having an overall whinge about the place. We had a great day at the Aquarium aside from a little drama. The kids got to see great creatures, and have a wonderful experience.

Some things that I think could improve the Aquarium:

Signs to show you where each areas are and arrows to indicate how to get back if you wish to.
Signs to the toilet. Essential I think!
Make sure that ticket price includes all shows.
If you have deals on the day you should honour them and refund what the customer has paid. Don’t change the rules that it is suddenly cheaper. As I have said we tried to get a cheap deal but was told due to school holidays we could not. So think that they should have helped mum on this one. Oh well, we had a wonderful day and it was great that mum took us all out.

After the aquarium we had lunch and then went off for the kids to run around a bit. Darling Harbour has some great things for kids to play on, there is a playground, water play area, slippery dips, merry go round and other rides.

The girls went on the merry go round, then got totally soaked in the water play area, then had a bit of fun in the sand pit, then they went off for fun on the big slippery dip.

Both girls were super brave on this massive slippery dip and went down head first and did all sorts of tricks. They are action kids and had a blast. There were tears and tantrums when we were leaving as they were having so much fun.

As you can imagine both kids were very tired and slept in the car on the way home. I am so glad that we got to spend the day with my mum the girls Nana and my sister, the girls Aunty. It was a lovely day and it did not matter about the little upsets that we experienced.

The kids cannot stop talking about the aquarium and the fun they had at Darling Harbour. At the Aquarium shop I got the girls some Octonaut thongs (these are shoes in Australia), they love them.

Have you been having great adventures these school holidays? Where have you taken the kids? Is there somewhere that has been exceptionally great? Let us know.

Tags Aquarium, could not find toilet, Darling Harbour, different prices, great things for kids at darling harbour, holidays, kids, no signs in the centre, play area, school holidays, Sydney Aquarium, water play

5 years and beyond

Aquarium Visit & Darling Harbour Adventures

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date October 3, 2013
No Comments on Aquarium Visit & Darling Harbour Adventures

The girls were amazed at all the fish and animals that were in the big tanks, they loved seeing the clown fish and all kids at the tank yelled, “There’s Nemo!” it was so funny!

My girls were worried as they could not find Dory but did find one so relaxed after that. Phew!

It was nice that they were able to get up close to creatures like sharks, dugongs, star fish, sea horses and many more!

Finally mum answered her phone and we met up with them. Phew!

I am not having an overall whinge about the place. We had a great day at the Aquarium aside from a little drama. The kids got to see great creatures, and have a wonderful experience.

Some things that I think could improve the Aquarium:

Signs to show you where each areas are and arrows to indicate how to get back if you wish to.
Signs to the toilet. Essential I think!
Make sure that ticket price includes all shows.
If you have deals on the day you should honour them and refund what the customer has paid. Don’t change the rules that it is suddenly cheaper. As I have said we tried to get a cheap deal but was told due to school holidays we could not. So think that they should have helped mum on this one. Oh well, we had a wonderful day and it was great that mum took us all out.

The girls went on the merry go round, then got totally soaked in the water play area, then had a bit of fun in the sand pit, then they went off for fun on the big slippery dip.

The kids cannot stop talking about the aquarium and the fun they had at Darling Harbour. At the Aquarium shop I got the girls some Octonaut thongs (these are shoes in Australia), they love them.

Have you been having great adventures these school holidays? Where have you taken the kids? Is there somewhere that has been exceptionally great? Let us know.

Tags Aquarium, could not find toilet, Darling Harbour, different prices, great things for kids at darling harbour, holidays, kids, no signs in the centre, play area, school holidays, Sydney Aquarium, water play

5 years and beyond

Strawberries are Daddy’s Kryptonite

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date September 30, 2013
No Comments on Strawberries are Daddy’s Kryptonite

Kryptonite for daddy, Strawberries. Image courtesy of gt_pann at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When we were away on holiday one of the girls was very annoyed with daddy. She decided to tell him, “I’ve had strawberries!”, and then proceeded to try and lick him. Daddy is allergic to strawberries and of course cannot have any.

I was taken with the change in thinking. Daddy can’t have them. I can now use this against him and he has to run away. Clever really and also naughty.

Strawberries is daddy’s Kryptonite. Have your kids caught on to what you cannot have? Are you allergic and cannot have it ever, or just don’t like it?

It was a clever thing to do, as daddy really has no choice but to think that this child might have had strawberries, she loves them and eats them like it is going out of fashion. However on the day of the incident she had none and he knew this. She of course did not like this, but you have to give her points for trying.

When did your child/children start to get smart when fighting back? Let me know. Is it around the four years age mark and nearly five? Send in your comments.

Tags allergic, allergic to strawberries, cannot eat a food due to allergies, clever thinking, dad, daddy, father, kids, Strawberries are Daddy's Kryptonite, understanding that people cannot have a certain food, understanding weakness, winning a fight

5 years and beyond

Kids And Pets Need Exercise

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date September 29, 2013
No Comments on Kids And Pets Need Exercise

Have you found that there is a similarity between kids and pets? I am not saying they are the same and of course kids are very different from pets.

However, if your child does not have time outside to run around do you find that they are narky, upset, annoying and unimaginable? I do!

When it is bad weather which does happen more times than I would like in the Blue Mountains, the girls get annoyed that they cannot go to the park. Thank goodness for great weather, blue skies, sun and warm weather.

Parks here we come! Since the warm weather I have taken the twins to a different park nearly each day, or at the very least we have gone outside and played in the backyard.

Once kids are at the park they run wild, play on swings, slippery dip, and anything else that is at the park. One of our favourites is the Dinosaur Park at Bathurst.

Fresh air, exercise and some sun usually makes the kids tired, feel better and happier, as they have been somewhere rather than cooped up in the house.

There are no surprises really, exercise, good weather, sun and going somewhere always cheers me up.

I do love this time of year, it is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. It is always nice to come home in daylight from work rather than leave in darkness and come home in darkness.

Do you find that you have to exercise your kids? Have you thought it is similar to exercising pets as well or is this just me drawing a random similarity.

I suppose it would be the same if you had a dog that needed a walk every day, they would not be happy without some exercise or a change of scenery. The same applies for kids and of course adults.

How many places have you visited lately due to great weather?

How have the kids loved visiting more parks and the exercise it generates?

Mine love it and ask every morning, “Where are we going to today Mummy?”

Send in your comments.

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Tags Activities For Children, bathurst adventure park, Dinosaur Park, exercise, fresh air, kids, Kids Fun, kids outdoor play equipment, kids playing in park, outdoor play equipment, parks, pets, Play Equipment, sunshine

5 years and beyond

Silly Photo Fun

At the QT on the Gold Coast there was a digital wall that changed colour, had patterns, and leaves falling to create interest. I must say it was very mesmerizing. I thought why not have some fun pictures with the kids in front of it. Below are some of the pictures from our silly photo shoot. The kids had so much fun. They are such great girls, and future super models with some of the poses.

Silly photo fun with mummy at the QT on the Gold Coast.

Do you take some fun pictures while on holiday? I could not resist this, it just looked so wonderful.

Tags family fun, gold coast, kids, mom, mommy, mummy, photo, qt on the gold coast, taking fun photos

5 years and beyond

Family Fun at Dreamworld

Thanks to Queensland Tourism the family and I were lucky enough to get tickets to Dreamworld. It was so nice that they extended their hospitality to the bloggers who came to Problogger and the Gold Coast this year.

We arrived a couple of days early for the problogger conference, I wanted to spend time with the hubby and kids before I was surrounded by presentations, talks and just wonderful information to absorb.

So what would we do the day before the conference? A day exploring Dreamworld was perfect. The twins were super excited and had no idea what the surprise was. Once we arrived at the park they were very happy and looking forward to the surprises that awaited behind the gates.

It was a nice hot, sunny and great day for being out and about. We were very lucky that the weather was good and behaved for us.

So what did we get up to at Dreamworld? At first we did the normal things, got a map, looked at what shows that might appeal to the twins.

We started at Dreamworks experience and went to all other areas that are appropriate for kids. The girls played in the water garden in front of the Kung Fu Panda’s statue. The girls loved MAD Jungle Jam they had a fun time trying to hit mummy and daddy with the balls in the machines.

Hubby went on Tower of Terror II, and he loved it! I don’t like such scary rides, and was grateful that I had to mind the twins while he went on the ride. If you like the big thrill rides, there are plenty to go on.

We did go on a couple of family rides with the kids and everyone enjoyed them and wanted to go on it again. So that is a good sign! The issue we had was that the girls are not yet 110cm and most kid rides you have to be this height.

The two rides that we did as a family were, the Thunder River Rapids Ride and Rocky Hollow Log Ride. While on the Rocky Hollow Log Ride, we saw a triceratops growling. The girls were a bit worried about it. I did explain that we are far away from the dinosaur so all good. We were safe.

However seeing a dinosaur reminded me of an episode of Peppa Pig. The episode was the one where the family visit the theme park called, “Potato City”, Edmond Elephant pointed out that there should not be dinosaurs living in the same period as they did not exist when the other creatures were living. He then trumpets and announces he is a clever clogs.

Just a warning, be careful of dinosaurs and their bones. It gave the kids a fun thing to look out for and both were on the look out for dinosaurs and their bones.

We had an excellent day out and the twins were so tired after a long fun filled day. Thanks so much to Queensland Tourism for allowing us to visit the park while we were on the Gold Coast.

If you are visiting the Gold Coast, why not visit Dreamworld, it is a good family day out.

Have you had a blast at Dreamworld or at the Gold Coast? What did you get up to? Send in your comments.

Tags attractions, Australia, dreamworld, family, family holiday, gold coast, holidays, kids, problogger, Queensland Tourism, rides, theme park

4 years and beyond

Gold Coast Trip

Tuesday night we got a hotel in the city so we could be closer to the airport rather than staying at home and having to have a 3am wake up call to enable us to get a 10.10am flight. So rather than waking at 3am we all woke at 6am so better all round really.

The kids loved staying at a hotel the night before our trip actually happened, it was an extra treat. We got up and and I got the kids organised as we were all still very sleepy as Tuesday was a big day and the kids did stay up very late and therefore were extremely sleepy the next day.

All of us managed to get dressed and sorted and we got our bags and put them in car, and we were headed off to the long term parking, so all on time and schedule. Hubby was happy about this.

The girls and I waiting to get on airport shuttle

We got to the airport early and we all looked around, we had breakfast although there was a big fuss due to not having WeetBix, one kid had pancakes and the other had apple. Not great but better than nothing. Maybe they can have WeetBix for breakfast today? Crossing fingers and toes the hotel has this available.

After we had exhausted our adventure walk around the domestic airport we went to where our gate was for our plane and hung around there for a while. Kids were getting a bit bored so we went and looked at some more planes.

Yes we are now on the plane! We are all excited and kids even more so! I love take off.

The flight was fun, the girls had activity books that grandma gave them so they would have something to do while on the plane. We also made sure that they had their water bottle and teddy to cuddle for the trip.

At about 20mins out of landing the girls started asking, “Are we there yet?”, “When are we going to land?” Gosh I did not know that these questions would still happen in the air? Oh well, at least it was not long to go.

We finally landed and got our bags very quickly and then onto the hire car.

All set in our hire car to find our hotel

We got to the hotel, the QT Gold Coast and it is just fab, very quirky and funky. Just lovely and what we needed. The room is a lovely king suite with ocean views, love it and want to stay here forever!

Gotta go and have breakfast and then off to Dreamworld for a fun filled day with the family. More later.

Tags 1stAvailable.com.au, blogging conference, family, family holiday, gold coast, kids

4 years and beyond

The Story Circus

Why is it that every time that it is story time the twins seem so busy, walking and talking, putting on clothes and playing with toys. They are obviously not listening to the story. At this part of the evening mummy just wants to go and get her dinner and sit down in a lump on the lounge, eating and maybe watching a scary show that is not kid friendly. No it seems that my little people have other ideas of how story time should go, and that is let’s not listen to mummy at all and just muck up and create havoc.

I do tell them that they need to listen to the story and pay attention as it helps the person who is reading, also it is nice as the child is enjoying said story and taking it in. I do tell them if they carry on and muck up mummy might stop reading if there is no one listening. Did I say listening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gosh how annoying today has been. I think the kids have got me on mute somehow, if only it was a volume issue. I think not! I think it is kids testing boundaries and just ignoring mummy on will.

Is this happening to you? Tonight I left their room as they were acting up and I refused to read the story. This led to a break down and as you can imagine, tears and screaming. I had hit my limit and could handle it no more. Enough is enough and kids need to know that they cannot treat people like this and still expect good things to come to them. After I got a big apology and hugs and kisses, I then and only then went into read their story for the night and tuck them both in.

They tried it on again and I said, that’s it, you have not learnt your lesson. Quickly they sat quietly and listened to the story. Maybe leaving and having enough is a good thing. Let’s see if it lasts. Just between you and me, I am not holding my breath!

Does this happen to you? What are your tips and techniques to make sure that kids pay attention and listen for story time? The kids pick out the book for the nights story, so that cannot be it, it is obviously the fact that they get bored and their attention is taken with other things.

Kids are now in bed, and talking. Dinner is ready and I am keen to eat some food and watch some adult viewing (not porn – I know there are some out there that just go to that place) just stuff that is not kid friendly, like supernatural or being human.

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Tags books, imagination working hard, kids, kids listening to the story, kids not listening to mummy, not listening to mommy, reading books to kids, storytime, super active kids

The Slinky Project

Powering On

I have been walking and cutting down extras in my diet, so starting to feel good about it all. How have you been going if you are trying to tone up or lose some weight? I do find it is hard to keep it all going. I only need something to happen, an event like a kid getting sick or bad weather and it is not as good as it was before. I am sure this happens to all of you as well. I must try and make exercise part of my everyday.

Do you manage to make exercise part of your everyday? If so send in tips and tricks to how you make sure you fit it all in. I must admit I was so much better at it when I had no kids, and that can be said for the housework and getting all things done. I hate being interrupted and find it is difficult once you get stopped to continue on especially when looking after little people.

Oh well, must get back to the tidying, but wanted to say hi to you all and to see how you are all going on your own journey of fitness. I am keen to find out if what I have been doing is making a difference. I went to weigh myself the other day but the Wii Fit is not connected up to the new digital TV system, so will have to wait till hubby sets it up. No rush as I am thinking I might be about the same as before or even worse more! I am trying to be positive and believe it will be less than I was before.

Why not continue the discussion on our Twitter or Facebook pages.

Tags cutting down on food, cutting down on treats, exercise, feeling good when I exercise, finding time to exercise, fitting in exercise, how do you fit in exercise?, kids

News

Wonder clock not that wondrous

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date July 9, 2012
No Comments on Wonder clock not that wondrous

Why is it that we need applications to tell us when we will stop being able to have children. As a woman who had children later, I find this rather upsetting to say the least. There is ample media attention on women mainly in their mid to late 30’s, and this attention is stressing us all out.

I know it is best to have kids early rather than later, some people keep thinking that there is time, however you cannot wait forever to do the kid thing. It does have limits. We understood that, and it was not up to us, it just took longer in our case.

Working in my early 20’s and in my 30’s was essential, I had a degree and wanted to climb the corporate ladder, but also wanted to have a husband, kids and a good family life. This we have been lucky to have and we were blessed with twins. So we were just over the moon, however once pregnant I was conscious of the media and any stories that were ageist, telling me that there will be problems if I do get pregnant, and if I was, well then I had to be careful.

I decided to turn of the television/radio when these stories were on the air, I refused to be part of others conversations on these topics and I listened to a relaxation CD, now a digital file/MP4. I found tuning out the best medicine. I knew things could happen, but I wanted to just be positive and see what would happen and listening to others stressed me, I did not want to be part of this stress.

Having this iPhone application “Wonder Clock”, is just stressing all women out there and as you will see from Kasey Edwards story on the Sydney Morning Herald the app gives wrong results. I can understand the need and want to find out how long you have left, however if I knew that I would be stressing and running around like a mad woman.
What if you had an iPhone app for how long you have before you die, would you buy that? I wouldn’t, due to the fact that I would not want to know, and don’t want to be spending my last moments freaking out and worrying.

Why is all the focus on women? Women do carry the babies and are generally the ones that have a time limit, however research has shown that men need to look after themselves and indeed have time limits also.

Below are some links that show that men have a time limit on their fertility as well:

·         A man’s age and fertility
·         Fertility clock ticks for men, too
·         Men’s fertility decreases after 35

It could be stated that a percentage of women would like to settle down and have kids, but the man in their life is not ready, unreliable and just a child. So the woman moves on to never meet the right guy. Then they are faced with the fact that they are getting older, and would like a child. Maybe we need an iPhone app to sort out if the guy we are dating is a family man and the type for having kids with? Now that would have been something I would have purchased. (And this is my idea, so I am claiming dibs on it if it is created, and millions are made)

I don’t see why we should purchase an application that tells you will be barren in how many years. I for one would not purchase it; I want to feel energised, and youthful. Why buy an application to be told you are old. Let me know if you have used products like this? Did they work? And if they did, do you feel okay with the results? Send in your comments.

Tags babies, iPhone app to tell if you can still have kids, iphone application, Kasey Edwards story on the Sydney Morning Herald, kids, mid 30's, mommy, mother, mummy, wonder clock