The Boy and The Bear...

With so many classic stories and poems about boys and bears you’d think I would understand.  But really, it hasn’t been until I have watched my own son form a friendship with his bear that I have begun to appreciate the relationship.  My little boy can’t go to sleep without “Fabbie” (long story, don’t ask)!  Fabbie is cuddled daily and sits on the table to watch his big mate have...

Playing Ladies...

When I was a little girl I loved watching my mum dress up.  I still remember watching her paint her nails and smelling her perfume.  Now that I’m a mum with a daughter of my own, the cycle goes on.  Last week I dressed up for a hats and heels morning tea with my MOPS group. My three year old’s eyes were wide as she surveyed my red toenails, and tried on my shoes.  But oh the look on her face when I added...

Busy Boxes (Mumblers)...

I’m blogging over at Aussie Mums Network Mumblers today about busy boxes.  Having a few boxes set up indoors and out can make free play time with kids a breeze.  For ideas on different types of boxes, and what to put into them, head over to Mumblers.  There are photos of our indoor, outdoor and quiet time boxes in the article.  Here’s a snippet… A Busy Box is a container filled with age appropriate...

Real Aussie Mum – October...

A babywearing busy mama! Meet Rochelle Manners, mother of two gorgeous kids Julian and CoCo.  Rochelle started Wombat Books after self publishing her first book, and now publishes others under the Mostly for Mothers (for mums) and Even Before (for Christians) imprints.  Her latest anthology, Even Before You Were Born is a lovely collection of reflections on pregnancy and birth.  Ok, so I’m biased because I...

How To Heal A Broken Wing...

Sometimes a book just captures your heart.  A couple of weeks ago we were delighted to find “How To Heal A Broken Wing” on the shelves at our local library.  This book was shortlisted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) this year, and went on to win Book of the Year in the Early Childhood category. Prominent Aussie author Bob Graham tells the story of Will, a young boy who nurses an...

A Juggling Act...

Everybody’s talking about it… this issue with keeping up the juggling act.  We’re all talking about it because we’re all struggling with it.  How do we keep all the balls in the air?  How do we juggle life as women, mothers, wives, employers, employees, bloggers… Each of us is only one person, and there are only 24 hours in a day.  At the bare minimum we need to sleep for six of those...

Lost for Words...

I had the BEST time at the Connect2Mums Seminar on the Gold Coast over the weekend.  Meeting so many people in real life for the first time, even though I already call them friends, was amazing.  On Saturday afternoon I had the privilege of presenting a workshop on blogging, and loved being able to share what I’ve learnt with many other mums.  (Yes, I’ll upload my handouts for you ASAP.) On Saturday evening...

Seedpods...

We had a much needed day at home today.  We had time to just be.  Kids need that, and mums do too.  We spent the morning in the backyard making nature collections together, and discovered that half of the collection tray was taken up with interesting seedpods. It was a wonderfully spontaneous way of talking about life (at a three year old level).  “A tree grows big and strong.  The tree grows seedpods with...

ineed help...

Yes, I'm in the backyard with my iphone, and laptop, and camera! I was stoked last week to discover I’d won a writing comp over on Karen’s blog… Miscellaneous Adventures of an Aussie Mum.  And yes, I’ll admit to doing a little happy dance when the sponsors contacted me to organise delivery of my prize – an iphone. I think as parents we all have a responsibility to keep up with current...

Ready Or Not! (Parenting Aus)...

If you have a child starting school (or kindy or similar) in 2010, now is the time to start preparing them.  But what about preparing yourself?  Are you ready to deal with the changes?  Do you know what to expect?  Over at Parenting Australia this week I’m sharing some thoughts on school readiness… for parents!  If you’re interested in preparing yourself to deal with goodbyes, dramas, teachers,...