Tag: mom

I’m Exhuasted, Are You?

My girls are nearly five years old and they are very good however have been at each other like nothing else lately. It seems that if one is playing with something the other takes it, one might be happy doing something and then want me to help them. I do a bit and then they get whingey when I say I need to go off and do something else. One child gets upset and wants cuddles all day and parts of the days or most of them have been taken up sorting out squabble after squabble. When it is like this nothing can get done at home and then mummy is drained and exhausted. Does this happen to you?

Is it the age I ask? Most friends I speak to have the same problems but these friends have children of different ages. Having twins is difficult as both kids want to do things at the same time, and as a parent that does not have help, it is hard to be in two places at once (I am sure it would be the same as a single parent). Do you have twins or triplets? Has this happened to you at this age?

My girls are so close and love each other to bits, however it gets nasty very quickly. Is it due to the closeness? Or just the fact that they are always together that they get annoyed at each other? I know it just simple sibling rivalry however it does wear on my patience and sometimes my patience does not hold up at all.

As you might have guessed when they are tired and hungry the behaviour gets worse, like most peoples would, so not a big surprise there. So what do I do to curb this type of behaviour?

Tell them that they cannot hurt each other – The child that has hurt the other I take them away and put them in time out.
If the twins are fighting over toys, I take the toy in question away from both of them.
I give them warnings and if they continue their bad behaviour I separate them.
I explain that if they don’t behave then they will not be allowed to go to the park, or somewhere nice as a treat.
Put it in their context, ask them if they would like to be treated the way they have treated their sister. The answer is always “No!” Then I mention that if you treat people horribly they will do it back to you.
Tell them that mummy wants them to be nice and good to each other, I don’t want them hurting or upsetting each other. They seem to understand this and are good. (Well for a bit that is)

Part of the upsets have come from the fact that they are more independent and want to do more. As you can imagine, some things are fine for the twins to do and others not. If it is dangerous I will not allow it. If I can , I have them help me, for example chopping up vegetables for dinner that is fine, as long as I am there to supervise.

Is there more chaos in your house lately? What techniques have worked for you? Do you have twins or triplets and encountered the same behaviour?

Did you manage to figure out a way to get peace in your household? How did you do it? Send in your tips and tricks to us so we can all learn.

Tags arguments, fighting over toys, fights, kids fighting, mom, mommy, mother, mum, mummy, squabbles, tell us your tips for getting peace in your household, triplets, twins, wanting mummy all the time

4 years and beyond

Comfort Food

One of my girls has been ill. Tonsillitis again! Not good at all. I have had the fevers, crying and upsets all weekend and of course yesterday. Yesterday was Monday and she should have been in pre-school, however she was being comforted by yours truly. Hugs, cuddles, and kisses were in order.

I got an appointment at the doctors and she is now on antibiotics and last night did not have a fever. Today seems much better, as she is running and telling jokes. The doctor said that once she does not have a temperature she should be fine for school, so with that advice both kids are at pre-school today, and I am one happy mummy.

It is good that she is on the mend and becoming her old self. One thing that surprised me was that this child has had tonsillitis four times in the last six months. The doctor I saw was new, but he suggested this was not good and gave me a referral to a surgeon so that she can get them removed. I did explain that I got mine out when I was three, my husband does not have his nor does the girls grandfather. Could be a family thing.

We might see how it goes…not sure but she might need to have them out in the future. She did not like hearing this. I ended up calming her down and told her that it will all be o.k.

While looking after my unwell little girl, it got me thinking… What is the food that gives you comfort when you are unwell? My mum used to make me Vegemite toast and a glass of Milo to make me feel better. If not toast, a jaffle or pressed sandwich with cheese and Vegemite. When I am unwell or not feeling the best I go back to that food.

My little girl ended up eating Weet-Bix as I think it was easier on her throat. Also as she was sick she was not that hungry so it was best to feed her something.

What are your kids favourite comfort foods? What are yours?

Tags comfort food, kid sick, Milo, mom, mommy, mum, mummy looking after sick child, sick, tonsillitis, unwell, Vegemite, Weet-Bix

4 years and beyond

Super Helpful

Last night we went to our friends birthday BBQ. We had a wonderful night and the kids were very well behaved. Afterwards one of my girlfriends, myself and Julia helped wash up all the dishes and utensils used for the meal.

There was a few things to wash up, many people turned up and it was great to see so many friends that we have not seen in a while. Julia wanted to spend time with mummy while Lillian spent time with daddy, this was nice as it gave the girls more one on one time with each parent.

Julia was helping with drying the plates and the forks and spoons. She did an amazing job of helping and was very upset when there was nothing left to clean. She was happy to wash and tidy. Wonder when this will end? I am embracing this joy to tidy and need to find more things for the twins to do that will help mummy and allow them to help and contribute.

What do your kids do around the house?

At one point Julia was nearly in tears due to no more plates to dry so our dear friend thought a couple might need to go back in for a wash. This put a smile on Julia’s face as she had more things to dry!

What things make your kids happy when helping around the house? Have you managed to give them jobs that they do really well? As my girls are four it is getting easier to give them more things to do, however they still need chairs and help sometimes.

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

Tags drying dishes, helpful kids, helping at home, kids want to help, mom, mommy, mum, mummy, tidying, washing up

University Study

Graduation Eve

The gown that I will be wearing to graduate

This week is a busy week. Birthday celebrations for hubby and myself and tomorrow my graduation. I am getting very excited and also nervous about the day. I hope that my dress will not be too cold and that the day all goes to plan. When I graduated with my Communications degree I blanked out any conversation with the chancellor. I was so nervous and excited I knew he was speaking and I just smiled, shook his hand and said Yes to whatever he was saying. Also this time I am not graduating in jeans and a leather jacket. How times have changed!

I have tidied up to the best of my abilities with the time that I had without kids this week, although I still need to give the bathroom a once over and sort out some clothes and extra things. So yes still not done. I wanted to have the house in a semi neat presentable manner so if anyone dropped in for a drink or wishing us well it was fine. Also with going out to the university most of the day tomorrow and having celebrations on Saturday I will not have time to run around and tidy.

What have you all been up to? Are you having a busy time? I did have grand ideas of making dresses for the girls for my graduation but that did not happen. I might finish off the skirts that I have already started for them and attempt to find some tights for them to wear. Hard to find kids clothes once K-Mart is no longer. Maybe a drive down the mountain today is in order, will see what happens today. If no tights the girls can always were some tight pants.

The weather here in the Blue Mountains is getting colder and colder. The wind has really picked up and it is giving us a taste of what winter will be like. Although this is cold it is quite warm so winter will be freezing! It feels so cold now that it looks like it might snow, and yesterday on the radio it said that it was snowing elsewhere. Maybe that is why it feels so icy here!

I am glad that the weather at the university will be 21 degrees so that will be a dramatic improvement from the top of 13 degrees at home. So once I have a dress on, cardigan and my graduation robes on I am hoping that I will be warm enough. Hubby did say that adrenaline and nerves will help me stay warm also.

So tomorrow I will be graduating from my project management degree, I have done a Masters! Yes sounds fancy doesn’t it! Well I think so. Wish me luck for tomorrow and I will post pictures as soon as I can.

Tags birthdays, busy with celebrations, cold weather blue mountains, graduation, master in project management, mom, mommy, mommy is graduating university, mum, mummy, mummy is graduating university, study is now over!, sydney university

4 years and beyond Uncategorised

Happy Mother's Day – 2013

Mother's Day Lunch 2013 — Mother’s Day Lunch 2013

Happy Mother’s Day everyone! Hope you are having a good day, I am. Today we had to be up early due to the twins swimming lessons and after I managed to do an aqua aerobics class. Then we dropped off our stuff at the house and went to a picnic. It was enjoyable but the only downside was when Julia rubbed sunblock in her eyes and was a screaming teary mess in the car. Thank god she was better with some time and tissues.

Once lunch was eaten by all then the kids played on the play equipment at the park. Now we are home and the girls and daddy are working on secret surprises for me. The kids and I have a pressie for daddy as his birthday is tomorrow and he is at work and will be very late home. I thought it would be nice to celebrate his birthday while the kids were home and we can all spend time together.

What have you been up to this Mother’s Day? Did your kids and partner/hubby stick to The Mother’s Day Code? Have you been able to relax or has it been just another day with things to do? Mine is still a normal day. I am off to start a cake for daddy for his birthday and to start the soup for dinner.

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

Tags mom, mother, mother's day, mum, mummy, secret surprises for mother's day

4 years and beyond

Happy Mother’s Day – 2013

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

Tags mom, mother, mother's day, mum, mummy, secret surprises for mother's day

4 years and beyond

The Love of Books

Do your kids love books and going to the library? Mine do, they just adore it. Going to the library is a big deal and a great outing for the twins. Last Friday we went to return books that we had borrowed and the girls wanted to borrow more. While we were there they wanted to read some books, which is really just looking at the pictures.

Reading books at the library and looking very relaxed

We borrowed so many books I am not sure if we will get through them all. The librarian mentioned we can borrow up to 20 books and encourage more books to be borrowed, as they like the idea young kids reading and being at the library. The twins wanted to borrow so many but told them that we can always come back and get them next time.

What books do your kids like reading? Do your children have a good library near them. We are lucky that the library has been revamped and it is very swanky now. With us in a digital age, books are not the in thing now. I am glad that my kids love them.

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

Tags books, borrowing books at the library, kids reading, kids reading books, library, love going to the library, mom, mommy, mother, mummy, reading, twins loving books

4 years and beyond Uncategorised

Why Can't Mummy Sleep In?

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date March 23, 2013
No Comments on Why Can't Mummy Sleep In?

Last night the kids had a late one. There was a free info session about bats and a walk to see if we could spot one, we ended up walking in the dark and it was a nice bush walk. I did not see one myself but the twins decided that they saw ones of all different colours, yellow, pink, blue and so on. I think we might have seen one at a distance but it was hard due to it being dark and the torches I had were for the kids and one decided not to work, and of course they are not that powerful. Next time will need to bring a better torch.

After tucking in the girls for bed time we asked that they allow us to sleep in, if they did get up we suggested that they play quietly in the living room or their bedroom. As you have guessed from the title of this blog post, it was not to be. Mummy was woken by one of the girls to get her breakfast at the early time of 7.30am, I know this is not that early compared to some other kids, however we have had a terrible couple of days and as I am sick and receiving bad news about a mate, a rest was in order.

I was living in hope to get this sleep in and I should have known that it would not happen. I have been walking around today with my eyes hanging out of my head. We took the kids to the Dinosaur Park in Bathurst. This trip to the park will hopefully help with the sleep and not sure on the sleep in but might make it an easier bed time. Usually it is a lot of mucking about and playing, the issue here is that the twins share a bedroom. Hard in a small house (maybe winning the lotto will help us win the money for the new house that will give us more space!)

Do you as a mummy ever get to sleep in? Is it possible? Please tell me how you manage to do this with kids wanting mummy all the time? As I am writing this hubby is reading the bed time story and I am sipping on red wine. Nice and relaxing, and looking forward to falling into bed to get some much needed rest. Maybe hubby can wake up early tomorrow?

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

Tags kids waking up and needing mummy, mom, mommy, mommy does not get to sleep in, mummy never gets to sleep in, sleeping in

4 years and beyond

Why Can’t Mummy Sleep In?

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date March 23, 2013
No Comments on Why Can’t Mummy Sleep In?

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

Tags kids waking up and needing mummy, mom, mommy, mommy does not get to sleep in, mummy never gets to sleep in, sleeping in

News

Healthy Dad = Healthy Kids

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date December 4, 2012
4 Comments on Healthy Dad = Healthy Kids

In an article by Nicola Conville, ‘Dads determine child obesity’, on Body and Soul:

“A recent Australian study has found having an overweight father quadruples a child’s chance of being overweight, even if they have a mother of normal weight.”

The study looked at more than 3000 two parent families over a four year period. Weight was looked at when the child was 4-5 years and when they were 8-9 years old.

It is interesting to note that if the mother is overweight and the father is normal or skinny, it does not seem to matter, the change happens when the father is overweight. Interesting don’t you think!

As the article states when the father at the dinner table refuses the vegetables or some other food, then the children follow. This can make it very hard to have kids eat good and nutritious food. In my situation we eat very well and the kids don’t eat the good food. I do try and hide it in other things to make sure they get what they need. It is very hard with fussy eaters. Maybe hypnosis might work with the fussy eating issue…Just a thought.

Parents need to be careful of what behaviours they are modelling for their child. If you don’t eat a particular food, chances are your child might not want to as well. This has flow on effects, if you don’t exercise or participate in any sport or exercise the child will not want to do so either.

If the family is active together this shows the child that it is fun and a part of life, not a chore and something to hate. If it is integrated into what the family does it is a normal part of family time and will be adopted by the child as a normal thing.

In the article it has great suggestions for getting more active with kids, here are some of mine:

Go for a bush walk with the family, why not take a picnic?
Walk to the shops if it is close by. Take the pram if the little kids get tired. You can always stop at the park and let them run around and have fun. (in the article but we do it too)
Go swimming with the kids.
Do yoga or some stretching or activity at home.
Fly a kite. (in the article but we do it too)
Dance to music.
Get involved in a sport, running, soccer, or anything that your child might be interested in. We will aim to do that next year as we have tried soccer and that did not work, little athletics seem to take people next year so we will see.
Games in the backyard, tag or anything that is active.
Play dates with the kids friends; they end up running around and playing more especially if you go to a park or if you have a good backyard.

What are your thoughts about this study? I do agree that if the child sees you not eating a certain food or doing something they will copy you. It is what is taught and you need to teach, do and model with the right foods and behaviour. However this sometimes is hard when you have a person who does not follow your good eating habits and exercise ideas. Also a treat every now and then is o.k if in moderation; well that is what I think. You don’t want to make your kids feel like they are missing out.

Send in your comments and why not continue the discussion on our twitter or facebook pages.

Tags active family healthy kids, body and soul, dad, daddy, Dads determine child obesity, Dr Emily Freeman, family exercise, father, mom, mommy, mum, mummy, Nicola Conville, overweight fathers quadruples a child's chance of being overweight, The University of Newcastle Family Action Centre, watch what you do infront of the kids they will copy, www.bodyandsoul.com.au

4 years and beyond

Time For Me

Why is it when you suddenly have time for you, the slot fills with something else to do and you never get to do what you wanted to do? I am aiming to get some sewing done but first need to think about what I would like to create first. The dilemma is that I have many things in my head currently, will it be pants, a dress, or a skirt? Not sure. I want to learn to do something different, but this takes some time to sit and analyse how to do something new.

I have set up the dining room table and will get creating today and tonight as I am keen to do something. As I have finished my exam and waiting for summer school to start I have more free time. I just hope that I can achieve what is in my head, only time will tell. You know what it is like, you have grand plans that are in your brain but sometimes they don’t come out the way you envisioned. We will see.

Are you finding that as soon as you have a free bit of time you suddenly get busy? Does this impact your things that you have been hanging to do? It happens like that for me. Send in your comments.

Tags always busy, craft, down time, making me time, me time, mom, mommy, mother, mum, mummy, sewing, time out

4 years and beyond

Making a Safer World for Kids

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date October 21, 2012
3 Comments on Making a Safer World for Kids

As soon as you become a parent you try to keep your little one, or little ones in my case, out of trouble and harm’s way. This is sometimes hard when there are so many things that can potentially hurt a little baby or toddler.

My twins are now four and we have had our share of close calls or near disasters. Some were just bad falls and others are creative accidents by the girls.

Listing some of the incidents:

6/7 month old child trying to walk and plunging into the corner of the coffee table, it was near her eye and first major incident. I phoned a nurse friend who came and looked at the injury and helped me calm down. Child was fine, mummy was a mess!
Same child head dived off daddies chair and got a cut in her forehead. Blood everywhere and trip to hospital to make sure she was fine. All fine just got a butterfly bandage and cuddles with the extra painkillers and all was good
The other daughter decided to take matters into her own hands when mummy said no to treats and created her own ladder to get into freezer of backyard fridge. She had put her bike onto a big plastic lawn chair and had it balancing on the arms. I found her on top of the bike and thinking she was very clever for her building achievement. I quickly removed the new device to access freezer and told her it was dangerous.
One child jumped off pretend fridge at playgroup and collected her lower back on a truck
The other child days after fridge and truck incident did the same injury but she landed on her bike in the backyard.
Sometimes it is as simple as either one of the girls falling and hitting themselves on the floor, door, or wall. They fly around at such speed that you need to be careful of everyday items causing issues.
Helping mummy/daddy cook, need to keep clear of hot fry pan and so on. Stay away from the gas stove. No issues currently but we have had close calls. One of the girls we thought touched the hot stove so we rushed and put her hand under cold water, and this was met with screams of annoyance as she was saying she was fine! We did not know and would rather be safe than be sorry.
Not stopping to check for traffic when told to stop at a road. Hard to keep up with kids who run everywhere. I have told them that if they don’t we will not go to parks or other places that they like to go. Sounds terrible but I don’t want kids to run across a road and get collected by a car.
Trying to take off seatbelts whilst the car is moving (I make sure to stop and fix this as I don’t want the child to not wear a seat belt)– You need to have correctly fitted car seats.
Crossing the road to collect a ball when not looking if there are any cars – As they were not listening they were brought inside immediately.

After the above incidents I have explained to the girls in different ways depending on their age; however the constant problem is that little kids no matter how clever they are don’t listen, if they want to do things they ignore you and go right on doing what they want. As I have realised that the constant repeating and explaining does not work, removal of possible dangerous items is the best all round option. I have removed chairs, toys, sticks, told them they cannot play on certain things due to what they are doing with it, and so on.

If your kids attend childcare you need to make sure that any medication in the nappy bag is removed, I mistakenly left the Nurofen in the bag. This is due to the kids curiously to go through others bags and if it looks tasty of course it goes in their mouth. I must say that there was no incident with my bag and its contents, but I do agree that it is a good policy. I have heard of an incident from another centre of babies/toddlers finding a Panadol from bags and swallowing it. This of course is incredibly dangerous and could cause all sorts of issues, if in doubt it is best to check the Raising Children Network’s Medications for children webpage to make sure what is safe.

Have you had some close calls? Do your kids always end up hurting themselves? Mine are at the moment, but I am trying to make a safer world for kids. What are you doing to make sure your kids are safe? I would urge you to look at your environment to see what accidents might be prevented. Send in your comments.

Why not continue the discussion on our twitter (when on twitter use #kidsafety) or facebook pages.

Disclaimer: ‘I am participating in the National Kidsafe Day Blogger Competition to support and promote child safety, along with the added bonus of chances to win prizes. All opinions are my own and not those of Kidsafe. To find out more or to enter the competition, please visit www.kidsafe.com.au

Tags daddy, don't have medicine in the bag for childcare, keep an eye on kids for safety, keeping your kids safe, kids bumps and scratches, kids end up having accidents, Kidsafe, make sure not to pack medication when send your kids to childcare, mom, mommy, mum, mummy, National Kidsafe Day Blogger Competition, need to be careful of things in the hosue that can cause injury, Nurofen for Children, removing things that will hurt kids, www.kidsafe.com.au

4 years and beyond The Slinky Project University Study

Time Dilemma

I went for a nice walk and jog or otherwise known as cross training yesterday. I felt great and good that I did it and my body was alive. I was all set to do it again today when my nose will not stop running and eyes are watery. I know another excuse but the other issue is that I need to complete a university assignment that is due today. I need to focus on the university assignment as this is my second last subject and I need to pass or at least better than that so that I can graduate next year. I am so happy about the graduate part, but need to do well or else no graduation, right? I am just keen to get it all done, then the time will by my own again. Aside from kids and other things.

It is hard when you have a lot on and it all happens at once, especially when you just want to shut the door and be left alone to concentrate. Do you find that this happens when you have something rather important to finish? I do. I know I am not the only one.

I will put the pram in the car and the kids and I will go for a walk this afternoon after school, this way I will be able to do my study and fit in some exercise. It is such a glorious day today, sunny and so warm it would be a shame to miss out on the great weather. Don’t fear, I am still working towards The Slinky Project ™.

What do you do when you have so much on? Are you very organised and have it all scheduled? I do try and I get a lot done, however when I do need to spend my time at the computer for long stretches with uni it is hard to get all things done, especially while they are at pre-school. It makes me think that my post about “Cloning me would fix everything”, my other selves could do all the other things around the house, laundry, cleaning, and I would be left to do uni work and study? Or maybe some sewing?

Send in your tips and tricks for what works best for you. Why not continue the discussion on our twitter or facebook pages.

Tags cloning me would fix everything, doing assignment, mom, mommy, mum, mummy, study, time without kids, trying to fit more in, uni, university, working on an assignment

4 years and beyond

4 Year Old Immunisations

The girls had their four year old health check today and that also meant getting their immunisations. Yes needles. Both hubby and I were a bit worried how it might go, so decided to not tell them about it until it was going to happen.

Health check all went well. We are still off the chart for weight although the weight gain is good for them, so good news. We are on the chart for height but they are not big girls, I would say petite and due to that we are on it but they are not tall. Who knows they will probably shoot up soon. All other development milestones are good and other concerns we raised were noted.

Now we get to the point of getting their needles, the bit I and daddy was not looking forward to at all. After the shock of finding out that they were getting needles the twins were not impressed either. Julia started screaming even before the needle went anywhere near her. Lillian screamed and cried due to Julia getting her needles. One in each arm. Oh the joys, two needles not one! Julia did scream “Get it away from me!” Poor little bunny. 🙁

Then it was Lillian’s turn and Julia put her arm up and said “Don’t hurt my sister!” “Get the needle away!” Poor girls it was like they lived it all twice due to having it done to their sister. An after thought, maybe we should have had another nurse do them at the same time or in separate rooms. I do think the separate rooms would have caused more angst. I for one had some tears in my eyes as it was very sad to see my little babies cry and in pain.

We had fish and chips to cheer them up and then went off to a birthday party for a friend of the twins . They filled up on sweets and were themselves until they reminded themselves about the needles or bumped their arm or daddy and mummy did so as well (accidentally mind you!).

Julia is finding it tough as one arm hurts more so than others. Maybe she moved a bit and it is more bruised? Who knows. I have given her some painkillers to sleep a little better as she kept waking for comfort. Lillian seems fine although her arms are sore if bumped but she is doing well. Julia is asking if she has to have any more of the painful needles/ouchy needles. This is the last one until high school so no, however I did not want to say, “NO you will never have another needle from now and high school (cannot imagine my girls in high school, how weird would that be).” What happens if they get sick, need tests, or have to blood taken for whatever reason. Then I am the bad mummy that lied that there was no more needles.

I am sure she will be fine and there will be no more needles but you never know. In the next couple of days it should all be better, but she is a sensitive bunny and does not deal with needles at all well. Have you found that your little one was good and did not cry or have an issue with their immunisation? Or was it a terrible thing, crying, screaming and making you feel just horrible. I do feel horrible, although it is for their own good. It will protect them from deadly disease and sickness. Send in your comments.

Tags 4 year old health check, dad, daddy, four year old health check, hard to not cry when kids have their needles, immunisation, mom, mommy, mother, mum upset at kids having immunisation, mummy, needles, upset kids about getting immunised

4 years and beyond

Dress Ups

The girls lately like to dress up more when going out. Hats, crowns, glasses, and more. When we went to the shops the other day my princesses insisted they had to look the part. Do your kids dress up to go out? Is it in super hero clothes, are they dressed as fairies or just in everything they can put on? Send in the wild things that your kids leave the house wearing.

Princess Girls, all dressed up to go out

Tags dress ups, going out with fairy crown, kids dress up to go out of the house, mom, mommy, mother, mum, mummy, parents letting kids be creative with their dress, shopping with kids in fun outfits

4 years and beyond

My Babies Are 4

Today my twin girls are four. I cannot believe it has been four years but it has. They are such little adults at times, and of course still little girls who are still learning things and finding out about the world. They were born so small and are still compared to other children their age, but this is probably down to genetics and the fact that they are twins so they are small compared to having a singleton. Below is a picture of me with the girls soon after they were born. Look how small they both were! Lillian had a bit of jaundice so she was a little darker than Julia.

Mummy and the girls on the 27th of Sept, 2008. Julia on left, Lillian on right.

We celebrated with the opening of presents, and then got organised to go and see Madagascar 3 (the girls call this film the animals) at the movies. The movie was a hit as well as the birthday presents, after the film we came home to cupcakes and the girls wanted daddy to put their dolls house together

The girls were lucky to receive:

A Doll’s House and the furniture that went with it
Wooden food, cake, eggs, milk bottles and the like
Card games with some windup toys

Both girls were asking for a dolls house and little did they know that mummy and daddy had organised one for their birthday, thanks to Aldi. Aldi is the place we purchased the wooden cake and other food toys, plus all the other furniture to go with the doll’s house. Aldi is such an amazing shop to purchase toys from. They are wooden, well made and just such a reasonable price. The girls were daddy’s assistants to help build the dolls house, however sometimes the screws got dropped and the child responsible would not know were to look for it, so not great at assisting but was trying to help.

Finished Dolls House - Now the twins can play! — Finished Dolls House – Now the twins can play!

We have organised a party for the girls at a local park so they can celebrate their birthday with friends. This is to happen Saturday but the kids have been a bit sick but on medicine and getting better, so by Saturday they should be much better than they were. Currently it is raining the weather is not ideal for park outings, however the report for the weekend claims it will be sunny so crossing fingers and toes that is correct as we don’t have an alternative. It should be a fun party, it is to be a teddy bears picnic so fun for the kids, just need to finalise games to be played and sort out the cake.

The journey with the twins has been an amazing one and I must say it was not as bad as I thought it would be with twins as my first children, but there have been times that are very testing to say the least. Currently the girls are testing my patience and now being four I am sure will present us with new learning curves. Other than the standard issues I am very proud of the girls and what they have grown into. Both girls are very smart, happy, healthy, energetic, got a great sense of humour, and just very nice and good spirited.Below is a picture that shows them currently so you can see the difference from when born to now.

Fun at Playgroup. Picture was taken a couple of weeks ago and wanted to have a nice one for today that they are 4 but it has been a trial to get one. Maybe tonight I might have better luck.

I have tried to get a nice picuture of the girls together today but have gotten angry faces, both girls put their hands over their faces and so on. Not wanting pictures today. It did not make me feel good as I try and take a picture every month on the 13th to have a record of how they are growing and changing. Have you had your kids be silly and not want photos taken? If so is it just a phase? Or is it a sign that I am taking too many photos? Happy Birthday to all people that are celebrating a birthday today and if you are twins happy day also!

No Pictures Please - Angry Face! — No Pictures Please – Angry Face!

Tags Aldi, Aldi Australia, birthday party, daddy, dolls house, Madagascar 3, mom, mommy, mother, mum, mummy, my girls are 4 today, my girls are four today, my twins are 4, my twins are four, presents, went to the movies

Recipes

Chocolate Vegan Cupcakes

I have never baked any desert that is vegan so these cupcakes are my first attempt at it. The reason behind it was due to one child at the girls pre-school who cannot have dairy and that child normally misses out on cakes and treats. I thought how sad and upsetting for this little person to miss out on the fun, so I investigated what is needed to make a cake/cupcake without dairy. It is actually very simple. I found a great recipe online for chocolate vegan cake, and then had to make sure that my cocoa was pure and not containing milk products and the store bought one did.

Cupcakes for the twins birthday celebration @ pre-school — Very chocolate vegan cupcakes – hope they are a success.

A quick trip to the health food store got me some pure cocoa and of course some tasty apple juice as I had to use eftpos and the cocoa came to $4 and I had to spend a minimum of $10 so I purchased the apple juice. I made the icing with pure icing sugar, cocoa and apple juice. It tastes great and looks wonderful also. What do you think? I wish I made more as I don’t want to eat any as they are now in the back fridge set for the kids last day of school this week, which is Wednesday.

The final touches will be some cupcake toppers and maybe some candles. Have you got a great recipe for kids that cannot have dairy? Or any other item such as nuts? Send them in as that will be helpful for all.

It is now late and as I have prepared these to get a head start, I am now off to bed for a well deserved rest. Night Night world and see you tomorrow.

Tags chocolate vegan cake, cooking late for kids birthday, first time cooking vegan desert, http://allrecipes.com.au, mom, mommy, mum, mummy, twins birthday celebration at pre-school, twins birthday celebration at preschool, vegan cupcakes

3 years and beyond

Power of Nursery Rhymes

Thatched roof in Hungary. Image by Zyance

Last night we were all watching one of the episodes of the BBC Mastercrafts series, they showcase how an average person learns the following skills:

Stonemasonry
Weaving
Stained Glass
Blacksmithing
Thatching
Green Wood Craft

The BBC Mastercrafts series is rather interesting and I must say that I thought it would be a boring documentary series but it very entertaining. It takes 3 average people that have never done anything remotely like thatching or blacksmithing and plunges them into the life and the learning of this field. So if you get a chance check out this show.

We have seen Blacksmithing, Thatching and the Green Wood Craft episodes, but it was the one to do with thatching that caught Julia’s attention. She was amazed that they were building a house out of straw. I did explain that it was only the roof that was straw and thatched roofs are sturdy and fine as long as put on in the correct way.

Julia was most insistent that this was not good, and should not happen, “A house should be built out of bricks as it is safer!” according to Julia.

This got me thinking of the power of nursery rhymes. The story of the “Three little pigs” has left its mark and convinced Julia that straw was not the right choice for a house. It might be blown down by the big bad wolf she said. She has a point. If a child is presented with these types of stories, then sees a programme showing part of the house being built with straw, what is she to think?

As I said I did try to explain but I don’t think she understood. She was annoyed that they were being so silly with their building materials and explained that we will not use straw for our new house (we are hoping to build a bigger house soon so she is giving us ideas for the new place).

Have you had parts of nursery rhymes or other stories come back in conversation with your children? If so what was it about and what story was your child referring to? Also if you have a straw roof beware of the big bad wolf. Send in your stories.

Why not continue this discussion on our twitter or facebook pages.

Tags BBC Mastercrafts, brick house, daddy, disney, mom, mommy, mother, mum, mummy, Silly Symphony - The Three Little Pigs, straw roof, thatched roof, the 3 little pigs, the three little pigs